The Ear

Founded in 1930, Riverside Church in the City of New York strives to be interdenominational, interracial, and international.  While many in the Columbia community have seen Riverside Church, few are aware of its rich history—hosting the likes of Martin Luther King Jr. and Mandela. In this episode of The Ear, Sophia Cordoba unpacks the history behind Riverside’s prominence in the struggle for racial justice.

​​Credits:

• Edited by Lara-Nour Walton

• Produced by Sophia Cordoba

• Music by Eva Scholz-Carlson and Matthew Schwizter

• Illustration by Macy Sinreich

• Voice Acting by Ted Schmiedeler

Follow us on Instagram @SpectatorPodcasts and check out our other episodes!

The idea of neurodiversity intentionally moves away from a “correct” method of thinking, so how might this present itself at Columbia, where students are selected based on “intellectual” capabilities? Students who are neurodivergent are a diverse population that should not be generalized. A shift from preconceived standards of how academic and social settings “should” be approached might allow populations at Columbia to recognize more diverse perspectives contributed by neurodivergent students. In this episode, reporter Luisa Sukkar speaks with students who identify as neurodivergent, representatives from Columbia offices for accommodations, psychological care professionals, and researchers in the field of neurodiversity.

​​Credits:

• Edited by Claire Schnatterbeck and Sophia Cordoba

• Produced by Claire Schnatterbeck

• Music by Sofia Schuster with additional music by Obi Okoli

• Illustration by Jonas Ma

Follow us on Instagram @SpectatorPodcasts and check out our other episodes!

Since the early 1950s, Columbia admissions has rapidly expanded its international student population, which currently totals 36.2 percent of the student body. But have the rest of Columbia’s academic expectations adapted to this change? Should international students be expected to have in-depth knowledge of Western culture? In this episode of The Ear, reporter Kelly Warner explores these questions and how expectations of cultural assimilation affects international students. This episode was produced by Matthew Schwitzer, the theme song is by Coleman Hughes and the illustration is by Natalie Tak.

In this episode, reporter Adrien Wheaton-Schopp investigates the issues surrounding Iran’s recent wave of uprisings. In speaking with both Columbia students and protesters in New York City, he finds that themes of civic responsibility and compassion are repeatedly evoked as motivating factors for the relentless activism. Whether it’s demanding accountability from their University or the administration, Iranian Americans everywhere are looking to have their voices heard and offer solidarity to the protestors on the ground. This episode was produced by Matthew Schwitzer and the introduction was composed by Matthew Lucia. 

Welcome back to The Ear, Spectator’s podcast dedicated to documenting, excavating, and investigating Columbia’s past and present. In this week’s episode, reporter Cyra Paladini speaks with members of the Purple Gang, an unintentional activist group that came into its own in the wake of an attempted murder of Dean Henry Coleman in the 1970s. This episode was produced by Matthew Schwitzer with additional music by Obinna Okoli, Matthew Lucia, and Eva Scholz-Carlson.

Welcome back to The Ear, Spectator’s podcast dedicated to documenting, excavating, and investigating Columbia’s past and present. How can we look beyond the syllabus to change the way we educate about Black history? In this episode, reporters Natalie Goldberg, Claire Schnatterbeck, and Avery Reed explore the history and importance of contemporary curriculum at Columbia Teachers College and its impact on modern conversations about teaching Black history. This episode was produced by Matthew Schwitzer with music by Obi Okoli.

Welcome back to The Ear, Spectator’s podcast dedicated to documenting, excavating, and investigating Columbia’s past and present. In this week’s episode, reporter Andrew Kirdahy recounts the early formation of the Beat Generation on Columbia’s campus, detailing the murder in Riverside Park that shaped the trajectory of the Beats’ lives and literary careers. This episode was produced by Chase Cutarelli with music by Matthew Lucia and Obi Okoli.

COVID-19 has totally changed students’ experience with higher education, and the difficulties faced by international students are especially challenging. Under global COVID-19 restrictions, international students are especially vulnerable to institutional decisions. Failing to receive financial support and assistance transitioning to life on campus from Barnard and Columbia, international students at our institution have had their lives derailed. What are their difficulties? Are they sufficiently supported? Today’s story unveils their journeys and their evolving relationships with the University throughout the pandemic.

Credits

• Reported by Siqi Qin

• Produced by Sam Hyman

• Music by Sam Hyman

• Script edited by Sam Hyman, Claire Schnatterbeck, and Natalie Goldberg

• Illustration by Taylor Yingshi

In this Ear episode, reporter Alan Chen outlines the history of Columbia’s dining halls. From the origins of the JJ’s Place pub to the bygone Wien Dining Hall, on-campus dining has changed over time. But how has the dining experience evolved? And how have the changes to Columbia Dining corresponded with the student body’s calls for change? Listen to find out!   

