Month: March 2021

HOST INTRO:  It has officially been over a year since most businesses and people were forced to quarantine and work on a virtual setting due to COVID-19. With the vaccine becoming more wide-spread throughout the country, Osvaldo Garcia spoke to a Digital Marketer for Verizon on how the transitional year has been and her thoughts moving on from the pandemic. 

AMBI: Coffee slowly boils.  

TRACK: I am Osvaldo Garcia here with Yanike Ramirez in her South Bronx townhouse, watching as she is making herself a small breakfast and preparing for a presentation to the Vice-Presidents of Verizon. She is both a Dominican mother of two children and leads a team of digital marketers at the headquarters of the company.  

ACT: YANIKE: So at first like everyone else I was very nervous. I did not know exactly what to expect, like what was going on, if this was going to be a couple of weeks or a year later, as we are today. I wasn’t sure at the time, how long the situation was going to last. It made sense for the workforce to be transitioned to home, especially since the kids were also being homeschooled so it made a lot of sense to do that. 

TRACK: Yanike continues to say how working from home has been tough because of the additional responsibilities of motherhood. 

ACT: YANIKE: I would say it’s been tough, You have to pay one-hundred percent attention to your work, but you also have to attend to the needs of your children while you’re here, even though you’re supposed to be at work. It’s like you’re home so you have to be there for them too. So that’s been the challenging part, having to manage both things at the same time. 

AMBI: Sounds of typing on keyboard and mouse clicking. 

TRACK: However, in terms of her professional career, she’s grateful for not having to commute which gives her the ability to be more productive throughout the day. 

ACT: YANIKE: I would say surprisingly it has been better, I have been able to do more being home. My commute was about an hour and a half each way every day so I feel like I am being more productive, just being home and getting stuff done. The time I used to commute I can now be in meetings, I can review my emails. There is more I can do while being here and saving the commute time. 

TRACK: Yanike is happy to be at home more, even though it has been a challenge. 

ACT: YANIKE: It’s not been easier, but better because I get to spend time with my kids. I see them more often whereas before I would commute and be at work for about 10 hours out of the house, so instead, I get to spend those 10 hours here. So it’s been beneficial. On the other hand it has been challenging because sometimes it’s been challenging because my kids don’t understand that sometimes I’m working and they might interrupt things. You know just because you’re here doesn’t mean you are available all the time. Luckily for me, my kids are a little bit older so they understand a little bit more, but they still interrupt from tie to time. 

TRACK: She would prefer to work virtually from now on where she has the flexibility to work from anywhere. 

ACT: YANIKE: I honestly would prefer to stay in this work environment that I am in right now, just because, like I mentioned earlier my commute situation is a little far. It’s 3 hours a day that I spend commuting and I feel like I’m more productive being home rather than being in the office to just be in the office. Where I can do my job from anywhere as long as I have my laptop and wifi. It doesn’t really matter, me being there physically. I don’t really meet with outside customers. Everything is very internal, all the meetings that I have and the people that I work with. It’s not needed. But, you also need a little bit of social life too. You want to see people in person versus having to do video conferencing. But, from my perspective, I would prefer to be home. 

TRACK: It’s good to note that some people, like Yanike Ramirez, have taken this opportunity to make their positions permanently in person for its accessibility and time-saving benefits. This is Osvaldo Garcia, signing off.

Reminders and Upcoming Dates

Scripts for your radio story are due on Wednesday,  March 24.  Instead of a normal class we will be doing one-one-one edit sessions. You can sign up here. Time slots are first come, first served.

After I have given you feedback on your script, you can go ahead and record the narration and edit the sound. The final, edited 3-4 minute radio story, along with the final script, is due by class time on Nov. 6. 

If you don’t sign up for an edit session, you won’t be directly penalized; however, you will lose the opportunity for feedback on your script, which could affect the quality of your overall radio project. This will be your only opportunity to incorporate editor feedback into this story. Once the audio file is submitted, you will NOT have the chance to re-submit for a chance at a higher grade.

Your final, edited stories will be due April 5, our first class back from break. You will need to post the script on the class blog along with a headline and the embedded audio player from Soundcloud by class time.

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Discussion: The Power of Voices and Speech Patterns

When we hear someone speak, what are the different things we pick up on? What are the things we assume about them?

“NPR Voice”

During a recent long car ride whose soundtrack was a medley of NPR podcasts, I noticed a verbal mannerism during scripted segments that appeared on just about every show. I’ve heard the same tic in countless speeches, TED talks and Moth StorySLAMS — anywhere that features semi-informal first-person narration.

If I could attempt to transcribe it, it sounds kind of like, y’know … this.

That is, in addition to looser language, the speaker generously employs pauses and, particularly at the end of sentences, emphatic inflection. (This is a separate issue from upspeak, the tendency to conclude statements with question marks?) A result is the suggestion of spontaneous speech and unadulterated emotion. The irony is that such presentations are highly rehearsed, with each caesura calculated and every syllable stressed in advance.

In literary circles, the practice of poets reciting verse in singsong registers and unnatural cadences is known, derogatorily, as “poet voice.” I propose calling this phenomenon “NPR voice” (which is distinct from the supple baritones we normally associate with radio voices).

 

“He was hinting at the difficult balancing act reporters face in developing their on-air voice. It isn’t just a challenge of performance — and it’s not as simple as channeling some “authentic” voice into a microphone. It requires grappling with your identity and your writing process, along with history of your institution.”

Decoding identity on the air

Here’s an actual intro by Ira Glass: sound similar?

Challenging the Whiteness of Public Radio

Does public radio sound too white? NPR itself tries to find out.

The reason the sound of your own voice makes you cringe

Why your voice IS a “podcast voice”

On accent bias in the industry, by Baruch’s own Gisele Regetao:

The Many Voices of Journalism

Podcast: Gisele Regatao on NPR’s accent bias

Common speech patterns in today’s world that everyone (men, too!) use all the time:

Upspeak

Vocal fry

“Like”

According to Ira Glass:

“…listeners have always complained about young women reporting on our show. They used to complain about reporters using the word “like” and about upspeak… But we don’t get many emails like that anymore. People who don’t like listening to young women on the radio have moved on to vocal fry.”

Why old men find young women’s voices so annoying

99% Invisible podcast responds to criticism about women’s voices

 

So all of this leads us to the question: How can we be intentional about how we use our voices to tell the best stories as effectively as possible?

Luckily, in radio/podcasting, speaking naturally is what we actually WANT. No one wants to listen to a robot, or someone who sounds like they’re reading.

How I learned to stop worrying and love my voice

Script

 

AMBI: The sounds of a packed and busy restaurant.

 

TRACK: Today I’m here with Regan Riviera, a high school senior who has recently decided to undergo the process of becoming a waitress in one of Texas’s many restaurant chains, Jimmy Changas. She was willing to provide more insight on the restaurant business as well as the reason she wanted to become a waitress.

 

ACT:REGAN: I wanted to become a waitress because I really love fast pace work. I like having something to do and being busy and feeling like I’m doing something and the restaurant industry is definitely one of the most fast paced places you can get. Also the money, there’s not a lot of opportunities where an 18 year old can make up to $30 an hour. Of course, it’s not set in anything and it depends on the day and all that, but some days you can make a lot, some days you can make a little, it’s just that potential to make a lot more is what drew me in.   

 

TRACK: With Covid being a major factor in how restaurants have had to adapt and adopt new policies to ensure safety, it hasn’t been any easier for the staff as well as the customers.

 

ACT:REGAN: So Covid has had a pretty big impact on the restaurant industry especially because we have the same amount of customers coming in as before with half of the availability. It can put a lot of stress on us because we have a lot of people on waiting lists, long lines, and they’re asking us, “There’s all these open tables, why can’t we be sat?” We have to explain that about only being at 50% capacity and having certain spaces set aside to practice social distancing. It also makes cleaning procedures a lot longer and the days longer because we have to clean absolutely everything. Have everything disinfected to make sure that we have the least possible chance to spread disease and keeping up with regulations makes that a lot harder. It adds a lot more to our plates to get everything done on time.

 

TRACK: The process to become a waitress definitely isn’t easy and a lot more taxing than people may think.

