<![CDATA[Amplified]]>1f17d9c9-1b39-5f91-a5bf-8e3011e2bdb7Tue, 06 Oct 2026 02:19:04 +0000Captivate.fmWPGU 107.1 FMhttps://artwork.captivate.fm/d18d5b63-0a6a-41b8-9fc7-0acc050a91ba/Untitled405-20260405184924-1.pngAmplifiedWPGU 107.1 FMWPGU 107.1 FM“Amplified” is the series of feature-length radio documentaries from WPGU News. It’s a mix of experimental journalism, music and production where every two weeks we focus on a different topic or theme in Champaign-Urbana. We tell stories in-depth through a narrative structure, creating connection within the community. “Amplified” broadcasts 8 p.m. Sunday on WPGU 107.1 every other week while the University is in session.https://wpgu.comfalseepisodicnopodcastEpisode 6: Shaking the house down: the evolving DIY house show scene in Chamapaign-UrbanaEpisode 6: Shaking the house down: the evolving DIY house show scene in Chamapaign-UrbanaSince at least the 1960s, Champaign-Urbana has been home to a vibrant, constantly changing music scene that has produced multiple successful bands and inspired countless fans around the world. Today, the scene lives on, existing almost exclusively in temporary, do-it-yourself concert venues built out of students' homes. But it hasn't always been this way.

Amplified is a radio documentary and narrative podcast series from W-P-G-U, the University’s student-run radio station.

This week, Amplified was hosted by Amelia Benson.

This episode of Amplified was reported by Thomas Burgeson, JJ Grichnik-Parsons, Madyson Magnus, Vinnie Magsombol (Mag-SOM-bol), Neo Martin, Philip Obazuaye (O-BAH-zoo-aye-eye) and the whole team at W-P-G-U News.

It was researched by Grace Avila, Thomas Burgeson, Adam Edwards, JJ Grichnik-Parsons, Vinnie Magsombol, Audrey Sturwold and Ben Tuxhorn.

It was written by Billy Bold, Thomas Burgeson, JJ Grichnick-Parsons, Sarang Hong, Vinnie Magsombol (Mag-SOM-bol), Philip Obazuaye (O-BAH-zoo-aye-eye) and Alex Tatman.

Amelia Benson edited this week’s episode.

It was produced by Neo Martin and Larimar Rivera.

Evita Zimmerman assisted with this week’s recording.

Our theme music is by Neo Martin.

Thomas Burgeson was this week’s executive producer.

The show broadcasts 8 P-M Sunday on W-P-G-U 1-0-7-POINT-1 F-M every other week while the University is in session. It is available there, on our website, W-P-G-U dot com, or wherever you get your podcasts.

You can find more stories about C-U, the University, and more through our regular newscast, broadcast Monday through Friday, on air at the top of every hour, on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Special thanks to everyone interviewed: Konrad Freymiller, Katia Janes, Amelia Jones, Tim Plunkett, Siggi Prendergast, Holly Rushakoff, the owners of Grandma’s House, the members of Granny Square, as well as everyone at the Urbana Free Library and the Champaign County Historical Archives.

Thank you for listening.

]]>Since at least the 1960s, Champaign-Urbana has been home to a vibrant, constantly changing music scene that has produced multiple successful bands and inspired countless fans around the world. Today, the scene lives on, existing almost exclusively in temporary, do-it-yourself concert venues built out of students' homes. But it hasn't always been this way.

Amplified is a radio documentary and narrative podcast series from W-P-G-U, the University’s student-run radio station.

This week, Amplified was hosted by Amelia Benson.

This episode of Amplified was reported by Thomas Burgeson, JJ Grichnik-Parsons, Madyson Magnus, Vinnie Magsombol (Mag-SOM-bol), Neo Martin, Philip Obazuaye (O-BAH-zoo-aye-eye) and the whole team at W-P-G-U News.

It was researched by Grace Avila, Thomas Burgeson, Adam Edwards, JJ Grichnik-Parsons, Vinnie Magsombol, Audrey Sturwold and Ben Tuxhorn.

