Beyond the Interview: Using a Book Club Podcast to Bring Academic Expertise to the Public

How can academics make their ideas easier to find, more engaging, and harder to misrepresent?In this episode of Continuing Studies, Neil and Jen dig into the podcast, Archaeology Books for Fun with hosts Tristan Harrenstein and Barbara Clark. Barbara and Tristan excavate the ways they've used their podcast to reach an audience segment they were missing in their other public education programs, using a book club format, non-academic texts, playful branding, and eye-catching artwork. Take a listen to unearth practical tips on building a niche podcast, making expert knowledge approachable, and giving academics a clearer voice in the public conversation.Episode Links:Listen to Archaeology Books Are FunFollow Archaeology Books Are FunConnect with BarbaraConnect with TristanConnect with Us:Share Feedback & Ask Questions: [email protected] More: Continuing Studies PodcastFollow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn PageJoin LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters NetworkConnect w/ Jen: LinkedIn or  [email protected] Connect w/ Neil:  LinkedIn or [email protected]:  @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastcoYoutubeHigherEdPodsChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:35) - Meet Barbara Clark and Tristan Harrenstein (03:04) - How Archaeology Books for Fun got started (05:28) - Finding the audience public outreach often misses (06:37) - Why archaeologists need a seat at the media table (07:48) - Making a “dry” subject feel inviting (08:51) - Turning non-academic books into podcast conversations (11:00) - A different path beyond guest interviews (13:30) - Reading with a critical archaeological lens (14:08) - What strong branding does for a niche show (18:13) - Small changes that helped the show grow (21:01) - Letting audience data guide the next dig (23:38) - Podcasting as long-term public education (26:37) - Conclusion Join us at Higher Ed Pod Con in Cleveland, OH, July 16 - 17 2026Sign up by May 29 for Early Bird Pricing