First-Years Host Their Own Radio Show

Jude Hunter and Emma Stemen are two first-year students attending DePauw University. The two began hosting their own radio show at the start of the Spring semester. Their show airs 7 – 8 a.m. on Fridays on 91.5 WGRE.

Her Campus: What is your radio show about?

Jude Hunter: During our radio show, we play music as well as play Buzzfeed quizzes and discuss them on air. This is mostly done for comedic value and our own personal enjoyment.

HC: What made you decide to start a radio show?

JH: As I am already involved with D3TV, I often walked past the WGRE studio. I got interested in the studio and wanted to find out more about what they do. 

ES: I have talked about doing a radio show since I was in high school. One of my high school friends and I used to joke around about having one all the time. So, when the opportunity presented itself for me to actually have one, I had to take it. 

HC: How did you find out about this opportunity?

JH: As a media fellow, this was an opportunity presented to me from the very beginning of being on DePauw’s campus. I also noticed the listings looking for DJs through posters throughout campus and postings on social media.

ES:  I found out about this opportunity through Jude, and through the various campus advertisements for radio show DJs.

HC: How did you know you two wanted to co-host?

JH: We have been really good friends since we met in our mentor group. We thought it would be fun to do it together, as neither of us was bold enough to do it by ourselves. I also think having 2 [people] adds to the dynamic of playing quizzes and joking around.   

HC: How has this radio show benefited you?

JH: The radio show has helped me express my creativity.

ES: The radio show has helped me feel bolder. I don’t really think about people actually listening to it, so it helps me to feel like Jude and I are having a normal conversation. I like the idea of being heard without any pressure. 

HC: What advice would you give to those who also want to start a radio show?

JH: I would say to go for it! People have radio shows on literally anything. If you simply want the experience of being in the studio, they give you the music you can play (so you don’t even have to talk if you don’t want to). 

ES: Definitely do it. It is a super low time commitment–– only one hour per week. It can really be as fun or as serious as you want it to be. You don’t need any prior experience, and the station is always looking for more DJs. There’s really no downside, in my opinion. 

• interview
• radio
• radio show