This NPR College Podcast Challenge finalist might change how you hear your commute

By Bennett Cook,

Student Podcast Challenge

Published December 8, 2025 at 6:26 PM EST

One recent college graduate recorded ambient sounds during his commute and found something surprising. His resulting podcast — a finalist in NPR's College Podcast Challenge — may change the way you listen to the world around you.

This is an excerpt from "Transit Music" by Bennett Cook. His story was a finalist in the 2021 NPR College Podcast Challenge.

NPR News

Bennett Cook

Student Podcast Challenge

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