New ASA podcast promotes transparency, forum for student government initiatives

In a step toward increasing transparency and student engagement, the Augustana Student Association (ASA) launched a podcast designed to offer insights into the workings of student government. Hosted by Second Year Sen. Lydia Valenzuela-Rylaarsdam and Fourth Year Sen. Domanic Dick, the podcast has ambitious goals.  

The idea for the podcast began during an ASA recap meeting last year when current ASA Vice President Prince Adhikari briefly mentioned the concept; however, it wasn’t until Valenzuela-Rylaarsdam approached Dick with the idea that the project began to take shape.  

“Domanic and I were freshman senators last year, and we’d always debrief after meetings,” Valenzuela-Rylaarsdam said. “We are really excited and just want to just bring a different perspective to ASA.” 

The podcast aims to clarify ASA operations, counter misinformation and build a stronger sense of community between student government and the broader campus. The pair hopes publishing clips and basic information that students can easily consume in short fragments will help create transparency. 

“I feel like sometimes information could get twisted in the media, whether that’s like Yik Yak or word of mouth,”  Valenzuela-Rylaarsdam said. “We just wanted to bring a different perspective and a different light. That’s what we’re trying to do right now with the podcast.”

While ASA posts their meeting minutes on Viking Central, the pair explained that not everyone reads them, and they can be tricky to find. A podcast posted on social media is more accessible and convenient to the student body. 

The two emphasize that the podcast isn’t just about policy but also hopes to bring in guests like fellow senators and administrators. 

“Usually the guest is catered to whatever we are talking about that week, but eventually we would like students to come on and maybe talk, especially if something is happening in the senate,” Valenzuela-Rylaarsdam said.

In its early episodes, the podcast has featured ASA President Annie Johnston and Vice President Prince Adhikari, as well as Dean of Students Beth Elam.  

Launching the podcast was not easy.

“Figuring out the technical side was rough,” Dick said. “I edited the first episode, and it was a nightmare. We eventually found someone to handle that part, which has been a lifesaver.”

Valenzuela-Rylaarsdam noted they’re still working out logistical challenges, from engagement strategies to perfecting their overall format.

While their audience is still growing, the podcast’s potential hasn’t gone unnoticed. ASA President Annie Johnston sees the initiative as part of a broader effort to engage students through accessible platforms.  

“I think it’s really exciting when senators have a passion about something, and it actually comes to fruition,” Johnston said. “Hopefully it bridges the gap between ASA and the student body that we have historically seen.” 

Johnston empathized that it is difficult to simplify student government and make it consumable to those outside of ASA. She hopes that given the current popularity of podcasts across the nation, students will use this opportunity to interact with ASA activities in a way that isn’t as laborious as seeking out the meeting minutes and official documents. 

Valenzuela-Rylaarsdam and Dick hope the podcast will become a lasting tradition, even as they eventually pass the torch to future ASA members. 

“I think we would both want it to continue to thrive and grow even when we’re no longer here or in those roles,” Dick said. “We want to be able to find people who would like to bring that same energy and have the time commitment to do that.”

For now, the duo is focused on building momentum and encouraging student engagement. 

“Whether one person listens or 10, it’s worth it if we can make a difference,” Valenzuela-Rylaarsdam said.