How Great Pods is transforming podcast discovery with critic-driven reviews and smarter categorization.

Imran Ahmed—better known as “Captain Ron”—founder of Great Pods, a platform dubbed the “Rotten Tomatoes for podcasts,” joins Neil and Jen to unpack how curated, critic-led reviews are reshaping podcast discovery. Imran shares his journey from college radio to startup founder, revealing the inspiration behind Great Pods and the importance of trust, transparency, and accurate genre tagging. The conversation dives into how higher education podcasters can better position their shows, improve discoverability, and benefit from tools like Great Pods to reach wider audiences. Whether you’re new to podcasting or looking to grow your show, this episode offers thoughtful strategies for building visibility and credibility.

Episode Links:

• Imran A | LinkedIn
• Great Pods | Threads | Instagram | Newsletter | Blue.Sky
• Add Your Podcast: Podcast Screener
• Newsletter & Sites: The Ultimate Guide To Getting Your Podcast Reviewed - Podcast Promotion

Connect with Us

• Share Feedback & Ask Questions: hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com
• Learn More: Continuing Studies Podcast
• Follow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn Page
• Join LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters Network
• Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn or jpodcreations@gmail.com
• Connect w/ Neil: LinkedIn or neil@podiumpodcastco.com
• Twitter: @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastco
• Youtube
• HigherEdPods

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (04:29) - Building for Trust and Transparency
• (08:18) - The Business Behind Great Pods
• (09:15) - Rewriting the Rules of Podcast Categorization
• (12:06) - SEO Tips for Podcasters
• (13:32) - The Categorization Challenge for Higher Ed Podcasts
• (17:13) - What Makes a Great (or Bad) Review
• (18:42) - Protecting Against User Bombing
• (22:26) - Why Higher Ed Podcasters Should Join Great Pods
• (24:30) - Creating New Genre Possibilities
• (25:36) - How to Become a Podcast Critic
• (30:22) - Tapping into Campus Resources for Podcast Growth
• (32:20) - Conclusion

AI Jen and Neil preview Higher Ed PodCon, where campus podcasters unite to explore the future of educational audio.

Neil and Jennifer-Lee hand the mic to their AI counterparts to preview the very first Higher Ed PodCon—a brand-new conference built specifically for podcasters and digital media creators in higher education. AI Jen and AI Neil walk through what to expect: standout sessions on strategic communication, multimedia content strategies, and budget-friendly podcast production, with insights from leaders at Stanford, Purdue, and more. With over 40 speakers and representation from 25+ institutions, PodCon marks a major milestone for the campus podcasting community. After the AI segment, the real hosts return to share thoughts on the role of AI in podcasting, why human connection still matters, and how events like this help podcasters learn, grow, and feel a little less alone.

Episode Links:

• Higher Ed PodCon

Connect with Us

• Share Feedback & Ask Questions: hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com
• Learn More: Continuing Studies Podcast
• Follow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn Page
• Join LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters Network
• Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn or jpodcreations@gmail.com
• Connect w/ Neil: LinkedIn or neil@podiumpodcastco.com
• Twitter: @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastco
• Youtube
• HigherEdPods

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Introduction: Real Neil & Real Jen
• (04:45) - Higher Ed PodCon: AI Neil & AI Jen
• (09:51) - Conclusion: Real Neil & Real Jen

How two science-savvy professors turned stats and storytelling into a compelling educational podcast.

Kristin Sainani and Regina Nuzzo—co-hosts of Normal Curves: Sexy Science, Serious Statistics—join Neil McPhedran and Jennifer-Lee to celebrate the 50th episode of Continuing Studies. Kristin and Regina share the story behind launching their podcast, which blends scientific rigor with lighthearted storytelling to make complex topics like epidemiology and statistics approachable and fun. They reflect on how their long friendship, backgrounds in journalism, and love of teaching shaped the show’s voice and format. From managing remote production across time zones to navigating multiple takes and narrative arcs, they reveal the thoughtful work behind each episode. Whether you're a podcaster or just science-curious, this candid conversation offers practical insights on what it takes to produce a compelling, educational show for anyone and is passionate about podcasting in higher education.

Episode Links:

• Normal Curves
• Regina Nuzzo | LinkedIn
• Regina Nuzzo
• Kristin Sainani | LinkedIn
• Kristin Sainani (n e Cobb)'s Stanford Profile

Connect with Us

• Share Feedback & Ask Questions: hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com
• Learn More: Continuing Studies Podcast
• Follow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn Page
• Join LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters Network
• Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn or jpodcreations@gmail.com
• Connect w/ Neil: LinkedIn or neil@podiumpodcastco.com
• Twitter: @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastco
• Youtube
• HigherEdPods

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (03:57) - From Teaching to Podcasting
• (05:36) - Purpose & Audience
• (07:10) - Making Science Approachable
• (09:20) - Being an Independent Podcast
• (12:11) - Pre-Launch Journey
• (14:25) - The Research Process
• (16:32) - Recording Across Time Zones
• (17:26) - Dual Roles & Production Flow
• (21:02) - Topic Inspiration
• (23:01) - Launch Strategy & Title Origins
• (25:30) - Advice for New Podcasters
• (28:25) - Storytelling vs. Lecturing
• (30:56) - Conclusion