Erin Callan and Lauren Poirier discuss random topics during their radio show “The Late, Late Show.” Photo by Anna Meassick.
The “One Direction vs. The Beatles” debate is one that offers valid points on both sides of the argument and is so deadlocked in the middle it could easily have an hours-worth of radio time dedicated to it. However, for sophomores Lauren Poirier and Erin Callan, it’s just another fun talking point in a radio show that’s full of a wide variety of engaging topics.
The pair host a radio show from 7 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday nights for RIU2.org, the online radio station for students at the University of Rhode Island. Poirier said they play any type of music ranging from country, rap and reggae, while also noting that no topic is off limits.
“We talk about anything really,” Poirier said. “We talk about our internships, we talk about funny stories, friends, stupid things we do, our professors.”
The title of the show has evolved since its inception last year. Callan said that the show used to be called “The Early, Early Show” because of their morning time slot on the airwaves. This semester their placement was shifted, resulting in their new title “The Late, Late Show.”
The University of Rhode Island was not where the pair first met. In fact, the duo went to high school together in the Ocean State and grew up in Little Compton. They have been best friends since the sixth grade, a fact that was apparent when asked about their favorite moment on the two-year long show.
“Our favorite discussion was when we talked about whether a calzone is a sandwich or not,” said Poirier. Callan, who is firm in her beliefs they should not be classified as a sandwich, added that they got a lot of feedback on the topic.
Something that they want to improve their show is what music they play in a physical sense. The hosts admitted that they don’t know how to use the record player and joked that they would be welcoming to someone who could show them how.
In terms of other involvement on campus, the pair are involved with W.O.W.W., a women’s empowerment group that Callan called “fun adult girl scouts.” Both of the students are apart of the Public Relations Student Society Association, a fitting organization for two students who are both studying public relations.
They also are involved in other academic realms. Poirier said she is majoring in English alongside public relations and minoring in business, while Callan is also a business and public relations double minor. Even though radio commentary is not the direct field they want to get into, the show still teaches them valuable skills.
“At the end of the day it is learning about communicating with your publics,” said Poirier. “Even though we aren’t selling anything, we are learning ways to be funny without being offensive to anyone, which I think in this day and age is good practice.”
Callan echoed similar feelings when describing how much she enjoys going on the air.
“We’re doing it for fun at the end of the day,” she said. “I’m not doing this for a future career or anything like that, but it is genuinely fun just being here. It make you feel important.”