California research and extension with the Water Talk podcast: Expertise, reflection, and best practices

Abstract:

The Water Talk Podcast (www.watertalkpodcast.com) is an extension program that targets a broad audience to promote awareness of California water issues. This new program was incepted in May 2020 in response to COVID-19 limitations on traditional extension work and has >1600 downloads as of July 2020. Our specific program objectives are: (1) highlight inspirational, interdisciplinary work from a broad range of University of Agricultural and Natural Resources Extension (~50%) and greater California hydrological community professionals, (2) remove public barriers of entry into conversations about water, (3) inspire a new generation of water professionals, and (4) expose inequity and injustice related to water science, governance, and policy. Our approach is to host live 60-minute podcast tapings featuring 1-2 experts via videoconferencing to offer the community an opportunity to directly ask questions of water experts in a warm, inviting atmosphere. The hour is split into a semi-structured interview of the guest(s) and a moderated question and answer session from the audience. We post-process and edit the live show using Audacity, which is open-source audio editing software. The resulting ~30-minute podcast is hosted via Buzzsprout, which offers analytics by episode, listener location, and podcast application (e.g. Apple, Stitcher, Spotify). We measure success using download numbers and locations for each episode as well as any direct feedback we receive. Season 1 consisted of 12 episodes (including pilot) and currently has >1650 downloads from listeners around the world. Here, we reflect on technological logistics, data analytics, best practices, listening patterns, and promotion. We expect that listeners will develop strategies as well as increased awareness of extension programs and resources to help manage specific problems showcased in podcasts (e.g. drought in rangelands, beavers on property, groundwater on small farms). California's renewable resources need broad-based support from the public as well as a future composed of scientists, practitioners, and an informed electorate in order to support diverse water management needs in a changing climate. The Water Talk Podcast provides a fantastic platform to build public support and inspiration.