Mustang Blueprint: The Student-Run Podcast

Published Saturday, May 17, 2025

Seely Stockmoe, left, leads the conversation with Coach Tom Webb

The Mustang Blueprint is a student-run organization that is hard to put in a box. It is a podcast at face value, but at its core it is a catalyst of creativity, an opportunity to work within a team of motivated individuals, a way to improve upon communication and organizational skills, and above all a platform that gives you the chance to say you may have changed the course of someone’s life. Hard skills you will gain from working on the team are interviewing and editing techniques, how to post on multiple platforms, how to take advantage of the new social media landscape, and many more. With episodes covering topics from following your dreams to how to navigate the financial landscape of the modern world there is something for everyone in the archives of interviews you can find on YouTube and Spotify. There is also an Instagram account for the organization where you can find updates on new episodes and upcoming events such as the live podcast event that was put on this last November. Current members of the team are majoring in education, communication studies, chemistry, business, marketing, and digital media, which absolutely goes to show that there is something that can appeal to everyone.

The Mustang Blueprint was born in the Fall of 2023 by students Dre Green, Mavi Valentin, Elaina Leach, and Nick Dahlhoff with Advisor George Taylor. When the organization first launched, its primary focus was on business and entrepreneurship. In Fall 2024, in response to student interests, its scope has expanded to include a broader range of topics that resonate with a wider audience—both within the SMSU student body and the surrounding community. A mix of community members, professionals in their fields, college faculty and students have been interviewed by members of the Mustang Blueprint team.

Sondy Cayo, owner of 1 Journey Fit in Marshall, was interviewed with an emphasis on what his journey to this point has entailed and what types of things can give sustainable motivation in this crazy world. Creston Dalle, creator of CD Modz Film and Video was also interviewed. His interview gave insight into what it means to bet on yourself and how to make your dreams a reality. Tate Condezo and Devin Carter, freshman at SMSU, were interviewed together regarding the same kind of topic but brought in a different perspective of gaining success as a young adult in the world today. This year’s student body president, Sam Lund was interviewed about how to better get involved on campus as well as education professor, Toni Beebout-Bladholm, regarding how to find your 'why.' Every guest is contacted by the student members as well which helps to gain experience with cold calling. No idea is a bad idea; as a member of the Mustang Blueprint students can learn how to have true confidence in yourself.

One of the highlights to this 2024-2025 school year was the live interview of the women’s head basketball coach, Tom Webb, in front of a live audience with food, bingo, and door prizes to round it all off. The organization’s faculty leaders, Assistant Professors’ Marsha Grimes-Rose and Chris Metz help in a multitude of ways to make the students’ ideas a reality, but they were crucial in putting this idea into action. During this live interview, Tom Webb dove even deeper into the previously mentioned topic, “Finding your Why." Following the interview, a Q&A progressed where anyone in the crowd could ask Coach Webb any questions that came up. The interview and Q&A were also videoed so it could be uploaded to all the platforms every other episode is posted to. The turnout was great but improvements are always being chased. Another live interview is currently in the works, so be on the lookout!

In the coming school year, the Mustang Blueprint Podcast is looking to grow its team and expand to an even wider range of topics. More members are needed to get knew ideas rolling into action! In this 2024-2025 school year the Mustang Blueprint is almost unrecognizable from what it used to be just a short time ago. When the Mustang Blueprint is referred to as a “student-run organization” it is not just for show. The foundation of the organization is built on the hard work and determination of the student members that dedicate themselves to the podcast’s mission week in and week out. New members can choose a level of involvement- more active or more flexible, based on how much time they’re able to commit to the team. This includes team meetings, production times, and other odds and ends if you want to more deeply help with other sides of the team such as editing of the interviews or posting to the organization’s social media pages. Your involvement is entirely up to you—what you put in determines what you get out. Whether you're looking to host a podcast, gain experience, or simply be part of something meaningful, there's a place for you here. The mission statement is “to empower students and the community with insights and advice on personal growth, well-being, and success in all areas of life—from careers to health, entrepreneurship, and beyond.” The Mustang Blueprint poses a great opportunity to grow as an individual and a learner. Be a part of this growing, student-led organization—where your ideas matter and your impact grows!

—Seely Stockmoe, first-year student from Fargo, North Dakota

Student Seely Stockmoe was invited to contribute this op-ed about the Mustang Blueprint podcast