The Daily Aztec

On a very special episode of the Production Night. Podcast host Sara Rott collaborates with the host of the Spears Sports report Daniela Ramirez to bid farewell to Juan Daniel Avila.

Recapping back to the last week of the semester, Avila reflects on his time at the Daily Aztec and the content he produced.

“My favorite was my opinion piece in 2021 about DACA recipients because I don't usually do stuff like that,” Avila said. “But I feel like my opinion as a recipient, had to be told during that time and that was the most memorable.”

Rott and Ramirez end the podcast reflecting on the year and discussing what comes next for the podcasts.

An exciting year is ahead for both podcasts, stay tuned to hear the hosts bring you new and exciting content.

On a very special episode of Production Night, assistant sports editor Andrew Finley joins social media and podcast editor Sara Rott to say goodbye to The Daily Aztec. Finley, who's graduating this year, reflects back on his time working at the Daily Aztec.

First, Finley and Rott reminisce about their early days at their community college newspaper The Summit. It was at that newspaper that they met for the first time. As well as both got their first taste of a newsroom.

In Finley’s two years of working for The Daily Aztec, he reflected back on his favorite articles he ever wrote. Two of them being sports articles, “Aztecs win five-hour slugfest in walk-off fashion” and  “Column: Is Brigham Young football actually good?”. He also reflected on his latest article “Miles McPherson offers a ‘Third Option’,” written with managing editor Trinity Bland

Finley gave some advice to new staff writers and editors coming onto The Daily Aztec staff.

“Be a better leader than you are a worker,” he said. “When you're an editor you're in charge of a group of writers and a new wave of people, you can’t tell people what to do, you have to inspire them.”

The Spear Sports Report returns after a break from the men’s Mountain West Conference basketball tournament. Senior staff writer Juan Daniel Avila and staff writer Daniela Ramirez introduce one of the Daily Aztec sports writers Marco Perez.

In this episode, the three discuss what their experience covering the games in Las Vegas was like as well as explaining how the opportunity to watch college basketball in real-time was for each of them. Perez highlights the greats and tough moments the basketball team had during the conference.

The semester is coming to an end but sports are still in full swing at San Diego State. Speaking of swing, men’s baseball and women’s softball are both on different kinds of paths this year, and we’re both mentioned on this episode along with other spring sports finishing off the school year.

Perez, who is our Aztecs golf beat writer on staff, gave the listeners an update on the team and the achievements earned this spring.

Podcast host Sara Rott is back with photographer Jessica Parga and arts and culture staff writer Morgan Ray for the promised Part Two of “Production Night”’s special Oscars episode!

We pick up where we left off on the topic of best film and best actor. Parga finally saw Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story” remake so our three cool cats get into a couple differences between the two film versions of the famed musical (besides the remediation of the older version’s use of brownface). Which side character got the reinvention they deserved?

The hosts tip their hat to Kristin Stewart in “Spencer” and give well deserved shout outs to Will Smith and the cast of “King Richard” as well as Denzel Washington’s powerful lead performance in “The Tragedy of Macbeth” (which exposes Ray's high school theater past).

As noted in Part One, there’s a staggering ten nominations for Best Picture this year…but how many of them actually deserved a spot and which films got robbed? Ray knows one Netflix film that deserved a lot more love from the Academy…and which film it should’ve replaced.

May the best film win!

On this episode of Spear Sports Report, senior sports reporter Juan Daniel Avila was joined by Daily Aztec sports reporter and East Village Times writer Austin Tarke.

For the first time on the podcast, Avila is able to take over the show as Daniela Ramirez prepares for the big week in Vegas.

Austin Tarke is a San Diego native and grew up watching the Aztecs’ men’s basketball team and still follows the Aztecs very closely.

Tarke is currently the  San Diego State men’s basketball beat writer for East Village Times and will be representing the publication in Las Vegas, Nevada this weekend starting with their first game on Thursday night.

The expert himself talks all about the Aztecs’ chances of winning the Mountain West Conference Tournament, upsets, and history.

Tarke also talks about his love for the sport and the daily meditation strategy he uses to stay focused and live in the present moment.

The Spear Sports Report returns with senior staff writer Juan Daniel Avila and staff writer Daniela Ramirez. This week they introduce Daily Aztec sport writers, Jayden Hanzy and Morgan Prickett.

In this episode, Hanzy and Prickett kick off the podcast with talking about where they are from and how they ended up attending San Diego State.

