How a campus network bridges broadcast and podcast to engage students.

At BYU Radio, podcasting is reshaping how students and educators share stories of faith, creativity, and connection. Senior producer Heather Bigley offers an inside look at how a traditional university radio network transitioned toward a podcast-first model—empowering students to produce their own shows, experiment with storytelling formats, and reach audiences far beyond campus. From the interfaith conversations of In Good Faith to the youth-driven energy of Take a Leap, the conversation explores how hands-on learning, collaboration, and digital innovation are transforming higher ed media. Heather discusses the balance between mentorship and independence, the role of social media in audience engagement, and how podcasts can help young creators find purpose and build bridges in today’s diverse world.

Episode Links:

• Heather Bigley | LinkedIn
• BYU Radio
• Take a Leap - BYUradio

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
• (03:00) - BYU Radio
• (04:28) - The Pivot from Radio to Podcasting
• (07:28) - The Birth of “Take a Leap”
• (10:08) - Student Ownership and Mentorship
• (11:42) - Collaboration Across Campus
• (12:46) - Access and Infrastructure
• (15:35) - Teaching Through Trust
• (18:40) - Students and the Studio Experience
• (20:16) - Social Media as an Extension of the Show
• (23:34) - Lessons from Higher Ed PodCon
• (25:32) - Why Student-Led Podcasting Matters
• (26:47) - Conclusion

A campus podcast that is a stage for student voices, faculty wisdom, and the spirit of community.

Dr. Greg Pillar shares how The Bulldog Mindset podcast grew from an idea into a thriving campus podcast that amplifies the voices of students, faculty, and the broader Gardner-Webb community. Through thoughtful preparation, creative questions, and a commitment to authentic conversation, he reflects on lessons learned from the first season, the importance of consistency, and the surprising ways podcasting builds confidence and connection. His insights reveal how a single show can capture the energy of academic life while leaving a platform for future voices to carry forward.

Episode Links:

• The Bulldog Mindset Podcast
• Greg Pillar | LinkedIn
• Greg Pillar
• Dr. Gregory D. Pillar - Gardner-Webb University

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
• (05:25) - Launching The Bulldog Mindset
• (07:38) - Who’s the Audience
• (08:37) - Student Voices: “What’s in Your Backpack?”
• (09:50) - Lessons from Season One
• (12:12) - Passing Knowledge Forward
• (13:27) - Developing Interview Skills
• (14:53) - The Team Behind the Podcast
• (15:48) - Building a Consistent Podcast Rhythm
• (17:55) - Leaving a Legacy
• (19:43) - Student Opportunities in Podcasting
• (21:37) - From Q&A to Conversation
• (22:50) - Giving Students a Voice
• (25:20) - Greg’s Broader Podcast Journey
• (29:15) - Conclusion

How a higher ed leader built a podcast on her own terms.

Sarah Holtan, Assistant Provost of Academic Affairs at Carroll University and creator of Get Down to College Business, shares her journey as a “lone wolf” podcaster building a show outside of institutional walls. She discusses the advantages and challenges of separating her passion project from her day job, the legal and practical steps she took to protect her work, and the lessons she’s learned about setting goals, building her network, and sustaining momentum. With insights on ownership, consistency, and professional growth, this conversation offers valuable takeaways for anyone considering launching or maintaining a higher education podcast.

Episode Links:

• Sarah Gilbert Holtan, PhD - Carroll University | LinkedIn
• Get Down to College Business | Business & Higher Ed Podcast
• Higher Educational Leadership Training & College Consulting Services
• Get Down to College Business

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
• (04:04) - Building Networks at PodCon
• (05:29) - Sarah’s Journey & Hats Worn
• (07:17) - Launching Get Down to College Business
• (09:01) - Lone Wolf Podcasting
• (13:33) - Day Job vs. Passion Project
• (15:37) - From Passion Project to Personal Brand
• (17:55) - Building Community Through EdUp
• (19:03) - Talking with Your Institution
• (22:10) - Institutional vs. Independent Podcasts
• (25:31) - Pro Tips for Going Solo
• (29:46) - Overcoming Podfade
• (31:33) - Monetization & Growth
• (34:15) - Conclusion