Continuing Studies: Higher Ed Podcasting

Innovation Fuel 2.0: The Evolution of Podcasting in Case-Study Learning

What happens when a classroom podcast turns into peer-reviewed scholarship, an AI teaching tool, and its own academic platform?When Dave Keighron and Dr. Gelareh Farhadian first launched Innovation Fuel, the goal was simple: bring real entrepreneurial stories into the business classroom. Five years later, that idea has grown into something much bigger.In this episode, Neil and Jen catch up with Dave and Gelareh to talk about how their podcast evolved into published peer-reviewed podcast episodes and papers, and now an AI-powered classroom tool called Innovation Fuel Studio. They share how they’re turning podcast episodes into scholarly outputs, getting them into academic journals and libraries, and building a system that lets students role-play directly with AI versions of founders and CEOs.It’s a wide-ranging conversation about case-based learning, ethical AI use, peer review, and what happens when podcasting becomes part of the academic infrastructure itself. If you’ve ever wondered how a higher ed podcast can grow beyond marketing and become part of teaching, research, and innovation, this one’s worth a listen.Connect:Share Feedback & Ask Questions: hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com Learn More: Continuing Studies PodcastFollow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn PageJoin LinkedIn Group: www.linkedin.com/groups/14115712/ Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn / jpodcreations@gmail.com  Connect w/ Neil:  LinkedIn / neil@podiumpodcastco.com Twitter:  @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastcoYoutubeHigherEdPodsLinks:Innovation Fuel PodcastInnovation Fuel StudioContact Dave & GelarehMarketing Corner Talks PodcastDouglas College LibraryChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (03:09) - How Innovation Fuel Started and Where it is Now (07:40) - Podcasting as Scholarly Output and Peer Review (10:49) - Expanding the Research and Educational Impact (12:27) - Keeping Case Study Content Current for Students (15:41) - Bringing Cases Back Into the Classroom With AI (16:52) - Entrepreneurs, Students, and the Broader Ecosystem (17:35) - AI Chatbots and New Tools in Development (20:20) - Academic Libraries, Indexing, and Visibility (22:22) - Reflecting on Innovation and What’s Ahead (24:01) - Outro

"University 3.0 and the Podcast Revolution: Who Owns Knowledge Now?"

As universities face pressure to evolve, podcasting is emerging as an unexpected catalyst and channel for change.Carola Boehm first caught Neil’s attention with her EPOD abstract suggesting the ivory tower might be starting to crack — a bold (and maybe slightly controversial) take that kicked off this conversation about how podcasting is reshaping the way knowledge gets created and shared in higher education. So this week, Carola “schools” Neil and Jen on her “University 3.0” idea — universities losing their place as the sole gatekeepers of knowledge toward more open, collaborative learning spaces — and what podcasting has to do with that shift. The conversation also touches on the EPOD conference, pressures facing universities right now, and why even small podcasts can play a meaningful role in connecting people, ideas, and communities.Episode Links:Carola Boehm | LinkedInEPOD ConferenceCarla's 2026 EPOD AbstractEmbedding Culture 3.0 and University 3.0 in Leadership Development Programmes for Heritage Organisations and Heritage Sites (2025)Why Podcasting Needs to Lean into Culture 3.0 Connect with UsShare Feedback & Ask Questions: hello@continuingstudiespodcast.comLearn More: Continuing Studies PodcastFollow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn PageJoin LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters NetworkConnect w/ Jen: LinkedIn or  jpodcreations@gmail.com Connect w/ Neil:  LinkedIn or neil@podiumpodcastco.comTwitter:  @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastcoYoutubeHigherEdPodsChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (01:31) - Introducing Carola Boem and the EPOD Conference (02:40) - Podcast Reach, Audience, and Global Communities (04:25) - Culture 3.0, Co-Creation, and Podcasting’s Role (06:00) - Carola’s Background and Creative Industries Research (08:38) - University 3.0 and Podcasting as a Knowledge Shift (09:22) - What EPOD Is and Why It Matters (11:33) - Universities Under Pressure and New Learning Models (13:30) - Gatekeeping, Broadcasting, and Academic Structures (14:16) - University 1.0 to 3.0 Explained (18:06) - How Podcasting Challenges Academic Gatekeeping (22:09) - Governance, AI, and Quality in Podcasting (25:56) - How Universities Can Start Moving Toward University 3.0 (27:30) - Podcasting as a Co-Created Learning Space (28:42) - Conclusion

