Episode notes
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…
Podcast
This Is Purdue
Purdue University · Business · English
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
More from This Is Purdue All episodes →
-
28 Sep 2026 · 34 min
Finding Amelia: Part 4 | The Search for Amelia Earhart’s Missing Plane
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…
-
28 Sep 2026 · 21 min
Finding Amelia: Part 3 | Uncovering Amelia Earhart’s Rare Artifacts and Memorabilia
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…
-
28 Sep 2026 · 13 min
Finding Amelia: Part 2 | Amelia Earhart’s Plane”
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
-
E153 · 17 Sep 2026 · 55 min
Why Focus Feels Harder Today and How To Train Your Brain
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…
-
E152 · 3 Sep 2026 · 41 min
The Future of Sports Careers: From the NFL Fan Experience to Data Analytics
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…
-
E151 · 20 Aug 2026 · 33 min
Is TikTok Lying to You About Protein? The Truth About Nutrition Trends
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…
-
E150 · 6 Aug 2026 · 48 min
Hall of Fame Quarterback Drew Brees on Leadership and Life Beyond the NFL
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…
-
9 Jul 2026 · 27 min
America at 250: Mitch Daniels on Higher Education, Free Speech and Democracy
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…
