Bracketology 101: How To Build a Winning Tournament Bracket

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1. 

   E148 · 14 May 2026 · 30 min

   How Speedway, Indiana, Became the Racing Capital of the World and the Home of the Indy 500

   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…

2. 

   E147 · 30 Apr 2026 · 43 min

   The Science Behind Modern Fashion: Engineering, Fabrics and Sustainability

   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…

3. 

   E146 · 16 Apr 2026 · 42 min

   True Crime, Cold Cases and the ‘CSI’ Effect: A Forensic Science Deep Dive

   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…

4. 

   E145 · 3 Apr 2026 · 22 min

   Live from IND: Final Four and the Host City Experience

   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…

5. 

   E144 · 19 Mar 2026 · 39 min

   In 49 Other States, It’s Just Basketball — Why Indiana Loves the Game

   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…

6. 

   E142 · 19 Feb 2026 · 37 min

   The State of Student Well-being: What Gen Z and Gen Alpha Need Now

   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…

7. 

   E141 · 5 Feb 2026 · 45 min

   Purdue Athletics Director Mike Bobinski on the Evolving World of College Sports

   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…

8. 

   E140 · 11 Dec 2025 · 36 min

   AI Expert Discusses Best Practices for Maintaining Your Authentic Voice

   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…

9. 

   E139 · 13 Nov 2025 · 56 min

   Holiday Party and Job Interview Etiquette: The Complete Playbook

   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…

10. 

    E138 · 30 Oct 2025 · 45 min

    Lessons in Leadership and Loyalty From Purdue Men’s Basketball

    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…