Perseverantia is the Fitchburg State podcast network. Launched with its pilot content, the network features the voices, experiences, and educational and extra-curricular life of the university community, broadly defined.
The network provides support in recording, editing, production, and dissemination of podcasts produced in classwork or community activities at the university.
FalconCast
FalconCast is the inaugural series of Perseverantia: the Fitchburg State University Podcast Network, produced by students in Kevin McCarthy’s Podcasting class in spring 2023. Students are the heart of Fitchburg State, and in FalconCast they take to the mics to explore overlooked areas of campus life, including student activities, capstone projects, or people on campus whose work goes on behind the scenes. All aspects of FalconCast are student produced, right down to the show’s artwork.
Below you will find show notes and more information for each episode.
Matt Baier and Nikki McToggart introduce the inaugural season of FalconCast, a podcast that picks the brains of students at Fitchburg State University to explore their advice, adventures, and anxieties.
FalconCast was created, developed and produced during the spring semester 2023 by students in the Podcasting class at Fitchburg State University. It is the inaugural series in season one of Perseverantia, Fitchburg State’s Podcast Network.
The FalconCast series producers are Matt Baier and Nikki McToggart. Series Artwork by Nate McKenna. Music supervision and Sound Mastering by Ryan Gallagher. Transcriptions supervised and edited by McKenzie Calvao. Episode Notes edited by Egan Wolford.
Season 1 Episode Producers include students from the Communications Media department:
- McKenzie Calvao and Nick Castillo (“RA Caitlin”)
- Matt Baier, Max Eisenhaure, Jackson Texeira (“Building Blocks”)
- JJ Catalano, Alan Tadiello, Egan Wolford (“Becoming a Falcon”)
- Logan Corrado and Alexander Maggio (“Clubs and Comradery”)
- Ryan Gallagher and Dalicia Rodriguez (“My Non Biological Brother”)
- Keyloni Jackson, Nate McKenna, and Nikki McToggart (“Silver Lining”)
Prof. Kevin McCarthy is the Podcasting course instructor and one of the executive producers of Perseverantia. Questions or comments? An idea for Season 2 of FalconCast or the Perseverantia network? Please reach out podcasts@fitchburgstate.edu.
Episode teaser transcript available.
In Episode 1 of FalconCast, our hosts Nick Castillo and McKenzie Calvao interview Fitchburg State University student and Resident Assistant (RA), Caitlin Moriarty, and find out what it means to work as a undergraduate RA. From difficulties with always being on the clock to the unique connections between the RA’s, Caitlin gives us a look into how she manages her lifestyle between school and work above it all.
Caitlin Moriarty (She/They) is a sophomore student at Fitchburg State studying education and on her way to becoming a teacher. Currently, she works as a Resident Assistant for the Aubuchon Residence Hall and is soon to be the Assistant Resident Director of the building. When not at work, she enjoys hanging out with friends, watching movies, and spending time with her dog, Karma.
For more information on being an RA or housing at Fitchburg State, visit their website or contact housing directly at housing@fitchburgstate.edu.
This episode was produced by McKenzie Calvao and Nick Castillo as a part of the Spring 2023 Podcasting class at Fitchburg State University.
Episode 1 of FalconCast transcript available.
Click here to learn more about Perseverantia. Join us for programming updates on Instagram. Or reach out with ideas or suggestions at podcasts@fitchburgstate.edu.
In Episode 2 of FalconCast, our hosts Max Eisenhaure and Matthew Baier interview Fitchburg State University student Marcus Phan and find out about the Building Manager job at Fitchburg State. From his daily duties to kicking people out, and improving himself, Marcus gives us a look into what it means to be a Building Manager.
Marcus Phan (He/Him) is a junior student at Fitchburg State University studying film and on his way to breaking into the industry. Currently, he works as a Building Manager at Hammond Hall, the campus epicenter for student activity.
This episode was produced by Matt Baier, Max Eisenhaure, and Jackson Texeira as a part of the Spring 2023 Podcasting class at Fitchburg State University.
