How two science-savvy professors turned stats and storytelling into a compelling educational podcast.

Kristin Sainani and Regina Nuzzo—co-hosts of Normal Curves: Sexy Science, Serious Statistics—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
• Regina Nuzzo | LinkedIn
• Regina Nuzzo
• Kristin Sainani | LinkedIn
• Kristin Sainani (n e Cobb)'s Stanford Profile

Connect with Us

• Share Feedback & Ask Questions: hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com
• Learn More: Continuing Studies Podcast
• Follow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn Page
• Join LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters Network
• Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn or jpodcreations@gmail.com
• Connect w/ Neil: LinkedIn or neil@podiumpodcastco.com
• Twitter: @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastco
• Youtube
• HigherEdPods

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 returns to Continuing Studies to share how Purdue’s This Is Purdue 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
• “This Is Purdue” Podcast - The Persistent Pursuit

Connect with Us

• Share Feedback & Ask Questions: hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com
• Learn More: Continuing Studies Podcast
• Follow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn Page
• Join LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters Network
• Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn or jpodcreations@gmail.com
• Connect w/ Neil: LinkedIn or neil@podiumpodcastco.com
• Twitter: @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastco
• Youtube
• HigherEdPods

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

An update on the Higher Ed PodCon—where higher education podcasters will come together to connect, learn, and grow

Neil McPhedran and Jennifer-Lee are joined by Gregg Oldring, original producer of the Continuing Studies podcast and creator of the Higher Ed Pods Directory, to share an inside look at the upcoming Higher Ed PodCon, happening July 12th in Chicago. Designed specifically for higher education podcasters, this inaugural one-day event features keynote speaker Matt Abrahams and three focused tracks on strategy, content, and tech tools. The trio discusses how the conference is tailored to the real-world challenges of higher ed podcasting—emphasizing collaboration over competition, growth beyond downloads, and practical skills over buzzwords. With live recordings, structured networking, and a community-focused atmosphere, Higher Ed PodCon promises to be a vibrant gathering for creators behind the mic and those working behind the scenes.

Episode Links:

• Higher Ed PodCon

Connect with Us

• Share Feedback & Ask Questions: hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com
• Learn More: Continuing Studies Podcast
• Follow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn Page
• Join LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters Network
• Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn or jpodcreations@gmail.com
• Connect w/ Neil: LinkedIn or neil@podiumpodcastco.com
• Twitter: @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastco
• Youtube
• HigherEdPods

R2 Studios on turning serious history into compelling podcasts.

Jeanette Patrick and Jim Ambuske of R2 Studios join the Continuing Studies podcast to discuss the intersection of history, storytelling, and podcasting. They share how R2 Studios was founded with a mission to democratize history through engaging audio content, supported by academic rigor and creative production. From the challenges of building a podcast network within a university setting to the importance of funding, audience development, and cross-promotion, this conversation offers a candid look at what it takes to create compelling educational podcasts. Jeanette and Jim also reflect on the power of podcasting to bring overlooked narratives to light and their vision for future projects.

Episode Links:

• Jeanette Patrick
• Jeannette Patrick | LinkedIn
• Jim Ambuske
• Jim Ambuske | LinkedIn
• R2 Studios

Connect with Us

• Share Feedback & Ask Questions: hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com
• Learn More: Continuing Studies Podcast
• Follow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn Page
• Join LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters Network
• Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn or jpodcreations@gmail.com
• Connect w/ Neil: LinkedIn or neil@podiumpodcastco.com
• Twitter: @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastco
• Youtube
• HigherEdPods

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (02:08) - Founding of R2 Studios
• (04:24) - Why Historians Are Slow to Podcast
• (05:45) - Falling into History
• (07:24) - Why Podcasting Works for History
• (09:23) - Building a History Podcast Network
• (11:37) - Production Timelines & Historical Rigor
• (13:14) - Balancing Prep and Authenticity
• (15:05) - Handling Criticism and Corrections
• (16:26) - Who Listens to History Podcasts?
• (18:24) - The Power of Podcast Networks
• (23:03) - The Challenge of Academic Funding
• (26:52) - Non-Financial Rewards & Recognition
• (30:08) - What’s Next for R2 Studios?
• (32:36) - Conclusion

What if professional development was as accessible as your favorite podcast?

Dr. Lindsay Persohn shares her experience as a literacy scholar, podcast host, and educator using audio to transform professional learning and classroom engagement. From founding Classroom Caffeine to launching innovative “pod clubs,” she reveals how podcasting can make research more relatable, foster autonomy for teachers, and support asynchronous, differentiated learning. With examples from her teaching and research, she demonstrates how storytelling deepens understanding, builds connection, and opens up new possibilities for integrating podcasts into academic and professional spaces.

Episode Links:

• Lindsay Persohn | USF
• Lindsay Persohn
• Classroom Caffeine
• Education Through Podcasting
• Education Through Podcasting - Call for Papers

Connect with Us

• Share Feedback & Ask Questions: hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com
• Learn More: Continuing Studies Podcast
• Follow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn Page
• Join LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters Network
• Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn or jpodcreations@gmail.com
• Connect w/ Neil: LinkedIn or neil@podiumpodcastco.com
• Twitter: @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastco
• Youtube
• HigherEdPods

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (03:08) - The Origin of Classroom Caffeine
• (05:41) - Designing Conversations for Deeper Insight
• (07:32) - Embedding Podcasts into Coursework
• (10:30) - Why Audio Connects Differently
• (13:28) - What Are Teacher Pod Clubs?
• (18:06) - The Vision for Asynchronous Learning
• (20:33) - Inside the EPOD Conference
• (23:20) - Publishing Podcast-Based Research
• (27:43) - Advice for Educators Using Podcasts
• (29:34) - Conclusion

The future of journalism, podcasting’s role in education, and the challenge of misinformation in digital media.

