From Student To Practitioner To Instructor: Penn State's Podcast Ecosystem

Building partnership & keeping alumni engaged through podcasting.Katie DeFiore shares her journey from a passionate podcast listener to becoming a key player in the educational podcasting scene at Penn State. She frames the creation and development of “Dare to Disrupt,” detailing the strategic planning, marketing, and alumni engagement that have shaped its success. The conversation also explores the significance of integrating podcasting with university programs and the impact of live podcast events. Katie also provides insight into the partnership between podcasting and alumni engagement.Episode Links:Katie DeFiore: LinkedIn Katie DeFiore’s Podcast: Dare to DisruptThe Democracy GroupInvent Penn StateLaunchBox & Innovation NetworkConnect with UsShare Feedback & Ask Questions: [email protected] More: Continuing Studies PodcastFollow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn PageJoin LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14115712/Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn or  [email protected] Connect w/ Neil:  LinkedIn or [email protected]:  @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastcoYoutubeHigherEdPodsChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionHosts Neil McPhedran and Jennifer-Lee introduce guest Katie DeFiore, producer of the "Dare to Disrupt" podcast from Penn State.(00:02:04) Katie DeFiore’s JourneyKatie shares her journey from student to podcast producer, including her work with the Democracy Group Podcast Network.(00:03:34) About Dare to DisruptHow the Dare to Disrupt podcast started, highlighting stories of Penn State alumni who are innovators and entrepreneurs.(00:05:29) Engaging Alumni and Format StrategyInsight into how the podcast engages alumni and integrates into the broader marketing strategy of Invent Penn State.(00:09:24) Invent Penn State OverviewThe mission and programs of Invent Penn State, including the LaunchBox and Innovation Network.(00:11:29) Collaboration with Ryan NewmanWorking with outside collaborator Ryan Newman and the importance of feedback for continuous improvement.(00:13:35) Live Podcasting ExperienceThe experience and logistics of recording a live podcast episode during Penn State Startup Week.(00:17:31) Impact of Live EpisodesThe impact and feedback from the live podcast episode, and the challenges of tracking audience growth.(00:20:00) Teaching Podcasting at Penn StateThe transition from taking the first podcasting class at Penn State to teaching it, highlighting the growing interest in podcasting among students.(00:22:37) Building a Podcasting CommunityKatie’s initiative to create a Penn State Podcasting Community of Practice, fostering collaboration and support among university podcasters.(00:25:24) Higher Ed Pods Global CommunityConnecting Penn State podcasters with the global Higher Ed Pods community.(00:26:24) Conclusion (00:00) - Introduction (02:04) - Katie DeFiore’s Journey (03:34) - About Dare to Disrupt (05:29) - Engaging Alumni and Format Strategy (09:24) - Invent Penn State Overview (11:29) - Collaboration with Ryan Newman (13:35) - Live Podcasting Experience (17:31) - Impact of Live Episodes (20:00) - Teaching Podcasting at Penn State (22:37) - Building a Podcasting Community (25:24) - Higher Ed Pods Global Community (26:24) - Conclusion Join us at Higher Ed Pod Con in Cleveland, OH, July 16 - 17 2026Sign up by May 29 for Early Bird Pricing