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
• (03:05) - Founding of R2 Studios
• (05:21) - Why Historians Are Slow to Podcast
• (06:42) - Falling into History
• (08:21) - Why Podcasting Works for History
• (10:20) - Building a History Podcast Network
• (12:34) - Production Timelines & Historical Rigor
• (14:11) - Balancing Prep and Authenticity
• (16:02) - Handling Criticism and Corrections
• (17:23) - Who Listens to History Podcasts?
• (19:21) - The Power of Podcast Networks
• (24:00) - The Challenge of Academic Funding
• (27:49) - Non-Financial Rewards & Recognition
• (31:05) - What’s Next for R2 Studios?
• (33:33) - 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
• (04:05) - The Origin of Classroom Caffeine
• (06:38) - Designing Conversations for Deeper Insight
• (08:29) - Embedding Podcasts into Coursework
• (11:27) - Why Audio Connects Differently
• (14:25) - What Are Teacher Pod Clubs?
• (19:03) - The Vision for Asynchronous Learning
• (21:30) - Inside the EPOD Conference
• (24:17) - Publishing Podcast-Based Research
• (28:40) - Advice for Educators Using Podcasts
• (30:31) - Conclusion