Episode 2 of FalconCast transcript available.
Join us for programming updates on Instagram. Reach out with ideas or suggestions at podcasts@fitchburgstate.edu.
In Episode 3 of FalconCast, our host Egan Wolford speaks with three Fitchburg State University student-athletes who share their unique journey through sports, academics, and life to becoming a Falcon at Fitchburg State. Matt, Cole, and Julia offer insights into how they deal with "the pressure" of their sport, what it's like to chase their dreams while maintaining love for their sport, and what it's like to be a Falcon student-athlete.
Matt Aguirre (he/him) is a junior football player for Fitchburg State University. Hailing all the way from Texas, he is a major motivator on the football team. Julia Gauvin (she/her) is a sophomore softball player for Fitchburg State University. She never thought she would play in college and now she leads the dominant Falcons softball team. Cole Archambeault (he/him) is a junior and one of the captains of the Fitchburg State University hockey team. Cole grew up in the neighboring town of Lunenburg, MA and always felt like he might become a Falcon.
This episode was produced by JJ Catalano, Alan Tadiello, and Egan Wolford, as a part of the Spring 2023 Podcasting class at Fitchburg State University.
Episode 3 of FalconCast transcript available.
Join us for programming updates on Instagram. Reach out with ideas or suggestions at podcasts@fitchburgstate.edu.
On Episode 4 of the FalconCast, our hosts Alexander Maggio and Logan Corrado interview Fitchburg State University student Dylan Mercier (he/him) and find out how to make college life easier by participating in the multitude of clubs and organizations offered on the Fitchburg State campus. Dyan gives us a look into what made him interested in joining these clubs and the upside of participating in campus life.
Dylan is a freshman at Fitchburg State University majoring in Biology with a health sciences concentration. When not in class or studying, Dylan has found comradery in the Biology Club, the Smash Bros Club, and the Pokemon Club.
This episode was produced by Logan Corrado and Alexander Maggio as a part of the Spring 2023 Podcasting class at Fitchburg State University.
Episode 4 of FalconCast transcript available.
On Episode 5 of FalconCast, Ryan Gallagher hands the mic over to his non-biological brother and fellow Class of 2023 graduate, Armando Libier. Studying Technical Theater in the Communications Media department, Armando has been an active member of the Fitchburg State University community – serving as treasurer for the Sigma Pi fraternity, building manager, tour guide, and freshman orientation leader. Armando talks about his experience in Greek Life on campus and serving as a mentor to his non-biological brothers and incoming first year students.
This episode was produced by Ryan Gallagher and Dalicia Rodriguez as a part of the Spring 2023 Podcasting class at Fitchburg State University.
Episode 5 of FalconCast transcript available here.
On this final episode of season 1 of FalconCast, our host Nikki interviews three Fitchburg State University film production students to gain a better understanding of the Communications Media film/video production concentration and their capstone Advanced Cinema Production class.
Director / Writer Sean-Michael Hibbert, Director of Photography Joey DiTavi, and actor Dave Appolon talk about the dedication that is necessary to create their film Silver Lining.
This episode was produced by Nikki McToggart, Nate McKenna, and Keyloni Jackson as a part of the Spring 2023 Podcasting class at Fitchburg State University.
Episode 6 of FalconCast transcript available here.
Perspectives
Perspectives explores the many voices of Fitchburg State’s community. Series feature conversations with students, faculty, and staff in the “Five with a Falcon” segments, or longer-form interviews with alumni.
PERSEWERANTIA? What's in a Name
What is the deal with the network name? How exactly do you pronounce it?
This episode explores the persnickety pronunciation of the network name -- which is also Fitchburg State University's motto.
Bonus episode transcript available.
Join us for programming updates on Instagram. Or reach out with ideas or suggestions at podcasts@fitchburgstate.edu.
On this bonus episode of Five with a Falcon, Paulina Torres, a class of 2023 graduate with a major in Geographic Science and Technology, talks about how her time spinning records on WXPL campus radio has helped her connect with fellow students and to her Mexican heritage, what it's been like to navigate college as a first generation student, and how her ideal DJ playlist features artists that meld both modern alternative music with traditional Latin American sounds (including two of her current favorite cumbia artists).
Tune in to Fitchburg State's WXPL through TuneIn -- or via 91.3 FM on your radio dial when in the Fitchburg area.
Five with Falcon episode transcript available here.
Perspectives is an ongoing series of Perseverantia -- featuring the voices and stories of the campus community, including alumni interviews; conversations with students, faculty, and staff; and features events. The goal of Perspectives is to allow for in-depth exploration of the experiences and issues on the minds of those teaching, learning, and working at Fitchburg State University.
Recorded in front of a live audience at Fitchburg State University on April 6, 2023, Fitchburg Speaks: Stories about What Made Us Who We Are showcases true stories from the complex and rich lives led by members of the greater Fitchburg community.
Sixteen storytellers took to the mic to generously share their stories about what made them who they are.
Today, we feature five of those stories about formative experiences living alone in the wilderness, the search for balance, overcoming adversity, finding comfort in being one's true self, and a love story spanning 57 years, a peace corps deployment, and three strikes.
- Dr. Steven Edwards, Fitchburg State Professor (2:54)
- Yer Yang, Communications Media, Graphic Design (8:08)
- Nadia Turovskiy, Rhythmic Gymnast, Dual Enrollment, Bolton MA (13:06)
- Elliot Zopatti, Communications Media, Technical Theater (17:18)
- Arthur E. Young, Peace Corps 1961 (21:34)
Fitchburg Speaks was the culminating event from a year of programming inspired by the 2022-23 Fitchburg Community Read book, Trevor Noah's memoir Born a Crime. This event was organized and sponsored by the Fitchburg Community Read Committee and its members.
Host: Elliot Zopatti
Recording engineers: Matt Baier and Adam Fournier
Episode transcript for Fitchburg Speaks (Community Read, Part 1 of 2) available here.
Recorded in front of a live audience at Fitchburg State University on April 6, 2023, Fitchburg Speaks: Stories about What Made Us Who We Are (Part 2 of 2) showcases stories from members of the greater Fitchburg community.
If you haven't checked out the first five storytellers from this episode, go back to your feed and listen (Perspectives, Ep 7, released June 26)!
Today, we hear four stories from Fitchburg State students, including a junior who tells us how his outlook on life changed profoundly thanks to the unexpected wisdom of a video game; the story of a 30-year veteran television and podcast producer whose try everything ethos and desire to teach prompted a return to school as a first year undergraduate; a second year education major whose life goal as a teacher is to create safe spaces for students who look like they do; and, the story of an English studies major who shares how learning to read was the greatest accomplishment of his life.
- Nick Castillo, Communications Media, Film/Video Production (1:48)
- Toni Magras, Communications Media, Film/Video Production (8:35)
- Caitlin Moriarty, English Secondary Education (15:12)
- Stephen Wells, English Studies/Professional Writing (20:22)
Fitchburg Speaks was the culminating event from a year of programming inspired by the 2022-23 Fitchburg Community Read book, Trevor Noah's memoir Born a Crime. This event was organized and sponsored by the Fitchburg Community Read Committee and its members.
Host: Elliot Zopatti
Recording engineers: Matt Baier and Adam Fournier
Episode transcript for Fitchburg Speaks (Community Read, Part 2 of 2) available here.
Perspectives is an ongoing series of Perseverantia -- featuring the voices and stories of the campus community, including alumni interviews; conversations with students, faculty, and staff; and features events. The goal of Perspectives is to allow for in-depth exploration of the experiences and issues on the minds of those teaching, learning, and working at Fitchburg State University.
In this episode of Five with a Falcon: Tim Lwanga, a 2023 Fitchburg State University graduate hailing from Medford, MA, talks about the transformative experience of the last four years and how he has come to value what's most important in life - helping others. A major in Psychological Science, Tim is currently on the path to graduate school and becoming a mental health counselor.
