Most Likely To

From TikTok to The Today Show to classrooms across the country, Donovan Taylor Hall is on a mission: empower young people with the mental and emotional tools they need to succeed. This episode is all about turning pain and self-doubt into passion and strength. Donovan talks about his struggles growing up as a biracial, queer kid and how tragedy set him on the path toward finding himself. If you aren't sure how to tap into your unique strengths and purpose, this episode is for you. Plus: Donovan gets real about why you should (and should not!) become a teacher.To keep up with Mr. Donovan, follow him on Instagram.Most Likely To, a podcast by DonorsChoose is sponsored by KPMG. To learn more about the show, visit: https://www.donorschoose.org/podcast

03-03

36:08

Laurie Hernandez, a world-renowned gymnast, longtime learning ambassador for KPMG, and passionate advocate for literacy, mentorship, and mental health, shares her journey from gymnastics to becoming a junior at NYU’s Tisch School of Arts, her pursuits in acting, and her influential role in sports commentary.Through candid reflections, Laurie discusses the importance of following one's passions, the value of representation, and her advocacy for access to education and mental health.Listen in as Laurie shares insights on overcoming anxiety, striving for balance, and the power of supportive communities. Get ready for a heartfelt conversation filled with inspiration and practical advice for managing stress and pursuing dreams. Tune in to hear Laurie Hernandez’s incredible story and her continued efforts to uplift and empower others.Mentioned in this episode:KPMG, People Make the DifferenceAt KPMG, people make the difference. Their dedication to purpose-driven initiatives and technology enablement helps them attract top talent, benefiting their clients and communities. Empowering careers. Enabling progress. Expanding opportunities. It’s how they make the difference every day.KPMG, People Make the Difference (2025)

02-24

37:06

Joe Holder is on a mission: Make the world a fitter, healthier place. In his chat with Janelle, Joe shares how a college football injury set him on a new, unexpected path toward helping people meet their goals.This episode is PACKED with expert advice: What does it mean to "learn the algorithm of life"? What 5 things can you do to improve your own wellness today? Find out here.To learn more about Most Likely To, a podcast by DonorsChoose, visit our homepage https://www.donorschoose.org/podcastTo keep up with Joe, follow him on Instagram.

11-18

24:06

Do you remember THAT teacher — the one that made all the difference for you? In this episode, Janelle chats with Amanda about the teacher that inspired her to become a world class educator. She also shares about her Mexican-American family, the secret charisma great teachers posess, and the wildest thing that's happened in her classroom. If you've ever thought about teaching, don't miss this episode!To learn more about Most Likely To, a podcast by DonorsChoose, visit our homepage https://www.donorschoose.org/podcast

11-11

25:19

*WARNING: This episode contains astonishing character voices, outrageous vocal warm-ups, and seriously practical tips for building self-confidence.*How did a free-spirited young girl grow up to become a voice actor, writer, and producer? What's it like shaping shows like Craig of the Creek, Tiny Toons Looniversity, and Fairly OddParents: A New Wish? Follow Ashleigh's journey from her childhood love of sitcoms through her successful, multi-faceted career in television. Most Likely To, a podcast by DonorsChoose is sponsored by KPMG. To learn more about the show, visit: https://www.donorschoose.org/podcastTo keep up with Ashleigh, follow her on Instagram.

11-04

31:15

Nurse Clara shares how she grew into her Korean-American identity, why she decided not to become a doctor, and the wide variety of nursing careers you can pursue. She also delves into the nitty gritty (and occasionally bloody) details of nursing life, and gives tactical guidance for building important relationships. Episode spoiler: Giving a newborn baby its first-ever bath is reeeally tricky.To learn more about Most Likely To, a podcast by DonorsChoose, visit our homepage.To keep up with Nurse Clara, follow her on Instagram.

10-28

23:44

Dr. Raven (aka "Raven the Science Maven") wants you to know: You're already a scientist. In this episode, she chats with Janelle about overcoming early struggles with math, changing the game when it comes to Black representation, and how it was actually her first job at Burger King that taught her... not everything is as it seems. Most Likely To, a podcast by DonorsChoose is sponsored by KPMG. To learn more about the show, visit: https://www.donorschoose.org/podcastTo keep up with Dr. Raven, check out her podcast The Science of Life on YouTube.

10-21

34:02

How does baking build community? What goes into a viral pie? Can a self-proclaimed "midwestern girl" thrive in the male-dominated New York restaurant scene? Christina Tosi's got the answers, and she's sharing all of them! Plus, she gives a sneak peek into her new collab with the Kelce brothers and shares the secret ingredient that makes a perfect cookie every time.Most Likely To, a podcast by DonorsChoose is sponsored by KPMG. To learn more about the show, visit our homepage https://www.donorschoose.org/podcastTo keep up with Christina, follow her on Instagram.

10-14

36:06

From The King & I on Broadway to Fatboy Slim's musical, Jose Llana is no stranger to performing at the highest levels. But as a young, gay, Asian-American immigrant, his path was anything but assured. In this chat with Janelle, Jose unpacks Filipino karaoke culture, reveals how he talked his way into his first big audition, and reflects on the ever-evolving theater industry. (And, yes, he sings for us, too.)To learn more about Most Likely To, a podcast by DonorsChoose, visit our homepage https://www.donorschoose.org/podcastTo keep up with Jose, follow him on Instagram.

09-30

25:47

How does a small-town kid from Michigan end up designing the costumes on Gossip Girl? Eric chats with Janelle about how to be brave, find your style, and follow your dreams. Plus, he gives the inside scoop on creating iconic TV characters and reuniting with Blake Lively for the buzzy new film, It Ends With Us.To learn more about Most Likely To, a podcast by DonorsChoose, visit our homepage: https://www.donorschoose.org/podcastTo keep up with Eric, follow him on Instagram.

09-08

30:22

Growing up Asian American in a majority-white California community, Amy Liu wasn't the most obvious pick to shake up the beauty industry, but that's exactly what she did. The Tower 28 founder chats with Janelle about entrepreneurship, TikTok virality, owning your identity, and how pushing industry boundaries is possible — once you've challenged the boundaries set by your parents!To learn more about Most Likely To, a podcast by DonorsChoose, visit our homepage https://www.donorschoose.org/podcastTo keep up with the latest from Amy, follow her on Instagram.

09-08

37:00

At 23, Leland Melvin's NFL career was over, but his biggest adventure was just beginning! Leland chats with Janelle about blowing up his mother's living room, super intense astronaut training, and the mind-blowing perspective shifts that happen in space.To learn more about Most Likely To, a podcast by DonorsChoose, visit our homepage: https://www.donorschoose.org/podcastYou can order Leland's new graphic novel Space Chasers on Amazon and wherever books are sold.

09-08

21:05

If you can see it, you can be it. Tailored to middle and high school students, this podcast profiles executives, artists, authors, doctors, and leaders from underrepresented backgrounds. Each season will feature some of the world’s greatest minds sharing how they became who they are today. Welcome to our first season of the show!

08-28

00:59