Continuing Studies: Higher Ed Podcasting

How podcasting fits into modern scholarship and the evolving goals of higher education.Barry Lam—philosopher, professor, and creator of the acclaimed narrative podcast Hi-Phi Nation — joins the show to explore how audio storytelling can bridge the worlds of scholarly research and public engagement. This wide-ranging conversation traces the evolution of narrative academic podcasts, the craft behind building compelling audio stories, and how philosophy can come alive when paired with documentary-style narrative. The discussion also uncovers the shifting landscape within academia—where traditional scholarly outputs like monographs still dominate—and how podcasting is beginning to challenge those norms. Hear how one podcaster’s work reshaped a university’s hiring and tenure considerations, why public-facing scholarship matters, and what institutions must rethink to truly support creative academic work. A thoughtful conversation for anyone curious about the future of academic storytelling, the possibilities of audio as scholarship, or the evolution of higher ed podcasting.Episode Links:Hi-Phi NationBarry Lam | LinkedInBarry Lam Connect with UsShare Feedback & Ask Questions: [email protected] More: Continuing Studies PodcastFollow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn PageJoin LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters NetworkConnect w/ Jen: LinkedIn or  [email protected] Connect w/ Neil:  LinkedIn or [email protected]:  @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastcoYoutubeHigherEdPodsChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (03:43) - Origins of a Narrative Philosophy Podcast (07:06) - Crafting a Story & the Limits of AI (09:11) - Academic Rigor vs. Narrative Entertainment (11:31) - Choosing Podcasting Over Papers (14:46) - Why the Written Monograph Still Rules (16:28) - When Podcasting Becomes Scholarly Capital (22:49) - Should There Be a Journal of Podcasting? (24:27) - Rethinking Public Scholarship (28:21) - Universities as Modern Media Producers (32:14) - What’s Ahead for the Next Season (34:01) - Advice for Scholars Considering Podcasting (36:42) - Conclusion

How a podcast amplifies Black voices and their journeys of excellence at UIC.Dr. Aisha El-Amin, Executive Associate Vice Provost of Student Success and Belonging at the University of Illinois Chicago, reflects on the power of storytelling to create belonging, visibility, and momentum for students. She shares how the Black Excellence Podcast began as a 28-day project and grew into an award-winning platform that helps students see themselves in the stories of alumni, faculty, and peers. Aisha also opens up about her own journey—from military service to teaching to higher-ed leadership—and how authentic conversations can bridge gaps traditional communication often misses. Her perspective offers inspiration for anyone using podcasting to strengthen community and support student success.Episode Links:Dr. Aisha El-Amin | LinkedInLeadership | Office of Student Success and Belonging | University of Illinois ChicagoBlack Excellence | UIC todayConnect with UsShare Feedback & Ask Questions: [email protected] More: Continuing Studies PodcastFollow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn PageJoin LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters NetworkConnect w/ Jen: LinkedIn or  [email protected] Connect w/ Neil:  LinkedIn or [email protected]:  @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastcoYoutubeHigherEdPodsChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (04:21) - Building Community Through Podcasting (05:36) - Creating the Black Excellence Podcast (09:12) - Producing 28 Episodes in 28 Days (11:00) - Growing a Campus Podcasting Ecosystem (11:53) - Capturing Authentic Conversations (13:46) - The Expanding Future of Podcasting (16:48) - Why Administrators Should Podcast (19:10) - The Changing Role of Writing and Communication (23:47) - Encouraging Authentic Voice (26:07) - How Podcasting Builds Connection (27:47) - Finding and Inviting Guests (30:07) - Strengthening Alumni Connection (31:51) - Advice for New Higher Ed Podcasters (34:49) - Personal Journey to Higher Ed (37:24) - Conclusion