Episode transcript for Five with a Falcon: Tim Lwanga available.
Perspectives is an ongoing series of Perseverantia -- featuring the voices and stories of the campus community, including alumni interviews; conversations with students, faculty, and staff; and features events. The goal of Perspectives is to allow for in-depth exploration of the experiences and issues on the minds of those teaching, learning, and working at Fitchburg State University.
In this episode of Five with a Falcon: Jin Oakes ('24), a transfer student, shares the journey that took them to a Fitchburg State major in History with a double minor in Professional Writing and Political Science, how the campus library provides a sense of belonging and community among the stacks, and how their studies have inspired a passion for research.
Episode transcript for Five with a Falcon: Jin Oakes available.
Episode edited and mixed by Adam Fournier, a member of the Perseverantia staff, and a film/video production student in the Communications Media department.
Perspectives is an ongoing series of Perseverantia -- featuring the voices and stories of the campus community, including alumni interviews; conversations with students, faculty, and staff; and features events. The goal of Perspectives is to allow for in-depth exploration of the experiences and issues on the minds of those teaching, learning, and working at Fitchburg State University.
In this episode of Five with a Falcon, Karla Taveras Guerra ('23) joins us a day and a half before her graduation to talk about what she's learned about herself while studying Graphic Design and International Studies, how her personality differs when speaking English and Spanish, and how she found a sense of belonging while at Fitchburg State University.
Episode transcript for Five with a Falcon: Karla Taveras Guerra available.
Episode edited and mixed by Adam Fournier, a member of the Perseverantia staff, and a film/video production student in the Communications Media department.
Perspectives is an ongoing series of Perseverantia -- featuring the voices and stories of the campus community, including alumni interviews; conversations with students, faculty, and staff; and features events. The goal of Perspectives is to allow for in-depth exploration of the experiences and issues on the minds of those teaching, learning, and working at Fitchburg State University.
In this episode of Five with a Falcon, Jessica Garcia, IDIS major discusses being a “non-traditional” student at Fitchburg State, balancing her educational goals, work, and dedication to working with youth in her community with her ministry. Her story of finding her purpose in education, working with Dr. Jessica Robey, has led her to pursue an Interdisciplinary Studies degree that will help her in work, community life, and ministry. Hear about her experiences in online classes, learning as a multilingual student, and accomplishments as she progresses toward her goals.
Episode transcript for Five with a Falcon: Jessica Garcia available.
Episode edited and mixed by Adam Fournier, a member of the Perseverantia staff, and a film/video production student in the Communications Media department.
Catching Up With...Mike Grasela ('13), Communications Media, Film/Video Production
Catching Up With... is an ongoing series where Fitchburg State students talk to Fitchburg State alumni, reflecting on their time here on campus, celebrating their accomplishments and discussing how they got from here to where they are now.
In this inaugural episode of this series, Adam Fournier, a current Communications Media major, focusing on film and video production, talks to Mike Grasela, a 2013 graduate of the Film and Video Production program, about their shared passion for all things video editing as well as Mike's time at Fitchburg State.
Adam and Mike discuss how Mike took the skills he developed in the classroom to the filmmaking industry beyond, the possibility of pursuing a filmmaking career while staying in Massachusetts, and how Mike started his own successful post-production business based right in Boston – Minutemen Post – and the steps and sacrifices he had to take to get to where he is now.
This series is produced, edited, and mixed by Adam Fournier, a member of the Perseverantia staff.
If you have a suggestion for a student and alumnus that would be a good fit for the Catching Up With... series, please contact us at podcasts@fitchburgstate.edu.
Catching Up with...MIke Grasela ('13) episode transcript available.
Classroom Stories
Students come to Fitchburg State University for academic enrichment and the innovative pedagogy offered in its classrooms. Classroom Stories feature the work of students and learning communities and the exciting explorations in the content of the many disciplines available for study at the university.
