Journalism professor’s podcasts shape Rowan’s online presence

Life can get hectic in the fast-paced world of a student or faculty member. With classes to attend, papers to write and grades to be submitted, it’s easy to become consumed with our daily routines and heavy workloads.

Assistant journalism professor Dr. Candace Kelley has offered a bit of reprieve from the daily hustle of life at Rowan through her weekly program, “League of the Extraordinary.”

At 5:30 p.m. every Tuesday, Kelley presents the life journeys of amazing people who have learned important lessons along the way, providing them a chance to share their story.

“I have been in news for 15 years, and along the way I have met a lot of interesting people, but they are never going to be on the news,” Kelley said. “I came by a lot of great stories but there was nowhere to put them. When given the opportunity for the show, I knew this was my platform to showcase them.”

According to Kelley, the subjects of her presentations are common people whose stories make you say, “my God, they are interesting.”

The first show gave the audience an eye-opening view into the life of an immigrant and the daunting process it is to make it into this country. It also gave a look into the story of an orthodox Jew-now-turned-bishop of African-American Pentecostal Church. There is always a significant lesson to be learned.

“There is a facet, or slice of everyone life that someone else can learn from,” Kelley said.

The show is genuine in its delivery, holding no bars when sharing these experiences. Kelley asks tough questions to bring out compelling stories.

“I ask why and how, and what that person had to go through,” Kelley said. “I ask questions that are uncomfortable. There is a certain level of respect when you hear what people had to go through in order to get where they are today.

“Most people have a story to tell, but when there is no blood, or guns or violence it’s not going to be in the Gloucester County Times or UPN News. This show and other shows like it gives people the opportunity to tell their stories.”

Access Kelley’s weekly podcasts by going to rowan.edu/onthego.