Podcasting at Bethel: A platform for connection and expression
Eddie Gaeddert and Andrew Schmidt launch a new podcast, Peace of Mind, to share alumni insights.
With today's technology advances, there are many ways we can communicate and express our feelings or thoughts creatively. Bethel College uses these tools to allow students and alumni to share insightful knowledge and experiences.
Eddie Gaeddert, a senior from Goessel, majoring in psychology, and Andrew Schmidt, a senior from Hesston, majoring in natural science, recently created a podcast titled Peace of Mind. The podcast aims to connect with Bethel College alumni who have embarked on their post-college journeys, and to share the tools and experiences the institution provided them.
Schmidt shared how the decision to lead this new project came to reality. “There was an email that was sent out [making the space available to students]. Eddie was already in Radio Practicum, so they did something similar once a week. We both decided to do it in front of the camera and our friend Braden helps us with editing.”
Gaeddert shared an insightful summary related to the first episode that came out recently. “Our friend Ben, who we are pretty close with, spoke about faith and how Bethel College shaped his business career.” He added, “I didn't really think anyone would watch it but I have had some people reach out who are actually interested in the episodes.”
In discussing the podcast production process, Gaeddert highlighted the balance between structure and spontaneity in their recordings. Gaeddert mentioned, “We show up and talk, the studio is set up pretty well for us. We have ideas that we want to cover, but we do not have an actual script. We like to see where the conversation takes us.” He added, “We try to shoot for an hour, the time consuming work is editing, and thanks to Emily [Timperley], we have it pretty easy”
Reflecting on their new project, the two students shared insights on what they have learned from creating the podcast. Gaeddert remarked, “I would say for me, it is so much easier than you would think. I believe us and the Collegian are the ones using it right now. It is a good time and a different feeling when you are in that space.”
Along the same lines, Schmidt highlighted the value of verbal expression, stating, “I will say it is also nice talking out loud, sometimes you are just in your head talking to yourself so it is fun expressing yourself in a different space.”
The students also shared their future thoughts or plans related to the podcast. Gaeddert mentioned, “I have had some people reach out to me, so I am excited about those. That is what I hope for the future, bringing in different people that have different perspectives.” He added, "Hopefully in the future, we kind of branch out and get different alumni to share their experiences.”
Schmidt and Gaeddert will be graduating in spring, 2025, and they hope that the project will continue to grow. In fact, Gaeddert shared, “Emily Timperley, she asked us the same question, it would be cool if someone took over. We would definitely be willing to pass the torch.”
Finally, they offered advice to fellow Bethel College students, encouraging them to explore the studio space. Gaeddert shared, “I recommend anyone that has interest to get in the studio and just talk with your friends, you don't even have to post it. It is a good time and a different feeling.”
“I recommend anyone that has interest to get in the studio and just talk with your friends, you don't even have to post it. It is a good time and a different feeling.”
Eddie Gaeddert