The podcast’s third season features an internet-famous alum, an early-rising student radio host, a former professor returning to his radio roots and an alum who heads the Portland Timbers.
By Julia Boboc, class of ’26
The third season of “One Cool Story: Tales from the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication” highlights four people who have gone from Allen Hall to success in their chosen fields. All seasons of the student-created podcast are available for download now.
As students and professors find themselves at the end of their journeys at the UO School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC), their futures are looking good. While at times a career path can seem unclear, the SOJC’s classes and experiences open up opportunities for students to find success. And sometimes fate intervenes, sending students in directions they never saw coming.
This season of our podcast includes four episodes featuring SOJC students interviewing two alumni, a senior journalism student and a former professor about college, their careers, our SOJC community and cool stories they want to share. Tune in to hear interviews with:
Alex Horwitch ’12
Alex Horwitch found his place in public relations when he began managing the UO acappella group On the Rocks’ social media presence just as platforms like Instagram and Twitter were beginning to take off.
He talks to us about his involvement in groups on campus, his favorite classes and memories from the SOJC, and how his experience as director of digital marketing for DreamWorks Animation has brought him — and his kids — plenty of excitement.
Malya Fass, class of ’25
Malya Fass is in her last term as a journalism student in the SOJC. Her love for radio began as she transitioned from long-form storytelling to a morning broadcaster position with local NPR affiliate KLCC.
She talks to us about her interest in journalism, her summer internship and waking up at 4 in the morning (!) to host a radio show.
Brian Bull
Brian Bull was a radio reporter for almost 30 years before joining the SOJC as an assistant professor. Now he’s switching out his teaching gear for his beloved recorders and headphones as a senior reporter for Buffalo’s Fire.
He talks to us about the stories he’s reported on in his long career, how he made it to the SOJC from Idaho and his experience teaching and inspiring young journalists.
Heather Davis ’98
Heather Davis was a journalism and political science major at the SOJC before becoming the CEO of the Portland Timbers, the Rose City’s professional soccer club.
She talks to us about being a woman in the sports industry, how she found her way in the SOJC and how hard work has helped her reach her career goals.
Find the first three seasons of “One Cool Story” wherever you get your podcasts and check back for new seasons each fall, winter and spring term. Listen to other University of Oregon podcasts on the OregonNews podcast page.
Julia Boboc is a third-year journalism major in the UO School of Journalism and Communication direct-admit program and a member of Clark Honors College. She especially enjoys interviewing and writing about people and feels everyone has a story to tell. She loves trying new things in journalism and taking on cool projects.