Big Sky, Small World Podcast

Did you know Carroll has its own podcast and will soon have a dedicated podcast studio? Over the past ten years, podcasting has surged in popularity, and Carroll is embracing this trend by offering our students an opportunity to master podcasting skills. This initiative includes a podcast production course, guided by Professor Dr. Alan Hansen.

The great thing about the Big Sky, Small World podcast is that it has always been student-run. In fact, it began as a student initiative in 2020. Three Communication students, Josie Snyder, Warren Wolcott, and Jesus Parra, wanted to do a podcast so we just started! In the past three years, the podcast itself has evolved – now we have an original theme song written by recent Carroll alumnus and current admission counselor, Alex Coulter ‘22, and we have a podcasting production class every semester, in which students earn credit for producing the podcast. When the library re-opens, there will be a studio dedicated to podcasting.

I have tried to maintain the same approach to the podcast from our beginning: help get the students what they need to be successful and then get out of their way. The students have been a part of the podcast’s evolution and have done excellent work! ~ Alan Hansen, PhD, Professor of Communication Studies, Director of the Communications Center, and Faculty Advisor to the Big Sky, Small World podcast. 

For me, podcasting has not only been a great form of self-expression, but it’s also enabled me to connect with people who have similar passions and interests. My current co-host who I met through the podcasting class is now one of my best friends. On top of all that, podcasting has taught me highly marketable skills such as audio editing and social media management. ~ Alison Ross, Haslett, MI, Environmental Science ‘24

Episode, “Gran Cielo, Petit Monde,” in which three international students were interviewed.

Episode, “Giving Back,” which featured an interview with Professor Guido Bugni, who passed away in December.

Podcast, Big Sky, Small World. Newest episodes at the top.

I joined the podcasting class last semester the first week of classes on a whim and I am so glad my advisor suggested adding it to my schedule. Working with Dr. Hansen and the rest of the class has been so fun and enriching. In addition to learning how to operate podcasting equipment and editing software, Dr. Hansen allowed us to fuel our creativity with our individual segments. Even though I graduated in December, I plan to continue with the Big Sky, Small World podcast until I walk at commencement in May. ~ Josie Howlett, Kalispell, MT, Communication Studies ’24