Category: Podcasts

SCI/TECH: The future of wearable technology

by Caroline Rogers and Ryan Radulski–

Wearable technology is starting to get a whole new look. It is no longer just counting steps and tracking heart rates. In this podcast episode, we take a look at the new and emerging Meta glasses and Oura rings that are the talk of the town right now in technology. 

We discuss how people across the world are using the new glasses to gain a following on social media, and how there are people on our very own campus doing the same thing. Then we dive into the Oura ring and the new health craze among Gen Z. Does it really work? Is the health tracking worth the mental craze it might cause? College students seem to think so, as it’s all people are talking about. 

SPORTS: Thrills, heartbreak for Hokies basketball

Photo credit: Dave Knachel

by James Duncan and Sophia Tarabola–

Virginia Tech basketball has delivered high-stakes ACC action over the past 10 days. The Virginia Tech women’s team notched a big road win, defeating Stanford 79-67. A key Quad 1 victory powered by a dominant third quarter and strong scoring from Carys Baker.

Not stopping there, the Hokies followed that up with another West Coast victory, topping California 68-58 in Berkeley to complete the trip sweep and strengthen their NCAA Tournament resume. The back-to-back road wins showcased Tech’s defensive intensity and balanced offensive attack at a crucial point in conference play.

On the men’s side, the Hokies earned a statement road win by beating No. 20 Clemson 76-66, snapping the Tigers’ momentum and boosting Tech’s postseason hopes. However, that energy stalled in a 67-66 loss at Miami, where Tre Donaldson scored the Hurricanes’ final 15 points and Virginia Tech’s last-second attempt fell short.

From statement wins to one-point heartbreak, the Hokies are grinding toward March with urgency, and every possession matters.

ARTS/CULTURE: Hidden tunnel linked to Underground Railroad

by JJ Hendrickson & Justin Patrick–

A hidden tunnel was found beneath a dresser in New York City’s Merchant House Museum, which is the only 19th-century home in the city that is preserved intact, both inside and out. The tunnel, which is about 2 feet wide and 2 feet long, could only be revealed by pulling the bottom drawer completely out of the dresser. 

The concealed room likely served as a safe house for slaves trying to escape by way of the underground railroad, especially during the early and mid-1800s. White abolitionists were rare in New York at the time the building was constructed in 1832, but it is believed the original owner, Joseph Brewster, was one of the few willing to help slaves find safe refuge. 

SPORTS: Way Too Early- Predicting the 2026–2027 NFL Season

by Jackson Woodling and Donovan Keyes–

In this episode, we discuss our predictions for the 2026–2027 NFL season. Months before kickoff, we break down which teams we believe have legitimate Super Bowl potential and which franchises might quietly be building something special under the radar.

One of the biggest storylines heading into the 2026–2027 season is the wave of new head coaches taking over across the league. With fresh systems, new play-calling philosophies, and revamped locker room cultures, there’s a real sense that the NFL hierarchy could shift quickly.

From bold Super Bowl picks to sleeper playoff threats, this episode is packed with hot takes, early projections, and a few predictions we might regret by midseason. If you love offseason debates and NFL speculation, this one’s for you.

SPORTS: NFL Draft Preview

by JJ Hendrickson & Thomas Callahan–

With the Seattle Seahawks defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX, the official draft order for the first round is now set. This year, the NFL Draft will be held from April 23-25, in Pittsburgh, Pa. Every draft day brings a feeling of hope for each of the 32 NFL franchises, as any one of them may select the league’s next superstar. The Las Vegas Raiders will be making the first selection of the draft, with the Jets, Cardinals, Titans, and Giants rounding out the top 5.

Fernando Mendoza leads the group of prospective NFL players, as this Heisman and National Championship-winning QB is expected to go first overall. When looking at the prospect rankings, it becomes rather apparent that the vast majority of positional needs could be filled in this draft. There’s talent all over the field, with elite edge rushers, tackles, and even a safety projected to go in the top 10. With all the talent on the board and the combine still yet to come, we won’t know who ends up where until draft day.

INTERNATIONAL: Russia’s ban on photographers

Photo by Lian Rodriguez

by Anna Payne, Justin Patrick–

Photojournalism serves as a vital tool for political transparency, capturing the reality of politics and serving as a form of communication to the public. The Russian State Duma’s recent ban on photographers, sparked by complaints of “unflattering” images, highlights the growing friction between public appearances and the public’s right to know. When photography is taken out of the equation to protect a politician’s image, the line between governance and performance begins to blur.

From the Duma’s restrictions to Christopher Anderson’s intimate Vanity Fair portraits of the Trump administration, visual storytelling remains a powerful tool for debate, truth, and outright information. These moments force a choice between objective reporting and artistic taste.