25 years ago, MIT made a bold choice: share our knowledge with the world, free of charge. Eventually, out of this, Chalk Radio was born as one tool of MIT's OpenCourseWare to deliver that knowledge.

In this episode, Neil and Jen talk with Brett Paci, producer of the Chalk Radio podcast and Assistant Director of Media Production at MIT OpenCourseWare, about how that mission has evolved over 20+ years. From static course materials, to YouTube lectures, to short-form clips, to narrative audio, and now to full podcast and video formats. What makes their approach stand out is that it’s never been about chasing formats; it’s about following the audience.

Brett shares how the team experiments constantly, and adapts based on how people actually consume content, whether that’s a 30-second clip, a full lecture, or a long-form conversation. It’s a practical look at how one of the world’s most recognizable institutions continues to evolve, not by sticking to one format, but by constantly adapting to meet learners where they are.

Episode Links:

• Contact Brett Paci on LinkedIn
• MIT OpenCourseWare
• Chalk Radio Podcast
• MIT OpenCourseWare on YouTube

Where in the World are Jen & Neil:

• Higher Ed Pod Con
• The Podcast Show (London)
• EPOD Conference

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) - Who is OpenCourseWare For?
• (02:12) - Introduction
• (04:55) - Brett Paci and The Origins of OpenCourseWare
• (08:02) - From Course Materials to YouTube Growth
• (08:20) - Expanding Beyond What to Teach to How to Teach
• (09:32) - From Short Clips to Full Podcast Conversations
• (10:35) - Building an Audience Before Launching a Podcast
• (12:03) - Why Format Should Follow the Audience
• (14:25) - From Narrative Production to Conversational Podcasting
• (19:15) - Returning to Video and Experimenting with Format
• (22:30) - Testing Content: Full Episodes, Clips, and What Performs
• (27:06) - Treating Video as a Pilot and Learning What Works
• (31:16) - Conclusion

Join us at Higher Ed Pod Con in Cleveland, OH, July 16 - 17 2026
Sign up by May 29 for Early Bird Pricing

What are the core skills that make a great podcast host? Before podcasting, there was broadcasting, and there’s still a lot to learn from it.

This week, Neil and Jen go back to school, well, Jen's school that is. They head to BCIT’s broadcasting studios to host Jen’s former instructors, Kathryn Stewart and Kevin Ribble, now co-hosts of Ignite My Voice. Kat and Kevin share what podcast hosts can learn from broadcast training, using your breath to manage nerves on the mic, how to keep an audience engaged, storytelling & listening, and letting go of imposter syndrome.

They also explore co-host dynamics, writing for audio, and how podcasting blends the discipline of radio with the freedom of conversation. It’s a fun, practical, behind-the-scenes look at the core skills that make for better podcasting—and why your voice is your most powerful tool.

Episode Links:

• Ignite My Voice
• Listen to the Ignite my Voice Podcast
• Contact Kevin | Kat
• BCIT's Broadcasting Program

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
• (05:31) - Introducing Kat, Kevin, and the BCIT Program
• (07:24) - Ignite My Voice & Podcast Freedom
• (11:08) - Keeping Listeners Engaged and Telling Better Stories
• (13:12) - Conversation Flow & "Story-Listening"
• (15:58) - Managing Nerves, Confidence, and Imposter Syndrome
• (19:27) - The “One Listener” Mindset and Audience Connection
• (21:25) - Voice, Breath, and the Mind-Body Approach to Hosting
• (25:27) - Co-Hosting, Scripts, and Finding Your Natural Style
• (29:43) - Conversation vs. Interview
• (31:17) - Letting Go of Fear
• (33:59) - Conclusion

Join us at Higher Ed Pod Con in Cleveland, OH, July 16 - 17 2026
Sign up by May 29 for Early Bird Pricing

What does it take to turn rigorous scientific research into stories millions of people actually want to listen to?

This week, Neil and Jen sit down with Blythe Terrell, executive editor of Science Vs., to learn how one of the world’s most popular science podcasts blends deep research, narrative storytelling, and a bit of humour to reach millions of listeners. Science Vs. certainly doesn't opt for the path of least resistance, Blythe walks Jen & Neil through the realities of making a weekly narrative show and their extensive fact-checking and citation practices.

The conversation also explores what higher education podcasters can learn from Science Vs.: how to build trust with audiences, how to story-tell your research, and why showing your work through transcripts and citations matters more than ever. Along the way, Blythe shares insights from teaching podcasting at NYU, working with scientists to communicate beyond academic jargon, and even collaborating on peer-reviewed research sparked by podcast episodes. It’s a thoughtful look at how podcasting can expand the reach and impact of scientific research, while having a whole lot of fun.

Episode Links:

• Listen to Science Vs.
• Contact Blythe
• NYU's Science, Health & Environmental Reporting Program
• Queen's University Sexual Health Research Lab | Blue Balls & Sexual Coersion | The Orgasm Gap

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
• (03:59) - What Is Science Vs. and How the Show Works
• (05:25) - Inside the Narrative Production Process
• (09:37) - Treating Episodes Like Research
• (10:26) - Handling Feedback, Criticism, and Listener Trust
• (13:44) - Why Show Notes, Citations, and Transcripts Matter
• (17:37) - Teaching Podcasting and Science Communication at NYU
• (23:35) - Science Vs. & Queen's University's Published Research
• (31:44) - The Future of Podcasting in Higher Education
• (33:43) - Conclusion

Join us at Higher Ed Pod Con in Cleveland, OH, July 16 - 17 2026
Sign up by May 29 for Early Bird Pricing