Carl Hartley, a journalism lecturer at the University of Leeds and a BBC Five Live journalist, delves into the rapidly changing world of journalism education and the increasing role of digital media in shaping the industry. He shares insights on how universities are adapting their programs to equip students with multimedia skills, from traditional broadcasting to podcast production and social media storytelling. Carl outlines the growing concerns around misinformation in podcasting, the debate over potential regulation, and the responsibility of content creators to uphold journalistic integrity. Drawing from his research and involvement in the Education Through Podcasting Conference, Carl discusses how podcasts are not only transforming journalism but also becoming powerful tools for education and public discourse.

Episode Links:

• Carl Hartley | LinkedIn
• Carl Hartley
• Sound of Politics Podcast
• EPOD

Connect with Us

• Share Feedback & Ask Questions: hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com
• Learn More: Continuing Studies Podcast
• Follow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn Page
• Join LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters Network
• Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn or jpodcreations@gmail.com
• Connect w/ Neil: LinkedIn or neil@podiumpodcastco.com
• Twitter: @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastco
• Youtube
• HigherEdPods

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (03:09) - Background in Journalism
• (04:28) - How Journalism is Evolving
• (08:32) - The Rise of Podcasting in Journalism
• (13:09) - Balancing Teaching and Industry Work
• (15:32) - Using Podcasts as a Teaching Tool
• (18:00) - Is Podcast Regulation Needed
• (24:14) - Podcasting Guideline Collaboration
• (29:13) - Education Through Podcasting Conference
• (33:15) - Conclusion

Turning historical research into immersive audio storytelling.

Daniel Story, a digital scholarship librarian at UC Santa Cruz, discusses his work in digital storytelling and podcasting as a scholarly medium. He shares insights into Stories from the Epicenter, a ten-part documentary on the 1989 Santa Cruz earthquake, and History in Focus, a podcast from the American Historical Review that brings historical scholarship to life. The conversation explores the power of narrative storytelling in academia, the role of podcasts in making scholarly work more accessible, and the importance of community engagement in historical research. The discussion highlights the role of podcasts in education, the impact of narrative storytelling, and the importance of community engagement in preserving history, showcasing how audio can deepen connections to the past and enhance learning.

Episode Links:

• Daniel J. Story
• Daniel Story | LinkedIn
• Stories from the Epicenter
• History in Focus - AHA

Connect with Us

• Share Feedback & Ask Questions: hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com
• Learn More: Continuing Studies Podcast
• Follow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn Page
• Join LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters Network
• Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn or jpodcreations@gmail.com
• Connect w/ Neil: LinkedIn or neil@podiumpodcastco.com
• Twitter: @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastco
• Youtube
• HigherEdPods

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (03:25) - What is a Digital Librarian
• (05:01) - Stories from the Epicenter: A Documentary Podcast
• (08:42) - Narrative Podcasts in Academia
• (10:23) - The Role of Limited Series in Podcasting
• (14:29) - Teaching Students to Make Podcasts
• (17:56) - Community Engagement & Collaboration
• (21:04) - History in Focus: A Journal-Based Podcast
• (23:49) - Podcasting as a Tool for Scholarly Communication
• (27:10) - Addressing Challenges in Academic Publishing
• (29:38) - Conclusion

A university podcast exploring what happens if we change, and what happens if we don’t?

Monash University’s What Happens Next podcast, hosted by Dr. Susan Carland, takes on bold and complex issues, exploring the challenges shaping our world and the transformative solutions that could redefine our future. In this episode, Dr. Carland and Fabian Marrone, Monash’s Chief Marketing, Admissions, and Communications Officer, discuss the university’s approach to tackling “wicked problems” through podcasting. Together, they share the power of storytelling, academic freedom, and the impact of high-quality production in engaging a global audience. From climate change to social cohesion, the conversation highlights how their podcast serves as a voice for the entire university community, offering deep insights into the decisions that shape our collective future.

Episode Links:

• What Happens Next? - Monash University
• If you don't like it, change it.
• Susan Carland | LinkedIn
• Fabian Marrone | LinkedIn

Connect with Us

• Share Feedback & Ask Questions: hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com
• Learn More: Continuing Studies Podcast
• Follow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn Page
• Join LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters Network
• Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn or jpodcreations@gmail.com
• Connect w/ Neil: LinkedIn or neil@podiumpodcastco.com
• Twitter: @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastco
• Youtube
• HigherEdPods

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (02:47) - The “What Happens Next” Podcast
• (04:24) - Connecting to Monash’s Mission
• (07:34) - A Voice for the University
• (08:20) - Why a Podcast?
• (10:08) - Collaborating For Topics
• (14:04) - The Team Behind the Podcast
• (18:21) - The Importance of Sound Quality
• (19:45) - Hosting & Preparing for Broad Topics
• (22:47) - Measuring Success
• (25:40) - Podcast’s Impact on Enrollment
• (27:37) - Tackling Controversial Topics
• (32:11) - Conclusion