The Network Effect: How Campus Media Connects Students and Storytelling

How a campus network bridges broadcast and podcast to engage students.

At BYU Radio, podcasting is reshaping how students and educators share stories of faith, creativity, and connection. Senior producer Heather Bigley offers an inside look at how a traditional university radio network transitioned toward a podcast-first model—empowering students to produce their own shows, experiment with storytelling formats, and reach audiences far beyond campus. From the interfaith conversations of In Good Faith to the youth-driven energy of Take a Leap, the conversation explores how hands-on learning, collaboration, and digital innovation are transforming higher ed media. Heather discusses the balance between mentorship and independence, the role of social media in audience engagement, and how podcasts can help young creators find purpose and build bridges in today’s diverse world.

Episode Links:

• Heather Bigley | LinkedIn 
• BYU Radio 
• Take a Leap - BYUradio 

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Chapters:

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (03:00) - BYU Radio
• (04:28) - The Pivot from Radio to Podcasting
• (07:28) - The Birth of “Take a Leap”
• (10:08) - Student Ownership and Mentorship
• (11:42) - Collaboration Across Campus
• (12:46) - Access and Infrastructure
• (15:35) - Teaching Through Trust
• (18:40) - Students and the Studio Experience
• (20:16) - Social Media as an Extension of the Show
• (23:34) - Lessons from Higher Ed PodCon
• (25:32) - Why Student-Led Podcasting Matters
• (26:47) - Conclusion