Do Podcasts Count? Journals, Peer Review, and the Future of Academic Work in Audio

A thoughtful look at how podcasting is expanding the ways academic work is created and shared.Jim Ambuske, historian and producer, is back to share his thoughts on where audio is going in the academic world and what it’s going to take to have it recognized as a scholarly medium. Jim gets into his new work on the In Pursuit project, what he’s seeing in the world of digital archives and oral history, and why he believes audio and video are important ways to share academic work beyond the page. They also dig into the real challenges facing higher education right now—from funding pressures to tenure expectations—and why, even with all of that, Jim is still optimistic about what creators and institutions can build next.Episode Links:Jim AmbuskeJim Ambuske | LinkedInIn PursuitJim Previous Episode: Making History Heard: Bringing the Past to Life Through PodcastsConnect with UsShare Feedback & Ask Questions: hello@continuingstudiespodcast.comLearn More: Continuing Studies PodcastFollow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn PageJoin LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters NetworkConnect w/ Jen: LinkedIn or  jpodcreations@gmail.com Connect w/ Neil:  LinkedIn or neil@podiumpodcastco.comTwitter:  @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastcoYoutubeHigherEdPodsChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (03:32) - Jim’s New Role and the In Pursuit Project (05:40) - Podcasting & Funding Cuts to the Humanities & Higher Ed (08:11) - How to Keep Doing the Work in a Difficult Environment (09:55) - The Digital Archives in the Commonwealth Conference (13:18) - The Growth of Multimedia and Academic Storytelling (14:57) - Why the Monograph Still Dominates Academia (17:44) - What Would It Take for Podcasts to Count? (20:02) - University Presses & Journals in an Audio World (21:49) - Conferences & Accreditation for Podcasting (24:01) - How Institutions Can Support Podcasting Without Breaking It (26:59) - The Future of Higher Ed Podcasting (30:52) - Conclusion

Higher Ed Podcaster Predictions For 2026

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 PodcastFollow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn PageJoin LinkedIn Group: www.linkedin.com/groups/14115712/ Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn / jpodcreations@gmail.com  Connect w/ Neil:  LinkedIn / neil@podiumpodcastco.com Twitter:  @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastcoYoutubeHigherEdPodsEpisode Links:Carl Hartley’s Episode: Podcasting and Journalism: Balancing Innovation and Integrity Jenna Spinelle’s Episode: The Democracy Group: The Power of a Podcast NetworkKate Young’s Episodes: Continuing Studies: Higher Ed Podcasting | Purdue: Effectively Engaging Alumni / Clips, Strategy, and Search: How This Is Purdue Scales Its ReachBrett Spencer’s Episode: Class is in Session: Building the Future of Podcasting Through EducationMarta Perrotta’s Episode: Broadcasting Without Borders: How Podcasting is Changing JournalismJim Ambuske’s Episode: Making History Heard: Bringing the Past to Life Through PodcastsJohn 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

Best Of: Building a Podcast Audience

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 SmartMatt AbrahamsMatt Abrahams | LinkedIn   Higher Ed PodCon Think Fast, Talk Live: Building a Podcast Audience Connect with UsShare Feedback & Ask Questions: hello@continuingstudiespodcast.comLearn More: Continuing Studies PodcastFollow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn PageJoin LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters NetworkConnect w/ Jen: LinkedIn or  jpodcreations@gmail.com Connect w/ Neil:  LinkedIn or neil@podiumpodcastco.comTwitter:  @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastcoYoutubeHigherEdPodsChapters:(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