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Must-Listen Higher Education Podcasts for 2025

Must-Listen Higher Education Podcasts for 2025
by
Shelby Moquin
on
November 8, 2024
Higher Ed Marketing & Communications
Admissions
AI

About the Blog

Discover the top higher education podcasts for 2025 that every industry professional should be tuning into. 

From enrollment strategies to the latest in edtech, these podcasts provide essential insights and actionable advice to help you stay ahead in an evolving educational landscape. Keeping up with these podcasts matters because they equip higher ed professionals with actionable insights to tackle today’s biggest challenges—from mounting enrollment pressures to adapting in an evolving tech landscape and fostering DEI in student engagement.

With rising popularity, these podcasts cover diverse topics — from marketing communications and leadership insights to innovative teaching techniques — offering administrators, marketers, educators, and leaders a flexible way to learn from experts and trendsetters. 

Podcasts provide valuable, real-world insights and new perspectives that can be easily accessed on the go, making them perfect for busy schedules. To help you navigate the best options, we’ve curated a list of must-listen podcasts for 2024, each selected to spark ideas and support your growth in higher ed.

Top Higher Education Podcasts for Administrators and Marketers

Looking to stay sharp and inspired? These top higher education podcasts for administrators and marketers are packed with insights on everything from enrollment hacks to EdTech trends

1. Higher Ed Pulse

Higher Ed Pulse is your weekly spotlight on the latest in higher education marketing and enrollment. From headline news to social posts, insider insights to industry observations, join industry veterans Mallory Willsea and Seth Odell as they share their top stories from across the world of higher education. The Higher Ed Pulse podcast is a proud member of the Enrollify Network. 

Get started with Higher Ed Pulse by listening to three of our top-recommended episodes:

- The Resilient Leader: Building Mental Toughness in Uncertain Times

- 6 Books Every Higher Ed Pro Should Read

- Untraditional Strategies for Traditional Recruitment

Bonus: Check out the NEWEST Pulse Check Series, hosted by Dr. J. Cody Neilsen, also the host of  After Further Consideration. In this series, he interviews policymakers and practitioners to discuss their outlook on higher education. Catch the first episode with Desiree Anderson on the Enrollify network today. 

2. Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO (Jaime Hunt)

Hosted by Jaime Hunt, Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO is like a conference in a podcast, offering a blend of professional wisdom, innovative ideas, and personal anecdotes. Whether you're a higher education marketer, a faculty member curious about the behind-the-scenes of university branding, or just someone interested in the intersection of education and marketing, the podcast is your gateway to the lesser-known narratives of higher education. Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO is a proud member of the Enrollify Network. 

Get started with Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO by listening to three of our top-recommended episodes:

- Ep. 61: Pitch Perfect: Leveraging Faculty Expertise to Boost Your University’s Image with Kim Hallman

- Ep. 50: The Art of Attraction: Balance Brand and Lead Generation with Bart Caylor 

- Ep. 39: The Power of UX in Higher Education Marketing Michael Lamphier

3. The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast

The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is centered around marketing professionals in higher education. If you’re looking for real, practical advice on how to level up your marketing game, this is the show for you. Join hosts Bart Caylor and Troy Singer for episodes that feature conversations with some of the best and brightest marketing minds in higher education, discussing the future of marketing, new technologies, and so much more. 

4. Talking Tactics 

Talking Tactics is a podcast dedicated to exploring practical, impactful enrollment strategies. Each episode dives into a specific tactic that has boosted an enrollment metric—whether it’s inquiries, applications, engagement, or more—all accomplished with limited resources like a small team, tight budget, or short timeline. By focusing on tactics that work from concept to results, the podcast offers listeners actionable ideas they can apply right away. Hosted by Dayana Kibilds, Talking Tactics celebrates creative, resourceful approaches to enrollment success and is part of the Enrollify Podcast Network.

Get started with Talking Tactics by listening to three of our top-recommended episodes:

- Episode 31: Multiplying Your Content Output With Student Ambassadors with Sarah Goldfarb

- Episode 25: Build relationships on social and double the benchmark engagement with Ian Hurley

- Episode 18: Using Generative AI to Write Search Engine Optimized Web Content with Patrick Kelly 

5. The Application 

The Application is your playbook for the ever-evolving world of higher education enrollment marketing. This podcast zeroes in on the niche, often unexplored areas of the field, delivering a potent mix of actionable insights, practical strategies, and cutting-edge perspectives. Host Allison Turcio, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing at Siena College, tackles the topics others aren't – from empowering student influencers to harnessing AI.

