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 Ambuske
• Jim Ambuske | LinkedIn
• In Pursuit
• Jim Previous Episode: Making History Heard: Bringing the Past to Life Through Podcasts

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
• (03:32) - 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

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