The Annenverse

About The Annenverse

Welcome to the Annenverse — the universe of USC Annenberg! We invite experts from across our community to provide listeners with greater insight into all things communication, journalism and public relations. This podcast is brought to you by USC Annenberg's Office of Communication and Marketing . To learn more about the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, please visit www.annenberg.usc.edu (http://www.annenberg.usc.edu/)

Publisher

USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

21 Apr 2023

Latest episode

15 Aug 2025

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   15 Aug 2025

   Resilience and Storytelling with ASCJ Alum Ethan Ward

   Host Skye Lee talks with Ethan Ward, an entrepreneur, award winning journalist, and USC Annenberg alum. Ethan shares how he went from living in his car while attending community college to earning degrees in journalism and public diplomacy at USC. He discusses how the Annenberg Media Center shaped his career, why he founded his media company Heat Drawn, and what inspired his podcast Reputation. The conversation explores his studies in human computer interaction and his mission to amplify unde...

2. 

   9 Apr 2025

   Alumna Briana Robinson: From Study Abroad to Global Diplomacy

   In this episode of The Annenverse, host Skye Lee sits down with Annenberg alum Briana Robinson to explore her inspiring journey — from studying abroad in Costa Rica, to earning a Fulbright scholarship in China, to becoming the inaugural Director of Development at the San Diego Diplomacy Council. Together, they discuss how Robinson’s global experiences have shaped her worldview and guided her career aspirations. This episode is hosted, produced, and researched by journalism student Skye Lee, c...

3. 

   21 Feb 2025

   Organizational Communication: Building Strong Teams in Sports, Academia and Beyond

   In this episode of “The Annenverse,” our host Skye Lee speaks with USC Annenberg Assistant Professor of Communication Marlon Twyman, USC Viterbi Professor Elisabeth Weiss, and USC Men’s Rowing Coach John Kaitz. Together, they explore the significance of organizational communication across various goal-oriented social contexts, including sports and academia. They delve into its role in fostering a robust and positive work culture, as well as practical strategies for USC Annenberg student...

4. 

   29 Jan 2025

   Student Services: Supporting Your Academic and Career Journey

   In this episode of “The Annenverse," our host Skye Lee tours the USC Annenberg's Student Services offices to chat with their staff about the various services they offer. Tune in to see how the team can address your academic and professional needs, from study abroad and class scheduling to resume review and career development. This episode of “The Annenverse” is hosted, produced, and researched by journalism student Skye Lee. Co-produced by Olivia Mowry. Engineered by Areon Mobasher. Edit...

5. 

   11 Apr 2024

   Too Long, Did Read: College Brief

   If you've ever read "Morning, Trojan." in your email inbox, chances are you've heard of College Brief. What began as an Annenberg Media newsletter to provide college students with a brief email rundown of the daily news has now expanded to multiple campuses across California. In this episode of The Annenverse, Skye is joined by College Brief founder, sophomore Tomo Chien, and Media Center director Christina Bellantoni, who also serves on the College Brief advisory board. Together they discuss the importance of access to information, building a civically engaged generation, and taking your daily dose of quality reporting. Mentioned: College Brief website: https://collegebrief.org/ Annenberg Media website: https://www.uscannenbergmedia.com/ This episode of “The Annenverse” is hosted, produced, and researched by journalism student Skye Lee. Co-produced by Olivia Mowry. Engineered by Areon Mobasher. Edited by Skye Lee and Areon Mobasher.

6. 

   10 Jan 2024

   We're So Back: Media Center Open House

   On the first Thursday of every fall and spring semester, USC Annenberg's Media Center opens it's doors wide for those who want to learn more about the student-led newsroom, where anyone interested in telling stories in a variety of areas and platforms can find a home. For this episode, our host, Skye Lee, connects with the various student leaders of the media center desks to share the different opportunities open to any USC student. Mentioned: USC Annenberg Media Website - https://www.uscannenbergmedia.com/ This episode of “The Annenverse” is hosted and researched by journalism student Skye Lee. Audio engineered by Areon Mobasher. Produced by Olivia Mowry. Edited by Skye Lee and Areon Mobasher.

7. 

   11 Dec 2023

   Technology and the Workplace: What Does the Future Hold?

   The COVID-19 pandemic has been described as the biggest shakeup in the workplace since the Industrial Revolution. By utilizing technologies like video conferencing and messaging services, workers could do their job from anywhere in the world, disrupting our understanding of how management, careers and lifestyles would look. But in a post-pandemic world, perhaps it's time to take a look at these revolutionary technologies. Are they helpful? Do they help everyone equally? And what does the future look like for remote work?In this episode of The Annenverse, two communication scholars from the Annenberg community seek answers to these pressing questions. Marlon Twyman II, Assistant Professor of Communication at USC Annenberg, and researcher Casey S. Pierce, who received her master’s in Communication Management at USC Annenberg. Mentioned: Positioning in a collaboration network and performance in competitions: a case study of Kaggle by Marlon Twyman II, Goran Murić and WeiweiZheng https://academic.oup.com/jcmc/article/28/4/zmad024/7210223 (https://academic.oup.com/jcmc/article/28/4/zmad024/7210223) Navigating the empty shell: the role of articulation work in platform structures by Linda Huber and Casey Pierce https://ccmcertification.org/archived-webinars/technology-case-management-telehealth-risk-populations (https://ccmcertification.org/archived-webinars/technology-case-management-telehealth-risk-populations) This episode of “The Annenverse” is hosted and researched by journalism student Skye Lee. Audio engineered by Areon Mobasher. Produced by Olivia Mowry. Edited by Skye Lee and Areon Mobasher.

8. 

   18 Oct 2023

   Inside Look at Maymester: Media, Economics, & Entrepreneurship in Los Angeles

   Students enhance their networking skills with media and business industry professionals at Los Angeles-based companies such as Warner Records and Hulu through USC Annenberg’s Media, Economics & Entrepreneurship Maymester program. Roy Gantz, a junior majoring in public relations, and Simi Situ, a progressive degree program (PDP) student pursuing a BA in communication and master’s in communication management, provide an insider’s view. This episode of “The Annenverse” is hosted and researched by journalism student Skye Lee.  Audio engineered by Areon Mobasher. Produced by Olivia Mowry. Edited by Skye Lee and Areon Mobasher.

9. 

   18 Oct 2023

   Inside Look at Maymester: Sports Media Industries in Los Angeles

   Through USC Annenberg’s Sports Media Industries Maymester program, students explore the vast array of professional opportunities in sports and sports media industries, including Red Bull Media and Apple Beats. Carly Rieger, a junior communication major, and Fernando Cienfuegos, a public relations and advertising master’s student, share what they discovered while in Los Angeles, one of the great sports capitals in the world. This episode of “The Annenverse” is hosted and researched by journalism student Skye Lee.  Audio engineered by Areon Mobasher. Produced by Olivia Mowry. Edited by Skye Lee and Areon Mobasher.

10. 

    18 Oct 2023

    Inside Look at Maymester: Washington, D.C.

    With USC’s Capital Campus opening earlier this year in the heart of Washington, D.C., students in USC Annenberg’s D.C. Maymester program leverage the opportunity to engage with influential politicians and government experts who play a pivotal role in shaping our nation. In this episode, we dive deep with Sarah Schornstein, a master’s student in the public diplomacy program, and Abigail Rawlinson, a junior majoring in communication. This episode of “The Annenverse” is hosted and researched by journalism student Skye Lee.  Audio engineered and edited by Areon Mobasher. Produced by Olivia Mowry. Additional editing by Skye Lee.

11. 

    18 Oct 2023

    Inside Look at Maymester: New York City

    USC Annenberg’s New York City Maymester program connects students with industry professionals at leading media, communication and technology companies, including CBS News, the NBA, Spotify, and more. Senior public relations major Ruby Fuller and junior communication major Eric Choi share a glimpse into their experiences. This episode of “The Annenverse” is hosted and researched by journalism student Skye Lee.  Audio engineered by Areon Mobasher. Produced by Olivia Mowry. Edited by Skye Lee and Areon Mobasher.

