Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

St. John’s University has opened a second podcasting studio on its Queens, New York campus, providing students with expanded opportunities in digital media production. The new facility is located in St. Augustine Hall and is equipped with professional-grade technology, including a green screen wall, Blue Yeti microphones, real-time audio monitoring headsets, and a Mac mini for recording and editing.

The initiative is part of the Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies’ ongoing efforts to enhance multimedia resources available to students. Max A. Hergenrother, Associate Dean for Technology and Pedagogic Innovation at the college, led the team that developed the studio.

Karenarose Rizzo, Lab Control Technology Coordinator at CCPS, said: “What makes this studio unique is its ease of use and all-in-one setup. Everything from recording to editing to publishing can be done on-site without requiring external equipment or software.”

The studio is open to all members of the university community regardless of their academic program or major. Faculty are also encouraged to use the space for both academic and personal projects.

Within the Division of Sport Management, podcasting has become an important educational tool as well as a way to connect students with alumni through productions like the Sport Intelligence 101 podcast. Dylan Roskovensky, Graduate Assistant in the division, explained: “Our podcast intends to reach two goals: to reconnect with alumni of the sport management program and to provide students or prospective students with advice and stories to help guide them in their own sport management journey.”

The new studio also supports coursework in mass communication. Michael A. Rizzo, Associate Professor and Director of the Journalism program, teaches Podcasting and Innovative Journalism Trends (JOU2313), which focuses on technical skills as well as ethical storytelling practices.

Professor Rizzo noted: “Anyone can start a podcast, but the biggest risk is thinking you can just start talking into a microphone and be successful. Learning to carefully plan, prepare, and execute professionally helps students find what works. A structured program also includes ethics, so there are no surprises when challenges arise.”

Luca Iandoli, Dean of The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies and Professor in Computer Science, Mathematics, and Science added: “Podcasting sits at the intersection of creativity, communication, and technology—precisely where the future of education is headed. By making podcasting both simple and accessible, we invite our students and faculty to engage more deeply with ideas, communities, and audiences.”

Professor Rizzo further commented on changes in media consumption: “Podcasts are very vibrant, aural presentations, but the evolution of podcasts goes to multimedia, especially video podcasting. Successful podcasters now create short videos to share key moments from episodes and invite audiences to engage. That is where the future of media is going, and it is exciting to see St. John’s students leading the way.”

With this addition joining an existing studio in Marillac Hall’s fourth floor, St. John’s continues its commitment to hands-on learning experiences for its student body.