The four dive into the two popular sports, tennis and women's basketball. The sports writers discuss key players to recognize with the hosts, highlighting the athletes.

The hosts lead the guests in making predictions on the upcoming Mountain West Tournament for men and womens basketball. Take a listen to get all your weekly sports recap as well.

Avila gives all the insight for SDSU soccer fans. A special sneak peek on men’s soccer playing their first friendly match against the San Diego Loyal.

After a brief hiatus, The Spear Sports Report returns with senior staff writer Juan Daniel Avila and staff writer Daniela Ramirez. This week they introduce The Daily Aztec Sports staff writer Adam Correa as their special guest.

In this episode they pick Correra's brain, learning about the SDSU's women’s lacrosse team and the fundamentals of the game.

Since the podcast was recorded last week, the hosts discuss the men's basketball team's latest matchups. Did the hosts' predictions match up to the actual results of the games? Stay tuned to listen.

Likewise, they discuss the men’s basketball team preparing to hit the road to Las Vegas for the Mountain West Conference Tournament. As well as what the women's team is up to as their season comes to a close.

Lastly, in other sports news, Avila gives a sneak peek of his latest package regarding big soccer news out of SDSU.

Towards the end of the show, once again all three Daily Aztec representatives share a little bit about themselves for everyone to get to know them.

On this episode of “Production Night” podcast host and newly appointed social media editor Sara Rott  joined by staff writer Sumaia Wegner.

Kicking off the Valentine's Day special, Rott introduces Wegner to her first ever podcast.

Valentines arrives a bit late on the podcast, however dating apps are year round. Rott starts with an article written by news editor Katelynn Robinson about students using dating apps to find love. The two also discuss their adventures in the dating app world.

Similarly, Wegner discusses her latest article about questions students may have surrounding sex. They discuss stereotypical ideas students may hold and resources available to help them feel comfortable.

The co-hosts agree having a romantic date is a valuable part of a healthy relationship. An article written by Eugenie Budnik tells readers about the scenic spots lovers can go.

In multimedia news, Wegner discusses arts and culture assistant editor Cristina Lombardo’s homemade treats package. Wegner talks about how easy it is to make rice crispy treats in anyone's kitchen.

Who said that Valentine's day is only for lovers? In an article written by staff writer Isabel Smith shares spending time with your girls on ‘Galentine's day’ is just as important. Wegner and Rott discuss how important it is to show some love to your friends.

Likewise, the leading ladies talk about staff writer Daniela Ramirez’s article on red flags to beware. It strikes up an interesting discussion on red flags both hosts noticed in their life.

Lastly, they end on “Featured Opinion of the Week,” written by opinion section writers. They share a couple of juicy horoscopes relating to their sign.

On this episode of “Production Night” podcast host and newly appointed social media editor Sara Rott  joined by staff writer Eugenie Budnik.

Kicking off the podcast, Rott lets Budnik take the mic for a formal introduction as she talks about recently becoming a journalism major.

Talking stories, Budnik starts it off with an article written by staff writer Jadyn Brandt about students taking to social media responding to a political tweet from sociology professor and Dean of the College of Arts and Letters Doctor Monica J. Casper. The two of them discuss with each other their opinion surrounding the situation.

In multimedia news, Rott discusses news editor Katelynn Robinson's debut package about students calling SDSU “hypocritical” for hosting in-person events, Mundo Azteca assistant editor Karina Bazarte’s package on Aztec Nights returning for in-person fun during temporary virtual classes and senior staff writer Lucelis Martinez’s profile on Kayli Sandoval, San Diego State journalism major and her passion and success on Tiktok.

From packages to TV shows, Budnik doesn't hold back any excitement as she talks to the audience about the newest reboot “How I Met Your Father,” written by arts and culture assistant editor Cristina Lombardo.

Lastly, they end on “Featured Opinion of the Week,” written by Sumaia Wegner on “Mamba Mentality” and how that means to strive to be the best version of yourself.

On this special episode of the Spear Sports Report senior staff writer Juan Daniel Avila and staff writer Daniela Ramirez introduce The Daily Aztec Sports Editor Jason Freund as their first guest on the show.

Freund joins the two hosts in this special to discuss the latest news with the men’s basketball team. They go in-depth on the current status of the Aztecs in the Mountain West Conference and analyze past games. They also predict scores for the next upcoming games and talk about potential future scenarios that the Aztecs can place themself in.

