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Continuing Studies: Higher Ed Podcasting
Continuing Studies: Higher Ed Podcasting episodes
- Think Fast, Talk Live: Building a Podcast Audience
Matt Abrahams, host of the globally acclaimed podcast Think Fast, Talk Smart, joins the Continuing Studies podcast in this special live episode recorded at the inaugural Higher Ed PodCon. With over 68 million plays and a reach across 125 countries, Matt shares the origin story of his show, the creative evolution behind its massive growth, and the lessons he's learned on building community, experimenting with video, leveraging AI, and staying relentlessly audience-focused. From DIY beginnings with his sons to launching "Chat Matt" and planning multilingual expansions, this candid conversation is packed with insights for anyone passionate about higher ed podcasting and meaningful communication.
Episode Links:
- Think Fast Talk Smart
- Matt Abrahams
- Matt Abrahams | LinkedIn
- Higher Ed PodCon
Connect with Us- Share Feedback & Ask Questions: [email protected]
- Learn More: Continuing Studies Podcast
- Follow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn Page
- Join LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters Network
- Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn or [email protected]
- Connect w/ Neil: LinkedIn or [email protected]
- Twitter: @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastco
- Youtube
- HigherEdPods
Chapters:- (00:00) - Introduction
- (03:04) - The Origin of Think Fast, Talk Smart
- (04:11) - Evolving Vision and Format
- (05:03) - Launching with Limited Support
- (07:17) - Leveraging Interns and University Resources
- (08:40) - Growth, Reach & the Tipping Point
- (09:43) - Becoming an Independent Podcast
- (10:48) - The Shift to Video
- (11:46) - Video Production & Social Strategy
- (14:15) - What’s Next: Community & Curation
- (16:26) - Integrating AI in Podcasting
- (17:47) - Expanding Globally with Translations
- (19:01) - What Makes a Great Interview
- (19:49) - Interview Rituals and Techniques
- (21:03) - Handling Low-Energy Interviews
- (22:09) - The Final Three Questions
- (25:46) - Live Audience Q&A
- (35:10) - Conclusion
38 min - Class is in Session: Building the Future of Podcasting Through Education
How formal education is transforming podcasting into a professional, industry-ready craft.
Brett Spencer, senior lecturer in podcasting at City St. George's, University of London, shares how his innovative master’s program is bridging the gap between podcasting education and industry demands. With deep experience from the BBC and Spiritland Productions, Brett unpacks the practical skills students need—from media law and pitching to production and promotion—and why podcasting is more than just making a show. He also discusses groundbreaking projects like broadcasting podcasts live to cinemas and partnering with the UN, all while emphasizing the power of relationships and real-world experience in building a career in this rapidly growing field.
Episode Links:
- Brett Spencer - BBC | LinkedIn
- Brett Spencer • City St George's, University of London
- Spiritland Productions
- MA Podcasting - Master's degree • City St George's, University of London
Connect with Us- Share Feedback & Ask Questions: [email protected]
- Learn More: Continuing Studies Podcast
- Follow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn Page
- Join LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters Network
- Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn or [email protected]
- Connect w/ Neil: LinkedIn or [email protected]
- Twitter: @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastco
- Youtube
- HigherEdPods
Chapters:- (00:00) - Introduction
- (03:57) - Creating the Master’s Program in Podcasting
- (06:07) - Industry Needs & Course Design
- (07:26) - Spirit Land Productions
- (08:39) - Balancing Academic Teaching with Real-World Work
- (10:31) - Student Specializations & Studio Facilities
- (12:35) - The Growth of the Podcast Industry
- (15:21) - Teaching Media Law & Ethics
- (18:45) - Career Paths and Industry Placement
- (20:51) - Bursaries & Scholarships
- (22:37) - Creating a University Podcast Program
- (24:23) - Student Project: Podcasting for the United Nations
- (26:40) - The Power of Partnerships & Pitching
- (28:03) - Building Industry Relationships
- (30:06) - The Role of Video in Podcasting
- (34:04) - Visualizing Audio & Audience Expectations
- (39:26) - Conclusion
42 min - Cataloging Critiques: What Great Pods Can Teach Higher Ed Podcasters
How Great Pods is transforming podcast discovery with critic-driven reviews and smarter categorization.
Imran Ahmed—better known as “Captain Ron”—founder of Great Pods, a platform dubbed the “Rotten Tomatoes for podcasts,” joins Neil and Jen to unpack how curated, critic-led reviews are reshaping podcast discovery. Imran shares his journey from college radio to startup founder, revealing the inspiration behind Great Pods and the importance of trust, transparency, and accurate genre tagging. The conversation dives into how higher education podcasters can better position their shows, improve discoverability, and benefit from tools like Great Pods to reach wider audiences. Whether you’re new to podcasting or looking to grow your show, this episode offers thoughtful strategies for building visibility and credibility.
