The Pod Class

Most students expect podcasting to be quick and easy but in this episode we discuss the real work behind the scenes. If you've ever wondered what it takes to turn a passion into a polished, authentic voice that resonates, this episode is your exclusive backstage pass. Hear how one Purdue student navigated the chaos of editing, built confidence, and found her unique storytelling voice — all whi...

What is my favorite food? What is was my favorite class in college? What advice do I have for students go into podcasting as their career?

In this episode, we reveal the unexpected depth of research required to produce professional-quality podcasts. We talk to students about how learning how research is crucial—even in casual interview-based podcasts— why factual accuracy keeps your credibility intact, and how hands-on experience accelerates your confidence and skills. We explore topics like the value of detailed research to prevent...

Thinking about starting a podcast but not sure where to begin? In this conversation, we break down what it really takes to get started producing a podcast— hear from podcasting students about how they are getting started with their first podcasts. In this podcast: Podcast planning and outlining Script writing and natural delivery Topic selection based on passion and interest Technical tips for rec...

How do I know which criticism to take? How do I get over being a perfectionist and get work done?

How do busy students fit podcast production in their schedules? The short answer is: however they can. In this episode we hear from students Kyler and Stella. They both have film podcasts, but they are on different workflow paths right now. One of them is on top of their work getting their episodes done, and the other not so much. Although busy schedules can keep students from being able to comple...

Where do I like to eat on Purdue's campus? And how did I get into Podcasting?

In this 1st episode of the 6th season, we meet two of my students who say podcasting scares them. References: Make Noise by Eric Nuzum

Interviews take a good amount of invisible work. It is one of those skills that we tend to judge based on the answers we hear alone -- we don't tend to think about the preparation behind the questions that got those answers. Today's guest, Lane, talks about how the choice to produce an interview-based podcast has becoming a demanding endeavor and how the lessons learned in class are being...

As a former TV producer, I am flummoxed by video podcasts. This week I was the student as I stepped into the world of video podcasting. My class helped me setup and record this week's video episode featuring Mel -- the host and producer of Farmer's Daughter - a podcast about women growing up in and advocating for agriculture. We touch on the generational differences in podcast consumption,...

Life happens. And sometimes we get derailed. In today's episode we talk to Trey how took the Podcasting class to share his story. Then an injury forced him to take a step back and heal. But he didn't give up and in the end, was able to make it work and get a podcast done. Some topics discussed in this episode: - how an athletic injury derailed his podcast production - how important it is t...

Why take a podcasting class? Its a DIY medium -- you just need a phone and your voice, right? But students (and instructors) get so much more out of a class - like feedback and deadlines. In the first episode of the new season, we talk to Nova about her podcast Relationship Status and how the class helped overcome and appreciate her perfectionism. We also discuss why anyone would take a podcasting...

Were back for Season 5 -- that's 5 semesters of teaching Podcasting and listening to the ups and downs of learning to podcast. Each week we'll hear from a student in my class as they work on their podcast and find out the challenges and the joys of podcast producing. So, if you're interested in our class or interested in teaching podcasting, this is the pod for you. Welcome to the Pod...

Teaching podcasting to undergraduates has its challenges but it is nothing compared to teaching 6th graders. In this episode, I discuss my experience visiting my daughter's class to help them work on a podcasting project. And we have a special guest -- and podcast producer, my daughter. She shares her view of the class visit.

I'm sick! Luckily, my students were able to sub in and interview each other for this week's episode. It helps that they are co-hosts on a podcast so they're used to talking to each other on the mic. Gabe and Noah are the hosts of Our House , a podcast about Purdue basketball. In this episode they talk about the ups and downs of podcasting.

Tyler asks me about flying drones. Grace asks what class I would love to teach if I could.

In this episode, we talk to Allison, the producer of the Trends DuJour podcast about fashion, AI, and using a Solo cup to record.

When you have a discussion-based podcast, and get your buds together to dish, you can find yourself becoming more ringmaster of the circus you've created. That's a learning curve we discuss in today's episode with Tyler and Grace. Check out their podcasts: Stick Talk and HERoes of History

Ava asks what underrated podcasts I'm listening to.

We all hate our voice, right? That's what I hear. But we love to hear each other -- so what's up with that? I talked to my student Ava about her unique voice and how she is learning to appreciate it. Check out Ava's podcast It All STEMS from Literature .

Allison fangirls out on Dateline and asks me about my experience working there.

We're back! It is season 4 and we have a new group of students producing podcasts - everything from Hamlet to Fashion, Purdue sports - from the athletes POV and the production side. In today's episode we hear from Allison and Craig about their podcasts and how they came up with their ideas. Craig Combs is a play-by-play announcer for Purdue athletics. His interview-based podcast, THE ONE L...

How do I break from distractions and get to work? It is not easy... but maybe distractions can serve a purpose.

In this episode we discuss the technological aspects of creating a podcast: from microphones to AI.

In this bonus Office Hours segment, Mackenzie asks about the common criticisms and naysayers that communication majors often face. Toni shares her own experiences and insights into how communication majors can overcome these negative perceptions and showcase the value and importance of their field. Katie asks a question about how the communication program adapts to change.