2025 Publication: Innovative Podcast Research Explores Creative Academic Impact

We are pleased to announce the publication of our latest research paper, “Tobias and Syd: A research-based podcast audio-drama about tobacco,” in the Radio Journal: International Studies in Broadcast & Audio Media (Volume 23, Issue 1, April 2025).

This innovative paper reports on a unique experiment that used podcast audio-drama, written and directed by Elspeth Penny, as a medium to generate meaningful impact from academic research in a creative, inclusive, and collaborative manner. The serialised podcast “Tobias and Syd,” published by 2BU Productions,  in January 2023, was based on ideas from the book “Anthropology of Tobacco” by Professor Andrew Russell, and personal narratives from the Wellcome Trust-funded “Letter to the Breath” project.

Key Innovation

Rather than seeking to provide definitive answers, the series was designed to generate conversations and discussions about the complex role of tobacco in contemporary society. This approach represents a significant shift from traditional academic dissemination methods toward more engaging, dialogue-based public engagement.

Collaborative Approach

The project involved contributions from diverse stakeholders and enhanced its educational value through four recorded webinar events based on key themes explored in the drama. This multi-faceted approach created rich dialogic spaces for discussing contentious public health issues.

Research Impact

The study demonstrates that podcast audio-drama has significant potential to open up new perspectives on complex public health challenges like tobacco use and abuse. By combining creative storytelling with rigorous academic research, the project successfully engaged broader audiences in meaningful conversations about important societal issues.

Funding and Support

This research was supported by The Arts Council (Award ACPG-00404654) and the ESRC Impact Accelerator Account administered by Durham University.

Authors

• Alice Malpass¹
• Elspeth Penny²
• Andrew Russell³

Publication Details

• Journal: Radio Journal: International Studies in Broadcast & Audio Media
• Volume: 23, Issue 1
• Pages: 103-126
• Published: April 2025

Access the Full Paper here: Read the paper

Listen to the play at on https://tobiasandsyd.podbean.com Spotify, and other major podcast platforms or through our website https://2buproductions.org/tobias-and-syd

This publication represents our continued commitment to innovative research methodologies that bridge academic scholarship with creative public engagement, demonstrating new pathways for generating meaningful impact from university research.