Using Podcasting to Teach Leadership: A Creative Approach to Experiential Learning

As an educator, I’m always looking for innovative ways to help my students refine their leadership skills while learning from those who have walked the path before them. In my Leadership course, I strive to create assignments that go beyond the classroom, pushing students to engage with real-world experiences that challenge them to grow.

Last fall, when I discovered that my university had launched its first media studio, I saw an opportunity to integrate this resource into my teaching. The result? A leadership podcast assignment that gave students hands-on experience in both leadership and communication.

For this project, students were tasked with interviewing a university coach—an individual who embodies leadership in a high-stakes, team-oriented environment. But this assignment wasn’t just about conducting an interview. It was designed to develop a variety of essential skills, including:

• Collaboration: Working as a team to plan and execute the interview.

• Professional Outreach: Learning how to introduce themselves, articulate their request, and schedule a meaningful conversation.

• Active Listening: Engaging deeply with their interviewee to ask thoughtful questions and absorb valuable insights.

• Communication Skills: Practicing clarity, confidence, and adaptability in a professional setting.

Beyond reinforcing course content, this assignment pushed students outside of their comfort zones. It required them to take initiative, navigate real-world interactions, and reflect on leadership in action.

Experiential learning has the power to transform students’ understanding by immersing them in meaningful, hands-on experiences. I’m always excited to explore new ways to engage students and would love to connect with others who share a passion for experiential learning—whether in education or the workplace. Let’s continue the conversation on how to create impactful learning opportunities that inspire growth and leadership.