Learn more about Keystone with the Cobra Radio podcast
“People are really listening and want to consume all of the content that is there and available. There’s a level of dedication that comes from podcast listeners that you don’t otherwise find. And now the numbers prove it. Podcasts aren’t a bubble, they’re a boom—and that boom is only getting louder.”
– Miranda Katz
The people on my evening walk route must have thought me even stranger than usual as I strolled through our neighborhood with a big grin on my face. Little did they know that I was listening to a fascinating conversation between two Keystone seniors discussing a variety of topics ranging from their research into possible cures for autoimmune diseases to how to make empanadas. From an academic perspective, the conversation intrigued me; as an educator, I beamed with pride and felt truly blessed to know these inspiring young people.
Last summer, Keystone Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications Edmund Tijerina approached me with an idea. He had taken a podcasting workshop on his own to learn more about them, and pitched creating one for Keystone that would be called Cobra Radio. Having been an avid podcast listener for over a decade, I wholeheartedly supported the idea. I could think of few, if any, better ways to convey the intellectual ferment that separates Keystone from other schools.
Trying to convey to others the combination of outstanding students and excellent faculty/staff members that form our community can sometimes be difficult. There’s something unique about this school, and it’s not always easy to describe in an elevator speech or a soundbite. A regular podcast allowing for a longer conversation and featuring the people that differentiate Keystone from other schools could be “just what the doctor ordered.”
Since the beginning of 2022, Cobra Radio has taken off. After the bouncy theme music gets things going, Mr. T interviews a student or faculty/staff member. It could be Student Council President Avril, Class of 2022, describing the activities in which she participates, or theater teacher Mr. C. providing a great anecdote about the theater program. Other episodes include Director of Development and Alumni Relations Adriana Villafranca explaining the role of philanthropy in society and at Keystone, or Head of Lower School Ms. Matthews sharing her thoughts on homework. Mr. T’s journalist background quickly becomes evident as he asks thoughtful and probing questions. Over the summer, he plans to interview several alumni to include in episodes during next school year.
However, as both he and I agree, the episodes featuring Keynote editor Shreya, Class of 2022, interviewing fellow Cobras feel extraordinary. Whether she’s posing questions to fellow senior Liv about her transition from a large public school to Keystone or National Honor Society President Antoine on his volunteer work with San Antonio Youth, Shreya’s enthusiasm proves infectious. Similarly, hearing high school students express gratitude to their teachers, passion for certain subjects, or nostalgia for certain experiences can prove inspiring, particularly during times when the news can feel so bleak.
Like many people, I spend a fair amount of time with my earbuds in, whether it’s during a workout, a trip to the grocery, or doing chores. Audiobooks and podcasts can make the time fly by or turn a mundane task into something a little less onerous. It’s no exaggeration to say that I look forward to each new episode of Cobra radio partially because they’re fun, but also because I learn something new about the interviewee each time.
People often ask me “how can we convey the special sauce that makes Keystone unique?” To mix my metaphors intentionally, Cobra Radio communicates that sauce in an enjoyable and interesting fashion. Next time you plug in, give it a shot. You just might find yourself smiling on your morning or evening walk and confusing your neighbors.