S2E3: Under the Influence

WHO makes you stop in your scroll?

S7E0: In Pursuit of Passion: Cracking open the passions that shape us – Michigan Voices

Michigan Voices Season Seven represents students at the University of Michigan who passionately discuss their interests, desires, and favorite things in life through Passion Projects. This season celebrates the ways in which identity, curiosity, and creativity intersect with one another. No matter what a student dives into for their episode, each story uncovers a window into their experiences that shape who they are and what passions they pursue. Season Seven provides listeners with the opportunity to take a closer look at the moments, motivations, and memories that fuel their passions. We invite you to join these students as they reflect on their own passions and embrace the things that most inspire them as students and human beings. Our Season encourages listeners to appreciate the diverse stories that make U of M such an incredible place to both learn and grow as students, faculty members, staff, and individuals.Trailer Producer: Aniyah GrahamSeason Theme Song: Shawn Patterson-LeeArt: Nadia AbdelhadyDesign: Laini VolkText: Alexis Spector and Kate Levy Season Order: Austin Proos and Sydney FraserListening Party MC: Chloe Castile

Influencers have power in 2021. That’s a fact. They dictate what we wear, read, donate,
and consume. On this episode of Michigan Voices, we explore the intricacies of micro
influencing, and what it means to partner with brands. We then dive into the public relations
side of influencing and hear about what’s really happening behind the scenes. Finally, we
explore cancel culture and its dangerous power in social media. The episode should leave you
wondering, who do I follow and why do they have influence over me? What have they done to
deserve my loyalty?

What you’ll hear in this episode

TRANSCRIPT

An exclusive interview with Joshua Johnson, a small influencer with a growing platform who has a lot to say about his decision making process as someone with power

A sneak peek into the public relations side of influencing and what goes on when an influencer partners with a brand

Cancelling cancel culture. Should we do it? Some food for thought as we consider the ever-growing desire to call influencers out

Credits

Joshua Johnson -Interview guest
Music: Artist- Sounds of Red Bull, Track-Claptrap (Purchased Rights, Order number: GCIXREL7,
21.04.202)

Episode Notes

Thank you to Joshua Johnson, Professor T Hetzel, University of Michigan

Producers

Maddie Deutsch

Maddie is a senior at the University of Michigan majoring in Sociology with minors in Writing and Spanish. Maddie is working at a healthcare public relations firm following
graduation hoping to focus on digital campaigns in the disease advocacy space. She is a big fan
of the NYT’s podcast The Daily as well as any NPR’s radio show Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me.

Jack Mastrianni

Jack is a senior Musical Theatre Major and Performing Arts Management
minor at the University of Michigan. Upon graduating in May 2021, he plans to move to New
York City and pursue a career as an actor and arts administrator. His favorite podcasts include
The Daily, Science Vs., and Snacks Daily.

Cooper Weiss

Cooper is a Senior at The University of Michigan majoring in General Studies
with a concentration in Entrepreneurship and Psychology. Cooper is moving to Los Angeles in
summer of 2020, where he plans on continuing to run his own businesses and start a new
podcast interviewing founders. Cooper’s favorite podcasts include The Joe Rogan Experience
and BFF’s with Dave Portnoy and Josh Richards.