Episode
Beyond the Interview: Using a Book Club Podcast to Bring Academic Expertise to the Public
- Published
- Jun 29, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1729
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Summary
How can academics make their ideas easier to find, more engaging, and harder to misrepresent? In this episode of Continuing Studies , Neil and Jen dig into the podcast, Archaeology Books for Fun with hosts Tristan Harrenstein and Barbara Clark. Barbara and Tristan excavate the ways they've used their podcast to reach an audience segment they were missing in their other public education programs, using a book club format, non-academic texts, playful branding, and eye-catching artwork. Take a listen to unearth practical tips on building a niche podcast, making expert knowledge approachable, and giving academics a clearer voice in the public conversation. Episode Links: Listen to Archaeology Books Are Fun F ollow Archaeology Books Are Fun Connect with Barbara Connect with Tristan Connect with Us: Share Feedback & Ask Questions: [email protected] Learn More: Continuing Studies Podcast Follow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn Page Join LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters Network Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn or [email protected] Connect w/ Neil: LinkedIn or [email protected] Twitter: @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastco Youtube HigherEdPods Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction (02:35) - Meet Barbara Clark and Tristan Harrenstein (03:04) - How Archaeology Books for Fun got started (05:28) - Finding the audience public outreach often misses (06:37) - Why archaeologists need a seat at the media table (07:48) - Making a “dry” subject feel inviting (08:51) - Turning non-academic books into podcast conversations (11:00) - A different path beyond guest interviews (13:30) - Reading with a critical archaeological lens (14:08) - What strong branding does for a niche show (18:13) - Small changes that helped the show grow (21:01) - Letting audience data guide the next…