Every year, NPR’s Student Podcast Challenge draws in thousands of young voices from across the United States, each eager to share their stories, explore new topics, and showcase their creativity. The 2025 competition was no exception, with an impressive array of investigative journalism, heartfelt family interviews, and deeply personal accounts flooding in from students nationwide. But among all these entries, one podcast stood out for its delightful blend of research, humor, and originality: "Monster Madness," created by 11-year-old Ryan Betts-Ng and his younger brother, Marshall, from Redwood Day School in Oakland, California.
On September 20, 2025, NPR featured "Monster Madness" in a spotlight piece, describing it as a charming gem among the year’s submissions. According to NPR, the podcast opens with Ryan’s cheerful singing: "Monster Madness, it's the podcast that we need. It tells tales of monsters and how they came to be." The catchy introduction sets the tone for an episode that manages to be both informative and entertaining, a testament to the creative spirit that the Student Podcast Challenge aims to foster.
Ryan, a sixth grader with a keen interest in legendary creatures, chose Bigfoot as the topic for his podcast. With Marshall by his side, the brothers dove deep into the lore surrounding their favorite monster. They didn’t just stick to the well-trodden path of Bigfoot stories; instead, they brought their own unique twist to the tale, weaving together thorough research, imaginative storytelling, and original sound effects. The result was a podcast that, as NPR’s judges noted, radiated joyful, sometimes hilarious enthusiasm.
"Monster Madness" wasn’t just another entry—it was recognized as a middle school finalist in the 2025 NPR Student Podcast Challenge, a significant achievement given the competition’s national scale and the sheer number of submissions. KUAR, another public radio station, highlighted the podcast’s success in its own coverage, noting the brothers’ ability to combine creative writing with sound design in a way that captured listeners’ attention and kept them engaged from start to finish.
The Student Podcast Challenge has become a staple of NPR’s outreach to young people, encouraging students from all backgrounds to try their hand at audio storytelling. Each year, the contest receives a diverse mix of topics: some students tackle hard-hitting investigative pieces, while others focus on lighter subjects like sports, music, or school life. But, as NPR pointed out, it’s often the entries that blend research with personality and a dash of humor that truly shine.
Ryan and Marshall’s approach to "Monster Madness" exemplified this winning formula. Not content to simply recount Bigfoot sightings, they dug into the origins of the legend, exploring how stories of mysterious creatures have captivated people for generations. Their podcast included not just facts but also playful banter, clever sound effects, and a sense of wonder that was infectious. Listeners could hear the brothers’ excitement as they discussed the evidence for and against Bigfoot’s existence, and their willingness to poke fun at themselves only added to the show’s charm.
One particularly memorable segment featured Ryan and Marshall reenacting famous Bigfoot encounters, complete with homemade sound effects and dramatic narration. The brothers’ laughter was audible as they debated whether that blurry figure in the 1967 Patterson-Gimlin film really could be Bigfoot—or just a man in a suit. Their openness to both skepticism and belief made the podcast accessible to listeners of all ages, whether they were die-hard cryptozoology fans or simply curious about the world’s enduring mysteries.
The judges for the Student Podcast Challenge were quick to praise "Monster Madness." According to NPR, the podcast’s "joyful, sometimes hilarious enthusiasm" set it apart from more conventional entries. The combination of thorough research and creative storytelling demonstrated a level of maturity and skill that belied the brothers’ ages. NPR’s coverage emphasized how the podcast “tells tales of monsters and how they came to be,” capturing not just the facts but also the imagination behind the legends.
It wasn’t just the content that impressed the judges. The technical aspects of the podcast—original sound effects, careful editing, and pacing—showed a dedication to craft that many adult podcasters would envy. Ryan and Marshall’s willingness to experiment with audio, from spooky forest sounds to playful monster roars, brought their story to life in a way that was both professional and endearing.
Of course, even the best projects sometimes encounter hiccups. On September 20, 2025, NPR issued a correction to its original web story, clarifying that Marshall Betts-Ng’s first name had previously been incorrectly given as Dylan. The correction was a minor note in the grand scheme of things, but it underscored the importance of accuracy—even in stories about legendary monsters.
The success of "Monster Madness" speaks to the power of youth creativity and the value of giving young people a platform to share their voices. Programs like the Student Podcast Challenge do more than just recognize talent; they encourage students to dig deep, explore topics they’re passionate about, and develop skills that will serve them for years to come. Whether they’re investigating real-world issues or delving into the world of Bigfoot and other monsters, these young podcasters are learning to communicate, collaborate, and think critically.
For Ryan and Marshall, the journey from idea to finalist status was as rewarding as the recognition itself. Their podcast serves as a reminder that curiosity and creativity know no age limits—and that sometimes, the best stories are the ones told with a sense of fun. As the Student Podcast Challenge looks ahead to future competitions, "Monster Madness" will surely stand as an example for other young storytellers to follow.
In a world that often feels dominated by adult voices, it’s refreshing to hear young people like Ryan and Marshall take the microphone, share their passions, and remind us all of the joy that comes from telling a good story. Their Bigfoot adventure may not have solved the mystery once and for all, but it certainly captured the imagination of listeners—and that’s a victory worth celebrating.
