Continuing Studies: for Higher Ed Podcasters

Crafting engaging stories: understanding the importance of conflict, characters, setting, and resolution, and the art of the 30-second hook in podcasting with Laura Joyce Davis of the Stanford Storytelling Project & cofounder of Narrative Podcasts. Join hosts Neil McPhedran and Jennifer Lee Gunson to unravel the secrets behind creating compelling educational podcasts. Discover the pivotal role of podcasting in higher education as Laura shares inspiring stories of students finding their voices, overcoming challenges, and embracing creativity through audio narratives. Beyond the fundamentals, this episode ventures into the intricacies of podcasting, shedding light on the evolving landscape of episode titles, podcast artwork, and audience engagement strategies.

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(00:00:00) Introduction

Hosts Jennifer Lee and Neil McPhedran introduce the Continuing Studies podcast and introduce Laura Davis, and their conversation about storytelling in podcasting, teaching, and the intersection of the two. 

(00:03:05) Laura's Background and Entry into Podcasting
Laura shares her background in fiction writing and how she transitioned into podcasting. The story behind Shelter in Place, her daily podcast created during the pandemic, is explored.

(00:06:40) Challenges of Daily Podcasting with Young Children
Laura discusses the challenges of balancing parenting and daily podcasting during the pandemic. 

(00:08:18) How Podcasting Shaped Laura's Teaching
Laura reflects on how podcasting helped her find her voice as a writer, and learn to work quickly and not overthink things.

(00:10:46) Stanford Storytelling Project
Laura shares the origin story of the Stanford Storytelling Project and the way that all of her work experiences led her to her current position.

(00:15:16) The Student Experience
Laura highlights the transformative experiences students undergo in the SSP, the focus on the students' personal growth and the significance of embracing the messy, creative process as well as the actual career building opportunities that can come out of it. 

(00:18:34) Podcasting as a Career Advantage
Jen & Laura discuss using podcasting projects as a tool to enhance resumes and showcase personality. Insights into how audio storytelling offers a unique, intimate connection with listeners, setting applicants apart in job applications.

(00:21:30) Craft of Interview-Style Podcasting
Laura takes the audience through the key components of a story and how those are applied in an interview podcast context.

(00:26:03) Crafting a 30-Second Hook
Laura shares the importance of crafting an engaging 30-second hook and how she teaches this. 

(00:28:51) Episode and Show Titles
Discussion on the significance of episode post details, including show titles, descriptions, and episode artwork

(00:34:00) The Future of Podcasting in Higher Education
Laura Davis reflects on the opportunities and potential of podcasting in higher education, specifically the inclusive and accessible nature of podcasting for diverse learners.

(00:37:34) Closing
Neil and Jen reflect on their takeaways from their conversation with Laura.