Real College Podcast

In this episode of Real College Podcast we explore the many ways artists find their voices— from underground music scenes to theatre stages. Anna Adamson opens the episode with the story of nu nova, a local rapper who got his start performing at open mics and secretly recording music in his brother’s room. First up, Alexandra Denisova interviews artists at South by Southwest (SXSW). Next, Hayden Lessiter shares the story of a local indie rock band and the realities of building a music community close to home. And finally, Gimmick Doboszenski gives us a peek into what it’s like being an actor.
Alexandra Denisova – “SXSW 2026”Hayden Lessiter – “Interview with Kilroy ”Gimmick Doboszenski – “Break a Leg!”
Hosted and produced by Anna Adamson.

In this episode of Real College Podcast, we are exploring some of the practices that mankind has taken part in to experience and appease the supernatural, as well as discussing preparations for what lies ahead.First, Gimmick Doboszenski provides some history of some well known lucky charms, and interviews some of the folks at RadioK to figure out what they consider lucky. Next, Hayden Lessiter interviews two UMN PhDs in History about superstition in the Middle Ages. Finally, Alexandra Denisova takes a dive into taboos around talking about death, and how people can cope with loss.Gimmick Doboszenski — "Lucky Charms"Hayden Lessiter — "As above, so below"Alexandra Denisova — "Let's talk about death"Hosted and produced by Alexandra Denisova and Hayden Lessiter

From student life and seasonal depression to Native history and DJs, this retrospective episode highlights the wide range of voices and conversations from the past few months. 
First, we hear two stories from former reporter Bianca Caputo, recorded just before her graduation from the University of Minnesota. Next, Hayden Lessiter examines Native history and the deeper conversations surrounding Thanksgiving and Columbus Day that often go beyond what many of us were taught growing up. Then, Alexandra Denisova looks into the ongoing debate around Daylight Saving Time and how seasonal depression affects Minnesotans in unexpected ways. To close out the episode, we’re sharing a clip from Mary Lucia, longtime Twin Cities radio personality. After returning to radio as Radio K’s program advisor in 2024, Lucia shares advice and reflections with the next generation of student DJs.
Bianca Caputo – “Family Recipes”Bianca Caputo – “The Grocery Shopping Dilemma”Hayden Lessiter – “Spotlight on Native History”Alexandra Denisova – “Darkness & Daylight Savings”Mary Lucia – “Advice for Student DJs”
Hosted and produced by Anna Adamson.

In this episode of Real College Podcast, we’re hitting the road with stories about transportation and the countryside. We're going everywhere from truck stops to airplanes, farms, and back to campus.
First, Gimmick Doboszenski starts off the drive with a Fountains of Wayne music fundamental. Next, Hayden Lessiter brings us a story about truck stops and roadside culture. Then, Alexandra Denisova interviews a pilot and learns what it takes to fly. After that, Hayden Lessiter explores life on family farms. Finally, Alexandra Denisova brings us to the St. Paul campus for a look inside Goldy’s Smokeroom, the student-run meatpacking operation.
Gimmick Doboszenski – “Fountains of Wayne Music Fundamental”Hayden Lessiter – “Truck Stops”Alexandra Denisova – “To the Sky”Hayden Lessiter – “Family Farms”Alexandra Denisova – “Goldy’s Smokeroom”
Hosted and produced by Anna Adamson.

In this episode of Real College Podcast, we tackle a sensitive subject: math. But don’t worry — this isn’t a lesson in algebra or trigonometry. Instead, we explore why so many people grow up hating math, and how math connects to arts, culture, music and media, in ways that often go unnoticed. Through conversations with educators, researchers, and professors, our reporters examine how data shapes the world around us — and why it doesn’t have to feel so intimidating.
First, Alexandra Denisova explores where students’ hatred of math begins, and why so many people struggle to see its meaning beyond the classroom. Next, Karolyn Deiss speaks with a professor fascinated by the Nobel Peace Prize. Then, Hayden Lessiter examines the relationship between math and music theory. Finally, Bianca Caputo looks at voter behavior, media influence, and the numbers behind political engagement.
Alexandra Denisova – “Why Do We Hate Math?”Karolyn Deiss – “The Nobel Peace Prize”Hayden Lessiter – “Math & Music”Bianca Caputo – “Politics by the Numbers”
Hosted and produced by Anna Adamson.

