15 Higher Ed Podcasts You Should Be Listening to

As an avid podcast listener (and producer) there is one thing I can tell you with certainty: right now is a great time to build your library with new shows to inspire you to do your best work.

There are a bunch of fantastic podcasts out in the world that have a higher ed focus and that serve as an awesome, accessible form of professional development. They cover everything from research, teaching, technology, and hearing directly from diverse professionals about the work they do.

As a medium, podcasts are having a moment right now. Monthly listenership has grown steadily for the past decade and as of early 2018, half of all US homes are podcast fans.

50% of all homes are podcast fans - Credit: Nielsen Q3 2017 Podcast Insights

Credit: Nielsen Q3 2017 Podcast Insights

Basically, there are millions of people listening to millions of episodes from hundreds of thousands of shows. Many of these fans are listening to several shows at once (I know I always have a bunch of episodes from different shows in my feed). It’s a booming medium that is giving a platform to new voices on all sort of topics, and higher ed is no exception.

Smartphones drive podcast usage — Credit: Nielsen Q1 2018 Podcast Insights

Credit: Nielsen Q1 2018 Podcast Insights

With all of that being said, and without further ado, here are some higher ed shows you need to be listening to right now:

1 & 2.Research in Action (and You Got This)

If you’re more inclined towards academic research, then Research in Action (RIA) is the show for you. Launched in April 2016 and hosted by Dr. Katie Linder from Oregon State, it has a robust library of awesome episodes with amazing guests focusing on all aspects of the research process, from funding to publishing. Katie also hosts the You Got This (YGT) podcast, which is more generally applicable to education professionals as they balance all the commitments of their work and lives.

3 & 4. EdSurge On Air (and Future U)

As someone who would consider themselves an amateur futurist, I really enjoy listening to both EdSurge On Air and Future U. They’re both great looks at how higher education is evolving and the people who are making that evolution happen. EdSurge On Air is the podcast arm of the digital publication of the same name, and Future U is hosted by Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn. They often cover similar topics from different perspectives, so I recommend checking out both shows.

5. Teaching in Higher Ed

This show is another powerhouse in the higher ed podcasting world. Hosted by Bonni Stachowiak, it has over 200 episodes and is a great hub of resources as well. While focused on pedagogy, this could be a great way to increase your exposure to what the faculty at your institution may be thinking about (and you might possibly be able to make a connection through the show!).

6. EdTech Podcast

Based in the UK and hosted by Sophie Bailey, this show hones in on universal topics in the education technology world. Recent topics have included blockchain, self-directed learning, and game-based learning. There is also some international flair here, so it is neat to see how higher education is developing around the world.

7. ConnectEDU Network

This pick is actually a bunch of shows (including my own). The ConnectEDU podcast network is bringing together and building up diverse voices in higher ed to grow all aspects of the field. Shows on the network include Advancement Legends, Higher Ed Social, Josie & The Podcast, Hashtag Higher Ed, and Enrollment Growth University. We’re currently working on expanding the network members, putting out our newsletter, speaking at conferences, and curating more blog content.

Editor’s Note: Dustin’s own podcast, Higher Ed Geek, is also streamable on the ConnectEDU Network. 

Honorable Mentions (these shows may have some divergent focuses, and some are off the air, but their episode libraries are great to listen to!):

8. EduPunx:

Hosted by Craig Bidiman and occasional guest host (and frequent contributor) Katy Hamm, this show highlights disruptive educators and professionals with a broad array of backgrounds in music, art, and higher ed.

9. The Front Row:

While only consisting of one season, this show (produced by higher ed tech company, 2U) focuses on awesome stories about education and technology.

10. Campus:

This is an award-winning Canadian show exploring unique student stories, but it has been off the air for over a year.

11. BreakDrink:

 A reboot of their original show of the same name, this is a fun and relevant look at higher ed current events hosted by Laura Pasquini and Jeff Jackson.

12. The Weightlist:

An enrollment management podcast from Capture, this is a casual but serious show hosted by craft beer loving data nerds, Thom Golden and Brad Weiner.

13. HigherEdLive:

This long-running network features recorded live shows that focus on admissions, marketing, advancement, and student affairs.

14. The Student Affairs Collective:

Hosted by yours truly, this show ended last year but features a wide array of amazing professionals from all over the country and every functional area you can think of.

15. Resilient Campus:

This inclusion-focused show is hosted by Dr. Saby Labor and brings in a scholarly angle to the higher ed conversation.

Podcasting is becoming more ubiquitous, higher quality, and is representing more diverse voices. It is also a great accessible form of entertainment and education — so work a few of these shows into your feed, even if you’re just pulling a few episodes that spark your interest.

Is there a show we missed you want to recommend? Are you thinking of starting your own show? Need to find the right app to catch your podcasts? Reach out! We’d love to hear from you.

Feel free to tweet at us, @HigherEd_Geek & @themoderncampus!

Editor’s Note: We’re excited to let you know that Presence now has our own podcast called “Will There Be Food?” It’s full of delicious interviews and nutritious information to help you student affairs better. Listen to the trailer here:

…and check out all available episodes here.

Dustin Ramsdell

About the author: Dustin Ramsdell (he/him) is a graduate of the Rutgers University College Student Affairs Ed.M Program. He is a proud nerd and self-affirmed "Higher Ed Geek" who is excited to connect with folks who share his love of deep conversations. Learn how we can help get your students involved.