Credits

• Reported by Alan Chen

• Script Edited by Sam Hyman and Claire Schnatterbeck

• Produced by Matthew Schwitzer

• Music by Jazz at Mladost Club

• Illustration by Noelle Hunter

Columbia Health adamantly encourages students to reach out for care or guidance, however, students are struggling to get the medical help they need from the University. While finding the time to prioritize your personal health is difficult on top of a packed schedule, some students have found that navigating the bureaucracy of Barnard and Columbia health care services makes it all the more worse. In this episode of The Ear, journalists Avery Reed and Claire Schnatterbeck talk to Columbia and Barnard students about their experiences with the discrepancy between the messaging of health care services and the reality on campus.

Editor's note: This episode does not intend to dissuade Columbia and Barnard students from making use of campus health services. Should a student have any non-life-threatening medical conditions, the following resources are available: Columbia students can schedule same-day appointments or speak with a provider about urgent medical concerns 24/7 by calling 212-854-7426. Similarly, Barnard students can call 212-854-2091 Monday through Friday between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm; for Barnard students who find themselves seeking pressing or urgent medical advice after those hours, they may utilize the Clinician On-Call Service by calling 855-622-1903. For serious health emergencies, students should immediately call 911. 

Credits:

•Reported by Avery Reed and Claire Schnatterbeck

•Production by Joshua Siracusa

•Script edited by Sam Hyman

•Music by Matthew Lucia and Obi Okoli

•Illustration by Noelle Hunter

•Voice Acting by Maria Levit

Content warning: This episode discusses issues of sexual abuse and assault. 

Welcome back to The Ear, Spectator’s podcast dedicated to documenting, excavating, and investigating Columbia’s past and present. In this week’s episode, reporter Annie Cheng traces the history of Columbia’s Navy ROTC program—from its establishment post-World War II to its discontinuation after the 1968 Vietnam War protests—and the contentious debate over the program’s return in 2011. What does the history of the Navy ROTC reveal about Columbia’s relationship with the military? And how does the debate over the Navy ROTC reflect a larger debate over Columbia’s institutional identity? Listen to find out!

Credits:

• Reported by Annie Cheng

• Produced by Patrick Simpson

• Music from Matthew Lucia, Sam Hyman, and "Palm in Mirror" by Disparation

• Script edited by Sam Hyman and Cole Cahill

• Sound effects provided via Freesound and Soundjay

Welcome back to The Ear, Spectator’s podcast dedicated to documenting, excavating, and investigating Columbia’s past and present. In this week’s episode, reporter Natalie Goldberg investigates affirmative action initiatives specific to rural students. When financial strain, inadequate infrastructure, and cultural expectations discourage rural students from attending higher education institutions, how do they overcome these barriers? Is affirmative action really the best course of action for alleviating rural education inequality? Columbia students from rural areas and a rural education researcher from Teachers College weigh in on the idea of rural affirmative action. 

~ Credits:

• Reported by Natalie Goldberg

• Produced by Joshua Siracusa

• Voice Actors: Sam Hyman and Joshua Siracusa

~ Music:

• "Frosty Jack's Supernova" - Doctor Turtle

• "Sandstone" - Ketsa

• "Tumbleweeds" - Ketsa

• "A Kind Face" - Crowander"

~ Sound effects provided via freesound.org.

Welcome back to The Ear! In this episode written for the Eye's Arts and Entertainment issue, reporter Matthew Lucia interviews the composers from Columbia’s fall 2020 advanced composition seminar to talk about their pieces, their writing process, and their mental health during the pandemic, and reflects on his own experience in the seminar as well.

Welcome back to The Ear, Spectator’s podcast dedicated to documenting, excavating, and investigating Columbia’s past and present.

In this week’s episode, reporters Noah Sheidlower and Sam Hyman capture the voices and issues surrounding jazz at Columbia. How has the community’s perception and involvement in jazz progressed over the years? What are the concerns about the lack of racial and gender diversity in our jazz program? Considering how Harlem is rife with musical history and significance, how has Columbia threatened or connected with the neighborhood’s iconic jazz scene? Listen to find out!

