Grand Prize in NPR's 2024 College Podcast Challenge

A podcast created by Fordham University senior Colby McCaskill won the grand prize in NPR's 2024 College Podcast Challenge.

The episode documents his family's experience as his grandmother, Kathy McCaskill, lives with dementia.

The podcast, structured as an audio letter to his grandfather, Dick McCaskill, includes recordings of conversations, personal reflections, and scenes from visits. Colby interviews his grandparents about the changes in their lives and openly uses the term "dementia," which his grandfather said brought clarity to their situation.

A "Cold Cup of Water"

Dick McCaskill described the podcast as emotional and said hearing the word "dementia" was like "a cold cup of water thrown in your face." The family reported that the project helped them begin conversations about aging, caregiving, and death that had previously been avoided.

Caregiving and Acceptance

Kathy McCaskill, 77, has dementia that affects her memory and ability to perform basic tasks. Her husband, Dick, 76, is her primary caregiver. He described seeking patience and acceptance as her condition progresses.

"The conversations made me less fearful about the future." — Colby McCaskill

Colby McCaskill stated that the podcast allowed him to express his feelings to his grandparents and that the conversations made him less fearful about the future.