Long Beach Current Podcasts

This week, hosts Matthew Coleman and Matthew Gomez are joined by video assistant Junior Contreras and photo assistant Mark Siquig to debrief after the Long Beach Current’s basketball win over 22 West at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center.

Led by Sports Editor Davis Ramage’s 19-point and 11-rebound double-double, the Current would lead the entire game, winning by a score of 54-45.

After breaking down the action, the group talks about what’s next between the two media outlets, as games of softball or kickball may be on the horizon.

On the professional sports side, the panel takes the time to go over their thoughts on what might happen during the first round of the NBA playoffs. 

Lastly, Coleman and Gomez discuss placing a friendly wager on the Los Angeles Angels and San Francisco Giants series, which took place over the weekend.

Hosts: Matthew Coleman, Matthew Gomez

Guests: Junior Contreras, Mark Siquig

Editor: Aidan Swanepoel

Producers: El Nicklin, Aidan Swanepoel

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Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518

Spotify

⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠

⁠⁠⁠Overcast

https://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

Last week, it was revealed that six international students had their visas revoked, with one being deported. Homeland Security says that student visas can only be revoked if there are violations, such as committing a crime or academic suspension. The reasons for termination on the Long Beach State student visas were listed as “other.” As of Friday, April 19, 70 international students across the CSU system have had their visas revoked. 

Following this news, the California Faculty Association rallied and protested on April 17. This day is known as the National Day of Action in Higher Education. Chanting about the freedoms and lack of safety for their students, CFA took the protest to Brotman Hall. 

Actress Marissa Bode will be joining CSULB for a meet-and-greet and Q&A on Monday, April 21. Bode, who played Nessarose in the Wicked movie, is coming to share her experiences in the entertainment industry as a disabled person. The event will be in the University Student Union Ballrooms from 3-5 p.m. 

On Thursday, April 17, a motorcyclist was killed by a police officer during a traffic stop in Newport Beach. Just after 9 p.m., the deadly interaction occurred. The exact reasoning for the officer-involved shooting is unknown, but police said the man was “uncooperative.”

Big news in entertainment as Clueless actress Alicia Silverstone announces a sequel series to her iconic movie from the '90s. Not many details about the plot have been released but it will act as a follow-up to the movie. Once released, the Clueless show will be available for streaming on Peacock. 

A deadly shooting occurred at Florida State University, leaving two men dead and six others wounded. Last Thursday, April 17, around lunchtime, students heard the deafening sound of gunshots at their student union. The suspect is a 20-year-old student at the university named Phoenix Ikner and was shot by police after not complying with their demands. Ikner is in the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 

Yemen was attacked by another 14 United States airstrikes, killing over 70 people and injuring more than 170 others. The bombing occurred at Ras Isa, an oil terminal on the coast of the Red Sea. The US Military said the attack was necessary to get rid of the source of fuel for Iran-backed Houthis. 

Host & Editor: Gianna Echeverria

Producers: El Nicklin, Aidan Swanepoel

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Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518

Spotify

⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠

⁠⁠⁠Overcast

https://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

Dreamy guitar tones, spontaneous riffs and soulful drums — psychedelia and creativity define the unique sound of Merceles. In this week’s episode of Artist Banter, host Alex Gryciuk gets to know the five-piece band’s story during their visit to Long Beach following a recent show.

Formed through friendships, various bands and shared musical passions, the members each bring their own genre-blending backgrounds to the table.

Both on stage and in the studio, the band improvises with a blend of Spanish rock, jazz and indie music.

“When our songs are being made, it’s just improv,” Ibarra said. “That’s my favorite part about making it. I think it’s the most genuine way to write.”

Tune into episode five of Artist Banter to hear exciting stories from the San Diego band and their inspiring story behind creating music and performing.

Host & Editor: Alex Gryciuk
Guests: Brandon Ibarra, Jahir Monteeach, Kyle Sanchez, Josh Stephens, Eros Velasquez
Producers: El Nicklin, Aidan Swanepoel
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Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518

Spotify

⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠

⁠⁠⁠Overcast

https://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

This week on Teed Up hosts Matthew Coleman and Matthew Gomez are joined by Long Beach State student Steven Wang and Waves PR social media intern Henry Hincapie to discuss the biggest headlines in sports as the NBA playoffs and MLB season starts up.

Ahead of the NBA play-in tournament, the group gives their predictions on who is likely to emerge from the wild Western Conference and who the Golden State Warriors would best match up against after one of the most active trade deadlines of all time.

Both hosts' baseball teams have been surprising stories in their divisions, with the Los Angeles Angels getting off to their best start since 2018 and the San Francisco Giants having their best start since 2003. The Giants also unveiled their latest City Connect uniforms which have received mixed reviews.

