Student Wellness Podcast Episode 2

Santa monica college students sound off off Mental Health

In Episode 2 of the Student Wellness Podcast, I return with a deeper dive into the emotional landscape of college life. This episode features first-person reflections, follow-up insights, and intimate commentary on the ongoing mental health struggles facing today’s student population. Created as part of my SMC Radio training, this piece blends journalistic instinct, voiceover narration, and sound design to foster connection and compassion.

The Challenge

Many student mental health discussions lack authentic student voices. While statistics offer perspective, they don’t always humanize the experience. I wanted to create a piece that not only reported on college burnout and emotional fatigue—but also felt like a student was in the room, telling the truth.

Creative Approach

I combined spoken-word narration with cinematic pacing and natural ambient transitions to elevate storytelling. I structured the episode around emotionally honest interviews and ensured my editing emphasized vulnerability without losing clarity. The voiceover tone remains intimate, grounded, and hopeful—designed to feel like a conversation with a trusted peer.

Execution

This 5-minute episode was written, recorded, and edited by me using Adobe Audition. It features original VO performance and carefully selected soundbeds to maintain energy and warmth. The podcast was developed for broadcast on SMC Radio, but optimized for cross-platform engagement on YouTube and digital portfolios. It now stands as a portfolio sample of my creative direction, audio design, and mental health advocacy.