Getting into Columbia is hard. Getting into its top finance clubs? Even harder. So what determines who gets in? What do these organizations do? And why is membership so coveted? Spectator audio reporter Antara Kshirsagar spoke to three finance club leaders about their ultra-competitive recruitment process, internal organization, and exclusive social networks that contribute to their professional growth on campus and beyond. ​​Credits• Edited by Melina Nath• Produced by Eesha Ramanathan• Music by Matthew Lucia and Eva Scholz-Carlson• Illustration by Ramona DelyserFollow us on Instagram @SpectatorPodcasts and check out our other episodes!

Walking through one’s college campus can evoke many memories. For this NSOP edition of Pod-Tone-292, Amelia Harris, BC ’25, and Rohan Soni, CC ’25, joined Spectator on a walk around Columbia, where they shared their college stories and advice for incoming Columbia students.Credits:• Reported by Melina Nath and Namya Manghnani• Edited by Luisa Sukkar• Produced by Melina Nath• Music from Eva Scholz Carlson, Christina Li, and Matthew Lucia• Illustration by Ramona DelyserFollow us on Instagram @SpectatorPodcasts and check out other episodes on the Spectator website!

In this election edition of Pod-Tone 292, reporters Luisa Sukkar and Nicole Sandrik-Arzadi speak with the treasurer of Columbia Democrats, the largest political organization at Columbia University. They discuss uncommitted voters, the factors influencing students’ decisions to vote this election cycle, and the organization’s strategies to increase voter turnout. ​​Credits • Edited by Sophia Cordoba • Produced by Eesha Ramanathan • Music by Eva Scholz-Carlson, Matthew Lucia • Illustration by Macy Sinreich  Follow us on Instagram @SpectatorPodcasts and check out our other episodes!

Embark on a journey underground with Columbia students sharing their subway escapades! In this episode of Pod-tone 292, reporter Kelly Warner interviews Columbia students about their interesting subway experiences. ​​Credits • Edited by Sophia Cordoba • Produced by Eesha Ramanathan & Claire Schnatterbeck • Music by Matthew Lucia & Eva Scholz-Carlson • Illustration by Conner Sud Follow us on Instagram @SpectatorPodcasts and check out our other episodes!

Navigating the transition to Columbia’s campus can pose challenges for its approximately 838 new transfer students annually. In this episode of the Pod-Tone 292 Miniseries “Columbia Crash Course,” host Nicole Sandrik-Arzadi welcomes six Columbia transfer students to share their experiences with prospective and incoming transfers. ​​Credits • Edited by Lara-Nour Walton and Sophia Cordoba • Produced by Eleanor Mary-Anne Moseley • Music by Matthew Lucia • Illustration by Carlos Ochoa Follow us on Instagram @SpectatorPodcasts and check out our other episodes!

Since fall 2023, JJ’s Place has been open near-daily for 22 hours. This leaves plenty of time for fascinating conversations, from the students searching for post-party snacks to those who need fuel for study. Join Reporter Luisa Sukkar in hearing their stories from 9:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. Credits • Edited by Sophia Cordoba • Produced by Julia Hay • Music by Murat Gulcelik • Illustration by Conner Sud Follow us on Instagram @SpectatorPodcasts and check out our other episodes!

In this special Homecoming episode of Pod-Tone 292, senior staff reporter Alicia Theologides Rodriguez sits down with Columbia and Barnard students to uncover their feelings about school spirit. Are these Lions ready to roar at football games? Or would they rather find community in other ways? ​​Credits • Script Edited by Claire Schnatterbeck • Produced by Julia Hay • Music by Murat Gulcelik • Illustration by Conner Sund Follow us on Instagram @SpectatorPodcasts and check out our other episodes!

For this LGBTQ History Month special episode, reporter Natalie Goldberg highlights The Bush, New York City’s newest lesbian bar. Following up from last year’s “The Last Lesbian Locales in New York City,” Natalie reflects on the importance of queer bars as spaces for both fun and community building. ​​Credits • Edited by Claire Schnatterbeck • Produced by Natalie Goldberg • Music by Eva Scholz-Carlson Harp Transition Music Cue by Pixabay  • Illustration by Olya Sukonrat Follow us on Instagram @SpectatorPodcasts and check out our other episodes!

Columbia seeks to better students’ minds, but does it really? Columbia is rooted in an academically and socially rigorous culture that pervades all aspects of daily life and can be straining to students’ mental health—and it needs to be talked about more. What are the mental health experiences of Columbia students? In this episode of Pod-Tone 292, reporter Kelly Warner explores these questions. ​​Credits • Script edited by Claire Schnatterbeck • Audio produced by Matthew Schwitzer • Music by Christina Li • Illustration by Cassie Wang Follow us on Instagram @SpectatorPodcasts and check out our other episodes!

International students face a variety of challenges, from adapting to different educational styles, to confronting language and cultural barriers, but navigating visa concerns is perhaps the most daunting. Audio reporter Abby Thayananthan speaks to four international students to understand some of the challenges they face and their experiences as international students considering their future. ​​Credits: • Script edited by Claire Schnatterbeck • Audio produced by Justin Chan • Music by Obi Okoli • Illustration by Chiara GuigouFollow us on Instagram @SpectatorPodcasts and check out our other episodes!