Hosts: Matthew Coleman, Matthew Gomez
Guests: Steven Wang, Henry Hincapie
Editor: Aidan Swanepoel
Producers: El Nicklin, Aidan Swanepoel
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Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518

Spotify
⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠

⁠⁠⁠Overcast
https://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

Arts and life editor Julia Goldman and arts and life assistant Delfino Camacho join Beach Weekly as special guests to talk about the past and future of AI usage on campus.

This week is Trans Week of Joy, hosted by the LGBTQ+ Resource Center. Throughout the week there will be workshops and events every day for trans community building and awareness.

Continue to recognize Asian Pacific Islander and Desi Heritage Month, Middle Eastern and North African Heritage Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month with many more activities.

Other events this week include a free Roller Disco at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center from 5-8 p.m. on Monday, April 14. From 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, the Office of Sustainability & President's Commission on Sustainability will host the 2025 Green Generation Showcase at the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden. There will be an Empowering Leaders Symposium on Friday, April 18 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The location will only be shared with students who register.

Find out more details on all the events listed above through on Events & Orgs app through the CSULB Single Sign On.

In other news on campus, the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement, commonly known as the GWAR, is no longer necessary for students to complete. The test may be reinstated if modifications with the required fee are made. According to the CSU policy, students shouldn’t have to pay a fee to take a campus-required test.

Actor Eric Dane released his diagnosis of ALS in an exclusive interview with People. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a disease that causes progressive paralysis of the muscle and has no cure. Dane says he will continue working as is expected to continue his role on season three of Euphoria in the coming weeks.

Last week on Wednesday, April 9 United States Judge Trevor McFadden ordered the reinstatement of the Associated Press in and around the White House. McFadden argues that blocking certain news agencies is "contrary to the First Amendment," citing the freedom of speech and press clauses.

A helicopter crashed into the Hudson River killing everyone on board. A family of five set off to sightsee in a New York helicopter tour; however, shortly after takeoff it was reported that the helicopter broke mid-air and crashed into the Hudson River. The family included three young children and their parents who were visiting from Spain.

A small plane crash in Boca Raton, Florida left all three of its passengers dead. The crash happened on the morning of Friday, April 11 on its way toward Tallahassee. The assistant fire chief for Boca Fire Rescue said that the crash was likely due to mechanical issues.

Host & Editor: Gianna Echeverria

Producers: El Nicklin, Aidan Swanepoel

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Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518

Spotify⁠

https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠

⁠⁠⁠Overcast

https://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

This week on Teed Up, host Matthew Coleman and guest host Soleil Cardenas are joined by Long Beach State women's volleyball head coach Natalie Reagan. Near the conclusion of last season, Athletic Director Bobby Smitheran promoted Reagan to the full-time head coaching role after serving as the interim following Tyler Hildebrand's move to USC last spring.

The Beach enters the next season with a new look, following the departures of nine seniors who made up the starting lineup and several key transfers who left via the portal. Despite the moving pieces, Reagan has worked on establishing a particular culture and standard she expects of her team.

Along with her outlook for the 2025 season, Reagan dives into her background from being a colligate player at Oregon State to working at volleyball powerhouse Nebraska and winning a national championship in 2015. Wrapping up the episode, the group quizzes Reagan with a word association game focusing on volleyball terms.

Hosts: Matthew Coleman, Soleil Cardenas
Guest: Natalie Reagan
Editor: Aidan Swanepoel
Producers: El Nicklin, Aidan Swanepoel
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Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518

Spotify
⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠

⁠⁠⁠Overcast
https://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

On campus, the month of April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Asian Pacific Islander Desi Heritage Month and for the first time, Middle Eastern and North African Heritage Month. There will be many themed events and workshops this month.

To kick off Asian Pacific Islander Desi Heritage Month, on Tuesday, April 8 at 11 a.m. there will be a community mixer outside the University Bookstore.

Celebrating the first Middle Eastern and North African Heritage Month on campus, an exhibit titled “A Country Called Syria" will open on Tuesday in the University Student Union Art Gallery. Then on Thursday join a cultural workshop for MENA Heritage Month at noon in USU room 304 to indulge in henna calligraphy and embroidery with guided instructions.

The Women's and Gender Equity Center along with Planned Parenthood are hosting the Consent and Healthy Relationships workshop in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The event will span from noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8 in USU room 205.

The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is this weekend with events spanning from Friday, April 11 to Sunday, April 13. Aside from racing and drifting there will be food trucks and a concert for full family fun. This event will affect traffic in the downtown area, as Shoreline Drive will be closed and heavy traffic is expected due to the crowds.

Starting on Friday, April 10, China will retaliate against the United States' rise in tariffs against them with a 34% tariff on all imports. In the same announcement, China declared export controls on 16 American companies which will prevent the export of Chinese dual-use items.