 

ACT:REGAN: The process to becoming a waitress is definitely a lot more rigorous than somebody would think. It was a lot more rigorous than what I thought. There’s a lot involved. If you’re not super friendly or open to people, it’s hard to get used to being that cheerful person and making that experience for the customer enjoyable. Also at the same time, you have to memorize the menu and that’s honestly the hardest part of anything is getting that down, knowing the insides and outs of every entree, appetizer, dessert, drink, all of that. It’s super important that you know it so you have an answer ready and you’re not having that customer waiting to potentially be upset and as a result you suffer a lower tip. So it’s just knowing your information and it’s a lot more physically taxing than what I expected at first. Like I know I said it was fast paced, but it is fast paced. You don’t have time to sit down or take a break unless it’s scheduled in, you’re always moving, always doing something. Something’s always happening. You know, it’s almost impossible to have a perfectly smooth day.and it takes a toll on your body. I know after my first shift, everything was sore, my feet, my ankles, my knees, my hips, anything you name it, it was sore. Like stuff that I didn’t even use.

 

TRACK: Remember to wear your masks and socially distance whenever possible and of course, please respect every and all workers while we endure this crazy time. This has been Sebastian Botero, for Baruch College, thank you.

Script

INTRO: Technology comes in many forms and has made our lives high-powered and sophisticated as can be, but how has it really affected mankind? It changed the way people communicate, think, and learn but isn’t always positive. Maggie Wong discusses with her brother the influences of technology on a daily basis. 

AMBI: Students saying bye after a Zoom conference

TRACK: I’m here today with Louis, at home in Queens, NY as he’s finishing up an online class. He is a master’s student at Queens College pursuing a degree in history education with the job of a group leader for teenagers. With working from home recently and taking classes through Zoom, he has a strong opinion on the influences of technology in society. 

ACT:LOUIS: Computers became so convenient that people forgot how life was before all this advancement. I didn’t have my first phone till I was in the 8th grade, now toddlers are using these devices. Anything can be done at the comfort of our homes with the touch of the button. Movies appear on websites shortly after being released, shopping is shipped right outside your door, and people don’t even hang out much anymore with online communication. Technology is slowly isolating people from common activities once done together. 

TRACK: With a rise in social media usage among teenagers these days, Louis acknowledges the negative effects brought forward that can be threatening for upcoming generations. 

ACT:LOUIS: I never expected people to be so toxic tho, constantly comparing ourselves with everyone, even friends and peers. Many students I work with suffer from anxiety and depression since cyberbullying is becoming a serious issue. Human nature has a mindset that popularity and money creates happiness. However, that’s completely false. I see people doing bizarre stunts just for views knowing they’ll end up hurt but believe it’s worth their 15 minutes of fame.

TRACK: Technology has helped strengthen the medical field, education purposes, businesses and the overall population. If people were deprived of phones, we would practically be lost on the streets and have a higher risk of being in danger. 

ACT:LOUIS: Technology has practically shifted everyone’s lives. Phones have become so sophisticated people can track sleep schedules, research other treatment options and monitor heart rate at home. Doctors can store their patient’s information all in a website along with using advanced machines in diagnosing problems. People have become smarter with the addition of the internet. Before, you would have to read a book to learn something, now you just search the web. It also provides safer neighborhoods with camera surveillance as well as GPS on phones navigating routes. 

TRACK: Technology will continue to transform humanity without doubt in ways we’ll never see coming. Individuals must understand the internet is forever, and taking something back isn’t as easy as the first time being sent. For Baruch College, I’m Maggie Wong. 

 

https://soundcloud.com/exclusivesam/new-recording

Transcript:

Host Intro: A quick walk throughout the neighborhood can help when people talk to each other. It brings serenity and peace, and can bring out good answers. Kay and Sam have been friends for years but there are many things, Sam does not know about Kay. The two are walking to Starbucks to get a drink, maybe sit down and have a conversation. However, Starbucks was closed and the two make their way to “Estrellita Poblana,” a Mexican restaurant in the heart of Castle Hill Ave. As they walk Sam asks questions. 

Ambi: Sounds of wind, our steps can be heard and cars going by. 

Track: While walking through the lonely streets of Parkchester in the Bronx. I ask Kay to introduce herself.

Act: Kay: My name is Kay, I’m a student, I go to Iona college, I’m studying philosophy and psychology with a minor in neuroscience. 

Track: We were going to go to Starbucks, and enjoy some drinks but they were closed. I asked Kay about her go to drink at Starbucks on a regular day.