It was written by Billy Bold, Thomas Burgeson, JJ Grichnick-Parsons, Sarang Hong, Vinnie Magsombol (Mag-SOM-bol), Philip Obazuaye (O-BAH-zoo-aye-eye) and Alex Tatman.

Amelia Benson edited this week’s episode.

It was produced by Neo Martin and Larimar Rivera.

Evita Zimmerman assisted with this week’s recording.

Our theme music is by Neo Martin.

Thomas Burgeson was this week’s executive producer.

The show broadcasts 8 P-M Sunday on W-P-G-U 1-0-7-POINT-1 F-M every other week while the University is in session. It is available there, on our website, W-P-G-U dot com, or wherever you get your podcasts.

You can find more stories about C-U, the University, and more through our regular newscast, broadcast Monday through Friday, on air at the top of every hour, on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Special thanks to everyone interviewed: Konrad Freymiller, Katia Janes, Amelia Jones, Tim Plunkett, Siggi Prendergast, Holly Rushakoff, the owners of Grandma’s House, the members of Granny Square, as well as everyone at the Urbana Free Library and the Champaign County Historical Archives.

Thank you for listening.

]]>6165a644-6009-4d67-a4a4-c39ccf0a03e7Sun, 04 Oct 2026 20:00:00 -050032:07falsefull66Episode 5 | The plight of the Kingfisher: a history of mascots at IllinoisEpisode 5 | The plight of the Kingfisher: a history of mascots at IllinoisFor 81 years, Chief Illiniwek served as the official mascot for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, appearing at Fighting Illini games and on merchandise until 2007 when he was forcibly retired due to pressures from the NCAA. Currently, the University has no official mascot despite strong student and faculty support for the election of the Kingfisher. In todays episode, hear multiple perspectives on the history of mascots at Illinois.

Amplified is a radio documentary and narrative podcast series from WPGU, the University’s student-run radio station.

This week, Amplified was hosted by JJ Grichnik-Parsons.

This episode of Amplified was reported by Madyson Magnus, Jordan Triplett, Philip Obazuaye, Neo Martin and the whole team at WPGU News.

It was written by Benjamin Tuxhorn, Vinnie Magsombol, Audrey Sturwold, Sarang Hong, Thomas Burgeson and Madyson Magnus.

Vinnie Magsombol edited this week’s episode.

It was produced by Larimar Rivera and Neo Martin.

Our theme music is by Neo Martin.

Special thanks to everyone interviewed: Spencer Wilken, Dan Maloney, Klaudia Babel, Jasmin Fuentes, Samarth Samal, and Matt Mezydlo including Larimar Rivera, Nick Roacho, and Natalia Martinez for helping record audio.

Thank you for listening.

]]>For 81 years, Chief Illiniwek served as the official mascot for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, appearing at Fighting Illini games and on merchandise until 2007 when he was forcibly retired due to pressures from the NCAA. Currently, the University has no official mascot despite strong student and faculty support for the election of the Kingfisher. In todays episode, hear multiple perspectives on the history of mascots at Illinois.

Amplified is a radio documentary and narrative podcast series from WPGU, the University’s student-run radio station.

This week, Amplified was hosted by JJ Grichnik-Parsons.

This episode of Amplified was reported by Madyson Magnus, Jordan Triplett, Philip Obazuaye, Neo Martin and the whole team at WPGU News.

It was written by Benjamin Tuxhorn, Vinnie Magsombol, Audrey Sturwold, Sarang Hong, Thomas Burgeson and Madyson Magnus.

Vinnie Magsombol edited this week’s episode.

It was produced by Larimar Rivera and Neo Martin.

Our theme music is by Neo Martin.

Special thanks to everyone interviewed: Spencer Wilken, Dan Maloney, Klaudia Babel, Jasmin Fuentes, Samarth Samal, and Matt Mezydlo including Larimar Rivera, Nick Roacho, and Natalia Martinez for helping record audio.

Thank you for listening.

