Continuing Studies: for Higher Ed Podcasters

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 CurvesRegina Nuzzo | LinkedInRegina NuzzoKristin Sainani | LinkedInKristin Sainani (n e Cobb)'s Stanford Profile Connect with Us hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com Continuing Studies Podcast Continuing Studies LinkedIn PageUniversity Podcasters Network LinkedIn LinkedIn @namcphedran @podiumpodcastcoYoutubeHigherEdPods Chapters:

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 PursuitConnect with Us hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com Continuing Studies Podcast Continuing Studies LinkedIn PageUniversity Podcasters Network LinkedIn LinkedIn @namcphedran @podiumpodcastcoYoutubeHigherEdPods Chapters:

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 hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com Continuing Studies Podcast Continuing Studies LinkedIn PageUniversity Podcasters Network LinkedIn LinkedIn @namcphedran @podiumpodcastcoYoutubeHigherEdPods

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 PatrickJeannette Patrick | LinkedInJim AmbuskeJim Ambuske | LinkedInR2 Studios Connect with Us hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com Continuing Studies Podcast Continuing Studies LinkedIn PageUniversity Podcasters Network LinkedIn LinkedIn @namcphedran @podiumpodcastcoYoutubeHigherEdPods Chapters:

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 | USFLindsay PersohnClassroom CaffeineEducation Through PodcastingEducation Through Podcasting - Call for Papers Connect with Us hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com Continuing Studies Podcast Continuing Studies LinkedIn PageUniversity Podcasters Network LinkedIn LinkedIn @namcphedran @podiumpodcastcoYoutubeHigherEdPods Chapters:

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 | LinkedInCarl HartleySound of Politics PodcastEPOD Connect with Us hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com Continuing Studies Podcast Continuing Studies LinkedIn PageUniversity Podcasters Network LinkedIn LinkedIn @namcphedran @podiumpodcastcoYoutubeHigherEdPods Chapters:

Turning historical research into immersive audio storytelling. Daniel Story, a digital scholarship librarian at UC Santa Cruz, discusses his work in digital storytelling and podcasting as a scholarly medium. He shares insights into Stories from the Epicenter, a ten-part documentary on the 1989 Santa Cruz earthquake, and History in Focus, a podcast from the American Historical Review that brings historical scholarship to life. The conversation explores the power of narrative storytelling in academia, the role of podcasts in making scholarly work more accessible, and the importance of community engagement in historical research. The discussion highlights the role of podcasts in education, the impact of narrative storytelling, and the importance of community engagement in preserving history, showcasing how audio can deepen connections to the past and enhance learning. Episode Links: Daniel J. StoryDaniel Story | LinkedInStories from the EpicenterHistory in Focus - AHA Connect with Us hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com Continuing Studies Podcast Continuing Studies LinkedIn PageUniversity Podcasters Network LinkedIn LinkedIn @namcphedran @podiumpodcastcoYoutubeHigherEdPods Chapters:

A university podcast exploring what happens if we change, and what happens if we don’t? Monash University’s What Happens Next podcast, hosted by Dr. Susan Carland, takes on bold and complex issues, exploring the challenges shaping our world and the transformative solutions that could redefine our future. In this episode, Dr. Carland and Fabian Marrone, Monash’s Chief Marketing, Admissions, and Communications Officer, discuss the university’s approach to tackling “wicked problems” through podcasting. Together, they share the power of storytelling, academic freedom, and the impact of high-quality production in engaging a global audience. From climate change to social cohesion, the conversation highlights how their podcast serves as a voice for the entire university community, offering deep insights into the decisions that shape our collective future. Episode Links: What Happens Next? - Monash UniversityIf you don't like it, change it.Susan Carland | LinkedInFabian Marrone | LinkedIn Connect with Us hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com Continuing Studies Podcast Continuing Studies LinkedIn PageUniversity Podcasters Network LinkedIn LinkedIn @namcphedran @podiumpodcastcoYoutubeHigherEdPods Chapters:

A student-led podcast amplifying disabled students' voices in higher education. Tim Roe and Matthew Whiteman share the story behind One in Five, a podcast created by disabled students for disabled students. The name represents the one in five people in the UK who have a disability, and the show dives into their lived experiences navigating university life—from the application process to academic support and accessibility. Tim and Matthew discuss the importance of student-led storytelling, the challenges of disability diagnoses in higher education, and how their podcast became a valuable resource embedded in the UCAS system. They also reflect on what they'd do differently and the potential for future episodes. Whether you're in higher ed, podcasting, or passionate about accessibility, this conversation offers insight and inspiration. Episode Links: The One in Five Podcast | UniTasterDaysTim Roe | LinkedInMatthew Whiteman | LinkedInMatthew WhitemanOne in Five | LinkedIn Connect with Us hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com Continuing Studies Podcast Continuing Studies LinkedIn PageUniversity Podcasters Network LinkedIn LinkedIn @namcphedran @podiumpodcastcoYoutubeHigherEdPods Chapters:

Uni Taster Days redefines university decisions with authentic student voices. Jon Cheek, founder of Uni Taster Days and co-host of The Uni Guide podcast, shares his journey of creating a go-to resource for UK students exploring university options. He reveals how his podcast evolved from focusing on parents and teachers to becoming a platform driven by students, for students—putting authentic voices at the center of the conversation. From navigating the complexities of university applications to crafting a podcast that balances quality, consistency, and impact, Jon offers a wealth of insights into higher education podcasting. He discusses the importance of audience engagement, the power of listening, and the rewards of staying committed to the process, offering a useful guide for educators, podcasters, and anyone passionate about connecting with their audience in meaningful ways. Episode Links: Jon Cheek | LinkedInUniTasterDaysThe Uni Guide Podcast | UniTasterDaysThe One in Five Podcast | UniTasterDays Connect with Us hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com Continuing Studies Podcast Continuing Studies LinkedIn PageUniversity Podcasters Network LinkedIn LinkedIn @namcphedran @podiumpodcastcoYoutubeHigherEdPods Chapters:

The global impact of the Humanities Podcast Symposium and the future of scholarly podcasting. Rebecca Barry, coordinator of the Illinois Scholars at Risk Program and a passionate podcaster, joins the show to discuss the Humanities Podcast Network and its flagship event, the Humanities Podcast Symposium. Rebecca shares the network's mission to elevate podcasting as a scholarly medium and highlights the symposium’s global reach, with over 300 participants and presenters from around the world, detailing how this multi-day virtual event fosters collaboration and innovation among academic podcasters. Sha talks about the challenges of planning such an ambitious event, the evolution of podcasting as a scholarly medium, and the debate over best practices like accessibility and crediting contributors. Whether planning a podcast, a symposium, or simply curious about the future of scholarly communication, this discussion shines a light on the future of academic podcasting and community-building through shared storytelling. Episode Links: Rebecca Barry | LinkedInHumanities Podcast NetworkHumanities Podcast Network | Symposium Connect with Us hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com Continuing Studies Podcast Continuing Studies LinkedIn PageUniversity Podcasters Network LinkedIn LinkedIn @namcphedran @podiumpodcastcoYoutubeHigherEdPods Chapters:

Building a podcast network to unite voices and transform academia. Michelle Daniel shares her journey from podcasting skeptic to champion, detailing her work in creating the Texas Podcast Network at the University of Texas at Austin. Drawing on her experiences as a graduate student and musician, she recounts her unexpected entry into podcasting, driven by a desire to foster global connections through storytelling, and offers insight on building institutional buy-in, balancing content quality with audience needs, and the transformative power of podcasting as a tool for communication and collaboration in higher education. Her passion for connection and creativity underscores a vision of universities as hubs of open dialogue, bridging academic silos and reaching global communities through the medium of podcasting. Episode Links: Texas Podcast Network | The University of Texas at AustinMichelle Daniel | LinkedIn Connect with Us hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com Continuing Studies Podcast Continuing Studies LinkedIn PageUniversity Podcasters Network LinkedIn LinkedIn @namcphedran @podiumpodcastcoYoutubeHigherEdPods Chapters:

How The Virginia Audio Collective fosters creativity, collaboration, and impactful storytelling. In part two of this episode, Mary Garner McGehee and Sage Tanguay discuss The Virginia Audio Collective at the University of Virginia, showcasing how a podcast network can thrive by combining creativity, community, and collaboration. With resources from WTJU community radio and a supportive infrastructure, the collective empowers aspiring podcasters to bring their ideas to life, from concept to production. Insights include the benefits of limited series, building an audience, and fostering partnerships across campus and beyond. This episode highlights the tools, strategies, and innovative approaches that make UVA’s podcasting initiative a model for other institutions looking to amplify voices and create impactful storytelling. Episode Links: WTJUVirginia Audio CollectiveHumanities Podcast NetworkMary Garner McGehee | LinkedInSage Tanguay | LinkedIn Connect with Us hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com Continuing Studies Podcast Continuing Studies LinkedIn PageUniversity Podcasters Network LinkedIn LinkedIn @namcphedran @podiumpodcastcoYoutubeHigherEdPods Chapters:

How traditional radio is evolving. Mary Garner McGehee and Sage Tanguay from the University of Virginia's WTJU and Virginia Audio Collective visit the Continuing Studies podcast to explore the evolving role of radio and podcasting in higher education. In part one of this two part episode, they share how WTJU, with its storied past in the punk rock scene, has transformed into a dynamic podcasting hub, emphasizing the student-run station WXTJ, where DJs have the freedom to explore diverse music genres. Further, Mary Garner and Sage discuss the surprising ways students today define radio, often merging it with podcasts and digital media, and how this reflects broader shifts in media consumption. Episode Links: WTJUVirginia Audio CollectiveMary Garner McGehee | LinkedInSage Tanguay | LinkedIn Connect with Us hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com Continuing Studies Podcast Continuing Studies LinkedIn PageUniversity Podcasters Network LinkedIn LinkedIn @namcphedran @podiumpodcastcoYoutubeHigherEdPods Chapters:

Step into the world of podcast analytics and discover tools from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. If you're a podcaster, understanding the differences between downloads, listens, and views is crucial. Focus on metrics like average consumption percentage and total listen time to get a clearer picture of your podcast's success. Find out how analytics can help you compare episode performance, revealing which topics and formats resonate most with your audience. Dive into insights about your listener base by examining demographics such as location, age, and gender. Plus, explore the latest engagement features, like comments and reactions on Spotify, to enhance your connection with listeners. Episode Links: Apple PodcastsSpotify for PodcastersYouTube Connect with Us hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com Continuing Studies Podcast Continuing Studies LinkedIn PageUniversity Podcasters Network LinkedIn LinkedIn @namcphedran @podiumpodcastcoYoutubeHigherEdPods Chapters:

How The Poison Lab podcast brings together experts in the medical community. Dr. Ryan Feldman, clinical toxicologist and host of The Poison Lab podcast, delves into the power of podcasting to connect niche experts across fields and share critical insights into rare toxicology cases. Dr. Feldman discusses how his podcast bridges the gap between specialists in toxicology and a wider audience, offering a platform for experts to share their unique experiences in managing complex and often high-stakes medical situations. By bringing together voices from across the toxicology and medical communities, Dr. Feldman’s podcast fosters collaboration and creates a valuable resource for both professionals and enthusiasts eager to learn more about the hidden challenges of poison management and emergency response. Episode Links: The Poison LabRyan FeldmanDon't Put It In Your Mouth | YouTube Connect with Us hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com Continuing Studies Podcast Continuing Studies LinkedIn Page LinkedIn LinkedIn @namcphedran @podiumpodcastcoYoutubeHigherEdPods Chapters:

Can you tell a story through sound? Sam Harnett and Chris Hoff, creators of Ways of Knowing, discuss their journey of blending sound and academia in this captivating episode. Frustrated with the repetitive nature of public radio, they shifted focus to sound as a central storytelling tool, using it to evoke emotions and memories in ways traditional narratives can't. Their project, Ways of Knowing, challenges how academic knowledge can be conveyed through immersive audio, collaborating with universities to produce sonically rich, intellectually rigorous content. This conversation dives deep into their creative process, technical challenges, and the future of audio storytelling in education. Episode Links: The World According to SoundWays of KnowingLinkedInLinkedIn Connect with Us hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com Continuing Studies Podcast Continuing Studies LinkedIn Page LinkedIn LinkedIn @namcphedran @podiumpodcastcoYoutubeHigherEdPods Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Neil and Jennifer introduce guests Sam Harnett and Chris Hoff from the Ways of Knowing podcast. (00:03:04) The World According to Sound How The World According to Sound started as a reaction to traditional public radio formats. (00:06:07) Sound and Memory The immersive soundscapes used to evoke both learning and emotional responses. (00:09:58) Humanities and Sound in Podcasting The challenges and opportunities of bringing humanities research to life through sound. (00:12:16) Producing High-Quality Soundscapes The technical side of the podcast, from recording sound to mixing it for immersive experiences. (00:13:39) Importance of Sound Design The significance of strong sound design and thoughtful podcast structure. (00:16:20) University Collaborations How each season of Ways of Knowing is shaped by different academic institutions. (00:20:46) Future Topics and Ambitions Potential future topics including the economics of higher education. (00:25:27) Creating Evergreen Content The importance of creating evergreen content that remains relevant. (00:29:41) Audio vs. Video The trend towards video in podcasting and why Sam and Chris focus solely on audio. (00:34:20) Conclusion

Website insights and essentials from Brenden Mulligan of Podpage. Brenden Mulligan, founder of Podpage, shares his journey from the music industry to podcasting, highlighting the importance of owning your platform through a dedicated podcast website. He discusses common mistakes podcasters make with their online presence, the value of SEO for improving discoverability, and the benefits of offering multiple platforms for listeners. The conversation also covers how higher education podcasters can leverage websites to boost engagement and create lasting connections with their audience while exploring the future potential of Podcasting 2.0. Episode Links: LinkedInPodpage Connect with Us hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com Continuing Studies Podcast Continuing Studies LinkedIn Page LinkedIn LinkedIn @namcphedran @podiumpodcastcoYoutubeHigherEdPods Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Neil and Jen introduce guest Brenden Mulligan, founder of Podpage. (00:02:10) Journey into Podcasting Brenden’s journey into podcasting and why podcasters need to own their content through websites. (00:05:52) Challenges Large Websites for Podcasts The difficulties higher education institutions face when adding podcasts to their large websites. (00:08:58) Customization in Podpage How podcasters can align their website with existing brand identities. (00:10:19) Common Website Mistakes The most frequent mistakes podcasters make when creating their websites. (00:13:23) Offering Multiple Platforms The importance of providing links to multiple podcast platforms. (00:14:47) Using Categories Effectively How categorizing podcast episodes can enhance user experience. (00:17:47) Improving Podcast Discovery Making content discovery easier and driving podcast visibility. (00:23:49) The Potential of Podcasting 2.0 The value-for-value model and the challenges of micropayments in podcasting. (00:32:32) SEO and Website Ownership Why owning a dedicated website can improve search engine rankings. (00:35:19) Conclusion

