Tobias and Syd: a research-based podcast audio-drama about tobacco

Russell, Andrew

Abstract

We report on an experiment that used podcast audio-drama as a medium to generate impact from academic outputs in a creative, inclusive and collaborative way. Tobias and Syd was a serialised podcast audio-drama published in January 2023 based on ideas contained in the book Anthropology of Tobacco and personal narratives from the Wellcome Trust funded Letters to the Breath project. The series aimed to generate conversations and discussions, rather than conclusions, about the role of tobacco in society today. It was a collaborative project involving contributions from diverse stakeholders. In addition to developing, producing and promoting the play, the educational value and dialogic space of the podcast was enhanced through four recorded webinar events based on key themes in the drama. Podcast audio-drama has the potential to open up new perspectives on contentious public health issues like tobacco use and abuse. We reflect on some of the processes involved and the challenges encountered in this case.

Citation

Russell, A. (in press). Tobias and Syd: a research-based podcast audio-drama about tobacco. Radio Journal: International Studies in Broadcast & Audio Media,

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 22, 2024
• Deposit Date: Dec 17, 2024
• Journal: Radio Journal: International Studies in Broadcast & Audio Media
• Print ISSN: 14764504
• Electronic ISSN: 20401388
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/3222587
• Publisher URL: https://www.intellectbooks.com/radio-journal-international-studies-in-broadcast-audio-media