Storytelling with Podcasts

Created Feb. 7, 2024 by Therese Woozley

Storytelling is rooted in traditional radio’s power to entertain, inform, educate, and inspire - it is a fundamental part of the digital evolution of radio broadcasting. Media scholar Renee Hobbs (2017) points out, "the power of the human voice is at the heart of a good podcast… the spoken word conjures up mental images in the imagination of the listener." Podcasts are increasing popular today, with people interviewing others or recording themselves speaking on endless topics from the humorous or motivational to the inspirational or anecdotal.  What are the elements and techniques of a good auditory experience? How can verbal stories we hear, but cannot see, sometimes be even more powerful than stories dramatized or documented on television or in film?

Pre-Assignment Activity: Listen to two of the following radio and/or podcast audio clips - listening for approximately 5 minutes to at least one historical radio and one contemporary podcast recordings below. Students may take note of recordings and compare the topics (what is being said or discussed), the production elements (the various aspects of the recording that create the listening experience), and how the recordings draw in the listener (public appeal) as you compare and contrast the two eras. 

Historical Radio Shows: Source: YouTube.

Contemporary Podcasts: Source: New York Times Podcasts.

Several questions to discuss as a group: 

  • Describe the topics and production elements that draw the listener's attention. How are the techniques of auditory storytelling being used? 
  • How do the 'performances' reinforce or dispute cultural stereotypes of the past and present? 
  • What do the historical radio shows and contemporary podcasts have in common? How do they differ?

Assignment Directions: In this assignment, students will choose a favorite short story, poem, excerpt from a book, an inspirational quote, or song lyrics they enjoy. The options are limitless. Students may choose something they have personally written, a retelling of a factual event, a work of fiction or suspense, a comedy sketch, etc. Any short story, poem, song lyrics, quote, etc. that is approximately 200-300 words and/or under 5 minutes in length when read aloud will suffice. The key is to choose a story (or poem, etc.) they enjoy hearing and are willing to share with others.

Follow the steps in order, reminding students that the recording does not need to be perfect and to have fun in the process of creating a short auditory experience:

Step 01. Choose a short story, poem, quote or favorite excerpt from a book, etc. that is approximately 200-300 words and/or under 5 minutes when read aloud.  

Step 02. Using Word or Google.doc, type out a transcript of the short story, poem, etc. Follow the same pattern as the attached transcript example. Your transcript should include the following: Introduction, Title & Author, Body, and Conclusion. Save it as a Word.doc or PDF, and upload it to a course Blackboard assignment link. 

Instructor: This aspect is important as it provides a script for the student, and provides a reference for the instructor when grading the recordings. 

Step 03. Padlet.com provides a free forum where students can hear each other’s podcasts / audio recordings. Follow the Padlet.com link, then click 'Sign Up with Google' using your BSU email account. Posts can be edited or deleted at any time. No one other than our class can view this forum. Be sure your name is listed so you receive credit, as well as the Title and Written By information of your recording. 

Instructor Preparation: Instructors should create a free Padlet course wall prior to conducting the assignment, then substitute the course Padlet site with the Padlet.com links above and below for the students.  

Step 04. Find a quiet location and record yourself reading the transcript. The easiest way to create a podcast recording is to use the recording option on the Padlet course wall. Simply follow the   Padlet.com link, click on the pink + sign in the lower-right corner to create an original post, then click on ... for 'More Actions' and choose 'Voice' to begin recording.

Keep in mind, the recording does not need to be perfect and people rarely like the sound of their own voice, so just go for it and record it as clearly and consistent as possible. 

Step 05. Remember to submit BOTH the written podcast transcript to the instructor (through the Blackboard link) AND post your podcast audio recording to the course Padlet wall before the weekly deadline.

Step 06. Listen to several classmate recordings and comment on at least two classmate recordings. Short comments may include what structural elements a student likes about the recording, or why they found it interesting, etc. Be sure to include a name with the comment, or it will list the comment from an anonymous. 

Estimated Time: 60 min

Reference: Hobbs, R. (2017). Create to learn: Introduction to digital literacy. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 

Return to top