In this episode of Classroom Stories: School Counselors Reflect, students from Professor Megan Krell’s graduate class, Practicum in School Counseling, in Spring 2023 reflect on what they learned about being a school counselor. Plus, Professor Krell provides some insight into the evolution of the term and the role these educational professionals play.
Find out more about Fitchburg State's MS in School Counseling as well as other graduate degrees in Human Services -- at the Behavioral Sciences department website.
Classroom Stories: School Counselors Reflect transcript.
About the Classroom Stories series:
Students come to Fitchburg State University for academic enrichment and the innovative pedagogy offered in its classrooms. Classroom Stories feature the work of students and learning communities and the exciting explorations in the content of the many disciplines available for study at the university.
Special Series: The Empty Campus
Some stories require multiple episodes to explore their many facets, and Perseverantia’s special series explore issues related to campus life, in-depth research and scholarly explorations, or longer narratives drawing from the classrooms and lives of our community. The first Special Series: The Empty Campus, features oral histories about the campus community’s experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Empty Campus: 1. Spring Break
In The Empty Campus, students in the spring 2022 Honors Seminar in History gathered thirty-six oral histories about the Fitchburg State community’s experience of the Covid 19 pandemic. They turned their research into this podcast to begin the process of reflecting on these events.
Episode 1: Spring Break explores the moment when members of the Fitchburg State community found out about the university’s indefinite closure in March 2020.
Find out more about The Empty Campus project at the Fitchburg State University Archives.
This episode was remastered for Perseverantia, in Spring 2023 by Matt Baier, a student in the Communications Media department and member of the Perseverantia staff.
Episode 1: Spring Break transcript available.
The Empty Campus: 2. College from Your Living Room
In The Empty Campus, students in the spring 2022 Honors Seminar in History gathered thirty-six oral histories about the Fitchburg State community’s experience of the COVID-19 pandemic. They turned their research into this podcast to begin the process of reflecting on these events.
Episode 2: College from Your Living Room explores how members of the Fitchburg State community attempted to continue their studies, teaching, and work from home during the spring 2020 lockdown.
Find out more about the Empty Campus project at the Fitchburg State University Archives.
This episode was remastered for Perseverantia, in Spring 2023 by Matt Baier, a student in the Communications Media department and member of the Perseverantia staff.
Episode 2: College from Your Living Room transcript available.
In The Empty Campus, students in the spring 2022 Honors Seminar in History gathered thirty-six oral histories about the Fitchburg State community’s experience of the COVID-19 pandemic. They turned their research into this podcast to begin the process of reflecting on these events.
Episode 3: The Essentials, is the next installment in the series.
When the Fitchburg State campus went silent in March 2020, it remained so for months to come. But its emptiness belied the continued pace of work and change. In Episode 3, Fitchburg State administrators, staff, faculty, and students reflect on the difficult decisions made during the pandemic all while feeling isolated.
Find out more about the Empty Campus project at the Fitchburg State University Archives.
This episode was remastered for Perseverantia, in Spring 2023 by Matt Baier, a student in the Communications Media department and member of the Perseverantia staff.
Episode 3: The Essentials transcript available.
In The Empty Campus, students in the spring 2022 Honors Seminar in History gathered thirty-six oral histories about the Fitchburg State community’s experience of the COVID-19 pandemic. They turned their research into this podcast to begin the process of reflecting on these events. Episode 4: Extracurriculars is the next installment in this series.
In Episode 4: Extracurriculars, we explore how student life continued even with the shift to remote and COVID-19 protocols, including campus culture, student activities, organizations, and athletics.
Find out more about the Empty Campus project at the Fitchburg State University Archives.
This episode was remastered for Perseverantia, in Spring 2023 by Matt Baier, a student in the Communications Media department and member of the Perseverantia staff.
Episode 4: Extracurriculars transcript available.
In The Empty Campus, students in the Spring 2022 Honors Seminar in History gathered thirty-six oral histories about the Fitchburg State community’s experience of the COVID-19 pandemic. They turned their research into this podcast to begin the process of reflecting on these events. Episode 5: Back to Campus is the final installment in this series.
