Lessons in Leadership and Loyalty From Purdue Men’s Basketball

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

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 learned from head coach Matt Painter and the legendary former head coach Gene Keady  Learn about the unique culture of education, loyalty and family that brought the team to play in a national championship game — and helps recruit and retain some of the best players in the country  Discover P.J.’s focus as offensive coordinator when coaching Purdue-turned-NBA players like Zach Edey and Jaden Ivey, and current stars Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn  Find out what qualities Purdue looks for when it comes to recruiting young talent  Hear how Purdue navigates name, image, likeness in today’s modern college basketball landscape  Get excited for the 2025-26 men’s basketball season as P.J. shares what he is looking forward to most this season and beyond  Learn what P.J. wants people to know about Coach Painter and this legendary era of Purdue men’s basketball  Don’t miss this episode celebrating the successes of Purdue basketball on and off the court!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 will:   Learn more about Allie’s timely research on employee wellness, burnout, and stress and recovery  Gain life-changing tips on how to recover from burnout, debunk the myths of “work-life balance,” and reframe how success in work and life looks for you   Find out what Zoom fatigue is and how identifying it can help organizations and businesses adopt a more intentional, human approach to improve their workplaces  Hear more about how Allie came to Purdue, how she became a new mother during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how her experience with postpartum depression has shaped her research and advocacy today   Learn how the Center for Working Well is disseminating Purdue’s groundbreaking, interdisciplinary wellness research   You don’t want to miss this eye-opening interview with a Purdue professor and researcher who’s shining a light on what it means to work well.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 landscape.  In this episode, you will:   Hear about Purdue’s strategic relationships with corporate partners like Eli Lilly and Company and Wabash and how they’re enhancing student workforce preparation through research, internships and alumni mentorship. Discover what it means to be “future-ready” and what experiences students need to be flexible, resilient problem-solvers as they enter a changing workforce. Learn more about Purdue University Online’s new and expanded degree programs and microcredentials that didn’t exist 10 years ago, including the first and only ABET-accredited AI certifications and microelectronics and semiconductors certifications.   Explore how these unique virtual programs and certificates are helping thousands of students balance their lives as full-time professionals and thrive in the classroom and industry experiences.   Find out more about Dimitri’s journey growing up and studying in Greece to later winning Purdue’s Charles B. Murphy Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award.   You don’t want to miss this episode with an award-winning educator and thought leader who’s helping empower Purdue students with the skills they need to solve today’s toughest challenges.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 their content strategies to meet various demographics, like Gen Z, where they are leveraging streaming, podcasts and social media  Find out more about Sutton’s journey from Purdue to working for the FBI National Press Office in Washington, D.C., where she learned how to work under pressure and communicate effectively during crisis events  Hear what it’s like to be a producer for a major network like CBS News — including engaging with high-profile guests and covering breaking news in a 24-hour cycle, like the U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter collision over the Potomac River  Explore Sutton’s advice for prioritizing mental health, well-being and work-life balance, especially when working in the news industry  Discover the foundational skills she learned while studying communication at Purdue, like cultivating meaningful relationships to set herself up for career success  Don’t miss this engaging, informative episode with a Boilermaker who’s helping shape the vital news and content we consume on air and online!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices