Updated on: 12 December, 2025
In the complex and dynamic landscape of higher education, staying informed and engaged is paramount. Podcasts have emerged as invaluable resources, offering a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the diverse challenges and innovations shaping higher ed (not to mention a way for some of us to fuel our passion for true crime stories).
In our quest to curate the most insightful content, our team has scoured the digital airwaves to bring you the the best higher education podcasts to follow. These podcasts are informative and thought-provoking, covering a wide range of subjects impacting college campuses and students across the globe. Whether your interest lies in policy debates or student enrollment and enrichment marketing strategies, there is something for every taste, both in short and long formats.
Read on for our picks for the higher ed podcasts you should listen to in 2026, along with a brief description of each of the shows to help you choose the right one for you.
The Best Higher Ed Podcasts For 2026
1. Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO—with Jaime Hunt
The "Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO" podcast promises to offer “a conference-like experience in podcast form", blending professional wisdom, innovative ideas, and personal anecdotes. Host Jaime Hunt engages in candid conversations with seasoned CMOs, innovative thinkers and key influencers, exploring not just marketing strategies but also the diverse challenges and stories that define the higher education industry. Each episode is reminiscent of a lighthearted and enjoyable chat between friends, making this podcast both informative and entertaining.
2. Keystone Higher Ed Chats
Our "Keystone Higher Ed Chats" podcast is published bi-weekly and is now in its third season. Designed to be listened to in the “time it takes to drink a cup of coffee or go for a walk,” our podcast aims to help keep you updated on the issues important to international higher education. Host Scott Miller, Keystone Education Group’s Chief Commercial Officer, speaks to thought-leaders, change-makers, and influencers with the professionalism and style of your favorite broadcaster.
3. The Wonkhe Show
Each week, "The Wonkhe Show" aims to propel the UK policy conversation forward. A panel of top experts (“top wonks”) breaks down the major policy developments of the week in the United Kingdom. The discussions featured on this higher ed podcast encourage sector learning through expert analysis, lively debate, valuable insights, and diverse perspectives.
4. The EdUP Experience
In "The EdUp Experience", Dr. Joe Sallustio, with his down-to-earth approach and industry experience, makes discussing intricate and dry educational topics more fun and engaging to explore. Guests range from University Presidents/CEOs to Venture Capitalists and Ed-Tech Entrepreneurs. With over 40 years of collective experience in higher education, the podcast team tries to bring on the most innovative leaders in higher education, with the goal of having the listener feel refreshed, upskilled, and reskilled after every episode.
5. Future U Podcast
Hosted by two higher education specialized journalists, Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn, the "Future U Podcast" explores the future of higher education. The hosts engage in conversations with key figures and newsmakers, including college presidents, senior campus leaders, faculty and students as part of their “Campus Tour.” New episodes drop weekly, every Tuesday.
6. The Higher Ed Marketer
Focused on marketing professionals in higher education, "The Higher Ed Marketer" offers practical advice to elevate your marketing strategies. Each episode features engaging conversations with top higher ed marketing experts, exploring topics such as the future of marketing, emerging technologies, and more. Its host, Bart Caylor of Caylor Solutions marketing agency, spent over two decades as a marketing consultant for higher education clients as well as highly-recognised global brands.
7. Higher Ed Storytelling University
Dedicated to enhancing storytelling and student enrollment in higher education marketing, this podcast is hosted by John Azoni, a video producer and storytelling coach. John helps colleges and non-profits tell stories that demonstrate their impact. Offering practical advice with quick-win strategies, each episode equips you with actionable insights to immediately enhance your marketing efforts.
8. Get Down to College Business
“Get Down to College Business” podcast is hosted by Sarah Holtan, PhD, and explores strategies crucial for the survival of universities. It delves into tactics that could determine whether university doors remain open. Gain empowering insights and fresh perspectives to revolutionize your approach to college business and advocate for affordable education.
9. HEDx
The official "HEDx" podcast is hosted by Professor Martin Betts, CEO and co-founder of HEDx. As a podcast born from the same vision and goals as the company of the same name, the episodes explore the future of the higher education sector and focus on fostering conversation and idea-sharing between thought leaders in the field. Expect regular uploads of insightful debates, curated and commented on by the experienced HEDx team, and some of the most innovative ideas in higher education.
Experienced higher education consultant and industry pioneer Dr. Drumm McNaughton hosts the "Changing Higher Ed" podcast. Aimed at helping higher education leaders improve their institutions, the episodes discuss interesting news and unique perspectives from experts in the field. Delving into the more complex side of managing higher education institutions and often offering quite useful advice, it's a great listen for those involved with strategic decision-making in higher education institutions.