The Media School at Indiana University prepares students for careers in journalism, cinema, broadcast, game design, and other forms of 21st-century communication.
In the school’s latest podcast, “I’m No Expert,” we sit down with Media School faculty to discuss their area of expertise. Not an expert in media research? Good! Neither is our host, undergrad student Lydia Norton or producer Betsy Leija. This podcast allows any listener to better understand the media’s impact on the social, physical, and psychological aspects of our lives.
Each episode will feature a different topic and guest, so follow us to hear new episodes released every month!
In this episode, we talk to Media School assistant professor Laura Marciano and Media School advertising senior Kenzie Wolkoff about the effects media has on people of all ages. Wolkoff shares how Marciano’s research and classes - Digital Media and Mental Health and Children and Media - have made an impact on how she produces content for advertising projects and how she’ll implement changes into her own life.
Special thanks to host Jordan Shane and producer Betsy Leija. Original music was created by Avi Forrest and Natalie Ingalls.
16 Mar 2026
Episode 15: I'm No Expert on ... Global Advocacy
In this episode, we sit down with (at the time of this recording) Media School doctoral candidates Jimmy Ochieng and Kevin Mudavadi to talk about media, politics, and democracy in Kenya. They break down how social media has completely changed political engagement, creating new opportunities for grassroots activism and accountability, while also opening the door to misinformation and digital manipulation.
The conversation dives into why media literacy is one of the most powerful tools we have in today’s information landscape, and why helping people think critically online may be more effective than relying only on government regulation or platform controls. Beyond their research, Jimmy and Kevin also share their passion for global advocacy, peacebuilding, and mentoring students navigating international education.
Special thanks to host Lydia Norton, producer Betsy Leija, and intern Alice Racek. Original music was created by Avi Forrest and Natalie Ingalls.
6 Mar 2026
Episode 14: I'm No Expert on ... Sports Media Psychology
Associate professor Nicky Lewis talks all things sports communication, media psychology, and the stories that bring fans together. She shares her career journey and reflects on how sports media has evolved from radio broadcasts to today’s fast-moving digital landscape, while reminding us that the human need for connection and storytelling hasn’t changed.
Lewis also discusses her work on the latest edition of "Communication and Sport: Surveying the Field," which explores digital convergence and the unmatched power of live sports in today’s attention economy.
Throughout the episode, she offers advice for aspiring media professionals, encouraging students to focus on storytelling skills, stay adaptable, and be ready to balance creative passions with the realities of the industry demands.
Special thanks to host Jordan Shane and producer Betsy Leija. Original music was created by Avi Forrest and Natalie Ingalls.
16 Dec 2025
Episode 13: I'm No Expert ... on Game History and Preservation
Professor, Director of Cinema and Media Studies, and adjunct professor in the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, Raiford Guins, discusses game culture as global phenomenon. Guins is interested in uncovering games that have been physically abandoned in dumps to further discover how they gain and lose value over time. The Atari game material was disposed of once it declined in popularity, but Guins and his colleagues traveled to El Magordo, New Mexico to revive its potential. Eventually auctioned on Ebay, and presented in museums, this is one of several games that Guins has nursed back to life through preservation of their game theory and social impact.
Special thanks to host Jordan Shane and producer Betsy Leija. Original music was created by Avi Forrest and Natalie Ingalls.
21 Nov 2025
Episode 12: I'm No Expert...on Global Media
To debut the new season of I'm No Expert, professor and editor-in-chief of Black Camera (Black Film Center and Archive), Akinwumi Adesokan, discusses African literature and cinema, and global media. Adesokan shares his experience as an anti-military journalist in Nigeria during the military regime, while also writing his first novel, "Roots in the Sky (Festac Books)." Through his passion for uncovering hidden media, such as archives or films made before digital technology, Adesokan shares his experience as the new editor-in-chief for Black Camera.
Special thanks to host Jordan Shane and producer Betsy Leija. Original music was created by Avi Forrest and Natalie Ingalls.
26 Jun 2025
Episode 11: I'm No Expert on ... Public Relations
Media School senior lecturer Dave Groobert defines public relations, explores its core values, and examines its evolving relationship with journalism in an interview with Lydia Norton.
27 Mar 2025
Episode 10: I'm No Expert on ... Corporate Social Responsibility and Advocacy
What do the Target Circle Card community giving initiative and Patagonia's involvement in environmental issues have in common? Both are examples of corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts aimed at promoting societal good. In comparison, social advocacy theoretically benefits a portion of a company's stakeholders, but often involves navigating controversial, typically political, issues.
