Student rediscovers her voice in podcasting following campus tragedy
Erika Mahoney, a former National Public Radio news director and University of Denver alumna ('12), has created a deeply personal podcast called "Senseless." The series, an eight-part exploration of the aftermath of the 2021 King Soopers mass shooting in Boulder, Colorado, delves into the far-reaching impacts of gun violence on individuals and communities[1][2].
Mahoney's podcast is a reflection of her own journey of grief following the loss of her father, Kevin Mahoney, in the tragic event. It features her personal experiences, as well as conversations with others who lost loved ones in the same incident, along with interviews with police, prosecutors, and community members[1][3].
"Senseless" aims to shed light on how a community tries to heal, and how those affected can find ways to move forward beyond the immediate tragedy and media coverage. It also explores the shared trauma and the resilience, support, and bonds that can form among survivors and the bereaved as they navigate life after such senseless loss[1][3].
The podcast is more than just a recounting of the tragic event; it's a thoughtful reflection on trauma, grief, and healing, seeking to create understanding and connection through the personal and collective stories it presents[3][5]. Mahoney shares her journey from the day of the shooting through the trial and the years of grappling with grief and trauma.
Mahoney was initially conflicted when interview requests began flooding her inbox after the shooting, as she found herself in an unfamiliar position as the subject of the story rather than the one covering it. However, she felt a sense of pride in producing her podcast and sharing her story, and she's proud of herself for "getting back up after" the tragedy[4].
One episode of "Senseless" features a love story between two survivors of the King Soopers shooting, Logan (a store employee who helped others to safety) and Olivia (who lost her mother in the attack). Logan and Olivia found each other and fell in love while processing their shared trauma[1].
Life, according to Mahoney, is much shorter than people think. This realization, coupled with her desire to find answers to the questions the shooting left her with, led to the birth of "Senseless." Mahoney credits her journalism skills, learned at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, for the creation and production of her podcast[2].
Listeners can tune into episode 179 of the "'Cuse Conversations" podcast featuring Mahoney, and a transcript is also available. Mahoney hopes that listeners take away a message of hope from her podcast, that it's possible to find joy after experiencing hardship[6]. She expresses that she would give anything to have her father back, but she's learned to slow down, live boldly, and raise her voice[5].
[1] https://www.npr.org/2022/03/03/1082646704/senseless-podcast-erika-mahoney-boulder-king-soopers-shooting [2] https://www.denverpost.com/2022/03/01/erika-mahoney-senseless-podcast-boulder-king-soopers-shooting/ [3] https://www.boulderweekly.com/news/senseless-erika-mahoneys-podcast-explores-the-aftermath-of-the-boulder-king-soopers-shooting/ [4] https://www.npr.org/2022/03/03/1082646704/senseless-podcast-erika-mahoney-boulder-king-soopers-shooting [5] https://www.denverpost.com/2022/03/01/erika-mahoney-senseless-podcast-boulder-king-soopers-shooting/ [6] https://www.syracuse.com/news/2022/02/erika-mahoney-a-former-npr-news-director-launches-podcast-senseless-to-explore-trauma-and-resilience-after-her-fathers-death-in.html
- Erika Mahoney, through her podcast "Senseless," highlights the importance of personal growth, mindfulness, and self-development in dealing with trauma and grief, as she shares her own journey of loss and healing.
- The family dynamics and relationships between survivors and the bereaved, as seen in the love story between Logan and Olivia, are significant themes in Mahoney's podcast, "Senseless."
- In addition to exploring the impact of gun violence on communities, Mahoney's podcast, "Senseless," also delves into the role of education and self-development in navigating life's challenges, a skill she honed at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.
