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

How a college podcast network builds community across the campus.

Ryan Record, Podcast Network Manager at Howard Community College, shares how Dragon Media Podcasts evolved from a digital radio station into a thriving, community-driven podcast network. He discusses building a diverse slate of shows spanning student life, literature, film, and public health—each designed to connect campus and community voices. Ryan reflects on leadership transitions, creative collaboration, and the importance of vetting new shows with educational and community value in mind. He also offers practical advice for building a podcast network from the ground up, gaining institutional support, and sustaining audience engagement through social media consistency and cross-promotion. A thoughtful look at how a college podcast network aligns campus and community.

Episode Links:

• Dragon Podcasts | Howard Community College
• Dragon Media | Howard Community College
• Ryan Record | LinkedIn

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
• (03:18) - Ryan’s New Role and Vision
• (04:03) - What is the Dragon Podcast Network?
• (04:54) - Inside the Howard Community College Ecosystem
• (05:43) - The Dragon Network’s Shows
• (07:16) - Genesis of the Dragon Podcast Network
• (09:34) - Integrating with the College Community
• (10:46) - The Team and Structure
• (11:28) - The Vetting Process for New Shows
• (13:42) - Building Awareness and Audience
• (15:45) - Tips for Starting a Podcast Network
• (16:54) - Budget and Institutional Support
• (17:53) - How Dragon Media Fits Into College Structure
• (20:13) - Lessons from Higher Ed PodCon
• (21:04) - The Role of Social Media
• (22:57) - Cross-Promotion and Network Synergy
• (24:43) - Building Together, Not Competing
• (25:57) - Final Advice: Take Care of Your Team
• (27:35) - Conclusion

A strategic new content pillar from Knowledge at Wharton, extending the brand’s reach through podcasting.

Dee Patel, Director of Content in Wharton’s Marketing and Communications department, shares how her team transformed the school’s long-standing Knowledge at Wharton brand into a new podcast network designed to make faculty research more accessible. Drawing on her background in broadcasting, Dee explains how the initiative evolved from a single show, Ripple Effect, into a growing network featuring programs like This Week in Business, Marketing Matters, Moneyball, and Where AI Works. With strategic focus and creative collaboration, the team has turned academic insight into meaningful conversations that connect research, industry, and audiences beyond the classroom.

Episode Links:

• Podcasts - Knowledge at Wharton
• Dee Patel | LinkedIn

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
• (05:00) - What Is Knowledge at Wharton?
• (07:56) - Strategy Behind the Podcast Network
• (10:47) - Podcasting as a Media Platform for Institutions
• (14:14) - The Three Cs: Content, Commitment, Consistency
• (17:31) - Creating a New Role & Streamlined Workflow
• (20:03) - The Five Podcasts in the Network
• (22:17) - Legacy Shows and Faculty Hosts
• (24:09) - Cross-Promotion Strategy & Network Synergy
• (27:24) - Leveraging Audiences & Faculty Collaboration
• (28:25) - Advice for Limited Resources & Growing a Team
• (31:53) - Partnering with Sponsors Like Accenture
• (35:53) - Transitioning From SiriusXM to Podcast Platforms
• (37:51) - Lessons on Audience Growth and Expectations
• (39:58) - Conclusion