Ramirez also gives her weekly report on the latest women's sports and highlights the historic moment that the Aztecs swim and dive team is going through.

Towards the end of the show, all three Daily Aztec representatives share a little bit about themselves for everyone to get to know them.

The Spears Sports Report is just one of the podcasts produced by The Daily Aztec, found on all streaming platforms.

“Production Night” returns with podcast host and newly appointed social media editor Sara Rott  joined by Mundo Azteca assistant writer Karina Bazarte. 

Kicking off the podcast, Rott talks about the exciting new ideas coming to the podcast in the new semester.

Bazarte takes over to talk about an article written by contributor Karelly Vidrio about students crossing the border to attend classes at San Diego State University. The story is available in both English and Spanish. 

Likewise, Rott tells listeners about how Adobe Cloud is offered for SDSU students for free. News editor Katelynn Robinson wrote about the new premium version that students can use and take advantage of.

Lastly, they end on “Featured Opinion of the Week,” written by Alyssa Phillips about advocating for oneself, the chemistry between host and co-host becomes deep as they talk about their own life experiences.

This podcast was filmed in KCR Studios. Production Night is only one of the podcasts produced by the Daily Aztec.

On the latest episode of Sci-Pod, senior staff writer and host Jessica Octavio is joined by co-host Julia Depillo to talk about CRISPR Cas 9 Gene Mutation Therapy. They break down what it is and how it affects science as well as how it evolved.

They also digest artificial selection and how it can affect humanity through developing particular phenotypic traits.

Is Lil Nas X becoming pop music’s biggest superstar? Let’s discuss. On this episode of Daily Aztec Music, arts and culture editor Ryan Hardison, sports editor Jason Freund and assistant arts and culture editor Cristina Lombardo are joined by senior staff writer Riley Martinez. Together, they describe the enigma that is Lil Nas X as well as the meaning behind his controversial “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” music video.

A new fun look at science, senior staff writer Jessica Octavio and co-host Julia Depillo are back on another episode of SciPod.

On this week's episode, Octavio and Depillo are talking about Facebook and the shut down of social media on Oct 4.

They also talk about women in science, engineers and non-profit struggles.

In the battle between two of rap’s most legendary acts, who’s most recent project puts them on top? This episode of Daily Aztec Music, arts and culture editor Ryan Hardison and assistant arts and culture editor Cristina Lombardo are joined by arts and culture contributor Aaron Velasquez. Velasquez explains the history of Drake and Kanye’s beef, starting with subliminal shots and now leading up to competing album releases. The hosts and their guests go over their thoughts about the beef along with deciding whether the beef serves to benefit both of their careers and how authentic their clashes are. The debate finishes with the hosts choosing whether they prefer “Donda” or “Certified Lover Boy.”

After a sunny summer break, the Daily Aztec Music podcast is back with a new co-host. Joining sports editor Jason Freund and arts and culture editor Ryan Hardison is assistant arts and culture editor Cristina Lombardo. Together, they discuss Kanye West’s intensely personal new album “Donda” and how it compares to his past albums.

A new fun look at science, senior staff writer Jessica Octavio and co-host Julia Depillo introduce listeners to SciPod.

In the first episode of this scientific masterpiece, Octavio and Depilo discuss Elizabeth Holmes, a former businesswoman who was the founder and chief executive of Theranos, a now-defunct health technology company.

The Daily Aztec senior staff writer and podcast host Sara Rott is joined by senior staff writer Jaydn Brandt as she returns to help co-host. 

Featured on the latest episode of Production Night, the two discuss the latest protest to hit campus grounds. Managing editor Trinity Bland wrote about how students took action to get a stranger promoting hate speech to leave the campus.

In the world of COVID-19, Rott shares her latest story about students and professors choosing to wear a mask on campus. News editor Katelynn Robinson wrote about how available it is for students who do have to test for COVID-19.

In talking about sports, Aztec Football has returned and although it's up in Carson, that didn't stop the Aztecs from winning 28-10 against New Mexico.

The “Featured Opinion of the Week” highlights homesickness and the remedies that can help. Opinion editor Aaliyah Alexander shares some helpful tips and tricks for students living away from home in her story.

Covering stories from the fifth and sixth issues from this year, managing editor Trinity Bland was joined by news editor Katelynn Robinson to take over the podcast. They discuss production night shenanigans, stories from this year's special clubs and organizations issue and two featured opinion stories of the week.

