Inside the third space: a podcast exploring the hybrid roles of higher education professionals

Third space professionals, working at the intersect of academic and professional domains, are increasingly valued for driving institutional change and educational innovation. However, they face persistent challenges, including limited formal recognition, ambiguous career pathways, and limited opportunities for professional development and community building. This practitioner case study explores podcasting as an accessible medium for identity expression and visibility. It examines the development of Inside the Third Space, a practitioner-led podcast created at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) to highlight the lived experiences of third space professionals. The discussion highlights four recurring themes: identity, recognition, diversity of skill sets, and collaboration. These themes illustrate how podcasting can surface shared challenges and foster professional community. Although situated in the Australian higher education context, this scalable, practitioner-led model has international relevance for enhancing recognition and collaboration across academic and professional domains.