This Is Purdue

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

Workplace Well-Being: Burnout Signs You May Be Avoiding

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