Act: Kay: Well I have two go to drinks. It depends on the mood, I have one that’s a little more fruit which is the “Pink Drink,” which is strawberry acai with coconut milk and the other drink is a chai latte with soy milk.

Ambi: The wind rustling through as we keep walking, filling the empty space between questions.

Track: I wanted to hear some more about her, which prompted me to ask about what she likes to do in her spare time, and what truly makes her happy, since it seems like she is always busy with school and work.

Act: Kay: Well I love to watch movies, specifically with, like, my friends, my family or with my boyfriend. Lately we have been watching a lot of Disney movies because it reminds us of, like our childhood and makes us very nostalgic. Abundance of things, so I like, you know being on TikTok, scrolling through TikTok seeing how people are very creative, I like reading for leisure, right now I’m not reading anything cause a whole bunch of schoolwork but when I’m free I like to read and I do like to spend time with my family and I like cooking, yeah.

Track: Since COVID-19 has had a big impact in all of our lives, I asked Kay about her experience as an Iona student and how she feels about remote classes. 

Act: Kay: Yes and no, I miss the interactive, like, environment. Like where you’re in the classroom I feel like you can learn more, and ask questions, like, first hand, but with online classes it’s a little more difficult, I feel. But personally I miss in person classes. 

Track: The day is very cold, almost below 32 degrees, but according to weather analysts it is supposed to get warmer. Using the environment around us I decided to ask Kay about the weather that is hopefully approaching New York City, and how COVID-19 might change her plans. 

Act: Kay: I am very excited for the hot weather that’s gonna come, cause I have so many outfits planned that I had recently bought and I am excited to just be able to go outside and like, to not have to worry about a jacket or a whole bunch of layers on, so yeah. Oh yes, a hundred percent, as long as we take the necessary safety precautions I think it wouldn’t hurt to like, go outside and enjoy nature every once in a while. 

Track: The interview takes a turn and I flip the spectrum. Suddenly, I decide to ask a more serious, deep question to try to finally get a sense of who Kay really is. 

Act: Kay: Well the main motivators in my life are my friends and family, and above all, God. For the preceding future I just hope to be happy and to be stable, to be mentally and financially stable, to be happy and enjoy the little moments in life, like the little pleasures, and pretty much that’s it, those are my goals. 

Track: I loved this experience, not only was interviewing Kay lots of fun, and helped me learn more about her, but walking and talking made the experience more surreal for the both of us. For Baruch College, I am Samuel Pereira.

https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/GpobRLTJwBAZyX6X6

Intro: Many college students are struggling to work remotely from home and not experiencing the college lifestyle. The lifestyle of even one particular student who hasn’t even seen the inside of Baruch, not getting a chance to meet and greet with professors or even  fellow colleagues.

Sound: shoveling of paper and some kids playing in the background

Track: Luke Stevens is a Baruch student and Journalism major who lives in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, NY. He is originally from Nashville, Teneesee. Although we live in the same neighborhood, we instead had a phone interview. Luke gives his insights on being a Baruch student.

Act: Luke “I transferred to Baruch from a college… clip 00:39-01:44

Track: Luke lives in Bedford with two roommates. I also asked him his opinion on gentrification, which is high in the Crown Heights area, telling him the drastic change prior 10 years ago until now. He didn’t know too much of the neighborhood’s existing residents, but was surprised by the information I gave him.

Act: Luke “I moved to, in 2019…clip 02:02-02:54

Track: To catch a break from his school work, Luke says within his free time he enjoys rollerblading and playing tennis and loves being outside. His favorite time of the year is Summer.

Act: Luke “So I started, since the pandemic…clip 03:03-03:38

Track: Although many students find it difficult staying inside, they start doing many activities outside to remain occupied and not think about the pandemic. Baruch along with other schools will soon start to reopen campuses in the Fall allowing students to experience the college lifestyle again in person and also online too. For Baruch College, I’m Desiree Holman.

https://soundcloud.com/marcella-zanetti/practice-radio-assignment/s-st057ka40ph

Host Intro: Being a twin is something not many people can relate to. When the topic of twins arises, there are many questions and curiosities. Marcella Zanetti spoke to a Baruch student who happens to be an identical twin, and she was open to answering some of the most frequently asked questions about twins.

