Calling All Seniors: Share Your Stories in NPR’s Podcast Challenge
Seniors across the United States are invited to participate in a unique opportunity to share their stories through NPR’s Senior Podcast Challenge. With Americans over 65 comprising the fastest-growing segment of the population, NPR is eager to hear the voices and experiences of this dynamic group.
Whether it’s a tale of love, family, or personal milestones, NPR encourages seniors to record their stories and submit them in audio form. The initiative aims to capture a wide range of narratives, from cherished memories to future aspirations.
The competition, inspired by the success of NPR’s Student Podcast Challenge and College Podcast Challenge, welcomes stories on various topics such as retirement, healthcare, or reflections on significant life events.
What to Expect
Participants can explore themes like retirement adjustments, health concerns, or personal interviews. The goal is to showcase passionate storytelling that resonates with listeners, offering insights into the lives of seniors.
Previous student podcasts have highlighted compelling stories about seniors, including interviews with grandparents or accounts of historical events. Now, the spotlight turns to seniors themselves to share these narratives.
Submission Guidelines
The competition is open from August 16 to November 30. Podcasts must be original, no longer than eight minutes, and free of copyrighted music. AI-generated content is not permitted. For detailed rules, visit the official rules page.
Finalists and the grand-prize winner will be announced in early 2024, with the winning podcast airing on Weekend Edition Sunday in January or February.
Resources for Aspiring Podcasters
New to podcasting? No worries. NPR offers a resource page with step-by-step instructions on crafting a podcast, from storytelling to editing. Subscribe to the newsletter for updates and tips.
For more information or queries, reach out to seniorpodcastchallenge@npr.org.