After an 18-month investigation, British Police charged actor and comedian Russel Brand with five different counts of rape and assault on Friday, April 4. In Sept. 2023 four women came forward and shared their claims of assault by Brand. The alleged assaults happened between the years of 1999 and 2005, although Brand denies all claims. His court date is set for May 2 in London.

The Constitutional Court of South Korea voted to remove their president from office on Friday, April 4. President Yoon Suk Yeol had been suspended since Dec. 2024 when the South Korean Parliament voted to impeach him. The Court's unanimous vote sealed the impeachment. Acting president and court member Moon Hyung-bae criticized Yoon’s behavior and actions in office by saying he “violated the principles of the rule of law and democracy.”

Host: Gianna Echeverria

Editor: Aidan Swanepoel

Producers: El Nicklin, Aidan Swanepoel

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Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518

Spotify

⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠

⁠⁠⁠Overcast

https://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

This week on Teed Up, hosts Matthew Coleman and Matthew Gomez welcome marketing intern Janna Gentle and content intern Kaitlyn Soto from Long Beach State's athletic department. The guests discuss their roles and day-to-day priorities as interns.

Along with being involved in LBSU Athletics, both Gentle and Soto are big baseball fans of rival squads. The Giants-Dodgers rivalry is revisited as the group debates which team is better and blind ranks five players who played for both teams.

The episode concludes with a rapid-fire segment as the guests choose between things associated with either San Francisco or Los Angeles as they try to decipher which city in California is superior.

Hosts: Matthew Gomez, Matthew Coleman
Guests: Janna Gentle, Kaitlyn Soto
Editor: Aidan Swanepoel
Producers: El Nicklin, Aidan Swanepoel
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Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518

Spotify
⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠

⁠⁠⁠Overcast
https://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

Spring break begins next week on March 29 and classes will be back in session on April 7.

Come out to BMO stadium on March 30 to celebrate Long Beach State Night at the Angel City FC game. They will face the Seattle Reign at 5 p.m. Students, alumni and staff can purchase discounted tickets through the Events & Orgs app on the CSULB Single Sign-On. 

The city of Los Angeles is expected to have a nearly $1 billion budget shortfall in the next year. LA Administrative Officer Matt Szabo said that much of the current financial crisis was due to spending on emergency relief from the Palisades fire, legal settlements and the general downward trend of the economy. Mayor Karen Bass is expected to turn in her new budget for the city on April 21.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday, March 20 in hopes of dismantling the Department of Education. Shutting down the entire department would take an act of Congress which will likely not pass; however, the Trump administration can defund and narrow down the department as they see fit.

The Gaza Strip was attacked in an airstrike last Tuesday, March 18 after the ceasefire between Palestine and Israel began in Jan. Palestinian officials have reported at least 69 deaths due to the airstrike. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says a lack of progress in the ceasefire agreement is what instigated this attack. This airstrike ended a month of peace in the 17-month-long war between Hamas and Israel.

Late Thursday night, March 20, firefighters responded to a transformer fire that erupted in an electrical substation in West London. This fire led to a power outage and the closure of Heathrow Airport. Being Europe's busiest flight hub, over 1,300 flights to and from have been affected and continued disruptions are expected. After two and a half days, Heathrow resumed its normal schedule on Sunday, March 23.

Host: Luis Castilla

Editor: Aidan Swanepoel

Producers: El Nicklin, Aidan Swanepoel

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Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518

Spotify⁠

https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠

⁠⁠⁠Overcast

https://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

The Long Beach State basketball team, Donald Trump and the Long Beach Grand Prix are just a few subjects that photo editor Samuel Chacko and photo assistants Devin Malast and Lauren Benson have had the opportunity to photograph. In this week's episode of Artist Banter, host Alex Gryciuk dives into the vast world of photojournalism with the Long Beach Current's photo team.

Sharing their unique introductions to photography through their yearbooks and high school classes, each guest explores how the art form initially captured their attention.

Photojournalism requires a unique skillset within the broader field of photography. The variety of exciting situations, tight deadlines and emotional story-telling drew the guests to the field.

"I just remember thinking, 'Oh, I want to do this for the rest of my life.' The confidence I get from just having the camera and documenting something really pushed me to a level of, like, this is what I want my purpose to be," Benson said.

In advice to curious students, the guests also discuss the value of mentorship, collaboration and overcoming the anxiety of comparison. "Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Lots of people in the photography community are more than willing to help," Malast said.

Tune into episode four of Artist Banter to hear inspiring stories from the photo team and their valuable insights for aspiring photographers and creatives alike.

Host & Editor: Alex Gryciuk
Guests: Samuel Chacko, Lauren Benson, Devin Malast
Producers: El Nicklin, Aidan Swanepoel
Like, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content!

Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518

Spotify

⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠

⁠⁠⁠Overcast

https://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts