From the Nominator

Just as auditing a class provides an opportunity to explore a new subject or field, The Audit podcast allows listeners to explore the latest research and work by Colorado State University faculty. The podcast highlights CSU’s vast array of experts in an engaging and accessible way. In the Audit episode “Camille Dungy’s new book, ‘Soil,’ digs into prose, plants, parenthood, and pandemic,” author and CSU professor Camille Dungy talked about the process behind her latest book, as well as her other works. The conversation was also used to pitch her to other media outlets, particularly broadcast platforms. In the Audit episode “Were early humans cannibals? CSU paleoanthropologist talks about new findings regarding the oldest taboo,” CSU paleoanthropologist Michael Pante was interviewed about his newly published research with the Smithsonian. He discussed a groundbreaking reexamination of cut marks on a 1.45-million-year-old shinbone from a relative of Homo sapiens, found in northern Kenya, that pointed to the earliest signs of potential cannibalism. While the story already had a lot of early buzz thanks to the Smithsonian, we wanted to make sure that CSU and Michael Pante’s contributions didn’t get lost. The podcast was a way to highlight Pante and his unique and important 3D modeling method.

From the Judges

The strategy for the production is clearly thought out. It is refreshing to have a podcast that is 20 minutes in length and incorporates articulate and energizing voices. It is also clear that the experts were coached to be succinct in their messaging. The podcast webpage at Colorado State University is nicely presented, and it's great to have the transcripts.