Gain valuable insights into how to transcend traditional campus boundaries, & become invaluable resources for students, faculty, and a wider public audience. Explore the strategies and tactics behind successful university podcasts as Jenna Spinelle unpacks her experiences producing over 250 episodes of "Democracy Works" and "When the People Decide”, and shares insights on how universities can leverage this dynamic medium to give political hope, foster community engagement, and amplify their educational impact both in and outside of classrooms.

Connect with Us

• Learn More: Continuing Studies Podcast
• Join: University Podcasters Network LinkedIn Group
• Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn or  jpodcreations@gmail.com 
• Connect w/ Neil:  LinkedIn or neil@podiumpodcastco.com
• Twitter:  @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastco
• Youtube

Democracy Works Podcast

• Listen to Democracy Works
• Listener Survey
• Syllabus

When the People Decide

• Listen to When the People Decide
• Connect with Jenna: LinkedIn / X

Chapter Time Stamps:

(00:00:00) Introduction 

Jennifer Lee Gunson and Neil McPhedran introduce the episode, welcoming Jenna Spinelle back.

(00:02:08) Jenna's Background & Podcasting Journey 

Jenna introduces herself, her role at the McCourtney Institute for Democracy, and the inception of Democracy Works and When the People Decide.

(00:05:37) NPR Collaboration & Local Impact
Explains the collaboration with the local NPR station, WPSU, and its impact on local visibility and engagement.

(00:07:40) Finding Guests & Prepping for Episodes
Jenna discusses finding guests, differences in target audiences for both podcasts, including use in classrooms, as well as her preparation process for Democracy Works based on the show format. 

(00:13:00) Podcast Content in Classrooms 

Neil & Jenna discuss the strategies that Democracy Works has used to integrate podcast content into classrooms.

(00:14:58) Institutional Review and Self-Policing 
Discuss the content vetting process, institutional trust, and responsible self-policing to maintain institutional values.

(00:17:06) Podcasts' Role in Institute Outreach
Examines the effective role of the podcasts in the Institute's outreach efforts, connecting with alumni chapters, and promoting democracy beyond the university.

(00:18:30) Preparation and Interview Styles 
Jenna shares her approach to pre-interviews for different podcast formats, highlighting differences in narrative storytelling versus academic discussion.

(00:19:31) Engaging Audience Feedback through Surveys 
Neil & Jenna discuss the Democracy works listener survey - the format, significance, tweaking content length based on feedback, and incentives for participants.

(0