Try Solving Cases with True Crime Collective

In this episode of Try @ TXST, we sit down with Olivia from Bobcat Creators to talk about her social media journey as a first-generation college student at Texas State University. Olivia shares how she became a Bobcat Creator, what inspired her to start creating content, and how she keeps her audience engaged. She also offers advice for incoming students and reveals her favorite spot on campus to film. Tune in to hear Olivia’s story and watch more from the Bobcat Creators on TXST's channels. 

In this episode of Try @ TXST, we sit down with Charles, founder of the Texas State True Crime Collective, to learn what it’s like to be part of the organization. We explore how their meetings are structured, how members discuss cases with care and respect, and how they use critical thinking to look beyond the crime and understand the “why” behind it. Charles also shares how he supports members by providing mental health resources and making student well-being a priority.

From creating content to building connections with major brands, Editor-in-Chief Piscis Martinez gives us a behind the scenes look at Texas State’s all-female-run magazine, Her Campus.Piscis shares how Her Campus is made up of different teams, from writers and editors to marketing and social media, and how students can find their own place within the organization. She also talks about one of Her Campus’ biggest campus moments: bringing Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS tour bus to Texas State through a collaboration with Lancôme. Whether you’re interested in journalism, PR, social media, or just looking for a creative community on campus, Her Campus might be worth a try.

What’s Texas State without its student voice? In this episode of Try @ TXST, Blake Leschber, Editor-in-Chief of the University Star, shares what it's like leading a 115-year-old campus newsroom, managing a team of student journalists, and bringing breaking news to our Bobcat community. Listen as Blake takes us behind the scenes of campus journalism, shares his major milestones, and how his time with the University Star has shaped his college experience. 

What does it take to turn a passion for boxing into one of Texas State's fastest-growing student organizations? In this episode of Try @ TXST, Brynn steps into the world of Bobcat Boxing with president Eric Saavedra and vice president Erik Brito. They share how a few students hitting bags in the Rec evolved into an officially recognized club, the challenges they faced along the way, and their vision of bringing competitive boxing events to campus. From training sessions and sparring nights to a boxing trip in Puerto Rico and unforgettable memories at Texas A&M's Farmers Fight Night, this conversation reveals that Bobcat Boxing is about much more than punches and footwork—it's about discipline, friendship, confidence, and building a welcoming community for students of all experience levels. Whether you're a lifelong boxing fan or someone who's never put on a pair of gloves, this episode might inspire you to give it a try.

Andrea sits down with Andrea Estela Pabon, a senior public relations and business management double major (with a minor in mass communication) and current president of Texas State’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). She shares how she made the unexpected switch from industrial engineering to PR after discovering her passion for writing and communications—and how one class and a single PRSSA meeting helped her find her place at Texas State.Andrea breaks down what public relations actually looks like beyond writing, highlighting the wide range of career paths within the field and how PRSSA helps students build real-world experience through guest speakers, networking, leadership opportunities, and travel. From her journey into leadership to the impact of getting involved early, this episode gives a clear look at how PRSSA helps students grow their confidence and explore their path before graduation.

What does 2,500 TXST students look like when they come together to give back to the community in one day?In this episode of Try @ TXST, we try volunteering by going behind the scenes of Bobcat Build’s Big Event, Texas State University’s largest student-led community service project.Bobcat host Nora sits down with Candace Taggart, Marketing and PR Director for Bobcat Build, to talk about what it takes to organize a massive day of service across San Marcos, how students get involved, and why this tradition has lasted over 20 years. From early morning kickoff energy (and line dancing) to meaningful moments with local residents, this episode shows the real impact of volunteering at TXST.Whether you're looking for community service opportunities, ways to get involved on campus, or just want to see how students are making a difference in San Marcos, this one is for you. 

What does it take to design, fund, and build a $70,000 Formula-style race car in college? In this episode of Try @ Texas State, we sit down with leaders from Bobcat Racing, Texas State University’s Formula SAE (FSAE) team, to talk about engineering, branding, sponsorships, and the year-long process of bringing a race car to life. From welding the chassis and designing electrical systems to securing major sponsors like Monster Energy and showcasing their car alongside Aston Martin, this student-led team proves that Bobcats don’t just study engineering — they build it. Whether you’re interested in mechanical engineering, public relations, business, or motorsports, this episode breaks down how students gain real-world experience, internships, and trackside opportunities through Bobcat Racing.

Join us for a Study Abroad edition of Try @ TXST as Texas State student and digital media intern Nora Parkhurst shares how one month in Cuenca, Spain transformed her confidence, language skills, and community abroad. From hosting fiestas and bonding with her host family to exploring historic towns and immersing herself in Spanish courses, Nora gives an inside look at why studying abroad is not just an academic opportunity—but a life-changing adventure. Hear her favorite memories, what surprised her most, and why she encourages every Bobcat to take the leap. Connect with TXST on Instagram (@txst), explore more stories on our YouTube channel, and visit the TXST Podcast Network at https://www.txst.edu/podcast-network.html.

In this special edition of Try @ TXST, we bring together four talented TXST alums who have forged their paths in media, marketing, journalism, and tech. Hosted by Giselle Kowalski and Dale Blasingame, associate professor of practice in the School of Journalism and Mass Community, listen as we sit down with:Hailey Aaron, assistant media planner at RPAJonathan Campbell, software engineer at 2KAllison Ralston, senior associate at INK CommunicationsEzekiel Ramirez, multimedia journalist at KRHD Bryan/College StationThese Bobcats share how their experiences at TXST shaped their careers, the challenges of transitioning from student life to the professional world, and how they’ve been able to adapt in an ever-changing industry (especially as AI reshapes the landscape). From early lessons to finding motivation in their 9-to-5s, this fantastic conversation is packed with valuable advice and inspiration for anyone exploring a career in mass communications and beyond.