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

How a podcast amplifies Black voices and their journeys of excellence at UIC.

Dr. Aisha El-Amin, Executive Associate Vice Provost of Student Success and Belonging at the University of Illinois Chicago, reflects on the power of storytelling to create belonging, visibility, and momentum for students. She shares how the Black Excellence Podcast began as a 28-day project and grew into an award-winning platform that helps students see themselves in the stories of alumni, faculty, and peers. Aisha also opens up about her own journey—from military service to teaching to higher-ed leadership—and how authentic conversations can bridge gaps traditional communication often misses. Her perspective offers inspiration for anyone using podcasting to strengthen community and support student success.

Episode Links:

• Dr. Aisha El-Amin | LinkedIn
• Leadership | Office of Student Success and Belonging | University of Illinois Chicago
• Black Excellence | UIC today

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
• (04:21) - Building Community Through Podcasting
• (05:36) - Creating the Black Excellence Podcast
• (09:12) - Producing 28 Episodes in 28 Days
• (11:00) - Growing a Campus Podcasting Ecosystem
• (11:53) - Capturing Authentic Conversations
• (13:46) - The Expanding Future of Podcasting
• (16:48) - Why Administrators Should Podcast
• (19:10) - The Changing Role of Writing and Communication
• (23:47) - Encouraging Authentic Voice
• (26:07) - How Podcasting Builds Connection
• (27:47) - Finding and Inviting Guests
• (30:07) - Strengthening Alumni Connection
• (31:51) - Advice for New Higher Ed Podcasters
• (34:49) - Personal Journey to Higher Ed
• (37:24) - Conclusion