Continuing Studies: Higher Ed Podcasting

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

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