Seniors with stories: submit your podcast to get featured on NPR

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• What the Senior Podcast Challenge is and who it’s for
• Types of stories that shine with listeners
  • Topics to consider
• Key rules, important dates and prize details
• How to prepare your recording and what judges notice
  • Practical tips
• Where to submit and where to get help

Calling all storytellers aged 65 and up: NPR is launching a podcast competition just for seniors. Whether you’re sharing a memory, a life lesson, or an interview with someone you love, your voice matters. Record your piece, send it in, and you could hear your story on national radio.

What the Senior Podcast Challenge is and who it’s for

The contest invites Americans 65 and older to submit original audio stories. Judges will review entries and select finalists. The top story will be produced and aired on Weekend Edition Sunday.

This initiative builds on NPR’s long-running Student Podcast Challenge and the College Podcast Challenge. Those programs opened doors to audio storytelling for thousands of young people. Now NPR wants to hear seniors in their own voices.

Types of stories that shine with listeners

Strong entries blend emotion, curiosity and clear reporting. Judges look for authentic voices and careful craft — not flashy production. Topics can be personal or journalistic.

Topics to consider

• Adjusting to retirement and managing money on a fixed income.
• Health experiences and the realities of healthcare costs.
• Coping with loss, divorce, or social isolation.
• Long careers, family histories, and involvement in historical events.
• New romances, travel adventures, or career reinventions.
• Connections with grandchildren, lifelong learning, and late-life beginnings.

Interviews with family members or community figures often create powerful, intimate pieces. Reported stories and personal essays both do well when they convey clear stakes and fresh details.

Key rules, important dates and prize details

Here are the essentials for anyone planning to enter.

• Entry window: The competition opens Aug. 16 and closes Nov. 30.
• Length limit: Submissions must be original and no longer than eight minutes.
• Creative rules: No copyrighted music is allowed. Entries should be your own work.
• AI policy: Do not use AI to write or present your entry.
• Multiple entries: You may submit more than one piece. Use a separate form for each podcast.

The judging panel will pick several finalists. The grand-prize winner will be invited, with a guest, to NPR headquarters in Washington. That winner will attend a live airing of their piece on Weekend Edition Sunday, likely in January or February.

How to prepare your recording and what judges notice

Good storytelling matters more than expensive gear. Clear audio, thoughtful pacing, and a strong opening hook help your piece stand out.

Practical tips

• Find a quiet space and use a decent microphone or smartphone in a still position.
• Keep narration concise and let details show the story.
• When interviewing, ask open-ended questions and capture natural moments.
• Edit for clarity and flow; cut anything that slows the narrative.
• Avoid background music that could trigger copyright problems.

Where to submit and where to get help

Submit your entry through NPR’s contest submission page. Fill out a separate form for each podcast you send.

If you have questions about the rules or technical requirements, reach out by email at seniorpodcastchallenge@npr.org.