Real College Podcast

“Behind the Mask: the Halloween Episode”
In this Halloween special from Real College Podcast, our team explores how the Twin Cities celebrate the season — from haunted houses and horror films to festive community events on & off campus. We meet the people who keep the spirit of Halloween alive and discover how creativity, culture, and a little bit of fright come together across the region.
First, Alexandra Denisova learns about what it takes to run a haunted house. Next Bianca Caputo tells us about a new form of trick-or-treating that’s bringing communities together in unexpected ways. Then, Vanessa Pham discusses the ghosts of Anoka County, where history and legend intertwine. After that, Hayden Lessiter talks with film experts about our obsession with horror films. And lastly– Vincent Kallstrum visits the U of M’s Bell Museum to learn about how it  is staying festive for the season.
Alexandra Denisova – “A Haunted House into a Haunted Home”Bianca Caputo – “A New Twist on Trick-or-Treating”Vanessa Pham – “Ghosts of Anoka County”Hayden Lessiter – “The Horror Film Craze”Vincent Kallstrum – “Funky Friends”
Hosted and produced by Anna Adamson. Cover art by Claire Revier. 

“From Lebanon to Palestine: Spotlight on Arab Cinema”
In this episode of Real College Podcast, our team of reporters visited the long-running Twin Cities Arab Film Festival to showcase stories that span borders and generations. Anna Adamson speaks with award-winning Palestinian filmmaker Laila Abbas about creating art under constraint— and why Palestinian stories deserve a global audience. Then, Bianca Caputo introduces us to Mizna, the Minneapolis-based Arab arts organization behind the festival. Next, Hayden Lessiter and Alexandra Denisova speak with Lebanese filmmaker Jihad Saade about Shapes of Normal Human Beings, a 2025 documentary born from an 8-day road trip across Lebanon. Finally, Vanessa Pham sits down with a student leader from the Arab Student Association to reflect on the experience of watching these stories unfold on the big screen, and what it means for Arab students on campus.
 
Anna Adamson – “A New Picture of Palestine”
Bianca Caputo – “Behind the Curtain”
Hayden Lessiter and Alexandra Denisova – “Road Tripping Through Lebanon”
Vanessa Pham – “Arab Student Association”
 
Hosted and produced by Anna Adamson. Cover art by Claire Revier. Special thanks to Mizna and St. Anthony Main Cinema for hosting the festival.

"Senior Year"
In this episode of Real College Podcast, we turn our attention to the people who’ve lived a few more chapters — those whose stories, insights, and presence remind us that learning doesn’t stop with a diploma. We begin in a German language class, where Hayden Lessiter talks with his 69-year-old classmate. Then, Alex Denisova explores the “grandmother hypothesis” — a scientific theory that links longevity to caretaking and community. Next, Bianca Caputo takes us to the Farm Aid concert, where longtime country music fans share what the genre means to them. And finally, Vanessa Pham sits down with a fellow college senior, reflecting on what it means to finish one phase of life while staring down the unknown of what’s next.
 
Hayden Lessiter – “Die älteren Studenten” (The older students)
Alex Denisova – “The Grandmother Hypothesis”
Bianca Caputo – “Twanging Through Time”
Vanessa Pham – “Now and Then”
 
Hosted by Anna Adamson

In this June episode of Real College Podcast, we are bringing you stories that reflect the celebration, the struggle and the enduring spirit of the LGBTQ+ community. First, reporter Bianca Caputo opens with a personal look at queer love, followed by Vanessa Pham’s exploration of what it really means to “come out” in different contexts. Then, host Anna Adamson heads into the Radio K archives for a look back at a historic milestone: the legalization of same-sex marriage in Minnesota. With stories from Radio K alumni Marcheta Fornoff and Mitch Skinner, we revisit the complexity and joy of that moment through the voices of newlyweds, officiants and musicians.
"Queer Joy" – Bianca Caputo [1:07-7:48]
"Coming Out Culture" – Vanessa Pham [8:07-16:28]
“Revisiting a Historic Yes” – Marcheta Fornoff & Mitch Skinner [17:43-29:00]

In this episode of Real College Podcast, we flip through a scrapbook of personal and cultural collections—intimate, intentional, and deeply human. Each page reveals what we choose to hold onto and why it matters. Anna Adamson tells us about the delicate art of Ukrainian pysanka eggs, and the push to preserve Ukrainian culture. Then, Saniah Bates walks us through the nostalgia and empowerment that comes with caring for Black hair. Next, Bianca Caputo interviews a lifelong doll collector. Then, Alexandra Denisova explores the quiet act of journaling. Caroline Weir visits the University Raptor Center, where baby birds of prey are cared for. Vanessa Pham reflects on the emotion behind creating playlists. Nolan Wagner wanders the aisles of a used bookstore. And finally, Hayden Lessiter drops the needle– on how records spin more than just music. 
Anna Adamson – “Preserving Pysanky”
Saniah Bates – "Curls and Care"
Bianca Caputo – "Porcelain Archive"
Alexandra Denisova – "Dear Diary"
Caroline Weir – "The Hatchling Collection
Vanessa Pham – "Track by Track"
Nolan Wagner – "Second-Hand Stories"
Hayden Lessiter – "Pressed and Preserved"

In this episode of Real College Podcast, Hayden, Vanessa, and Alex open the show with a conversation about chance encounters—those unpredictable moments that leave a lasting impact. Anna Adamson follows with a feature on Huellas Latinas, a local nonprofit building community through hiking and cultural connection. Nolan Wagner dives into the world of music sampling, exploring how artists remix the past to create something new. Bianca Caputo brings us to the Finnish Bistro, where a cozy coffee social hour helps strangers connect. Saniah Bates shares a moving story about the experiences of African American and African students at the University of Minnesota. And finally, Anshu closes the episode with a piece on stop-motion animation—and how she herself experiences unexpected chance encounters.  
 
