Stony Brook Podcast Incubator

Stony Brook Podcast Incubator is an educational program affiliated with Stony Brook University that helps creators develop a podcast from initial concept through launch. Described as the first full-year, hands-on podcasting program offered by a U.S. educational institution, it serves aspiring podcasters as well as writers, journalists, producers, and other storytellers seeking to move into audio. Cohorts have included participants of varying ages and backgrounds from countries and communities such as Nigeria, Qatar, the Shinnecock Nation, and Alaska.

The program runs over two semesters, from September through May, with weekly evening class sessions held both online and in person in New York City. Participants work on original podcast projects while building skills in editorial development, interviewing, storytelling, recording, editing, sound design, audience development, marketing, pitching, and monetization. Instruction is delivered by a low student-to-faculty ratio team of primary and specialist instructors with professional backgrounds in audio production, storytelling, and marketing, supplemented by guest speakers from organizations such as NPR, WNYC, Stitcher, and major podcast networks.

Since its founding in 2018, the program has graduated more than 100 alumni, roughly half of whom work in the podcast industry at organizations including CBS, NPR, iHeartRadio, Sinclair, Audacy, JAR Audio, Snap Judgment, and House of Pod. Participants gain access to professional podcasting tools, university resources, and connections to studios and industry professionals. The program offers scholarship opportunities, including a tuition scholarship supported by Descript.