Career podcasts and the student/alumni spotlights are popular podcast choices.There are a decent amount of university-based podcasts and social media channels out there with one of those topics.
While these topics certainly provide useful information to their audiences, they focus on aspects of the higher education experience that are already widely discussed. Students are used to researching and hearing about career paths and may already learn about the interesting things other students and alumni are doing through various social media channels.
While you may be tempted to go with one of the aforementioned topics, consider choosing a topic outside of school and career. Non-academic and non-career related topics are a great way to demonstrate to your target audience that you care about them as people, and not just university attendees.
In this article, we’ll unpack 4 surprisingly useful podcast topics that may sometimes be under-appreciated in academic circles. By contributing to other aspects of students’ life outside of academics, you’ll be making stronger students!
Wellness
The term wellness covers a wide range of topics, from fitness and food to lifestyle and daily habits. The concept of wellness has been circulating in academic circles and institutions especially within the last 2 years, since the start of the pandemic. Everyone from school administration to individual professors and students are realizing that in order to be a successful academic, one must take care of themselves in a holistic manner.
Oregon State University’s Student Health Services hosts The Wellness Check Podcast. The podcast is aimed at Oregon State students and features discussion on health resources as well as answers to health questions. Wellness podcasts like this one can be a great informational resource for students—and they also encourage interactive engagement.
How-to
A common complaint from students in higher education is that they feel as though the things they are learning won’t be applicable to the real-world, that is to say, life and work after graduation. They feel that academia is too focused on theoretical ideologies and circumstances that won’t apply to the everyday situations they face after school.
The podcast How To! covers a variety of topics from saving the planet to picking the right college. Episodes feature expert opinion, inviting various guests to join and weigh in on topics. While the variety of topics works for this podcast, a university-centered how-to podcast might consider narrowing down its topic choice. But no matter what how-to topic choice you choose, it’s always a good idea to include expert interviews! These outside voices give your podcast credibility.
Local community
People frequently want to know what the surrounding community of their university offers. Potential and future students, current students and former students alike are interested in knowing what shops and eateries are located near their school, as well as what community events and activities take place.
Aside from the places and events, community also represents people. The PoWEr of CommUnity podcast, hosted by Dimitrios Papalexis, features interviews with youth and community development project leaders who are making a difference in their communities. Ultimately, a community podcast can take on many different topics. Be in touch with the culture at your university and think about what needs should be addressed.
Diversity and Inclusion (DEI)
It’s common practice these days for universities to invest in diversity and inclusion programs. From required employee and staff training to leadership and resource initiatives, institutions across America are supporting and celebrating the various identities present in their communities.
The Inclusive Excellence Podcast, a product of the Department of Inclusion and Belonging at Cornell, provides listeners with actions that they can take in real life to create a culture of belonging. A university DEI podcast might take on a similar structure, focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the local community and campus space and interviewing individuals and leaders aiming to make a difference.
Narrow your focus
Wellness, how-to, local community and diversity and inclusion are all general topics. After settling on one topic, you’ll want to narrow your focus. Clarifying your specific focus will help you face the competition of other podcasts—listeners will have a better idea of what unique values your podcast brings to the table.
Choose a niche that you enjoy. If you hate the topic, you’ll be less likely to invest in making good content. So focus on topics that inspire creativity and make you excited—and your audience will be too.
