Ryan Atkinson

In this episode of Hear-Tell, Rosalind Bentley—distinguished professor of practice in the University of Georgia’s MFA Narrative Nonfiction program—sits down with recent MFA graduate and freelance journalist Ryan Atkinson for a thoughtful conversation about reporting, trust, and the art of storytelling.

Ryan, now based in metro Atlanta, spent over a decade as a sports writer and editor in newsrooms across the lower Midwest before transitioning into trade publishing.

Last year, he returned to longform with a powerful feature for FanSided, chronicling hurdler Cordell Tinch’s remarkable quest for a spot on the 2024 Paris Olympic team.

In this episode, Ryan talks with Roz about what it took to earn Cordell’s trust, how he navigated access, and what the story taught him about perseverance—both on the track and on the page.

Read Ryan’s full story here: Cordell Tinch’s Olympic Journey – FanSided.