Two City College staff members launched a new podcast in June to give students and staff a voice about what’s going on at the college.
“Vaquero Voices,” created by Admissions Advisor Akil Hill and Webmaster Hong Lieu, gives the students and staff at City College a voice, and allows it to be heard.
“We started [the show] to try to bring the community together during COVID and give people the chance to have their voices heard,” Hill said.
The show is in its first season and is currently focusing on the student services building.
According to Hill, the format of the show is broken into three parts.
“The first part is when our guest tells us what department they are in and what is going on in that department. The second part is where they talk about food: one place they like to eat or something they like to cook. And the last part is a culture piece where they talk about a book, movie or music and what they watch or listen to and why they like it,” Hill said.
He talked about the second part of the show and how they talk about food with their guests. He said that the goal of that is to support small businesses and get people to go to those recommended places.
Lieu said he enjoys doing the show because it shines a light on the departments that may not get a lot of attention or publicity.
“It’s great because it is good for people to know what’s happening on campus, and gives an opportunity to get to know people,” Lieu said.
Since the show is improvised, the preparation required is minimal. However, they need to make sure they give their guests adequate notice so they can plan for it.
Hill and Lieu said they both enjoy the anticipation that comes with each guest and like how they essentially feel like they made a new friend while doing the show.
Lieu and Hill said they hope it brings the departments closer together and has each faculty member recognized for their work.
The goal was to make a lasting impact on the City College community. They said if they are able to use this show to bring everyone together, then they have done their job.
The relationship between the two is evident. There is an organic bond that flows the conversation between the two and the guest.
While the start of the second season is still undetermined, Hill and Lieu are planning to continue on with the show and for future seasons.
Episodes are weekly and can be listened to on Spotify and Apple Music.