Get started with The Application by listening to three of our top-recommended episodes:

- Episode 51: Enrollment Marketing Meets Brand Strategy with Kristin Nichols 

- Ep. 45: Harnessing Data and SEO for Higher Ed Success with Glenn Friesen 

- Ep. 41: Listening Louder: A New Era of Enrollment Marketing with Katie Mills-Erickson 

6. Keystone Higher Ed Chats

Hosted by Scott Miller, Keystone Higher Ed Chats explores the world of international higher education with fresh weekly guests, including leaders, innovators, and influencers from around the globe. Each episode brings new perspectives on the changes and challenges in education worldwide, making it a quick, enriching listen—perfect for a coffee break or a walk. If you're curious about the global side of higher ed, this podcast offers thoughtful insights in an easy-to-digest format.

7. The EdUP Experience

The EdUp Experience hosted by Dr. Joe Sallustio has broad appeal for higher ed leaders, offering a wealth of insights on leadership, EdTech, and educational innovation through engaging interviews with a diverse lineup of thought leaders. With voices ranging from university presidents to EdTech entrepreneurs, the podcast provides a forward-looking perspective on the dynamic changes shaping higher education today.

Leading Voices in Higher Education Thought Leadership

Get inspired by some of the most influential voices in higher education, as these thought leaders share insights, trends, and forward-thinking strategies that are shaping the future of the industry.

8. Generation AI 

Host my J.C. Bonilla and Ardis Kadiu, Generation AI is the groundbreaking podcast designed exclusively for higher education professionals who are keen to navigate the dynamic world of Artificial Intelligence. In a landscape where AI is rapidly transforming how we teach, learn, and engage, Generation AI serves as your essential guide. 

Get started with Generation AI by listening to three of our top-recommended episodes:

9. Future U Podcast

Hosted by Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn, the Future U. podcast dives into what’s next for higher education, featuring in-depth discussions with the newsmakers and innovators driving change across the sector. Each episode offers fresh insights and timely updates on the biggest trends impacting colleges and universities today—from technological advancements to evolving student needs. For anyone curious about the future of higher ed, Future U. delivers an engaging mix of expert interviews, thoughtful analysis, and forward-looking perspectives that keep you informed and inspired.

10. The Wonkhe Show

Each week, the Wonkhe team, along with expert guests from across higher education, dives into the latest policy developments that are shaping the sector. The podcast doesn’t stop at policy; it also offers insightful interviews, engaging features, and diverse perspectives from voices across higher ed. With a focus on what truly matters to professionals in the field, Wonkhe’s episodes are a go-to resource for staying informed, inspired, and in the know.

11. Lessons In Leadership - Video Series 

Each month, Dr. Carrie Phillips, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at UA Little Rock, sits down with seasoned higher ed professionals to discuss key leadership topics. These experts share practical strategies, valuable insights, and inspiring stories to help you become a more effective and influential leader. This month’s topic is Embracing Failure. You’ll hear how embracing mistakes can foster resilience, build character, and shape you into a stronger leader.

12. Higher Ed Spotlight

Hosted by Ben Wildavsky, a prominent voice in higher education, this podcast tackles the big questions about the future of learning. Sponsored by Chegg's Center for Digital Learning, Ben interviews leaders, educators, and innovators who are addressing the most urgent challenges facing students today—from making education more affordable and relevant to preparing them for the careers of tomorrow.

Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

12. Mastering The Next

Embrace the future of higher education with Mastering the Next. Dr. Ray Lutzky takes you on a journey through the dynamic intersection of student recruitment and leading-edge technology, uncovering the next big trends in strategic enrollment management and the innovations that are transforming the academic landscape.

Get started with Mastering The Next by listening to three of our top-recommended episodes:

13. Teaching in Higher Ed

The Teaching in Higher Ed Podcast, hosted by Bonni Stachowiak, airs weekly and covers a range of essential topics for educators. From instructional design and open education to diversity, productivity, and blended learning, each episode dives into strategies and insights to help educators enhance their teaching and engage more deeply with their students.

