By Michael Gonzales-Hesse
WKKL, the official radio station of Cape Cod Community College (4Cs), offers students a unique opportunity to amplify their voices through broadcasting and podcasting. Under the leadership of Professor Lisa Zinsius—known to many as “Professor Z”—the station serves as both a training ground for aspiring media professionals and a vital news source for the campus community.
Professor Z, who teaches communication and podcasting courses at 4Cs, brings a wealth of experience to her role. With a 35-year career in Cape Cod radio, she is perhaps best known for her time with iHeart Media. “I teach communication because my own communication class was so influential for me,” she explains.
Professor Z began her journey at WKKL as a student at CCCC and later earned a master’s degree. She returned to the college in 1995 as a communication faculty member and ran the station until 2012. After a decade-long hiatus, she returned to rebuild the station and revitalize its programming.
Under her leadership, WKKL has earned accolades, including being ranked among the top five college radio stations by the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System. The rise of podcasting during the COVID-19 pandemic proved to be a turning point, and Professor Z capitalized on this trend in her courses. “In my classes, every student gets on air, podcasts, and creates content,” she says.
The topics covered by her students are as varied as the medium itself, ranging from Marvel character reenactments to murder mysteries and true crime. Students completing these courses can earn either a podcasting certificate or a content creation certificate.
Freddy Towa, a student with no prior podcasting experience, values the practical skills he’s acquired. “I’ve wanted to podcast for a while, and the class gave me the tools to do that,” says Towa. His podcast, which explores UFC martial arts, has become a platform for discussions on current trends in the sport. He recently co-hosted a Veterans Day panel on campus and frequently collaborates with his peers to produce new episodes. His podcast, along with those of his classmates, is archived on the WKKL website.
For new students nervous about stepping into the broadcast world, Professor Z has simple advice: “Remember, you’re in a room by yourself. Focus on your message and relax.”