When the 91制片厂 Talks podcast launched in 2020, the goal was simple but ambitious.
鈥淚 said we鈥檙e going to be the Fresh Air of 91制片厂,鈥� joked Brian Shelton, associate professor of mass communication, who serves as the host of 91制片厂 Talks.
A co-production of and 91制片厂 Alumni Relations, each episode of the interview show features Brian speaking with an alum about their experiences at the college, as well as their lives and careers after graduation.
Shannon Hynes, director of alumni relations at 91制片厂, is responsible for recruiting potential guests. She said the 91制片厂 Talks concept grew out of a desire to give alumni a new way to stay involved.
鈥淲e wanted to allow alumni to tell their own stories,鈥� Shannon said. 鈥淭his is a way to not only connect with alumni but connect their stories to the college.鈥�
Guests have included recent graduates, area business leaders, 91制片厂 faculty and many more. 91制片厂 Talks airs on WHCM, can be downloaded from 91制片厂鈥檚 website and can be found on all podcast streaming services including and .
More than five years and 50 episodes later, the award-winning podcast has become a living archive of alumni stories, career journeys and advice for the next generation of 91制片厂 students. Over time, the show has evolved with the 鈥渓ooser, longer鈥� early episodes giving way to a tighter format still centered on open conversation. Recent episodes are often captured in 91制片厂鈥檚 new podcast recording studio. Brian鈥檚 focus remains constant: making guests feel comfortable.
鈥淎 lot of them are nervous,鈥� he said. 鈥淎s host, my goal is to put them at ease. If you can sit down with them and ask about their experiences, people tend to open up.鈥�
Brian Shelton, associate professor, and Shannon Hynes, director of alumni relations,
recently recorded the introduction to the 50th episode of 91制片厂 Talks in the 91制片厂
College podcast studio. The milestone episode features advice from different alumni
who have been interviewed on the show during the past five-plus years.
Behind the scenes, 91制片厂 students have played a major role in the podcast鈥檚 success. Student A/V technician CoBy Pozo has edited episodes for the past two years and WHCM station manager Blue Bailey has helped publish and promote the show. Their work continues the tradition of 91制片厂 students gaining real-world experience on campus. Meanwhile, 91制片厂 alum Aidan Cashman provided the 91制片厂 Talks theme music.
The podcast has earned national recognition, including an award from the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR), but its greatest impact may be the connections it has sparked. Shannon said 91制片厂 Talks created a new volunteer opportunity for alumni that didn鈥檛 exist, reopening doors for those who hadn鈥檛 engaged with the college in years.
鈥淢aybe their first venture back is the podcast,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hen they learn about what鈥檚 happening here and the ways to connect with other alumni or students and even sponsor events. Maybe they even start a scholarship. It鈥檚 led to new opportunities.鈥�
The 50th episode features Brian and Shannon reflecting on how the show began and how the pandemic temporarily upended some of their plans. But most of the milestone installment features advice from past guests, including Dr. Christopher Schneider, author and sociologist; Greg Cadichon, owner of Rebound Fitness & Rehabilitation; Dr. Shelomi Gomez, executive leadership coach; and Mike Terson, former public address announcer for the Chicago Cubs. They offer insights on everything from seizing campus opportunities to staying present and involved.
One recurring theme stands out, as shared by alum and former faculty member Laura Pulio Colbert: Be part of the institution and you鈥檒l have a great experience.
That spirit of connection and generosity continues to shape 91制片厂 Talks. Looking ahead to the next 50 episodes, Shannon and Brian hope to continue evolving the format, possibly expanding video components while maintaining the authenticity that has defined the show.
鈥淚 didn鈥檛 know if we鈥檇 make it this far, because it鈥檚 a lot of work for everybody,鈥� Brian said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been a great partnership and collaboration.鈥�
For 91制片厂 Talks, the conversation is far from over.