Real College Podcast

In this episode of Real College Podcast, our reporters are taking a look at fear for this Halloween season. First off, Gimmick takes a look at irrational fears and their psychological/sociological origins. Next, Katelyn interviews an aspiring horror writer who is developing a book series. Third, Vincent investigates a local supernatural fiction book store, and finally Alexandra documents paranormal locations around campus and interviews a professional spiritual medium.
Gimmick Doboszenski - "Irrational Fears"
Katelyn Keyes: "Horror Writing"
Vincent Kallstrom: "Other Skies Weird Fiction"
Alexandra Denisova: "A Creepy Campus"
 
Hosted and edited by Hayden Lessiter

In this episode of Real College Podcast, our reporters uncover all kinds of hidden treasures! First, Vincent Kallstrom joins UMN’s Insect Club in the forest as they collect fascinating critters for a pinning event. Next Gimmick Doboszenski attends a swing dancing event at the Wabasha Street Caves. And to end things off, Hayden Lessiter sits down with typography artist Bill Moran, whose work is currently on display at the Vatican museum in Rome. 
Vincent Kallstrom: "Insects are Cool"
Gimmick Doboszenski: "Swinging Caves"
Hayden Lessiter: "Bill Moran"
Hosted and produced by: Alexandra Denisova
 

For this episode of Real College podcast, we're starting the semester off strong by taking a look into the station that provides you with such lovely programs like Real College Podcast! Vincent Kallstrom starts us off by interviewing past members of the station and seeing what things were like back in the day. Next up Gimmick Doboszenski investigates the origins of RadioK's most beloved posters around the station. Alexandra Denisova continues by attending RadioK's Hip-hop show Vanguard and Hayden Lessiter ends things off by looking into what it's like to be a DJ at KUOM.
Vincent Kallstrom: "Alumni and their Tales"
Gimmick Doboszenski: "Plenty of Posters"
Alexandra Denisova: "Very Vanguard"
Hayden Lessiter: "DJing and Front-Desking"
 
Hosted and produced by Alexandra Denisova and Hayden Lessiter.

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.