Scranton Jr. Grace Mansfield Wins Broadcast Award, Discusses Podcasting, Baseball, College

By Marcus Smith '27, Student Correspondent

Grace Mansfield ’27 is a communications and philosophy double major from Bethlehem. Mansfield’s podcast, “Twenties Toolbox,” was awarded second place “Best Radio Series” in the Radio II division of the Pennsylvania News Media Association’s Keystone Media Awards. The award marks a major step forward in the broadcasting career of Mansfield, who also runs “The Red and White,” a podcast devoted to the Philadelphia Phillies, and is also involved with Scranton’s Performance Music choir, Music Ministry and Praise and Worship Band.

Mansfield recently sat down for an interview to reflect upon her career and recent achievements.

Q: How did you get into radio podcasting?

A: I’m a big baseball fan. About three or four years ago, I started a Phillies podcast. It was really cool, but just something I did in my free time. Then I got an opportunity with WDIY, who came to me. They knew me before the Phillies stuff and said they really wanted a radio show focused on a young adult’s perspective. They asked me if I would be able to create one. Now I’ve been doing this for about a year and it really took off.

Q: So you already had an “in” with the station to get this podcast going?

A: I had reached out to the station, because they're 10 minutes away from where I live, and asked if I could shadow a recording session to see how broadcasting works. From there, I always kept in touch with them, because that was something I really liked. The rest is history.

Q: Could you talk a little bit about what you do on your podcast, “Twenties Toolbox?”

A: “Twenties Toolbox” is a show I designed for WDIY. They really wanted someone who would do a show for the younger generation. I wanted the show to mean something to me and other people. So, “Twenties Toolbox” is a show that is designed to help young adults build the next chapter of their life, whatever that looks like. I've done episodes on everything from mental health and the holidays to credit scores to community service and how to get involved in that. It really is a toolbox of sorts for young adults to use.

Q: Do you have any particular favorite guests or episodes of the podcast so far?

A: I've had so many amazing guests in the first year of the show. I recently interviewed this singer-songwriter, Kendal Conrad, and we talked about imposter syndrome. As a young adult, that's really hard because we care about what other people think. I thought that episode was great as a way to show people that it's great to have this community around you. I also did an episode with Tyler Rothrock. He's a family friend who is a comedian. We talked about his journey through grief as a young adult and how that kind of shaped his life and taught him the power of resilience. I think the best way to answer that question would be: there's little moments from every single episode that are just my favorite.

Q: What does the development of an episode look like for you?

A: That's a great question because this is definitely very different from my Phillies podcast that I completely wrote the script for, did the music for, edited it on my own. I do not actually edit any of my episodes. I record them and send them to our news and public affairs director at WDIY, James Zipprodt. He does an incredible job of making me and all of our other podcast hosts sound great on the air. I usually try to set a production schedule for the next couple of months. For example, next week I'm interviewing my guest for this month, but I also already have November, December and January planned out. I haven't actually physically contacted any of those people yet, but I have an idea of who I want.

Q: What does this mean to you specifically, as an individual?

A: When I was young, communication was not something that I was really good at. I used to have a stutter and didn't really like public speaking in front of people. So for me to be 20 years old now and have this award, looking back and thinking of the little version of me who would not believe that I get on air and I do this. I think it's a testament to how much thought I put into this show and creating it and how much love I put into every episode because this show really does come from my heart.

Q: How has your experience here at The University of Scranton helped with this whole process?

A: At the end of the day, it's been the people. The Communication and Media Department here is unlike any I found at any other university. Apparently, I was a subject at one of the department meetings. I told Dr. Fisher, “I'm going to Harrisburg for this thing.” He said, “Yeah, we know, we talked about you at the department meeting.” I just feel like we have such a close-knit community that I've been able to walk into the department now and people recognize me. From the moment I started my degree here, I think it's been the people who have helped me to really succeed.

Q: Is there anybody you'd like to thank or recognize in the wake of winning this award?

A: Definitely WDIY. I wouldn't be here if they didn't allow me to create the show and give me the space to kind of make it what I want it to be. I’d also like to thank the PA News Media Association for the award. My parents for never letting me give up on myself. My brother who has definitely taught me a lot about living. And to my friends who support me in everything I do.

Marcus Smith '27, Schuylkill Haven, is an English and theatre double major at Scranton.