The Pod Class

In this episode of the podcast, we're exploring the delicate balance of how much of our lives to share with our listeners. As podcast hosts, we have the unique opportunity to connect with our audiences on a deeply personal level. But how much is too much? And where do we draw the line between vulnerability and oversharing? I talk to Mackenzi, host of The Well, a faith-based podcast about the strug...

Andrew asks me what topic I would do a podcast about (touche). And Sam wants to know when I first got the audio bug.

There's so much to talk about, how do we choose? In this episode, I describe how I guide my students in picking a topic they will enjoy podcasting about all semester. Sam, of Feeding Actors, and Andrew, of Let Me Cook, tell me why they chose their topics. Check out their podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/@YoHeReallyCooking https://spotify.link/CJ2yBobxHyb Link to transcript: https://docs.googl...

Jennifer wants to know how I came up with my kids' names and Nick wants to know what motivates me.

We talk to two students about their expectations coming into the class and the realities of creating a podcast. Check out their podcasts: 4 Gospels in 4 Months https://open.spotify.com/show/2mnAQdFE4DXxLU7Rqbc6Nh?si=3c87439eb8e548d7 Women in the Spotlight https://open.spotify.com/show/5fiqSeRO3DG8RIQJ6jysQE?si=4a64c8caba014284 For a show transcript click here .

We have a new class of podcasting students! I list out what we have on deck and some of the challenges I see with some of them. If you're curious, here are the links to our class podcasts:

It’s a new semester and we have a fresh class of students and podcasts to discuss this season. Check back weekly to hear interviews as we hash out the art of audio storytelling and the ups and downs of making a podcast.

What is the most embarrassing thing I have done in front of a class?

Our guest today, Jason, hosts The Rock Talk. And we talk about old music, the podcast production process, and how it takes guts to take this class. Check out Jason's podcast on Spotify .

Nick asks me about making friends while in college.

We're talking about consistency and how it pays off - even if no one is listening. Our guest is Nick Hart, the host of Degrees in a Breeze where he gives college students advice on surviving. We talk about hating school, learning from mistakes, and how this class is ruining podcasts for students. Check out Nick's podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2nqorqGXhgTzv4ZkHjVIQS?si=a9dbbd55e2094f91

A question about my career path... again.

We talk to a student who decided to make a special episode around a tragedy to help others.

I'm asked about my decision to leave my career to become a professor.

How does a media professor give feedback when the process of making is the process of learning? Today's guest: Kyle, host of The Damn Dirty Takes Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/2uIkvuoinem0ECnje34JD6

Our bonus segments where students can ask me anything. In this episode, you'll hear what podcast I recommend to people who don't listen to podcasts and what kind of podcasts I like to listen to.

We talk to the hosts of the Office Hours podcast about their name. And we hear former students' advice to this semester's class. Check out the podfade worksheet mentioned in this episode.

A new semester begins with a new class and new podcasts! 

What non-narrative podcasts do I enjoy? And why is it so hard to find consistently funny podcasts?

This week we discuss creating a narrative and telling a good story. Our guest Foster Kramer tells me how our class lessons have influenced his approach to podcasting. Check out his podcast, The Funniest Thing I've Ever Heard . 

Find out which class is my favorite to teach.

Interviewing, Terry Gross, and dream interviews... 

What is my advice to students who are interested in taking this class?

This week we dig through the archives for historical context. Our student guest, Graci, struggles with how much of her personal life to share in her podcast.

De'Keva asks if being good at podcasting translates to being good at music.