Plato University: Podcasts are the new classrooms

Explore the potential for podcasting to be the classroom of the future and how Brandon Stover is making that a reality for the 630,000 downloads from Plato University. Brandon shares his passion for making education accessible for all, and why podcasting is the most effective medium for this. The discussion sheds light on the persistent issue of audience connection, the importance of owning podcast assets. Delving into his podcasting strategy, Brandon reveals the power of research based titles and how he utilizes websites like Answer the Public, to align episode content and titles with audience search patterns. Explore the future trends of podcasting, from the revolutionary potential of Bitcoin and Web3 integration to the expanding role of podcasts in higher education. Whether you're fascinated by the evolving podcasting landscape or interest in changing education delivery, there are valuable takeaways for everyone.Connect with us:Learn More: Continuing Studies PodcastJoin: University Podcasters Network LinkedIn GroupConnect w/ Jen: Jen LinkedIn or [email protected] w/ Neil:  Neil LinkedIn or [email protected]:  @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastcoYoutubeConnect with Brandon & Plato UniversityLearn More: https://www.plato.university/TwitterYouTubeLinkedInChapter Timestamps:(00:00:00) IntroductionHost’s Neil McPhedran and Jennifer-Lee Gunson introduce the show and discuss Brandon's podcasting journey and Plato University's mission.(00:02:53) Making Education AccessibleBrandon shares his background and journey with podcasting, the genesis of Plato University, and the goal of making education accessible to everyone. (00:05:40) Designing Courses and Finding PurposeJennifer & Brandon discuss the purpose and career courses at Plato University, focusing on helping individuals find their purpose.(00:06:59) Podcasting as a Medium for LearningDiscussion on how & why podcasting is utilized as the learning medium at Plato University.(00:09:53) Student Feedback and ImpactBrandon shares insights from student feedback and his courses' profound impact on individuals. Neil discusses the Calendly idea for generating audience feedback, questioning Brandon about its implementation in podcast lessons.(00:13:08) Marketing and Episode TitlesBrandon shares his marketing strategy, and the organic growth of Plato University and how he utilizes SEO research for titling purposes.(00:16:46) Entrepreneurial Background and Learning Neil & Brandon discuss how to use a website effectively in podcasting to own your audience with the vulnerability of apps.(00:20:21) The Future for Podcasting & Higher Education The future of podcasting in higher education and its potential to reach a global audience and disrupt traditional educational models.(00:22:53) Advice for New PodcastersBrandon provides the pieces of advice for new podcasters: choose a topic you are passionate about and get a good microphone. Consistency and passion are key.(00:24:22) Podcasting’s EvolutionBrandon discusses the opportunity for creating feedback channels in podcasting as well as the intersection of podcasting with Bitcoin, Web3, and Podcasting 2.0.(00:26:45) ConclusionNeil & Jen share their key takeaways and learnings from their conversion with Brandon.  (00:00) - Introduction (02:53) - Making Education Accessible (05:40) - Designing Courses and Finding Purpose (06:59) - Podcasting as a Medium for Learning (09:53) - Student Feedback and Impact (13:08) - Marketing and Episode Titles (16:46) - Entrepreneurial Background and Learning (20:21) - The Future for Podcasting & Higher Education (22:53) - Advice for New Podcasters (24:22) - Podcasting’s Evolution (26:45) - Conclusion Join us at Higher Ed Pod Con in Cleveland, OH, July 16 - 17 2026Sign up by May 29 for Early Bird Pricing