New Normal

A big part of the Harvard experience includes the time you spend away from school. In the first part of this episode, Jason Lam tackles big questions about impact and purpose with a friend on a leave of absence. In the second, Kalos Chu tells the story of a transformative summer in quarantine. Written by Jason Lam and Kalos Chu. Produced and edited by Kai McNamee. Podcast art by Kai McNamee and Yuen Ting Chow.

While most students spent the semester far from Harvard, some lived just outside its gates. Students seeking to recreate the campus experience signed on to short term rentals in Cambridge and surrounding areas, entering a housing market at the cusp of an eviction crisis. It’s part of  what one student calls “gentrification in rapid action” — and Harvard students are part of the problem. Presented by The Harvard Crimson. Written and reported by Maliya Ellis and Jane Li. Produced and edited by Kai McNamee. Podcast art by Kai McNamee and Yuen Ting Chow.

In early October, Jessica M. Moore ’21 was hospitalized with COVID-19. She came out of the experience feeling like Harvard had failed her: the institution seemed unprepared to handle severe cases. This episode explores Jessica’s story and some of the ways the pandemic has exacerbated the inequities of Harvard. Presented by The Harvard Crimson. Hosted, written and produced by Kai McNamee. Podcast art by Kai McNamee and Yuen Ting Chow.

Old institutions like Harvard aren’t exactly known for being quick to adapt to change. So what happens when a global pandemic forces instructors and administrators to reimagine the college experience? Kai and Jason talk to instructors about virtual office hours, the future of higher education and doing math proofs in a windowless office. Presented by The Harvard Crimson. Hosted, written and produced by Kai McNamee and Jason Lam. Podcast art by Kai McNamee and Yuen Ting Chow.

The international experience at Harvard is partly defined by distance: distance from home, distance from family, distance in culture. This episode explores international students’ experiences in the pandemic. It’s the story of a mostly-won legal battle, a nocturnal sleep schedule, and an identity crisis. Presented by The Harvard Crimson. Hosted and edited by Kai McNamee. Produced by Kai McNamee, Jason Lam, Ryan Gajarawala, and Allison Lee. Podcast art by Kai McNamee and Yuen Ting Chow.

2020 is a busy year for activists at Harvard, but virtual school means organizing is now remote. The semester poses unique challenges, and student activist groups are devising new tactics to effect social change. Presented by The Harvard Crimson. Hosted and edited by Kai McNamee. Produced by Kai McNamee, Jason Lam, Ryan Gajarawala, and Allison Lee. Podcast art by Kai McNamee and Yuen Ting Chow.

Microwaved meals, Instagram friends and illicit parties on the river. Freshmen grapple with unmet expectations as they navigate virtual Harvard. While most are adapting, following the rules is harder for some. In this episode of New Normal, Kai explores the freshman experience. Hosted and edited by Kai McNamee. Produced by Kai McNamee, Ryan Gajarawala, and Allison Lee. Podcast art by Kai McNamee and Yuen Ting Chow.

It’s September, and the semester is underway at Harvard. Kai explores Harvard’s fall plan, and students’ physical and virtual return to Cambridge. Presented by the Harvard Crimson. Hosted and edited by Kai McNamee. Produced by Kai McNamee, Ryan Gajarawala, and Allison Lee. Podcast art by Kai McNamee and Yuen Ting Chow.

New Normal is a podcast about Harvard students in a pandemic. Hosted and produced by Kai McNamee, this 8-part series will cover topics ranging from virtual move-in to remote activism, and will feature students experiencing Harvard from all over the world. This series will be published on alternating Tuesdays — the first episode, “A Mostly Virtual Move-In,” is available now. Give it a listen. Presented by the Harvard Crimson. Hosted and edited by Kai McNamee. Produced by Kai McNamee, Ryan Gajarawala, and Allison Lee. Podcast art by Kai McNamee and Yuen Ting Chow.