October 14, 2024

From 1:00–5:00 pm at Bennington’s Center for the Advancement of Public Action (CAPA), some of the country’s leading podcasters will discuss investigative journalism, memoir podcasts, and community storytelling and provide guidance about narrative podcasting. The event is hosted by Bennington President Laura Walker, who was, as the former CEO of New York Public Radio, a pioneer in podcasting, and Andrea Bernstein, presidential fellow and visiting faculty member at Bennington and an award-winning journalist and creator of podcasts like Will Be Wild and Trump, Inc.

Event highlights include: 

• Engaging with creators, including Tonya Mosley of She Has A Name and Fresh Air.
• Gaining insights on podcast development from industry experts like Kat Aaron, vice president of development at Pineapple Street Studios, and Cynthia Roderiguez, senior editor of Reveal.
• Discussing investigative, memory-based, and local podcast forms.
• Networking with journalists, producers, and publishers.

Featured speakers include:

• Andrea Bernstein, visiting faculty member at Bennington and Peabody Award-winning journalist.
• Tonya Mosley, co-host of Fresh Air and She Has a Name.
• Matt Katz, creator of Inconceivable Truth.
• Lauren Chooljian and Jason Moon '13, creators of the Pulitzer Prize finalist 13th Step from New Hampshire Public Radio.
• Erica Heileman of Vermont Public Radio’s Peabody Award-winning podcast Rumble Strip.
• Nancy Solomon, host of Dead End: A New Jersey Political Murder Mystery.
• Cynthia Rodriguez, senior editor of Reveal and editor of 40 Acres and A Lie.
• Emily Russell of North Country Public Radio’s If All Else Fails. 
• Dina Janis, Bennington College faculty member in Drama.

“Some of the most prominent American podcasters today will join together to discuss evolving forms, challenges in the industry, podcasting in local communities, and what makes a great podcast idea,” says 2024 Bennington Presidential Fellow Andrea Bernstein. “The event is designed to give practitioners, fans, and would-be podcasters a way to both think about podcasts and how to make them.”

“Podcasting is an intimate and powerful medium for storytelling, journalism, and creative expression,” said Laura R. Walker, President of Bennington College. “This is an opportunity to learn from some of the most talented podcasters.”

Whether you're a longtime podcast listener, an aspiring creator, or simply curious about the medium, this symposium will offer valuable insights into the world of audio storytelling. You'll have the opportunity to:

• Learn about the creative process behind successful podcasts.
• Understand the technical aspects of podcast production.
• Explore how podcasts can drive social change and public discourse.
• Network with professionals and peers in the industry.

To learn more, access the event schedule, and register, visit the calendar listing.