IU School of Nursing

For researchers, publishing in an academic journal is an important way to share new knowledge with their peers, but reaching people beyond the scientific community can be more challenging. Jamie Rausch, PhD, RN, assistant professor, at Indiana University School of Nursing in Fort Wayne, recently discovered that a podcast can help bridge that gap. 

After Rausch published research in Biomedicines last year, the team at SciPod approached her about turning her work into a short audio story for students, researchers, and anyone curious about science. Rausch saw a great opportunity to introduce her research to people who might never encounter it in an academic journal.

Her 11-minute podcast, “The Hidden Life of Fat: How Adipose Tissue Shapes Health Across a Lifetime,” debuted in May and explores how adipose tissue is much more than a place where the body stores fat—it is a dynamic, hormone-producing system that can influence health throughout a person’s lifetime. For Rausch, the podcast experiment has already paid off by generating greater interest in her research and prompting inquiries from potential collaborators.

Vital Signs spoke with Rausch about taking her research from the journal page to a new audience, and what podcasting can offer researchers looking to broaden the reach of their work.

Vital Signs: What inspired you to use SciPod to share your research, and what do you hope this format allows you to accomplish that traditional academic publishing may not?

Jamie Rausch: In 2025, I published a manuscript called "The effects of adipose tissue dysregulation on type 2 diabetes mellitus" in Biomedicines. After publication, I had a lot of interest in my research. Specifically, SciPod sent a message asking if I would be interested in working with them to produce an episode for SciPod about my research. I thought it would be a terrific way to increase awareness of the effects of adipose tissue dysregulation in chronic disease. So, I said yes to that and to a SciTube video, a scientific video similar to what might be seen on YouTube. For years, 'fat shaming' has been something that occurs frequently and in most areas. Often, adipose tissue dysregulation results in individuals being 'stuck' in an endless cycle, unable to lose weight no matter what they do. I want those people to know that science is finally figuring out that there are reasons people struggle with weight loss. 

VS: Was there anything about the process of producing the podcast that surprised you? Is the narrator always an option or do some researchers use their own voices?

Rausch: Honestly, it was much easier than expected. I worked with the team at SciPod to streamline information from my research into a logical but simplified version that anyone could understand. The process was quite easy with the team's experience and guidance.  The narrator is always an option. In fact, you get to choose which voice actor reads the script.  

VS: Your first SciPod episode challenges the idea that body fat is simply stored energy. What do you most want listeners to understand about the role adipose tissue plays in health across a person’s lifetime?

Rausch: I hope those who listen to the podcast take way that adipose tissue, especially when dysregulated, or not working like it should, can cause significant issues, including increased hunger without a reason and increased inflammation that contributes to significant diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. 

VS: What has been the response since the episode first aired?

Rausch: Thanks to the SciPod and SciTube episodes, I have had a lot more interest in my research. My previously published works have been cited more frequently, and I have had other researchers message me to possibly collaborate in the future. Also, another organization that works with international government entities contacted me to work on other projects that will hopefully increase governments' funding and attention to this area of research. Overall, the results have been terrific!