In the wake of a devastating event, a graduate from Newhouse rekindles her expression via podcast creation.
In the aftermath of the 2021 King Soopers mass shooting in Colorado, Erika Mahoney '12, a former National Public Radio news director, found herself in an unfamiliar position - the subject of the story rather than the one covering it. This tragic event led Mahoney to create a podcast called "Senseless," a deeply personal exploration of trauma, grief, and resilience following her father's death in the shooting.
The eight-part series delves into the "web of pain," the far-reaching impacts and unexpected connections that extend beyond the immediate victims of mass violence. "Senseless" uses a combination of personal narrative, legal perspectives, and communal voices to explore the lasting trauma and grief caused by the Boulder shooting, while showing how resilience can emerge in the aftermath.
Mahoney's podcast is built on the journalism skills she learned at Newhouse. Through interviews with survivors, family members of the victims, police, prosecutors, and other community members, the podcast reveals how people process grief and trauma over time and how they find resilience in the aftermath.
One of the most poignant episodes features the stories of Logan, a store employee who survived the shooting and helped others to safety, and Olivia, who lost her mother in the attack. The two survivors eventually found each other and fell in love while processing their shared trauma.
Mahoney acknowledges that she cannot be objective while producing "Senseless" due to its personal nature. However, she feels a sense of pride in her podcast and her resilience after the tragedy. She hopes listeners take away the message that it's possible to find joy after hardships.
A conversation with Mahoney is featured in episode 179 of the "'Cuse Conversations" podcast. A transcript of the conversation with Mahoney is available as a PDF.
Mahoney states that "Senseless" is about walking with her from the day of the shooting through the trial and the years in between when she is grappling with grief and trauma. She shares her journey towards finding a new normal and encourages listeners to slow down, live boldly, and raise their voices.
[1] "Senseless" podcast website: https://senselesspodcast.com/ [4] "Senseless" on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/senseless/id1577848257
- The "Senseless" podcast, created by Erika Mahoney '12 after the 2021 King Soopers mass shooting, not only delves into the traumatic aftermath of the event but also extends its discussion to the broader topic of mental health, providing insight into the long-lasting impacts of such violence on individuals and communities.
- As a part of her podcast, Mahoney utilizes the platform to merge science, health-and-wellness, and mental health, offering listeners a unique blend of personal narratives, expert perspectives, and community voices, all aiming to facilitate understanding and healing for those grappling with trauma and grief.
