VCU's Intro Into Podcasting: Moments of Change

Younger + Dumber is a heartfelt guide for our folks out there who are trying to navigate love, life, and everything in between. Celebrity guests and steamy conversations, that just might make you want to take control of your life.

Senior year is full of changes. You’re heading towards the next step of your life. With that comes even more changes. Meet Victoria–a college senior at VCU who was once on the path of the arts, but had creative differences with herself. While attending VCU that is known for its arts, Victoria ponders over her career choices as a STEM major.

Set Back, Then Forward March is a hopeful, personal story about resilience, leadership, and what truly shapes a future soldier. When my younger brother was passed over for a well-earned JROTC promotion in high school, it felt like a moment that could break his confidence. Instead, it became the turning point that pushed him toward a bigger dream.In this episode, listeners follow his journey from disappointment to determination, and eventually to joining the Army in college. Through honest storytelling, this podcast explores what it means to overcome setbacks, redefine success, and keep moving forward—even when the system says otherwise.A setback started his story—his march forward defines it.

Self discovery is never an easy journey, especially under the watchful eye of the Lord. A proper God fearing young lady should never bear this burden. Every expectation has clearly been laid out for her, and she will see fit that she exceeds said expectations. The Church of Latter Day Saints has assured her that they will guide her on her way, but each Sunday that passes and prayer repeated only leaves her with more questions left unanswered. Stepping away will either affirm her eternal damnation, or lead her to the answers she desires.All music in this episode is by Blue Dot Sessions.

“Plot Twist: I’m that Girl” follows the heartfelt journey of Jace, a woman who spent years feeling out of sync with the world and with herself. After growing up believing something was “off”, she finally discovered the truth she’d been circling her whole life: she wasn’t meant to live her assigned birth sex, she was meant to live as her. Jace invites listeners into the messy, yet meaningful, process of transitioning, from emotional breakthroughs to awkward conversations and everything in between. This is a story of courage, self-discovery, and the freedom that comes from embracing your true identity, no matter how long it takes to achieve it.“Plot Twist: I’m that Girl” is a reminder that transformation is rarely simple, often surprising, and absolutely worth it.

Some people wait for luck. Others make their own.The Winning Hand explores what it really means to play the cards you’re dealt and how one decision can change everything. In this episode, host Makaela Woodson talks with her jack of all trades brother, Dante Woodson, about how he built a successful life without a college degree, starting from the challenges of a single-parent home and an early move out on his own.It’s a story about risk, resilience, and redefining success on your own terms; proof that sometimes the best wins come from the hardest beginnings.From side hustles and self-doubt to self-made success, The Winning Hand asks: what happens when you stop folding and finally play your cards right?

This Podcast Focuses on a friend of mine, Jason, who experiences the ebbs and flows of being a college student and also tries to navigate what can work for him going forward, like solutions for the reasons of him struggling in his first year in College. This Podcast will also help shape new students who haven’t experienced the struggles of being a young adult.

Family and politics don’t always mix. In this emotional episode of Bloodlines & Beliefs, Jason Ntiamoah sits down with Morgan Tracy to explore how one simple question forever altered her relationship with her brother.What begins as a simple disagreement becomes a real look at what loyalty, love, and communication actually feel like when things get hard. Morgan opens up with how she tried to rebuild trust, create healthier boundaries, and find her footing again in the middle of emotional and political tension.This episode sits in the messy gray area between what we believe and the people we care about. This is a reminder that behind every opinion and argument, there’s a real person just trying to figure things out themselves...

Have you ever felt secluded, burnt out, drowning in work, and yearning for a change from your downward spiral? VCU Arts major Mae Thomas knew this feeling all too well. Locked in a lonesome apartment, feeling isolated from the typical college experience. Mae embarks on a journey of self discovery and change to escape the trials and tribulations of loneliness.

Amany told her mom she was going out with her girlfriends, which was not the case. Her mom looked so betrayed, so she spent the summer hanging out with her mom and working on her music instead of going out with friends. This moment became one of the biggest synchronicities in her life.Featuring Amany Bouali, Producer: Bri Stevens, Assistant Producer: Amany BoualiMusic:Strength of Your Emotions by Amany BoualiGilly Wash by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue).Darkened Treeline by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue).

VCU Student JJ must face the unfairness of restaurant workplaces, learning how to evaluate management and human relationships.

Content warning: This episode contains descriptions of domestic violence and may be distressing for some listeners. If you need help or someone to talk to, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit thehotline.org for confidential chat support. At 21 years old, Rachel was young and “in love”, living with her partner. When she begins to see alarming behavior, she’s warned to leave while she still can… but never imagined she would become a victim of domestic violence. In this story, Rachel discusses her process of leaving and the recovery afterwards.

