For my Media Scholars Practicum, I chose to continue and expand a preexisting project of mine, that being my podcast, The Comic Book Book Club (CBBC). It is a weekly podcast where my cohost, Kendra Fourte, and I alternate between reading and discussing specific comic story arcs and discussing more general comic book topics or news. As well as being uploaded to streaming services like Spotify, YouTube, and Google Podcasts, the show is recorded live via UMD's on campus, student run radio station, WMUC.
​
Initially, I joined WMUC not looking to be a DJ, but instead preferring to work behind the scenes in some regard. However, after sharing the concept I had been ruminating on since high school of what would become CBBC with some of the more experienced members, I was encouraged to apply to be a DJ, as my show idea was one that was unique to the station. I would highly recommend WMUC for any future students who are looking for a place to do their practicum, as well as a place to express themselves creatively. More information on how to join the station can be found on their website (wmuc.umd.edu).
​
I learned much from my practicum experience, including how to make a good podcast and about myself. In more specific terms, I learned a lot about how a radio station functions, especially since my time at WMUC spanned the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. I had a front row seat to watch the engineers build an entirely new system that allowed DJs to broadcast their shows remotely without having to step foot into the station. I also learned how to record and edit audio, specifically using the free software Audacity. In regards to recording, I had to learn what makes a good microphone and how to construct a good recording space. Broadcasting the show live provided unique challenges; typically, when recording a podcast, the hosts can pick and choose which parts are kept and which can be cut out, but since our show was made live, we did not have that luxury. The nature of my practicum being a podcast allows for a greater amount of reflection, as I can listen back to earlier episodes at any time. Comparing the most recent episodes with our first few, there are glaring improvements in sound quality, editing, and chemistry between cohosts.
​
The practicum experience also let me grow as a person. As is evidenced by the home page of this website, I am a White man, and my cohost Kendra is a Black woman. Our different experiences and worldviews resulted in much more interesting and nuanced discussions than if I had produced CBBC on my own. Our discussions made me regularly reconsider my own thoughts and actions as both a person and as a comic fan. This is best evidenced by one of our most recent episode, linked below, in which we discuss a story arc from the period of time when Sam Wilson was operating as Captain America (If the embedded player does not work, click here). The story arc, and this episode, cover the heavy topics police brutality and race relations in America. I can say with full confidence that I would not have been able to cover this storyline in CBBC's early days.
The experience of producing a podcast and being an active member of a radio station will impact my career moving forward. Though it will most likely never be a source of income, I will continue to make new episodes of CBBC as long as I can find interesting comics to talk about. The audio recording and editing skills I had to learn will also serve me in the future if I end up working in radio after college. Being a radio DJ has also honed my preexisting skills as an entertainer and host, skills that will benefit me if I intend to pursue any sort of career in entertainment.
You can find my resume by clicking the button below.
For the rest of my time at UMD, I intend to complete my degree in computer science with a minor in classical mythology. I will continue to be an active member of WMUC, including being a DJ and Assistant Live Music Director at the station. I have recently joined a theatre troupe called Kreative, and have been elected to the position of Assistant Artistic Director for it.
​
After graduating, my dream is to enter the video game development industry, but barring that, I would be content with any well-paying position that utilizes the skills I gained by attending UMD. I will most likely continue producing episodes of CBBC, though whether or not they are broadcasted live depends on how far away from WMUC my career takes me. Regardless, this experience is one that I will appreciate for the growth and creative fulfillment it allowed for the rest of my life.