Recording Podcasts

Four males stand at microphones in a studio

Last quarter our Podcasts course had an amazing time creating and recording their own podcasts. Students worked in groups to determine what topic to make the podcast about, deciding which role everyone would take on, and draft an outline showing the order of speakers and segments.

group of 5 students sit in a studio in front of microphones

After careful preparation and practice, students were ready to record their podcasts. They assembled at the Jack Straw Cultural Center a non-profit recording studio specializing in all-access education. A voice coach led them through vocal warmup exercises before the groups adjourned to separate studios to record their shows. After recording they worked with an audio engineer who edited and mixed the raw material according to the students’ suggestions.

This exercise helps them practice the public-speaking skills that are at the heart of the Podcast (formerly Radio Theater) course such as: talking spontaneously on a prepared topic, varying their tone of voice to be fully expressive, plus a range of conversation skills such as expressing opinions, exchanging comments in a friendly manner, and allowing others to speak in turn. All of these will serve the students well as they move into the professional world.

Three students watch an audio engineer make changes at a computer

Here’s what a couple of students had to say about this experience:

“I’ve always wanted to get the chance to record and act in a studio, it was awesome to experience.”

“I loved how our podcast turned out. I haven’t stopped talking about it.

There are hundreds of podcasts on the internet today covering a wide variety of topics, including many that our students enjoy talking about. Podcasts are increasingly popular, and because they can be so easily produced at home using a computer or phone, they can serve as a great form of self-expression students can share with the world. Many entrepreneurs and businesses also utilize podcasts as part of their marketing strategy, and they are a great way to develop and improve public speaking skills.


Podcasts is and elective course OLS Students can take to obtain their associate degree from OLS. More information about our curriculum is available on our website. To learn more about our program register for an Information Session.

Last Updated January 16, 2020