Continuing Studies: for Higher Ed Podcasters

How formal education is transforming podcasting into a professional, industry-ready craft. Brett Spencer [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-spencer-390a061/], senior lecturer in podcasting at City St. George's, University of London, shares how his innovative master’s program is bridging the gap between podcasting education and industry demands. With deep experience from the BBC and Spiritland Productions, Brett unpacks the practical skills students need—from media law and pitching to production and promotion—and why podcasting is more than just making a show. He also discusses groundbreaking projects like broadcasting podcasts live to cinemas and partnering with the UN, all while emphasizing the power of relationships and real-world experience in building a career in this rapidly growing field. Episode Links: * Brett Spencer - BBC | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-spencer-390a061/] * Brett Spencer • City St George's, University of London [https://www.citystgeorges.ac.uk/about/people/academics/brett-spencer] * Spiritland Productions [https://spiritlandproductions.com/] * MA Podcasting - Master's degree • City St George's, University of London [https://www.citystgeorges.ac.uk/prospective-students/courses/postgraduate/podcasting]  Connect with Us * Share Feedback & Ask Questions: hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com [hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com] * Learn More: Continuing Studies Podcast [https://www.continuingstudiespodcast.com/] * Follow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn Page [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/97470907] * Join LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters Network [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14115712/] * Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferleejpodcreations/] or  jpodcreations@gmail.com  * Connect w/ Neil:  LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/namcphedran/] or neil@podiumpodcastco.com * Twitter:  @namcphedran [https://twitter.com/namcphedran] / @podiumpodcastco [https://twitter.com/podiumpodcastco] * Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@continuingstudiespod] * HigherEdPods [https://higheredpods.com/] Chapters: * (00:00) - Introduction * (03:57) - Creating the Master’s Program in Podcasting * (06:07) - Industry Needs & Course Design * (07:26) - Spirit Land Productions * (08:39) - Balancing Academic Teaching with Real-World Work * (10:31) - Student Specializations & Studio Facilities * (12:35) - The Growth of the Podcast Industry * (15:21) - Teaching Media Law & Ethics * (18:45) - Career Paths and Industry Placement * (20:51) - Bursaries & Scholarships * (22:37) - Creating a University Podcast Program * (24:23) - Student Project: Podcasting for the United Nations * (26:40) - The Power of Partnerships & Pitching * (28:03) - Building Industry Relationships * (30:06) - The Role of Video in Podcasting * (34:04) - Visualizing Audio & Audience Expectations * (39:26) - Conclusion

How Great Pods is transforming podcast discovery with critic-driven reviews and smarter categorization. Imran Ahmed [https://www.linkedin.com/in/imrangp/]—better known as “Captain Ron”—founder of Great Pods, [https://greatpods.co/] a platform dubbed the “Rotten Tomatoes for podcasts,” joins Neil and Jen to unpack how curated, critic-led reviews are reshaping podcast discovery. Imran shares his journey from college radio to startup founder, revealing the inspiration behind Great Pods and the importance of trust, transparency, and accurate genre tagging. The conversation dives into how higher education podcasters can better position their shows, improve discoverability, and benefit from tools like Great Pods to reach wider audiences. Whether you’re new to podcasting or looking to grow your show, this episode offers thoughtful strategies for building visibility and credibility. Episode Links: * Imran A | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/imrangp/] * Great Pods [https://greatpods.co/] | Threads [https://www.threads.net/@greatpods] | Instagram [https://instagram.com/greatpods] | Newsletter [https://greatpods.substack.com/] | Blue.Sky [https://bsky.app/profile/greatpods.bsky.social] * Add Your Podcast: Podcast Screener [https://podcastscreener.com/] * Newsletter & Sites: The Ultimate Guide To Getting Your Podcast Reviewed - Podcast Promotion [https://greatpods.co/blog/how-do-i-get-my-podcast-professionally-reviewed] Connect with Us * Share Feedback & Ask Questions: hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com [hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com] * Learn More: Continuing Studies Podcast [https://www.continuingstudiespodcast.com/] * Follow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn Page [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/97470907] * Join LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters Network [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14115712/] * Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferleejpodcreations/] or  jpodcreations@gmail.com  * Connect w/ Neil:  LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/namcphedran/] or neil@podiumpodcastco.com * Twitter:  @namcphedran [https://twitter.com/namcphedran] / @podiumpodcastco [https://twitter.com/podiumpodcastco] * Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@continuingstudiespod] * HigherEdPods [https://higheredpods.com/] Chapters: * (00:00) - Introduction * (04:29) - Building for Trust and Transparency * (08:18) - The Business Behind Great Pods * (09:15) - Rewriting the Rules of Podcast Categorization * (12:06) - SEO Tips for Podcasters * (13:32) - The Categorization Challenge for Higher Ed Podcasts * (17:13) - What Makes a Great (or Bad) Review * (18:42) - Protecting Against User Bombing * (22:26) - Why Higher Ed Podcasters Should Join Great Pods * (24:30) - Creating New Genre Possibilities * (25:36) - How to Become a Podcast Critic * (30:22) - Tapping into Campus Resources for Podcast Growth * (32:20) - Conclusion

