Carpe Sonum
Seize the Sound, Share the Story.
Our Mission
Dead Podcasters Society is a nationwide community of student storytellers who seize the sound to create bold, original podcasts that challenge traditional media, experiment with new formats, and amplify voices that deserve to be heard. Through spooky‑secret‑society vibes, inclusive chapter rituals, and hands‑on collaboration, DPS empowers students to learn real‑world audio skills, build meaningful friendships, and leave a lasting mark on their campus soundwaves. By starting a campus chapter, students join an intercollegiate network of creative podcasters who share ideas, support each other’s shows, and prove that anyone with a microphone and a story can change how the world listens.
Founded in 2023 by Dr. Rob Quicke (founder of College Radio Day and Vinylthon), DPS intends to grow its chapters across the USA, and eventually the world. The aim is to create a network of podcasting chapters/clubs that can collaborate with each other, and elevate the best podcasts being produced to a deserving larger audience.
In May 2025, Trey Key from Us & Them produced a very special episode that involved the Marshall University DPS chapter. You can hear it here.
How You Get Involved?
Step #1: Campus discussions
Step #2: Register your chapter
Step #3: Induct your members
Starting a Dead Podcasters Society chapter begins with a simple but intentional conversation on campus to gauge interest. Gather a small group of curious students and at least one supportive faculty or staff member to talk about what a DPS chapter could bring to your university: a creative space for podcasts, hands‑on audio experience, and a fun, spooky‑secret‑society vibe that still respects campus policies. Use this discussion to identify potential student leaders, learn what kinds of shows people are excited to make, and confirm that there is enough enthusiasm and institutional support to move forward with forming an official chapter.
Once there is clear interest on campus, the next step is to formally register your chapter by reaching out directly to Dead Podcasters Society founder Rob Quicke for a conversation about what running a chapter involves. This meeting is an opportunity to ask practical questions about leadership roles, meetings, ceremonies, and expectations, and to learn how your chapter fits into the wider intercollegiate DPS network. After that discussion, you will have a clear roadmap for how to structure your chapter, uphold DPS values, and get officially recognized as part of the nationwide society. You will be required to complete an online form.
The final step in starting a Dead Podcasters Society chapter is inducting your members, which happens at the end of the semester once they have truly engaged with the chapter. Students can earn induction in three main ways: by creating and producing their own podcast, by actively supporting someone else’s show as a guest, writer, editor, or producer for those who prefer a collaborative role over the full responsibility of hosting, and also by faithfully attending DPS meetings throughout the semester and contributing to the community. When induction night arrives, your chapter recognizes these committed members in a special end‑of‑semester ceremony, welcoming them fully into the Dead Podcasters Society and celebrating the work, creativity, and consistency they have shown.