The Office of Alumni Relations at Xavier University of Louisiana is excited to announce the launch of the “Xavier Gold Live” podcast. Hosted by current Xavierites studying mass communication, this intergenerational podcast seeks to highlight the remarkable achievements of alumni in various fields and demonstrate how their endeavors align with Xavier’s mission to promote a more just and humane society.

Named after the annual “Xavier Gold” alumni magazine, the podcast provides an additional platform to bring alumni stories and experiences to life. Set to launch in August and run the first Tuesday of every month, each episode of the inaugural season allows alumni to share insights and success stories with h the entire Xavier community, including their peers, friends of Xavier, faculty, staff and current students. Along with the standard podcast interview approach, student hosts will also run through a round of rapid-fire questions in a segment called “The LIVE Five,” which focuses on guests’ unique Xavier experiences.

“Offering a podcast is our way of expanding story-sharing opportunities within our community and the community at large,” said Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement Kimberly Reese. “This additional platform helps to foster a sense of alumni pride, cross generations and encourage support for Xavier’s legacy.”

Among the interviewees is Dr. Derek Robinson (’98), who shared insight, encouragement, and Xavier Pride during his soon-to-be-released episode. A Xavier alumnus and Trustee, Dr. Robinson is the divisional senior vice president and chief medical officer at Health Care Service Corporation.  

“Xavier, I think, really is a gift to the nation, it’s a gift to our global community, and I think we all carry an enduring commitment to Xavier’s mission; and it’s reflected in the lives you see Xavier graduates living. Both in New Orleans, across the nation, and around the world,” Dr. Robinson said.

Stories like Dr. Robinson’s, with protagonists who grow from the Xavier community and seek to pour back their time, talent, and treasure, make “Xavier Gold Live” an essential platform. Utilizing student hosts further exemplifies Xavier’s mission while allowing alumni to connect with students and providing mass communication majors with a real-world opportunity to apply the skills they are learning and cement their place in fostering Xavier’s legacy.   

“Xavier Gold Live” will be available on August 6 on Apple, Spotify, and wherever podcasts are listened to. Sophomore Ja’lyn Jones and senior TaShia Hogue, who are both earning degrees in mass communication, are slated to be the inaugural hosts of the podcast.

 

 

MEET THE HOSTS

Tashia Hogue is a mass communication major minoring in creative writing from the South Side of Chicago. As co-host of “Xavier Gold Live,” she brings her personality to life while exploring various forms of storytelling. On campus, Hogue is active in organizations like Women of Xavier and The Xavier Herald. She believes in the power of storytelling and communication to inspire change, build bonds, and amplify marginalized voices. She volunteers as a music technician at her church and works at the campus bookstore. Her previous work experience includes interviewing, camera operations, and social media marketing. She has also assisted in producing video projects like XU News and promotional work for the DePaul Community Health Center. Aspiring to become a radio personality, Hogue enjoys binge-watching TV shows and YouTube interviews in her free time.

 

Ja’lyn Jones is a mass communication major with a concentration in multimedia from Holly Springs, Mississippi. As co-host of “Xavier Gold Live,” Jones utilizes his skills in editing, interviewing, camera operation, and social media marketing. Alongside his podcast hosting duties, he’s a contributing writer to The Xavier Herald and pursues music production and writing. He is a scholar of multiple organizations, including the Exponential Honors Program, the US-UK Fulbright Commission, the Horatio Alger Association, and the National Society of Leadership and Success. While passionate about music, poetry, motivational speaking, and content creation, Jones remains intentional about dedicating time to connecting with God, spending time with family and friends, playing video games, and participating in sports. Jones is a mass communication major with a concentration in multimedia from Holly Springs, Mississippi. As co-host of “Xavier Gold Live,” Jones utilizes his skills in editing, interviewing, camera operation, and social media marketing. Alongside his podcast hosting duties, he’s a contributing writer to The Xavier Herald and pursues music production and writing. He is a scholar of multiple organizations, including the Exponential Honors Program, the US-UK Fulbright Commission, the Horatio Alger Association, and the National Society of Leadership and Success. While passionate about music, poetry, motivational speaking, and content creation, Jones remains intentional about dedicating time to connecting with God, spending time with family and friends, playing video games, and participating in sports.