Intersection of video games and literary studies. Jason Boyd and Patrick Dolan from the Playable Stories: Unarchived podcast discuss their innovative approach to integrating video games into literary studies at Toronto Metropolitan University. They explore the Playable Stories Archive, a resource designed to help educators incorporate narrative-rich games into their courses, and explain the distinction between games that are archived for direct teaching use and those featured on the Unarchived podcast for broader discussion. The episode covers the dynamics of their podcast team, insights into the production process using Discord, and the importance of making gaming accessible and relevant in academic contexts. Their conversation offers valuable perspectives on the evolving role of video games in education and the collaborative efforts behind their podcast. Episode Links: LinkedInLinkedInUnarchived Podcast – Stories in PlayPlayable Stories Archive Connect with Us hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com Continuing Studies Podcast Continuing Studies LinkedIn Page LinkedIn LinkedIn @namcphedran @podiumpodcastcoYoutubeHigherEdPods Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Neil and Jen introduce guests Patrick Dolan and Jason Boyd from the Playable Stories: Unarchived podcast. (00:02:55) Backgrounds and Beginnings Patrick and Jason share their roles and academic background in video game studies. (00:03:46) Early Gaming Experiences Early experiences with video games and how those experiences influenced their academic paths. (00:06:46) The Playable Stories Archive Initiative Overview of the Playable Stories Archive and its purpose in integrating video games into literary studies. (00:10:22) The Playable Stories: Unarchived Podcast How the podcast discusses games that might not fit into traditional teaching models. (00:13:41) Distinction Between Archived and Unarchived Games The difference between games featured in the Playable Stories Archive and Unarchived podcasts. (00:15:08) Audience and Goals of the Podcast The primary audience as educators and scholars interested in game studies. (00:17:13) Narrative Approach in the Podcast The significance of using a narrative approach to discuss the games featured on the podcast. (00:19:30) Team Dynamics and Production Process The roles within the podcast team and the collaborative nature of producing the episodes. (00:23:24) Lessons Learned and Best Practices The importance of a sustainable schedule and collaborative flexibility. (00:25:21) Recording and Technical Setup The unique use of Discord for recording podcast episodes and managing audio tracks. (00:29:23) The Importance of Accessible Gaming The value of including non-violent, accessible games in academic courses to reach a wider audience of students. (00:30:43) Conclusion

Creating Stanford GSB’s Flagship Podcast If/Then. "Why does it have to be a podcast?" Jenny Luna from Stanford Graduate School of Business returns to Continuing Studies to discuss the deliberate choices behind launching their flagship show, If/Then and why podcasting, among other communication channels, was the ideal platform to amplify the impactful research of Stanford GSB faculty. Jenny shares the strategic decisions that shaped the show—from selecting the right host with deep institutional knowledge to creating content that resonates with their audience. Her insights reveal the critical role of podcasting in advancing academic storytelling and outreach in the world of higher education. Episode Links: LinkedIn Jennifer Luna If/Then: Business, Leadership, Society Connect with Us hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com Continuing Studies Podcast Continuing Studies LinkedIn Page LinkedIn LinkedIn @namcphedran @podiumpodcastcoYoutubeHigherEdPods Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Neil and Jen introduce return guest Jenny Luna, producer of Stanford GSB's new flagship podcast If/Then. (00:03:41) If/Then Podcast The concept and focus behind the If/Then podcast. (00:05:06) Topic Selection How topics and faculty are chosen based on relevance and impact. (00:06:03) Choosing the Host Selecting an internal host familiar with the GSB culture and strong faculty rapport. (00:07:54) Why Podcasting? Why the GSB decided to focus on podcasting as a major communications channel. (00:09:38) Success Factors Keys to the success of Stanford GSB’s podcasts, including strong branding. (00:12:30) Working with Agencies Collaborating with agencies for production and marketing. (00:15:53) Launch Strategy The approach to launching If/Then, including pilot episodes and stakeholder approval. (00:18:36) Season Two Planning Preparation for season two, including audience surveys and advance planning. (00:20:36) Lessons From Season One Importance of developing a listener persona and a new strategy of in-person chats with guests. (00:25:33) Leveraging YouTube The role of YouTube in expanding the podcast’s reach. (00:28:00) Growth Tactics Effective growth strategies and plans for the next season. (00:31:04) Conclusion