12. 

    7 Sept 2023

    Cracking the Oligarch Code

    Amidst Russia's invasion and the ensuing war in Ukraine, Russian oligarchs have remained unscathed. Western attempts to curb their influence through financial measures has had limited success. However, a game-changing approach has emerged from USC Annenberg PhD graduate and Assistant Professor at Dartmouth College Herbert Chang, and his team. Hosted by journalism (https://annenberg.usc.edu/academics/undergraduate-journalism) major Skye Lee, The Annenverse delves into Chang’s revolutionary research that offers a fresh perspective on targeting the power of Russian oligarchs. Mentioned: “Complex systems of secrecy: the offshore networks of oligarchs” by Ho-Chun Herbert Chang, Brooke Harrington, Feng Fu, Daniel N Rockmore https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/2/3/pgad051/7059318?login=false (https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/2/3/pgad051/7059318?login=false) “Targeting wealth managers would cripple Russia's oligarchs” by Dartmouth College https://www.newswise.com/politics/targeting-wealth-managers-would-cripple-russia-s-oligarchs/?article_id=787776 (https://www.newswise.com/politics/targeting-wealth-managers-would-cripple-russia-s-oligarchs/?article_id=787776) Annenberg networks network https://research.usc.edu/news/2022/02/annenberg-networks-network/ (https://research.usc.edu/news/2022/02/annenberg-networks-network/) The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists https://www.icij.org/ (https://www.icij.org/) This episode of “The Annenverse” is hosted and researched by journalism student Skye Lee. Audio engineered and edited by Areon Mobasher. Produced by Olivia Mowry. Additional editing by Skye Lee.

13. 

    15 Aug 2023

    Is Activism the Future of Journalism?

    Journalists have traditionally been expected to completely detach their own opinions from their work. But now that standard is beginning to evolve in a way that accepts the inherent bias of reporters. But how much is too much? Diving deep into these important topics at the very heart of modern journalism, we bring in two viewpoints from our USC Annenberg community. Myah Genung, chief program officer for Charlotta Bass Journalism and Justice Lab, and Jen Byers, a master’s student in specialized journalism who is writing her thesis on objectivity and leading the Activism Desk at Annenberg Media. Led by our host, journalism major Skye Lee, Genung and Byers discuss the definition of activism, the search for truth in journalism, the perils of objectivity, and more. Mentioned: “Where Does Journalism End and Activism Begin?” by Michael Blanding for Neiman Reports - https://niemanreports.org/articles/where-does-journalism-end-and-activism-begin/ (https://niemanreports.org/articles/where-does-journalism-end-and-activism-begin/) “Newsroom Managers Urge Journalists to Keep Abortion Views Under Wraps” by Charlotte Klein for Vanity Fair - https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2022/05/newsroom-managers-urge-journalists-to-keep-abortion-views-under-wraps (https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2022/05/newsroom-managers-urge-journalists-to-keep-abortion-views-under-wraps) OpenSecrets - https://www.opensecrets.org/ (https://www.opensecrets.org/) USC Annenberg Charlotta Bass Journalism and Justice Lab - https://basslab.usc.edu/ (https://basslab.usc.edu/) Activism Desk at Annenberg Media - https://www.uscannenbergmedia.com/activism/ (https://www.uscannenbergmedia.com/activism/) This episode of “The Annenverse” is hosted and researched by journalism student Skye Lee. Recorded and edited by Areon Mobasher. Produced by Olivia Mowry. Additional editing by Skye Lee.

14. 