14. TOPCast (The Teaching Online Podcast)

Hosted by Thomas Cavanagh and Kelvin Thompson, The Teaching Online Podcast (TOPcast) provides an engaging, insightful look into the evolving world of online education. Each episode dives into the latest trends, shares best practices, and explores innovative technologies that are transforming the virtual classroom experience. With a blend of expertise and humor, Thomas and Kelvin make complex topics accessible and enjoyable, offering valuable guidance for educators looking to enhance their online teaching methods and stay ahead in the digital education space.

EdTech

15. Higher EdTech Podcast

The HigherEdTech Podcast aims to help professors leverage technology to boost engagement, enhance productivity, and save time in their busy schedules. Born out of the collaborative (and often humorous) working relationship between Brent and Tim at Irvine Valley College in Southern California, the show grew from Brent’s continual requests for specialized tech solutions and Tim’s creative responses. Realizing that many professors struggle to understand and access the tech resources available to them, Brent and Tim decided to take their candid office conversations to the studio, creating a podcast that’s both informative and relatable. Although it’s rooted in their home campus, the topics are broad and valuable for educators across California, the U.S., and beyond.

16. In Your Element 

Hosted by Daniella Nordin and Brendan Henkel, In Your Element is where leadership meets real talk, this podcast is packed with practical tips, best practices, and real-world use cases from Element451 users. We bring in leading voices from the field – from savvy higher ed IT leaders to visionary college presidents – to share their experiences and insights.

Get started with In Your Element by listening to three of our top-recommended episodes:

17. The Higher Ed Geek

The Higher Ed Geek Podcast explores the impact of edtech on the student experience by speaking with diverse leaders from institutions, companies, and nonprofit organizations. Each week we aim to provide an engaging, fun, and relevant dose of professional development that honors the wide range of work happening all across the higher ed ecosystem. Come geek out with host Dustin Ramsdell!

Get started with Higher Ed Geek by listening to three of our top-recommended episodes:

18. AI For U

Hosted by Brian Piper, unlock the potential of AI at your institution with practical insights and easy-to-implement use cases tailored for higher ed professionals. Stay ahead in your field by learning how to seamlessly integrate AI into your workflows and transform your institution's processes with confidence.

Get started with AI For U by listening to three of our top-recommended episodes:

Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity in Higher Education

Explore essential conversations on diversity, inclusion, and equity in higher education, as leaders and experts share strategies for creating more inclusive and supportive campus environments for all students.

19. After Further Consideration 

After Further Consideration is a DEI-focused podcast where hosts Dr. Cody Nielsen and Dr. Tomika Ferguson invite experienced change leaders both within and beyond higher education into conversations focused on responsive leadership, addressing campus crises, navigating institutional shifts, and fostering sustainable change all through the lens of equity and inclusion.  Whether you're seeking actionable solutions or inspiration to drive positive and inclusive change After Further Consideration offers a platform for dialogue, growth, and impactful leadership in higher education. AFC is a proud member of the Enrollify Network. 

Get started with After Further Consideration by listening to three of our top-recommended episodes:

20. SpeechMatters

SpeechMatters is the official podcast of the University of California's National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement. Hosted by the Center’s Executive Director, Michelle Deutchman, the podcast features thought leaders addressing today’s most urgent issues surrounding free expression and democracy, both on campus and in the wider world.

21. Higher Education Anti-Racist Teaching (H.E.A.R.T.)

This podcast series delves into the principles and practices of antiracist teaching in higher education, exploring what it means, the challenges educators face, and actionable advice from experts in the field. Co-hosted by Dr. Milagros Castillo-Montoya and doctoral student Omar Romandia, the series is dedicated to centering the learning experiences of BIPOC students. Through thoughtful discussions, they work with guests to expand their understanding of antiracist teaching and share strategies that reflect these values.

Conclusion

These podcasts offer immense value to anyone working in higher education, from marketing and leadership to teaching and DEI. With insights from experts across the industry, they help listeners stay on top of emerging trends and gain actionable strategies to enhance their institutions. For busy professionals, podcasts provide a convenient way to stay informed on the go — whether during a commute or a lunch break. Be sure to subscribe to your favorites from our list to stay ahead of the latest in higher ed throughout the end of 2024 and the new year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is the use of podcasts in higher education?

Podcasts in higher education are valuable tools for staying informed about industry trends, learning from experts, and discovering new strategies for teaching, administration, and student engagement.

How can I choose the right podcast for my interests in higher education?

To choose the right podcast, consider your specific interests — such as enrollment, technology, or leadership — and look for shows that feature reputable hosts and guests who align with those topics.

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