General Education
By Daily Trojan
General EducationOct 27, 2023
On interviewing elected state officials with Benjamin Gamson
In this episode of "General Education," the Daily Trojan's flagship news podcast, host Jonathan Park dives deep with assistant news editor Benjamin Gamson on what it was like interviewing the two elected state officials representing the districts containing USC: California State Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas and Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer. Gamson reveals the process behind setting up and approaching the interview, and why USC students should care about the resulting conversation.
This episode was hosted by Jonathan Park. Written by Benjamin Gamson, Macarthy Mahoney, Julianne Cox, Quinten Seghers and Mallory Moon. Edited by Jonathan Park. Produced by Jonathan Park, Benjamin Papp and Thomas Johnson. Based on the article by Benjamin Gamson. General Education is one of four shows on the Daily Trojan podcast network. You can find more episodes anywhere you listen to podcasts, as well as our website, dailytrojan.com. Visit the episode description for our links and more information.
An Interview with NABA and other stories
This week on "General Education," host Grace Ingram covers a letter writing campaign on campus, relief for the disasters in Morocco and Libya and an interview with NABA members Bryan Alexander, Joseph Ogumola and faculty advisor Professor Zivia Sweeney.
Hosted by Grace Ingram. Written by Benjamin Gamson, Mccarthy Mahoney and Quinten Seghers. Based on articles by Talia Wexler, Nathan Elias and Melissa Grimaldo. Edited by Julianne Cox. Produced by Christina Chkarboul, Jonathan Park, Grace Ingram, Benjamin Papp and Kevin Gramling. General Education is one of four shows on the Daily Trojan podcast network. You can find more episodes anywhere you listen to podcasts, as well as our website, dailytrojan.com. Visit the episode description for our links and more information.
An interview with Los Angeles' youngest elected official, Triston Ezidore and other stories
In this episode of General Education, host Kevin Gramling covers delays in housing developments near campus, the newest in USC sustainability initiatives and an interview with Culver City board member Triston Ezidore, a junior at USC and the youngest elected official in Los Angeles.
This episode was hosted by Kevin Gramling. Written by Quinten Seghers, Macarthy Mahoney, Ben Gamson and Ben Papp. Edited by Grace Ingram and Jules Cox. Produced by Grace Ingram, Kevin Gramling, Jonathan Park and Christina Chkarboul. Based on articles by Ben Gamson, Justin Ha and Eva Hartman. General Education is one of four shows on the Daily Trojan podcast network. You can find more episodes anywhere you listen to podcasts, as well as our website, dailytrojan.com. Visit the episode description for our links and more information.
An interview on USC's new Sustainability Hub
This week on “General Education,” host Grace Ingram sits down with Mateo Villalba-Mutis and Nathan Elias to discuss their article on USC’s new Sustainability Hub.
This episode was hosted by Grace Ingram. Written by Quinten Seghers, Claire Qiu, and Grace Ingram. Edited by Kevin Gramling. Produced by Jonathan Park, Christina Chkarboul and Grace Ingram. General Education is one of four shows on the Daily Trojan podcast network. You can find more episodes anywhere you listen to podcasts, as well as our website, dailytrojan.com. Visit the episode description for our links and more information.
A switch from Blackboard to Brightspace, and other stories
USC skirted federal aid law, graduate students rally for workplace rights and an interview with Quinten Seghers on his article about USC making the change from Blackboard to Brightspace.
This episode was hosted by Macarthy Mahoney. Written by Benjamin Gamson, Macarthy Mahoney, Julianne Cox and Quinten Seghers. Edited by Grace Ingram. Produced by Jonathan Park, Grace Ingram, Benjamin Papp, Christina Chkarboul and Thomas Johnson. Based on articles by Benjamin Gamson, Quinten Seghers and Sparsh Sharma. General Education is one of four shows on the Daily Trojan podcast network. You can find more episodes anywhere you listen to podcasts, as well as our website, dailytrojan.com. Visit the episode description for our links and more information.
Legacy admissions face renewed scrutiny and other stories
A year of USC employee labor action, Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity's attorneys ask for dismissal of sexual assault case, rent around USC continues to increase with new “luxury” housing and an interview with news editor Eva Hartman about the future of USC legacy admissions.
Content warning: This episode contains references to sexual assault and violence, from 2:10 to 2:50. If you are in need of support, help is available. Here are some resources you can contact:
USC Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention and Services is located at Engemann Student Health Center Suite 356. Call (213) 740-9355 and request to speak with an advocate or counselor. Services are confidential.
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) is a free confidential hotline that is active 24/7. Call (800) 656-4673.
