Forsyth County podcaster nominated for big award, but former FLOTUS is the competition

CUMMING, Ga. — A Forsyth County podcaster who went online during the pandemic is now in line for the Oscars of the podcasting world.

Channel 2′s Berndt Petersen was in Cumming where he was nominated in the “Advice and How-To” category. But, he has some famous competition.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

“Hi everybody! Welcome to an exciting episode of ‘Second Act Stories,’” Scott Merritt told his listeners.

He’s a big believer in starting over.

“When the pandemic hit and millions of people lost their jobs, it seemed like the right time,” Merritt told Petersen.

That’s when the Forsyth County P.R. professional launched a podcast with a purpose.

He and his friend Andy Levine are the voices behind “Second Act Stories,” which tells inspiring stories about folks who left one career and embarked on another.

It includes a Florida real estate agent who became a professional python hunter, and Michael Strahan, a former star in the NFL and now a star on “Good Morning America.”

TRENDING STORIES:

• 20-year-old murder suspect found dead inside Fulton County Jail
• Gwinnett driver claims they had the yellow light. Surveillance video shows otherwise
• Coast Guard suspends search for man who jumped from cruise ship in front of stunned family

Fifty episodes and 250,000 clicks later, “Second Act Stories” has been nominated for a Webby Award.

“We were blown away. We’re up against the former first lady,” Merritt said.

None other than former first lady Michelle Obama.

“It is David vs. Goliath. We know the way that story ended. Hopefully, it ends the same this time,” Levine said.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

“Wish us luck. We’re gonna need it,” Merritt told listeners Wednesday.

But he says what’s most important is that people learn it’s never too late for that second act.

“You need fulfillment in life. So much is driven by purpose. If you can be inspired to chase that purpose that means everything to us,” Merritt said.

Webby voting is open to the public. Click here to learn more.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Delta boarding changes: Goodbye group names, welcome back zone numbers

©2023 Cox Media Group