]]>0b05474c-87dd-4cf7-8027-4c792d24ca00Sun, 13 Sep 2026 20:00:00 -050023:41falsefull55Episode 4 | An ITCH you can't scratch: Illinois Student Film FestivalEpisode 4 | An ITCH you can't scratch: Illinois Student Film FestivalIllinois Student Film Festival, a showcase of films from students at the University, is coming up in a little less than a week. ITCH, a short film about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder written by Joe Wilson and directed by Kris Modi, is one of those student-led productions. The film's short and has little dialogue, but it says so much more than it lets on.

Amplified is a radio documentary and narrative podcast series from WPGU, the University’s student-run radio station.

This week, Amplified was hosted by Grace Avila.

This episode was reported by Grace Avila, Thomas Burgeson, Sean Farnsley, J-J Grichnik-Parsons, Sarang Hong, Nick Johnson, Mack Jones, Madyson Magnus, Vinnie Magsombol, Philip Obazuaye, Audrey Sturwold, Abby Timm, Jordan Triplett, Ben Tuxhorn, Emma White, and the whole team at WPGU News.

It was written by Grace Avila, Thomas Burgeson, J-J Grichnik-Parsons, Sarang Hong, Mack Jones, Sonali Khanna, Madyson Magnus, Vinnie Magsombol, and Evita Zimmerman.

Abby Timm edited this week’s episode.

It was produced by Neo Martin, Sarang Hong, Mack Jones, and Audrey Sturwold.

Our theme music is by Neo Martin.

Special thanks to everyone interviewed, including Evita Zimmerman for helping with recording, Ben Tuxhorn, and Abby Timm.

Thank you for listening.

]]>Illinois Student Film Festival, a showcase of films from students at the University, is coming up in a little less than a week. ITCH, a short film about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder written by Joe Wilson and directed by Kris Modi, is one of those student-led productions. The film's short and has little dialogue, but it says so much more than it lets on.

Amplified is a radio documentary and narrative podcast series from WPGU, the University’s student-run radio station.

This week, Amplified was hosted by Grace Avila.

This episode was reported by Grace Avila, Thomas Burgeson, Sean Farnsley, J-J Grichnik-Parsons, Sarang Hong, Nick Johnson, Mack Jones, Madyson Magnus, Vinnie Magsombol, Philip Obazuaye, Audrey Sturwold, Abby Timm, Jordan Triplett, Ben Tuxhorn, Emma White, and the whole team at WPGU News.

It was written by Grace Avila, Thomas Burgeson, J-J Grichnik-Parsons, Sarang Hong, Mack Jones, Sonali Khanna, Madyson Magnus, Vinnie Magsombol, and Evita Zimmerman.

Abby Timm edited this week’s episode.

It was produced by Neo Martin, Sarang Hong, Mack Jones, and Audrey Sturwold.

Our theme music is by Neo Martin.

Special thanks to everyone interviewed, including Evita Zimmerman for helping with recording, Ben Tuxhorn, and Abby Timm.

Thank you for listening.

]]>442538cf-6867-4360-a967-f82f56d7f5eaSun, 26 Apr 2026 20:00:00 -050036:02falsefull44Episode 3 | 'Plain and simple:' homelessness in ChampaignEpisode 3 | 'Plain and simple:' homelessness in ChampaignLast December, a bill came before the Champaign City Council, a bill that would have criminalized certain aspects of homelessness. The bill was the culmination of a year of conflict about homelessness in the city, but the conflict runs much deeper than just last year. It still does.

Amplified is a radio documentary and narrative podcast series from WPGU, the University’s student-run radio station, with program director Amelia Benson.

This week, Amplified was hosted by Abby Timm.

This episode was reported by Grace Avila, Thomas Burgeson, Kennedy Caldwell, Taylor Casey, Adam Edwards, Sean Farnsley, JJ Grichnik-Parsons, Sarang Hong, Mack Jones, Madyson Magnus, Vinnie Magsombol, Neo Martin, Faith Routley, Audrey Sturwold, Abby Timm, Ben Tuxhorn, and the whole team at WPGU News.

It was written by Grace Avila, Thomas Burgeson, JJ Grichnik-Parsons, Vinnie Magsombol, Audrey Sturwold, Abby Timm, Ben Tuxhorn, and Evita Zimmerman.

Mack Jones, Abby Timm, and Evita Zimmerman edited this week’s episode.

