The rise in popularity of podcasts is a trend that’s hit Florida State University, especially as the campus community looks for ways to stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A variety of faculty, staff, students and alumni have launched an array of podcasts that share compelling stories featuring different programs and people at the university.
“The More You Nole” podcast was created by FSU’s Office of Admissions, helping prospective and newly admitted students connect with and learn more about FSU.
Each episode features students and other members of the campus community and highlights their role at FSU, the programs they run or classes they teach, and how incoming students can get the most out of their Florida State experience.
“I had been toying with the idea of doing an FSU podcast for prospective students, and when the pandemic shut down campus tours, we needed new ways to showcase the university to those students,” said Mike Sklens, producer, host and editor of The More You Nole. “My favorite part of the podcast is hearing from our students and sharing their stories. They come from so many different places and are all headed in different directions. I am always excited to learn about why they chose to attend FSU and what they are doing with the opportunities available to them on campus.”
While Sklens acknowledges that a podcast is not the same as an in-person campus visit, he believes it is valuable to prospective students because it highlights the different aspects of Florida State and what makes it so special for so many people.
Another podcast that emerged amid the pandemic is the School of Communication’s FSU COMMversation — a student-run podcast that highlights various aspects of the communications industry by having a new guest for each episode. Austin Reichart, a senior majoring in public relations, serves as the podcast’s host and producer.
“The FSU COMMversation podcast is really an invaluable resource to connect with so many incredible alumni and professionals doing big things in the industry,” Reichart said. “It provides them a perfect platform to share some of the keys to their success with our current students.”
Associate Professor Patrick Merle, director of the School of Communication, helped launch the podcast with his team of Director’s Ambassadors, a student-centered initiative that helps promote the school.
“Creating a podcast for our school was an immediate priority when I started as director,” Merle said. “It became important because it serves multiple purposes. It helps us connect with alumni and professionals in the industry, provides fresh valuable perspectives for the audience and, because it is currently managed by students, it strengthens their professional experience.”
Recently, FSU’s Alumni Association decided to produce their own podcast. Echoes: The FSU Alumni Podcast is a weekly show dedicated to reconnecting alumni with the FSU campus through news, opportunities to get involved and features on alumni successes.
Given the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alumni Association wanted to produce a conversational, short podcast that engaged and connected with alumni on multiple levels. Each week, different guest readers from the Seminole Clubs, Student Alumni Association and Alumni Association members send in recordings that are incorporated into the show.
“Our original goal was to fight Zoom fatigue,” said FSU Alumni Association communications director, Keith Warburg. “The FSU Alumni Association was a leader among peers in the ACC and nationally with our webinars and virtual events in the fall, but many people are becoming burned out with the number of virtual meetings all the time. Hopefully, this podcast lets alumni connect with us separate from a scheduled registration or extra screen time.”
To listen to the many stories being highlighted across campus, check out these FSU podcasts:
Academically Distanced
Academically Distanced (FSU Libraries) was created and hosted by FSU Libraries’ Digital Media Manager, Tom Cruz, the first season of Sources Cited centers on the theme of Academically Distanced. A series of discussions with people from all across FSU on their experiences in Academia during the time of COVID.
Beyond the Diagnosis
Beyond the Diagnosis (FSU College of Medicine) is a podcast from the FSU Chapman Chapter of the Gold Humanism Honor Society that seeks to answer questions about the relationship between structural factors and health. With each episode, join FSU med students Edward Corty and Richard Wu as they dive into a topic that shapes the lives and health of patients and communities.
Diversity Talks
Diversity Talks (FSU Center for Global Engagement) features a collection of conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) that impacts FSU’s campus, communities and beyond and is sponsored by the President’s Council on Diversity & Inclusion Mini-Grant Program. Each episode brings forward the voices of leaders who drive change to create more inclusive cultures while also making an impact in their field.
Echoes: The FSU Alumni Podcast
Echoes: The FSU Alumni Podcast (FSU Alumni Association) is a weekly show dedicated to reconnecting alumni with the FSU campus through news, opportunities to get involved, features on alumni success and more. New episodes are released each Tuesday.
FL Child Welfare
FL Child Welfare (Florida Institute for Child Welfare, FSU College of Social Work) just finished its second season of “Re-Imagining Child Welfare Through Technology and Innovation.” The second season featured discussions between Jessica Pryce, director of the Florida Institute for Child Welfare, and visionary leaders in child welfare, covering topics about how technology, creativity and collaboration are changing and innovating child welfare practice. Season one, Child Protection Caseworker Support, focused on Pryce meeting with child welfare professionals to discuss and offer guidance on a variety of issues pertinent to the field.
Florida State Podcast of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Florida State Podcast of Entrepreneurship and Innovation (Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship) is hosted by Mark McNees, a faculty member who specializes in social entrepreneurship and innovation. McNees discusses and highlights entrepreneurs and innovators in the industry.
FSU COACH Live
FSU COACH Live (College of Education) is hosted by Professor Tim Baghurst, director of FSU COACH: Interdisciplinary Center for Athletic Coaching and provides interviews with guests from around the sports world with the primary goal of learning from their knowledge and experiences. While specializing in the coaching profession, guests include professional, collegiate, and amateur coaches, athletic directors, scouts, performance coaches, team owners, sport psychologists, and other professionals across sports. Interviews are conducted weekly.
FSU COMMversation
FSU COMMversation (FSU School of Communication) is a podcast that highlights different aspects of the communications industry with a new guest for each episode. Austin Reichart, a senior public relations major, serves as the podcast’s host and producer.
Journeys in Research
Journeys in Research (FSU Office of Research Development) is a podcast that transcends disciplines and explores what unites research faculty. Each episode hears from an FSU research faculty member about how their own research journeys brought them where they are today.
The More You Nole
The More You Nole (FSU Office of Admissions) talks to students, faculty and staff members from across the campus community about the experiences they’ve had, the classes they teach, the programs they run, and how students can get the most out of their Florida State experience.
Noles Abroad
Noles Abroad (FSU International Programs) explores study abroad at FSU from the perspective of the students, faculty, staff and alumni who make it an experience worth sharing. The podcast also brings travel tips and fun facts from around the globe.
ROI – Remote Opportunities to Interact
ROI – Remote Opportunities to Interact (FSU College of Business) features the combined breadth of expertise and thought leadership of the College of Business’ world-renowned faculty and accomplished alumni. Each episode offers timely information that can be put to immediate use as new business realities emerge that need to be navigated.