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LIFE/STYLE: “Cancel Culture”

by Ian Hatcher, Meredith Topian –

“Cancel Culture” is a new phenomenon in which a person is effectively boycotted in response to some allegation. Since first popping up on social networking sites around 2017 the term has picked up major traction. In most instances where an individual is cancelled they are usually high profile celebrities. David Dobrik is latest in a long line to be cancelled, and the YouTube star has lost nearly all his sponsorships. Celebrities aren’t the only people who can be cancelled and there are multiple instances of normal people being cancelled for resurfacing evidence.

On this Life/Style podcast, Ian and Meredith discuss the origins of “cancel culture” and what it really entails. With this idea becoming more and more commonplace as the day passes they grapple with the implications of this phenomenon.

ARTS/CULTURE: Performing Arts, pandemic restrictions easing

by Juan Zapata and Madeline Quiroz-Haden–

In this Arts & Culture podcast, reporters Juan Zapata and Madeline Quiroz-Haden discuss the impact Covid-19 has had on the performance arts scene in the New River Valley. With social distancing guidelines being enforced and businesses being told to limit customer capacity, many theatres, art galleries and even student run organizations have suffered.

Zapata and Quiroz-Haden talk about how organizations are doing what they can to keep business and morale high even when the only options are to appreciate the arts virtually or 6ft apart. With virtual concerts, social distanced rehearsals and outdoor performances becoming more popular during the pandemic, it’s safe to say that while performing arts events have taken a hit due to the Coronavirus, they are finding ways to spread creativity to the community regardless.

INTERNATIONAL: Seafood fraud

by Brandon Alimanestiano, Evan Hughes-

For many seafood lovers, this edition may be quite disconcerting. According to studies and independent journalism from The Guardian, a larger than assumed proportion of seafood consumed worldwide is mislabeled – often inflated with similar, lesser value species. Some of these substitutions create a health concern among related officials.

On this International podcast episode, Brandon and Evan discuss some of the most concerning statistics from these reports; such as how approximately a third of all seafood consumed globally and in restaurants is a product of fraud. With health concerns considered, they try and figure out how this issue could be addressed.

SPORTS: Hokies Basketball welcomes a Storm

Photo via pexels.com

by Ian Hatcher, Ryan Cruze –

Storm Murphy recently announced his intentions to transfer from Wofford and use his one season of graduate eligibility for the Virginia Tech Hokies basketball team. He is reunited with Mike Young who coached the Wofford Terriers for 17 seasons. Murphy was a sophomore when Young left to become the Virginia Tech coach in 2019, but has blossomed since his departure. This last season he was First Team All-Southern Conference and averaged 17.8 points per game.

The Hokies have yet to take the court for the tournament, but with Murphy’s commitment it’s hard not to look into the future. Wabissa Bede and Cartier Diara and the only two graduating players for the Hokies. With their departures will Murphy be able to fill the void? In this podcast we’ll explore what the Hokies can expect in the upcoming season with Murphy in the fold.

LIFE/STYLE: Dietary Trends

by Kyle Graham, Juan Zapata–

A good diet can make a huge impact on somebodies life, but if not done properly, it could actually end up hurting more than it helps. There are many diets out there that if done correctly can greatly improve your health, however there are also many diets out there that make no sense but yet people still try them.

In this edition of the Newsfeed Podcast, Kyle and Juan will cover some of the popular dietary trends, how social media and celebrity influence has an impact, and lastly some of the pros and cons of dieting which includes some of the dangerous diets out there today. Most importantly, they discuss the importance of making sure that you research which diet is best for you.

ARTS/CULTURE: Debating Spotify vs Apple Music

by Madison Storm, Jillian Smith–

Millions stream music daily, and the preferences of music platforms are seemingly never ending. Two streaming services have continually held high ratings over time– Spotify and Apple Music. The question remains though, which is best?

Each platform offers similar plans in regard to pricing, with options set to best meet user needs. Many of the differences come to light when comparing access to music, new music discovery, and options for things outside of music like podcasts.

In this edition of the Arts and Culture podcast, The News Feed’s Madison Storm and Jillian Smith debate which streaming platform they think is best and why.

INTERNATIONAL: World response to U.S. Presidential Election

by Madison Storm, Reid Campbell–

With the close of the 2020 election, Joe Biden has been named the 46th President of the United States. Reactions to this news have been seen across the globe, with several international leaders offering their thoughts on the future that’s possible with Biden in the White House. Majority of these comments were positive and also offered congratulations to Kamala Harris for being the first female, first black, and first Asian American to be elected as Vice President.

Several international observers also commented on the disorderly conduct of current President Donald Trump. Criticisms over doubt cast on mail-in ballots, discriminatory statements, and falsely declaring victory were just a few of the opinions expressed.

SPORTS: NFL’s Sexual Assault Problems

football — Photo by ljv on Foter.com / CC BY-ND

by Reid Campbell, Emily Carter–

Yet again the NFL is finding itself in a controversy surrounding its handling of sexual assault cases. Antonio Brown, a star wide receiver and former New England Patriots players has been allowed back in the league despite numerous allegation of rape and an ongoing civil lawsuit filed against him for sexual assault.

This is not the first time this has happened in the National Football League. Nu merous players in the past have been accused of similar crimes, and have only been given suspensions from a handful of games, not forced out of seasons or outright banned from the league like many have called for.

The NFL has created programs in the past to change how people view the leagues handling of these situations, like a series of PSAs from 2014. In this podcast Reid Campbell and Emily Carter discuss the Brown case, prior issues in the league, and the failures of the NFL

SCI/TECH: Apple iOS Obsolescence Theory

by Jillian Smith and Emily Carter–

Planned Obsolescence is the theory that companies intentionally design products that they know will become obsolete after a short period of time. The theory states that this strategy is used to cause consumers to continue to buy new products and devices as older ones slow down or eventually stop working at all. Because Apple has recently released a new software update, iOS14, many people have already begun to speculate how this update will impact older devices.

In this science/technology podcast, Emily and Jillian discuss the ways that Apple has addressed these claims and made efforts to debunk this theory, as well as personal experiences that they have had with Apple products and their own opinions on the theory.

LIFE/STYLE: Campus ministry life during COVID

by Jillian Smith, Sarah Wormald–

Virginia Tech’s campus ministries look drastically different amidst Coronavirus complications. For example, Cru, a Christian campus ministry would usually have a large group service in Squires’ Colonial Hall every Thursday night. However, under the current circumstances, Cru is continuing their large group service online, encouraging students to have safe watch parties together.

Another ministry, Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM) is meeting in person on Tuesday nights for a socially-distanced, reduced capacity and masked service, similar to how some other ministries and churches in the area are operating.

There are elements of uncertainty when it comes to places and groups of worship during coronavirus, and those who find community in these groups will continue to adapt.