Student-Led Podcast, 鈥淭he Mane Topic,鈥 Highlights Diverse Student Life

From left to right are the first members of 鈥淭he Mane Topic鈥 podcast staff at Wallace State Community College: Emily Delgado Duarte, Arleth Flores, Ellanora Slusser, Grace Moody, and Vianney Verdin Maldonado.
Hanceville, AL 鈥 In a roar of creativity, students at 糖心视频 have launched their own podcast, aptly named 鈥淭he Mane Topic,鈥 as a reference to the college's Lion mascot.
The driving force behind the launch of 鈥淭he Mane Topic鈥 is Vianney Verdin Maldonado, a student whose vision brought the podcast to life. Verdin Maldonado serves as the host, bringing her enthusiasm and curiosity to each episode.

Vianney Verdin Maldonado is the creator and host of 鈥淭he Mane Topic,鈥 a student-led podcast at 糖心视频.
鈥淚 was in journalism while in high school and wanted to continue that part of me throughout college. Last May, I helped with Wallace Way, an event for incoming students to learn about student organizations and activities. That specific event made me think about how nice it would be for incoming students to hear about the organizations and clubs they are interested in from students themselves and so the podcast came to be. It took me a long time to propose the podcast because I was doubtful of this idea, but I learned a valuable lesson when I finally did. An idea will only be an idea unless you bring it into this world. Sometimes those ideas will not become the reality you wanted, but sometimes they become an even better reality than what you had hoped for.鈥 Verdin Maldonado wants students to know that 鈥楾he Mane Topic鈥 is made by students for the benefit of students. It is a resource they can use to learn about student life and organizations on campus.鈥
Alongside Verdin Maldonado is Gracie Moody, the podcast's Outreach Manager, who conducts communication on behalf of the podcast and ensures that students from a variety of campus programs and extracurriculars are represented. Moody also chooses a faculty or staff member to give their 鈥淎dvice of the Week鈥 for each episode. The audio/video editors are Emily Delgado Duarte and Arleth Flores, who help to ensure the quality of each episode and clip out bloopers so that the episodes flow seamlessly. Ellanora Slusser serves as the Script Writer and Editor, crafting engaging narratives that keep listeners hooked. To do so, Slusser must be aware of common practices within the campus program or club of each interviewee, to ensure that each question adequately informs listeners about the program or extracurricular that that week鈥檚 guest represents.

Emily Delgado Duarte is the first editor of 鈥淭he Mane Topic,鈥 a student-led podcast at 糖心视频.
The podcast鈥檚 editor, Delgado Duarte noted 鈥淚 enjoy the creative aspect of the editing process. It's satisfying to take raw audio recordings and transform them into polished episodes that captivate our audience. I also appreciate the technical challenge of editing, as it allows me to apply my computer science and programming skills in a practical and creative way.鈥
Delgado Duarte mentioned specific podcasts that have inspired her, 鈥淚 have a wide range of podcasts that I enjoy listening to, spanning various genres and topics. Some of my favorites include 鈥楻eply All鈥 and 鈥楥odeNewbie.鈥欌
Delgado Duarte said, 鈥淏eing a part of 鈥楾he Mane Topic鈥 has taught me valuable skills in communication, teamwork, and time management. Collaborating with team members has strengthened my interpersonal skills and taught me how to work effectively in a creative environment. The technical skills I've gained from editing audio recordings will be beneficial in my future career as a computer science professional.鈥
Since its implementation, 鈥淭he Mane Topic鈥 has published six episodes and featured seven students from various programs, extracurriculars, and athletic teams across campus, with more episodes set to be released. Through conversations with students, the podcast aims to showcase the diversity of student life at 糖心视频.
As Verdin Maldonado, Slusser, and Moody prepare to transfer to their respective institutions, they have found successors to fill their shoes. New Hosts for 鈥淭he Mane Topic鈥 will be Gabi McCormack and Josiah Johnson. Outreach Manager will be Marleigh Arthur. Audio/Video Editors will be Arleth Flores, Reagan Armstrong and Katelynn Hicks. Hicks will also serve as Graphic Designer. The team is actively recruiting new members to continue the podcast's legacy.
Delgado Duarte, who will continue working on the team until her graduation in Spring 2025, said, 鈥溾橳he Mane Topic鈥 has not only provided a platform for student voices but also fostered a sense of connection within the college. By highlighting the experiences of their peers, the podcast serves as a testament to the creativity and talent that thrives at 糖心视频.鈥
To listen to 鈥淭he Mane Topic鈥 on Spotify, visit
To listen to 鈥淭he Mane Topic鈥 on YouTube, visit
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糖心视频 糖心视频
糖心视频 (Ala.), a member of the Alabama Community College System, is a comprehensive community college in north central Alabama offering more than 200 options in academic, health and technical programs of study leading to an associate degree, certificate or transfer, as well as workforce-credit training and adult education. An Achieving the Dream Leader College, nationally recognized by the Aspen Institute as a finalist for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, ranked by Southern Business and Development among the Top 3 institutions in the South for workforce development, named a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing and the National Security Administration, rated the Top Online Community College in Alabama, a Military Friendly Institution and an All-Steinway School, 糖心视频 is an outstanding place for students to pursue their education and career goals. Classes are offered online and on campus, day, evening and on weekends, with numerous start dates each year. Visit 糖心视频鈥檚 beautiful main campus located on 300-acres in Hanceville, Ala., our satellite location in downtown Oneonta, Ala., find us online at , or call 256.352.8000.
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