This episode was hosted by Benjamin Gamson. Written by Benjamin Gamson, Macarthy Mahoney and Julianne Cox. Edited by Benjamin Papp and Thomas Johnson. Produced by Jonathan Park, Grace Ingram, Benjamin Papp and Thomas Johnson. Based on articles by Michelle Rivas, Eva Hartman, Christina Chkarboul and Tomoki Chien. General Education is one of four shows on the Daily Trojan podcast network. You can find more episodes anywhere you listen to podcasts, as well as our website, dailytrojan.com. Visit the episode description for our links and more information.
Affirmative action and other stories
The Supreme Court Shuts down loan forgiveness and affirmative action, USC alumni host an urban planning podcast, judge denies bid in Ridley-Thomas trial and Mu Theta’s attorneys urge dismissal of assault case.
Content warning: This episode contains references to sexual assault and violence, from 3:59 to 5:04. If you are in need of support, help is available. Here are some resources you can contact:
USC Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention and Services is located at Engemann Student Health Center Suite 356. Call (213) 740-9355 and request to speak with an advocate or counselor. Services are confidential.
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) is a free confidential hotline that is active 24/7. Call (800) 656-4673.
This episode was hosted by Kevin Gramling. Written by Kevin Gramling. Based on articles by Jonathan Park, Nathan Elias, The City News Service and Edhita Singhal. Edited by Grace Ingram. Produced by Grace Ingram and Christina Chkarboul. General Education is one of three shows on the Daily Trojan podcast network. You can find more episodes anywhere you listen to podcasts, as well as our website, dailytrojan.com. Visit the episode description for our links and more information. We hope you’re enjoying your summer Trojans, and we’ll see you in the Fall!
A new boba place coming to the USC village, USG passes a bill amending 2023-24 budget and POIR fights to keep beloved outreach center funded
A new boba place coming to the USC village from the founder of Cafe Dulce, USG Senate passes a bill amending next school year’s budget plan and an interview with staff writer Nathan Elias about his article on funding cuts for the Center for Active Learning in International Relations.
This episode was hosted by Kevin Gramling. Written by Kevin Gramling. First recap based on the article by Quinten Seghers. Second Recap based on the article by Mateo Villalba Mutis. Edited by Thomas Johnson. Produced by Grace Ingram and Christina Chkarboul. General Education is one of three shows on the Daily Trojan podcast network. You can find more episodes anywhere you listen to podcasts, as well as our website, dailytrojan.com. Visit the episode description for our links and more information. We hope you’re enjoying your summer Trojans, we’ll be back next week!
Homicides targeting Los Angeles' unhoused population and other stories
Renovations to “Old” Annenberg, improvements to USC athletic facilities and stadiums, dorm demolitions and a new contract for Keck School of Medicine housestaff. Host Grace Ingram speaks to staff writer Zack Lara, who wrote an article about homicides against the unhoused population of Los Angeles.
Content warning: This episode contains references to violence from 3:37 to 9:26
This episode was hosted by Grace Ingram. Written by Grace Ingram and Jonathan Park. Edited by Grace Ingram. Produced by Grace Ingram and Christina Chkarboul. General Education is one of three shows on the Daily Trojan podcast network. You can find more episodes anywhere you listen to podcasts, as well as our website, dailytrojan.com. We hope you’re enjoying your summer, Trojans. We’ll be back next week!
Former Keck School of Medicine resident sues for discrimination and other stories
Content warning: This episode contains references to sexual assault and violence, from 0:24 to 1:21.
USC football cornerback charged with raping three women, President Carol Folt appoints new senior vice president and communications officer, Student Health highlights its gender-affirming care services and the Undergraduate Student Government budget allocation. Kevin speaks to breaking news writer Jennifer Neherer, who wrote an article about a lawsuit filed Thursday against USC, UCLA and Los Angeles County.
If you are in need of support, help is available. Here are some resources you can contact:
- USC Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention and Services is located at Engemann Student Halth Center Suite 356. Call (213) 740-9355 and request to speak with an advocate or counselor. Services are confidential.
- Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) is a free confidential hotline that is active 24/7. Call (800) 656-4673.
This episode was hosted by Kevin Gramling. Written by Kevin Gramling. Edited by Thomas Johnson. Produced by Grace Ingram and Christina Chkarboul. General Education is one of three shows on the Daily Trojan podcast network. You can find more episodes anywhere you listen to podcasts.
Tensions run high as USG looks to address funding concerns next fall
This week on General Education, host Kevin Gramling interviews staff writer Becca Speier, who worked on an article about Recognized Student Organizations’ concerns about funding from the Undergraduate Student Government and USG’s plans to address them.
