What happens when the church becomes content? In this episode of Office Hours, Professor Wynter Rudolph is joined by Pastor James Wesley to unpack the viral Druski church moment and the larger conversations it sparked online. Together, they explore how the Black church is often viewed as a cultural symbol, the impact of virality on sacred spaces, and what accountability looks like without cancellation. This episode offers a thoughtful, faith-centered take on navigating media, culture, and responsibility in the digital age.

What happens when history unfolds in your own hometown—and you’re the journalist responsible for telling the story?

In this episode of Office Hours with Professor Rudolph, Professor Wynter Rudolph is joined by student journalist Katelyn Baxter, who covered a historic moment in Ozark, Alabama: the election of the city’s first Black mayor.

Katelyn reflects on reporting where it matters most—navigating objectivity, responsibility, and community trust while documenting a milestone that will live beyond the headlines. Listeners will also hear a powerful excerpt from her interview with the newly elected mayor, offering a firsthand account of leadership, legacy, and what progress looks like at the local level.

This episode highlights the importance of local journalism, student voices, and mentorship—reminding us that history isn’t only made on national stages. Sometimes, it happens right at home.

It’s the first day of classes, and Office Hours with Professor Rudolph is back for Season 2.

In this special kickoff episode, Professor Wynter Rudolph welcomes students into the Spring 2026 semester with honesty, encouragement, and clarity. She speaks directly to first-day nerves, academic pressure, and the reality of starting over—reminding students that growth doesn’t require perfection, only presence.

The episode also introduces Thaila, a digital AI assistant joining Season 2 to help model responsible, ethical use of technology in academic spaces. Together, Professor Rudolph and Thaila discuss integrity, learning, and how students can use tools wisely without losing their voice.

Designed to air on the first day of classes at Alabama State University, this episode is part welcome, part reflection, and part roadmap—grounding students in confidence, community, and purpose as the semester begins.

In this Sneak Peek for Season 2, Professor Rudolph breaks down the truth behind AI and creativity: it’s a tool—not a threat. She explores how student storytellers can use AI without losing their voice, their power, or their authenticity. Featuring insights from her digital assistant Thaila, this episode is a reminder that no algorithm can replace lived experience or real storytelling. AI ain’t taking your mic.

🎓 Featuring: Professor Wynter Rudolph (Solo Reflection Episode)
💬 Summary: In this powerful Season 1 finale, Professor Rudolph closes out Office Hours with a heartfelt, deeplyreflective conversation on growth, purpose, and the beauty of becoming. Recorded on the 1-year anniversary of her journey as a professor, this episode serves as both a celebration and a love letter to her students — the next generation of storytellers.

The episode closes with a special sneak peek into Season 2, including the introduction of Thalia, Professor Rudolph’s new digital learning assistant who will join listeners in the next chapter of Office Hours.
Season 1 ends on a note of evolution: a reminder that class may be dismissed, but the story continues — and becoming is the true assignment.

🏛️ Featuring:Student Journalists Katelyn Baxter, Tiffany Davis, Kamryn Williams, and Jesiah Crawford

💬 Summary:
After 40 days of a political standoff, the U.S. Senate votes to advance a deal that moves toward funding the government and ending one of the longest shutdowns in modern history. In this timely episode, Professor Rudolph and her student journalists break down the real-world impact behind the headlines.
• Katelyn Baxter explores how the shutdown affected military families and federal workers serving without pay.• Tiffany Davis reports from the airport corridors where TSA employees kept America flying through weeks of uncertainty.• Kamryn Williams examines the pause in SNAP benefits and the struggles families faced at the dinner table.• Jesiah Crawford analyzes the economic ripple that hit local businesses and communities across the nation.

Guided by Professor Rudolph’s insight and reflection, the episode asks a critical question: what happens when a shutdown ends on paper — but its echo lingers in people’s lives? “Locked Out” reminds listeners that government is more than politics — it’s the people who keep the nation running.

⚖️ Featuring: Student Journalist Denise Ringo | Guest: Attorney Spencer Kuvin
💬 Summary:
In this gripping episode, student journalist Denise Ringo investigates the disturbing case of Gregory Ford, a prominent equestrian veterinarian accused of grooming and sexually abusing a teenage girl he hired. With insight from Spencer Kuvin, Esq. — the attorney who has represented survivors of Jeffrey Epstein, Bill Cosby, and other high-profile predators — Denise and Professor Rudolph unpack the power dynamics at play, the invisible patterns of grooming, and the urgent need for accountability in industries where minors and authority intersect. This episode brings awareness through thoughtful storytelling and challenges listeners to stay vigilant and supportive in the fight against exploitation.

💜 Resources for Survivors of Sexual Abuse or Assault:

• National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit rainn.org for 24/7 confidential support

• National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text “HELP” to 233733

• Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453 (24/7 support and resources for minors and families)

• The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ youth support): 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678

📌 If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to these or local support organizations. You are not alone.

💜 Featuring: Student Journalist Katelyn Baxter, Guest Monique Gilmore

💬 Summary: As part of the Student Takeover Series, student journalist Katelyn Baxter takes the mic to lead a powerful conversation with Monique Gilmore in recognition of National Bullying Prevention Month. Together, they discuss the importance of creating safe spaces for students, the impact of bullying on mental health, and the role kindness plays in shaping positive learning environments. Guided by Professor Rudolph, this episode amplifies student voices advocating for empathy, awareness, and change — reminding listeners that every child deserves compassion, respect, and care.

🏈 Featuring: Jesiah Crawford & Calandera Carter

💬 Summary: From the roar of the crowd to the pressure behind the camera, student journalists Jesiah Crawford and Calandera Carter take us inside their reporting experience at the Magic City Classic, the largest HBCU football rivalry in the nation. Guided by Professor Rudolph, they reflect on storytelling in fast-paced environments, the importance of capturing campus culture with care, and what it means to represent ASU on one of its biggest stages. This episode celebrates the skill, pride, and passion that student journalists bring to the field — proving the next generation is ready for the spotlight.

📱 Featuring: Tiffany Davis,Taylor Smith-Johnson, Jesiah Crawford, and Miles Allen💬 Summary: Professor Rudolph moderates a panel of media and communication students as they discuss how TikTok, Instagram, and viral culture shape Gen Z identity, reputation, and career readiness. In “The Post You Can’t Delete,” the students share lessons learned about digital footprints, authenticity, and online professionalism. Professor Rudolph’s Wynter’s Wisdom reminds listeners: “Don’t post what you can’t explain at graduation.”