For many years, doctoral theses were destined for libraries, which were rarely read and consulted. This has been changing in today’s world of digital communication, and accessible, transparent, and inclusive science. Today’s doctors are increasingly active with their research and are migrating from the library to accessible, global podcasts that connect with people in an empathetic, sensitive, and understanding way.
In the report “Global Podcast Trends 2024” by Dr. Edison Research, it is observed that in Latin America, podcast consumption grew by 23% over the last year. This means that the democratization of knowledge is not an option, it is imperative.
If you are planning to pursue a postdoctoral degree or a PhD, you may want to keep in mind that, in addition to writing, you will also have the opportunity to speak and reach far, just like your thesis, by implementing these techniques that have a wider reach.
What makes a podcast powerful compared to a paper?
A paper is an academic article where the results of research, reflection, or analysis on a specific topic are presented. The importance of a paper lies in how researchers share their findings directed toward the scientific and academic world.
Podcasts, on the other hand, complement and expand their impact into other learning and specialized research spaces. Below are some key differences:
Ease of Access: Academic articles usually require payment in dollars for access, while a podcast is free and has greater reach, since it can be listened to anywhere.
Understandable Format: Podcasts avoid technical language like that found in papers, and instead offer examples, emotions, and relatable explanations.
Reach: Podcast platforms such as iVoox, Apple, and Spotify offer access to users in more than 150 countries.
Content Reusability: Podcasts provide rich and valuable material for your classes, profession, digital platforms, and any consulting proposals. Papers, in contrast, are often not read.
Doctors who managed to inspire with their voice through a podcast
“Ciencia del Fin del Mundo” (Argentina)
CONICET is the National Scientific and Technical Research Council in Argentina. Scientists from this institution created a podcast that presents science with humor and accurate data. It has many listeners and has won science communication awards.
Likewise, Ciencia del Fin del Mundo is a science communication project that offers a critical, accessible, and ironic approach in a fun way throughout Latin America. It’s a way to bring science closer to people without an elitist tone.
“Las Raras” (Chile)
This is a Chilean podcast that is non-academic and non-fiction. It addresses complex social research topics at a high level. It presents real stories narrated by people who challenge unjust social norms and promotes values like freedom, justice, diversity, and civil disobedience.
The narrative of this podcast is documentary-style, combining interviews, music, and ambient sound. Its approach is feminist and Latin American, and its production is independent and self-managed.
“PhD Balance” (USA)
This podcast was founded by Dr. Susanna Harris and focuses on the emotional and mental challenges of pursuing a PhD. It has a large international audience and serves as support for graduate students.
This program was created for individuals pursuing doctoral studies and focuses on mental health, community support, and well-being within academic life. It was launched in 2018 in response to issues such as stress, depression, anxiety, and burnout among graduate students.
“Científicas Mexicanas” (México)
This is a science communication podcast led by women. Its goal is to highlight the careers and work of Mexican female researchers and to showcase the role of women as agents of change. It also combines scientific and social approaches, including topics such as violence in research, equity, health, environment, law, and history.
“El Hilo” and “Radio Ambulante”
El Hilo is a weekly news podcast created in 2020 by a team from Radio Ambulante and the media outlet elDiarioES. Its purpose is to analyze a significant news event in Latin America or the world, featuring interviews, reporting, context, and in-depth information.
Radio Ambulante is a Latin American storytelling podcast created by Daniel Alarcón in 2011. It presents real stories from across Latin America with deep narratives, empathy, and a documentary style. Stories include migration, injustice, politics, culture, and identity.
While not academic, these podcasts frequently feature guest appearances by PhDs to discuss historical, scientific, and social issues. It’s clear that an excellent thesis can become an engaging topic for education and sharing.
What topic would you choose for your thesis in a podcast?
Imagine your thesis is about mental health in remote work, why not record six episodes, sharing your findings? Or perhaps the topic could be Indigenous education in Latin America? Climate change and its effect on cities? Or maybe digital transformation in small and medium-sized enterprises?
Keep in mind that a great podcast can move emotions and make a real positive impact on the listener’s life. It can also:
Explain research that informs decision-making
Create great opportunities for speaking at conferences, providing consulting, or teaching high-level courses
Open the door to collaboration with other researchers
Establish a professional identity in the digital world
That’s why several universities are now accepting multimedia material as an annex to doctoral theses, especially in interdisciplinary or education-related programs.
What tools do you need to create your academic podcast?
You don’t need to be an audiovisual expert. Here are some recommended platforms:
Spotify for Podcasters (formerly Anchor): Free, intuitive, and lets you record from your phone.
Podbean: Offers advanced analytics and monetization.
Audacity: Free software for professional audio editing.
Zencastr or Riverside: Useful for remote interviews.
Canva Pro: Great for designing attractive podcast covers and promotional videos.
The key is not to wait for the perfect production setup. What matters is being clear and passionate about your topic.
How to unify your doctoral project and podcast
Create change from within: Universities are now valuing science made for the public, and some are even offering funding for podcast production.
Use excerpts as teaching materials: Especially effective if you work in higher education.
Include it in your resume or cover letter: It’s essential to show communication skills, critical thinking, and digital proficiency.
Leverage up-to-date digital tools: Multiply your reach by uploading your podcast to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iVoox, and social media.
Participate and build your community: Invite other PhDs or PhD students, share insights, and create collaborative episodes.
You can manage your podcast as a sound journal throughout your doctoral process, recording reflections on progress, challenges, key readings, and interviews with experts. Later, you can use it for your thesis defense or other publications.
The statistics are positive
According to Statista, in 2023, 61% of podcast followers in Latin America listened to educational or informational content.
Similarly, according to Listen Notes (2024), there are over 4.5 million active podcasts worldwide, with education and science among the top 10 most searched content types.
Moreover, a recent survey by Nature magazine found that 78% of researchers are open to sharing their work in alternative formats, if they receive proper training.
You can be part of the change, too!
In this globalized and digital world, having a clear voice and great content is key to making a difference. You don’t need to abandon academic rigor, you just need to give it a new, useful, and human form.
If you are thinking about pursuing a PhD, or are already in one, imagine presenting your thesis as a podcast project, turning it into a tool to transform knowledge into a legacy. Wouldn’t that be amazing?
That way, your story, opinions, and experiences can help others analyze, reflect, act, and grow. A true legacy!