New podcast takes root, plants seeds of knowledge

Troy University is branching out into the world of educational podcasting with the launch of “Growing the Forest and the Trees,” a new series aimed at exploring the big picture issues and everyday realities shaping today’s classrooms, campuses and communities.  

Launched by The College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, the podcast is co-hosted by Dr. Lisa Etheridge, Dr. Shirley Farrell, and Dr. Joe Johnson, all faculty members at Troy, with technical assistance from Troy Public Radio.  

“Growing the Forest and the Trees” is meant to bridge the gap between policy-level discussions and the everyday experiences of students and educators. A new podcast for teachers, by teachers, could lead to a new wave in educational advocacy.  

Dr. Lisa Etheridge, associate professor in the Department of Teacher Education and co-host of the podcast, spoke about the meaning behind the podcast’s name. 

“We wanted a title that reflected the tension educators constantly navigate, keeping sight on the ‘forest,’ the broader system of education and policy, while also honoring the ‘trees,’ the individual students, teachers and schools,” Etheridge said. “ 

Education is not an either or – it’s about understanding how large-scale initiatives connect with the lived realities of classrooms.”  

The series will feature a range of topics including teacher wellness, curriculum changes and strategic examples of classroom scenarios and lived experiences.  

The podcast also aims to serve as a professional development resource for educators, with episodes featuring policymakers, researchers and students in order to provide a well-rounded perspective on key issues in education.  

“Growing the Forest and the Trees reflects Troy’s mission by modeling reflective practice – helping listeners connect classroom choices to larger systems, policies and values,” said Dr. Shirley Farrell, Associate Professor, Gifted Education Program Coordinator, and Assessment Coordinator. It is both forward-looking and grounded in practical application.”  

Episode one of the podcast, released on Aug. 25, is titled ‘What is Conscious Discipline?’ The episode features special guest Holli Richardson, the principal at New Brockton Elementary School in New Brockton, Alabama.  

‘Growing the Forest and the Trees’ is set to be scheduled on a monthly basis with a second episode coming this month. Troy Public Radio’s Podcast Program Manager Austin Toy said it’s still too early to determine the trajectory at which the podcast will take.  

“It’s too early to gauge listener sentiment,” Toy said. “The plan is to publish an episode every month going forward.” 

While still in its early stages, the podcast represents a new avenue for Troy University to contribute to the broader dialogue of education by blending academic insight with everyday perspectives.  

Whether you are in the classroom, on campus or involved in educational policy, the podcast offers meaningful dialogue for anyone invested in learning and growth.  

Those interested can find episode one of Growing the Forest and the Trees at troy.today.edu/podcasts.