EPISODE · May 4, 2026 · 31 MIN
How MIT Turns Teaching into Podcasts, Video, and Reach
from Continuing Studies: Higher Ed Podcasting · host Jennifer-Lee Gunson & Neil McPhedran. HigherEdPods.com. Podium Podcast Co.
25 years ago, MIT made a bold choice: share our knowledge with the world, free of charge. Eventually, out of this, Chalk Radio was born as one tool of MIT's OpenCourseWare to deliver that knowledge. In this episode, Neil and Jen talk with Brett Paci, producer of the Chalk Radio podcast and Assistant Director of Media Production at MIT OpenCourseWare, about how that mission has evolved over 20+ years. From static course materials, to YouTube lectures, to short-form clips, to narrative audio, and now to full podcast and video formats. What makes their approach stand out is that it’s never been about chasing formats; it’s about following the audience. Brett shares how the team experiments constantly, and adapts based on how people actually consume content, whether that’s a 30-second clip, a full lecture, or a long-form conversation. It’s a practical look at how one of the world’s most recognizable institutions continues to evolve, not by sticking to one format, but by constantly adapting to meet learners where they are.Episode Links:Contact Brett Paci on LinkedInMIT OpenCourseWareChalk Radio PodcastMIT OpenCourseWare on YouTubeWhere in the World are Jen & Neil:Higher Ed Pod ConThe Podcast Show (London) EPOD ConferenceConnect 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) - Who is OpenCourseWare For? (01:06) - Introduction (03:49) - Brett Paci and The Origins of OpenCourseWare (06:56) - From Course Materials to YouTube Growth (07:14) - Expanding Beyond What to Teach to How to Teach (08:26) - From Short Clips to Full Podcast Conversations (09:29) - Building an Audience Before Launching a Podcast (10:57) - Why Format Should Follow the Audience (13:19) - From Narrative Production to Conversational Podcasting (18:09) - Returning to Video and Experimenting with Format (21:24) - Testing Content: Full Episodes, Clips, and What Performs (26:00) - Treating Video as a Pilot and Learning What Works (30:10) - Conclusion Join us at Higher Ed Pod Con in Cleveland, OH, July 16 - 17 2026Sign up by May 29 for Early Bird Pricing
What this episode covers
25 years ago, MIT made a bold choice: share our knowledge with the world, free of charge. Eventually, out of this, Chalk Radio was born as one tool of MIT's OpenCourseWare to deliver that knowledge. In this episode, Neil and Jen talk with Brett Paci, producer of the Chalk Radio podcast and Assistant Director of Media Production at MIT OpenCourseWare, about how that mission has evolved over 20+ years. From static course materials, to YouTube lectures, to short-form clips, to narrative audio, and now to full podcast and video formats. What makes their approach stand out is that it’s never been about chasing formats; it’s about following the audience. Brett shares how the team experiments constantly, and adapts based on how people actually consume content, whether that’s a 30-second clip, a full lecture, or a long-form conversation. It’s a practical look at how one of the world’s most recognizable institutions continues to evolve, not by sticking to one format, but by constantly adapting to meet learners where they are.Episode Links:Contact Brett Paci on LinkedInMIT OpenCourseWareChalk Radio PodcastMIT OpenCourseWare on YouTubeWhere in the World are Jen & Neil:Higher Ed Pod ConThe Podcast Show (London) EPOD ConferenceConnect 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) - Who is OpenCourseWare For? (01:06) - Introduction (03:49) - Brett Paci and The Origins of OpenCourseWare (06:56) - From Course Materials to YouTube Growth (07:14) - Expanding Beyond What to Teach to How to Teach (08:26) - From Short Clips to Full Podcast Conversations (09:29) - Building an Audience Before Launching a Podcast (10:57) - Why Format Should Follow the Audience (13:19) - From Narrative Production to Conversational Podcasting (18:09) - Returning to Video and Experimenting with Format (21:24) - Testing Content: Full Episodes, Clips, and What Performs (26:00) - Treating Video as a Pilot and Learning What Works (30:10) - Conclusion Join us at Higher Ed Pod Con in Cleveland, OH, July 16 - 17 2026Sign up by May 29 for Early Bird Pricing
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How MIT Turns Teaching into Podcasts, Video, and Reach
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