1Congratulations on your achievements in the Vega Digital Awards! Could you start by introducing yourself or your agency? Can you also share a bit about your journey into your current industry?
Thanks, I’m JC, the producer and host of Interesting Things with JC. It’s a short-form podcast where I dive into fascinating stories from history, science, and culture. I handle the writing, production, and publishing myself, and it’s something I built from the ground up after years in broadcasting, public television, and international media operations.
My path into digital content started in traditional radio and evolved as I followed the shift in how people learn, listen, and connect online. This podcast is my way of offering something meaningful in a fast-moving, digital-first world.
2What inspired you to submit your work for this competition, and what does winning mean to you personally and professionally?
I submitted because I wanted to see where my work stood in the digital space. The Vega Digital Awards have a strong reputation in creative and digital excellence, and I knew the competition would be tough. I’ve been building this project solo, so winning Silver was a major moment. Personally, it gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward.
Professionally, it validated the digital strategy, the storytelling structure, and the educational layer I’ve been refining. It means this isn’t just a podcast, it’s a platform that holds weight.
3Can you share the story behind your success? What inspired its creation, and what do you feel it represents in today’s industry?
The podcast came from a real need to adapt. I had a longform show before this, but during the pandemic I noticed audiences wanted quicker, tighter content. So I created something that fits today’s attention span but still has depth. It pulls from my roots in broadcasting and my love for storytelling.
I wanted to make something that respects people’s time while still making them feel something. In today’s digital world, I think it represents the power of voice, intention, and consistency. It shows that micro-learning and high engagement can live together.
4What do you believe set your project apart in such a competitive field? Were there specific elements or strategies that made it shine?
I think it comes down to clarity and consistency. I publish daily. That alone is rare. But more than that, I focus on real storytelling. No filler, no trends, just solid, meaningful content told with care. It’s also audio-first, which gives it a unique identity in a visual-heavy space. And the fact that each episode is backed by research and paired with educational content helps it stand out in a noisy field.
5Every project has its challenges. Can you share a significant obstacle you faced during this process and how you overcame it?
Sticking with it. That’s been the hardest part. There’s no big team here, it’s just me. Writing, editing, producing, publishing, and promoting—every single day. I’ve had to work through burnout, time constraints, even tech issues. What keeps me going is the mission behind it. I know the stories matter, and I know people are listening. That makes the grind worth it.
6Winning an award of this caliber often brings recognition. What do you hope this achievement will mean for your career, your team, or your agency in the long run? Have you already noticed any changes or opportunities arising from this recognition?
I’ve already seen an uptick in visibility. It gets conversations started. Winning a Vega Digital Awards puts you on people’s radar. I hope it leads to more partnerships, maybe syndication, and broader educational use. I’d love to connect with platforms or educators who want to bring meaningful audio content into more classrooms.
And down the road, I want to build this into a larger learning resource that combines storytelling, sound design, and accessible education.
7What has the reaction been from clients, audiences, or stakeholders about your winning entry? Any feedback or memorable moments that stand out?
When I told my closest people, there were actual tears. It wasn’t just about the award, it was the recognition of everything that went into it. My listeners have reached out to say congrats, and some new names have shown up in my inbox wanting to collaborate or license content. It’s made an impact, and that part means a lot.
8For those aspiring to achieve similar success, what advice would you offer to help them not only thrive in their industries but also craft compelling, award-worthy entries? Are there specific practices, mindsets, or strategies you believe are key?
Focus on the mission first. If your work stands for something real, the rest will follow. Be consistent. Stay honest. Don’t get lost chasing the algorithm—build something people can trust. When it comes to submitting, tell the truth. Write about your process, your intent, and your results. Let the judges see the care behind your project. And above all, improvise, adapt, and overcome. That mindset carries you through the hard parts.
9The digital industry is constantly evolving. How do you view these changes, and where do you hope to position yourself in the future?
The space is moving fast, but I still believe in the power of voice. As everything shifts toward automation and AI, there’s real value in keeping things personal and human. I want to be known for content that connects—real voice, real stories, real purpose. My goal is to keep evolving the format while staying rooted in clarity and curiosity. I’m aiming for more reach, more collaboration, and more impact in education and storytelling.
10Entering awards can be daunting for many, especially those just starting out. What would you say to individuals who have limited experience, or are hesitant to showcase their work in competitions? How can they build confidence and see the value in participating?
Submit anyway. Even if you’re unsure. Even if you think you’re not ready. Just putting your work into that space forces you to evaluate it honestly. That alone is worth it. You learn how to frame your story, how to talk about your process, and how to trust your voice. And if you win? It opens doors. But even if you don’t, it helps you grow.
11Innovation thrives on connection. What message would you like to share with fellow digital thinkers, marketers, and industry professionals?
Let’s connect. I’m wide open to conversation, collaboration, and freelance opportunities. I’m an independent voice building something from scratch, and if there’s room to build something meaningful together, I’m interested. I believe in sharing knowledge, supporting each other’s work, and pushing the boundaries of what storytelling can be in digital spaces.
12Winning is a team effort in many cases. Is there someone or a group of people you’d like to dedicate this achievement to, and why?
This one goes out to the folks who never stopped believing in what I was building. The team at Podcast Radio for putting me on the air. My family, who encouraged me to start this in the first place. My buddy Dave, who listens to every episode, and my new buddy Justin, who got his wife hooked on the show. And Rob, an old friend who pushed me to launch this before I ever thought I could. It all keeps me grounded.
13If you could describe your award-winning entry in one sentence, what would it be and why?
A daily podcast built to educate and inspire, made by one voice with one mission: to make learning engaging and accessible for everyone.
14Finally, what’s next for you? Any exciting projects or upcoming goals that you’d like to share with us and the audience?
The next big push is around education. I’m pairing each episode with free curriculum resources aligned to US, UK, and international educational standards so teachers can use the podcasts and additional curriculum to help teach courses. I want to build that out further, make it easier for educators to bring storytelling into the classroom. And of course, I’m still aiming for syndication, bigger reach, and deeper impact.