In this episode of VCU’s Biggest Hater, I sat down with Courtney Angelini to dive into a hot topic on campus. We talked about VCU cracking down on Greek life and how that’s affecting active chapters like ours. Courtney opened up about the real struggles that come with trying to stay in good standing. We discussed how the constant pressure from the university can make it harder to maintain morale. There's a growing question among students—are VCU’s rules actually helping, or just creating more problems? Some think the strictness promotes accountability, while others believe it's driving Greek life into a corner. Either way, it’s clear the system needs some rethinking.

VCU is one of the largest universities in Virginia, and they have the spending to match it. But some worry that VCU's big spending is turning Richmond into a college town. Is there anything students can do? Or are things set in stone?

In this VCU's Got Issues episode, we're talking with the Executive Director of VCU Parking and Transportation, Josh Stone. We cover all commuter concerns like pricing, accessibility, overcrowding, and more! Commuter student Kalin D’Reaux-Rodgers also shares her experiences. What is your parking pass paying for, and what's in your best interest? All questions are answered in this episode.

On this episode of VCU’s Got Issues, we’re going to find out just why the Chili’s left campus, and what’s being planned for its replacement. Why hasn’t VCU said anything in nearly a year? Let’s find out together.

Following the April 2024 protest outside Cabell Library, VCU’s administration made changes to it’s campus expression policies. This includes canvassing, posters, and protests. Join our host, VCU student Kacy Lee, as they talk to a VCU Student Government Association (SGA) Leadership Board member on what these changes mean for the future of free speech at VCU’s campuses.

She was just 19, working, partying, and dodging responsibilities—until one painful night turned her whole world upside down. A story about chaos, couch-surfing, and life coming at you fast.

Prices go up, as paychecks stay the same. In this episode of VCU’s Got Issues, we’re talking about how food insecurity affects students and what the university has done to combat this issue. But is there more that can be done?

In this heartfelt episode, host Bobby Holman sits down with filmmaker Jacob Simmons for an honest conversation about life after film school, navigating the creative industry, and the emotional reality of graduation. From reflections on their time in the cinema department at VCU to dreams of freelance filmmaking and artistic growth, Jacob shares his personal journey, lessons learned, and the passion that keeps him pushing forward. Even when the future feels uncertain. The two discuss burnout, impostor syndrome, coming into identity, and the hustle it takes to make it in film, all while staying grounded in community and creative purpose.Whether you're a fellow film student, an emerging artist, or just someone figuring out your next steps, this episode is a reminder that it’s okay to not have all the answers — and that your story is still just beginning.

In this episode of VCU’s got issues we’re discussing how higher education comes with an even higher price tag. What issues will rising tuition rates cause? Is college even worth it anymore? Listen in for some student’s perspectives.

In this episode of Truth Be Told, I will be talking with my mother who has gone through the ups and downs of caring for two sick parents at the same time. Through doctors appointments to accepting these life altering events, it will be a rollercoaster ride of emotion. She doesn’t open up much but this time she allowed herself to speak outside of her comfort zone.

In this episode of VCU’s Got Issues, host Sofia Feliciano sits down with VCU students to discuss their personal experiences with challenging professors—what went wrong, how it affected their academic journey, and what they wish could have been different. We also hear from a VCU academic advisor, who provides insight into what happens behind the scenes when students file complaints and how the university handles faculty concerns. Have you ever struggled with a professor and wondered what you could do about it? This episode explores both the student and administrative perspectives on one of the most common—and often unspoken—college frustrations.

In 2022, Mikey was faced with a decision following his daughter's hospitalization. Will he continue a life of drug abuse and isolation, or involve himself in his family again, and sober up? Tune in to hear is experiences, and how he overcame them.

In this episode of VCU’s Got Issues, host Caroline Crain discusses federal budget cuts from executive orders made by Donald Trump, since his return to office as President in late January. We’ll explore how these cuts have affected VCU since, VCU’s response, and hear from Jake Waldman, a political science student at VCU who lost an internship due to these cuts.

The decision that changed everything. On this episode of VCU’s Got Issues, we’re talking transgender healthcare, campus reactions, and why it matters.

In this episode, we explore the complex relationship between Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and the city of Richmond, asking the provocative question: Does VCU own Richmond? When we recorded this, VCU had recently backed out of a major real estate deal, leaving $56 million in debt hanging in the balance. At the time, the state had not yet decided whether to forgive it, but the possibility alone raised questions about financial accountability and institutional power.Since then, Virginia has officially forgiven the debt. But the situation sparked a deeper conversation that still matters: What happens when a public university’s footprint keeps expanding across a city? We dive into the broader impact of VCU’s presence on Richmond, its role in gentrification, rising property values, and the displacement of longtime residents. As campus developments and new housing reshape the urban landscape, we ask: When does a university’s growth stop serving students and start redefining an entire city?

