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

Episode 20: Heidi Stevenson, Curiosity-Driven Media & News Researcher ’25

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 

Episode 19: Andrew DeVigal, Community Connector & Legendary Listener

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 

Episode 18: Martha Tejeda, Fandom-Fueled Media Scholar con Corazón

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

Episode 17: Lucas Castillo Delgado and Jon Sharpy, Behind-the-Scenes Storycrafters & Gear Gurus

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

Episode 16: Polly Irungu, Creative Changemaker & Pro Photo-J Alum ’17

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-applyLearn more about Polly: https://journalism.uoregon.edu/eric-allen-award/polly-irungu 

Episode 15: Danny Pimentel, XR Expert & Empathy Engineer

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 

Episode 14: Jackie Gutierrez, Goal-Getting Master's Grad ’21

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-applyGet to know more about Jackie: https://journalism.uoregon.edu/news/jackie-gutierrez 

Episode 13: Regina Lawrence, Political Media Powerhouse & New Dean

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-applyDiscover the Agora Journalism Center: https://agorajournalism.center/ 

Episode 12: Heather Davis, Major-League Communicator-In-Chief

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.

Episode 11: Brian Bull, Broadcast Veteran & Tribal Storyteller

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.