The Soundtrack of Your Year Challenge Winners

The Soundtrack of Your Year Challenge invited writers to reflect on the defining moments of their year through the music that accompanied them and share those stories in the Beat community, complete with music embeds from Spotify, YouTube, and beyond. Whether it was the song that played during moments of quiet reflection, the melody that lifted their spirits on their happiest days, or the playlist that provided strength during challenges, participants crafted narratives that highlighted how music is more than background noise—it’s the soundtrack to our lives. By weaving together their personal soundtracks, these stories showed how each song represented a chapter of growth, resilience, and joy.

After carefully reviewing submissions that creatively integrated music embeds, heartfelt reflections, and powerful storytelling, we’re thrilled to announce the winners who truly embodied the spirit of this challenge.

🏆 $500 Grand Prize Winner: Soundtrack of a Homeless Addict's Wife by Marilyn Glover

Marilyn Glover offers an unflinching look at the ripple effects of addiction on marriage, family, and personal identity. Through a deeply moving soundtrack, she revisits both the darkest moments—where heartache, betrayal, and fear reign—and the glimmers of hope that ultimately guide her forward. Glover’s candid storytelling underscores the complex interplay of mental health, unconditional love, and self-discovery, all interwoven with the power of music. It’s a hard-won testament to resilience and empathy, resonating as a lifeline for anyone touched by addiction.

🥈 $200 Second Place: In my Headphones by C.Z.

C.Z. captures the sweeping rhythms of Alaskan life by breaking the year into three evocative seasons, each defined by a carefully curated soundtrack. Their journey begins with classical compositions and worship songs fueling a full-length ballet, then pivots to indie pop bops in the endless daylight of summer, and finally settles into alt-rock comfort during the long, dark winter. Woven throughout are deeply personal moments—like a wedding anniversary set to Mitski’s “Me and My Husband”—that make the music all the more meaningful. C.Z.’s reflections illustrate how each tune resonates beyond its beats, shaping mood, memory, and the ultimate soundtrack of their year.

🎖️ Runners-up: $25 Each

No, I’m Not Gonna Stop by Find FLOE

Find FLOE embraces a season of transition, downsizing, and redefining personal goals—all while fending off the “crab mentality” of others who’d rather drag them back than see them grow. Through candid reflection and an empowering playlist, they confront past hurts and rewire the limiting beliefs once spoken into their life. The story celebrates music as both armor and anthem, reminding readers that words hold transformative power for shaping the life we truly want. In the face of adversity, FLOE’s unwavering determination to move forward feels both relatable and fiercely motivating.

Sounds of the Cottage by Marlena Guzowski

In a cozy Nova Scotia cottage, Marlena Guzowski chronicles how laughter, camaraderie, and just the right amount of cheesy Euro dance tracks can ease the tension of life’s scariest moments. As her friend Julia awaits a crucial medical diagnosis, their impromptu music sessions and culinary adventures create a space for levity and hope. Guzowski’s story highlights how friendship and a good playlist can transform uncertainty into unforgettable memories. It’s a touching reminder that the best moments often arise when we need them most.

2024: The Music Of Its Moments by Emily Albers

Emily Albers reflects on a year shaped by both profound challenges and transcendent joys, underscored by the power of music. Despite grappling with a life-altering heart condition, she finds comfort and encouragement in her mother’s unwavering support and the comforting melodies of her favorite artists like Kate Rusby. Highlights include fulfilling a dream to see “Wicked” performed by Kristin Chenoweth and even taking up guitar—a new passion that continues to spark hope. Through every high and low, Albers’s unwavering belief in music’s healing power resonates on every page.

2024: The Music Made It Better by Rick Henry Christopher

Rick Henry Christopher offers a heartfelt reflection on how music fosters connection and resilience, weaving a year’s worth of eclectic tracks into stories of personal growth. From lifting his friend’s spirits with a timeless 1970s jam to discovering renewed passion by creating his own AI-driven tunes, each song underscores a pivotal moment of healing and discovery. Through charming anecdotes about family, friendship, and the undeniable bond of shared playlists, Christopher reminds us that music can lighten even the heaviest burdens. Ultimately, he shows that the right song—and a little “stride grease”—can uplift us all.

My Personal 2024 Beatfest by Colleen Millsteed

In this candid, month-by-month account, Colleen Millsteed shares how she confronted heartbreak, let go of cherished possessions, and overcame her deepest fears to pursue a life on the road. Each step—whether gifting her son a beloved car or towing a brand-new caravan for the first time—was underscored by a fitting song that captured the emotional roller coaster of 2024. Through it all, she discovers that embracing discomfort paves the way for monumental personal growth. Millsteed’s journey reminds us that sometimes the hardest goodbyes lead to the greatest freedom.

I’m Having a Record Year by M.G.

M.G. navigates a tumultuous year—marked by heartbreak, shifting friendships, and new beginnings—with an unshakeable bond to music. From a devastating January breakup to bold, late-night adventures and the sting of being “kicked out” of beloved pursuits, each pivotal moment is underscored by a resonant track. In capturing these highs and lows, M.G. reveals how the right playlist can anchor us through life’s most transformative chapters. Ultimately, the story champions personal growth and the healing power of music in forging a path forward.

