By Philip Wilkerson, University Career Services
Representatives from George Mason University shared approaches to sustainable podcast production and student-led podcasting at HigherEd PodCon, held July 16–17 at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, Ohio. Their sessions addressed balancing podcasting with other professional responsibilities and how student organizations can support aspiring podcasters.
The conference brought together approximately 165 higher education professionals, faculty members, and staff members from colleges and universities across the country. Kelly Chandler of the Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning who produces the “Keystone Concepts in Teaching Podcast” and Philip Wilkerson of University Career Services represented George Mason, an avid podcaster with his own podcast Positive Philter.
Chandler presented “Do I Even Have Time for This? Starting a Podcast That Isn’t Your Entire Job,” a session about developing a podcast alongside other professional responsibilities.
“I was super excited when I saw that there was a podcast conference that was specifically for higher education, because we are a little bit different than the rest of the podcast industry,” Chandler said. “This was a really great opportunity to just talk to people who understand the industry that we’re in.”
Wilkerson presented “How to Create a Registered Student Organization to Support Student Podcasters.” His session highlighted the Podcast Club at George Mason, a registered student organization that brings together students interested in podcasting. Wilkerson advises the club and is a doctoral student in George Mason’s Department of Communication.
For the club’s student leaders, the experience extended beyond producing audio.
“Leading The State of Podcast and serving as president of the Podcast Club has taught me life skills like time management and communication in ways I never could have learned otherwise,” said Max Castner, club president.
Ella Waters, the club’s social media coordinator, said the organization has also introduced her to ideas and interests outside the podcasts she normally follows.
“The podcast world is incredibly broad, and being part of the club allows me to better understand the passions of others and explore topics that I wouldn’t normally educate myself on,” Waters said.
David Ramadan, a faculty member from the Schar School of Policy and Government, was named a finalist for HigherEd PodCon’s inaugural Podcast of the Year award. He was honored for his podcast, Policy and Governance Perspectives, whose inaugural episode featured notable guests, including former Governors of Virginia Terry McAuliffe (2014–2018) and Bob McDonnell (2010–2014). The Conference organizers selected the finalists from more than 150 submissions.
HigherEd PodCon was created to connect podcast producers working across colleges, universities, and departments. Conference co-founder and co-organizer Elvin Freytes said the gathering was intended to help participants find one another and consider how podcasting can support their work.
“We wanted to start building community, not just across different institutions, but within those departments too,” Freytes said. “We want people to understand the value of podcasting and how to use it strategically to help their mission.”
At George Mason, the Podcast Club gives that broader conversation a student-centered form: a place where students can encounter new subjects, practice communication and time management, and learn from peers who share an interest in podcasting.