Photo courtesy of Gracie Amsden

By: Olivia Crocker

Disneyland may be over a thousand miles away, but that doesn’t mean some of the magic can’t find its way to campus.

Grace Amsden is a senior here at PLU, and a radio host with Lute Air Student Radio (LASR).

She first joined Lute Air in the spring of 2018, after learning from a classmate about the large variety of shows they run. Upon arriving at the station’s office in the AUC, she says it felt like “stepping into a wonderland.”

Amsden says Lute Air gives her the “freedom to express [herself] how [she] wants.”

Amsden says each show is mostly independent from one another, but the group still manages to stay close. Lute Air Student Radio is a welcoming community, and an ideal environment for recording.

Amsden’s show is “A Dose of Disney” is broadcast live every Thursday from 1:00-2:00 pm, and is “dedicated to celebrating the magic of Disney.”

The topics vary weekly, and cover anything from park events such as Pixar Fest, new expansions like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, or even Disney’s virtual world ToonTown.

Amsden and Disney go way back. She first visited Disneyland when she was three years old, and has regularly returned to the parks since.

She and her family have created countless memories together, and Amsden credits these experiences for her Disney passion.

“It’s my happy place.” Amsden wants to capture that magic, and bring people “a little pixie dust on campus.”

Amsden spends around five hours each week preparing for her show. On top of this, she self-promotes through a Facebook page, website, and creates her own graphics.

She even recently held a tabling event, where she was able to connect with many students on campus who share her love for the parks. Amsden’s not complaining about the work involved. She’s passionate about what she creates, and enjoys every step of the process.

“A Dose of Disney” has four more shows before the holidays, covering a lot of exciting
topics. Nov. 22 is going to focus on Disney’s pin trading, a tradition which has been a highlight of the parks for nearly two decades. Following this, Nov. 29 is celebrating Mickey Mouse’s 90th anniversary.

Dec. 6 is dedicated to some Disneyland history, specifically attractions which have been retired over the years. The final show before the holidays is on Dec. 13, and will be highlighting the various festivities which occur throughout Disney Parks in the holiday season.

To listen to recordings of past broadcasts, visit www.mixcloud.com/adoseofdisney. To listen to “A Dose of Disney,” and other student radio shows live, visit Lute Air Student Radio at www.plu.edu/lasr. Students interested in joining the station can email lasrgm@plu.edu for more information.

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