One Cool Story: Tales from the University of Oregon’s School of Communication and Journalism

In this episode of the podcast One Cool Story: Tales from the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication, junior journalism student Peyton Gast catches up with Maya Lazaro, an SOJC alum and the self-titled “creative nerd” who keeps her alma mater interesting. Officially, Maya is the exhibits, publications, and student competitions coordinator for the SOJC. But she reveals so much more. Maya reflects on the glory days of the internet when she designed web comics and wrote short stories. She reveals the blood, sweat, and tears that went into creating a nationwide web course, and she shares how she manages all the hurdles involved with planning the SOJC’s commencement ceremony. Stick around for Maya’s one cool story involving holiday cards, a teeny-tiny church, and the Cheeto dust covering all of it. Listen to hear: How Maya became the SOJC’s student awards guru. What she learned as a sheriff’s office intern. Why she switched majors from journalism to public relations and finally to advertising. Subscribe to the One Cool Story podcast: https://journalism.uoregon.edu/podcast  Learn about the UO School of Journalism and Communication: https://journalism.uoregon.edu/  Apply to the UO School of Journalism and Communication: https://journalism.uoregon.edu/admissions 

What does it look like to say yes to every opportunity and turn uncertainty into a career in sports broadcasting? In this episode of the podcast One Cool Story: Tales from the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication, fourth-year journalism student Ethan Donahue sits down with Austin Ota, a recent journalism graduate whose love of sports led to a passion for storytelling and shaped his path to sports media. Austin shares how he got into broadcasting and how joining KWVA on his first day at the University of Oregon set everything into motion. From learning the technical side of journalism to stepping into leadership roles, he reflects on how hands-on experience, mentorship, and a willingness to accept challenges pushed him to grow beyond play-by-play into a more versatile journalist. He also discusses the realities of breaking into the industry, from navigating internships with little structure to sending hundreds of emails in pursuit of freelance opportunities, and how persistence and adaptability ultimately helped him build a career he loves. Stay until the end for Austin’s one cool story, a chaotic KWVA trip that tested his instincts, challenged his comfort zone, and pushed his adaptability in new ways. Listen to hear: • How saying “yes” to everything at KWVA helped Austin find his place in journalism. • Why learning skills outside your comfort zone can shape your career in unexpected ways. • What it really takes to break into sports broadcasting, and why persistence matters. Subscribe to the One Cool Story podcast: https://journalism.uoregon.edu/podcast  Learn about the UO School of Journalism and Communication: https://journalism.uoregon.edu/  Apply to the UO School of Journalism and Communication: https://journalism.uoregon.edu/admissions 

In this episode of the podcast One Cool Story: Tales from the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC), fourth-year public relations student McKenzie Leary speaks with pro-tem instructor Slavka Eberhard-Garah, an advertising professional who grew up in Bulgaria, built a career spanning multiple countries, and found her way to the SOJC by following her curiosity.

 Slavka reflects on what drew her to advertising, the international path that shaped her career, current communication trends she’s noticed, and the importance of alignment in authentic brand advertising. She also shares how she leads with playfulness and experimentation, from the classroom to Allen Hall Advertising. Stay tuned for Slavka’s one cool story at the end. Let’s just say she has a gift for noticing what others walk right past. Listen to hear: What first sparked Slavka’s fascination with advertising and how her curiosity has guided her career. Her thoughts on performative advertising and what authenticity looks like. Why playfulness and analogue work might be making a comeback.   Subscribe to the One Cool Story podcast: https://journalism.uoregon.edu/podcast  Learn about the UO School of Journalism and Communication: https://journalism.uoregon.edu/  Apply to the UO School of Journalism and Communication: https://journalism.uoregon.edu/admissions   

