Why Political Science Should Embrace Podcasting

Session Submission Type: Roundtable

Session Description

According to recent reports, 51% of the US population has listened to a podcast, and 22% listen weekly. More importantly, podcast listeners are loyal and educated, and becoming more racially and ethnically diverse (Winn 2019, np). With fast-moving, and often complex social and political issues in the news, podcasting is a useful platform to reach listeners who are looking for expert analysis. This is where political science is poised to contribute meaningfully. As teachers, scholars, and civic educators, political scientists are trained to connect theory to practice for peers and students. What’s more, though, is finding ways to engage and teach the broader public. One way to achieve this is through podcasting. As Williams (2019) notes, “the art of podcasting is much like the practice of classroom teaching” (2). No matter the audience, we use our expertise to explain a complex world. In a forthcoming issue of PS: Political Science and Politics, there is a spotlight on political science and podcasting. A roundtable on this topic provides an opportunity to continue the conversation and expose the discipline to the benefits of podcasting. In this roundtable, political scientists who regularly podcast will discuss the following: public intellectualism, disciplinary networking, technical advice, and overall, how educating the broader public to what we do and how we do it adds value for both the discipline and the public.

Confirmed participants:
Suzanne M. Chod, Associate Professor of Political Science, North Central College, roundtable chair
Julia R. Azari, Associate Professor of Political Science, Marquette University
Philip W. Barker, Associate Professor of Political Science, Keene State College
Michael Bossetta, Postdoctoral Fellow, Lund University, Centre for European Studies
Lilly J. Goren, Professor of Political Science and Global Studies, Carroll University
Matt Grossman, Associate Professor of Political Science, Michigan State University, Director of the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research
William J. Muck, Professor of Political Science, North Central College
Leonard A. Williams, Professor of Political Science, Manchester University

References:
Williams, Leonard A. Forthcoming. “Political Science and Podcasts: An Introduction.” PS: Political Science and Politics.
Winn, Ross. “2019 Podcast Stats & Facts (New Research From June 2019).” https://www.podcastinsights.com/podcast-statistics/ (Accessed November 22, 2019).

Sub Unit

• Division 10: Political Science Education

Chair

• Suzanne Chod North Central College

Presenters

• Julia Rezazadeh Azari Marquette University

• Philip W. Barker Keene State College

• Lilly J. Goren Carroll University

• Matt Grossmann Michigan State University

• William J. Muck North Central College