The Roundup
News & Politics
About
Mustang News Editor-in-Chief Archana Pisupati, KCPR News Director Fiona Hastings share weekly recaps on news covered by Mustang Media Group as well as completing sit-down interviews with reporters and impactful community members. New episodes air on KCPR 91.3 FM every Friday at 6 p.m.
Episodes
- Pod from the Editors, May ’26
Archana Pisupati and Jeremy Garza, Mustang News Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor, discuss the May newspaper edition. Topics include famous Cal Poly alums and sports.
- In Conversation with Mia Dahlgren
Hosts Archana Pisupati and Fiona Hastings interview Mustang News photographer Mia Dahlgren about her experience covering sports at Cal Poly. This episode marks the return of The Roundup for the 2025-26 school year.
- In Conversation with Andrew Aguiniga
The Roundup podcast returns for the 2025-26 school year. Hosts Archana Pisupati and Fiona Hastings interview reporter Andrew Aguiniga about his sports coverage in the San Luis Obispo area.
- In Conversation with Delaney Ridder
The Roundup podcast returns with hosts Archana Pisupati and Fiona Hastings. In this episode, they interview KCPR News Reporter Delaney Ridder to discuss her reporting on music in San Luis Obispo.
- In Conversation with Seth Pintar
The Roundup podcast returns with hosts Archana Pisupati and Fiona Hastings. They interview Mustang News Reporter Seth Pintar about his reporting on the St Fratty's Day event and the No Kings protests.
- Pod from the Editors April '26
Archana Pisupati and Jeremy Garza, Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor of Mustang News, discuss the April newspaper edition. Topics include job rejections and birds falling from the sky.
- In Conversation with Grace Vazquez
The Roundup podcast returns with hosts Archana Pisupati and Fiona Hastings. They interview Grace Vazquez, host and producer of the KCPR podcast 'Where Different Matters,' discussing behind-the-scenes news reporting.
- In Conversation with Archana Pisupati
Archana Pisupati, Editor-in-Chief of Mustang News, joins Fiona Hastings as a new host for The Roundup podcast's 2025-26 school year season. They discuss behind-the-scenes coverage from Mustang Media Group and celebrate Archana's birthday.
- Pod from the Editors, March ’26
Archana Pisupati and Jeremy Garza, this year’s Mustang News Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor, discuss the March newspaper edition and their evolving audience connection.
- In Conversation with Riya Minglani
Archana Pisupati and Fiona Hastings host Riya Minglani on The Roundup to discuss her reporting for Mustang News. The episode provides behind-the-scenes insights into Mustang Media Group's news coverage.
- In conversation with Grace Gillio
The Roundup podcast returns with hosts Archana Pisupati and Fiona Hastings. In this episode, they interview Mustang News Reporter Grace Gillio about her contributions to the news coverage.
- Pod from the Editors, Feb. ’26
Archana Pisupati and Jeremy Garza, Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor of Mustang News, discuss the February edition. They cover national politics' impact on San Luis Obispo and everyday life.
- In Conversation with Maddie Kuhns
Archana Pisupati and Fiona Hastings host The Roundup podcast, featuring Mustang News Opinion Columnist Maddie Kuhns discussing her opinion pieces. The episode covers behind-the-scenes reporting from Mustang Media Group for the 2025-26 scho…
- In Conversation with Alex Kohm
The Roundup podcast features hosts Archana Pisupati and Fiona Hastings interviewing Mustang News Reporter Alex Kohm. They discuss Kohm's reporting on a significant hit and run incident and his tenure at Mustang News.
- In Conversation with Olivia Nieporte
The Roundup podcast returns with hosts Archana Pisupati and Fiona Hastings, featuring an interview with KCPR Content Writer Olivia Nieporte. They discuss Nieporte's dual roles as a musician and journalist.
- Pod from the Editors, Jan. '26
Archana Pisupati and Jeremy Garza, this year’s Mustang News Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor, discuss the January newspaper edition. They review stories and talk about their New Year's resolutions as editors.