Media School associate professor Nicholas Browning discusses how corporate organizations determine which initiatives align with their mission and enhance their reputation with their target audience.
Special thanks to host Lydia Norton, producer Betsy Leija, and intern Alice Racek. Original music was created by Avi Forrest and Natalie Ingalls.
10 Feb 2025
Episode 9: I'm No Expert on ... Hoosier Radio and TV
VCRs and projectors and Walkmans, oh my! Indiana Broadcast History Archive Director and Media School professor Mike Conway shares how he is working to save, preserve, and present information about the history of Indiana's radio and television. Due to obsolete technology, some of that information is lost forever. But Conway and the IBHA team is working hard to archive as much of the Hoosier history as possible.
20 Nov 2024
Episode 8: I'm No Expert on ... Environmental Journalism
Environmental journalism expert Suzannah Evans Comfort discusses the importance of environmental journalism, how it's covered, and the challenges environmental journalists face in addressing human-caused environmental degradation.
24 Oct 2024
Episode 7: I'm No Expert on ... Gaming for Girls
Media School professor of practice Patricia Pizer shares how she's developing a new way of gaming for girls. She has spent over 30 years working with games of all kinds – from puzzles to board games, to video games, and even mobile games for parrots!
Special thanks to host Lydia Norton, producer Betsy Leija, and intern Alice Racek. Original music was created by Avi Forrest and Natalie Ingalls.
12 Jan 2024
Episode 6: I'm No Expert on ... Mental Health and Filmmaking
Who’s that at the door? Could it be … our next guest? Listen to us chat with the new Dean of The Media School, David Tolchinsky. Hear about his love of scary movies and how he manages to make art and serve as an IU dean.
Special thanks to host Avi Forrest and producer Karl Templeton. Original music was created by Avi Forrest and Natalie Ingalls.
16 Nov 2023
Episode 5: I'm No Expert on ... Black Cinema
Ugh, what a week. You know what sounds perfect? Staying in and watching a bunch of movies. Avi and Karl take a break from their usual adventures to hang out with Novotny Lawrence, director of the Black Film Center & Archive and Media School associate professor, and watch some important pieces of Black film history.
Special thanks to host Avi Forrest and producer Karl Templeton. Original music was created by Avi Forrest and Natalie Ingalls.
24 Oct 2023
Episode 4: I'm No Expert ... on MAGA Culture
Podcasting has its perks. Including time travel. This time on I’m No Expert, we chat with the real expert, assistant professor Lisa Lenoir. Lenoir and our host will travel back in time to explore the intersection of the Make America Great Again movement and Mattie Smith Colin, a longtime Chicago Defender reporter from 1950-2002 who covered the return of Emmett Till's body to Chicago.
Special thanks to host Avi Forrest and producer Karl Templeton. Original music was created by Avi Forrest and Natalie Ingalls.
22 Sept 2023
Episode 3: I'm No Expert ... on Media Framing
We’ve been framed! Or you’ve been framed? Well, all of us have been framed, really.
This week on I’m No Expert, we sit down with associate professor Lesa Major to talk about the mechanics of framing in media. How does a reader connect with a story? How do we understand how important a given issue is? How do we make sure stories are never framed in order to hurt people? Listen in and find out!
Special thanks to host Avi Forrest and producer Karl Templeton. Original music was created by Avi Forrest and Natalie Ingalls.
18 May 2023
Episode 2: I'm No Expert ... on Satirical News
I’m no expert on satirical news, but our guest Jason Peifer is. Jason is an associate professor at The Media School and has conducted extensive research on satirical news and how it impacts our daily lives. Peifer explains satire has "a little more bite than your everyday humor" and is more than just a political cartoon. Listen in as we explore forms satirical news can take and if it's a trustworthy news source.
Special thanks to host Avi Forrest and producer Natalie Ingalls. Original music was created by Avi Forrest and Natalie Ingalls.
20 Mar 2023
Episode 1: I'm No Expert ... on Dirty Media
I’m no expert on dirty media, but thank goodness our guest Rachel Plotnick is. Ever notice how dirty your devices get? Ever find spots on your laptop or smears on your smartphone? Well, according to Plotnick, an assistant professor at IU's Media School, that grime means a lot more than you might think. Listen in on what dirty devices tell us about our lives, expenses, and future.
Special thanks to host Avi Forrest and producer Natalie Ingalls. Original music was created by Avi Forrest and Natalie Ingalls.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
76,736
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 42 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
40
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
32
Contact IU Media School
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of IU Media School?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