Episode Links:
- Imran A | LinkedIn
- Great Pods | Threads | Instagram | Newsletter | Blue.Sky
- Add Your Podcast: Podcast Screener
- Newsletter & Sites: The Ultimate Guide To Getting Your Podcast Reviewed - Podcast Promotion
Connect with Us- Share Feedback & Ask Questions: [email protected]
- Learn More: Continuing Studies Podcast
- Follow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn Page
- Join LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters Network
- Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn or [email protected]
- Connect w/ Neil: LinkedIn or [email protected]
- Twitter: @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastco
- Youtube
- HigherEdPods
Chapters:- (00:00) - Introduction
- (04:29) - Building for Trust and Transparency
- (08:18) - The Business Behind Great Pods
- (09:15) - Rewriting the Rules of Podcast Categorization
- (12:06) - SEO Tips for Podcasters
- (13:32) - The Categorization Challenge for Higher Ed Podcasts
- (17:13) - What Makes a Great (or Bad) Review
- (18:42) - Protecting Against User Bombing
- (22:26) - Why Higher Ed Podcasters Should Join Great Pods
- (24:30) - Creating New Genre Possibilities
- (25:36) - How to Become a Podcast Critic
- (30:22) - Tapping into Campus Resources for Podcast Growth
- (32:20) - Conclusion
35 min - Outsourcing Ourselves: AI Breaks Down the Higher Ed PodCon
AI Jen and Neil preview Higher Ed PodCon, where campus podcasters unite to explore the future of educational audio.
Neil and Jennifer-Lee hand the mic to their AI counterparts to preview the very first Higher Ed PodCon—a brand-new conference built specifically for podcasters and digital media creators in higher education. AI Jen and AI Neil walk through what to expect: standout sessions on strategic communication, multimedia content strategies, and budget-friendly podcast production, with insights from leaders at Stanford, Purdue, and more. With over 40 speakers and representation from 25+ institutions, PodCon marks a major milestone for the campus podcasting community. After the AI segment, the real hosts return to share thoughts on the role of AI in podcasting, why human connection still matters, and how events like this help podcasters learn, grow, and feel a little less alone.
Episode Links:
- Higher Ed PodCon
Connect with Us
- Share Feedback & Ask Questions: [email protected]
- Learn More: Continuing Studies Podcast
- Follow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn Page
- Join LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters Network
- Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn or [email protected]
- Connect w/ Neil: LinkedIn or [email protected]
- Twitter: @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastco
- Youtube
- HigherEdPods
Chapters:- (00:00) - Introduction: Real Neil & Real Jen
- (04:45) - Higher Ed PodCon: AI Neil & AI Jen
- (09:51) - Conclusion: Real Neil & Real Jen
13 min - The Magic School Bus Effect: Making Stats & Science Accessible
How two science-savvy professors turned stats and storytelling into a compelling educational podcast.
Kristin Sainani and Regina Nuzzo—co-hosts of Normal Curves: Sexy Science, Serious Statistics—join Neil McPhedran and Jennifer-Lee to celebrate the 50th episode of Continuing Studies. Kristin and Regina share the story behind launching their podcast, which blends scientific rigor with lighthearted storytelling to make complex topics like epidemiology and statistics approachable and fun. They reflect on how their long friendship, backgrounds in journalism, and love of teaching shaped the show’s voice and format. From managing remote production across time zones to navigating multiple takes and narrative arcs, they reveal the thoughtful work behind each episode. Whether you're a podcaster or just science-curious, this candid conversation offers practical insights on what it takes to produce a compelling, educational show for anyone and is passionate about podcasting in higher education.Episode Links:
- Normal Curves
- Regina Nuzzo | LinkedIn
- Regina Nuzzo
- Kristin Sainani | LinkedIn
- Kristin Sainani (n e Cobb)'s Stanford Profile
Connect with Us
- Share Feedback & Ask Questions: [email protected]
- Learn More: Continuing Studies Podcast
- Follow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn Page
- Join LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters Network
- Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn or [email protected]
- Connect w/ Neil: LinkedIn or [email protected]
- Twitter: @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastco
- Youtube
- HigherEdPods
Chapters:- (00:00) - Introduction
- (03:57) - From Teaching to Podcasting
- (05:36) - Purpose & Audience
- (07:10) - Making Science Approachable
- (09:20) - Being an Independent Podcast
- (12:11) - Pre-Launch Journey
- (14:25) - The Research Process
- (16:32) - Recording Across Time Zones
- (17:26) - Dual Roles & Production Flow
- (21:02) - Topic Inspiration
- (23:01) - Launch Strategy & Title Origins
- (25:30) - Advice for New Podcasters
- (28:25) - Storytelling vs. Lecturing
- (30:56) - Conclusion
35 min - Clips, Strategy, and Search: How This Is Purdue Scales Its Reach
How Purdue’s podcast expanded its reach with strategic use of video, SEO, and timely content planning.
