Penn State's Podcast Ecosystem

Building partnership & keeping alumni engaged through podcasting. Katie DeFiore shares her journey from a passionate podcast listener to becoming a key player in the educational podcasting scene at Penn State. She frames the creation and development of “Dare to Disrupt,” detailing the strategic planning, marketing, and alumni engagement that have shaped its success. The conversation also explores the significance of integrating podcasting with university programs and the impact of live podcast events. Katie also provides insight into the partnership between podcasting and alumni engagement. Episode Links: • Katie DeFiore: LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-defiore-3597b7121/)   • Katie DeFiore’s Podcast: Dare to Disrupt (https://invent.psu.edu/programs/dare-to-disrupt/) • The Democracy Group (https://www.democracygroup.org/) • Invent Penn State (https://invent.psu.edu/) • LaunchBox & Innovation Network (https://invent.psu.edu/programs/pa-innovation-hubs/) Connect with Us • Share Feedback & Ask Questions: hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com (mailto:hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com) • Learn More: Continuing Studies Podcast (https://www.continuingstudiespodcast.com/) • Follow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn Page (https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/97470907) • Join LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14115712/ • Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferleejpodcreations/) or  jpodcreations@gmail.com  • Connect w/ Neil:  LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/namcphedran/) or neil@podiumpodcastco.com • Twitter:  @namcphedran (https://twitter.com/namcphedran) / @podiumpodcastco (https://twitter.com/podiumpodcastco) • Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@continuingstudiespod) • HigherEdPods (https://higheredpods.com/) Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Hosts Neil McPhedran and Jennifer-Lee introduce guest Katie DeFiore, producer of the "Dare to Disrupt" podcast from Penn State. (00:02:04) Katie DeFiore’s Journey Katie shares her journey from student to podcast producer, including her work with the Democracy Group Podcast Network. (00:03:34) About Dare to Disrupt How the Dare to Disrupt podcast started, highlighting stories of Penn State alumni who are innovators and entrepreneurs. (00:05:29) Engaging Alumni and Format Strategy Insight into how the podcast engages alumni and integrates into the broader marketing strategy of Invent Penn State. (00:09:24) Invent Penn State Overview The mission and programs of Invent Penn State, including the LaunchBox and Innovation Network. (00:11:29) Collaboration with Ryan Newman Working with outside collaborator Ryan Newman and the importance of feedback for continuous improvement. (00:13:35) Live Podcasting Experience The experience and logistics of recording a live podcast episode during Penn State Startup Week. (00:17:31) Impact of Live Episodes The impact and feedback from the live podcast episode, and the challenges of tracking audience growth. (00:20:00) Teaching Podcasting at Penn State The transition from taking the first podcasting class at Penn State to teaching it, highlighting the growing interest in podcasting among students. (00:22:37) Building a Podcasting Community Katie’s initiative to create a Penn State Podcasting Community of Practice, fostering collaboration and support among university podcasters. (00:25:24) Higher Ed Pods Global Community Connecting Penn State podcasters with the global Higher Ed Pods community. (00:26:24) Conclusion • (00:00) - Introduction • (03:10) - Katie DeFiore’s Journey • (04:40) - About Dare to Disrupt • (06:35) - Engaging Alumni and Format Strategy • (10:30) - Invent Penn State Overview • (12:35) - Collaboration with Ryan Newman • (14:41) - Live Podcasting Experience • (18:37) - Impact of Live Episodes • (21:06) - Teaching Podcasting at Penn State • (23:43) - Building a Podcasting Community • (26:30) - Higher Ed Pods Global Community • (27:30) - Conclusion Join us at Higher Ed Pod Con in Cleveland, OH, July 16 - 17 2026 Sign up by May 29 for Early Bird Pricing (https://qcoirfalslewtms.eventify.io/t2/tickets)