The Open Educational Podcast in Spain: production structures, hosting models, and discursive dynamics

Abstract

This exploratory study examines a curated set of influential contemporary educational podcasts in Spain to identify emerging patterns in production structures, hosting models, and discursive strategies. Drawing on genre theory, audience studies, and platform analysis, the article conceptualizes educational podcasting as a hybrid communicative ecosystem shaped by narrative experimentation, pedagogical intent, and algorithmic circulation. Data from major audio platforms were analyzed using a mixed-method coding protocol integrating formal, discursive, and platform variables. Findings reveal uneven professionalization, diverse pedagogical voices, and adaptive strategies for visibility in platform-mediated environments. The study contributes a theoretically grounded overview of Spain's evolving educational podcast landscape.