This episode was hosted by Kevin Gramling. Written by Kevin Gramling. Edited by Thomas Johnson. Produced by Grace Ingram and Christina Chkarboul. General Education is one of three shows on the Daily Trojan podcast network. You can find more episodes anywhere you listen to podcasts or on our website dailytrojan.com.
USC’s athletic director resigns, Student Health offers summer services and a research project on regenerative agriculture
This week on General Education, host Kevin Gramling recaps two articles about the USC athletic director’s resignation as well as USC Student Health’s summer services. Afterward, Kevin speaks with staff writer Claire Qiu about her recent article on a pair of USC students’ research project on regenerative agriculture.
This episode was hosted by Kevin Gramling. Written by Kevin Gramling, Jonathan Park, Grace Ingram and Christina Chkarboul. Edited by Thomas Johnson. Produced by Grace Ingram and Christina Chkarboul. General Education is one of three shows on the Daily Trojan podcast network. You can find more episodes anywhere you listen to podcasts or on our website dailytrojan.com.
Changes to Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies, water damages to Birnkrant and an interview on philanthropic coffee shop Kind Grounds
This week on General Education, host Kevin Gramling recaps two articles about the new changes to the Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies WIES and the water damages that Birnkrant Residential College is facing due to flooding. Producer Grace Ingram sits down with Erin Walton to discuss her article on Kind Grounds coffee shop.
Hosted by Kevin Gramling. Written by Kevin Gramling, Isabella Zhang, Shatha Fadul and Norissa Ramirez. Edited by Kevin Gramling. Produced by Grace Ingram and Christina Chkarboul. General Education is one of three shows on the Daily Trojan podcast network. You can find more episodes anywhere you listen to podcasts, as well as our website, dailytrojan.com.
Lack of diversity among USC's tenured faculty, a sustainability town hall and an interview on the University's fossil fuel divestment
This week on General Education, host Kevin Gramling recaps two articles about the lack of ethnic diversity among tenured faculty at USC and the sustainability town hall hosted Tuesday. Kevin also speaks to finance beat writer Sparsh Sharma about his article on the University's fossil fuel divestment.
Hosted by Kevin Gramling. Written by Kevin Gramling, Isabella Zheng, Shatha Fadul, Grace Ingram and Christina Chkarboul. Edited by Kevin Gramling. Produced by Grace Ingram and Christina Chkarboul. General Education is one of three shows on the Daily Trojan podcast network. You can find more episodes anywhere you listen to podcasts or on our website dailytrojan.com.
Allyson Felix Field, a new USG initiative, and an interview on USC's rabbinic intern
This week on General Education host Kevin Gramling recaps two articles about the track field dedicated to Allyson Felix and the bill drafted by the USG aimed at increasing funding transparency. Kevin also speaks to Jennifer Nehrer about her recent profile about a queer, Jewish student whose authenticity inspires those around her.
Hosted by Kevin Gramling. Written by Kevin Gramling, Isabella Zheng, Benjamin Papp, Stacey Obodoechine and Norissa Ramirez. Edited by Kevin Gramling. Produced by Grace Ingram and Christina Chkarboul. General Education is one of three shows on the Daily Trojan podcast network. You can find more episodes anywhere you listen to podcasts or on our website dailytrojan.com.
Initiative to expand languages, a new provost and number of humanities majors consistent
This week on General Education, host Grace Ingram recaps two articles about the newly appointed provost and a study that finds that the number of humanities majors at USC have generally remained unchanged. She also speaks to Marcel Lacey about his article “Student Initiative Looks to Diversify Languages on Campus”.
Hosted by Grace Ingram. Written by Kevin Gramling, Isabella Zhang and Benjamin Papp. Edited by Grace Ingram and Kevin Gramling. Produced by Grace Ingram and Christina Chkarboul. General Education is one of three shows on the Daily Trojan podcast network. You can find more episodes anywhere you listen to podcasts.
Class of 2027 admissions, tuition increases and the State of the University Address
This week on General Education, host Shatha Fadul speaks to Jennifer Nehrer about her article, "Admits reflect on historic admissions cycle." We also recap two other stories about a USC tuition increase and Carol Folt's State of the University address.
Hosted by Shatha Fadul. Written by Norissa Ramirez, Stacey Obodoechine, Benjamin Papp and Shatha Fadul. Edited by Grace Ingram and Ryan Skidmore. Produced by Grace Ingram and Christina Chkarboul. General Education is one of three shows on the Daily Trojan podcast network. You can find more episodes anywhere you listen to podcasts, as well as our website, dailytrojan.com.
