Through the Grapevine is a podcast hosted by the communication department at PUC. Initiated by former communication students Jenica Nieto and Matthew Ocegueda back in March 2023, the podcast is still student-led by co-hosts Anna Ramos, a junior majoring in communication with a minor in public relations and journalism, and Shannea Santiago, a junior majoring in strategic communication.

The podcast covers an array of engaging topics, ranging from the impact of SDA upbringing to exploring their favorite aspects of PUC. Anna and Shannea also took their listeners on a reflective journey through the field of communication. Their episodes have sparked insightful conversations among PUC students. 

Among their roles, Anna and Shannea have been diligently reaching out to potential guests for the podcast. They’re actively researching and evaluating new equipment options to enhance production quality and simultaneously diving deep into brainstorming sessions to uncover captivating topics that will engage our audience and keep them coming back for more.

Anna answered some questions for us to learn more about hosting the podcast. 

What made you want to co-host the podcast? 

Podcasting is fun. I really enjoyed taking the podcasting class, so when Professor Hargrove offered me the opportunity to work on it, I eagerly accepted. 

How do you prepare for the podcast and come up with topics of discussion? 

When getting ready for a new episode, we like to brainstorm with our classmates and see what’s on everyone’s mind. We often reach out on Instagram to get ideas from our followers. What matters most to us is being genuine and honest, while still showing respect to our audience.

Is this a funded podcast?

We’re fortunate to have sponsors who’ve provided funds for quality equipment. Although I’m not sure who our sponsors are, their support has been crucial in ensuring we have the tools we need to produce content.

What does the podcast provide listeners? 

Our podcast serves as a platform for genuine conversations. While it’s technically the department’s podcast, it’s us students who put in the work and tune in. We aim to connect with our friends and beyond, sharing our thoughts and igniting discussions that have the potential to drive meaningful change.

What is the ultimate goal of this podcast?

Our ultimate goal is to foster dialogue. We want students to feel comfortable reaching out to us and sharing their thoughts openly. We’re eager to host as many guests as possible, expanding the conversation and offering diverse perspectives.

Who has been a great support from your department with this podcast? 

Professor Hargrove has been a dedicated supporter of this project from day one. Not only did she find hosts, but she also continually encourages us to keep pushing forward. Her assistance extends beyond just the creative aspects; she’s also been instrumental in securing sponsors, ensuring we have access to the best equipment possible. Her guidance has been invaluable in making this podcast a success. Professor Sean Trace was a huge help too. Even though he was all the way over in Vietnam, he took the time to show us the ropes on equipment handling and episode structuring. His guidance was key; now we know most ins and outs, all the little technical tricks to make this project shine. We owe him big time for setting us up for success.

What do you want people to know about the podcast? 

We encourage our listeners to get in touch with us. If you’re interested in being a guest or assisting with the editing process (which we definitely need help with), please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d not only love to hear from you but also to have you join us on the podcast. Seriously, we want to hear your thoughts. We’re all about sparking conversations and seeing real changes happen. It’s simple: when we speak up and share our thoughts, things start to shift.

You can find Through the Grapevine on Spotify.