Using Academic Research to Make Sense of the News Cycle

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

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