On a very special episode of Production Night, podcast host and senior staff writer Sara Rott is joined by opinion editor Aaliyah Alexander as they welcome back students to San Diego State.

Featured on the latest podcast, Rott and Alexander promote the highly anticipated return of the Daily Aztec’s print issue since March 2020.

Following a different routine, the podcast duo discusses the excitement of returning back to campus this fall semester. They also remind students of upcoming important dates, mask requirements for the school year and the return of Aztec Nights.

Additionally, Rott and Alexander share an original list of tips and tricks to help incoming freshmen as well as all returning students this fall.

The Daily Aztec podcast host and senior staff writer Sara Rott is keeping it casual with news editor Katelynn Robinson in the latest episode of Production Night.

Robinson opens up the podcast with an arts and culture music review about Camila Cabello's new song, "Don't Go Yet," written by managing editor Trinity Bland. The conversation surrounding music continues as Robinson shares Bland’s arts and culture music review about the new single from Kiana Ledé featuring Kehlani, "Ur Best Friend."

Likewise, assistant arts and culture editor Christina Lombardo informs readers about 5 Seconds of Summer lead singer and guitarist Luke Hemmings’ new solo career, most notably regarding his debut singles, “Starting Line” and “Motion.”

Switching to current events, Robinson and Rott discuss recent Tokyo Olympic highlights in track and field, golf and gymnastics. They highlight what they've watched as well as Team U.S.A. victories.

Lastly, opinion senior staff writer Jessica Octavio wrote the "Featured Opinion Story of the Week." In the last episode of Production Night, Octavio teased listeners about her opinion piece on how community-approach benefits the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine.

On the latest episode of Spear Sports Report, sports contributor Nick Coppo and assistant sports editor Andrew Finley talk about the six Aztecs who competed in this summer’s Olympic Games in Tokyo.

The podcast duo dives deep into analysis and takes the story written by Finley and sports editor Jason Freund outlining the athletes and their journey in Tokyo a step further.

Featured on the latest episode, Rott and Octavio update listeners about San Diego State's COVID-19 requirements and the new addition of the Pfizer vaccine being offered on campus. 

In less apocalyptic news, as Octavio puts it, five Aztec baseball players are chosen for the major league's amateur draft and SDSU's musical theater club (MTC) elected an all-woman board to pave a new path into the new semester.

Lastly, two stories are picked for “Featured Opinion Story of the Week.” Art and culture editor Ryan Hardison covered how Naomi Osaka's surprising decision to withdraw from press obligations illuminated the importance of mental health. Opinion contributor Alyssa Phillips provided interesting commentary this week on an article about the importance of a neutral Supreme Court.

Bland and Rott recap the events of the Topping Out Ceremony of the new Aztec stadium. On a creative note, Bland speaks about her review of Spanish artist Lola Indigo's album “La Niña” in The Daily Aztec Mundo Azteca section. Likewise, a review of the new Fast and Furious movie written by arts and culture editor Ryan Hardison is discussed further in-depth. Lastly, the “Featured Opinion Story of the Week” written by Bland emphasizes why romance during the summer is so perfect.

Yutig gives listeners the inside scoop on first-hand experience at the Aztec Stadium Topping Out Ceremony that took place on July 14 and on the topic of COVID 19, the duo discusses the School of Public Health’s at-home COVID 19 test launch at a local middle school as well as the divisive split among students regarding wearing facemasks in classrooms. The “Featured Opinion Story of the Week" written by Opinion Editor Aaliyah Alexander shares thoughts on the professional norms of the everyday workforce becoming outdated.

Featured on the latest episode, an op-ed written by graduate student and opinion contributor Alyssa Phillips shares perspectives on being vaccinated and how it does not prevent one from the less-discussed impacts and aftermath of the virus. Likewise, Rott and Robinson talk about how the cast from the classic sitcom “Friends” came together for a special unscripted reunion years after the show’s 10-year run, in line with an arts and culture review written by Robinson. She reveals some spoilers, so be forewarned.

“Production Nights” is just one of the podcasts produced by The Daily Aztec. The podcast duo share their thoughts on the NCAA NIL rule update discussion from the latest episode of “Spear Sports Report,” hosted by assistant sports editor Andrew Finley and sports contributor Nick Coppo.