What does it look like to discover your academic calling after taking an unexpected path to college? In this episode of One Cool Story: Tales from the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC), fourth-year journalism student Ethan Donahue sits down with Heidi Stevenson, a recent SOJC graduate whose journey took her from community college in Pennsylvania to presenting original research at national journalism conferences. Heidi shares how a cross-country move during COVID, a transfer-student seminar, and her work with the SOJC’s Catalyst Journalism Project sparked a shift from journalism to media studies, opening the door to research on how people engage with news in new and interactive ways. From studying global vaccine coverage to designing experiments on news games, Heidi explains how curiosity and supportive mentors reshaped her career goals. She also reflects on navigating imposter syndrome, finding community through the SOJC Honors Program, and why she’s pursuing pre-doctoral research before applying to PhD programs. Stay to the end for Heidi’s one cool story—a moment of hope and reflection at a national academic conference. 🎧 Listen to hear: How research for the Catalyst Journalism Project helped Heidi pivot her career path. What news games are and why they’re changing how audiences experience journalism. How SOJC’s culture of mentorship and support helped her thrive. Subscribe to the One Cool Story podcast: https://journalism.uoregon.edu/podcast  Learn about the UO School of Journalism and Communication: https://journalism.uoregon.edu/  Apply to the UO School of Journalism and Communication: https://journalism.uoregon.edu/admissions 

In this episode of One Cool Story: Tales from the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication, master’s student Kaiya Laguardia-Yonamine catches up with Andrew DeVigal, director of the Agora Journalism Center and co-director of the Multimedia Storytelling Master’s program at UO’s Portland campus. Andrew reflects on his 30-year career in journalism, from his early days at the Contra Costa Times in California to shaping visual and interactive storytelling at the Chicago Tribune, the Poynter Institute, and the New York Times. He shares what community-centered storytelling really means, the mission behind Agora, and why investing in local news is investing in the future of journalism. Stay tuned until the end for Andrew’s one cool story—a behind-the-scenes look at how an award-winning piece at the Times came to be, and why saying “yes” can change everything. Listen to hear: How Andrew’s career evolved from software programming to multimedia leadership at the New York Times. Why community trust, collaboration, and listening matter more than ever in journalism. How the Agora Journalism Center works with communities to fill information gaps across Oregon. What a New York Times story about an avalanche taught him about risk, innovation, and collaboration. Subscribe to the One Cool Story podcast: https://journalism.uoregon.edu/podcast  Learn about the UO School of Journalism and Communication: https://journalism.uoregon.edu/  Apply to the UO School of Journalism and Communication: https://journalism.uoregon.edu/admissions  Discover the Agora Journalism Center: https://agorajournalism.center/  Learn about the Community Storytelling Podcasting Microcredential: https://journalism.uoregon.edu/academics/graduate-programs/multimedia-storytelling/microcredentials#podcasting 

In this episode of One Cool Story: Tales from the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC), senior journalism student Leo Heffron sits down with SOJC PhD student Martha Tejeda—an international student from Juarez, Mexico, a media scholar of K-pop and Disney fandoms, and a researcher exploring Mexican youth and narco culture. Martha shares how crossing the border for school at the age of 12 shaped her identity, why studying what you actually love matters in academia, and how she transitioned from teaching middle school to guiding SOJC undergrads as a graduate employee. She also discusses navigating grief and mental health during her PhD, as well as why her dream job might be working for Disney in a nonprofit role. Stay tuned to the end for her one cool story—how a conference trip turned into a first-ever visit to Walt Disney World, bringing her childhood (and adult) Disney dreams full circle. Listen to hear: How Martha turned her fandoms—K-pop, Disney, and more—into serious media research. Why she’s studying Narco culture and fandoms—and what that reveals about youth and media. Her advice on choosing research topics you care about and surviving the pressures of academia. Subscribe to the One Cool Story podcast: https://journalism.uoregon.edu/podcast Learn about the UO School of Journalism and Communication: https://journalism.uoregon.edu/ Apply to the UO School of Journalism and Communication: https://journalism.uoregon.edu/admissions

