Professors can make or break a class, and sometimes can even make your college experience. There are a number of highly esteemed professors at Columbia and Barnard who have developed cult followings of students. So who are the magnetic personalities shaping our community culture and their fields of study? Why have they gained traction? How did they become the person they are known as? What influences do they have in our community? By exploring the people behind the professorial personas, we will start to build a greater understanding of our Columbia community. In this episode of the new Pod-Tone 292 series “Office Hour,” host Aliza Abusch-Magder dives deep into the pedagogy of professor Marisa Solomon.

As college students, we’re approaching the weird and wonderful period of our lives that is adulthood. But the label “adult” is one that carries so much weight and we are often afraid to assign it to ourselves. In this episode of “The grownups are talking,” reporter Abby Thayananthan invites fellow students and young “adults” Ruby Lark Mendelsund and Anna Olivia Sommer to share their personal stories and thoughts about moving away from home, a catalyst for adulthood for many of us. In particular, they discuss how a geographical shift, or lack thereof, may impact one’s perception of their own independence and adulthood, and they compare perspectives from their own distinct lives. 

In this episode of the Pod-Tone 292 series “Fake Names, Real Love,” host Natalie Goldberg interviews “Jamie,” a Columbia College sophomore, about being outed to her conservative Catholic parents during her first relationship with a woman. She describes the imbalance of desire within her relationship, the extreme reaction that her parents had after finding out she was a lesbian, and her take on dating while closeted versus out. In listening to Jamie’s story, we take a deep dive into how wanting versus being wanted plays a significant role in lesbian sex and relationship dynamics, and the emotional turmoil that unsupportive parents can cause. 

In this episode of the Pod-Tone 292 series “Fake Names, Real Love,” host Natalie Goldberg interviews “James,” a Columbia College sophomore, about what hooking up with his boarding school roommate taught him about his own sexuality. He describes the buildup to the moment and the covert hands in a dark room, and plays up the scandal—they were both in long-term relationships with women. In listening to James’ story, we take a deep dive into the blurred line between romantic and platonic relationships among queer people.

In this episode of the Pod-Tone 292 series “Fake Names, Real Love,” host Natalie Goldberg interviews “Serena,” a Columbia College junior, about her experience dating an older man she met on Seeking Arrangement. Serena tells us about the extravagant dates that he takes her on, the benefits of dating older men, and whether or not “daddy issues” play a role in her dating preferences. In listening to Serena’s story, we take a deep dive into the ways that power and control play into relationship dynamics, especially between younger women and older men. Credits: •Hosted by Natalie Goldberg •Produced by Matthew Schwitzer •Music by Obi Okoli •Illustration by Liza Evseeva

In this episode of the Pod-Tone 292 series “Fake Names, Real Love,” host Natalie Goldberg interviews Georgia, a sophomore at Barnard, about her recent experience getting ghosted. Georgia discusses how her parental trauma and abandonment issues inform the way that she interacts with men, and offers a fascinating perspective on how to deal with losing someone you care about. This episode contains mentions of self-harm, suicide, mental illness, and emotional abuse, so please listen with caution. Credits: • Hosted by Natalie Goldberg • Produced by Matthew Schwitzer • Music by Obi Okoli • Illustration by Liza Evseeva

While Columbia students were stuck at home because of the pandemic during the past year, many had to turn to the Internet for meeting new friends and engaging with the Columbia community. As campus opens back up, friends are reuniting for the first time in person. In this episode of Pod-Tone 292, host Claire Schnatterbeck explores the question: Are these online connections translatable to the offline world? Credits • Hosted by Claire Schnatterbeck • Produced by Chase Cutarelli • Music by Matthew Lucia • Script edited by Sam Hyman • Illustration by Noelle Hunter

Overwhelmed by the prospect of joining clubs and activities at Columbia? Then this is the podcast for you! In this episode of the Pod-Tone 292 miniseries Columbia Crash Course, host Avery Reed, BC ’24, brings on a variety of Columbia students to discuss how to navigate the school’s daunting club scene. Credits: • Hosted by Avery Reed • Produced by Sam Hyman • Music by Matthew Lucia • Illustration by Carlos Ochoa

Craving a good slice of pizza? How about the best slice of pizza? Host Sam Hyman brings on Michael Sepulveda to talk about the finest pizza joints both near campus and in New York City. Credits: • Hosted by Sam Hyman • Produced by Sam Hyman • Music by Matthew Lucia • Illustration by Carlos Ochoa

Interested in joining Greek life at Columbia? In this episode of the Pod-Tone 292 miniseries “Columbia Crash Course,” host Natalie Goldberg speaks with fraternity, sorority, and general community members to help you decide whether Greek life is right for you. Credits: • Hosted by Natalie Goldberg • Produced by Sam Hyman • Music by Matthew Lucia • Illustration by Carlos Ochoa