In between the 2000s pop station clones and the dismal talk-radio shows, local radio scans prove unfruitful in the way of wholesome and uplifting content. Here on Behrend’s own BVZ however, Senior Communication major Mary Smith is delivering just that on her weekly program, “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.”

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Her show typically consists of a short story about the “Three Bears” in her life, her three brothers, and old rock mixed with new indie music. The kind of music you can “sing along” to.

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“The stories are often about one or more of my siblings and what they have taught me about life,” Smith said. “I think that many of the things they’ve taught me ring true for others.”

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Smith offers morals wrapped as “challenges” at the ends of her talks. These aren’t meant as prescriptive but rather as positive suggestion which the listener can modify or apply as they see fit. Some recent examples include the importance of solitude, helping yourself by helping others, and seeking out people whose proximity improves your life more than it fills.

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Although an Erie native, Smith “didn’t originally plan on attending Behrend at all.” She originally set out to attend the business school at Boston College.

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“I realized that Behrend had a much better business program, so I came here,” she said. “Although I’m not a business major anymore, I’m happy I chose to attend Behrend where I’m closer to my family.”

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Smith intends now on pursuing environmental law, with hopes to help businesses establish better sustainability. “Ultimately, I would like to be a professor,” she added.

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This isn’t surprising given the conversational nature of the show, like you were across the table from a close friend. Smith first aired her show after enrolling in Comm 3. “I wasn’t sure if I would continue after fulfilling the course requirements, but people were telling me that they liked my show and what I had to offer.”

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Although “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” (alternatively titled, “Goldilocks’ Thoughts”) is generally wholesome and comedic, there are serious and vulnerable undertones. “I share some very personal things,” she said. “Although it’s somewhat nerve wracking, I think that much of it is applicable to many people.”

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This idea that what separates people is surprisingly little is at the core of Smith’s radio program. “Compared to other shows, I believe mine is more personable.” She continued, “I wanted to help people feel less alone because others are just like them.”

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“Goldilocks and the Three Bears” is intent on helping the listener identify and relate to someone whose experiences reflect their own. But the show has conversely had a positive effect on the host as well. Smith concluded, “The show has given me confidence in what I have to say and how I interpret the world.” And the BVZ is better for it.