Credits:
“Jazzy Ear Intro” featuring Dylan Delgiudice and Jonathan Block •
“Composition 40B” - Dylan DelGiudice •
“As They Really Are” - Dylan Delgiudice •
“If I Can’t Jazz It’s Not My Revolution" - Quantum Jazz •
“Tulip” - Sam Hyman •
“The Pearls” - Jelly Roll Morton •
“Wolverine Blues” - Jelly Roll Morton •
“Piano” - Josh Kapilian •
“Body and Soul” - Dylan Delgiudice •
“Passing Field” - Quantum Jazz •
Production and Sound Design by Sam Hyman •
Script Edited by Claudia Gohn •
Illustration by Noelle Hunter

Content warning: This episode discusses Columbia’s history with eugenics, sterilization, and the Nazi Party.

Welcome back to The Ear, Spectator’s podcast dedicated to documenting, detailing, and excavating Columbia’s past and present.

In this week’s episode, reporters Miles Stephenson and Matthew Lucia investigate Columbia’s historical involvement in the study and promotion of eugenics in the early 20th century. What were the varied consequences of Columbia’s advancement of the racist pseudoscience of eugenics? How did pro-eugenics faculty members influence world affairs? Has Columbia since acknowledged its historical ties with eugenics? Listen to find out.

Credits:
Voice Acting by Sam Hyman, John Lucia, Randal Stephenson, Tamara Stephenson, and Caroline SanPietro
Music by Matthew Lucia
Production and Sound Design by Sam Hyman
Script Edited by Claudia Gohn and Sam Hyman

Content Warning: This episode of The Ear discusses sexual violence and rape.

Welcome back to The Ear, The Eye’s podcast dedicated to documenting, detailing, and excavating Columbia’s history!

In this week’s episode, reporter Teresa Lawlor examines Students for a Reformed Fraternity System, a student movement at Columbia in 1988 that tried to make the University’s all-male fraternities go coed. This past summer, national anti-racist protests sparked a University-wide debate on the future of Greek life and prompted disaffiliations from sororities. Why did SFARFS not achieve its goal? What can the successes and failures of those students, over 30 years ago, tell us about what is happening today? Listen to find out.

Credits:

Sarah M. Phillips Op-Ed Voice Actor: Grace Holleman

Gulbis/Kamber/Sheehy Op-Ed Voice Actor: Emma Specht

Gorsuch/Behringer Op-Ed Voice Actor: Matthew Lucia

Illustration: Isai Soto

Music (in order of appearance):

“The Spring” - Chad Crouch

“Neo-Noir 1” - Matthew Lucia

“The Bluff Trail” - Chad Crouch

“The Light Filtering Canopy” - Chad Crouch

“Harmony” - Alan Pilijak

“By the Pound” - Chad Crouch

“Post-Minimal 1” - Matthew Lucia

Welcome back to The Ear, The Eye’s podcast dedicated to documenting, detailing, and excavating Columbia’s history!

In this week’s episode, reporter Claudia Gohn dives into the history of Columbia’s fall break and why it coincides with Election Day each year. The Ear dives into the proposal by student senators in 1970 to create a 10-day election break and the unique circumstances that informed their debate. This episode looks at the factors that influenced the University’s decision in 1970 and then asks: What does the current 4-day election break mean for Columbia students today? Listen to find out.

Credits:

William J. McGill Voice Actor: Sam Hyman

Illustration: Jules Michaud

Music (in order of appearance):

“Window Shopping” - Podington Bear

“Cirrostratus” - Chad Crouch

“Many Hands” - Podington Bear

“Encounter” - Podington Bear

“GPiano” - Podington Bear

“Black Is the Color” - Podington Bear

Welcome back to The Ear, The Eye’s podcast dedicated to documenting, detailing, and excavating Columbia’s history!

In this week’s episode, reporter Briani Netzahuatl delves into the relationship between Columbia University and the surrounding neighborhoods of Morningside Heights and West Harlem by examining three key moments: the University’s move uptown to its current location in 1897, the proposed construction of the Morningside Park gymnasium in 1968, and the expansion into Manhattanville in the 2000s. How can these events help us understand the effects of Columbia on the physical landscape we see today? Why is this history particularly relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic? Listen in to find out.

Credits:

McGeorge Bundy Voice Actor: Cole Cahill

Mark Rudd Voice Actor: Paul Hanna

Illustration: Natalie Tak

Music (in order of appearance):

“Five Card Shuffle” — Kevin MacLeod

“Elipsis” — Chad Crouch

“Flotsam” — Parallel Park

“Moonrise” — Chad Crouch

“Organisms” — Chad Crouch

“Rice” — Chad Crouch

“Nature Shuffle” — Ketsa

“Periwinkle” — Chad Crouch

“Frost” — Chad Crouch

“Speaker Joy” — Blue Dot Sessions

Welcome back to The Ear, The Eye’s podcast dedicated to documenting, detailing, and excavating Columbia’s history!