Join student Sawyer Adams as he discusses Pedestrian Safety with guest Lieutenant Edgar Greer of VCU Police. Tune in to hear the full conversation on VCU's Got Issues!

Working full time? Taking part time classes? Over the age of 25? You’re not alone.My non-traditional college experience led me to wonder… is there support for students like you and me? Today, VCU’s Got Issues talks with Stephanie Ganser who is the Director of the Adult Learner Experience in the Office of Adult and Non-Traditional Student Services at VCU. This episode explores the challenges that face these students and what VCU faculty could do to ease the pain. We discuss advocating for yourself and explain why professors should want non-traditional students in their classroom.

In this episode of VCU's Got Issues, we’re talking about VCU’s collaboration with Grubhub and what it means for campus dining. Has it made life easier with mobile ordering, or are there still some bumps in the road? We’ll break it down and let you decide!

Mothers typically know everything about their children. While children typically don't know enough about their Mothers. I'm one of those kids, I know my mother is strong and resilient but I didn't know the full story. Here is a conversation with my Mom about her journey to success.

After a hazing tragedy in 2021, VCU is dilligant in publishing all policy infractions, suspensions, and expulsions of their organizations. In the Spring of 2023, a sorority was removed from campus without a trace—and an explanation from the school is yet to be published. It’s as if they never existed. So what happened, and why can’t we know about it?

Colleges nationwide develop comprehensive plans heading into the Fall 2024 semester. With political strife at an all-time high, some colleges and student groups take clear stances on issues, whereas other universities don't want to get involved. In this episode of VCU's Got Issues, I interview a high-ranking administrator on plans to handle VCU's political climate. To hear the whole discussion, tune in to discover more!

VCU is a playground for creativity. It’s even widely known that VCU has a nationally ranked sculpture program, and yet there is a severe lack of decoration on campus. One would expect the campus to show more of its sculptural prowess, but there are only three sculptures display... and I want to know why.In this episode I speak with Kendall Buster, the graduate director of the VCU department of sculpture and extended media, about the possible reasons why VCU hasn’t put up more sculptures on campus, and viable options for installing more art on campus.

This year alone, police have documented two false reports of assault on VCU's Campus. These reports damage the social cohesion of our campus and create a schism between safety and truth.Inspired by truth, Fernando Salmeron goes to the VCU Police Station to discuss these matters with the Interim Deputy Chief Lee Olds. Why do people make up false allegations? How do police investigate these matters? What is the punishment for making false reports? These questions and more will be answered in this episode!

Swiping your VCU ID gets you access to many things: dorms, club meeting rooms, and offices, just to name a few. With a dining plan, it also gets you access to food. But how much is the food worth, anyways? What are you really spending? In this episode of VCU's Got Issues, student journalist Cruz Walden takes a look at how the student experience shapes dining, and if the price is really right!

Many episodes of VCU's Got Issues are about the problems and dilemmas VCU is coming to terms with. This episode looks at VCU through a more positive lens, as it explores the safe haven for students who struggle with drug or alcohol addiction. We speak with the Associate Director of Rams in Recovery, Tom Bannard, to get an understanding of how the program aids students who are struggling. We also speak with a peer recovery specialist about her personal experience with drugs and why students might feel the need to take substances.

VCU’s housing situation is rough, and it’s hitting students hard. With record-high admission rates and the recent closure of Johnson Hall due to mold, the demand for housing has skyrocketed, leaving many students scrambling. In this episode, we talk to Samaira Williams, a student navigating life after being denied student housing and stuck on a months-long waitlist. Bryan Lewis, a Richmond property manager, shares how this crisis is also shaking up the local real estate market.What does this mean for students and the city? Let’s break it down on VCU’s Got Issues.

As college students, the last thing we want to worry about is where we’re going to live. That’s where on campus housing comes in handy. Well, at least it used to. In 2021, VCU’s Johnson Hall completely shut down due to mold, kicking out 400+ first year students. Since then, the on-campus housing situation has continued to be quite the dilemma. Dorms are filled to the brim with students, and some can’t get housing at all. In this episode, host Cate MacKenzie chats with both VCU students and admin to figure out why these issues with housing are still happening years later, and what’s being done to fix it.

In this episode of VCU’s Got Issues, ReVoice’s Brett Coleman dives deeper into the closure of VCU’s temple building and seeks to better understand the situation. We hear insight from VCU’s Peyton Rowe and from VCU students about what occurred in the Temple Building.

Navigating financial aid at VCU shouldn’t feel like a maze, but for many students, it’s exactly that. In this episode, we uncover why getting answers from financial aid counselors is so challenging, featuring real stories from students who share their frustrations and experiences. From unanswered emails to counselors deflecting questions, we delve into what’s causing the disconnect. Tune in to hear what VCU students are saying and how it’s impacting their ability to fund their education.