In In the premiere episode of Beyond the Label, host Molly Tempesta, a senior at Assumption University studying political science and communications, invites listeners to embark on a journey of radical acceptance. Drawing from her own experiences living with Type One Diabetes, Molly delves into the challenges of navigating life with illness and disability. She encourages a deeper look beyond societal labels and stereotypes.

Molly shares personal anecdotes and discusses the often hostile portrayal of illness in social and entertainment media. She breaks down harmful stereotypes perpetuated by these platforms and highlights specific examples of media exploitation. Through heartfelt storytelling and critical analysis, Molly emphasizes the importance of not taking things at face value and advocates for a more compassionate understanding of those living with chronic conditions. Join Molly in this eye-opening conversation that challenges perceptions and promotes a more inclusive and accepting society.

This project involves Communication & Media majors creating a ninety-minute, three-part podcast series as their final capstone project. Students transition from learners to practitioners by proposing, scripting, recording, editing, and broadcasting their original podcasts, which must address both personal and public concerns. The podcast format is chosen for its relevance and growth in the industry, and the long-form nature of the series encourages students to develop storytelling, research, and production skills. The course emphasizes understanding the opportunities and limitations of media in human communication.

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