Continuing Studies: Higher Ed Podcasting

The technology changes. Our instinct to tell stories doesn’t. In this episode of Continuing Studies, Neil and Jen nerd out on podcasting with Dr. David Schwartz of Augustana College about his experiences teaching podcasting. David shares how he structures the course, from the evolution of audio storytelling to hands-on production, interviewing, editing, collaboration, and affordable tech. They also explore why those lessons matter beyond the medium itself — helping students become better listeners, stronger communicators, and more confident storytellers. Episode Links: Connect with David Schwartz 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 (02:19) - Meet Dr. David Schwartz (03:51) - Why podcasting belongs in the curriculum (05:42) - The Endurance of audio storytelling (08:04) - Inside the Podcasting and Audio Storytelling course (10:13) - Podcasting as a communication skill (12:23) - How the course has evolved (13:15) - Teaching collaboration (15:14) - What students learn beyond making a podcast (17:31) - Building confidence through in-person interviews (19:05) - The real-world skills behind podcasting (21:56) - Why teaching podcasting means being a podcaster (23:54) - Teaching podcasting on a budget (28:25) - Conclusion

Traditional lectures don’t always fit how students learn today. Could a “lecturecast” work better? In this episode of Continuing Studies, Neil and Jen talk with Garret Castleberry about the “lecturecast,” his approach to using podcasting as a teaching tool in higher education. Garrett shares how audio can make learning more flexible, help students engage with course material, and build stronger communication skills. They also explore how podcasting can grow beyond the classroom — including the clever way Garrett had students make the case for a multimedia studio, turning a class assignment into a campus resource. Episode Links: Connect with Garret Check out his podcast "Special Topics in Media" 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 (02:36) - Meet Garret Castleberry (03:11) - Finding community at Higher Ed PodCon (05:23) - Building podcasting in higher education (06:38) - From experimentation to teaching tool (08:18) - Creating the “Lecturecast” (09:21) - Rethinking the traditional lecture (12:29) - Using podcasting beyond entertainment (13:07) - Building Special Topics in Media (16:13) - Doing more with less in higher ed (18:24) - Podcasting for online and remote learners (19:13) - Making the case for a campus multimedia studio (21:17) - Expanding podcasting across campus (23:14) - Podcasting as a transferable skill (24:22) - Conclusion

An academic history podcast becoming a massive hit sounds unlikely. But Dr. Greg Jackson’s success shows that depth, consistency, and craft can find a huge audience. In this episode of Continuing Studies, Neil and Jen talk with Dr. Greg Jackson, creator and host of History That Doesn’t Suck, about taking history beyond the ivory tower without sacrificing rigour. Greg shares how storytelling, consistency, and a clear sense of purpose shape his long-form, deeply researched approach. They also get into the work behind the show, resisting podcast trends, and why making knowledge more accessible doesn’t have to mean making it less substantial. Episode Links: Listen to History That Doesn't Suck Connect with Greg Jackson Buy Greg's Book: Been There, Done That: How Our History Shows What We Can Overcome 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:

Build the studio, and they’ll come… right? Not necessarily. A successful podcast studio starts with solving a real need and giving people the support to actually use the space. In this episode of Continuing Studies, Neil and Jen talk with Emily Sikora from Penn State about how she built the Podcast Lounge by starting with the user experience, not the technology. Emily shares how simple onboarding, hands-on support, and thoughtful planning help students and faculty feel confident creating, keeps them coming back, and is building podcasting culture across Penn State. Episode Links: Learn more about the Podcast Lounge Connect with Emily 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 (03:32) - Empowering students to record (04:34) - Inside Penn State’s Podcast Lounge (08:41) - Building the studio around a problem (11:25) - Getting people through the door (12:21) - Why they keep coming back (15:18) - Designing for confidence and independence (19:35) - Supporting editing and production (21:21) - Building a campus podcasting ecosystem (23:15) - A Podcast Lounge success story (25:58) - Conclusion

How does podcasting fit into MIT’s goal of reaching one billion learners? In this episode of Continuing Studies, Neil and Jen talk with Mary Ellen Wiltrout from MIT about MIT Learn, open learning, and how podcasts can make world-class expertise feel more accessible and human. Mary Ellen shares how MIT is experimenting with podcasts, short videos, and other formats to reach learners beyond traditional courses, and why audio can help audiences connect with the people behind the research. They also discuss Beyond Biology, storytelling in science, measuring impact beyond downloads, and how podcasting can spark curiosity, open doors, and remind listeners that even MIT experts are real people with unexpected paths. Episode Links: Learn more about MIT DELTA Connect with Mary Ellen Wiltrout Listen to Beyond Biology Listen to our episode with Brett Paci of MIT OpenCourseWare 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 (02:35) - Meet Mary Ellen Wiltrout (02:58) - From biology to online learning (08:21) - What is MIT DELTA? (10:12) - MIT’s one billion learners goal (12:39) - Where podcasting fits in (14:04) - Making MIT feel more human (16:20) - Building the MIT Learn Podcast Network (18:51) - Beyond Biology (21:23) - Measuring impact beyond downloads (24:41) - Conclusion