 

Ambi: Nina’s twin’s voice is heard in the background as Nina begins to talk about her twin experience. 

 

Track: I’m here today with Nina Ottensoser who is a junior studying at Baruch college, who is majoring in Journalism. She is here today to talk about her experience of being an identical twin.

 

ACT Nina: People mix us up all the time. So much so, that I answer to her name, she answers to my name. We say we experience it all as twins together, so nothing offends us––even if we’re called by the wrong name.

 

Track: Nina recalls funny mix-ups between her and her twin that have occurred over the years.

 

ACT Nina: I was dating a guy and he once had a full-blown conversation with me; at the end of the conversation, he asked “Where’s Nina”, thinking that entire time I was my twin. 

 

Track: While Nina and her twin look identical, their personalities define them as separate individuals. 

 

ACT Nina: The way I like to describe it is that we are very similar people, but we have very different interests. The biggest distinguisher is that she is pre med––and I cannot do science or math for my life. English and history are my favorite subjects.

 

Track: Despite their different interests, Nina goes in depth on how they share similarities in other aspects of life.

ACT Nina: Our personalities are pretty similar. We have the same friend group, we like similar foods, we have similar hobbies. But I would say our interests when it comes to school and our strong points are pretty different.

 

Track: While their many similarities is what keeps them in touch, doing everything together all the time may present its own challenges. 

 

ACT Nina: I am so grateful to be a twin and I am so lucky. But, all siblings fight and get annoyed with each other. I remember one time we both studied abroad in the same country, but at different schools. That was the first time we were split apart and it forced us to really work on our relationship. We struggled a lot because we took for granted that we could just get in bed every night and have our pillow talk. It was something we weren’t used to. So that really put everything into perspective for us.

Track: Nina reflects on what a transformative experience that trip was for her and her twin. She deepened her relationship with her twin at a time she least expected. Nina reminds us of the special bond siblings share and to never lose sight of that.

ACT Nina: It taught me not to take for granted that we do get to be with each other all the time and that it is easier for us than most siblings. I feel very lucky for that.

Track: Being a twin has its ups and downs, but Nina wouldn’t trade it for the world. For Baruch College, I’m Marcella Zanetti.

Script: 

Host Intro: Throughout the pandemic it has been extremely difficult to keep motivated and and stay healthy – both physically and mentally. The 75 hard challenge has been a way for people to challenge themselves and put their strength to the ultimate test. Nina Ottensoser joined a Baruch student currently in the middle of her challenge in order to better understand just how intense and meaningful the 75 hard truly is. 

 Ambi: The treadmill coming to a complete halt after Marcella’s first 45 minute workout of the day

Track: Today I’m joined by Marcella Zanetti over Zoom. Marcella is a Sophomore at Baruch College studying Marketing. She recently started the 75 hard challenge and has come today in the hopes of inspiring others to join in. 

ACT: Marcella: It’s a really intense challenge. There’s a lot of physical aspects to it but the main priority and function of the challenge is mental. It’s supposed to challenge you mentally by seeing how hard you can push yourself and how much mental strength you have. It takes a lot of determination and if you want to do something you really have to force yourself not to do it. 

Track: She explains who and what inspired her to begin the challenge 30 days ago. 

ACT: Marcella: I recently got out of a breakup that was super messy and I decided that I wanted to change my life for the better. I thought that this challenge was going to help me get there and I said to myself, “You’re just gonna do it.” I wanted to improve my body and my mental health and that’s what inspired me. 

Track: She hasn’t cheated yet, and remains optimistic that she’ll continue down that path.

ACT: MARCELLA: I have not missed a beat at all which I’m really proud of myself so far. I actually started this challenge with two of my other friends who were just as motivated as me and they probably stopped at  around day 15 or day 10. I was just super determined and have not messed up and I don’t plan on messing up. 

TRACK: Zanetti explains that she has learned a lot about herself and what she values through this challenge.

ACT: Marcella: I don’t know I want to push myself even harder and I’ve learned that I am able to do things that may seem impossible. Even when I’m so tired and it’s late I still push myself to do it and I’m super proud of myself and think it will have a huge impact on my life.

