Perseverantia: Fitchburg State University Podcast Network

FITCHBURG YOUR STORY: Keep Calm and Drop the Rum - Leanna Cox

Keep Calm and Drop the Rum takes us on a buzzy dive into a fascinating -- and a little wild -- chapter of Fitchburg's temperance history. Leanna Cox wrote and narrated this story.  Leanna is a sophomore Political Science major in the department of Economics, History, and Political Science -- with a concentration in American Government/Law at Fitchburg State.***Episodes in this series were produced and edited by the students in Professor Kisha Tracy's Storytelling and the Oral Tradition course (ENGL 2890) in the Spring 2025 semester.  "Saxifrage"  is the Fitchburg Your Story theme music.  Music by Prof. Robin Dinda, Text by Prof. DeMisty Bellinger-Delfeld.  Performed by Fitchburg State University Choirs with Alanna Rantala (piano) and Prof. Jonathan Harvey (conductor).***Episode transcript here.***Additional mixing and mastering by members of the Perseverantia staff.Click here to learn more about Perseverantia. Join us for programming updates on Instagram. Or reach out with ideas or suggestions at podcasts@fitchburgstate.edu.

CLASSROOM STORIES: World Languages Bridging Communities

"World Languages Bridging Communities"  highlights a community-based effort led by Fitchburg State’s Spanish Program in partnership with the Falcon Academy. In this episode, Fitchburg State students reflect on how their Spanish skills came alive as they taught a medical Spanish lesson to local eighth graders, bridging classroom learning with real-world community needs. Their stories illustrate not only how language education fosters connection, cultural awareness, and community collaboration, but also how it offers students a meaningful rite of passage—an opportunity to stand before their community as leaders and educators, using their knowledge to make a tangible impact.This special release has been timed with the nationwide celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.  Between September 15 through October 15, the university celebrates the contributions and influence of the Hispanic community to our history and culture through a series of entertaining and informative events***For more information on the Medical Spanish Certificate program, visit:https://www.fitchburgstate.edu/academics/programs/medical-spanish-certificate***Show transcript can be found here.***This episode was directed and produced by Prof. Karina Bautista, of the Humanities Department, in collaboration with the team from Perseverantia, Fitchburg State University's Podcast Network.  Adam Fournier (COMM '25) edited and mixed the episode. Field and interview recording by Adam and Prof. Kevin McCarthy of the Communications Media department.***The following Fitchburg State students participated in the production of this episode: Madison Faneuf – BiologyMelody Farell – Communications Media/FilmNathan Lagerstedt – Communications Media/Game DesignJuan Sambrano – Exercise and Sports ScienceValerie Rodríguez – Criminal JusticeJacob Walker – Criminal JusticeArturo Zuniga – Construction ManagementClick here to learn more about Perseverantia. Join us for programming updates on Instagram. Or reach out with ideas or suggestions at podcasts@fitchburgstate.edu.

FITCHBURG YOUR STORY: Echoes of the Past - Samuel Monteiro

Echoes of the Past is a storytelling deep dive into downtown Fitchburg's historic theater, all brought to life with sound and heart.  It’s about community, memory, and the places that shape us.In this episode, Samuel Monteiro speaks of the investment the university has made to renovating the Theater Block (located at 707 Main St. in Fitchburg's downtown), which opened in 1929 to vaudeville acts -- and served as a three screen cinema until it closed in 1988.Sam is a senior Criminal Justice major.***Episodes in this series were produced and edited by the students in Professor Kisha Tracy's Storytelling and the Oral Tradition course (ENGL 2890) in the Spring 2025 semester.  "Saxifrage"  is the Fitchburg Your Story theme music.  Music by Prof. Robin Dinda, Text by Prof. DeMisty Bellinger-Delfeld.  Performed by Fitchburg State University Choirs with Alanna Rantala (piano) and Prof. Jonathan Harvey (conductor).***Episode transcript here.***Additional mixing and mastering by members of the Perseverantia staff.Click here to learn more about Perseverantia. Join us for programming updates on Instagram. Or reach out with ideas or suggestions at podcasts@fitchburgstate.edu.

FITCHBURG YOUR STORY: Clover in the City - Michael Kelly

In this episode, Michael Kelly talks about the many contributions made by Irish immigrants who moved to Fitchburg, creations made by Irish immigrants, the overall impact of the cultural heritage of Fitchburg -- as well as his own relationship to his Irishness.Michael is a senior Business Administration major with a concentration in Management.***Episodes in this series were produced and edited by the students in Professor Kisha Tracy's Storytelling and the Oral Tradition course (ENGL 2890) in the Spring 2025 semester.  "Saxifrage"  is the Fitchburg Your Story theme music.  Music by Prof. Robin Dinda, Text by Prof. DeMisty Bellinger-Delfeld.  Performed by Fitchburg State University Choirs with Alanna Rantala (piano) and Prof. Jonathan Harvey (conductor).***Episode transcript here.***Additional mixing and mastering by members of the Perseverantia staff.Click here to learn more about Perseverantia. Join us for programming updates on Instagram. Or reach out with ideas or suggestions at podcasts@fitchburgstate.edu.

FITCHBURG YOUR STORY: A City Reborn - Jordan Cummings

In A City Reborn, Jordan Cummings tells a tale of a city with a history of industrial strength and today, an inspiring tale of rebirth.Jordan is a senior Communications Media major.***Episodes in this series were produced and edited by the Fitchburg State University students in Professor Kisha Tracy's Storytelling and the Oral Tradition course (ENGL 2890) in the Spring 2025 semester.  "Saxifrage"  is the Fitchburg Your Story theme music.  Music by Prof. Robin Dinda, Text by Prof. DeMisty Bellinger-Delfeld.  Performed by Fitchburg State University Choirs with Alanna Rantala (piano) and Prof. Jonathan Harvey (conductor).***Episode transcript here.***Additional mixing and mastering by members of the Perseverantia staff.Click here to learn more about Perseverantia. Join us for programming updates on Instagram. Or reach out with ideas or suggestions at podcasts@fitchburgstate.edu.