Kate Young returns to Continuing Studies to share how Purdue’s This Is Purdue podcast has grown from an alumni-focused show into a wide-reaching content hub. She breaks down the strategic shift toward video, the role of short-form clips across platforms like YouTube and Instagram, and how her team uses SEO and timely relevance to plan episodes. Kate also reveals how AI supports their prep process, and previews her upcoming talk at Higher Ed PodCon, offering practical insights for podcast teams of any size looking to elevate their content and audience engagement.
Episode Links:
- Kate Young | LinkedIn
- “This Is Purdue” Podcast - The Persistent Pursuit
Connect with Us
- Share Feedback & Ask Questions: [email protected]
- Learn More: Continuing Studies Podcast
- Follow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn Page
- Join LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters Network
- Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn or [email protected]
- Connect w/ Neil: LinkedIn or [email protected]
- Twitter: @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastco
- Youtube
- HigherEdPods
Chapters:- (00:00) - Introduction
- (03:54) - Lessons From Podcast Movement Evolutions
- (07:57) - Evolving a Video Strategy at Purdue
- (10:31) - Full Time Podcasting at Purdue
- (11:52) - Expanding Beyond Alumni: New Audience Strategy
- (15:52) - Leveraging SEO from Planning to Publishing
- (18:21) - Shorts, Reels, and Spotify Clips
- (21:31) - Why the Podcast Has Both Audio and Video Feeds
- (24:09) - Using AI for Content Calendar and Brainstorming
- (26:11) - What to Expect at Higher Ed PodCon
- (29:00) - LinkedIn Strategy Tip
- (31:34) - Conclusion
36 min - Higher Ed PodCon Update
An update on the Higher Ed PodCon—where higher education podcasters will come together to connect, learn, and grow
Neil McPhedran and Jennifer-Lee are joined by Gregg Oldring, original producer of the Continuing Studies podcast and creator of the Higher Ed Pods Directory, to share an inside look at the upcoming Higher Ed PodCon, happening July 12th in Chicago. Designed specifically for higher education podcasters, this inaugural one-day event features keynote speaker Matt Abrahams and three focused tracks on strategy, content, and tech tools. The trio discusses how the conference is tailored to the real-world challenges of higher ed podcasting—emphasizing collaboration over competition, growth beyond downloads, and practical skills over buzzwords. With live recordings, structured networking, and a community-focused atmosphere, Higher Ed PodCon promises to be a vibrant gathering for creators behind the mic and those working behind the scenes.
Episode Links:
- Higher Ed PodCon
Connect with Us
- Share Feedback & Ask Questions: [email protected]
- Learn More: Continuing Studies Podcast
- Follow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn Page
- Join LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters Network
- Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn or [email protected]
- Connect w/ Neil: LinkedIn or [email protected]
- Twitter: @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastco
- Youtube
- HigherEdPods
13 min - Making History Heard: Bringing the Past to Life Through Podcasts
R2 Studios on turning serious history into compelling podcasts.
Jeanette Patrick and Jim Ambuske of R2 Studios join the Continuing Studies podcast to discuss the intersection of history, storytelling, and podcasting. They share how R2 Studios was founded with a mission to democratize history through engaging audio content, supported by academic rigor and creative production. From the challenges of building a podcast network within a university setting to the importance of funding, audience development, and cross-promotion, this conversation offers a candid look at what it takes to create compelling educational podcasts. Jeanette and Jim also reflect on the power of podcasting to bring overlooked narratives to light and their vision for future projects.
Episode Links:
- Jeanette Patrick
- Jeannette Patrick | LinkedIn
- Jim Ambuske
- Jim Ambuske | LinkedIn
- R2 Studios
Connect with Us
- Share Feedback & Ask Questions: [email protected]
- Learn More: Continuing Studies Podcast
- Follow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn Page
- Join LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters Network
- Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn or [email protected]
- Connect w/ Neil: LinkedIn or [email protected]
- Twitter: @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastco
- Youtube
- HigherEdPods
Chapters:- (00:00) - Introduction
- (02:08) - Founding of R2 Studios
- (04:24) - Why Historians Are Slow to Podcast
- (05:45) - Falling into History
- (07:24) - Why Podcasting Works for History
- (09:23) - Building a History Podcast Network
- (11:37) - Production Timelines & Historical Rigor
- (13:14) - Balancing Prep and Authenticity
- (15:05) - Handling Criticism and Corrections
- (16:26) - Who Listens to History Podcasts?
