Session 22: Lightning talk: Stupid genius: utilising podcasts to build thriving communities and enhance student experience

Abstract

With digitalisation transforming the way we work in academia technological advancements can be used to nurture communities and engage staff and students both on and off campus. Podcasting, as a means to building community and enhancing student experience, is one creative means of digitalisation that is increasing in popularity. Stupid Genius is a fast-growing academia-related podcast with global reach that strives to disseminate research in interesting and engaging ways, build a thriving academic community and enhance the student experience. With 50 episodes released and over 7000 downloads as of January 2022, Stupid Genius discusses a range of interesting academia-related topics with a focus on enhancing the postgraduate student experience through sharing informal advice and lived experiences. Some of the topics covered include preparing to pass the VIVA, navigating networking, managing conflict with supervisors and becoming a lecturer. Stupid Genius has developed a flourishing online community with approximately 5000 members. The podcast also gives a platform to and promotes the inclusion of underrepresented groups and issues. For instance, it has welcomed guest speakers to discuss their work on dwarfism awareness, LGBT+ equalities, the marginalisation of black women in academia and men’s mental health. The session will include an overview of the benefits of utilising podcasts to build community and to enhance student experience, for those both within and outside of the institution. We will also share qualitative feedback from members of the Stupid Genius community, demonstrating the positive impact podcasting can have in both of these areas. Delegates will take away practical advice on how to begin and sustain a successful podcast that can support their academic endeavours whilst fostering and promoting LJMU’s values.

Stupid genius: utilising podcasts to build thriving communities and enhance student experience PowerPoint. Only LJMU staff and students have access to this resource.