The SOTA Pop Podcast

SOTA Pop S5 Ep 20: I Love Ariel Day

On this super special jam-packed episode, Kiya Williams is joined by the director of UNA's upcoming production of Boeing Boeing, Ariel Lauryn, as well as by fellow cast members Grayson Waggoner, Trevor Peck, and Anna Armstrong! Why did Ariel choose Boeing Boeing? Why is Boeing Boeing rehearsal so fun and positive? And what new holiday is sweeping the nation? Find out all this and more in this week's plane crazy episode!

SOTA Pop S5 Ep 19: Steppin’ and Singin’

Kiya is joined by Mallory Campbell from UNA's University Program Council, or UPC. She talks about her experiences with UPC as well as what to expect from the highly-anticipated Step-Sing event. Who is allowed to perform in Step-Sing? How can one join UPC? And what seemingly innocent game do college students go feral for? Find out all this and more in this eventful episode!

SOTA Pop S5 Ep 18: The Top Dogs of Chopped

Join Kiya as she talks to the distinguished winners of UNA's 2022 Chopped challenge! What was it like participating in such a high-stakes event? What incredibly obscure moment in Eternals caused food-related stress for one of our guests? And where does everyone stand in the great ketchup on hash browns debate? Find out all this and more in this delicious new episode!

SOTA Pop S5 Ep 17: Fizzle Champagne Feel Resolute

New year, new episode (that definitely wasn't recorded minutes after the last episode)! Kiya, Cat, and Grayson ring in the new year by discussing their last semester and looking to their next. What episodes were never released? What are our resolutions? And how absurdly long will our playlist become? Find out all this and more in this celebrated episode!

SOTA Pop S5 Ep 16: Christmas in Kansas

You may not believe your ears, but yes, there is a new SOTA Pop over the winter break! In this very special, very long holiday episode, Kiya, Grayson, and Cat are joined by UNA's resident Christmas enthusiast, Davis Farlow. They discuss traditions, holiday favorites, and play a game involving strange Hallmark movie titles. Where does everyone stand in the great eggnog debate? Whose family had an elaborate crouton war? And why is Kiya so good at coming up with fake Hallmark titles? Find out all this and more in this holly jolly episode! We love you, and happy holidays!

SOTA Pop S5 Ep 15: Two Film Geniuses and a Very Excited Grayson Waggoner

This week Grayson is honored to be joined by two incredibly special guests! Michael Johnson is the chair of the UNA Cinematic Arts and Theatre department and an assistant professor in film production, and Ethan Eng is the co-writer, actor, and director of the award-winning coming-of-age film (and one of Grayson's all-time favorites) Therapy Dogs. They discuss the long-running George Lindsey UNA Film Festival and their experiences with the famed event. How did Ethan get from Canada to Alabama? What filmmakers stood out at the festival? And how can YOU submit your film for the 2023 festival? Find out all this and more in this week's reel-y good episode!

SOTA Pop S5 Ep 14: Mushroom Hats, Fashion Chats, and Brand New Tatts

Join Kiya and Cooper as they talk about fast fashion with their friend and small business owner Yasmina Assajeri! What inspired Yasmina to make mushroom hats? Who can you trust when buying clothes online? And what is the best way to shop with a positive impact? Find out all this in more in this fashionable episode!

SOTA Pop S5 Ep 13: Probably Oboe

This episode is music to my ears! Oh wait, that's just the intro. Still, there are people talking about music! Cooper and Kiya are joined by Cade Garcia, who plays strings for Shoals Symphony, and Dr. Suren Petrosyan, the Shoals Symphony's new conductor. What is it like being a conductor? What would they play if they had to change their instruments? And which host not-so-secretly plays the bugle? Find out all this and more in this week's harmonious episode!

SOTA Pop S5 Ep 12: Scrooge’s Balled Up Script

Someone call the Christmas-themed exterminator because we have a humbug infestation! Kiya Williams is joined by the director of UNA's A Christmas Carol, Amanda Perry, as well as by fellow cast members Grayson Waggoner, Cooper Townsend, Davis Farlow, and Deyanara Holt. What makes this Christmas Carol so unique? What is everyone's favorite Christmas Carol adaptation? And what does a Fred laugh sound like? Find out all this and more in this very merry episode!

SOTA Pop S5 Ep 11: The Internet Does Not Die

This week Kiya is joined by UNA student Elise Armstrong to discuss fan culture. Who are their favorite Disney girlies? Who owned a Lemonade Mouth CD? And who had a "not like other girls" phase? Find out all this and more in this FAN-tastic episode!