Lee student launches "In My Dorm Podcast"
What started out as a small project in high school for Micheal Johnson has grown into something that's impacted students across Lee University. Now two seasons in with guests ranging from students, professors, and our President Phil Cook, Johnson walks through the story of the In My Dorm Podcast.
Johnson, freshman theology major, describes the journey of how the podcast started.
“We made about 40 episodes, it was pretty successful, it was a lot of fun. My buddy posted it and when I got to college I decided that I was very passionate about it and wanted to reconsider a continuation of it,” said Johnson.
The original idea behind the podcast was rooted in Christian morals of servitude. This is displayed in its chosen setting.
“The idea behind doing it in my room is that you want to serve Jesus Christ: when you're at church, when you're with people that you serve, and during personal devotion, " said Johnson.
Johnson has a specific process when deciding what topic will be discussed during the episode. Pulling from personal conversations–usually over coffee–he does not decide on questions before meeting the person first; making the conversation tailored to his guest.
“For me, it's really interesting to talk about the things people are passionate about. When I talk to people on the podcast, it covers an array of different things that they're passionate about. Like, when I talked to Dr. Rob this week about leadership and Hampton Batchelor on the topic of posturing your heart for worship,” said Johnson.
Johnson is appreciative of the podcast’s listeners, as it continues to grow in Lee’s community.
“It means a lot to me. Last semester, [while] talking to Dr. Rob in his office, 4 or 5 people came into his office and they all mentioned the podcast. That is to say, when people mention to you that what you're doing is impactful and that what you're doing is reaching them: that's all you need,” said Johnson.
There are bigger plans in the works for Johnson. Expanding upon the success of the In My Dorm Podcast is what is called the In My Dorm Writing Space. This website will consist of non-peer reviewed articles.
“It's interest, thoughts, devotionals, and [alike]. If you're passionate about writing, I want people to have the opportunity to be able to write something, and get it published on inmydorm.blog,” said Johnson.
Johnson is hopeful for future events related to the podcast. While there is nothing officially in the works, the intent is clear.
“Eventually, I'm wanting to host a live event where if someone wants to share something, they can; maybe this semester or next semester, we'll see. And, of course the weekly podcasts,” said Johnson.
The In My Dorm Podcast can be streamed on Youtube and Spotify, and you can follow them on Instagram and TikTok. You can also check out the In My Dorm Writing Space.
