Touching Grass with Professor Ryan English | Living Lanterns | Episode 7

Josh Nieman uses he/him pronouns and worked for The Eastern Echo starting in May 2024. He began as a comics artist and moved to podcast director in January 2026. For his undergraduate studies, Nieman majored in English and had a dual minor in art and film.

Nieman's job entailed leading the podcasting team, creating weekly content, brainstorming and bringing new shows into rotation, helping creatives realize their visions and telling journalistic stories through the medium of audio. For Nieman, the best part of his job was creating immersive soundscapes for engaging stories.

Nieman is on Instagram (@jniem22) and LinkedIn.

Gray Connor uses they/he pronouns, and has worked for The Eastern Echo since August 2024. They started as newsletter editor, then moved to managing editor of operations in January 2026. For their undergraduate studies, Connor majored in media studies and journalism with a minor in public relations. 

For Connor, the best part of the job is getting to know other people and collaborating with other students who are just as passionate about journalism and justice.

Connor is on Instagram (@gray_connor_). Contact him with any questions or information at mconnor3@emich.edu.