Curiosity Podcast to inspire and open minds

When college-age students turn to forms of entertainment, many look for content that won’t just keep them interested, but also allow them to think differently. The “Curiosity Podcast” does just that. 

The podcast was Communications Prof. Dave Engen’s idea, but it’s become a student-run podcast where students are free to discuss any subject that crosses their minds. Producer Katie Danhof said the podcast’s name correlates with the podcast’s theme, which is to stay curious about everything.

“I feel like when we open our minds and we’re curious, we’re less judgmental, we have less bias and we’re more willing to listen to each other and have open conversations,” Danhof said.

Danhof’s responsibilities as a producer are to coordinate schedules, find roles that utilize students’ skills and help bring story ideas to the table. As the podcast enters its third season this fall, Danhof said its structure has improved.

“Early episodes were student projects which was cool and great, but now we have a team and we focus on specific topics each week,” Danhof said. 

As podcasts increase in popularity as a form of entertainment, Danhof said this one’s diverse team and topics set it apart.

“We’re a very diverse campus, so I think having that variety opens up conversations,” Danhof said. “For example, we have a grad student and a first-generation student on our team. It emphasizes what our values are.”

Producer Jessica Pastrana said she joined the “Curiosity” team after being encouraged to get involved with a project relating to communications. She said her favorite part of being on the Curiosity staff is the community they’ve built.

“It’s so fun to me,” Pastrana said. “We have so many laughs where we have to cut out two minutes worth because it’s just too funny.”

Danhof said her favorite part is the moments before recording an episode.

“When we’re on a podcast, we want to sound more formal and put together. It can be a little daunting to put on the headphones and speak into a microphone,” Danhof said. “Being in the same room with all these people and getting comfortable with each other and talking casually is my favorite part.”

Episodes are between 25 to 30 minutes in length, a decision made to keep student’s attention.

“We want to have enough time to get our message out, but we don’t want it to be too long where they don’t want to invest in listening to it,” Danhof said. “Twenty-five to 30 minutes has been that sweet spot for people where they can listen to it when they are doing homework or washing dishes.”

Topics covered by the team range from student and faculty interviews to advice episodes. Future episode plans include street interviews and highlighting favorite spots on campus.

Danhof said she hopes listeners of the podcast help foster conversations and encourage students to engage in more interactions. 

“I think in this day and age, loneliness is becoming a huge program, especially among young adults because we have our phones, homework, TV, all these things to distract us, but we’re not making those human connections that really bring us to life and encourage us and foster growth,” Danhof said. 

Pastrana said she hopes students take out what they need from listening to the podcast.

“Whether it’s advice or switching majors or if they’re looking for a sense of community, they can find it all on the ‘Curiosity’ podcast,” Pastrana said.

“Curiosity” is available to listen to on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. For those looking to join the podcast, students can contact their Instagram @curiositypod_mnsu or david.engen@mnsu.edu.

Caption: Curiosity Podcast for college-age students discusses a variety of topics. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify services(LOGAN SCHLOSSER/The Reporter).

Write to Emma.johnson.5@mnsu.edu