
Using Academic Research to Make Sense of the News Cycle
From Continuing Studies: Higher Ed Podcasting by Jennifer-Lee Gunson & Neil McPhedran. HigherEdPods.com. Podium Podcast Co.
May 18, 2026 · 34 min · Episode 75
About this episode
The episode discusses how academic research can help interpret the news cycle through podcasting, featuring insights from Gemma Ware.
How can a podcast use academic research to help us make sense of today’s news? Neil and Jen talk with Gemma Ware , head of audio at The Conversation UK and host/co-producer of The Conversation Weekly , about how the show brings academic expertise into the news cycle through narrative-produced audio. Gemma shares how The Conversation pairs academic rigour with journalistic flair, helping researchers explain complex ideas in a way that’s clear, accessible, and useful for a general audience. The conversation also digs into the craft behind the show: structuring episodes around the question “How did we get here?”, working with academics on mic, sustaining a weekly production schedule, and thinking strategically about multimedia, video, and discoverability. It’s a thoughtful look at how higher ed podcasters can translate expertise into stories that help listeners better understand the world around them. Episode Links: The Conversation Weekly The Conversation Gemma Ware Profile 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…
People in this episode
Hosts: Jennifer-Lee Gunson, Neil McPhedran
Guest: Gemma Ware
Topics covered
- academic research
- news cycle
- podcasting
- journalism
- higher education
- storytelling
Keywords
- academic expertise
- narrative audio
- complex ideas
- production schedule
- multimedia
- discoverability
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: The Conversation UK, The Conversation Weekly, Continuing Studies Podcast, University Podcasters Network
More episodes of Continuing Studies: Higher Ed Podcasting
- How to Use Podcasting for Participatory Research · June 1, 2026 · 31 min
- How MIT Turns Teaching into Podcasts, Video, and Reach · May 4, 2026 · 33 min
- How To Be a Better Podcast Host (or Co-host) · April 20, 2026 · 36 min
- How Science Vs. Turns Research Into Stories: Jokes, Citations, and a Lot of Editing · April 6, 2026 · 35 min
- Opening Doors for Academic Voices · March 23, 2026 · 35 min
- From the Classroom to Industry Jobs: Inside a Master’s Program in Podcasting · March 9, 2026 · 34 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Continuing Studies: Higher Ed Podcasting podcast page.