Student projects live on thanks to this RTA Media podcast
Fourth-Year RTA Media Production student Sam McNulty is on a mission to showcase the audio projects created by her peers in the RTA Media Production program.
Bounced producer and host Sam McNulty created podcast episodes at home over the summer
During the summer of 2021, McNulty spent dozens of hours scripting, interviewing, tagging, storyboarding, and sound editing to not only produce but also host a new podcast called Bounced (external link, opens in new window) , a six-part series that spotlights the audio production work of RTA Media students through a unique blend of auditory themes and experiences.
The idea began with Lori Beckstead (opens in new window) , RTA Media professor and director of the Allan Slaight Radio Institute, (external link, opens in new window) who offered students in ‘The Art of Podcasting’ (RTA 996) (opens in new window) the chance to apply for a job to host and produce a podcast meant to highlight the audio work of RTA Media students. McNulty secured the job and soon began to map the episodes, devise a name, and begin research.
Projects featured in the podcast are sourced from RTA Media Production audio course submissions, CJRU 1280 AM (the university’s campus and community radio station), Spiritlive Radio (a 24/7 internet broadcaster produced by students) and work submitted by students in the program.
Episodes follow differing formats including interview style, radio show, roundtable discussion, etc., to provide an amplifying platform for the vast range of inspired projects created by talented students. One episode provides concrete tips on how to be an great podcast presenter, offering insights on how to most effectively guide listeners. Another episode explores all things creepy, and takes listeners through scary stories, true crime, and radio dramas that use all manner of soundscapes and effects to chilling results.
We are finally able to put these works out there for a real audience, allowing students to proudly display their efforts, attract the attention of industry professionals and potential future employers
RTA Media student Yvette Sin created unique artwork for the podcast
Significantly, Bounced provides a space for student work to live on, a living resume for both McNulty and the approximately 50 students whose work is currently featured. It provides an easily accessible platform for many of the best RTA Media Production audio projects created throughout the year.
“After the final showcase at the end of the course there isn’t really a place for audio projects to live outside of the class environment,” said McNulty. “RTA Media students do so much creative work and sometimes you don’t get to see that from the outside or discover what talent and creativity lies within.”
Mobilizing knowledge through unique series
The project is the first podcast to showcase student audio creations in the program. It features interviews with students, alumni, and staff and was made possible through the collaboration of RTA Media students and faculty.
RTA Media students Anita Porgozelska and Yvette Sin
McNulty worked alongside Beckstead, the project supervisor, and Kevin Konarzewski (opens in new window) , contract lecturer and production technician who sourced much of the student material on the podcast. Fellow RTA Media students Yvette Sin and Anita Porgozelska provided the artwork and sound design (trailer, opening and sweeper effects), respectively.
The team sourced projects from 2018-2021 to showcase both the breadth of material and the professional growth of students during their time in the program.
“With a vehicle such as this podcast, we are finally able to put these works out there for a real audience, allowing students to proudly display their efforts, attract the attention of industry professionals and potential future employers, while hopefully inspiring other students to reach for or exceed the same level of excellence in their own work,” said Konarzewski.
Though McNulty’s contract ended in August, she plans to release three additional episodes this winter. She hopes that now, with a platform in place to house students’ creative endeavours, a new student can take the reins in the producers’ chair.
“I think Bounced shows what can be done with the medium,” she said. “Being immersed in the experience, I think this provides a great example of the possibilities. The wow-factor of podcasting is meeting all these interesting people and seeing the amazing work they do.”
Take a listen to Bounced via Apple Podcasts (external link, opens in new window) , Spotify (external link, opens in new window) , Amazon Music (external link, opens in new window) or directly from its homepage (external link, opens in new window) .
The Creative School at Ryerson University
The Creative School is a dynamic faculty that is making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Made up of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto.