THE QUARTERBACK
Executive Producer of Lovercall
THE MUSICIAN
Lovercall Producer
RADIO REBEL
Lovercall Producer
Hello!
We are The Quarterback, The Musician and Radio Rebel: producers and hosts of the radio show Lovercall, right here at Fredonia. Lovercall is an anonymous late-night talk show about love, relationships and more. Students who are guests on the show use codenames to protect their identities when discussing potentially personal topics, hence the codenames of the writers of this column. This is your reminder that none of the hosts or guests are professionals, and everything stated is based on personal experiences.
“The Quarterback” is a 20-year-old cisgender man who uses he/him pronouns and is a junior at Fredonia.
“The Musician” is a 22-year-old gender-fluid person who uses they/she pronouns and is a senior at Fredonia.
“Radio Rebel” is a 21-year-old transgender man who uses he/him pronouns and is a senior at Fredonia.
On each episode, the hosts and guests of Lovercall participate in a variety of segments. The cast discusses a relevant news story, a date idea, a wacky game and a main topic for the episode.
Listeners can submit their questions or seek advice either via Fredonia Radio’s Instagram, @fredonia_radio, on YikYak or through the QR code provided in this column.
We answer your questions live on the radio, then add them to this column in case you missed the episode.
The show will broadcast weekly throughout the semester on Wednesday nights from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. on WDVL 89.5 on www.fredoniaradio.com.
This column runs in conjunction with Lovercall and can be found in print and online at fredonialeader.org.
Date idea of the week
We hope to provide fellow students with a fun and unique date idea in every episode. These date ideas aren’t just for romantic partners — you could go with your friends, classmates or can even go solo for a fun activity in Fredonia.
For this week’s date idea, get the microphone out and crank the volume, because it’s karaoke night!
Music can form a deep connection between people, and this is an opportunity to have a good time together through song.
You also don’t need to sound like Elvis Presley, Whitney Houston or Chappell Roan in order to have a good time.
In fact, one of our guests said, “The worse you are at singing, the more fun it is.”
If you’re doing karaoke with a partner, you might sing along to a song that carries meaning in your relationship.
You could sing your favorite duet and dance together, enjoying each other’s company no matter what your singing voice may sound like.
Karaoke is also fun when it’s done with a group of friends!
Another one of our guests felt that the truest friends won’t judge you, even if you’re not the best singer.
This date idea ties in with our main topic of “safe spaces,” as an environment with your friends should be a space for you to sing your heart out without fear of being judged or criticized.
Singing in front of others is difficult for many people, mostly because they fear judgment or criticism.
So, go sing your heart out like nobody is listening!
Maybe be mindful of any neighbors you have, though… they may not love it as much.
Finding Your Safe Space
In this episode, we talked about safe spaces and how to find yours!
Safe spaces are defined as spaces where individuals or groups can feel secure and free from discrimination, criticism, harassment or any form of emotional or physical harm.
College can be stressful; we all know this to be true.
So when things get tough, go to your safe space!
We discussed some places on campus that could be a safe space, including the Counseling Center in LoGrasso Hall, your dorm room, the radio station or maybe even Starbucks if all you need is a coffee or sweet treat!
Safe spaces don’t have to be just a physical place. They can also be a person or a group of people.
However, if you consider a person or a group of people to be your safe space, remember that they need their own safe space, too.
Yes, it’s helpful to have those close to you as confidants when things aren’t going so well.
But be careful that you’re not dumping all of your struggles onto others because that can be a form of invading their safe space, which isn’t good for either of you.
Outside of people or places, a loving pet can also be a safe space.
Some students have officially-recognized emotional support animals (ESAs) who help them navigate the ups and downs of college life.
Fredonia also offers events throughout the year featuring therapy dogs, who are always available for a pet and a snuggle whenever you might be having a hard time!
Quarterback’s dog is a therapy dog, too, and he sends his love to anyone who might be in need of a safe space.
Need help finding your safe space? Pick something or someone who gives you a sense of familiarity.
Whether it’s your bed or your best friend, make sure you feel secure.
If you can’t get to your safe space, make one! Use some self-care techniques like grounding, journaling or exercise to create an environment where you can be calm and serene.
Music can also be therapeutic when you’re having a difficult time.
Some people might consider making playlists for when they’re struggling, which may include some of your favorite songs or songs that let you know everything will be alright.
Your safe space can also be a figment of your imagination; think of it as your “happy place.”
This could be a place that exists in your life that holds some sort of significance, which brings back the familiarity aspect.
It could also be somewhere that’s completely made up in your mind, and that’s okay too!
Nobody would judge you if you wanted to escape the modern world and take a trip to Narnia.
However you find your safe space or whatever it is, it’s perfect as long as it suits your needs.
Lovercall can also always be your safe space!
No matter what you may be going through, The Quarterback, The Musician and Radio Rebel are right here with you every step of the way.
Reach out! Do you want to ask the authors of Lovercolumn a question? Do you need advice? Fill out the form by using this QR code.
Interested in being a guest on Lovercall? Email wdvlonair@gmail.com or visit Fredonia Radio Systems, located in McEwen Hall 115 and open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“The Quarterback,” “The Musician” and “Radio Rebel” are members of Fredonia Radio Systems and are involved in the production of Lovercall.