In this episode of One Cool Story: Tales from the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC), senior journalism student Julia Boboc has an animated conversation with Jon Sharpy, creative technology manager, and videographer Lucas Castillo Delgado. They share how their undergraduate experiences at the University of Oregon shaped their journeys to the SOJC, the Storycraft class curriculum they developed, and the lessons they’ve learned about technology and storytelling through their varied experiences. Stay tuned until the end for their cool stories: how a friend from Jon’s past crashed his wedding, leading to … a band? And how Lucas hopes media and storytelling can change the world. Listen to hear: How Jon’s nontraditional undergraduate journey led him to become a problem-solver and studio specialist. How Lucas’ background in GoPro and outdoor activity filmmaking led him to the SOJC twice! How the two have worked together to develop the Storycraft curriculum and studios in Allen Hall, learning from each other along the way. Subscribe to the One Cool Story podcast: https://journalism.uoregon.edu/podcast Learn about the UO School of Journalism and Communication: https://journalism.uoregon.edu/ Apply to the UO School of Journalism and Communication: https://journalism.uoregon.edu/admissions

What does it take to go from being a student photographer to documenting history at the White House?  In this episode of One Cool Story: Tales from the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC), fourth-year public relations student Symone Moore sits down with SOJC alum Polly Irungu ’17—photojournalist, founder of Black Women Photographers, a photographer for Governor Wes Moore of Maryland, and former photo editor for Vice President Kamala Harris. Polly shares how a social media internship with NPR jumpstarted her career, why you don’t need to live in a big city to make it big, and how she’s built a global network that empowers creators of color. Stay tuned to the end for her One Cool Story—a memorable brush with a huge celebrity at the Grammys. Listen to hear: How Polly turned a passion for storytelling into a national platform. What it’s like working in the White House. Her advice for aspiring photographers and communicators. Subscribe to the One Cool Story podcast: https://journalism.uoregon.edu/podcast Learn about the UO School of Journalism and Communication: https://journalism.uoregon.edu/ Apply to the UO School of Journalism and Communication: https://sojc.link/SOJC-apply Learn more about Polly: https://journalism.uoregon.edu/eric-allen-award/polly-irungu 

What does it take to turn childhood wonder into cutting-edge research? In this episode of One Cool Story: Tales from the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC), journalism senior Julia Boboc sits down with Danny Pimentel, assistant professor of immersive psychology and director of the Oregon Reality Lab at SOJC Portland, for an inspiring and surprising conversation about the power of virtual and extended reality to shape communication professions. Hear how an 8-year-old’s first virtual reality experience at Disney World led to a career exploring immersive media, nonprofit storytelling, and empathy through technology. Danny shares the story of his not-so-warm welcome to Eugene, his time at Sesame Street, and One Cool Story that takes us deep under the sea. Tune in to learn: How virtual reality is changing communication professions. What drives immersive media research at the University of Oregon. The path from graphic design to XR innovation. Subscribe to the One Cool Story podcast: https://journalism.uoregon.edu/podcast Learn more about the Immersive Media Communication Master’s program at the UO School of Journalism and Communication: https://journalism.uoregon.edu/academics/graduate-programs/immersive-media  Apply to the UO School of Journalism and Communication: https://sojc.link/SOJC-apply Read a Q&A with Danny Pimentel: https://journalism.uoregon.edu/news/danny-pimentel-virtual-reality-careers 

