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Ava Kian, Podcast Reporter

All content by Ava Kian
Episode 86: Back to class!

Episode 86: Back to class!

April 22, 2021
In this episode, we talk to students and faculty about how they’re feeling about returning to mostly in-person classes next semester. We hear what people are going to miss about remote-learning, and the things they can’t wait to finally do in class. We also speak with a professor at the Hubbard School of Journalism about how he’s going to adjust come next fall.
Episode 84: Meet the new regents

Episode 84: Meet the new regents

April 1, 2021
In this episode, we talk to three of the four newly elected regents, including James Farnsworth, Kodi Verhalen and Ruth Johnson, about their backgrounds and goals for their six-year terms.
Episode 82: Activists spring to fight Line 3

Episode 82: Activists spring to fight Line 3

March 18, 2021
In this episode, we talk to Winona LaDuke, executive director of Honor the Earth, and University student and MN350 intern Karly Beaumont about their efforts to stop the Enbridge Line 3 pipeline.
Episode 80: Students are graduating during a pandemic…again

Episode 80: Students are graduating during a pandemic…again

March 5, 2021
In this episode, we talk to a few students about their plans after graduation and how they’re feeling with commencement in less than three months. We also get insight from those who are working with students, including career counselors, university coordinators and recruiters, and speak with a 2020 graduate about his experience with virtual commencement last year.
Episode 78: Dr. Alexander’s Report

Episode 78: Dr. Alexander’s Report

February 19, 2021
In this episode, we dive into Dr. Cedric Alexander's Report to Strengthen UMPD Alignment with UMN Expectations. We speak with student groups about their meetings with Dr. Alexander, what they discussed, and what made it into the report. We also look at what issues the recommendations did not address and how students envision community-based influence.
Episode 76: COVID-19 hangouts

Episode 76: COVID-19 hangouts

February 4, 2021
In this episode, we speak with students about how they’re maintaining their friendships and spending time with others during the pandemic. Three students tell us about their experiences during the beginning of quarantine and now as they socialize in-person with their pods of friends.
Episode 74: Looking back on Trumps presidency

Episode 74: Looking back on Trump’s presidency

January 21, 2021
In this episode, we interview three students affiliated with various student advocacy organizations around the University of Minnesota. We talk to them about their lives and activism these past four years under the Trump administration. We also hear about what they want to see from President Biden, as they discuss the importance of their work for their futures.
Episode 72: University relations with the tribal nations of Minnesota

Episode 72: University relations with the tribal nations of Minnesota

December 3, 2020
Megan and Ava team up with campus administration reporter Hana Ikramuddin to examine the current state of affairs between University of Minnesota leadership and the Tribal Nations of Minnesota following a letter from the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, which was sent to President Gabel and the Board of Regents over the summer.
Episode 70: The day after Election Day

Episode 70: The day after Election Day

November 12, 2020
The "In The Know" team covers the post-election protest that shut down 1-94 last Wednesday.
Episode 69: The 2020 Election

Episode 69: The 2020 Election

November 5, 2020
The "In The Know" team takes you through Election Day 2020 in the Twin Cities, from talking to voters during the day to covering the DFL and GOP results parties.
Episode 67: Medical racism

Episode 67: Medical racism

October 22, 2020
In this episode, we speak to leadership of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the University’s School of Nursing and the Medical School.
Episode 65: The Presidential Debate

Episode 65: The Presidential Debate

October 8, 2020
In this episode of "In the Know," we speak with students about last week’s presidential debate.
Episode 63: Virtual mental health care

Episode 63: Virtual mental health care

September 24, 2020
In this episode, we look at the Boynton Mental Health Clinic’s coronavirus response and patients’ reactions, speaking to providers at Boynton and students who have experienced virtual therapy.
Episode 62: Meet Dr. Alexander

Episode 62: Meet Dr. Alexander

September 17, 2020
After a summer of protests surrounding issues of police brutality and civil rights, the University of Minnesota is starting off the school year by bringing in an expert to review safety and equity on campus and in the UMPD. In this episode, we interviewed Dr. Cedric L. Alexander, the civic leader, trained clinical psychologist and former police chief appointed to conduct the assessment. 
Senior Maryam Zahedi poses for a portrait at her apartment in Roseville on Saturday, March 21. The Persian New Year, traditionally celebrated with gatherings of friends and family, has been greatly impacted by restrictions on human interaction implemented in response to COVID-19.

Despite quarantine, Iranian community finds new ways to celebrate this year’s Norooz

March 22, 2020

Ali Noormohammadi has never celebrated Norooz, or the Persian New Year, in quarantine.  “[Coronavirus] changed everything. There is no more party, there's no more gathering,” said Noormohammadi,...