During the Association for the Study of Medical Education (ASME) conference, we had the chance to sit down with Linda Snell, one of our podcast hosts. Linda shared her insights into podcasting, how she got started, and why she’s grown to really like it. Here’s what she had to say.
Linda, you’ve been podcasting for quite some time now. How did it all begin?
“To be honest, I didn’t know much about podcasting when we started,” Linda recalls. “I was persuaded to start rather reluctantly by Jon and Jason. They said, ‘We really must do this. We have to get the way we think and what we think about the literature out to the world. This is the way to do it”
While she didn’t jump into podcasting with enthusiasm at first, Linda has since embraced it. “I’ve become a real fan of podcasting as a form of social media,” she says. “It allows a very concise summary of something, whatever it is.”
What do you enjoy about podcasting now?
“I like that podcasting allows us to deliver a summary of something in a concise way,” Linda says. She appreciates how the medium lets her and her co-hosts break down complex topics into something digestible for listeners.
Do you listen to podcasts yourself?
“Occasionally,” she says. While she’s more focused on creating content, Linda does enjoy the flexibility podcasts offer.
“I appreciate the fact that I can do it in a limited period of time, that I can do it when I’m on, you know, an exercise bike or going to work or walking around or something like that. So its convenient.”
How do you choose the papers you discuss on the podcast?
“I could go back to why I go to conferences,” Linda explains. For her, it’s about something new, or a question she wants to get answered, or it’s something she thinks is important for the community.
She particularly enjoys papers that introduce new methods or approaches. “I like a paper that will introduce me, and our listeners, to a new method or approach—something we should be thinking about in health professions education. I don’t want us to remain static.”
If you could ask something of your listeners, what would it be?
“I’d like to know if people get something out of it,” Linda says thoughtfully. “What did you learn, and how did you use it?”. Maybe about a new methodology that you’re going to try, Linda says. Or maybe a new approach to education or assessment that you’re planning to implement in your context, she says. For Linda, it’s about making sure the podcast offers real, practical value to its audience.
What would you like to do to expand or improve the podcast?
“I’d like to know more about our audience,” Linda says. “Right now, we think of clinician educators, clinicians involved in education. But I’d love to know if it’s useful for others—like clinician teachers, education leaders, or administrators.”
She also sees room for growth in the podcast’s “consults” segment. “I think our consults are very popular and could be expanded. It doesn’t just have to be methods. It could be anything, like ‘How do I teach in a busy clinical setting using evidence?’”
What have you learned from podcasting?
“I guess I’m a little bit less afraid of podcasts and social media,” Linda admits. “I used to think we had to be scripted, but now I realize it’s much better if we’re not. We just are ourselves and spontaneous.”
She’s also learned how to balance spontaneity with organization. “I’ve learned how to record in a spontaneous and yet organized way,” she says, adding that she and her co-hosts have developed a good rhythm for working together.
Though our conversation with Linda focused on podcasting, she also shared her passion for attending conferences. For Linda, conferences are about staying updated on the latest in the field, finding answers to questions, and—above all—community. “It’s really about networking, mentoring, and being mentored,” she says. “And I love it.” Whether it’s at a conference or on the podcast, Linda’s commitment to education and sharing knowledge shines through. Be sure to tune in and learn more from her!
(This article is made from a video interview made by Teresa Sörö, at ASME conference 2024.)
Want more of Linda?
We have all episodes that Linda hosts, collected in a tag for you! Enjoy!