How a college podcast network builds community across the campus.Ryan Record, Podcast Network Manager at Howard Community College, shares how Dragon Media Podcasts evolved from a digital radio station into a thriving, community-driven podcast network. He discusses building a diverse slate of shows spanning student life, literature, film, and public health—each designed to connect campus and community voices. Ryan reflects on leadership transitions, creative collaboration, and the importance of vetting new shows with educational and community value in mind. He also offers practical advice for building a podcast network from the ground up, gaining institutional support, and sustaining audience engagement through social media consistency and cross-promotion. A thoughtful look at how a college podcast network aligns campus and community.Episode Links:Dragon Podcasts | Howard Community CollegeDragon Media | Howard Community College  Ryan Record | LinkedInConnect with UsShare Feedback & Ask Questions: [email protected] More: Continuing Studies PodcastFollow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn PageJoin LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters NetworkConnect w/ Jen: LinkedIn or  [email protected] Connect w/ Neil:  LinkedIn or [email protected]:  @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastcoYoutubeHigherEdPodsChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (03:18) - Ryan’s New Role and Vision (04:03) - What is the Dragon Podcast Network? (04:54) - Inside the Howard Community College Ecosystem (05:43) - The Dragon Network’s Shows (07:16) - Genesis of the Dragon Podcast Network (09:34) - Integrating with the College Community (10:46) - The Team and Structure (11:28) - The Vetting Process for New Shows (13:42) - Building Awareness and Audience (15:45) - Tips for Starting a Podcast Network (16:54) - Budget and Institutional Support (17:53) - How Dragon Media Fits Into College Structure (20:13) - Lessons from Higher Ed PodCon (21:04) - The Role of Social Media (22:57) - Cross-Promotion and Network Synergy (24:43) - Building Together, Not Competing (25:57) - Final Advice: Take Care of Your Team (27:35) - Conclusion

A strategic new content pillar from Knowledge at Wharton, extending the brand’s reach through podcasting.Dee Patel, Director of Content in Wharton’s Marketing and Communications department, shares how her team transformed the school’s long-standing Knowledge at Wharton brand into a new podcast network designed to make faculty research more accessible. Drawing on her background in broadcasting, Dee explains how the initiative evolved from a single show, Ripple Effect, into a growing network featuring programs like This Week in Business, Marketing Matters, Moneyball, and Where AI Works. With strategic focus and creative collaboration, the team has turned academic insight into meaningful conversations that connect research, industry, and audiences beyond the classroom.Episode Links:Podcasts - Knowledge at WhartonDee Patel | LinkedIn Connect with UsShare Feedback & Ask Questions: [email protected] More: Continuing Studies PodcastFollow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn PageJoin LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters NetworkConnect w/ Jen: LinkedIn or  [email protected] Connect w/ Neil:  LinkedIn or [email protected]:  @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastcoYoutubeHigherEdPodsChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (05:00) - What Is Knowledge at Wharton? (07:56) - Strategy Behind the Podcast Network (10:47) - Podcasting as a Media Platform for Institutions (14:14) - The Three Cs: Content, Commitment, Consistency (17:31) - Creating a New Role & Streamlined Workflow (20:03) - The Five Podcasts in the Network (22:17) - Legacy Shows and Faculty Hosts (24:09) - Cross-Promotion Strategy & Network Synergy (27:24) - Leveraging Audiences & Faculty Collaboration (28:25) - Advice for Limited Resources & Growing a Team (31:53) - Partnering with Sponsors Like Accenture (35:53) - Transitioning From SiriusXM to Podcast Platforms (37:51) - Lessons on Audience Growth and Expectations (39:58) - Conclusion

How a campus network bridges broadcast and podcast to engage students.At BYU Radio, podcasting is reshaping how students and educators share stories of faith, creativity, and connection. Senior producer Heather Bigley offers an inside look at how a traditional university radio network transitioned toward a podcast-first model—empowering students to produce their own shows, experiment with storytelling formats, and reach audiences far beyond campus. From the interfaith conversations of In Good Faith to the youth-driven energy of Take a Leap, the conversation explores how hands-on learning, collaboration, and digital innovation are transforming higher ed media. Heather discusses the balance between mentorship and independence, the role of social media in audience engagement, and how podcasts can help young creators find purpose and build bridges in today’s diverse world.Episode Links:Heather Bigley | LinkedIn BYU Radio Take a Leap - BYUradio Connect with UsShare Feedback & Ask Questions: [email protected] More: Continuing Studies PodcastFollow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn PageJoin LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters NetworkConnect w/ Jen: LinkedIn or  [email protected] Connect w/ Neil:  LinkedIn or [email protected]:  @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastcoYoutubeHigherEdPodsChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (03:00) - BYU Radio (04:28) - The Pivot from Radio to Podcasting (07:28) - The Birth of “Take a Leap” (10:08) - Student Ownership and Mentorship (11:42) - Collaboration Across Campus (12:46) - Access and Infrastructure (15:35) - Teaching Through Trust (18:40) - Students and the Studio Experience (20:16) - Social Media as an Extension of the Show (23:34) - Lessons from Higher Ed PodCon (25:32) - Why Student-Led Podcasting Matters (26:47) - Conclusion