A collaboration between Columbia College’s Voiceover and Communication Department, rECHOlections is bringing articles of Echo Magazine to life. Featuring in-depth stories from the Archives of ECHO Magazine.
Today’s episode features “The Haunting of the Congress Plaza Hotel” written by Fiona-Good Sirota and narrated by Jake Demcisak. The article explores the spooky history of the Congress Plaza Hotel in Chicago. The hotel has a colorful history that includes serial killers, homicides, suicides, presidents and mafia activity.
12 Aug 2024
Masters of the Ping Pong Speakeasy
Today’s episode features “Master of the Ping Pong Speakeasy” written by Kamy Smelser and narrated by Jack Leimkuehler. Ardy Taveerasert is the head coach and director of Chi-Slam, a Ping-Pong club in Chicago. We hear from students of Taveerasert and other club members who talk about honing their craft at the ping pong speakeasy.
12 Aug 2024
Keeping Exotic Animals as Pets
This episode voices the article “Keeping Exotic Animals as Pets” written by Amina Sergazina and narrated by Reyna Parayno. We hear the stories of hedgehog breeders and reptile enthusiasts. The article describes some of the difficulties of caring for exotic animals and offers advice and warnings for those interested.
12 Aug 2024
Femme Fatales
Today’s episode features “Femme Fatales” written by Fiona-Good Sirota and narrated by Sumana Syed. The True Crime genre has exploded in popularity in the past few decades. This article explores the rise in the genre throughout movies, television, music, podcasts, and more.
12 Aug 2024
Decolonizing Spirituality
This episode voices the article “Decolonizing Spirituality” written by Camryn Cutinello and narrated by Sam Carlson. Malia Valentine meets with Indigenous communities across the country, helping them protect their land and sacred sites. The article explores some harmful outcomes resulting from cultural appropriation such as the potential endangerment of the white sage plant.
11 Nov 2023
Three Brothers, Two Lovebirds, and a Van
This episode voices the article “Three Brothers, Two Lovebirds, and a Van” written by Faith Malinowski and narrated by Baxter Spark. We hear the story of a couple who met through a shared love for adventure and became the first customers of Van Life Chicago. What's more, we learn how the rise of “van life” led three brothers to a unique business opportunity.
“You have this vision of this person going and camping on a cliff overlooking the ocean. That hasn’t really happened yet”—Doug Cigliana
28 Oct 2023
How Magician Paige Thompson Flirts with ‘Death’
This episode features Echo Magazine article “How magician Paige Thompson flirts with ‘death’ in her illusionary stage performances” written by Kamy Smelser. This article describes some of Paige Thompson’s most dangerous magic tricks while giving insight into her thoughts and fears about performing. Paige shares her frustrations regarding treatment of women in the magician’s profession.
“I wasn’t an escape artist in any way. I just had to figure it out and be like, ‘I want this to look good. I want it to look real’” —Paige Thompson
28 Oct 2023
The Knead to Know
Today’s episode features Echo Magazine article “The Knead to Know” written by Faith Malinowski. This article follows ‘The Food Guy’, Steve Dolinsky, as he creates his show and provides insight into the production of his weekly food segment for NBC Chicago. Steve shares some personal stories of his favorite foods, stories of taking his kids to dim sum restaurants, and the secret to reviewing pizza.
“It took my mom until I was a senior in high school to allow me to bring Domino’s pepperoni pizza into the house” —Steve Dolinsky
14 Oct 2023
Becoming Someone Else : Inside the World of Cosplay
In this episode, we hear “Becoming Someone Else: Inside the World of Cosplay” written by Cameron Continello and narrated by Nathan Persefield. The article highlights several artists from the cosplay community who speak about their love for the craft. They share techniques for creating costumes and offer tips for newcomers to the community.
“Cosplay whoever you feel makes you happiest” —Janelle Binghay
12 Apr 2022
Joyriding
Today’s episode features “Joyriding” written by Andrew Marciniak and narraded by Alan Dixon. This article tells the story of a bicycalist learning to recover through protest after a terrifying accident. Critical Mass bike rides are done throughout the country to take a stand in our ‘car-based culture’. “Joyriding” shares personal experiences and connections with the power of bike riding.
“For some, the ride is a protest against our car-based culture. For others, it’s just a ride” —Joyriding
6 Apr 2022
Lifting The Fog
This episode features Echo Magazine article “Lifting The Fog” written by Alex Horrell and narrated by Christopher Donahue. We hear personal stories behind coming to terms with delusion disorder. Hearing from those suffering from auditory and visual hallucinations as well as doctors working with those patients, we see the truth behind those demonized as ‘insane’.
5 Apr 2022
Of Two Minds
This episode of rECHOlections voices “Of Two Minds” written by Tyra Bosnic & Brooke Pawling and narrated by Emily Safko. This article is a conversation on living with bipolar disorder. We hear from a multitude of those who have been diagnosed and learn that it is more than just up and down. Uncovering the truth behind what mania and depression truly is, “Of Two Minds” aims to spread awareness that everyone with bipolar is not just a stereotype.
5 Apr 2022
Invisible Wounds
Today’s episode features “Invisible Wounds” written by Taylor Scheibe and narrated by Ana Maria Podgaiskaya. This story uncovers the stigma behind mental health in the military. After service, many veterans suffer from PTSD but unfortunately, a majority don’t seek help. “Invisible Wounds” shares personal experiences from war and why it’s important for these mental health conversations to happen.
4 Apr 2022
Tails From The Underground
In this episode we hear “Tails From The Underground” written by Amanda Sims and narrated by Christian Wilke. Today we dive into a widely stigmatized and misunderstood group, furries. We see an inside look at the meaning behind this fandom and how outsider stereotypes effect the community. We also hear how some came up with their fursonas and how that has supported their confidence and enhanced their personality.
This article is from Echo Magazine 2012-2013, Winter/Spring. Check out the magazine here (https://issuu.com/thecolumbiachronicle/docs/echo_winter_spring_12_13/60)!
21 Feb 2022
Sensory Overload
In this episode, we hear “Sensory Overload” written by Marlee Septak and narrated by Isabelle Amponin. This article shares the little-known lives of people living with synesthesia, a condition where you can experience one of your senses through another. We hear what it’s like as a musician with synestesia as well as medical professionals studying the occurance.
21 Feb 2022
Queen of the Curb
This episode of rECHOlections features “Queen of the Curb” written by Amanda Sims and narrated by Jenel Lopez. This article covers a day in the life of a female sanitation laborer. We see the story of women who don’t mind the hard work if it means good benefits and income for them and their families. Within their stories we see an inside look at the disgust some people believe this job to be.
“It’s almost like they’re offended that you’re even touching their garbage” — Xavis Bland
21 Feb 2022
Next Stop, Nowhere
Today’s episode features “Next Stop, Nowhere” written by Hannah Lorenz and narrated by Ben Clarkson. Telling the stories of train hoppers, we see what the dangers and truths are behind this life. We also see what job searching while living as a train hopper is like. These folks may not always know where exactly a train is headed, but that doesn’t stop them from hopping on.
21 Feb 2022
Island of Memories
In his episode of rECHOlections we hear “Island of Memories” written by Mary Elizabeth Figueroa and narrated by Julia Dalo. This article tells the tale of a family moving to the United States from Cuba, and the differences between family members entering the country. A U.S. passport and Cuban passport means the difference between treatment and infiltration of luggage. We hear a personal experience of how Cuba shifted when the revolution came and how that influenced this families inner struggles.
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