The Summer Youth Podcast Academy is an immersive beginner podcasting workshop for New York City public school students, hosted by The Bell. The stories published here were reported, written, recorded, and mixed by our students in just three weeks.
What does success mean, and what does it take to achieve it? Dane Demchak, a father, husband and owner of City League Coffee Roasters, reflects on how he built his business, from roasting coffee in his garage to opening a storefront in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Over time, his coffee shop has become a beloved third space for the local community. In this episode, Demchak shares his perspective on what it means to be successful in a competitive industry.
Brayden Tom is a freshman at Vanderbilt University. He’s dedicated to exploring how different fields connect with each other and loves to improve his skill set. He has worked at the zoo, voiced his school’s daily announcements and presented his independent projects at Google. When he’s not exploring new industries, he’s in the kitchen learning to make better coffee.
The Summer Youth Podcast Academy is The Bell’s (/home) immersive beginner podcasting workshop for New York City public school students. This year’s academy was made possible by support from the Spotify Studios Union.
7 Oct 2026
Savoring the Flavor at Sabor Guayaco
Randy Macias rises at 2:30 a.m. to go to work at his mother’s 24-hour Ecuadorian food truck, Sabor Guayaco, in Elmhurst, Queens. For the past five years, he’s supported his family’s business through thick and thin, honing his passion for cooking along the way. Now an aspiring chef at the Institute of Culinary Education, he’s looking forward to pursuing his dream of opening two restaurants and, most importantly, making his mother proud.
Alyssa Cheong is a senior at John Adams High School. She's a founding member of the Restorative Community and Justice Club at her school. She helps out with school events, whether during or after school. During her free time, she likes to draw, hang out with her friends or little sister, and cook. One of her favorite shows is “South Park,” which she often watches to relax after a long day.
The Summer Youth Podcast Academy is The Bell’s immersive beginner podcasting workshop for New York City public school students. This year’s academy was made possible by support from the Spotify Studios Union.
6 Oct 2026
Changing Perceptions at JVF Pantry
Jahvel Fraser, chef and owner of Queens-based catering business JVF Pantry, knew that cooking was his calling after preparing his first meal at just eight years old: a classic New Orleans jambalaya. After culinary school, he went on to work at Michelin-starred restaurants and cook in kitchens for James Beard Award-winning chefs, before founding JVF Pantry in 2018. Along the way, he had to overcome a multitude of obstacles, including prejudice from coworkers, impostor syndrome, and the challenge of scaling his operation when business rebounded after the COVID-19 pandemic. Jahvel’s story in the food industry is one about using success and hardship alike to propel himself forward.
Jaila Eames is a junior who goes to Vertex Partnership Academies in the Bronx. She loves to draw, write, create stories, listen to music, play video games (“Ace Attorney” being her favorite) and play guitar in her spare time. When she’s in school, she tries to be hardworking and respectful.
The Summer Youth Podcast Academy is The Bell’s immersive beginner podcasting workshop for New York City public school students. This year’s academy was made possible by support from the Spotify Studios Union.
Who has been a guest on Summer Youth Podcast Academy
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Felicia Forbes
Khilola Radjabova
David Sisko
Abubakor Siddik
Alfonso "Ali" Wright
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
7 ratings
Spotify
4.4 / 5
14 ratings
Contact Summer Youth Podcast Academy
Guest appearances
Books guests
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