Cultish behavior in politics!? Ben pulls back the curtain on a well known secret. Yes, many people know and/or suspect something’s up, but the scary part is that the majority doesn’t know or just doesn’t care. Ben’s delivery could use a little more rhythm and enunciation at times, but the piece benefits from his laid back tone. Think that youth are out of the loop and only care about the latest video game? This piece, with its rocking good music, gets even the most apathetic thinking.

Monique takes us on a sound rich visit to her grandmother’s. The topic is one we hear often, but rarely do we get a teen’s personal and witty perspective. Her delivery is flawless, like she wasn’t even trying at all. One of the things I love most about radio is listening to the texture of different people’s voices. This piece is a great example. The grandmother has a leisurely, husky voice; Mary Jackson’s is strong, almost feisty. Monique paints a picture in your mind, and skillfully tackles a harsh reality in the process.

If you’re a cynic like me, you’ll know what Sophie is talking about. You’ve noticed the patronizing and overly enthusiastic salespeople at “teenybopper” or “trendy” stores; listen to this piece and you’ll understand the Machiavellian forces behind them. Having an expert is important but sometimes sounds stuffy, not here. Stewart knows what he’s talking about and his quotes are kept short and to the point. High quality field recording in a noisy mall is the mark of a good producer, well done. I liked how the actualities don’t just appear out of thin air but are part of a scene, very effective. This piece could work wonderfully in any radio magazine show talking about peer-pressure and the advertising industry. I would only recommend you clarify for the listener when the reporting ends and your personal opinions begin.

As an immigrant I have heard stories similar to the ones Jose describes, both from the parents’ and children’s perspectives. I kept waiting to hear more about Jose’s experience. Having so many different characters was a bit overwhelming, but they help emphasize the scope of the problem. A more descriptive script would strengthen the narration, frame the actualities better, and give it a more polished feel. Jose started with a light, almost humorous tone before he hit us with the tear jerking quote from Teresa Vazquez, and then concluded on a hopeful note. This piece illustrates the realities of the immigration process, and should be aired, not only in Washington D.C. where politicians can hear it, but all across the nation.

There seem to be two different types of young voters. Those that can but won’t and those that will tackle bureaucratic (yet surprisingly funny) red tape for the privilege of voting. But why does Luis want to become a citizen even though his mother risked it all so he could be born Mexican? Luis tries to understand his parents’ incongruous actions. His mother made sure they where born in Guanajuato and his father can’t wait to return, yet they came to the US for a reason. Luis wants to make that sacrifice worthwhile. But the implications of his actions are more dramatic. I would have liked to hear what Luis was feeling, both in his words and in his voice. The construction of the piece shows that Luis anticipates what the listener is thinking, though the ending leaves you in suspense. Is there a sequel in the works? I hope so.