In Episode 5: Back to School, students, staff, and administrators reflect on their experiences with Covid-19 policies with the return to campus in Fall 2020 and as the community looks to the endemic stage of the pandemic.
Find out more about The Empty Campus project at the Fitchburg State University Archives.
This episode was first recorded in Spring 2022. The five-part series was remastered for Perseverantia, in Spring 2023 by Matt Baier, a student in the Communications Media department and member of the Perseverantia staff.
Episode 5: Back to School transcript available.
Getting to the Point
Produced by journalists at Fitchburg State University’s student-run newspaper, The Point, this series offers behind-the-scenes and in-depth reporting about newsworthy events on campus or in the community or features longer-form conversations with newsmakers.
Season 1, Teaser: Introducing a new Podcast Series
Welcome to Getting to the Point, the college newspaper’s news podcast, where we dive deep into the stories that matter most to our campus community. And give you a behind the scenes look into the pieces that make it into your campus newspaper, The Point.
From campus events and student achievements to critical topics like social justice, sustainability and technology advancements. Our podcast covers a broad range of subjects relevant to our diverse community and the issues shaping our college experience.
In each episode will feature an exclusive interview with the prominent figures, faculty experts and fellow students who are making a difference on campus and beyond. We'll ask the tough questions and dive into the details to provide you with the insight you need to form your own opinions.
But this podcast isn't just a one way street. We want to hear from you, our listeners.
Your feedback, questions and story ideas are crucial to shaping the content we produce. Reach out to us through our website or social media platforms. Join us every week as we embark on this exciting journey of discovery, understanding and engagement. Together, let's Get to the Point.
If you're interested in working on the podcast, register for College Newspaper Production (ENGL 3830) or contact The Point.
Introducing a new Podcast Series episode transcript available.
This is the pilot episode of Getting to the Point, an affiliate podcast of The Point, the Fitchburg State student newspaper.
You may think that competing on a college level is exciting -- and it most definitely is. But what are the consequences to competing at this level? What happens to the athletes on the road to competition? What are their challenges and what support do student athletes have when it comes to the issue of mental health?
Joining host Zoe Chrisostomides ('26) on GTTP is Spenser Powell, a former student athlete who just happens to play the same sport as Zoe, soccer.
This episode was recorded in April 2023. It was produced by Toni Magras for the College Newspaper Production course taught by Prof. Wafa Unus.
If you're interested in working on the podcast, register for College Newspaper Production (ENGL 3830) or contact The Point.
We are currently accepting pitches from staff and faculty of Fitchburg State University, with plans to expand these calls soon. Stay tuned also for contexts regarding logo creation, as well as for more news about our theme music and series.
For more information, contact Associate Professor Kate Jewell kjewell1@fitchburgstate.edu and Associate Professor Kevin McCarthy kmccar13@fitchburgstate.edu.
A list of available equipment for podcast producers will be posted soon. This link tree has our website, where to subscribe, and our Instagram.
Mission and Goals
Perseverantia seeks to apply and disseminate Fitchburg State University’s unique combination of expertise in media production and engaging content creation that highlights the academic, social, and community connections and voices of the university and central Massachusetts. By leveraging existing institutional assets in faculty expertise from media production to journalism to the history of university-owned media institutions, as well as placing students at the center of content production, Perseverantia provides a foundation to incubate innovative practices and production in local media with civic and cultural benefits to students, the institution, and wider community. Funded by an Academic Innovation Grant, the pilot year seeks to establish a foundation for the expansion of the network in subsequent academic years.
- Build the infrastructure, management and personnel necessary to produce high-quality audio content featuring the work and activities of Fitchburg State University students and community members.
- Disseminate produced audio content via a new podcasting channel, featuring several series and types of content, as well as broadcast on WXPL.
- Enhance Fitchburg State University’s identity of blending enriching liberal arts and scientific inquiry with high-level professional skills and experience while strengthening connections between the institution, the city of Fitchburg, and residents in surrounding communities.
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