Harbison West Elementary Gifted and Talent Development Magnet program has a new source of student-driven news—and it’s coming straight from a creative team of 5th-grade girls. Calling themselves the Hero Podcast Team, the students have launched a weekly show filled with school announcements, event updates, and the kind of fun, quirky commentary only kids can deliver.
The idea began as a simple discussion about how to share information in a more engaging way. “There are a lot of people who need tips and advice, so we created this to entertain them and give them advice,” explained team member Iris Drain. Within weeks, the girls organized their roles, planned their segments, and recorded their first episode. They are currently polishing their skills through a series of practice podcasts, with plans to launch episodes on their own YouTube channel soon.
Each episode highlights upcoming events at Harbison West Elementary Gifted and Talent Development Magnet and features special guest interviews with classmates. What makes the podcast stand out are its spontaneous “thought breaks,” where the girls chat about everything from favorite snacks to spirited debates over the best Thanksgiving foods. “My favorite part of the podcast is getting to spend time with my friends,” said Jocelyn Williams.
“From the moment we first turned on the microphone, these girls have been naturals. They sound like professionals,” said Mrs. Wahrmund, Magnet Lead Teacher at HWES. “But they’re also completely themselves, and that’s what makes it so much fun to listen to.”
The team manages every stage of production—brainstorming, planning, recording, and even audio editing—giving them full ownership of the project. “My favorite part is recording the podcast,” added Gabby Miller.
More than entertainment, the Hero Podcast is becoming a platform for student voice, leadership, and creativity. As the show continues to grow, the 5th-grade podcasters hope to inspire other students to take risks, try new things, and share their perspectives. “We have come so far with this dream, and I am really proud,” said team member McKenzie Rodriguez.
New episodes of the Hero Podcast will soon be available on the Harbison West Elementary school website.
