This Brookline Life is an exciting new pilot extension of the Whipple Writing Program, designed to immerse Brookline High School students in the world of journalism, research, and storytelling through podcasting. Inspired by NPR’s “This American Life,” the program challenges participants to explore a facet of living or learning in the Brookline or Boston area, culminating in a publicly presented audio story.

Through a summer writing residency, students join a supportive cohort, receive a generous stipend, and gain professional training in researching, writing, and editing podcasts. This experience aims to hone students' journalistic and media skills, enabling them to produce compelling narratives that shed light on the unique character of their community.

This new podcast initiative builds upon the core mission of the Whipple Writing Program: to encourage and nurture Brookline High School students with a passion for nonfiction writing. By empowering students to develop and hone their skills through engaging projects like This Brookline Life, the program aims for all participants to embrace the pleasures and power of writing, fostering a lifelong appreciation for nonfiction narratives.