TRACK: The 75 hard challenge has proven to be a major success and hopefully its impact continues to reach more people and take on new meaning. For Baruch College, I’m Nina Ottensoser. 

Sound Cloud Link

Host: Intro 

As the school year is coming to a close, high school seniors are anxiously waiting for their college acceptance letters. Javier Zuniga spoke to a high school senior about what it’s like to wait for an update from his dream college.

Track 1: 

I’m here with Daniel Zuniga, in his parent’s apartment in Queens, watching him sit in for a zoom class session. He’s a senior at Aviation High School whose original plan was to skip college and become an aircraft mechanic. However, the ongoing pandemic and record job cuts in the industry made him question the viability of that career option and ultimately led him to apply to college instead.

Ambi:

The background noise of his zoom class

Act 1: Daniel:

Aviation High school is a technical school in which after 4 years and meeting the required hours you are allowed to obtain a license [and] work as an aircraft mechanic. With just a high school degree you can make on average 80k starting salary and I was planning on possibly going to college so that I can move up the corporate ladder, but now that’s not realistic.

Track 2:

Despite having to abruptly change his career trajectory, Daniel has already gotten good news from some of his dream colleges.

Act 2: Daniel:

Now since I can’t be an aircraft mechanic due to Covid, I’m waiting for my college acceptance letters to come in. I have already gotten accepted into Baruch and Fordham, but I’m hoping to get accepted by NYU where I intend on majoring in finance.

Track 3:

He says he was one of the lucky ones who prioritized both his general courses and his aviation classes. However, his friends who were very adamant about becoming aircraft mechanics only applied themselves to the classes that would allow them to achieve this goal. Now since this is no longer a viable option, they are struggling to boost up their GPA and become competitive in the college selection process.

Act 3: Daniel:

I’m able to apply to competitive colleges since I focused on my grades. However, a lot of my friends are scrambling to boost their grades and aren’t sure if they can get into decent schools.

Track 4:  

While his original plan didn’t work out, he is looking forward to starting college in the fall.

Act 4: Daniel:

I’m excited and scared at the same time, but I’m hopeful that I get good news from NYU by April 1st. Regardless of where I go to school, I intend on majoring in finance so that I can pursue a career in the financial industry.

Track 5: 

Daniel will make his college decision by May 1st and graduate from high school in June. For Baruch College, I’m Javier Zuniga.

HOST INTRO: This past year has been a turbulent one, not only because of the global pandemic we are experiencing, but also the social uprisings we have seen specifically last summer pertaining to the unjust killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. Milen Yimer, a student at Baruch College has a lot to say about the aftermath of the politically tumultuous summer being a Black woman who is very outspoken and passionate about her support for the Black Lives Matter Movement.

ACT: MILEN: I think at first there was real hope given how much attention the summer protests were getting, that there would be a change, but when it comes to BLM, you see this routine of performative activism only for it to die out shortly. The summer protests and people’s support of BLM was just a trend, and you could see it when people were quick to put #BLM in their bios or post a black square on Instagram.

TRACK: Black mental health and its importance has been a topic of discussion that hasn’t been getting too much attention and taken too seriously on a national level. Milen explains how the Black Lives Matter movement coincides with mental health.

ACT: MILEN: Black people have no power in a racist society, and because of this, live in constant fear, anger, and a feeling of helplessness. BLM provides a support group for us. It gives us a place where we can talk about our struggles and fears and know we are truly being heard. The stigma around mental health in the Black community itself is complex and a part of it I believe, comes from White people enforce the narrative that Black people are strong. Having to put up a strong front constantly when faced with major atrocities committed to your people, leads to generational trauma. 

TRACK: With little to no federal laws or bills being passed in response to the George Floyd and Breonna Taylor killings of last year, Milen is one of many who have lost trust and hope in the American government to get to the bottom of police brutality and ending it once and for all.

ACT: MILEN: I think in order for real change to happen, the racist systems in power, the very foundation in which this country was founded, has to be dismantled. Defunding the police will do nothing when the sociopolitical economic system in America continues to put Black people at the bottom of the social hierarchy and prevent them from the same advantages White people have.

TRACK: Time will only tell if the senseless killings of Black people from the hands of police officers will stop anytime soon, but with the hesitance of the government to do anything on a legal level to stop it, that time seems farther and farther away.