Portfolio
Dogs Recovering Precious Remains explores the incredible work of a non-profit group that uses the power of dogs’ noses to find cremains lost in wildfires.
As Coordinating Producer for Dog Podcast Network, I pitched the idea for this episode, developed the storyline, coordinated and conducted the guest interviews, wrote the script, directed the host recording sessions, edited all audio, wrote the show notes, and sourced the cover art images.
Podcast Pilot
This pilot mini-episode I produced for Thee Quaker Project was part of my application for a Podcast Producer position. I wrote the script, conducted all research and interviews, managed sound design, and edited all audio.
Sending A Care Package is an entry from the blog I curated during my service as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Malawi. The article features images of Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) with their care packages, tips for ensuring package delivery, a video of one being opened, and a list of suggested items. Additionally, I developed and designed the website hosting the blog.
Receiving a care package as a volunteer can be a deeply meaningful experience. It's a comforting reminder of home and the unwavering support from loved ones we miss dearly. However, navigating the process of sending packages can be tricky. To help make this easier, I’ve put together this post based on my experience in Malawi. While my tips are tailored to Malawi, they can be useful for sending packages to any African country. Unfortunately, the reality is that packages sent to Africa face a higher risk of being lost, tampered with, damaged, or even stolen. But don't worry—here are some helpful tips to increase the chances of your gifts reaching their destination safely!
Tips and Tricks
Less than 10 lbs
If your package weighs over 10 pounds, be prepared for high shipping costs. Moreover, heavier packages are more prone to tampering and theft due to their perceived value.
Bible Quotes
Including Bible quotes on the outside of your package is a great way to discourage tampering. Malawi is a deeply religious country, and even potential thieves respect packages intended for missionaries or church groups. Make sure the verses are easy to read, or simply write "God is Good" in large, bold letters all over the box.
Ask Your PCV
Check with your volunteer to see what is already available in their area. You might be surprised by some of the items they can find locally. For example, I can find Snickers, Lay's chips, and even Cadbury chocolate eggs in my restock market. However, hair conditioner, wet wipes, and cheese powder are rare finds.
Condense
Sending something like mac and cheese? (One of my personal favorites.) To save space, remove the noodles and cheese packet from the box and place them in plastic bags. This reduces bulk and gives the volunteer reusable bags, which can be hard to find in-country. Pro tip: if you're sending spice bottles, put them in plastic bags too. I once had one break open and get all over EVERYTHING.
Strategic Descriptions
When sending a package internationally, you must fill out a customs form detailing its contents and value. Here's a crucial tip: be strategic with your descriptions. Instead of listing valuable items like headlamps or new shoes, describe the contents as snacks and estimate their worth at $10-$20. This makes the package less attractive to potential thieves. These boxes pass through many hands, so making the contents seem boring can protect them. Additionally, if the declared value is high, the post office may charge your volunteer a hefty fee to pick it up. One volunteer here was charged 30,000 MK instead of the usual 1,000 MK because their package was listed as valuable.
Have Patience
Packages sent to your Peace Corps Volunteer can arrive in as little as two weeks, but they might also take as long as eight months or even never arrive. Once in the country, it can be challenging for volunteers to access the main city where the package is held, pay any required pickup fees, and transport it home. Travel within the country is particularly difficult due to Peace Corps restrictions, so patience is key. Rest assured, we volunteers are just as eager to receive the items as you are to send them!
Please refrain from sending the following items to avoid issues: seeds (to prevent the spread of invasive species), weapons, perishable goods, expensive or heavy items, lithium battery items (which can explode due to heat during transport), probiotics (heat can kill the cultures), and Schrödinger's cat (for obvious reasons!).
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Season 3 Podcast Trailer
As editor for Too Young for This, I edited and produced this trailer for Season 3 of the podcast. It consists of snippets from throughout the season and important updates.
Social Media - Wrapped Design
Using Spotify’s popular Wrapped yearly feature as a guide, I created an Instagram Wrapped Season 3 collection, summarizing its highlights and lowlights.
podcast Production
Curator’s Choice is an interview podcast with each episode featuring a new museum and the history of two extraordinary artifacts/exhibits housed there. I am the sole creator.
