When you’re watching the Scripps National Spelling Bee, pay close attention to the competitors, because if today’s podcast guest is any indication, you’re observing some of the brightest young minds in the country.

Since winning the Bee in 2007, Evan O’Dorney has been on quite a roll. As a 9th grader, he began taking college math classes at UC Berkley. Four years ago, he enrolled at Harvard, where he studied mathematics and music. Today, he’s on the cusp of graduation, then it's off for a year to Cambridge University, with plans to complete his PhD at Princeton.

On this episode of the Scripps National Spelling Bee podcast, we catch up with past champ Evan O’Dorney and learn about life after the Bee. O'Dorney talks about the importance and support of his family and his philosophy for continued success.

The Scripps National Spelling Bee podcast is your home for features and fun on the Scripps National Spelling Bee. We’re on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at twitter.com/SpellingBeePod.You can email us anytime at [email protected] and check out our Tumblr page at http://SpellingBeePodcast.com,

To catch up on the entire series, make sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id994407323?mt=2

Theme by: @PaavoIlvesAdditional music by: @lenonsense, @wet-paint, & @stevenobrien