This Is Purdue

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 Indianapolis economy and community as well as the unique culture and record-breaking successes of Purdue’s basketball program this season. Join “This Is Purdue” as we celebrate the ninth time that the Circle City has hosted the Final Four. In 49 states, it’s just basketball, but this is Indiana. Don’t miss this live episode filled with energy and excitement! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 culminate with the Final Four in downtown Indianapolis on April 4 and 6. This is also another exciting episode for “This Is Purdue” because host Kate Young is joined by a special co-host: Derek Schultz, Purdue spokesman and Indy sports personality! In this episode, you will: Explore more about Mark’s upbringing in Indiana, his early love of sports and writing, and his journey to becoming one of the most respected sports journalists in the state Dive into why Indiana is the state for basketball, from its historic dedication to high school teams to the enduring legacies of players like Rick Mount and Reggie Miller Learn about Mark’s time documenting legendary Purdue basketball coach Gene Keady and the 1988 basketball team’s epic journey, which became the basis for his book “Passion Play: A Season With the Purdue Boilermakers and Coach Gene Keady” Hear more about Purdue’s impact on basketball, from fan loyalty to famous rivalries Get Mark’s insights on the 2026 Final Four and why Indianapolis is the perfect place to host one of the country’s biggest sports events You don’t want to miss Mark’s career-defining stories about local basketball history and culture. In 49 other states, it’s just basketball, but this is Indiana! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 downtown Indianapolis on April 4 and 6! This is also an exciting episode for “This Is Purdue” because, for the first time, host Kate Young is joined by a special co-host: Derek Schultz, Purdue spokesman and Indy sports personality! In this episode, you will: Learn more about Jerry’s trailblazing path to being a leading bracketologist Gain knowledge about the art and science behind bracketology, and how Jerry balances both to help make accurate predictions for team selections and seedings Hear about the origins of the bracketology field and Jerry’s journey from accessing scores in the library in the ’90s to utilizing cutting-edge technologies and forecasting tools today Discover more about Jerry’s ties to Purdue, including his family’s Boilermaker legacy and how being a computer science and “All-American” Marching Band alum shaped his passion for sports and STEM Learn more about his seeding predictions for the 2026 NCAA season and how factors like NBA prospects and big wins on away courts can impact bracket performance for experts and fans Basketball fans – this is the perfect episode for you! Don’t miss Jerry’s elite bracket and industry insights, just in time for tournament season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 state of well-being for younger generations and why it’s important to meet students where they are to help them flourish inside and outside of the classroom. Discover how adults — like parents, coaches and mentors — can normalize failure and nurture well-being for Gen Z and Gen Alpha students and why that can help build vital life skills, like resilience, and prepare students to be successful in college. Hear more about how well-being and mental health have evolved from millennials to Gen Z to Gen Alpha and how technology, like smartphones and now AI, is playing a vital role in shaping student needs. Find out more about learning loss during the pandemic and Purdue Student Life’s innovative Steps to Leaps framework, which increased access to campus mental health resources and institutionalized well-being and was recognized by Forbes in 2025. You don’t want to miss this episode with a campus leader who's transforming student mental health and well-being advocacy at Purdue and beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 dives into all things Purdue Athletics, including recent wins, future growth, innovation and so much more! In this episode, you will: Learn more about Purdue’s journey with NIL, the House v. NCAA settlement from 2025, and what development programs and recruitment strategies the athletics department is utilizing to recruit and cultivate well-rounded student-athletes and become nationally competitive Discover more about Purdue’s Student-Athlete Development program and how it’s setting up Boilermakers to navigate the branding and financial considerations of NIL and grow personally and professionally Hear about Purdue’s recent sports successes, including men’s basketball, men’s and women’s golf, softball, volleyball, and diving, as well as how various coaches’ leadership styles exemplify the university’s ethos Gain knowledge about how Purdue uses cutting-edge health and wellness technology and AI to help its student-athletes perform more efficiently Learn why passionate Boilermaker fans inspire and motivate Mike in his role every day Boilermaker fans — this episode is for you! Get a special sneak peek into all the exciting things going on with Purdue Athletics from the foremost leader and expert. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 more about Kasie’s people-first approach to effective communication and using AI as a tool, including five skills that will set you up for success in the real world Gain insights into recent data on the realities of Gen Z’s use of and relationship with generative AI and how it’s informed Kasie’s research and teaching Hear about Kasie’s exciting and inspiring fireside chat at the inaugural Sunniefest in Dallas and her three-tiered approach for Gen Z and Gen Alpha to navigate AI while maintaining their authenticity and voice Discover how adults, including parents and educators, can positively shape younger generations’ experiences with AI, from playing with fun brainstorming prompts to navigating important ethical issues Find out about Kasie’s innovative work at the Center for Working Well and the Leadership Coaching Institute as well as upcoming programs for students and professionals seeking to improve their communication skills, based on Purdue principles like grit, persistence and resilience You don’t want to miss this insightful episode with a Boilermaker and communication expert who’s helping students and professionals become more effective, empathetic communicators and AI users. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 to share it again as the holiday season approaches. Get ready to entertain your guests, crush that big job interview or impress at your next networking event after listening to this one! In this episode, you will: Discover his path from working in several castles in Europe to his time in America and following former President Martin Jischke from Iowa State to Purdue Explore behind-the-scenes stories of Westwood from its interesting history to what it takes to host events for guests ranging from Boilermaker students and faculty to U.S. secretaries of state Gain insight into what Anthony teaches his students about networking, job interviews and standing out at professional events through his business etiquette course in Purdue’s White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Learn more of Anthony’s expert etiquette tips for both hosting and attending holiday parties You don’t want to miss this episode, which is jam-packed with expert etiquette tips and historical details about Westwood — one of the landmarks of the Purdue community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices