Mar Hernandez reflects on the impact of NPR’s College Podcast Challenge, which she won in 2021 while completing her college degree during the pandemic. The experience transformed her career path, leading to her first radio job at KNKX in Seattle and eventually to a freelance position with LAist and NPR.
The Journey of Past Participants
Hernandez revisits how the challenge affected other participants’ lives. Miriam Colvin, a freshman at Penn State University in 2021, was one of the inaugural winners. Her podcast explored a family story about a boxing match involving her grandfather’s friend and a young Muhammad Ali. Winning inspired her to pursue stand-up comedy and playwriting. Over time, conversations with her elders have enriched her creative pursuits.
Colvin sees her grandparents’ stories as a connection to her own life, bringing realization that everyone faces growth challenges. The narrative of shared human experiences resonates deeply as she matures.
Language and Connection
The desire to deepen family connections also resonates with Bunmi Omisore. Her podcast, honored in 2025, detailed her effort to learn Yoruba, her parents’ native language. The process prompted significant growth, with her father becoming her teacher. By committing to learn, she unlocked a richer understanding of her heritage.
Omisore appreciates the newfound ability to comprehend her grandmother’s humor, realizing the breadth of personality she hadn’t previously grasped due to language barriers.
Pursuing Professional Passion
Bennett Cook, a self-described ‘transitologist,’ competed in 2021 with a podcast about the musical sounds of subway trains. Becoming a finalist bolstered his aspiration to work in transportation, now fulfilled by his role at the Chicago Transit Authority. Cook’s career goals include operating trains and contributing ideas for system expansion.
Jo Strogatz’s journey also illustrates the transformative effect of the competition. Winning in 2024 led her to a role at Radiolab, a platform she likely wouldn’t have accessed without the contest. At Radiolab, Strogatz engages in science and storytelling, epitomizing her professional dreams.
“I can’t believe that I’m so lucky to have this opportunity to be at a place where I can do science and storytelling and learn from people every day.” – Jo Strogatz
The College Podcast Challenge ignites participants’ creative and professional journeys, providing avenues for personal growth and career success.
Edited by Janet Woojeong Lee and Nirvi Shah
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