Soundings

IncludEd

In an unprecedented political, social, and cultural climate where executive orders are being issued to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives nationwide, especially in educational institutions, three college-aged students from diverse racial backgrounds reflect on their experiences with racial discrimination and exclusion in K-12 education. In sharing their stories, they engage in thoughtful interviews and discussions that demonstrate the interconnectedness of the exclusion they faced based on their identities and the importance of DEI efforts in educational settings—a gift of support that could have greatly benefited their younger selves during those challenging times.
Produced by Madisyn Cunningham, Glenn Kleiman, Emily Lim, and Rocio Sanchez Salcido
Research: Using research was the antithesis of IncludEd’s intentional demonstration of how research falls short in capturing students' lived experiences facing racism when discussing DEI. IncludEd’s research is through the sourcing and storytelling of Emily’s, Madisyn’s, and Rocio’s lived experiences with exclusion in schools. 
Music Acknowledgements:
- Blue Dot Sessions: Column and Law (Dorica), Fissure Forming (Trailhead), Line Exchange (Marble Run), Toadstool Runner (Fabulist), Waypost (Desert Kalimba)
- Freesound: Low Synth Note Atmosphere (Synthetic Sounds), TV Switching Sound - TV Sound Effects (AltF4)

The Detour - Yes, Chef

How exciting would it be if you actually tuned into that little voice in the back of your head? The one
telling you to go for the thing you really want, even if it’s probably, most likely, definitely not what’s
expected of you? Aren’t you curious how a girl can go from making pancakes in the kitchen with her
mom one day to suddenly winning MasterChef Junior—only to lose her passion for cooking, then
find her way back to it again? Let’s dive into the story of Jasmine Stewart, who actually did listen to
that tiny voice, took an unexpected detour, and found out where it would lead her.
 
Produced by Aaryan Harshith, Christina Ademasu, and Jenny Huynh
Interview w/ Jasmine Stewart, first African American to win Master Chef Jr.
Bio: Jasmine Stewart, the Season 5 winner of MasterChef Junior, made history as the first African
American champion of the competition. At just 12 years old, she not only claimed the title but also
became the only contestant in the show's history to win after being previously eliminated. Today,
Jasmine continues to break boundaries, pursuing an individually designed major in Black Food and
Multimedia Studies at NYU’s Gallatin School.
 
Acknowledgments for music:
1. 2. 3. 4. King Billy by Blue Dot Sessions
Tell What You Know by Blue Dot Sessions
Castillo by Blue Dot Sessions
The Cornice by Blue Dot Sessions

2025 Sound Stories Trailer

Sound Stories is a Stanford class for students interested in creating audio stories for radio, podcast, and other forms of sonic narrative. Students examine the craft elements of the audio form, popularized by programs such as This American Life, Radiolab, and Serial including skills for interviewing, scoring, and audio editing, and then work in small groups to create and produce a 10-15 minute narrative podcast episode. Here's what the students from the 2025 class had to say about the experience.
 
The 2025 Sound Stories class was taught by Laura Joyce Davis.

World On Your Plate

In this episode, Nathan, Ana, and Nia explore the importance of sustainable food practices, and how alternative, truly healthy food practices are not necessarily the most commercially produced and advertised ones. The episode aims to broaden the horizon of viewing food practices in a context beyond just your own plate.
This episode was produced by Nathan Elias, Ana Nguyen, and Nia Patton, with support from Laura Joyce Davis and the Stanford Storytelling Project's course "Stories to Save Our Planet."
Complete show notes at storytelling.stanford.edu.