Continuing Studies: Higher Ed Podcasting
Jennifer-Lee Gunson & Neil McPhedran. HigherEdPods.com. Podium Podcast Co.
Recent Episodes
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 | LinkedIn
- Leadership | Office of Student Success and Belonging | University of Illinois Chicago
- Black Excellence | UIC today
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
- (04:21) - 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 College
- Dragon Media | Howard Community College
- Ryan Record | LinkedIn
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
- (03:18) - 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:
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
- (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:
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
- (03:00) - 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
A campus podcast that is a stage for student voices, faculty wisdom, and the spirit of community.
Dr. Greg Pillar shares how The Bulldog Mindset podcast grew from an idea into a thriving campus podcast that amplifies the voices of students, faculty, and the broader Gardner-Webb community. Through thoughtful preparation, creative questions, and a commitment to authentic conversation, he reflects on lessons learned from the first season, the importance of consistency, and the surprising ways podcasting builds confidence and connection. His insights reveal how a single show can capture the energy of academic life while leaving a platform for future voices to carry forward.
Episode Links:
- The Bulldog Mindset Podcast
- Gardner-Webb University Official Podcast Network
- Greg Pillar | LinkedIn
- Greg Pillar
- Dr. Gregory D. Pillar - Gardner-Webb University
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
- (05:25) - Launching The Bulldog Mindset
- (07:38) - Who’s the Audience
- (08:37) - Student Voices: “What’s in Your Backpack?”
- (09:50) - Lessons from Season One
- (12:12) - Passing Knowledge Forward
- (13:27) - Developing Interview Skills
- (14:53) - The Team Behind the Podcast
- (15:48) - Building a Consistent Podcast Rhythm
- (17:55) - Leaving a Legacy
- (19:43) - Student Opportunities in Podcasting
- (21:37) - From Q&A to Conversation
- (22:50) - Giving Students a Voice
- (25:20) - Greg’s Broader Podcast Journey
- (29:15) - Conclusion