LAC+USC residency pay inequity, Navajo water rights and Architecture's "stressful" environment
Daily Trojan writers discussed a Keck School of Medicine resident-led campaign for a "fair" contract, water rights legislation in the Southwest, and mounting student concern about communication and affordability at the School of Architecture.
Hosted by Shatha Fadul. Written by Norissa Ramirez, Stacey Obodoechine, Benjamin Papp,and Shatha Fadul. Edited by Grace Ingram, Benjamin Papp and Abby Park. Produced by Grace Ingram and Christina Chkarboul. General Education is one of three shows on the Daily Trojan podcast network. You can find more episodes anywhere you listen to podcasts, as well as our website, dailytrojan.com. Visit the episode description for our links and more information.
Affirmative action, shuttle driver union protests and students reacting to Roe v. Wade
Hosted by Shatha Fadul. Written by Norissa Rameriz and Benjamin Papp. Edited by Au Chung, Benjamin Papp and Shatha Fadul. Produced by Christina Chkarboul and Grace Ingram. General Education is one of three shows on the Daily Trojan podcast network. You can find more episodes anywhere you listen to podcasts, as well as our website, dailytrojan.com.
Articles mentioned:
'Order in the Court: Students, experts weigh impacts as future of affirmative action unsure'
by Marcel Lacey & Cherry Wu
'Live updates: Shuttle drivers, dispatchers protest ahead of union vote'
by Tomoki Chien
'USC's Gen Z on abortion, 50 years after Roe'
by Kate Stuzin
Meet the USG 2022 presidential candidates
Listen for three conversations profiling the three tickets for the Spring 2022 USG presidential election. First Hannah Woodworth and Nivea Krishnan, official USG candidates, and then the write-in tickets: Kyle Valdes & Safal Mengel and Rachel Lee & Collin Colson.
Arantza Peña Popo, Jack Waterman and Srika Ramani contributed to this podcast
Directing, teaching, and everything in between with Andy Cadiff
Known for his work in Hot in Cleveland, Spin City, Last Man Standing, and Young and Hungry to name a few, Andy Cadiff has directed numerous TV shows and sitcoms during his extensive career. As a professor in the School of Cinematic Arts here at USC, he speaks about his efforts towards creating holistic learning spaces for his students. Director Cadiff and Daily Trojan’s Srika Ramani sit down to discuss his life, career, and the pivotal stories of failure that shaped him. They talk about the world of filmmaking, the journey of establishing oneself in the cutthroat industry, and the misconceptions of success.
Trojan Council’s plan for equity and inclusion
Trojan Council held a meeting on February 23rd discussing plans to bolster racial diversity and equity at USC. Podcast editor Eduardo Ocampo spoke with news staff writer Lillian Goodwin about the event and how students responded to the Council’s proposals. Music by Joakim Karud.
Profiling the 2021 USG candidates
As voting opens for the Undergraduate Student Government elections, podcast editor Eduardo Ocampo speaks to the three USG presidential tickets to talk about their platforms and what makes their agenda stand out amongst the rest.
Here are each of the candidates’ campaign websites if you want to learn more:
Alexis Areias and Lucy Warren: https://www.areiaswarren.com/
Alexandra Gill and Del Wood: https://www.gillwood2021.com/
Shreya Chaudhary and Antonio Okeke: https://www.shreyaantonio2021.com/
Music by Joakim Karud.
VoteSC Encourages Voter Turnout Virtually
With Election Day right around the corner, podcast editor Eduardo Ocampo talks to VoteSC co-president Christian Burks about the organization’s efforts to boost voter turnout among students. They also talk about how the group has grown since its start during the 2018 midterm elections and the biggest questions young voters have about the election.
Gatherings Result in COVID-19 Case Surge
A surge in COVID-19 cases has resulted from a number of gatherings violating social distancing guidelines around the USC community. Podcast editor Eduardo Ocampo talks to Daily Trojan News Editor Shaylee Navarro about what students around the community have been feeling about the parties as well as how USC is responding to the ongoing cases and gatherings. Music by Joakim Karud.
A New Semester amidst COVID-19
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect the world, podcast editor Eduardo Ocampo talks to Chief Health Officer Sarah Van Orman about how USC's reopening will look for student who arrive on campus. They also talk about the measures the school is taking to ensure the safety of students. Music by Joakim Karud.
Maintaining Wellness with Dr. Kelly Greco
As students live through a global pandemic, one of the largest social justice movements and an economic depression, many may feel overwhelmed with everything that's happening. Deputy Wellness Director Karan Nevatia and Director of Wellness and Recruitment Sophia Ceniza speak to Assistant Director of Outreach and Prevention Services Kelly Greco on the mental health services that USC is offering and how students can try to maintain their well being. Music by Joakim Karud.
