“Do you know what a box cake is?” (I thought this was a trick question.) That was the opener as our magazine staff spoke with the team of Governor’s Radio.

In between remote learning and coping with a once-in-a-century pandemic, a group of students has made the most of the school year by adding Podcast Co-Host to their resume.  A group of students at DeWitt Clinton High School, a sprawling thousand student campus in the Bedford Park neighborhood of The Bronx, started a podcast during this unusual year.  Led by two faculty advisors – Christian Aviles and Rafael Erazo – the podcast, Governor’s Radio is introducing students to a new form of expression and connection.

When it launched in October 2020 the first few episodes were scripted and timed but since then the format has evolved into a more fluid discussion of anything and everything, within reason.

We had an opportunity to tune in virtually and connect with four students – Clementina Sarpong, Sky Torres, Syleena Williams, and Shakil Ahmed – one Friday afternoon right after they recorded a podcast session.

The podcast’s official host is Clementina Sarpong, a senior and most likely the class of 2021’s valedictorian, who originally joined to ‘investigate’ the new club as a member of the Student Council. What was initially undercover work became a Friday afternoon extracurricular. Clementina is lighthearted, sharp as a tack, and leads the discussion.

Erazo, a thirteen-year veteran of Clinton and social studies teacher, views the podcast as a new medium to build rapport with his students.  “My strength is in classroom management, so this year has been tough,” he voiced.  Governor’s Radio is another tool to connect during this disjointed time.

And it’s working. Sky Torres, a sophomore, feels that Governor’s Radio gives her a sense of community.  Even though this will be Sky’s last semester at Clinton, a connection with each podcaster has been built and she’s grateful to have been a part of this inaugural season. Plus, she had an opportunity to hear from upperclassman about the ‘real’ in-person high school experience, something the advisors were intentional to create.

Mid-way through the interview, Shakil Ahmed smoothly popped into the chat.  He’s very reserved – although active in the chat – but warmed up to us towards the end.  Shakil’s commentary is definitely a driving force behind many tangents in the conversation.

Syleena Williams, a current junior, transferred into Clinton her sophomore year.  She’s talkative and animated, and has been able to connect with new people, casually and without restrictions. She said it’s been a great outlet with everything that’s happened in her short time at Clinton.

Currently, Governor’s Radio has about a dozen student members. Some are weekly regulars whereas others join when they can.  By the time we joined the group, we just missed Felichi Fernandez, a weekly contributor.

And Governor’s Radio is more than just some kids video chatting about current events and high school.  It’s a catalogue and a living record.

It’s capturing real-time stories, emotions, and experiences of a community not often heard from: inner city, BIPOC, high schoolers.  Here, a small group of students, are using their resources – regardless of equipment or fancy gear – to create an “inclusive, safe space” to just be real.  When you listen to previous episodes you can hear car horns, dogs, and even other people in the background.  Where every other podcast is overly produced, Governor’s Radio feels like you’re eavesdropping into a conversation in the next room.

“There’s tremendous value in podcasting,” Aviles, former pastry chef turned Spanish teacher, reminded us. It’s more than “just talking; it’s documenting.”   Aviles is the co-host and producer of Bori-Qué – a weekly podcast about Puerto Rico – and brings his familiarity with editing to the Governor’s Radio team.

Now that Clinton has returned to in person instruction, the future of Governor’s Radio might be up in the air. But Aviles and Erazo are optimistic it will continue in some form.  And whether or not the format continues it will be immortalized online as the ‘only student led podcast in NYC.”

One thing is for sure: we will be tuning in weekly.

Governor’s Radio is released weekly.  You can subscribe and tune in on all major platforms.  

Updated. An earlier version of this piece misspelled two student names.  The correct spellings are Clementina Sarpong and Skakil Ahmed.