Two podcasts created by Susquehanna University academic deans are earning top honors — and drawing listeners into the stories, ideas and people that define the power of a Susquehanna education.
Podcasts hosted by Kathy Straub, dean of the School of Natural & Social Sciences, and Pat Long, dean of the schools of the Arts and Humanities, received gold and silver awards, respectively, for creative excellence from CUPRAP, an association of college public relations professionals.
Straub’s Science Is a Story podcast, which launched in November 2025, features conversations with Susquehanna faculty about their latest research — translating complex ideas into engaging, human-centered narratives.
“Science isn’t just data and lab work; it’s a story that unfolds as researchers make new discoveries,” Straub said. “Each conversation gives listeners the background to understand what our Susquehanna scientists are working on with their students and why their research matters.”
Launched a month earlier, Long’s The Amusing & Profound podcast highlights the voices of faculty, students, staff, alumni and friends of the university, offering a window into their experiences and perspectives.
“These conversations capture what makes the arts and humanities so powerful — the people,” Long said. “Every episode uncovers a story that is at once personal and universal, giving listeners a deeper connection to the ideas, creativity and experiences that shape our world.”
Both podcasts are recorded on campus and produced in collaboration with students from the university’s radio station, providing hands-on experience in audio production. Broadcasting majors and WQSU program directors Liz Wilson ’27 and Eden Savoy ’27 have played key roles in producing and editing episodes.
“Collaborating on all aspects of producing the podcasts — from recording and editing to post-production and publishing — has given me hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment used by real professionals,” said Wilson. “Working alongside Dean Straub and Dean Long has strengthened my interpersonal skills while helping to ensure each episode delivers both insight and entertainment.”
The awards were presented during CUPRAP’s annual spring conference in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. In addition to taking the top honors in the Podcast category, the cover art for The Amusing & Profound received a bronze award and Science Is a Story earned an honorable mention. Both were designed by Senior Graphic Designer Erica Hoover.
Listeners can explore Susquehanna’s award-winning podcasts on Apple Podcasts and Spotify or by clicking below.