How do you turn passion for soccer into a thriving media brand and a trip to the World Cup?  In this episode of One Cool Story: Tales from the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC), journalism senior Sophie Fowler sits down with Jackie Gutierrez, SOJC journalism master’s alum and founder of Women Kick Balls, a website dedicated to women’s soccer coverage. Jackie shares how she crowdfunded her dream trip to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in New Zealand, why she launched a coffee business inspired by soccer, and how she built a community for fans and journalists around the world. You’ll also hear her One Cool Story behind the site’s name—and her one piece of advice for women breaking barriers in male-dominated fields. Listen to hear: How Jackie turned her UO master’s experience into a global platform. Tips for women in sports media and entrepreneurship. The story behind her dual passions for coffee and soccer. Subscribe to the One Cool Story podcast: https://journalism.uoregon.edu/podcast Learn more about the UO Multimedia Storytelling Master’s program: https://journalism.uoregon.edu/academics/graduate-programs/multimedia-storytelling Apply to the UO School of Journalism and Communication: https://sojc.link/SOJC-apply Get to know more about Jackie: https://journalism.uoregon.edu/news/jackie-gutierrez 

Who is the new interim dean leading the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication?  In this episode of One Cool Story: Tales from the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC), journalism senior Julia Boboc sits down with Regina Lawrence, the SOJC’s new interim dean—and a nationally recognized scholar of political communication. Before leading the SOJC, Regina dreamed of becoming a professional singer. Hear how her passion for storytelling, research, and civic engagement took her from the classroom to the SOJC’s Agora Journalism Center—and ultimately to the dean’s office. You’ll also get to know the human side of leadership: her academic journey, her love of animals (especially cats—just don’t tell her dog), and what excites her most about the future of SOJC. Tune in to hear: How Regina Lawrence’s research shaped national conversations on politics and media. The path from music to academia, and what she’s learned along the way.  Why she thinks the SOJC shines bright among other communication schools.  Subscribe to the One Cool Story podcast: https://journalism.uoregon.edu/podcast Learn about the UO School of Journalism and Communication: https://journalism.uoregon.edu/ Apply to the UO School of Journalism and Communication: https://sojc.link/SOJC-apply Discover the Agora Journalism Center: https://agorajournalism.center/ 

In March 2025, journalism major Sophie Fowler had the opportunity to chat virtually with Heather Davis, CEO of the Portland Timbers. The Timbers are an professional soccer club based in Portland, Oregon, and Heather’s job is to ensure they succeed both as a sporting organization but as a business. Listen in and learn how she found herself at the SOJC, what life is like as the leader of the Timbers, and how hard work helped her reach her career goals! Each term, One Cool Story shares stories and experiences from a handful of SOJC faculty, students, staff, and alumni about life in Allen Hall, at SOJC Portland, and beyond. New episodes release each term, so be sure to subscribe wherever you’re listening so you don’t miss the next batch! To stay even more up to date with the SOJC, follow us everywhere at @UOSOJC or by searching for the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication.

Brian Bull is freelance reporter for KLCC and NPR, substitute host for National Native News, and Nez Perce tribal member. Bull was also a professor at the SOJC, but decided to pursue his passion for reporting and tribal advocacy as a Senior Reporter for Buffalo's Fire shortly after this interview. His career is a fascinating one that spans several states. Listen in and learn all about it as he looks back over the career that led him to where he is today in a chat with SOJC journalism major Julia Boboc! Each term, One Cool Story shares stories and experiences from a handful of SOJC faculty, students, staff, and alumni about life in Allen Hall, at SOJC Portland, and beyond. New episodes release each term, so be sure to subscribe wherever you’re listening so you don’t miss the next batch! To stay even more up to date with the SOJC, follow us everywhere at @UOSOJC or by searching for the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication.

In this episode, journalism major McKenzie Leary sits down with fellow journalism major and senior Malya Fass, morning broadcaster at local NPR affiliate KLCC and member of this year’s cohort of the Charles Snowden Program for Excellence in Journalism. The two talk about how Malya became interested in journalism, what it’s like to be a morning broadcaster, how she’s pursuing her new passion in audio broadcasting via the Charles Snowden Internship, and much more. Each term, One Cool Story shares stories and experiences from a handful of SOJC faculty, students, staff, and alumni about life in Allen Hall, at SOJC Portland, and beyond. New episodes release each term, so be sure to subscribe wherever you’re listening so you don’t miss the next batch! To stay even more up to date with the SOJC, follow us everywhere at @UOSOJC or by searching for the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication.  

