Continuing Studies: Higher Ed Podcasting

As universities face pressure to evolve, podcasting is emerging as an unexpected catalyst and channel for change.Carola Boehm first caught Neil’s attention with her EPOD abstract suggesting the ivory tower might be starting to crack — a bold (and maybe slightly controversial) take that kicked off this conversation about how podcasting is reshaping the way knowledge gets created and shared in higher education. So this week, Carola “schools” Neil and Jen on her “University 3.0” idea — universities losing their place as the sole gatekeepers of knowledge toward more open, collaborative learning spaces — and what podcasting has to do with that shift. The conversation also touches on the EPOD conference, pressures facing universities right now, and why even small podcasts can play a meaningful role in connecting people, ideas, and communities.Episode Links:Carola Boehm | LinkedInEPOD ConferenceCarla's 2026 EPOD AbstractEmbedding Culture 3.0 and University 3.0 in Leadership Development Programmes for Heritage Organisations and Heritage Sites (2025)Why Podcasting Needs to Lean into Culture 3.0 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 (01:31) - Introducing Carola Boem and the EPOD Conference (02:40) - Podcast Reach, Audience, and Global Communities (04:25) - Culture 3.0, Co-Creation, and Podcasting’s Role (06:00) - Carola’s Background and Creative Industries Research (08:38) - University 3.0 and Podcasting as a Knowledge Shift (09:22) - What EPOD Is and Why It Matters (11:33) - Universities Under Pressure and New Learning Models (13:30) - Gatekeeping, Broadcasting, and Academic Structures (14:16) - University 1.0 to 3.0 Explained (18:06) - How Podcasting Challenges Academic Gatekeeping (22:09) - Governance, AI, and Quality in Podcasting (25:56) - How Universities Can Start Moving Toward University 3.0 (27:30) - Podcasting as a Co-Created Learning Space (28:42) - Conclusion

A thoughtful look at how podcasting is expanding the ways academic work is created and shared.Jim Ambuske, historian and producer, is back to share his thoughts on where audio is going in the academic world and what it’s going to take to have it recognized as a scholarly medium. Jim gets into his new work on the In Pursuit project, what he’s seeing in the world of digital archives and oral history, and why he believes audio and video are important ways to share academic work beyond the page. They also dig into the real challenges facing higher education right now—from funding pressures to tenure expectations—and why, even with all of that, Jim is still optimistic about what creators and institutions can build next.Episode Links:Jim AmbuskeJim Ambuske | LinkedInIn PursuitJim Previous Episode: Making History Heard: Bringing the Past to Life Through PodcastsConnect 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 (03:32) - Jim’s New Role and the In Pursuit Project (05:40) - Podcasting & Funding Cuts to the Humanities & Higher Ed (08:11) - How to Keep Doing the Work in a Difficult Environment (09:55) - The Digital Archives in the Commonwealth Conference (13:18) - The Growth of Multimedia and Academic Storytelling (14:57) - Why the Monograph Still Dominates Academia (17:44) - What Would It Take for Podcasts to Count? (20:02) - University Presses & Journals in an Audio World (21:49) - Conferences & Accreditation for Podcasting (24:01) - How Institutions Can Support Podcasting Without Breaking It (26:59) - The Future of Higher Ed Podcasting (30:52) - Conclusion

Start your 2026 inspired and ready for what’s next in higher ed podcasting—straight from the people building it.What’s ahead for higher ed podcasting in 2026? This episode rounds up predictions from creators and educators around the world, spotlighting the trends shaping the year ahead. Hear why podcasting may gain more academic credibility, how universities could lean on audio as a PR and outreach channel, and why short mini-series and binge-drop formats are on the rise. The conversation also explores a major shift toward research storytelling that highlights process (not just results), the growing role of podcasting across the entire student lifecycle, and the ethical questions AI is bringing into production. A forward-looking listen for anyone creating podcasts in higher education.Connect:Share Feedback & Ask Questions: [email protected] Learn More: Continuing Studies PodcastFollow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn PageJoin LinkedIn Group: www.linkedin.com/groups/14115712/ Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn / [email protected]  Connect w/ Neil:  LinkedIn / [email protected] Twitter:  @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastcoYoutubeHigherEdPodsEpisode Links:Carl Hartley’s Episode: Podcasting and Journalism: Balancing Innovation and Integrity Jenna Spinelle’s Episode: The Democracy Group: The Power of a Podcast NetworkKate Young’s Episodes: Continuing Studies: Higher Ed Podcasting | Purdue: Effectively Engaging Alumni / Clips, Strategy, and Search: How This Is Purdue Scales Its ReachBrett Spencer’s Episode: Class is in Session: Building the Future of Podcasting Through EducationMarta Perrotta’s Episode: Broadcasting Without Borders: How Podcasting is Changing JournalismJim Ambuske’s Episode: Making History Heard: Bringing the Past to Life Through PodcastsJohn Boccacino’s Episode: Syracuse University: Podcasting the Voice of a University  Chapters:(00:00) - Introduction (01:52) - Carl Hartley: Podcasting Becoming Academic Currency (05:22) - Jenna Spinelle: Podcasting as University PR (07:31) - Kate Young: Short Series & Binge Drops (09:58) - Brett Spencer: More Podcast Courses & “Fun” Content (12:39) - Marta Perrotta: Research Process, Not Just Results (15:49) - Elvin Freytes: Podcasting Across the Student Lifecycle (18:57) - Jim Amuske: AI Ethics in Podcast Production (20:47) - John Boccacino: Longform Still Wins (With Engagement) (24:34) - Conclusion

The evolution of Think Fast, Talk Smart and what it teaches higher ed about communication and connection.To close out the year, Continuing Studies revisits one of its most popular episodes — the first-ever live recording from the inaugural Higher Ed PodCon in Chicago. In this special conversation, Matt Abrahams, Stanford GSB lecturer and host of the globally acclaimed podcast Think Fast, Talk Smart, shares the remarkable evolution of his show — from its early DIY production with his sons to becoming the #1 careers podcast worldwide.With more than 68 million plays across 125 countries, Matt reflects on building community, experimenting with video, embracing AI, and transitioning to an independent platform while staying deeply audience-focused.Whether you’re a higher ed podcaster or simply passionate about meaningful communication, this “Best Of” episode offers timeless insights on creativity, connection, and the ever-evolving landscape of podcasting.Episode Links:Think Fast Talk SmartMatt AbrahamsMatt Abrahams | LinkedIn   Higher Ed PodCon Think Fast, Talk Live: Building a Podcast Audience 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 (04:36) - The Origin of Think Fast, Talk Smart (05:43) - Evolving Vision and Format (06:35) - Launching with Limited Support (08:49) - Leveraging Interns and University Resources (10:12) - Growth, Reach & the Tipping Point (11:15) - Becoming an Independent Podcast (12:20) - The Shift to Video (13:18) - Video Production & Social Strategy (15:47) - What’s Next: Community & Curation (17:58) - Integrating AI in Podcasting (19:19) - Expanding Globally with Translations (20:33) - What Makes a Great Interview (21:21) - Interview Rituals and Techniques (22:35) - Handling Low-Energy Interviews (23:31) - The Final Three Questions (27:18) - Live Audience Q&A (36:42) - Conclusion

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