Research Podcasts

Based in Manningtree, United Kingdom, Research Podcasts is a specialist podcast production and training company that has carved out a distinct niche within the public relations and communications landscape. Founded in 2020, the agency operates from the historic Essex town, a location that offers a quiet, focused environment far from the bustle of London yet within easy reach of the country’s major academic and research institutions. Manningtree’s small-town setting belies the agency’s reach, as it serves clients across the United Kingdom and beyond, primarily within the higher education sector. Research Podcasts was established to bridge the gap between academic research and public engagement, using the increasingly popular medium of podcasting to help researchers communicate their work more effectively.

Core Services and Specialisation

Research Podcasts focuses exclusively on podcast production and training, a narrow but deep specialisation that sets it apart from generalist PR agencies. The company works with researchers and academics to create podcasts that serve multiple purposes: knowledge exchange, public engagement, and impact reporting. Their services are tailored to the unique needs of the higher education sector, where researchers are often required to demonstrate the real-world relevance of their work to funding bodies, policymakers, and the public. The agency’s approach combines technical production expertise with an understanding of academic culture, helping clients translate complex research into accessible audio content.

• Podcast production and editing
• Podcast training and workshops for researchers
• Podcast strategy development for research projects
• Audio storytelling and narrative design
• Public engagement and impact communication
• Knowledge exchange through audio content

Target Audience and Sector Focus

The primary client base for Research Podcasts is researchers, academics, and research institutions within the higher education sector. The agency understands that researchers often face pressure to share their findings with audiences beyond academic journals, and podcasting offers a direct, human way to do so. Research Podcasts helps clients produce series that can be used for funding applications, public lectures, conference presentations, and outreach to non-specialist audiences. The agency’s services are particularly relevant for early-career researchers building their public profile, as well as established academics looking to expand their impact. While the core focus is on higher education, the skills and approaches developed by Research Podcasts could also apply to other knowledge-intensive sectors, such as think tanks, museums, or scientific organisations.

Expertise and Approach

Research Podcasts brings a specialised set of skills to the table, combining audio production with an understanding of research communication. The agency’s team is likely experienced in both podcasting and academic environments, allowing them to navigate the specific challenges researchers face: tight deadlines, complex subject matter, and the need for rigorous yet engaging content. Their training services help clients develop their own podcasting skills, from scripting and interviewing to editing and distribution. This capacity-building approach is valued by universities, as it enables researchers to produce ongoing content independently. The agency’s work also supports the growing emphasis on impact in UK research funding, where podcasts are increasingly recognised as a legitimate form of public engagement. Research Podcasts helps researchers tell their stories in a way that resonates, making their work accessible to policymakers, journalists, and the public.

Research Podcasts is an excellent fit for researchers, academic departments, and university communications teams in the United Kingdom who are looking to leverage podcasting for knowledge exchange and public engagement. The agency’s focused expertise in the higher education sector means it understands the specific pressures and opportunities researchers face. Whether a client is starting a new podcast series or seeking training to build in-house capacity, Research Podcasts offers practical, tailored support from its base in Manningtree. For any research organisation aiming to increase its visibility and demonstrate impact through audio content, this agency provides a dedicated and knowledgeable partner.