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One year later, various Butler CC offices have created podcasts of their own. Last year, the Butler CC campuses on both El Dorado and Andover have purchased a podcasting studio and equipment for students and employees to use. At Butler CC, two podcast series are leading the way in promoting digital literacy and connecting the community. The first is “For Your Reference”, a Butler CC Libraries and Archives podcast hosted by Kara Price, access and instructor librarian. They have posted three episodes since spring 2024, which shine a spotlight on members of the Butler CC who share their personal and professional stories. The other one is “Bear Tracks”, the podcast of the Foundation Department hosted by Hayley Hobbs, director of Donor Relation. It provides a platform for Butler alumni to reflect on their journeys post-graduation, serving as both an inspirational resource and an oral history project.
The podcast studio is open to anyone at Butler who has an interest. The library provides demonstrations and instruction about the studio equipment, recording practices and the basics of editing audio on an as-needed basis to students and employees who are interested in podcasting. Since last year the podcast studio was put into use, the library resource staff have done several sessions for students, faculty and staff. They also had instructors who had students creating podcasts as a research assignment. Students also can access to podcasting guide on the library website. This has videos of how to use the podcast equipment and some simple editing tutorials.
“The podcast studio has increased interest in podcasting among students,” said Miranda Windholz, the research and instruction librarian. “It’s an exciting way for students to engage with media, and we’ve already had groups using the studio to create podcasts as part of class assignments.”
The podcast studio is open to anyone at Butler, and both Price and Windholz have been instrumental in teaching students how to use the equipment and produce quality content.
The “For Your Reference” podcast was born out of the desire to elevate the voices of Butler’s faculty, staff and students which launched in 2023 and publicly available since spring 2024. Price, the podcast’s creator, explains that the podcast does not follow a specific theme but instead serves as a platform to celebrate the rich diversity of knowledge and experiences within the university. Despite its early stages, “For Your Reference” has received positive feedback from interviewees and faculty members alike, inspiring plans to expand the program and involve the wider community in the future.
Meanwhile, Hobbs’s “Bear Tracks” podcast provides a platform for Butler alumni to reflect on their journeys post-graduation, serving as both an inspirational resource and an oral history project. One standout episode of “Bear Tracks” featured alumna Kate, who shared her transformative experience in the Disney College Program and her path to becoming a motivational speaker.
“Kate’s story is so inspiring,” Hobbs said. “It’s a reminder that the foundation built at Butler can lead to incredible opportunities.”
The idea for “Bear Tracks” began as part of Butler’s preparations for its 100th anniversary in 2027.
“I wanted to start it as a way to showcase our alumni and how their time here set them up for success,” Hobbs said.
Hobbs’s podcast, which is supported by a team from the UK-based Alumni Podcasts, has already generated interest from the Butler community. Alumni have reached out to participate, recognizing the value of sharing their stories and contributing to the university’s legacy.
“We’ve had alumni contact us even before the podcast was live, wanting to be part of it.” Hobbs said “That says a lot about the reputation Butler has.”
The podcast studio has impressed a lot of people in Butler CC, and it can be a good source learning, connection and preserving the college’s legacy. Both “For Your Reference” and “Bear Tracks” aim to grow their reach and impact. In a time where digital literacy is becoming more critical, Butler’s podcasts are not just entertainment—they are powerful tools. Through these stories, Butler’s past, present and future come together in a narrative that continues to inspire.
To listen to the podcast, “For Your Reference”: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jJGjlTSgo9lKped5DqdrL?si=627709e2f26b4834&nd=1&dlsi=90ae5782cb4e44bc
To listen to the podcast, “Bear Tracks”:
https://open.spotify.com/show/4EoBeyePEBAZOtk9Xw058D
