This Is Purdue, the official podcast for Purdue University, highlights stories about Boilermakers from across all disciplines, who through research, innovation and determination, have persistently pursued their next giant leap.
Hosted by Purdue University alum, Brian Lamb School of Communication gr
In the final episode of “Finding Amelia,” we’re talking to Steve Schultz, Purdue University’s senior vice president and general counsel. As a field assistant on the search expedition to identify Amelia Earhart’s missing plane, Steve might play a role in solving one of the greatest mysteries of the 20th century. He dives into the new evidence that sparked the Purdue Research Foundation and Archaeological Legacy Institute’s joint effort to search for Amelia’s plane and exclusive details about the upcoming journey to Nikumaroro, an island in the western Pacific Ocean. From encountering coconut…
In the third episode of “Finding Amelia,” we’re talking to Katey Watson, the France A. Córdova Archivist of Purdue Archives and Special Collections. Katey manages Purdue Libraries’ Amelia Earhart Collection and is sharing the personal items Amelia left behind – including her iconic aviator goggles, leather flight helmet and brown suede jacket. Katey also tells the story of why Amelia’s husband, George Palmer Putnam, along with his granddaughter Sally Putnam Chapman, chose to donate these significant historical items to Purdue University after the legendary Boilermaker’s disappearance. Learn…
In the second episode of “Finding Amelia,” we’re talking to Chad Pittman, president and CEO of the Purdue Research Foundation. He shares the story behind Amelia Earhart’s famed Purdue-funded Lockheed Electra 10-E airplane and how she planned to return it to West Lafayette once her around-the-world flight was complete. Don’t miss the second episode of this first-of-its-kind “This Is Purdue” series about this world-famous Boilermaker and legendary aviator. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On what would’ve been Amelia Earhart’s 129th birthday — July 24, 2026 — the Purdue Research Foundation and the Archaeological Legacy Institute announced a renewed joint effort to identify Amelia Earhart’s missing university-sponsored plane. Ahead of this search expedition, “This Is Purdue” is taking you inside one of the greatest mysteries of the 20th century with our special miniseries “Finding Amelia.” In the first episode of “Finding Amelia,” we’re talking to Kelly Hiller, Purdue’s chief marketing officer. During her 20 years at Purdue, Kelly has led several marketing campaigns inspired…
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to two professors in the Daniels School of Business: Allie Gabriel, the Thomas J. Howatt Chair in Management in the Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management Department and director of the Center for Working Well, and Kate Zipay, associate professor of organizational behavior and human resources. Allie and Kate are leading experts and researchers on employee well-being, work-life balance, performance and motivation. They were recently nominated for the Thinkers50 Radar Class of 2026, which recognizes 30 emerging management…
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Stephanie Pemberton (BA communication ’05), senior vice president of marketing for the Indianapolis Colts. For over 20 years, Stephanie has worked in multiple marketing and community relations roles within the Colts organization. As a proud Purdue alumna and marketing executive in the NFL, she has key insights into the future of sports careers and how students can break into the industry through its many diverse pathways. The Indiana native and sports marketing leader joins host Kate Young for an exciting interview from the Indiana Farm…
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Lauren Link (BS dietetics/health, fitness and nutrition ’11, MS health and kinesiology ’19), assistant athletics director of sports nutrition for Purdue Athletics. As a registered dietitian, Lauren and her team manage the menu planning, nutrition education and food service for 18 varsity teams at Purdue, including basketball, football, volleyball and soccer. She’s also a proud graduate of Purdue’s College of Health and Human Sciences and a former collegiate athlete herself. The nutrition expert sits down with host Kate Young to debunk the…
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to record-setting quarterback Drew Brees (BS industrial management ’01, HDR business ’26), who on Aug. 8 will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. As a Super Bowl MVP, it’s safe to say Drew’s reputation precedes him. But what comes next for this entrepreneur and philanthropist? The Boilermaker legend sits down for a fascinating interview to discuss leadership, legacy and life after his 20-year career in professional football. In this episode, you will: Hear Drew reminisce about his journey from growing up in Austin, Texas, to…
In this special episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Mitch Daniels, interim president of Purdue University, in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Daniels served for 10 years as Purdue’s president (2013-22) and championed frozen tuition and student success during his tenure. Before this role, he was the 49th governor of Indiana (2005-13) and served as an advisor to President Ronald Reagan, and was director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget under President George W. Bush. He sits down with podcast host Kate Young for an insightful conversation about the unique role…
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Lindsay Veremis Perrault, director of co-curricular engagement and lecturer for the Brian Lamb School of Communication. As a successful content creator, Lindsay has key insights into the future of digital content creation and how to empower students to transform their creative ideas into real-world impact through entrepreneurship and innovation. In this episode, you will: Discover why younger generations, like Gen Z and Gen Alpha, are increasingly drawn to careers in content creation and social media influencing, and why parents and…
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Nick Sturgeon (MS cybersecurity and trusted systems ’15), Speedway Town Council member and former council president. As a proud Purdue alumnus and longtime Speedway, Indiana, resident, Nick is an Indianapolis 500 expert and has firsthand knowledge about how Boilermakers help shape “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” every year. This is also an extra special episode of “This Is Purdue” because host Kate Young is joined by a co-host: Trevor Peters, Purdue spokesperson and longtime Indy 500 fan and attendee. (If you’ve attended a Boilermaker…
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Lauren Bright (BS multidisciplinary engineering ’11), founder and principal consultant of Torus, an innovative textile consulting firm based in Portland, Oregon. As a Purdue alumna and leader at the intersection of science and art, Lauren has a demonstrated passion for driving change in the global textile industry. She’s diving into how her interdisciplinary background helps her advance sustainability in today’s fashion world. In this episode, you will: Learn more about the fast fashion industry, including what factors set it apart from…
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Krystal Hans, director of forensic science and assistant professor of forensic entomology at Purdue University. As the only board-certified forensic entomologist in the Midwest, Krystal is a well-known expert in her field. And she’s digging into how insects affect crime investigations and cold cases. In this episode, you will: Learn more about the truth behind true crime on TV (think “Law & Order”) versus reality and how the “CSI” effect can impact the outcomes of real-life cases Discover more about forensic entomology, from Krystal’s…
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re coming to you live from Indianapolis – home to Purdue’s urban campus and this year’s host city of the NCAA Men’s Final Four! We’re talking to Ken Halpin, Purdue’s deputy athletics director and chief operating officer, and Julie Roe Lach, executive vice president of external relations and community engagement for Pacers Sports & Entertainment. These two sports experts join host Kate Young at the Indianapolis International Airport as Final Four weekend kicks off to discuss how major sporting events like this connect basketball fans and elevate the…
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Mark Montieth, author and sports journalist. Mark is a renowned basketball historian with a decades-long career reporting for publications like the Indianapolis Star and Journal Gazette (Fort Wayne). As an Indiana native, he’s an expert on the state’s famous basketball culture and fandom, and how Purdue has played a key role in this rich legacy. Mark has a unique perspective because he’s covered basketball at all levels. He’ll share his inside observations on why Indiana is the state for basketball, ahead of the NCAA Tournament that will…
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Jerry Palm (BS computer science ’85), a nationally recognized bracketology savant. Jerry was previously the lead bracketologist at CBS Sports and has made countless national media appearances discussing all things college sports. Now he leads his own bracketology website, where he shares his data-driven projections on NCAA Tournament and College Football Playoff team selections and seedings. Jerry breaks down his expert bracket strategy, which is perfectly timed ahead of the upcoming NCAA Tournament that will culminate with the Final Four…
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Beth McCuskey, Purdue’s vice provost for student life. Beth is a national thought leader on student mental health and has worked in higher education for over 30 years. She co-authored the upcoming book titled “The Oxford Handbook of Well-Being in Higher Education,” which explores why wellness is critical in higher education. During her time at Purdue, she’s prioritized advocating for Boilermakers’ well-being journeys with key university investment and participation from faculty and staff. In this episode, you will: Learn more about the…
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Mike Bobinski, executive vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics at Purdue University. Mike has been at Purdue for the last 10 years and has worked in college athletics for more than 40 years, with previous stops at Georgia Tech, Xavier University, the University of Akron and the U.S. Naval Academy. So it’s no surprise that during his tenure, he’s seen massive changes within the NCAA. He also has extensive knowledge of how Purdue is adapting in this modern era of name, image and likeness — or NIL — and licensing. And he…
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Kasie Roberson, clinical associate professor in the Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management Department in Purdue University’s Mitch Daniels School of Business and head of the Leadership Coaching Institute in the Center for Working Well. As a nationally recognized educator and communication and AI expert, Kasie guides undergraduate and graduate students and professionals in topics like critical thinking, emotional intelligence and best practices for using AI as an effective communication tool. In this episode, you will: Learn…
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Anthony Cawdron, Westwood event coordinator and estate manager, and adjunct hospitality and tourism management faculty member. Westwood has been home to four Purdue University presidents and their families since it was donated to the university in 1971, and for the last 25 years, Anthony has been instrumental in the operations of what he calls the “front door to Purdue University.” He’s also an expert in all things etiquette. This incredible conversation first aired last November, and since it’s one of our most popular episodes, we wanted…
