The Art of Hosting: Live from Higher Ed PodCon 2026

How do great hosts create conversations that feel purposeful, natural, and worth staying with? In this episode of Continuing Studies, Neil and Jen sit down with Sophie White from EDUCAUSE live at Higher Ed PodCon to talk about the art of hosting. Drawing from her work on EDUCAUSE Shop Talk, Sophie shares how purpose can shape everything from guest selection to audience focus, and how hosts can create the conditions for more thoughtful, candid conversations. They also discuss co-host chemistry, managing multiple guests, balancing rigor with fun, helping nervous guests feel at ease, and why podcasts can be a powerful way for higher education organizations to add context, personality, and connection to their work. Episode Links: Listen to EDUCAUSE ShopTalk Connect with Sophie White Connect with Us: Share Feedback, Suggestions, & 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 (02:13) - Meet Sophie White (02:34) - EDUCAUSE Shop Talk (04:24) - Topics and guests (07:30) - Purposeful hosting (10:18) - Co-host chemistry (14:21) - Trust and communication (16:34) - Rigor and fun (19:05) - Managing multiple guests (23:18) - Tricky guest dynamics (24:21) - Helping guests relax (26:40) - Being human on mic (27:32) - Podcasts as engagement (30:42) - Conclusion