In this week’s episode, The Ear delves into the murder of Columbia Law professor Wolfgang Friedmann in 1972 and Columbia’s complicated Public Safety response. Reporter Cole Cahill sheds light on the role that students play in shaping these policing decisions and considers how this chapter of Columbia’s history can inform our community’s continued reaction to a strikingly similar tragedy—the death of Barnard first-year Tessa Majors this past fall.

Credits:

McGill Voice Actor: Adam Dornblum

Illustration: Robert Hunter

Music (in order of appearance):

“Running on Empty”—Chad Crouch/Podington Bear

“Pulsars”—Chad Crouch/Podington Bear

Welcome back to The Ear, The Eye’s podcast dedicated to documenting, detailing, and excavating Columbia’s history!

In this week’s episode, reporters Teresa Lawlor and Sam Hyman examine three health crises from Columbia’s history—the 1832 cholera epidemic, the 1918 influenza, and the outbreak of polio on Columbia’s football team in the fall of 1951—in order to better understand how we as a community have navigated issues of public health prior to the coronavirus pandemic. How can these three events—different in scale, symptoms, mortality, and solution—help us make sense of the global pandemic that has so dramatically reshaped our lives this spring? Listen in to find out.

Credits:

Columbia Trustees Report Voice Actor: Paul Hanna

William H. McCastline Voice Actor: Paul Hanna

Virginia Gildersleeve Voice Actor: Sabrina Hyman

New York Times Photo Caption Voice Actor: Matt Lawlor

Columbia Daily Spectator Voice Actor: Ben Lawlor

Illustration: Robert Hunter

Music (in order of appearance):

“Bagatelle Op. 119”—Ludwig van Beethoven, performed by Circus Marcus

“Lyric Pieces Op. 12 No. 2”—Edvard Grieg, performed by Circus Marcus

“Phase 2”—Xylo-Ziko

“Csm”—Podington Bear

“Steps”—Podington Bear

“Dry Air”—Podington Bear

“La Tapa Improvisada”—Circus Marcus

“Piano Sonata Op. 28”—Ludwig van Beethoven, performed by Karine Gilanyan

“Starling”—Podington Bear

“Pulsars”—Podington Bear

Welcome back to The Ear, The Eye’s podcast dedicated to documenting, detailing, and excavating Columbia’s history!

In this week’s episode, Mabel Ping-Hua Lee—a brilliant and determined leader—defies easy categorization. Reporter Victoria Li traces Lee’s life from Barnard student to first Chinese-American woman to receive a Columbia Ph.D. to suffragette to director of the First Chinese Baptist Church in Chinatown, where she spent over 40 years of her life before passing away in 1966. What inspired this fascinating and enigmatic woman, from Morningside Heights to the Church on Pell Street? Listen in to find out.

Credits:

Hu Shih Voice Actor: Simon Xu

Dean Christina Kuan Tsu Voice Actor: Susan Li

Illustration: Liza Evseeva

Music (in order of appearance):

“Peacock”—Podington Bear

“Pianoman Sofa”—Lobo Loco

“Dark Matter”—Podington Bear

“The 49th Street Galleria”—Chris Zabriskie

“Prelude No. 23”—Chris Zabriskie

Welcome back to The Ear, The Eye’s podcast dedicated to documenting, detailing, and excavating Columbia’s history!

Our new season kicks off with a story about the historical relationship between Bard College and Columbia. The Hudson Valley college’s historical association with the University was one site of undergraduate coeducational debate decades before Columbia College opened its doors to women. This episode explores the legacy of that affiliation, tracing it through the Barnard-Columbia negotiations that preceded coeducation at Columbia College.

Music Credits

“Dark Matter” -Podington Bear

“Scandal In A Flat” -Benny Carter and his Orchestra

Sensitive -Podington Bear

“Down Along The Volga” -Podington Bear

“Pretty Build” -Podington Bear

“Strikes Again!” -Podington Bear

“Gentle Heart” -Podington Bear

“Operatives” -Podington Bear

“Halter Top” -Podington Bear

“Storm Clouds” -Podington Bear

“Call Now” -Podington Bear

Women Bard from Entry

Act I: St. Stephen’s Comes to Columbia

Act II: Bard Leaves Columbia

Act III: Coeducation at Columbia