Since starting his podcast work in 2020, Jay Howard has interviewed a collector, a college dean, a philosopher and a community organizer.

Howard explains that he was inspired by the collaborative efforts put into building the “brand-new college,” referencing the recent formation of the Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (RCASH) at Missouri State University.

“Since my goal is to interview the people who make up the college, the name ‘Making CASH’ seemed to fit. Also, the name needed to be something people could easily remember and subscribe to,” he added.

In the podcast series, Howard, a senior communication instructor, chats with members of the RCASH community: professors, students and alumni, as well as anyone in Springfield, Missouri, with stories to tell.

“I’ve learned from teaching the COM 115/Public Speaking [course] that everybody has an interesting story to share given half a moment and an audience, and I can help celebrate people and their stories,” Howard said.

Gaining interesting insights

Howard enjoys exploring the stories and accomplishments of people in RCASH and its graduates. He is interested in sharing their insights and delving into how they apply academic knowledge to real life scenarios.

Since starting his podcast, Howard has interviewed several guests:

• Cinephile, Collector, and Content Creator – Howard talks to RCASH alum Nathan Jones about his YouTube channel, Specifically Blu-Rays with Nathan Jones.
• The Springfield Way – Dr. Alan Tinkler – Tinkler is an associate professor and assistant head in the English department at MSU. He highlights a new summer internship program called The Springfield Way.
• Sisyphus Lives – Dr. William Harwood – Harwood, an assistant professor of philosophy at MSU, talks about data ethics and much more.
• Academic Realignment – Dr. Shawn Wahl – RCASH Dean Wahl explains what’s taking place regarding academic realignment at the university.

“I got into podcasting because I’m interested in ideas and the people who have them,” Howard explained. “I try to build organic, serendipitous, interesting episodes. I’m building this platform to share great ideas and highlight the great people I work with.”

“People are often surprised to learn that hosting this podcast isn’t a job for me. It’s a labor of love and a personal project.” — Jay Howard

He hopes the RCASH and Springfield communities enjoy listening and will subscribe on a podcast player, like the Facebook page and share.

Plans for the podcast

Howard aims to connect his audience to upcoming guests. He has 15 episodes planned for the semester.

“New episodes will be aired every Monday, except fall break and Thanksgiving. This Monday (Sept. 11), we’ll hear from Dr. Wahl about the new ‘front porch’ building that was recently announced,” said Howard.

Some of his upcoming guests and topics include:

• Stacy A. Rice – senior instructional designer in the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning – impact of AI and chatbots on education.
• Nick L. Beatty – instructor and academic advisor in the political science and philosophy department – chess and public service.
• Amy E. Knowles – clinical assistant professor in the Department of English – teacher education and social justice.
• Jon Mabee – associate professor in communication, media, journalism and film – storytelling class.
• Dr. Stephen C. Berkwitz – department head of the languages, cultures and religions department – Buddhism, Buddhist poetry, Taylor Swift song “Karma.”
• Joel W. Coltharp – instructor in English department – fall 2023 class on horror fiction.

Howard shares that alumni are welcome to contribute. “There are also a few alums planning to stop by, and several others. I don’t want to spoil the surprises.”

“I’d like to start using social media to crowd source questions for upcoming guests prior to the interviews,” he added.

To be a guest or send questions for upcoming guests, contact Howard at JayHoward@MissouriState.edu.

Listen to the podcast

10/16/2024 UPDATE: Podcast name changed to “The Humanities District.”

Edited by Reynolds College Communications Team.

Damilola R. Oyedeji is a graduate assistant for the Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities. She is working toward her master’s degree in creative writing at Missouri State University.