Coronavirus impacts USC
With classes remaining online until April, multimedia editor Kevin Camargo talks to Chief Health Officer Sarah Van Orman about USC's efforts amid concerns regarding coronavirus. We'll also hear from news editor Shaylee Navarro about the Daily Trojan's coverage on the impact coronavirus has had on students and University decision-making. Music by Joakim Karud.
A look at the 2020 USG presidential elections
The USG voting period opens this week. Kevin Camargo is joined by the four USG presidential tickets and Daily Trojan's features editor, who will give us a deeper look at the issues student government has worked to address over the course of its history. Music by Joakim Karud.
No Questions Asked — Drug Take Back Day
For the last episode of the fall semester and Sean's last episode as host, we’ll be looking at the first Drug Take Back Day hosted by USC Pharmacies and USC Student Health Center on Dec. 5. This event is particularly relevant given the L.A. Times reporting that hinted at links between some of the recent student deaths and drug overdoses. Featuring reporting from assistant news editor Sarah Yaacoub and associate managing editor Natalie Bettendorf, and an interview with Chief Health Officer Sarah Van Orman. Music by Joakim Karud.
Finding Meaning in Well-being
For the past decade, there’s been a quiet but growing advocate of mental health resources at USC: The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life. The center provides a series of programs promoting wellness and spiritual well-being. Reporters Simran Sandhu and Nayeli Ayala take a look at two of these programs, and Sean has an in-depth discussion with Dean of Religious Life Varun Soni about why the Office of Religious Life has taken on this unexpected role. Music by Joakim Karud.
Talkin' Troy: Rivalry Week
In advance of this week's rivalry game against UCLA, sports editors Amanda Sturges and Nathan Ackerman sit down with Daily Bruin sports editor Sam Connon to talk UCLA's prospects against USC. You can read the Daily Trojan's special collaborative issue with the Daily Bruin on Friday on newsstands and dailytrojan.com. Music by Joakim Karud.
A Community in Mourning
There have been nine student deaths in less than three months at USC, three of which have been confirmed by the university administration as suicides. Sean is joined by associate managing editor Natalie Bettendorf, who covered the story for Daily Trojan, as they discuss what the string of deaths mean for the university and students dealing with similar problems. Music by Joakim Karud.
Editor's Note: The podcast refers to eight deaths. Since the recording of this podcast, there has been an additional confirmed death.
Student Shelters
College tuition costs get talked about frequently. But low-income students have another concern that’s not always visible, but that's a more immediate threat — paying for a place to live. Now, business administration student Esther Cha and public policy student Abigail Leung are opening Trojan Shelter, a homeless shelter for students, by students. Music by Joakim Karud.
Roski Talks and Jazz Nights
This week we’re taking a look at two artistic event series on campus: "Jazz Nights" in the Thornton School of Music and "Roski Talks" in … Roski School of Art and Design. Host Sean Flannelly speaks with professor of critical studies and director of the masters curatorial program Karen Moss, while Daily Trojan's Simran Sandhu reports on the ongoing music performance series. Music by Joakim Karud.
Mental Health Vigil at Tommy Trojan
Fresh off the university's new fall break, we're back to talk about mental health on campus. A student-led mental health awareness vigil took place Monday night, with speeches from Dean of Religious Life Varun Soni assistant director of outreach and prevention services Kelly Greco. Music by Joakim Karud.
Are Party Apps Safe? / Dr. Dre's New Building
What should we make of yet another party app marketed to USC students? And what will the newly christened Iovine and Young Hall mean for students of the prestigious, and often secluded school, as well as students outside it? Podcast staffers Nayeli Ayala, Shreya Gopala and Leslie Hwang report. Music by Joakim Karud.
Hate Speech on Campus
How should USC handle a student group that other student groups say promotes hate speech? Nearly 30 students silently walked out of an event last Thursday featuring Michael Knowles, a far-right commentator and author. The talk was hosted by conservative student group Young Americans for Freedom. Protestors called on USC to revoke YAF's status as a student organization. Music by Joakim Karud
Confronting Controversy
USC celebrated the inauguration of its 12th president last Friday, after multiple scandals rocked the University and prompted the resignation of former president Max Nikias. Music by Joakim Karud.
Familiar Face, New School
Profiling 101
Is Rushing Part of Your First Amendment Rights?
A Legacy in the Making
Snapshot: Photo Talk with Josh Dunst
The 23rd Annual Festival of Books
Growing Pains from the USC Health Sciences Master Plan
Profiling 101