It was produced by Neo Martin, Sarang Hong, Mack Jones, Audrey Sturwold, and Abby Timm.

Our theme music is by Neo Martin.

Amplified was created by Mack Jones, who also serves as the show’s executive producer.

Special thanks to everyone interviewed, as well as Evita Zimmerman for helping with recording.

]]>Last December, a bill came before the Champaign City Council, a bill that would have criminalized certain aspects of homelessness. The bill was the culmination of a year of conflict about homelessness in the city, but the conflict runs much deeper than just last year. It still does.

Amplified is a radio documentary and narrative podcast series from WPGU, the University’s student-run radio station, with program director Amelia Benson.

This week, Amplified was hosted by Abby Timm.

This episode was reported by Grace Avila, Thomas Burgeson, Kennedy Caldwell, Taylor Casey, Adam Edwards, Sean Farnsley, JJ Grichnik-Parsons, Sarang Hong, Mack Jones, Madyson Magnus, Vinnie Magsombol, Neo Martin, Faith Routley, Audrey Sturwold, Abby Timm, Ben Tuxhorn, and the whole team at WPGU News.

It was written by Grace Avila, Thomas Burgeson, JJ Grichnik-Parsons, Vinnie Magsombol, Audrey Sturwold, Abby Timm, Ben Tuxhorn, and Evita Zimmerman.

Mack Jones, Abby Timm, and Evita Zimmerman edited this week’s episode.

It was produced by Neo Martin, Sarang Hong, Mack Jones, Audrey Sturwold, and Abby Timm.

Our theme music is by Neo Martin.

Amplified was created by Mack Jones, who also serves as the show’s executive producer.

Special thanks to everyone interviewed, as well as Evita Zimmerman for helping with recording.

]]>645ccd4a-0d0c-498b-8fa0-98287d14c5a6Sun, 19 Apr 2026 20:00:00 -050029:28falsefull33Episode 2 | Sonic events: time and sound at Experimental Music StudiosEpisode 2 | Sonic events: time and sound at Experimental Music StudiosComposers from all over the world come to the University to create at the Experimental Music Studios. It took long nights and a long time to get it where it is today, but for former director Scott Wyatt, only one question remains: eggs sunny side up or scrambled?

Amplified is a radio documentary and narrative podcast series from WPGU News, the University’s student-run radio station, with program director Amelia Benson. Our News Director is Gavin Westlake. Our Assistant News Director is Mack Jones.

This week, Amplified was hosted by Thomas Burgeson.

This episode was reported by Grace Avila, Kennedy Caldwell, Taylor Casey, Sarang Hong, Mack Jones, Vinnie Magsombol, Philip Obazuaye, Audrey Sturwold, Ben Tuxhorn, and the whole team at WPGU News.

It was written by Grace Avila, Thomas Burgeson, Hannah Davis, Sean Farnsley, JJ Grichnik-Parsons, Mack Jones, Vinnie Magsombol, Ben Tuxhorn, and Evita Zimmerman

Gavin Westlake edited this week’s episode.

It was produced by Larimar Rivera, Neo Martin, Thomas Burgeson, Adam Edwards, Sarang Hong, Mack Jones, AJ Lacognata, Will Lafontaine, Vinnie Magsombol, Ben Tuxhorn, and Gavin Westlake.

Our theme music is by Neo Martin.

Amplified was created by Mack Jones, who also serves as the show’s executive producer.

Special thanks to everyone interviewed, as well as Vinnie Magsombol, Ben Tuxhorn, and Evita Zimmerman for helping with recording.

And thank you, Scott Wyatt.

]]>Composers from all over the world come to the University to create at the Experimental Music Studios. It took long nights and a long time to get it where it is today, but for former director Scott Wyatt, only one question remains: eggs sunny side up or scrambled?

Amplified is a radio documentary and narrative podcast series from WPGU News, the University’s student-run radio station, with program director Amelia Benson. Our News Director is Gavin Westlake. Our Assistant News Director is Mack Jones.

This week, Amplified was hosted by Thomas Burgeson.

