Passing the Mic: Promoting Student Voices Through Original Podcast Content
Scott: “Aren’t you a little bit nervous doing this podcast for older students and adults?”
As an experienced educator, facilitator and podcaster, Scott Jamieson’s role as the host of the Empathy to Impact Podcast opens many frank discussions with students about their learning journeys.
First Graders: “Mr. Scott, we were at first. But then we realized we knew way more about this than the others did—and they needed our help.”
When two first-grade students at the International School of Kigali led well-being workshops for older peers and parents, they did more than learn—they taught. Their reflections, shared on Scott Jamieson’s Empathy to Impact podcast, reflect the very ethos of a platform that elevates student voice and reframes what we consider powerful educational storytelling.
A Platform with Purpose
Born from a brainstorming session in 2021 between Scott and Inspire Citizens co-founders Aaron Moniz and Steve Sostak, the podcast was envisioned as more than another educational show.
“There’s a lot of really good educational podcasts out there...but it really wasn’t what we were looking to do,” Scott recalls. Instead of inviting big names, they chose to focus on the untold stories of youth-led impact.
At its heart, Empathy to Impact amplifies voices of students who are using their learning for good—real projects, real communities, and real change.
Experiential Roots and Educational Relevance
Framed by Inspire Citizens’ core philosophy of transformative, experiential education, the podcast becomes both artifact and inspiration. “With an essay, you’ve got an audience of maybe one or two… but you create a media piece that connects... then you’ve got a movement on your hands.” Scott emphasizes the importance of shifting from theoretical to practical learning that connects students with global issues and local actions.
Inspired by the narrative approaches of podcast mentors like Aaron Henkin of NPR fame, Scott views his role as a quiet guide. “I learned so much... They’re just masters of telling stories without being part of that story,” he shares. The podcast spotlights the students—Scott fades into the background so that youth can shine.
Moments that Matter
As an active consultant and facilitator, Scott utilizes his rapport with students in-person and on the Empathy to Impact Podcast.
The podcast features remarkable guests: a student in Ghana writing a children’s book on child labor, young changemakers in Hyderabad hesitantly finding their voice, and primary learners running workshops for adults. “They are definitely kids…” Scott says, “and it’s so cool when you see them becoming comfortable and opening up.”
One highlight he recalls is a student’s candid admission after writing an extensive proposal for a solar project: “No one but my teacher ever read my proposal.” That, says Scott, is the moment when purpose and pedagogy must meet.
A Tool for Educators
For schools, the podcast offers a unique kind of feedback loop. “When the kids can speak back to you about your school mission, you know you’re on the right track,” he recounts from recent praise received by a school leader. Administrators have begun using Empathy to Impact podcast clips to highlight how mission statements come to life through student voice.
More than just a showcase, it’s also an element of motivation, explains Scott: “Sometimes that’s a sort of a carrot they dangle out there, like ‘‘Hey, we’re going to pick some of the best work and you guys can connect with Scott for a podcast episode.’”
Authentic, Not Polished
Scott is quick to note that the podcast is not studio-polished—and that’s intentional. “It doesn’t come across quite as professional as some others, but it’s real.” That authenticity has made the show a powerful complement to Inspire Citizens’ broader mission of sustainable, impactful global citizenship education.
Looking Forward
The growth of the Empathy to Impact podcast continues, often organically. “A lot of the podcast guests are from our partner schools,” says Scott. “It’s a cool way to showcase some of our work.”
With growing responsibilities as a partner in Inspire Citizens, the technical production is supported now by other Inspire Citizens team members and even his own son who is often engaged in the editing process. Of course, the heart of the work remains unchanged.
For Scott, the podcast is still his favorite part of the job. “I’m just so grateful to have the opportunity to connect with kids from all over the world who are passionate about doing something good in their community.”
Hear Powerful Student Voices on the Latest Episode of the Empathy to Impact Podcast