Know when to fold’em: Handing off the podcast mic

The challenging decision to possibly conclude your show.  Delve into the journey of Julie Bartucca and Tom Breen from the UConn 360 Podcast, discussing its inception, audience engagement, and the bittersweet decision to step back from hosting the show. Our guests share operational insights, the importance of storytelling, and advice for fellow podcasters considering similar transitions. Reflecting on favorite episodes and the emotional impact of their work, Julie and Tom's experiences offer a comprehensive look into the world of alumni podcasting and its potential to connect and inspire.Connect with UsLearn More: Continuing Studies PodcastJoin: University Podcasters Network LinkedIn GroupConnect w/ Jen: LinkedIn or  [email protected] Connect w/ Neil:  LinkedIn or [email protected]:  @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastcoYoutubeEpisode Reference Links:UConn 360 PodcastUConn's Fictional Student Body President  (Excerpt and original newspaper article of UConn’s fictional student president from Tom’s favorite episode)Ep. 3 - Play Us a Song, You're the Piano Brain  (Tom’s full favorite episode)Ep. 113 - How Hip-Hop Conquered the World (Julie’s favorite episode)Chapters:(00:00:00) Introduction Hosts Neil McPhedran and Jennifer-Lee introduce guests Julie and Tom from the UConn 360 podcast.(00:02:23) UConn 360 Podcast Overview A brief history of how the podcast started including its inspiration and original objectives.(00:06:04) Audience and Purpose of the Podcast The evolution of the target audience for the UConn 360 podcast and purpose of the podcast in storytelling and engaging with a wide audience.(00:09:03) Challenges of Podcasting and Decision to Step Back Challenges of maintaining the podcast amidst changing responsibilities and the process leading to the decision to end the podcast.(00:11:02) Operational Insights and Listener Engagement Operational aspects of running the podcast, including content creation, editing, and the impact of listener engagement and feedback.(00:14:17) Future of the Podcast and Succession Planning The future of the UConn 360 podcast, including potential new hosts and the importance of maintaining the original spirit..(00:18:13) Advice for Podcasters and Reflections on Podcasting Journey Advice for podcasters considering ending or handing over their podcast.(00:20:53) Favorite Episodes and Personal Highlights Julie and Tom’s favorite episodes and personal highlights from their time running the UConn 360 podcast.(00:24:20) Conclusion (00:00) - Introduction (02:23) - UConn 360 Podcast Overview (06:04) - Audience and Purpose of the Podcast (09:03) - Challenges of Podcasting and Decision to Step Back (11:02) - Operational Insights and Listener Engagement (14:17) - Future of the Podcast and Succession Planning (18:13) - Advice for Podcasters and Reflections on Podcasting Journey (20:53) - Favorite Episodes and Personal Highlights (24:20) - Conclusion Join us at Higher Ed Pod Con in Cleveland, OH, July 16 - 17 2026Sign up by May 29 for Early Bird Pricing