Hayden, Vanessa, and Alex: Exploring Chance Encounters
Anna Adamson: Walking with Purpose
Nolan Wagner: The Art of Music Sampling
Bianca Caputo: Brewing Connection
Saniah Bates: Bridging Worlds
Anshu Patel: A City Trip

On this episode of Real College Podcast, we take you inside the art. Saniah Bates introduces us to Ella Beard, a rising Black artist making waves. Bianca Caputo digs into the legacy of Electric Fetus—and what new road construction could mean for the iconic record store. Nolan Wagner explores the larger-than-life Giants exhibit, featuring Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz. Hayden Lessiter breaks down the musical connections between songs and famous painters. Alex Denisova guides us through Mihail Chemiakin’s surreal world at the Museum of Russian Art, and Anna Adamson closes the show with a look at the U of M’s apparel design graduation runway show.
 
Ella Beard’s Rise - Saniah Bates
Turning Left to Electric Fetus - Bianca Caputo
Swizz and Keys’s Giants  - Nolan Wagner
A Painter’s Music Fundamental - Hayden Lessiter
The Surreal World of Mihail Chemiakin - Alexi Denisova
Student Style on Stage - Anna Adamson

In this episode of Real College Podcast, we dive into the world of scams—how they work, who they target, and why they keep happening. First, Matt Sullivan sets the stage by defining what a scam really is. Then, Anna Adamson shares the story of an artist who, instead of making money from their work, ended up paying the price. Bianca Caputo unpacks the frustration of towing, revealing why so many people walk away feeling scammed. Saniah Bates exposes deceptive practices in some hair salons, particularly how they mislead customers in the Black community. Next, Hayden Lessiter lightens things up with a deep dive into Weird Al Yankovic’s unique place in pop culture. Finally, Sidney Hall takes us into the world of sports betting, exploring its risks and allure.
Scam 101 - Matt Sullivan [08 - 5:18]
The Artist Trap - Anna Adamson [5:18 - 11:50]
Black Hair, Broken Promises - Saniah Bates [11:50 - 17:43]
Towed & Cheated - Bianca Caputo - [17:43 - 22:01]
Weird Al: The Ultimate Parody - Hayden Lessiter [22:01 - 26:32]
The Gamble of Sports Betting - Sidney Hall [26:32 - 31:34]

Food is more than just fuel - its culture, history, identity, simple enjoyment, and more. In this episode, we explore the many layers of what we eat and why it matters. Saniah Bates takes us to Soul Bowl in the North Loop to uncover its impact on Minneapolis. Anshu Patel breaks down the hidden biases behind restaurant pricing. Hayden Lessiter asks the crucial question: which song is better; Peanut Butter Jelly Time or the Chicken Wing Song? Bianca Caputo talks to urban chicken keepers amid bird flu and soaring egg prices. Anna Adamson explores how one school supports Muslim students during Ramadan, and Sidney Hall celebrates Pi Day. Plus, deep dives into MM...FOOD by MF DOOM and Chocolate and Cheese by Ween, courtesy of Ben Refsell and Nolan Baker.
 
Bowlful of Soul - Saniah Bates [0:41 - 6:29]
The Price of Taste - Anshu Patel [6:29 - 10:38]
MM Food - Ben Resfell [10:38 - 14:55]
Snack-Sized Songs - Hayden Lessiter [14:55 - 18:45]
Urban Roost - Bianca Caputo [18:45 - 23:33]
Chocolate and Cheese - Nolan Baker [23:33 - 27:08]
Pi and Pie - Sidney Hall [27:08 - 31:47]
May Day’s Second Act - Matt Sullivan [31:47 - 38:04]
School, Sunset, and Suhoor - Anna Adamson [38:04 - 43:51]

Real College Podcast covered the debut of the Black European Film Festival (BEFF) in Minneapolis and St. Paul, where screenings showcased works by Europe’s most prominent Afro-descendant filmmakers. Bianca Caputo reported on films featured at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Saniah Bates spoke with a director about his film and its call to reflect. Sidney Hall reviewed a silent film about a Jamaican-born engineer contracted by the Soviets. Finally, Anna Adamson interviewed a director about her film, which she describes as a critical love letter to Austria.
 
Films at the MIA - Bianca Caputo [1:02 - 5:55]
Reflection Through Film - Saniah Bates [5:55 - 12:39]
Black Skin (1930) with Live Band - Sidney Hall [12:39 - 18:00]
A Critical Love Letter to Austria - Anna Adamson [18:02 - 24:37]