SFU students using podcasts to change the world

In the Gospel of Matthew 14:29, Peter is called by Jesus to walk across the water: “He said, ‘Come.’ Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus.” This recognizable verse is often quoted or summarized to mean stepping out of one’s comfort zone or trying something new. For Saint Francis University students Griffin Burt and Julianne “JJ” Dee, the creation of their podcasts is a testament to the phrase. Although they started their podcasts for very different reasons, both are using their platform to inspire others to follow their dreams or to educate them on matters important to their communities.

“Step Out of the Boat”

Burt, a senior  business management and marketing major, was looking for a way to improve his public speaking skills when his communications professor, Dr. Pat Farabaugh, suggested that he start a podcast. Although he had no prior experience and no real idea for a topic, the thought stuck in his head. Then, while talking with a priest at a Catholic retreat, he was reminded of the story of Peter being told to step out of the boat and follow Jesus.

“I thought, that’s a totally good podcast name,” Burt said.
 

As someone who always had a deep faith, Burt said he always had something to fall back on during tough times in his life, including his battle with anxiety and depression. Now, as the host of “Step Out of the Boat,” he talks with other faith-filled people who aim to pursue their goals despite doubt.

“I want to highlight those people and what they do for the world, or school, or community,” Burt said. “I do it for my own good, but also for those who have a dream they want to chase, or people who want to grow in their faith.”

While college students were his target audience to start, Burt believes that his podcast is really for anyone looking for a little bit of inspiration. He talks with accomplished individuals about how they have become successful and the paths they have taken to get there. His guests have included Fr. Malachi Van Tassell, president of Saint Francis University, as well as professors, student-athletes, alumni, and local community members.

“If I can have one friend or brother come up to me changed, that’s enough for me.” Burt said. “It’s about connecting those trying to become that someone with those who have.”

 
You can listen to "Step out of the Boat" on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/513KCrYvOk69urz0T5NDDp?si=9a838e29090a4b55
 

In the photo: Griffin Burt,  back row second from left, with fellow Saint Francis University students, on a mission trip in Denver.

“Our Street Neighbors”

For Dee, a senior health sciences major in the physician assistant science program, working in street medicine is the dream. Already heavily involved as a member of the Street Medicine Institute Student Coalition, she started her podcast, “Our Street Neighbors,” as her Honors Program  thesis project to help shine a light on the vital care some healthcare professionals are providing to those who need it most.

Street medicine teams made up of doctors, nurses, social workers, and counselors serve the homeless community by providing healthcare directly on-site and free of charge, including dispensing medications and drawing blood for testing. Dee’s podcast highlights these individual programs, like that near her home in Allentown, PA, and takes a closer look at the work they are doing to provide urgent care to such a vulnerable population.

“Each episode expands on those topics,” Dee said. “How they build trust in their relationships with their patients, how each provider relates to their patients, and how they serve them based on their demographic.”

Dee has bridged connections with many street medicine providers through conferences and mutual acquaintances. She has talked with providers who are certified in substance abuse and recovery, as well as a criminal justice navigator who helps to facilitate the transition from prison care to street medicine upon release. Recently, Dee has started a new series focusing on street psychiatry and the barriers to practicing outside of a clinic.

While Dee is unsure if she will continue to record new episodes of the podcast following her graduation, she still feels it is important to educate others on such an important societal topic, adding that it has always been her main goal to work on a street medicine team herself one day.

“Even if there are no more seasons of “Our Street Neighbors,” there is still so much value and education in the episodes that are there,” she said.

You can listen to “Our Street Neighbors” on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3D9aFAVoJd3SmaSeeAbzNK?si=bce5201a94a94666

In the photo: JJ Dee records an episode of her podcast “Our Street Neighbors.”

About the Communications program at SFU

The Saint Francis University Communications Program offers students a comprehensive curriculum and our graduates are skilled in all facets of the field. All Communications majors complete courses in media literacy, writing, public speaking, social media, audio/video production, advertising, public relations, and multi-platform journalism. For more information about our program, please visit https://www.francis.edu/academics/degrees-programs/communications.