    11 Jul 2023

    Joint Effort: PR and Cannabis Research

    The landscape of the cannabis industry in America has dramatically changed in the 21st century. But with the slow trickle of legislation and cultural changes that have made cannabis more accessible, there are concerns around health effects, misinformation, and visibility. Enter USC Annenberg’s public relations students. As part of their PR 450 capstone class, a group of students worked with the USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics to improve ways of getting the Center’s valuable evidence-based insights on cannabis legislation into the hands of those who need it most. Joining our host, journalism major Skye Lee, is Grayson Wolff, a junior in public relations, to share more about this unique class and increasingly pervasive topic. Mentioned: USC Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics: https://healthpolicy.usc.edu/ (https://healthpolicy.usc.edu/) This episode of “The Annenverse” is hosted and researched by Journalism student Skye Lee. Recorded and edited by Areon Mobasher. Produced by Olivia Mowry. Additional editing by Skye Lee.

15. 

    24 May 2023

    Requiem for a Meme

    In 2019, Lil Nas X utilized his musical skills and understanding of meme culture in publishing “Old Town Road” on TikTok. The song quickly took over the social media app and beyond, becoming a pop culture earworm heard on TV, radio, and more. It not only launched Lil Nas X’s career, but also changed the trajectory of Alexandria Arrieta’s PhD studies at USC Annenberg. Looking past the song’s catchy tune, Arrieta has researched how the intersection of memes and music are having a profound impact on people’s communication and connection across social media. Joining our host, journalism major Skye Lee, Arrieta discusses how musical artists use TikTok, the way indigenous cultures share dance moves, if her studies affect her own songwriting, and much more. Mentioned: Lil Nas X - Old Town Road (Official Video) ft. Billy Ray Cyrus: https://youtu.be/r7qovpFAGrQ (https://youtu.be/r7qovpFAGrQ) Bumblebee speaks in Transformers, directed by Michael Bay (Universal City, DreamWorks Pictures and Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, 2007), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8Kgkav8TWo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8Kgkav8TWo) Alexandria’s writing and research: The Problem with the “Main Character” Meme: http://henryjenkins.org/blog/2020/10/11/the-problem-with-the-main-character-meme (http://henryjenkins.org/blog/2020/10/11/the-problem-with-the-main-character-meme) “This Audio Has Potential:” Platform Lip-sync on TikTok from Journal of Popular Music Studies (2021) 33 (4): 5–9. https://doi-org.libproxy1.usc.edu/10.1525/jpms.2021.33.4.5 (https://doi-org.libproxy1.usc.edu/10.1525/jpms.2021.33.4.5) ‘Splice and the Platformization of Hip Hop Production: Navigating the online music platform for royalty-free samples’, Global Hip Hop Studies, 2:2, pp. 219–36, https://doi.org/10.1386/ghhs_00045_1 (https://doi.org/10.1386/ghhs_00045_1) This episode of "The Annenverse" is hosted and researched by Journalism student Skye Lee. Recorded and edited by Areon Mobasher. Produced by Olivia Mowry. Additional editing by Braulio Hernandez.

16. 

    21 Apr 2023

    Every News Story is a Climate Story

    As climate change begins to have wider and more devastating consequences, climate journalism has never been more urgent. But reporters in this field face a variety of obstacles including the politicization of global warming and public distrust. Two members of USC Annenberg's community share their insights on this complicated and important topic of modern journalism. Allison Agsten is the director of the USC Center for Climate Journalism and Communication, and journalism student Shreya Agrawal is the editor of the Annenberg Media Earth Desk. Led by our host, journalism major Skye Lee, Agsten and Agrawal discuss underrepresentation in climate news, the complexity of climate reporting, the importance of climate literacy and more. Mentioned: Signals and noise. Mass-media coverage of climate change in the USA and the UK by Maxwell T Boykoff and S Ravi Rajan - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1808044/ (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1808044/) USC Annenberg Center for Climate Journalism and Communication - https://climatecenter.usc.edu/ (https://climatecenter.usc.edu/) Annenberg Media Earth Desk - https://www.uscannenbergmedia.com/earth/ (https://www.uscannenbergmedia.com/earth/) This episode of "The Annenverse" is hosted and researched by Journalism student Skye Lee. Recorded and edited by Areon Mobasher. Produced by Olivia Mowry. Additional editing by Braulio Hernandez.

Podcast Authority Score: 20 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

29

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

27

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