Tuning In: How Podcasting Strengthens Our School Community
by Director of Technology Brad Williams
Four episodes in, and we’re amazed by the power of a microphone.
What started as a spark of an idea—a podcast that would lift the curtain on the many voices that shape our school—has become something much more meaningful. It’s become a space where stories flourish, perspectives connect, and our school community hears itself in a new way. We worked as a team to launch something that felt fresh, authentic, and rooted in the heart of our school. We imagined a format that could bring students, teachers, alumni, and parents closer together physically and emotionally. What we didn’t fully anticipate was just how much joy and reflection the process itself would generate.
Now, four episodes in, we wanted to pause, look back, and share what this podcasting journey has taught us about storytelling and community.
From Hallways to Headphones: The Power of Story
Every school is full of untold stories. They live in the quiet conversations between teachers and students, in the hallway reunions between parents, and in the memories of alumni who still remember the smell of the gym during a rainy-day recess.
The podcast became a place to gather those stories with intention.
In our first four episodes, we featured a wide range of voices: a beloved art teacher reflecting on decades of creativity, an alum who returned as a winter term volunteer, our dynamic 5th grade teacher sharing her philosophy on teaching and classroom culture, and our Director of Upper School and Auxiliary Programs talking about leadership, transitions, and how our programs evolve to meet the needs of our students.
These stories weren’t just entertaining—they were connective. Listeners told us they laughed, teared up, and most importantly, felt more in tune with what makes our school special.
We approached each interview with deep curiosity. Our goal wasn’t to “get the tape” but to build trust. We learned to be patient, to allow for tangents, and to recognize the moments when a simple question opened the door to something profound.
Community Impact: More Than Just Listens
Of course, we checked the stats. It was exciting to see downloads ticking up, to get emails from families who listened on their morning commute, and to hear from staff who played episodes during their lunch breaks.
But the most meaningful feedback came from unexpected places:
- A student who said they want to start their podcast.
- A parent shared an episode with grandparents as a window into the school experience.
- Faculty members who felt newly appreciated after hearing how others spoke about them.
The podcast gave us a new way to celebrate our people for their roles and stories. It reminded us all that behind every title or job description is a person with a passion, a past, and a perspective worth hearing.
We also saw how the podcast bridged generations. Alumni reached out to reconnect. Students were inspired to ask more profound questions about their teachers’ lives. Families who were new to the community said they felt more welcomed and informed.
Podcasting has become a powerful tool for inclusion. You don’t need to attend a meeting or walk the halls to feel connected—you just need a pair of headphones and a few minutes of your time.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
We’ve learned a lot—about microphones, editing timelines, RSS feeds, and episode planning—but also ourselves and our school culture. Here are a few takeaways that stand out:
- Preparation Matters, but Flexibility Wins
We prepared questions, did background research, and outlined each episode. But often, the best moments came when we followed a thread that wasn’t in the script. Being open to surprise has made the podcast richer and more human. - Editing Is Where the Magic Happens
Recording the audio is only half the job. The editing process allowed us to shape the narrative—to tighten, highlight, and respect each guest's voice. We also learned the value of pacing, tone, and silence. - Authenticity is Everything
Listeners can tell when something is overpolished or inauthentic. We embraced ums, pauses, and genuine laughter. Our podcast isn’t perfect, but it’s real, which makes it resonate.
What’s Next?
Four episodes in, we feel like we’re just getting started.
We’re planning new episodes featuring student voices, cross-grade conversations, and even behind-the-scenes glimpses of events and traditions. We’re exploring ways to make podcasting a hands-on experience for students in our technology and communication lessons.
We’re also considering accessibility—transcripts, episode summaries, and ways to make our podcast easier to find and enjoy for every community member.
Most importantly, we’re committed to listening as both interviewers and community members.
Final Thoughts
In education, we talk a lot about communication—how to strengthen, streamline, and ensure that messages are heard. But this podcast has taught us that sometimes, the best communication happens when we slow down and simply make space for stories.
A podcast may seem like a small thing—a few voices, a few minutes—but it can ripple in ways that matter deeply. It can help a teacher feel seen, a parent feel connected, and a child be inspired to speak up and share something meaningful.
We’re grateful for everyone who’s been part of this journey—our guests, our listeners, and the many people who have supported us behind the scenes. We hope our podcast continues to reflect the heart of our school: curious, compassionate, and eager to learn more.
So, if you haven’t yet, grab a pair of headphones and tune in. We promise you’ll hear something worth remembering.