How can a podcast use academic research to help us make sense of today’s news? Neil and Jen talk with Gemma Ware, head of audio at The Conversation UK and host/co-producer of The Conversation Weekly, about how the show brings academic expertise into the news cycle through narrative-produced audio. Gemma shares how The Conversation pairs academic rigour with journalistic flair, helping researchers explain complex ideas in a way that’s clear, accessible, and useful for a general audience. The conversation also digs into the craft behind the show: structuring episodes around the question “How did we get here?”, working with academics on mic, sustaining a weekly production schedule, and thinking strategically about multimedia, video, and discoverability. It’s a thoughtful look at how higher ed podcasters can translate expertise into stories that help listeners better understand the world around them. Episode Links: The Conversation Weekly The Conversation Gemma Ware 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 (04:05) - What is The Conversation? (05:51) - The Editing Process (07:13) - From The Anthill to The Conversation Weekly (11:14) - The “How did we get here?” structure (13:27) - Turning current affairs into academic storytelling (15:18) - Sustaining a weekly podcast (16:43) - Helping academics communicate clearly (20:04) - Building a global audio network (22:18) - Podcasting, multimedia, and discoverability (28:25) - Leaning into niche expertise (31:02) - How long should the story be? (31:51) - Closing reflections (32:39) - Conclusion Join us at Higher Ed Pod Con in Cleveland, OH, July 16 - 17 2026 Sign up by May 29 for Early Bird Pricing