In this episode, public relations senior and UOPRSSA president Jill Gray is joined virtually by SOJC alum Alex Horwitch, director of digital marketing for DreamWorks Animation. Horwitch reached notoriety when his acapella group became a viral sensation on the internet during the very early years of social media. After being discovered via Youtube, Horwitch’s career took off in a direction that he wasn’t expecting. It took more than going viral to succeed, however, and Horwitch credits the knowledge he gained at the SOJC for helping him take full advantage of the opportunity he was given. Learn all about Horwitch, his viral video, and how a social media class helped change his life by listening in to today’s episode!    Each term, One Cool Story shares stories and experiences from a handful of SOJC faculty, students, staff, and alumni about life in Allen Hall, at SOJC Portland, and beyond. New episodes release each term, so be sure to subscribe wherever you’re listening so you don’t miss the next batch! To stay even more up to date with the SOJC, follow us everywhere at @UOSOJC or by searching for the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication.

Welcome to Season 3 of One Cool Story: Tales from the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication! Get a taste for this season's episodes by listening to this teaser! Each term, One Cool Story shares stories and experiences from a handful of SOJC faculty, students, staff, and alumni about life in Allen Hall, at SOJC Portland, and beyond. New episodes release each term, so be sure to subscribe wherever you’re listening so you don’t miss the next batch! To stay even more up to date with the SOJC, follow us everywhere at @UOSOJC or by searching for the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication.

In this episode, journalism major Sophie Fowler speaks with Camilla Mortensen, Pro Tem Instructor at the SOJC and new editor and owner of the Eugene Weekly. The two discuss Mortensen's post-grad career, how she arrived at the Eugene Weekly, what it's like being an SOJC instructor, the 2024 disaster that almost ended the Weekly, and the outpouring of support from across the nation that came after.  Each term, One Cool Story shares stories and experiences from a handful of SOJC faculty, students, staff, and alumni about life in Allen Hall, at SOJC Portland, and beyond. New episodes release each term, so be sure to subscribe wherever you’re listening so you don’t miss the next batch! To stay even more up to date with the SOJC, follow us everywhere at @UOSOJC or by searching for the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication.

In this episode, advertising major Zakary Christen-Cooney talks with Carmelli Hess '24, an Advertising and Brand Responsibility Masters' alum who also earned her undergraduate advertising degree at the SOJC. The two discuss Hess' time at the SOJC, how she found herself drawn to the world of advertising, and her award-winning capstone project on Latinx and Filipino representation in luxury fashion. Each term, One Cool Story shares stories and experiences from a handful of SOJC faculty, students, staff, and alumni about life in Allen Hall, at SOJC Portland, and beyond. New episodes release each term, so be sure to subscribe wherever you’re listening so you don’t miss the next batch! To stay even more up to date with the SOJC, follow us everywhere at @UOSOJC or by searching for the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication.

In this episode legendary storyteller Peter Laufer, SOJC Professor and James N. Wallace Chair of Journalism, speaks with journalism major Ethan Donahue about his early career in publishing and radio, his life as a journalism professor at the SOJC, heated debates with media faces, and much more! Each term, One Cool Story shares stories and experiences from a handful of SOJC faculty, students, staff, and alumni about life in Allen Hall, at SOJC Portland, and beyond. New episodes release each term, so be sure to subscribe wherever you’re listening so you don’t miss the next batch! To stay even more up to date with the SOJC, follow us everywhere at @UOSOJC or by searching for the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication.

