Ponder Magazine

08/11/2025

The Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication has awarded Ponder first place in General Excellence in the 2025 Student Magazine Contest, the top honor in the competition. Judges praised Issue III as “visually stunning” with “ambitious writing” and “a fully realized editorial product.”

Ponder also took home 2nd Place in Profile Writing for “Till the Wheels Fall Off” by Nathan Feller and 3rd Place in Design (Issue II).

06/07/2025

Ponder has won GOLD at the American Advertising Awards!

This year, over 23,000 entries were received at the first of three tiers in the nationwide competition. In February, Ponder won two Gold ADDYS + Best of Show. Then, Ponder won Gold again at the district level.

We’re proud to announce that last night we won gold at the national level of the competition. Ponder is the only student national winner from our district.

We’d like to thank our team, advisors, university administrators, families, friends, and everyone else who has picked up a copy of Ponder.

This is only the beginning.

06/02/2025

Bob Lackner—better known as Bicycle Bob—built a life at the intersection of art and adventure. From sneaking into Long Island tattoo shops as a kid to pedaling across the country with his ink kit in tow, his story is one of rebellion, reinvention, and resilience.

Read the full feature in the latest issue of Ponder Magazine.

Story by Nathan Feller
Photos by Alec Butterfield & Caleb Minor

05/30/2025

05/12/2025

What are you waiting for? Issue 3 is here! Read it now and discover what makes this one our boldest yet.

www.bhsumedia.com/ponder/

05/08/2025

04/24/2025

Christian Wallowing Bull is a folk/blues artist from the Wind River Reservation who's turning struggle into song and giving voice to stories that need to be heard. From recording in garages to releasing his debut LP My First Buffalo Hunt, his music is raw, emotional, and deeply rooted in identity.

Read more in "A Tired Warrior" in Issue 2 of Ponder Magazine! Available online and at select locations across the region.

Story by Austin Graft
Photos by Caleb Minor

04/11/2025

Golden Hour BBQ in Alliance, Nebraska, is serving up Texas-sized flavor with small-town heart. Run by Flor and Fletcher Sheridan, this spot was just named a Top 10 Texas-Style BBQ Joint Outside Texas by Texas Monthly. Located in the historic Newberry building, Golden Hour is where community, craft, and killer brisket come together.

Read "The Working Man's Meal" in Issue 2 of Ponder Magazine! Available online and at select locations across the region.

Story by Julia Wilson
Photos by Ashley Beguin

04/08/2025

From Ranger missions to firefighting to founding one of Montana’s most beloved distilleries, Willie Blazer’s story is a testament to grit, heart, and the relentless pursuit of purpose.

Read how blood, sweat, and a whole lot of moonshine built Willie’s Distillery into the legacy it is today. https://issuu.com/pondermag

Story by Nathan Feller
Photos by Taylor SanFilippo

04/02/2025

Ray Varland’s journey from high school intern to smokejumper and fuels crew captain highlights the resilience and dedication of wildland firefighters. From battling massive blazes to facing heartbreaking loss, his story is a testament to the strength and brotherhood of those who fight fire.

Read more in our latest issue of Ponder Magazine. https://issuu.com/pondermag

Story by Nathan Feller
Photography by Kyle Miller

03/26/2025

From Aberdeen to the national stage, Ezra Aderhold’s journey in professional disc golf is one of resilience and ambition. He’s chasing greatness one throw at a time.

Read "Chasing Distance" in the latest issue of Ponder Magazine. https://issuu.com/pondermag

Photos and story by Alec Butterfield

03/19/2025

CH Patisserie isn’t just a bakery—it’s a dream brought to life by Chris and Caryn Hanmer. From competing on Top Chef: Just Desserts to opening their own patisserie in downtown Sioux Falls, the Hanmers have poured their hearts into crafting a space where artistry meets community. Their journey is one of faith, resilience, and unwavering dedication to their craft.

Read more about their story in the latest issue of Ponder Magazine! Available online or at select locations across the region. https://issuu.com/pondermag

Photos and story by Ashley Beguin