"Hymne à l'Amour" Became my Hope and Salvation by Henrik Hageland

In a year marred by heartbreak and loss, Henrik Hageland discovers solace in Céline Dion’s stirring rendition of Edith Piaf’s classic “Hymne à l’Amour.” As his husband’s health deteriorates, this poignant song becomes a daily reminder that love endures even beyond the confines of life. When grief finally arrives, Hageland clings to the hopeful refrain promising reunion in eternity, finding gentle strength to move forward. His journey underscores music’s unmatched power to console, uplift, and unite hearts across all boundaries.

Music Moves Us Through by angela hepworth

In a deeply introspective piece, angela hepworth reveals how music propelled her toward self-acceptance and healing in 2024. From confronting inner rage via Lingua Ignota’s raw intensity to finding empowerment in an unlikely Undertale battle theme, each track becomes a chapter in her personal evolution. Her reflections highlight the transformative power of finally embracing one’s authentic self—with all its imperfections—and celebrating love’s gentle, life-affirming notes. Ultimately, hepworth’s journey reminds us that music can be a potent ally in our pursuit of wholeness and joy.

Standing up by Meagan Dion

Meagan Dion chronicles a year defined by courage and conviction, revealing how a workplace policy against using stools became the catalyst for major life changes. From discovering her passion for glassblowing to guiding her children toward their own dreams, she shows that embracing discomfort can ignite personal growth. Woven through every step is a soundtrack that pushes her to stand up for what's right—both for herself and for others. Her story brims with optimism, proving that sometimes “taking a stand” can lead us down a path to our wildest aspirations.

Soundtrack to an Ordinary Day by D.K. Shepard

D.K. Shepard transports us into a whimsical dreamscape where a “Music Man” helps curate a custom vinyl for the most routine parts of life—from sunrise dread to after-work decompression. Each hum, lyric, and fleeting melody offers insight into Shepard’s daily rhythms, illuminating how everyday joys and frustrations can be scored to the perfect tune. The story playfully captures how music transcends mere background noise to become a richly personal reflection of who we are. Ultimately, this imaginative tale reminds us that even the most ordinary moments can be orchestrated into something extraordinary.

Classic Endeavors by Lamar Wiggins

With wry humor and a laid-back outlook, Lamar Wiggins invites us to cruise along for a year of soul-searching and one-hit-wonder anthems. He uproots his life, ditches the desk job, and follows entrepreneurial sparks—all with classic rock (and a few nostalgic ‘90s jams) fueling the ride. Wiggins’s reflections underscore the resilience required for every creative journey, framing “success” not as instant stardom, but as the dogged belief that big dreams can rise from ordinary moments. It’s a cheering reminder that persevering—despite detours and slow climbs—can still yield that one life-changing “hit.”

It May Feel Bad: The Soundtrack of My Year by Paul Stewart - Iconoclast

Paul Stewart - Iconoclast captures the bittersweetness of 2024, as looming AI changes threaten his writing career and a beloved uncle’s battle with cancer ends in heartbreaking loss. By threading tracks from Gary Numan to Rick Astley through each milestone—funeral tributes, personal reflections, and the promise of live shows—he underscores music’s power to unite and heal. Stewart’s candid storytelling resonates with an honest hope that, in a time of upheaval, shared rhythms can still guide us forward. It’s a moving reminder that while life may feel bad, there’s always a soundtrack to help us carry on.

Reclaiming Myself by Alexandria Stanwyck

Alexandria Stanwyck delivers an empowering account of cutting toxic ties and rediscovering self-worth through a meticulously curated soundtrack. Each song mirrors a pivotal moment—from grappling with betrayal and anger to rebuilding boundaries and embracing authenticity. Stanwyck’s narrative emphasizes that true freedom arises when we learn to nurture our own happiness and let go of others’ expectations. Her story resonates as a triumphant reminder that reclaiming ourselves is an ongoing journey—one best experienced to the rhythm of our favorite tunes.

2024 Playlist of the People by Amos Glade

Amos Glade offers a communal soundtrack shaped by the friends and loved ones who share songs, stories, and late-night phone calls throughout the year. From the hopeful strains of “Punk Rock Loser” to the self-reflective calm of “Appointments,” each track highlights how music can mirror our collective ups and downs—and prompt self-discovery in the process. Glade’s “people-powered playlist” shows that even during uncertain times, the simple act of sharing a song can provide comfort and connection. Ultimately, his piece reminds us that a year’s worth of music is far richer when it’s built together with those we care about.

12 Months Of Washington by Kayla Lindley

With camera in hand and her sons by her side, Kayla Lindley weaves a deeply personal journey through Washington state’s striking landscapes. Each photograph and corresponding song capture a moment of renewal, introspection, or playful joy—whether braving tide pools at Salt Creek, soaking in the surreal blues of Diablo Lake, or channeling childhood magic in the heart of “Twilight” territory. As she navigates her own mental health and the everyday challenges of parenting, Lindley’s playlist becomes both a celebration of natural beauty and a testament to resilience. Her story offers a vivid reminder that sometimes, the best therapy is found outside—where the forest, the shoreline, and a favorite tune can stir the soul toward healing.