- Saying Goodbye to Joe Forrestdavis
The Roundup podcast's new hosts, Archana Pisupati and Fiona Hastings, welcome KCPR DJ Joe Forrestdavis to discuss his experiences at KCPR and his plans following graduation. This episode marks the return of The Roundup for the 2025-26 scho…
- Volleyball with Samantha Roach
Hosts Archana Pisupati and Fiona Hastings interview Mustang News Sports Reporter Samantha Roach about her career start and coverage of Cal Poly Volleyball, including the "Mott Magic" home winning streak.
- Pod from the Editors, Nov. ’25
Archana Pisupati and Jeremy Garza, Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor of Mustang News, discuss the November edition of the newspaper, including specific stories and the effects of midterm season on the team.
- An Interview with KCPR News Director Fiona Hastings
The Roundup podcast returns with hosts Archana Pisupati and Fiona Hastings, featuring behind-the-scenes insights into Mustang Media Group's news coverage. This episode includes a discussion of Fiona Hastings' journey as KCPR News Director…
- DEI Reporting with Angel Corzo
The Roundup podcast features Mustang News Investigative Reporter Angel Corzo discussing his work as a student journalist of color and the significance of DEI reporting at Cal Poly.
- Special Edition: Cal Poly Student Spent Months in the West Bank
Political science and journalism senior Charlie Nichols discusses his two summers spent in the West Bank as part of Project Walsh, a reporting initiative. Mustang News editors Jeremy Garza and Carly Heltzel interviewed Nichols about his ex…
- Welcome to the Roundup '25-'26!
The Roundup podcast returns for the 2025-26 school year with new hosts Archana Pisupati and Fiona Hastings. They are joined by Gabrielle Ottaviano to discuss her article on the Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo move-in process.
- Pod From the Editors Oct '25
Archana Pisupati and Jeremy Garza discuss the October newspaper edition, including stories and a controversial cover. The editors emphasize the importance of ensuring diverse voices are heard. Visit MustangNews.net for the print edition.
- Pod from the Editors, Sept. ’25!
Archana Pisupati and Jeremy Garza, Mustang News' Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor, discuss their plans for content development and producing a special podcast for Mustang Media Group.
- Restrooms On Campus
Mustang Media Group reporters found that men have more restrooms on Cal Poly's campus than women. Reporters Emmy and Emma discuss this bathroom inequity with Reporter Jessica Carp.
- President Armstrong Goes to Washington D.C
Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong, along with other university presidents, testified before Congress over alleged antisemitism and mishandling of Pro-Palestinian activity. Mustang Media Group digital manager Leila Touati attended the he…
- Senator Adam Schiff and Congressman Salud Carbajal
Mustang News Reporter Seth Pintar joins The Roundup hosts to discuss his attendance at a discussion featuring Senator Adam Schiff and Congressman Salud Carbajal. Topics included Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong’s upcoming testimony and…
- ASI Elections
On The Roundup, hosts Emmy, Emma, and Amelia are joined by reporter Angel Corzo to discuss student leader scholarships funded by required fees. Corzo shares details about his reporting process, including interviews with ASI leaders and a s…
- President Armstrong To Testify Before Congress
Mustang News reporter Krithi Sankar discusses Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong's congressional testimony with hosts Emmy, Emma, and Amelia, detailing the reporting process and the reasons behind the decision.
- Mustang Media Group's Socials
Amelia Wu, Emmy Burrus, and Emma Montalbano discuss social media and feature MMG Social Media Manager Archana Pisupati. They also cover Cal Poly's a capella clubs with Reporter Layla Shuman.
- Central Coast Coverage of the LA Fires
Amelia Wu, Emmy Burrus, and Emma Montalbano recap the week's biggest story, discussing Caroline Ohlandt's coverage of the Los Angeles wildfires. The episode focuses on the Central Coast's perspective of the event.
- 2024 Mustang News Wrapped
Mustang News staff recap the week of December 6th, discussing the break dancing scene in SLO and reviewing 2024.
- All Things Election Coverage
Amelia Wu, Emmy Burrus, and Emma Montalbano recap the week's top stories, focusing on election coverage. They also discuss a sustainability event at Cal Poly with reporter Evelyn Santa Rosa.
