R2 Studios on turning serious history into compelling podcasts.

Jeanette Patrick and Jim Ambuske of R2 Studios join the Continuing Studies podcast to discuss the intersection of history, storytelling, and podcasting. They share how R2 Studios was founded with a mission to democratize history through engaging audio content, supported by academic rigor and creative production. From the challenges of building a podcast network within a university setting to the importance of funding, audience development, and cross-promotion, this conversation offers a candid look at what it takes to create compelling educational podcasts. Jeanette and Jim also reflect on the power of podcasting to bring overlooked narratives to light and their vision for future projects.

Episode Links:

• Jeanette Patrick
• Jeannette Patrick | LinkedIn
• Jim Ambuske
• Jim Ambuske | LinkedIn
• R2 Studios

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
• (03:05) - Founding of R2 Studios
• (05:21) - Why Historians Are Slow to Podcast
• (06:42) - Falling into History
• (08:21) - Why Podcasting Works for History
• (10:20) - Building a History Podcast Network
• (12:34) - Production Timelines & Historical Rigor
• (14:11) - Balancing Prep and Authenticity
• (16:02) - Handling Criticism and Corrections
• (17:23) - Who Listens to History Podcasts?
• (19:21) - The Power of Podcast Networks
• (24:00) - The Challenge of Academic Funding
• (27:49) - Non-Financial Rewards & Recognition
• (31:05) - What’s Next for R2 Studios?
• (33:33) - Conclusion

What if professional development was as accessible as your favorite podcast?

Dr. Lindsay Persohn shares her experience as a literacy scholar, podcast host, and educator using audio to transform professional learning and classroom engagement. From founding Classroom Caffeine to launching innovative “pod clubs,” she reveals how podcasting can make research more relatable, foster autonomy for teachers, and support asynchronous, differentiated learning. With examples from her teaching and research, she demonstrates how storytelling deepens understanding, builds connection, and opens up new possibilities for integrating podcasts into academic and professional spaces.

Episode Links:

• Lindsay Persohn | USF
• Lindsay Persohn
• Classroom Caffeine
• Education Through Podcasting
• Education Through Podcasting - Call for Papers

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
• (04:05) - The Origin of Classroom Caffeine
• (06:38) - Designing Conversations for Deeper Insight
• (08:29) - Embedding Podcasts into Coursework
• (11:27) - Why Audio Connects Differently
• (14:25) - What Are Teacher Pod Clubs?
• (19:03) - The Vision for Asynchronous Learning
• (21:30) - Inside the EPOD Conference
• (24:17) - Publishing Podcast-Based Research
• (28:40) - Advice for Educators Using Podcasts
• (30:31) - Conclusion

The future of journalism, podcasting’s role in education, and the challenge of misinformation in digital media.

Carl Hartley, a journalism lecturer at the University of Leeds and a BBC Five Live journalist, delves into the rapidly changing world of journalism education and the increasing role of digital media in shaping the industry. He shares insights on how universities are adapting their programs to equip students with multimedia skills, from traditional broadcasting to podcast production and social media storytelling. Carl outlines the growing concerns around misinformation in podcasting, the debate over potential regulation, and the responsibility of content creators to uphold journalistic integrity. Drawing from his research and involvement in the Education Through Podcasting Conference, Carl discusses how podcasts are not only transforming journalism but also becoming powerful tools for education and public discourse.

Episode Links:

• Carl Hartley | LinkedIn
• Carl Hartley
• Sound of Politics Podcast
• EPOD

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
• (04:06) - Background in Journalism
• (05:25) - How Journalism is Evolving
• (09:29) - The Rise of Podcasting in Journalism
• (14:06) - Balancing Teaching and Industry Work
• (16:29) - Using Podcasts as a Teaching Tool
• (18:57) - Is Podcast Regulation Needed
• (25:11) - Podcasting Guideline Collaboration
• (30:10) - Education Through Podcasting Conference
• (34:12) - Conclusion