Meet the founders.
Podium Coach was built by two national debate champions who saw first-hand what the activity can do for a student - and how many students never get the chance to try it.
Debate should not be an elite pastime.
The best debate coaches, private lessons, and camps cost thousands of dollars a year - a cost that quietly decides who gets to compete and who doesn't. We believe every student who wants to sharpen their thinking, refine their arguments, and speak with confidence deserves a coach in their corner. Podium Coach exists to make world-class feedback available to anyone with an internet connection and something to say.
Arya Seth
Fairmont Preparatory Academy · Sophomore
Arya is a sophomore at Fairmont Preparatory Academy with a deep interest in international relations, public policy, and catastrophic risk. A two-time national debate champion and award-winning writer, Arya's research focuses on geopolitical conflict, s-risks, debate education's impact on youth, and the stability-instability paradox.
In 2026, Arya won the NDCA National Championships and placed in the top 8 at Asia's Tournament of Champions, ranking as the top freshman-freshman team in the country. Arya is a teaching assistant for UCI's Ethics Center, a Fellow at Youth in Policy, and a participant in the Atelier de Théorie Critique.
Arya co-founded Podium Coach because he saw first-hand how many students wanted to debate but couldn't due to resource constraints. He sees Podium Coach as an opportunity to change that and improve access to debate. For fun, Arya likes to play tennis and go out with friends.
Sohum Shah
Sage Hill School · Sophomore
Sohum Shah is a driven sophomore at Sage Hill School with a passion for debate, AI, and public health. He serves as his grade's elected Student Council Co-Chair, is a Life Scout in his Boy Scouts Troop, and is a national debate champion. He volunteers with the Lincoln Green Debate Society and Debate Discovery Kids, where he teaches middle school students to improve their speech and debate skills.
Additionally, Sohum is an intern for UCI's Ethics Center and an Effective Discourse Intern at Youth in Policy.
Sohum co-founded PodiumCoach to give students constructive feedback and make debate more accessible. Through the platform, he hopes to help students build confidence and sharpen their public speaking skills to reach their full potential. Outside of school, he enjoys playing basketball, singing, and exploring emerging AI technologies.
Ready to work?
Judge a round, sharpen a speech, or improve a case - the coach is on.