UCW: Podcasting as Curriculum

Unravel the dynamic relationship between podcast & curriculum, both as a part of it, and a driving force behind it, with Dr. Gelareh Farhadian and Dave Keighron from the University Canada West. Through insightful anecdotes, learn how the "Innovation Fuel" podcast emerged as a powerful educational tool, teaching critical thinking and practical skills through real world case studies and cultivating invaluable networking opportunities for students. The unique role their producer plays in curating meaningful content and driving collaboration is also visited. Explore the symbiotic relationship between podcast and classroom, and unearth the unexpected outcomes and career-readiness benefits it offers to both students and educators.(00:00:00) IntroductionJen and Neil provide some background on UCW, and introduce Dr. Gelareh Farhadian and Dave Keighron  of the "Innovation Fuel" podcast from the University of Canada West.(00:03:05) The origins of Innovation FuelLearn what began "Innovation Fuel" and the unexpected learner benefits that have grown out of it(00:06:42) The Prototyping ProcessDave & Gelareh discuss how the podcast has evolved from a conceptual idea, and what they have learned and changed along the way(00:12:12) Podcast as CurriculumUnravel the different ways of integrating the podcasting into the curriculum, and how the podcast has shaped the curriculum.(00:16:34) The Vital Role of the ProducerDave & Gelareh expand on how working with Tomas, their producer, has positively evolved their podcast through his connections and relationships with students, faculty, & the business community.(00:18:32) The Feedback LoopDiscover the multitude of channels that Dave & Gelareh are receiving feedback and applying it to the podcast(00:20:45) True Evergreen ContentNot only do past episodes continue to be available and serve as learning tools for students, Dave & Gelareh explain how they are building these up with followup and expanding their storytelling for learning and continuing to explore new solutions.(00:22:09) Parting Wisdom: Podcasting TakeawaysDave shares his advice to start doing, and Reid Hoffman’s “ Build your airplane as you’re falling off the cliff.”(00:27:46) Conclusion & closing.Neil & Jenn share their key takeaways from the episode. (00:00) - Introduction (03:05) - The origins of Innovation Fuel (06:42) - The Prototyping Process (12:12) - Podcast as Curriculum (16:34) - The Vital Role of the Producer (18:32) - The Feedback Loop (20:45) - True Evergreen Content (22:09) - Parting Wisdom: Podcasting Takeaways (27:46) - Conclusion Join us at Higher Ed Pod Con in Cleveland, OH, July 16 - 17 2026Sign up by May 29 for Early Bird Pricing