In this episode we speak with Andy Wilson, a Media Studies and Communication PhD student at the SOJC. In a conversation with journalism senior Sydney Seymour, he shares his journey to the SOJC, what it’s like to teach students (often alongside his own professors), why you should consider joining the school’s PhD program, and insights from his dissertation on internet memes. Each term, One Cool Story shares stories and experiences from a handful of SOJC faculty, students, staff, and alumni about life in Allen Hall, at SOJC Portland, and beyond. New episodes release each term, so be sure to subscribe wherever you’re listening so you don’t miss the next batch! To stay even more up to date with the SOJC, follow us everywhere at @UOSOJC or by searching for the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication.

Welcome to Season 2 of One Cool Story: Tales from the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication! Get a taste for this season's episodes by listening to this teaser! Each term, One Cool Story shares stories and experiences from a handful of SOJC faculty, students, staff, and alumni about life in Allen Hall, at SOJC Portland, and beyond. New episodes release each term, so be sure to subscribe wherever you’re listening so you don’t miss the next batch! To stay even more up to date with the SOJC, follow us everywhere at @UOSOJC or by searching for the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication.

In this episode, journalism junior Julia Boboc and Oregon Public Broadcasting's (OPB) 2024 Maynard E. Orme intern speaks with Andrew Theen, Politics and Government Editor at OPB and the first Maynard E. Orme Intern at the network. The two chat about his experience in Allen Hall, his journey from intern to editor, and how he turned a shocking photograph into an award-winning story. Each term, One Cool Story shares stories and experiences from a handful of SOJC faculty, students, staff, and alumni about life in Allen Hall, at SOJC Portland, and beyond. New episodes release each term, so be sure to subscribe wherever you’re listening so you don’t miss the next batch! To stay even more up to date with the SOJC, follow us everywhere at @UOSOJC or by searching for the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication.

In this episode, media studies and journalism senior Sydney Seymour speaks with Sally Garner,  SOJC Duck and the long-time Senior Director of the SOJC’s amazing Undergraduate Student Success Center. Sally gives us the details on what it was like in Allen Hall in the early 2000s, how she found her way back to the SOJC, and why she still loves being part of it after all these years.  Each term, One Cool Story shares stories and experiences from a handful of SOJC faculty, students, staff, and alumni about life in Allen Hall, at SOJC Portland, and beyond. New episodes release each term, so be sure to subscribe wherever you’re listening so you don’t miss the next batch! To stay even more up to date with the SOJC, follow us everywhere at @UOSOJC or by searching for the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication.

In this episode, two class of 2024 SOJC graduates discuss what it’s like to be a radio host on the University of Oregon campus! Public relations alum Ella Norton interviews journalism and political science grad Kayla Krueger, who got to share her passion for music at KWVA, the University of Oregon’s campus radio station. They chat about her radio gig, her rock band, and much more! Each term, One Cool Story shares stories and experiences from a handful of SOJC faculty, students, staff, and alumni about life in Allen Hall, at SOJC Portland, and beyond. New episodes release each term, so be sure to subscribe wherever you’re listening so you don’t miss the next batch! To stay even more up to date with the SOJC, follow us everywhere at @UOSOJC or by searching for the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication.

In our first faculty interview for our new SOJC podcast “One Cool Story,” we sat down with Whitney Phillips, SOJC assistant professor of digital platforms and ethics! In this episode, Professor Phillips speaks with SOJC senior Zakary Christen-Cooney about how she made her way from SOJC student to the faculty, her research on online communities and political polarization, and her new book that studies the connection between politics, media, and religion that releases this spring. Each term, One Cool Story shares stories and experiences from a handful of SOJC faculty, students, staff, and alumni about life in Allen Hall, at SOJC Portland, and beyond. New episodes release each term, so be sure to subscribe wherever you’re listening so you don’t miss the next batch! To stay even more up to date with the SOJC, follow us everywhere at @UOSOJC or by searching for the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication.

Welcome to One Cool Story: Tales from the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication. Each term you’ll hear from a handful of SOJC faculty, students, staff, and alumni about life in Allen Hall and beyond. Learn more and get an idea of what Season 1 will be like by listening to this teaser!