- (18:24) - The Power of Podcast Networks
- (23:03) - The Challenge of Academic Funding
- (26:52) - Non-Financial Rewards & Recognition
- (30:08) - What’s Next for R2 Studios?
- (32:36) - Conclusion
35 min - Press Play to Learn: Why Podcasts Might Be the Best Homework Yet
What if professional development was as accessible as your favorite podcast?
Dr. Lindsay Persohn shares her experience as a literacy scholar, podcast host, and educator using audio to transform professional learning and classroom engagement. From founding Classroom Caffeine to launching innovative “pod clubs,” she reveals how podcasting can make research more relatable, foster autonomy for teachers, and support asynchronous, differentiated learning. With examples from her teaching and research, she demonstrates how storytelling deepens understanding, builds connection, and opens up new possibilities for integrating podcasts into academic and professional spaces.
Episode Links:
- Lindsay Persohn | USF
- Lindsay Persohn
- Classroom Caffeine
- Education Through Podcasting
- Education Through Podcasting - Call for Papers
Connect with Us
- Share Feedback & Ask Questions: [email protected]
- Learn More: Continuing Studies Podcast
- Follow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn Page
- Join LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters Network
- Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn or [email protected]
- Connect w/ Neil: LinkedIn or [email protected]
- Twitter: @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastco
- Youtube
- HigherEdPods
Chapters:- (00:00) - Introduction
- (03:08) - The Origin of Classroom Caffeine
- (05:41) - Designing Conversations for Deeper Insight
- (07:32) - Embedding Podcasts into Coursework
- (10:30) - Why Audio Connects Differently
- (13:28) - What Are Teacher Pod Clubs?
- (18:06) - The Vision for Asynchronous Learning
- (20:33) - Inside the EPOD Conference
- (23:20) - Publishing Podcast-Based Research
- (27:43) - Advice for Educators Using Podcasts
- (29:34) - Conclusion
33 min - Podcasting and Journalism: Balancing Innovation and Integrity
The future of journalism, podcasting’s role in education, and the challenge of misinformation in digital media.
Carl Hartley, a journalism lecturer at the University of Leeds and a BBC Five Live journalist, delves into the rapidly changing world of journalism education and the increasing role of digital media in shaping the industry. He shares insights on how universities are adapting their programs to equip students with multimedia skills, from traditional broadcasting to podcast production and social media storytelling. Carl outlines the growing concerns around misinformation in podcasting, the debate over potential regulation, and the responsibility of content creators to uphold journalistic integrity. Drawing from his research and involvement in the Education Through Podcasting Conference, Carl discusses how podcasts are not only transforming journalism but also becoming powerful tools for education and public discourse.
Episode Links:
- Carl Hartley | LinkedIn
- Carl Hartley
- Sound of Politics Podcast
- EPOD
Connect with Us
- Share Feedback & Ask Questions: [email protected]
- Learn More: Continuing Studies Podcast
- Follow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn Page
- Join LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters Network
- Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn or [email protected]
- Connect w/ Neil: LinkedIn or [email protected]
- Twitter: @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastco
- Youtube
- HigherEdPods
Chapters:- (00:00) - Introduction
- (03:09) - Background in Journalism
- (04:28) - How Journalism is Evolving
- (08:32) - The Rise of Podcasting in Journalism
- (13:09) - Balancing Teaching and Industry Work
- (15:32) - Using Podcasts as a Teaching Tool
- (18:00) - Is Podcast Regulation Needed
- (24:14) - Podcasting Guideline Collaboration
- (29:13) - Education Through Podcasting Conference
- (33:15) - Conclusion
37 min
About Continuing Studies: Higher Ed Podcasting
From the publisher's feed
We explore the intersection of higher education and podcasting. Each episode of Continuing Studies features insights from seasoned university podcasters who share tips, best practices, and stories from their podcasting journeys. Hosted by Jennifer-Lee Gunson and Neil McPhedran, this series covers everything from the technical aspects of podcasting to the art of storytelling and conducting interviews.
Continuing Studies is more than just a podcast; it's a community. Connect with fellow higher ed podcasters, share your experiences, and continue your podcasting education on HigherEdPods.com.
We're also on a journey to infuse Podcasting 2.0 best practices into our show. Our goal is to try every feature to determine the best suited for higher education podcasting. We'll be sharing our learnings and reviewing new podcasting apps and hosting services embracing Podcasting 2.0.
Show Website: https://www.continuingstudiespodcast.com/
Show LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/continuing-studies-podcast/