AI Jen and Neil preview Higher Ed PodCon, where campus podcasters unite to explore the future of educational audio. Neil and Jennifer-Lee hand the mic to their AI counterparts to preview the very first Higher Ed PodCon—a brand-new conference built specifically for podcasters and digital media creators in higher education. AI Jen and AI Neil walk through what to expect: standout sessions on strategic communication, multimedia content strategies, and budget-friendly podcast production, with insights from leaders at Stanford, Purdue, and more. With over 40 speakers and representation from 25+ institutions, PodCon marks a major milestone for the campus podcasting community. After the AI segment, the real hosts return to share thoughts on the role of AI in podcasting, why human connection still matters, and how events like this help podcasters learn, grow, and feel a little less alone. Episode Links: * Higher Ed PodCon [https://www.higheredpodcon.com/] Connect with Us * Share Feedback & Ask Questions: hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com [hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com] * Learn More: Continuing Studies Podcast [https://www.continuingstudiespodcast.com/] * Follow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn Page [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/97470907] * Join LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters Network [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14115712/] * Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferleejpodcreations/] or  jpodcreations@gmail.com  * Connect w/ Neil:  LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/namcphedran/] or neil@podiumpodcastco.com * Twitter:  @namcphedran [https://twitter.com/namcphedran] / @podiumpodcastco [https://twitter.com/podiumpodcastco] * Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@continuingstudiespod] * HigherEdPods [https://higheredpods.com/] Chapters: * (00:00) - Introduction: Real Neil & Real Jen * (04:45) - Higher Ed PodCon: AI Neil & AI Jen * (09:51) - Conclusion: Real Neil & Real Jen

How two science-savvy professors turned stats and storytelling into a compelling educational podcast. Kristin Sainani [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-sainani-642b5914/] and Regina Nuzzo [https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginanuzzo/]—co-hosts of Normal Curves: Sexy Science, Serious Statistics [http://normalcurves.com/]—join Neil McPhedran and Jennifer-Lee to celebrate the 50th episode of Continuing Studies. Kristin and Regina share the story behind launching their podcast, which blends scientific rigor with lighthearted storytelling to make complex topics like epidemiology and statistics approachable and fun. They reflect on how their long friendship, backgrounds in journalism, and love of teaching shaped the show’s voice and format. From managing remote production across time zones to navigating multiple takes and narrative arcs, they reveal the thoughtful work behind each episode. Whether you're a podcaster or just science-curious, this candid conversation offers practical insights on what it takes to produce a compelling, educational show for anyone and is passionate about podcasting in higher education. Episode Links: * Normal Curves [http://normalcurves.com/] * Regina Nuzzo | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginanuzzo/] * Regina Nuzzo [https://www.reginanuzzo.com/] * Kristin Sainani | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-sainani-642b5914/] * Kristin Sainani (n e Cobb)'s Stanford Profile [https://profiles.stanford.edu/kristin-sainani]  Connect with Us * Share Feedback & Ask Questions: hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com [hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com] * Learn More: Continuing Studies Podcast [https://www.continuingstudiespodcast.com/] * Follow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn Page [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/97470907] * Join LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters Network [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14115712/] * Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferleejpodcreations/] or  jpodcreations@gmail.com  * Connect w/ Neil:  LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/namcphedran/] or neil@podiumpodcastco.com * Twitter:  @namcphedran [https://twitter.com/namcphedran] / @podiumpodcastco [https://twitter.com/podiumpodcastco] * Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@continuingstudiespod] * HigherEdPods [https://higheredpods.com/] Chapters: * (00:00) - Introduction * (03:57) - From Teaching to Podcasting * (05:36) - Purpose & Audience * (07:10) - Making Science Approachable * (09:20) - Being an Independent Podcast * (12:11) - Pre-Launch Journey * (14:25) - The Research Process * (16:32) - Recording Across Time Zones * (17:26) - Dual Roles & Production Flow * (21:02) - Topic Inspiration * (23:01) - Launch Strategy & Title Origins * (25:30) - Advice for New Podcasters * (28:25) - Storytelling vs. Lecturing * (30:56) - Conclusion

How Purdue’s podcast expanded its reach with strategic use of video, SEO, and timely content planning. Kate Young [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-young-podcast/] returns to Continuing Studies  [https://www.continuingstudiespodcast.com/]to share how Purdue’s This Is Purdue [https://stories.purdue.edu/topic/podcast/] podcast has grown from an alumni-focused show into a wide-reaching content hub. She breaks down the strategic shift toward video, the role of short-form clips across platforms like YouTube and Instagram, and how her team uses SEO and timely relevance to plan episodes. Kate also reveals how AI supports their prep process, and previews her upcoming talk at Higher Ed PodCon, offering practical insights for podcast teams of any size looking to elevate their content and audience engagement. Episode Links: * Kate Young | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-young-podcast/]   * “This Is Purdue” Podcast - The Persistent Pursuit [https://stories.purdue.edu/topic/podcast/]  Connect with Us * Share Feedback & Ask Questions: hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com [hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com] * Learn More: Continuing Studies Podcast [https://www.continuingstudiespodcast.com/] * Follow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn Page [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/97470907] * Join LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters Network [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14115712/] * Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferleejpodcreations/] or  jpodcreations@gmail.com  * Connect w/ Neil:  LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/namcphedran/] or neil@podiumpodcastco.com * Twitter:  @namcphedran [https://twitter.com/namcphedran] / @podiumpodcastco [https://twitter.com/podiumpodcastco] * Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@continuingstudiespod] * HigherEdPods [https://higheredpods.com/] Chapters: * (00:00) - Introduction * (03:54) - Lessons From Podcast Movement Evolutions * (07:57) - Evolving a Video Strategy at Purdue * (10:31) - Full Time Podcasting at Purdue * (11:52) - Expanding Beyond Alumni: New Audience Strategy * (15:52) - Leveraging SEO from Planning to Publishing * (18:21) - Shorts, Reels, and Spotify Clips * (21:31) - Why the Podcast Has Both Audio and Video Feeds * (24:09) - Using AI for Content Calendar and Brainstorming * (26:11) - What to Expect at Higher Ed PodCon * (29:00) - LinkedIn Strategy Tip * (31:34) - Conclusion