This episode was reported by Grace Avila, Kennedy Caldwell, Taylor Casey, Sarang Hong, Mack Jones, Vinnie Magsombol, Philip Obazuaye, Audrey Sturwold, Ben Tuxhorn, and the whole team at WPGU News.

It was written by Grace Avila, Thomas Burgeson, Hannah Davis, Sean Farnsley, JJ Grichnik-Parsons, Mack Jones, Vinnie Magsombol, Ben Tuxhorn, and Evita Zimmerman

Gavin Westlake edited this week’s episode.

It was produced by Larimar Rivera, Neo Martin, Thomas Burgeson, Adam Edwards, Sarang Hong, Mack Jones, AJ Lacognata, Will Lafontaine, Vinnie Magsombol, Ben Tuxhorn, and Gavin Westlake.

Our theme music is by Neo Martin.

Amplified was created by Mack Jones, who also serves as the show’s executive producer.

Special thanks to everyone interviewed, as well as Vinnie Magsombol, Ben Tuxhorn, and Evita Zimmerman for helping with recording.

And thank you, Scott Wyatt.

]]>a814493b-c899-4092-b0bc-e8f97e1def8fSun, 12 Apr 2026 20:00:00 -050035:11falsefull22Episode 1 | Food chains: food insecurity in Champaign CountyEpisode 1 | Food chains: food insecurity in Champaign CountyOrganizations fighting food insecurity in Champaign County work against systemic issues and misconceptions to deliver healthy food to everyone, or at least everyone they can reach. Together, these groups build communities to supplement a national chain of support that’s been fading after funding cuts to SNAP and WIC nutrition programs. From farms to food pantries, these people are making a difference.

Amplified is a radio documentary and narrative podcast series from WPGU News, the University’s student-run radio station, with program director Amelia Benson.

This week, Amplified was hosted by Adam Edwards.

This episode was reported by Ben Tuxhorn, Grace Avila, Kennedy Caldwell, Vinnie Magsombol, Adam Edwards, Sean Farnsley, Faith Routley, Sophie Vansaghi, Audrey Sturwold, Sarang Hong, Gavin Westlake, Mack Jones, and the whole team at WPGU News.

It was written by JJ Grichnik-Parsons, Vinnie Magsombol, Ben Tuxhorn, and Mack Jones.

This episode’s editors were Grace Avila, Gavin Westlake, and Enzo Wallin.

It was produced by Larimar Rivera, Neo Martin, Sarang Hong, Philip Obazuaye, Abby Timm, Gavin Westlake, and Mack Jones.

Our theme music is by Neo Martin.

Amplified was created by Mack Jones, who also serves as the show’s executive producer.

Special thanks to everyone interviewed, as well as Enzo Wallin for helping with recording.

]]>Organizations fighting food insecurity in Champaign County work against systemic issues and misconceptions to deliver healthy food to everyone, or at least everyone they can reach. Together, these groups build communities to supplement a national chain of support that’s been fading after funding cuts to SNAP and WIC nutrition programs. From farms to food pantries, these people are making a difference.

Amplified is a radio documentary and narrative podcast series from WPGU News, the University’s student-run radio station, with program director Amelia Benson.

This week, Amplified was hosted by Adam Edwards.

This episode was reported by Ben Tuxhorn, Grace Avila, Kennedy Caldwell, Vinnie Magsombol, Adam Edwards, Sean Farnsley, Faith Routley, Sophie Vansaghi, Audrey Sturwold, Sarang Hong, Gavin Westlake, Mack Jones, and the whole team at WPGU News.

It was written by JJ Grichnik-Parsons, Vinnie Magsombol, Ben Tuxhorn, and Mack Jones.

This episode’s editors were Grace Avila, Gavin Westlake, and Enzo Wallin.

It was produced by Larimar Rivera, Neo Martin, Sarang Hong, Philip Obazuaye, Abby Timm, Gavin Westlake, and Mack Jones.

Our theme music is by Neo Martin.

Amplified was created by Mack Jones, who also serves as the show’s executive producer.

Special thanks to everyone interviewed, as well as Enzo Wallin for helping with recording.

]]>04973aac-b238-4ab8-a768-cd19b8964f1dSun, 05 Apr 2026 17:45:00 -050031:33falsefull11