111 JACKSON DUNCAN Senior Jackson Duncan establishes a platform through his sports podcast. “The Sports Tea with JD” was a podcast created by senior Jackson Duncan in April 2020. In his podcast, not only did Duncan discuss sports in all categories such as the NCAA, NFL, NBA, MLB and MLS, but he also covered any sports “tea.” Amy Sewell, lead donor for the HU16 television station, guest lectured for a Harding internship course Duncan participated in. Sewell told the class that employers would ask what productive things they did during the COVID-19 pandemic. After receiving advice about creating a podcast, Duncan began recording and publishing his podcasts on April 13, 2020. His makeshift studio equipment included lamps, iMovie, phone audio apps and Zoom. “I only do one take on my podcast,” Duncan said. “I research like I’m studying for a test before each podcast about the person, because if I’m gonna have someone on, I want them to know that I’m gonna be putting in effort on my part.” Using his connections, Duncan interviewed guests such as coaches in the Federal Communications Commission, athletic directors at NCAA universities, and commentators for professional sports teams. “The Sports Tea with JD” had roots in sports that delved into the guests’ lives to learn how sports affected them. In his interviews, Duncan asked his guests to share their stories; explaining who they were, where they are were going and the reasons behind their answers. “You have good conversations when you’re sitting around drinking coffee, drinking tea,” Duncan said. “And part of the sports tea is that, ‘Hey, let’s talk, have this conversation. We may not dive into what happened in the game last night, but let’s talk about yourself and how you got into sports and how sports can play a part in your life.’” Duncan’s passion for sports grew while working at HU16 as a sports announcer, and being an intern and producer at WNSR Nashville Sports Radio 560AM and 95.9FM. “I worked on HU16 with Jackson,” senior Chantel Caesar said. “I think that Jackson has found that beauty in what he has been gifted from God, to use his platform for good and not for his glory, but for God’s glory, and that was very evident in that podcast.” Associate professor of communication JimMiller influenced many of his students by encouraging them to pursue their passions and change the world around them through perseverance. “Young people have a very important voice,” Miller said. “I think it is important for all of us to use the platforms that we have and the opportunities that we have to speak out. They have a perspective on the world that is valuable and is important.” After hosting his podcast for nearly six months, Duncan was excited to continue producing his podcast as a creative outlet. “I have this podcast, and I’m like, ‘How can I use this platform for some kind of good?’” Duncan said. story by Sophia Toth SLAMDUNCAN’ the sports tea
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