Start your 2026 inspired and ready for what’s next in higher ed podcasting—straight from the people building it.

What’s ahead for higher ed podcasting in 2026? This episode rounds up predictions from creators and educators around the world, spotlighting the trends shaping the year ahead. Hear why podcasting may gain more academic credibility, how universities could lean on audio as a PR and outreach channel, and why short mini-series and binge-drop formats are on the rise. The conversation also explores a major shift toward research storytelling that highlights process (not just results), the growing role of podcasting across the entire student lifecycle, and the ethical questions AI is bringing into production. A forward-looking listen for anyone creating podcasts in higher education.

Connect:

• Share Feedback & Ask Questions: hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com
• Learn More: Continuing Studies Podcast
• Follow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn Page
• Join LinkedIn Group: www.linkedin.com/groups/14115712/
• Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn / jpodcreations@gmail.com
• Connect w/ Neil: LinkedIn / neil@podiumpodcastco.com
• Twitter: @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastco
• Youtube
• HigherEdPods

Episode Links:

• Carl Hartley’s Episode: Podcasting and Journalism: Balancing Innovation and Integrity
• Jenna Spinelle’s Episode: The Democracy Group: The Power of a Podcast Network
• Kate Young’s Episodes: Continuing Studies: Higher Ed Podcasting | Purdue: Effectively Engaging Alumni / Clips, Strategy, and Search: How This Is Purdue Scales Its Reach
• Brett Spencer’s Episode: Class is in Session: Building the Future of Podcasting Through Education
• Marta Perrotta’s Episode: Broadcasting Without Borders: How Podcasting is Changing Journalism
• Jim Ambuske’s Episode: Making History Heard: Bringing the Past to Life Through Podcasts
• John Boccacino’s Episode: Syracuse University: Podcasting the Voice of a University

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (01:52) - Carl Hartley: Podcasting Becoming Academic Currency
• (05:22) - Jenna Spinelle: Podcasting as University PR
• (07:31) - Kate Young: Short Series & Binge Drops
• (09:58) - Brett Spencer: More Podcast Courses & “Fun” Content
• (12:39) - Marta Perrotta: Research Process, Not Just Results
• (15:49) - Elvin Freytes: Podcasting Across the Student Lifecycle
• (18:57) - Jim Amuske: AI Ethics in Podcast Production
• (20:47) - John Boccacino: Longform Still Wins (With Engagement)
• (24:34) - Conclusion

The evolution of Think Fast, Talk Smart and what it teaches higher ed about communication and connection.

To close out the year, Continuing Studies revisits one of its most popular episodes — the first-ever live recording from the inaugural Higher Ed PodCon in Chicago. In this special conversation, Matt Abrahams, Stanford GSB lecturer and host of the globally acclaimed podcast Think Fast, Talk Smart, shares the remarkable evolution of his show — from its early DIY production with his sons to becoming the #1 careers podcast worldwide.
With more than 68 million plays across 125 countries, Matt reflects on building community, experimenting with video, embracing AI, and transitioning to an independent platform while staying deeply audience-focused.
Whether you’re a higher ed podcaster or simply passionate about meaningful communication, this “Best Of” episode offers timeless insights on creativity, connection, and the ever-evolving landscape of podcasting.

Episode Links:

• Think Fast Talk Smart
• Matt Abrahams
• Matt Abrahams | LinkedIn
• Higher Ed PodCon
• Think Fast, Talk Live: Building a Podcast Audience

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
• (04:36) - The Origin of Think Fast, Talk Smart
• (05:43) - Evolving Vision and Format
• (06:35) - Launching with Limited Support
• (08:49) - Leveraging Interns and University Resources
• (10:12) - Growth, Reach & the Tipping Point
• (11:15) - Becoming an Independent Podcast
• (12:20) - The Shift to Video
• (13:18) - Video Production & Social Strategy
• (15:47) - What’s Next: Community & Curation
• (17:58) - Integrating AI in Podcasting
• (19:19) - Expanding Globally with Translations
• (20:33) - What Makes a Great Interview
• (21:21) - Interview Rituals and Techniques
• (22:35) - Handling Low-Energy Interviews
• (23:31) - The Final Three Questions
• (27:18) - Live Audience Q&A
• (36:42) - Conclusion

How podcasting fits into modern scholarship and the evolving goals of higher education.

Barry Lam—philosopher, professor, and creator of the acclaimed narrative podcast Hi-Phi Nation — joins the show to explore how audio storytelling can bridge the worlds of scholarly research and public engagement. This wide-ranging conversation traces the evolution of narrative academic podcasts, the craft behind building compelling audio stories, and how philosophy can come alive when paired with documentary-style narrative. The discussion also uncovers the shifting landscape within academia—where traditional scholarly outputs like monographs still dominate—and how podcasting is beginning to challenge those norms. Hear how one podcaster’s work reshaped a university’s hiring and tenure considerations, why public-facing scholarship matters, and what institutions must rethink to truly support creative academic work. A thoughtful conversation for anyone curious about the future of academic storytelling, the possibilities of audio as scholarship, or the evolution of higher ed podcasting.

Episode Links:

• Hi-Phi Nation
• Barry Lam | LinkedIn
• Barry Lam

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
• (03:43) - Origins of a Narrative Philosophy Podcast
• (07:06) - Crafting a Story & the Limits of AI
• (09:11) - Academic Rigor vs. Narrative Entertainment
• (11:31) - Choosing Podcasting Over Papers
• (14:46) - Why the Written Monograph Still Rules
• (16:28) - When Podcasting Becomes Scholarly Capital
• (22:49) - Should There Be a Journal of Podcasting?
• (24:27) - Rethinking Public Scholarship
• (28:21) - Universities as Modern Media Producers
• (32:14) - What’s Ahead for the Next Season
• (34:01) - Advice for Scholars Considering Podcasting
• (36:42) - Conclusion