WTSR Interviews

TCNJ Student Government and Korean Student Association present a new form of student communication and connection on campus. Alekhya Madiraju, VP for Diversity Equity and Inclusion for Student Government, and Gabriella Son, Vice President of Korean Student Association, present Middle Ground, a virtual forum on Zoom in which TCNJ students from opposite sides of the “table” will engage in intellectual conversations regarding political and social issues pertaining to the upcoming election as well as its effect on the student body. Students, who remain anonymous, will first identify with particular issues on a spectrum of strongly agree to strongly disagree while briefly explaining their positioning. They will then have the opportunity to challenge the ideas supporting other students' stances through a moderated discussion. All done remotely, Middle Ground will be published as an Instagram TV series on Student Government's Instagram page in the days leading up to the presidential election, beginning on October 21 through October 31. Each day will feature a segment of the Middle Ground discussion dedicated to a specific policy issue, such as "is universal healthcare feasible?" Akekhya and Gabriella joined me to discuss creating and preparing this first annual project, as well as a couple anonymous participants who share their reactions and reasons for joining this project.

The College of New Jersey hosted its first virtual fall career and opportunities fair for students to explore options for internships, jobs, and post-graduate plans. As students navigate and prepare for their future careers, they are also learning  new software for networking and etiquette for the virtual sphere. Ms Shannon Conklin, the director of leadership and development at the TCNJ Career Center, joins us today to discuss the fair, future job coaching initiatives, and factors to consider in the hiring process.

Join us for a Zoom roundtable discussion with college radio alumni and industry professionals from 88.3 FM WBGO in Newark, NJ. Participants include Simon Rentner, host and producer of The Checkout podcast, Doug Doyle, the news and sports director at WBGO and iHeartRadio, Greg Bryant, host of Jazz After Hours and co host of Jazz United podcast, Brian Delp, host of Midday Jazz, and Michael Bourne, critic-at-large and host of Blues Break and Singers Unlimited. Topics include developing one’s vocation in media and the arts, career legacies, engaging with an audience, and transitions in technology.

Many students and employees are now faced with the reality of virtual classes and meetings held over video platforms, such as Zoom and Google Hangouts, during the Covid-19 pandemic. But how is this affecting our general communication and wellbeing in the workplace and education? Join us as Jayne Latz, a certified Speech Language Pathologist and founder of Corporate Speech Solutions, discusses some of her tips to improving body language, vocal presence, as well as how to prepare for the future of presentation and professionalism. Check out her website at https://www.corporatespeechsolutions.com/ for more information about her upcoming publications and resources.

Prior to the beginning of the semester, WTSR News Director Nancy Bowne was able to interview President Foster, the President of The College of New Jersey, about making decisions for remote learning, new technological advancements, community outreach with the missives, as well as embracing leadership during uncertain times.

Over the summer, Arts ED NJ hosted the governor's awards, a program that recognizes teens and their artistic achievements. As an education initiative that works on policy and legislation for arts education in the New Jersey government, Arts Ed NJ has been busy assisting schools to implement the arts into virtual classrooms. Join news director Nancy Bowne as she talks with program coordinator Priscilla Hopkins-Smith and two high school governor's awards finalists, Jasmine Livingston and Jocelyn Jefferies, about practicing their art forms and their influence to continue to promote the arts during a pandemic. 

While The College of New Jersey will have all remote classes for the fall semester, the Office of Student Involvement has been busy preparing virtual events for first year and returning students and to build a sense of community. Join news director Nancy Bowne as she discusses strategies, planning, and modern technology with TCNJ coordinator of student activities, Maria Haber. 

The Trenton Health Team (THT) is a local organization in partnership with area hospitals and healthcare facilities with the state of New Jersey. Join news director, Nancy Bowne, as she talks to Greg Paulson, the executive director of THT, in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, as they discuss some challenges that Trenton faces right now and how it is keeping its strong community together through the arts.

The Sourlands of New Jersey is a precious sanctuary for indigenous wildlife and plants near Hopewell, NJ. But through recent infestations of the Emerald Borer Beetle, the ash trees, which comprises the abundant natural canopy over the Sourlands, is being threatened. The Sourland Conservancy is an organization that has formed a team to save the future posterity of the ash tree. Join news director, Nancy Bowne, for her interview with Laurie Cleveland and Carolyn Klaube, the executive director and the stewardship coordinator, as they discuss conservation efforts and plans for the future of the organization and outreach during Coronavirus. 

On April 25 2020, WTSR was able to interview Total Recall, a Hardcore Metal band based in Milan, Italy. Through their strong friendship and a compilation of multiple other bands, the five members share a passion for crafting music and embracing the modern age of music distribution. Join news director, Nancy Bowne, on her conversation with the band members, as they discuss their band origins, creating music, and the impact of the Coronavirus on musicians and how you can help.