Michelle Khare, ‘Challenge Accepted’ Host, Wins Pulse Award at IndieWire Honors
According to an IndieWire interview, Michelle Khare, host of the YouTube series “Challenge Accepted,” is the recipient of the Pulse Award at the IndieWire Honors Spring 2026 ceremony, which will take place on June 4 in Los Angeles. The series, co-created by Khare and her husband, director Garrett Kennell, has released more than 65 episodes since its 2018 debut and has amassed over 5 million subscribers. Over the past year, Khare has attempted Houdini’s deadliest underwater escape, recreated a “Mission: Impossible” aerial stunt, and completed seven marathons on seven continents in seven days. As of the interview, she was training for a Taekwondo competition, a sequel to an earlier episode in which she earned a black belt in 90 days. Khare stated that her goal is to inspire young people to step outside their comfort zones, and she noted that “Challenge Accepted” became among the first independently produced YouTube series to compete for Emmy recognition last year. The show’s full-time team consists of seven people, including Khare, Kennell, head of production Nick Hurt, senior editors Ryan Forsythe and Ryan Gonzales, assistant editor Max Carmona, and executive assistant Madi Keller. Khare mentioned that a possible future challenge is a tightrope walk at the Grand Canyon that could make history.
What’s reported
The IndieWire Honors Spring 2026 ceremony takes place on June 4.
Michelle Khare is the winner of the Pulse Award.
Her YouTube series “Challenge Accepted” has over 5 million subscribers and more than 65 episodes.
The series is co-created by Khare and her husband, director Garrett Kennell.
Over the past year, Khare has attempted Houdini’s underwater escape, recreated a “Mission: Impossible” stunt, and completed 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days (183.4 miles).
She was driving to Taekwondo practice at the time of the interview, training for a national competition.
The full-time team is seven people: Khare, Kennell, Nick Hurt, Ryan Forsythe, Ryan Gonzales, Max Carmona, and Madi Keller.
Last year, “Challenge Accepted” was among the first independently produced YouTube series to compete for Emmy recognition.
Khare is a Dartmouth graduate, a former professional cyclist, and the daughter of immigrants.
Open questions
It is unclear whether the planned tightrope walk at the Grand Canyon will ultimately be attempted.
The exact date of the Taekwondo competition is not provided.
Specific Emmy categories or outcomes are not detailed.
Key figures
Michelle Khare – host of “Challenge Accepted” and Pulse Award winner
Garrett Kennell – director, co-creator, and Khare’s husband
Nick Hurt – head of production
Ryan Forsythe – senior editor
Ryan Gonzales – senior editor
Max Carmona – assistant editor
Madi Keller – executive assistant
Sources: indiewire.com