In this episode of Real College Podcast, we’re heading into the world of sports— just not the ones you’re used to seeing in the spotlight. From bowling alleys to climbing walls, we’re exploring overlooked sports and the communities and cultures that surround them. So lace up your bowling shoes, get your climbing gear ready— (and however you prepare for karate and breakdancing) we’ve got you covered.
First, Hayden Lessiter talks with a bowling expert, diving into the skill and unexpected depth behind the sport. Next, Gimmick Doboszenski looks into rock climbing and its community. Then, Colin Nettesheim takes us into the art and athleticism of breakdancing, and finally, Alexandra Denisova gives us a peek into her karate class.
Hayden Lessiter – “Strike!”Gimmick Doboszenski – “The Culture of Climbing”Colin Nettesheim– “Breaking Ground”Alexandra Denisova – “Karate 101”
Hosted and produced by Anna Adamson.

In this episode of Real College Podcast, we spotlight The Wake Student Magazine, one of the University of Minnesota’s only free, student-run, and consistently published print magazines. Founded after 9/11, The Wake (hence, the “wake of 9/11”) has offered a space for student voices to reflect on culture, history, and identity. In today’s episode, you’ll hear from a number of writers reading excerpts of the work they’ve created for the magazine. 
First, Anna Adamson provides background on The Wake Student Magazine, exploring its origins and the role it plays on campus today. Next, Gimmick Doboszenski highlights editor-in-chief Carina Dieringer’s “Hunting Season: Confronting Our History.” Then, Alexandra Denisova brings managing editor Britta Pietila to the recording studio with “The Rise, the Fall, and the Remains of the Riot Grrrl Movement.” Finally, Hayden Lessiter discusses works from intern Karina Herrera-Cavazos and voices editor Rodrigo Rivera.
Hosted and produced by Anna Adamson. Music from Ford Mosaic Off the Record.
 

“The Help Next Door”
In this episode of Real College Podcast, we document the massive community response to ICE activity in Minneapolis and explore what mutual aid looks like when it’s happening right next door.
First, Hayden Lessiter examines what mutual aid means to Native communities in the state, and the development of a door-to-door style of neighborly aid. Next, Gimmick Doboszenski breaks down the demands of students on campus— and how students are watching out for each other. Then, Alexandra Denisova dives into our news consumption habits. After that, Ellie Burns interviews a local artist who creates protest-style visual art.
Hayden Lessiter – “What Mutual Aid Looks Like”Gimmick Doboszenski – “The Student Movement”Alexandra Denisova – “Scrolling & Organizing”Ellie Burns – “Art in Resistance”
Hosted and produced by Anna Adamson.

“What Protest Sounds Like”
In this episode of Real College Podcast, we’re bringing you stories from anti-ICE protests taking place around the Twin Cities. 
First, Anna Adamson highlights a Twin Cities group of neighbors that uses singing as a form of protest and healing. Next, Hayden Lessiter and Alexandra Denisova interview people at the January 23 protest in downtown Minneapolis. After that, Hayden Lessiter gives us historical background on how demonstrations have evolved and what they’ve sounded like across generations. Then, Gimmick Doboszenski examines protest music. Finally, Alexandra Denisova takes a look at what it takes to be a photojournalist documenting encounters with ICE agents, and the responsibility of capturing these moments as history unfolds.
Hayden Lessiter & Alexandra Denisova – “Voices from January 23 Protest”Hayden Lessiter – “Then & Now”Gimmick Doboszenski – “Songs of Resistance”Alexandra Denisova – “Through the Lens”
Hosted and produced by Anna Adamson. Cover photo by Anna Adamson.
 

In this episode of Real College Podcast, Mary Lucia sits down with Anna Adamson to discuss her new memoir, "What Doesn’t Kill Me Makes Me Weirder and Harder to Relate To."
As a popular Twin Cities DJ, Lucia lived a very public life, known for her way of connecting with listeners through a shared love of music. But for one listener, that connection became a dangerous obsession. For three years, he stalked and threatened her.
As his actions escalated, Lucia felt more and more isolated. Police responding to her 911 calls were often dismissive and others implied that being stalked was a hazard of her high-profile job. He was eventually arrested, convicted and put on probation. 
In the book, she covers all of that and more— in  her signature witty, bold and deeply relatable voice. 
Lucia was a DJ for the Current from 2005 to 2022 where she hosted the local music show "Popular Creeps", a two time Minnesota Music award winner for best locally produced show. She has since returned to radio— stepping on as the program advisor at Radio K in 2024.
 
This interview was recorded on November 19, 2025
Music in this episode is from Valeska Suratt's Off the Record performance.
Hosted and produced by Anna Adamson
Cover photo by Celine Osiemo
Youtube recording from Miriam Black & Jo Larson