Racing Towards the Commotion
Oberlin College, a pioneering institution with a rich history of inclusivity, is now home to a podcast that aims to address and find solutions to complex global problems. "Running to the Noise" is a podcast affiliated with Oberlin College and Conservatory, known for hosting conversations with influential guests and revisiting important episodes from its archives.
The podcast, hosted by Oberlin College President Carmen Twillie Ambar, will be a platform for discussing and finding solutions to global issues. The guests will be individuals who are working on some of the world's toughest problems and are expected to have a significant impact on global issues.
One of the most significant moments in the podcast's history was the conversation with Ed Helms, an actor, comedian, author, and Oberlin alumnus (class of '96). This episode, labeled as Episode 20, focused on themes such as the intersection of comedy and truth-telling, the challenges unique to the entertainment industry, and the value of candid, humorous dialogue in confronting difficult issues. The conversation with Helms was described as “the episode that started it all” and was recently re-released in July 2025, underscoring its foundational role for the series.
By featuring notable alumni like Ed Helms, the podcast bridges the gap between current campus life and the wider impact of Oberlin graduates, fostering a sense of continuity and inspiration for students and listeners. The podcast also revisits important episodes, such as the inaugural conversation with Ed Helms, indicating a commitment to connecting the Oberlin community with thought leaders and exploring themes relevant to both campus and broader society.
In addition to its focus on global issues, "Running to the Noise" will also delve into Oberlin College's experiences of running towards challenging, contentious situations. Michelle Obama, who spoke to the graduating class of Oberlin College in 2015, encouraged students to embrace the college's history and run towards challenging, contentious situations. Oberlin College, known for being the first college in America to officially admit Black students and the first co-ed school to grant bachelor's degrees to women, has been running towards challenging, contentious situations almost since its inception.
As the podcast continues to grow, it is clear that "Running to the Noise" will continue to be a space for open, honest, and humorous discussions on global issues and Oberlin College's approach to facing and addressing challenging, contentious situations. The podcast will be available on various platforms, providing a unique opportunity for listeners worldwide to engage with the conversations and learn from the insights shared by the guests.
- The podcast, "Running to the Noise," affiliated with Oberlin College, will not only focus on global issues but also delve into the college's experiences of confronting challenging, contentious situations, embodying the philosophy of running towards, rather than away from, difficulties.
- The podcast, hosted by Oberlin College President Carmen Twillie Ambar, aims to provide a platform for lifelong learning, with guests expected to be thought leaders in their respective fields, offering valuable education and self-development opportunities for its audience.
- In the spirit of diversity and inclusion, "Running to the Noise" will highlight the significant impact of Oberlin graduates, such as Ed Helms, in various sectors including finance, business, entertainment, and education, demonstrating the college's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive alumni community.