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to P.J. Thompson, assistant coach for Purdue men’s basketball. During his time at Purdue, P.J. (BS organizational leadership ’18), was a three-year starter on the team and helped the Boilermakers win the 2017 Big Ten Championship. Since then, he has been part of the coaching staff — helping lead the team to Purdue’s first No. 1 ranking and the 2024 NCAA Division I men’s basketball national championship game. In this episode you will: Hear P.J.’s lessons in leadership from his first five years coaching at Purdue, especially what he has…
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Allie Gabriel, the Thomas J. Howatt Chair in Management in Purdue University’s Mitch Daniels School of Business and faculty director of the Center for Working Well. As an award-winning advocate for workplace mental health and well-being, Allie studies how employees can thrive at work, both in person and virtually. She also leads the Center for Working Well, in the Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management department, which is at the forefront of researching various challenges facing modern workforces. In this episode, you…
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Dimitri Peroulis, senior vice president for partnerships and online at Purdue and the Reilly Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering. As an executive leader, he guides the university’s online programs and the offices of Industry Partnerships, Global Partnerships and Engagement. He's also an expert on Purdue’s innovative degrees and courses for workforce development and advancement that prepare students to stay “future-ready.” And he brings a wealth of technical knowledge and teaching experience to the ever-evolving higher ed…
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Sutton Tyson, producer for CBS News. As a proud Purdue College of Liberal Arts alumna, Sutton is a rising talent in the broadcast journalism field. She’s currently the booking producer for “The Takeout With Major Garrett” and previously served as spokeswoman in the FBI National Press Office, covering national security, criminal activity and counterintelligence issues. And through these roles, she’s gained expert insights into a rapidly evolving media industry. In this episode, you will: Learn how traditional news networks are tailoring…
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Matt Butler, the senior associate commissioner and chief academic officer for the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, and Brent Yeagy, president and CEO of Wabash National Corp. Matt is a Purdue College of Liberal Arts alum and a higher education and workforce expert, previously serving as a senior policy advisor for former Gov. Eric Holcomb. Now he works to ensure that Indiana’s postsecondary offerings are meeting current and future workforces where they are. Brent has spearheaded strategic direction and operations for Wabash since…
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Barry Odom, Purdue University’s head football coach. Last year, Coach Odom led the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, to its winningest season in over 40 years, and he’s bringing that same grit to Purdue. He joins the official university podcast to reflect on his first seven months in West Lafayette, the mindset behind “Hard. Smart. Tough,” and why he believes this period of Purdue football isn’t a rebuild — it’s a reset of the standard. In this episode, you will: Learn how Purdue’s values attracted him to the university and how his early…
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Jeanne Boyd, executive director of sport management and senior advisor to the provost. Jeanne is a leader in the sports industry. As the former managing director of the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament, she leverages her unique experience and insights to pioneer Purdue University’s exciting new master’s program in sport management. In this episode you will: Learn more about the role this industry expert plays in an exciting new interdisciplinary master’s program in sport management, which has offerings in both West Lafayette…
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Alex Turner, Purdue alum and design engineer at Dallara. Alex is a 2022 graduate of Purdue’s motorsports engineering program and has used his skills and experience to earn his dream job at Dallara’s U.S. headquarters in Indianapolis, just steps away from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway — home of the Indy 500. In this episode you will: Learn about the motorsports engineering program at Purdue University in Indianapolis and the opportunities available to students through the new Dallara partnership Hear how his passion for IndyCar racing…
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Cara Putman, clinical associate professor at Purdue University and director of the Daniels School of Business’ Brock-Wilson Center for Women in Business. Cara is a visionary Boilermaker and leader in many fields — she graduated from college at 20 years old, earned a JD and MBA, and is an award-winning author. She’s called Purdue home for over 20 years and has dedicated her life to being an educator and mentor to hundreds of students at the Daniels School. In this episode, you will: Hear about Cara’s education journey from her hometown of…
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re featuring the live Brands That Matter panel spotlighted at the Fast Company Grill during the annual SXSW Conference and Festivals in Austin, Texas. Purdue President Mung Chiang took the stage as a panelist for “Innovating What Matters: Driving Pharma Forward,” along with Sean Bruich, senior vice president of artificial intelligence and data at Amgen, and Tatyana Kanzaveli, chief operating officer of Open Health Network. This special panel discussion was sponsored by Purdue University — a four-time recipient of Fast Company’s Brands That Matter…
About This Is Purdue
This Is Purdue, the official podcast for Purdue University, highlights stories about Boilermakers from across all disciplines, who through research, innovation and determination, have persistently pursued their next giant leap.
Hosted by Purdue University alum, Brian Lamb School of Communication gr
This Is Purdue is a English business podcast from Purdue University. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.
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