In-School Seminars
Podcasting & Public Speaking
Podcasting and public speaking have a lot in common.
Both rely on curiosity, active listening, and the ability to communicate ideas.
I work with students to improve their:
-voice/delivery
-use of audio and public-address technologies
-audience management/interviewing skills
-confidence with these and other aspects of this work.
By leading in-school seminars — and group sessions via teleconference — I help students give voice to their writing.
In these sessions, they begin to see how they might become hosts, producers, and public speakers who engage listeners.
An Experienced Voice
My name is Jonathan Brown and I’m the host and producer of the Story of Writing podcast.
Before podcasting, I was an award-winning news host and reporter on public radio stations across the country.
Now, as a guest lecturer, I come to middle- and high-schools and share what I’ve learned about the industry, the people who make it what it is, and the strategies that lead to success.
How Does This Work?
The short answer: Story of Writing in-school seminars and remote learning.
In-person sessions cover a range of topics, starting with the question, “What are podcasts and public speeches for?”
After hosting and producing more than 1,000 podcast episodes and speaking publicly for decades, I believe they’re meant to facilitate the exchange of ideas (otherwise known as learning).
No matter the topic—politics, skin care, cooking, muscle cars of the 1960s—podcast hosts and presenters learn far more from their work than listeners do.
Podcasts, like speeches to the public, are born of curiosity and result in information.
Story of Writing seminars challenge students to find and present information that is factual and supported by verifiable sources. These sessions also stress the importance of saying things that—in the words of the writer James Baldwin—will not diminish the humanity of another.
“It is a terrible, an inexorable law, that one cannot deny the humanity of another without diminishing one’s own.”
Seminar Content
In-school seminars go over the essentials:
-Speaking clearly and authentically
-Writing for speaking
(because it’s quite different than writing for reading)
-Technology (microphones, computers, mixers, software)
-English Language Arts (ELA)
English courses are now called ELA.
By identifying five aspects of language learning and usage, ELA encourages literacy in support of analytical thinking. This is especially useful when assessing how the English language is used in the professional sphere.
English Language Arts:
Reading helps us understand how people can express themselves.
Writing gives us the chance to express the things that matter to us.
Language Arts help us learn the rules of writing and speaking.
Speaking is the quickest way to communicate and be understood, if we know how to do it reasonably well.
Active Listening is vital to good communication, especially teaching, interviewing, journalistic and opinion writing, critique, public speaking, and podcasting.
The five components of
Seminars also help students begin the process of choosing the topic(s) they’d like to talk about as a public presenter or the host of a podcast.
This is often a revelatory exercise.
Throughout the in-person sessions, I talk with students about the importance of curiosity for podcasters and public speakers. Many people who succeed in these fields say their inquisitive nature helps them dig deeper and remain resilient through the stressors and other challenges that are commonplace in the early stages of this work.
For some students, picking a subject to talk about is the first time they truly examine—and name—the things that interest them most.
Portrait of a Graduate
Story of Writing seminars align with New York State’s “Portrait of a Graduate.” This is made up of six proficiencies, including “Effective Communicator.”
The idea is simple: help students develop the skill set that enables them to make meaningful contributions to their communities.
For more details on “Portrait of a Graduate,” click here.
“An effective communicator articulates ideas clearly and confidently through speaking, writing, and the use of different types of media for various purposes, while engaging with diverse audiences and actively listening to different perspectives.”
Hands-On Projects
Students are asked to read some short and accessible written materials (prose, poetry (including some song lyrics), non-fiction, speeches, legislation (Bill of Rights, etc.), and others.
Other assignments revolve around writing for public speaking and for podcasting. When producing a podcast, hosts often need a list of questions for guests, experts, and other sources.
Remote Learning
Team meetings will take place via teleconference. These remote sessions give students a chance to discuss their work and demonstrate their progress on reading, writing, and other ELA elements. Online meetings also give students the opportunity to ask more questions and get immediate feedback on the progress of their projects.
Tech/Equipment
All projects can be completed on a smart phone, tablet, computer, etc.
If students don’t have this equipment at home, it is available for student use in schools and libraries.
Who Takes Part?
The focus and depth of Story of Writing seminars are best suited to those middle- and high-school students who express an interest in—and/or aptitude for—podcasting or public speaking.
I can lead up to four in-school seminars—in one school building—over the course of one day.
Each seminar can be tailored to grade/age, proficiency, etc.
What’s the Cost?
One Day of (up to four) In-School seminars:
-three or more days per academic year: $250/each
-one day or two days per academic year: $350/each
Remote meetings:
-three or more per academic year: $85/each
-one or two per academic year: $150/each
Getting Started
Contact me by clicking the email address below
or enter my address:
thestoryofwriting@gmail.com
That will get the ball rolling.
You can also send me any questions you have.
FAQs are on the next page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Jonathan Brown have a college degree?
Yes. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Humanities at The Ohio State University.
Has Jonathan Brown passed a background check?
Yes, and—if needed—I will complete more/other checks.
Is Story of Writing an LLC?
Yes, incorporated in April 2026 under Old Saw LLC
What classroom experience does Jonathan Brown have?
I began developing these courses in 2025, and presented them in schools in 2026.
To do this work, I signed up to be a substitute teacher in 2024 and have filled in for teachers for more than a year.