QC POD

La Lingua e La Vita

On this episode of Life and Language, Alessia Pisicchio explores the Sicilian dialect and why it seems to be dying out in Sicily but expanding in other places in unique ways. She tells her story about what it was like traveling to Sicily and not being able to fully communicate with cousins her age because of the language barrier between proper Italian and the Sicilian Dialect. She continuously became curious as to why this has happened throughout the remainder of the trip. Alongside others perspectives including her mom, Rosalia Pisicchio and cousins Daniela DiSclafani and Giovanni Battista Cangialosi, their stories help express what is happening to the Sicilian Dialect, giving it much needed attention. Throughout modern society in Sicily, it is discovered how the language seems to create a barrier preventing newer generations from using the Sicilian dialect as their primary language. This podcast explores why this occurs and will continue to over future generations. The Sicilian language is dying but, can it be prevented and saved? Music in this episode comes from creators Mario Carbone, Richard Sclafani and Richard Petsi.

One Step Ahead of the Nazis: Joseph Sungolowsky

Sammy Ali talks to Joseph Sungolowsky about his extraordinary life. Sungolowsky is a Holocaust survivor turned esteemed Professor of French Literature and Jewish Studies at Queens College. Join us as we follow his harrowing journey of survival, resilience, and hope as he outwitted the Nazis, assumed false identities, and even found refuge in a Catholic boarding school.

Unlacing our Shoes, Episode 2

Holden Velasco sits down with Dennis Velasco, the Memphis City Director for Pro Skills Basketball, to discuss the culture of coaching youth basketball. Dennis Velasco is the Memphis City Director for Pro Skills Basketball (PSB), a youth basketball program. As a Jr. NBA Flagship organization, PSB’s main goal is to develop their players and provide the best experience possible for their players and families. Velasco talks about how PSB does this, as well as the backwards culture in AAU basketball, among other relevant topics. Bringing decades of basketball knowledge, Velasco shares his insight on what it’s like coaching youth basketball. Music Credit:“These Dreams” by Arlo Young and “Mover” by Carvings. Supplementary music is “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” by Jimi Hendrix and “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana.

Unlacing Our Shoes

Today, English Professor Jason Tougaw sits down with Jorge Velez, Assistant Director of the Freshman Year Experience Program, and peer mentor Rihanna Headley-to talk about what every student new to Queens College should know. Take a listen.

The Freshman Year Learning Experience Program

Today, English Professor Jason Tougaw sits down with Jorge Velez, Assistant Director of the Freshman Year Experience Program, and peer mentor Rihanna Headley-to talk about what every student new to Queens College should know. Take a listen.