A group of international podcasters demonstrated how young voices are redefining cultural exchange at the first Gen Z International Podcast Festival — one episode at a time.

The event's award ceremony took place on Dec 22 at the Communication University of China (CUC).

Since its launch in July 2023, the initiative received 675 podcast submissions from creators across more than 10 countries and regions, in languages including Chinese, English, Italian, and Thai. Ultimately, 26 entries were recognized with awards.

Among the winners was Liu Yukuan, a 20-year-old student at CUC's School of International Studies, whose podcast "Liudehua FM" (FM for Foreign Students in China) focuses on sharing practical tips and addressing cultural differences for international students in China. It was named one of the best podcasts in the intercultural communication category.

Liu drew inspiration for the podcast from his daily observations. He noticed that international students often face challenges upon arriving in China, such as navigating subway systems using QR codes or finding job application resources before graduation.

"These are hardly problems for Chinese students, but I was surprised to discover that it usually takes a lot of time for international students to find solutions," Liu said.

By collecting questions from international students around him and providing guidance in both Chinese and English, Liu has continuously received feedback from his foreign friends, which has encouraged him to keep updating his channel.

Yu Yujun and Zhang Xinwen, two 20-year-old students at Yanching Institute of Technology in Langfang, Hebei province, shared Liu's intention to help others.

They created the podcast "Taiyouzhongle! Girl" (Girl, You're Fantastic!), which earned them a prize in the creative topics category.

In the podcast, Yu and Zhang share inspiring stories of prominent women, such as top Chinese tennis player Zheng Qinwen.

They also help their fans address everyday challenges typically faced by women. For example, one listener shared her struggle with finding self-esteem and confidence in romantic relationships, explaining that she had never felt cherished or praised by her parents while growing up.

"We hope to help our audience see things from different perspectives and discover their inner power instead of being trapped in self-doubt," Zhang said. "We want to bring warmth and strength to more women."

Through recording the podcast, Yu and Zhang not only guide their audience through hardships but also gain a deeper understanding of feminine power themselves.

"We don't have to be politicians or leaders to be powerful women; we all shine in our own light — no matter how dim it might seem. Whether in our careers or for our families, women's power may be tender, but it is firm," Yu said.

Zhang Keting, 20, a student majoring in international communication at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China in Zhejiang province, has been managing the podcast "Kuangyedianbo" (Radio Wave from the Wilderness) since its debut in September 2023.

The podcast targets college students, inviting experienced professors and alumni to share their insights and advice on topics such as job application, future planning, basic money management, and how to develop a life attitude with an international perspective.

"They say, 'Life is not a track but a field.' We hope that by providing students with more information, they can make well-rounded decisions and feel encouraged to break free from life's set tracks to embrace broader opportunities," Zhang said.