- ARTober and the Nate Abate Trial
Amelia Wu, Emmy Burrus, and Emma Montalbano recap the week's top stories for The Roundup. They discuss Mustang News Reporter Layla Shuman's coverage of ARTober and Mustang News Contributer Chloe Hodge's reporting on the Nate Abate trial.
- On Campus Protests
Amelia Wu, Emmy Burrus, and Emma Montalbano recap the week's top stories, including a TPUSA event, covering campus protests, and breaking news.
- Weed All About It
MMG Editor-in-Chief Chloe Lovejoy and KCPR News Reporter Emma Montalbano discuss The Peak, Mustang Media Group's first magazine, and Jeremy Garza's new column 'Weed All About It'. They also take a coffee shop quiz from the issue.
- 2024 Open House and The Rodeo
Chloe Lovejoy and Emma Montalbano recap the week of April 19th, highlighting the 2024 Cal Poly Open House. Natalie Levesque joins to discuss her coverage of the Poly Royal Rodeo.
- Graphic Arts Bathroom and Cal Poly Foundation Divestments
MMG Editor-in-Chief Chloe Lovejoy and KCPR News Reporter Emma Montalbano discuss the Graphic Arts bathroom's origins with professor Ken Macro and the Cal Poly Foundation's investment portfolio with reporter Owen Levine.
- SLO French Group & Garage Rock Revival Music Festival
MMG Editor-in-Chief Chloe Lovejoy and KCPR News Reporter Emma Montalbano recap the week of March 1, discussing the SLO French Group and the Garage Rock Revival Music Festival. Layla Shuman joined to talk about the festival.
- When Bike Night Wheels Through Town
MMG Editor-in-Chief Chloe Lovejoy and KCPR News Reporter Emma Montalbano recap the week's top stories. Topics include a new Korean cafe called Touch By Angels and an in-depth report on San Luis Obispo's "Bike Night".
- Craft Center Reopens, and a New Must-Listen Morning Sports Show
MMG Editor-in-Chief Chloe Lovejoy and KCPR News Reporter Emma Montalbano discuss the reopening of the ASI Craft Center and the new morning sports show, Saddle Up Sports.
- Cal Poly Faculty Strike and Protests
MMG Editor-in-Chief Chloe Lovejoy and KCPR News Reporter Emma Montalbano recap the week's top stories, focusing on the Cal Poly faculty strike and related protests. Further reporting on the CFA strike is available from Mustang News.
- "The Peak": San Luis Obispo's Newest Magazine
Chloe Lovejoy and Emma Montalbano discuss the debut of "The Peak," Mustang Media Group's first magazine, with guest Catherine Allen. They recap the week's top stories.
- Counter-Protests of Turning Point USA's Speaker Panel
Chloe Lovejoy and Emma Montalbano recap the week of Dec. 8, discussing social media reporting strategies with Jessa Rosenthal, focusing on coverage of protests against a Turning Point USA event. The episode also features a story on an anon…
- Cal Poly's Political Divide
MMG Editor-in-Chief Chloe Lovejoy and KCPR News Reporter Emma Montalbano recap the week of Dec. 1. They discuss PULSE's
- CSU Employee Strikes
Chloe Lovejoy and Emma Montalbano discuss The Ruttenberg Lab's documentation of Pismo Beach's clam population and Cassandra Garcia's reporting on the CSU employee strike.
- The Velum Furniture Design Exhibition
MMG Editor-in-Chief Chloe Lovejoy and KCPR News Reporter Emma Montalbano recap the week's top stories, featuring the Marine Sciences Open House and an architecture event. Reporter Trevor Baumgardner is interviewed about his coverage of the…
- The Central Coast Railroad Festival
Chloe Lovejoy and Emma Montalbano review the week's top stories, joined by McKenna Rodriguez to discuss her reporting on the San Luis Obispo Railroads.
- The Lizzie Fire
KCPR Reporters Emma Montalbano and Jada Griffith provide an in-depth look at the Lizzie Fire, which originated on October 30th behind SLO High School. The episode was produced by Emma Montolbano.