Behind the Blue

Some stories require a little more – a little more discussion, more context, more depth and breadth.

That’s the idea behind “Behind the Blue” – a weekly podcast created by UK Strategic Communications. It is designed to explore through probing interviews the in-depth the stories that make UK the university for Kentucky and that have impact across the institution, the Commonwealth and, in some cases, the world.

"Behind the Blue" is available on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Spotify. Become a subscriber to receive new episodes of “Behind the Blue” each week. UK’s latest medical breakthroughs, research, artists and writers will be featured, along with the most important news impacting the university.

For questions or comments about this or any other episode of "Behind the Blue," email BehindTheBlue@uky.edu or tweet your question with #BehindTheBlue. Transcripts for this or other episodes of Behind the Blue can be downloaded from the show’s blog page.

To discover what’s wildly possible at the University of Kentucky, click here.

July 15, 2026 - ToniMarie Marchioni (2026 Great Teacher Award Winner)

Jul 16, 2026

The University of Kentucky Alumni Association established the Great Teacher Awards in 1961 to recognize outstanding teaching at UK. More than 300 faculty members have received the honor, and nominations may only be submitted by current students. Honorees must demonstrate exceptional knowledge of their subject,...

July 9, 2026 - Schyler Simpson (Nationally Competitive Awards) [ENCORE]

Jul 9, 2026

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 9, 2026) – THIS IS AN ENCORE EPISODE. Schyler Simpson, PhD, is no stranger to the University of Kentucky. A three-degree UK alum, she has spent years serving students in a variety of roles across campus, including teaching, advising, recruiting, and retention and engagement work in the College...

July 2, 2026 - Amy Murrell Taylor (UK's 'Celebrating 1776' lecture series)

Jul 2, 2026

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 2, 2026) – As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of its founding, the University of Kentucky Department of History is helping the campus and broader community think more deeply about 1776 — not only as a moment of celebration, but as a moment for reflection.

Through its...

June 26, 2026 - Summer Survival Guide

Jun 26, 2026

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 26, 2026) – Summer is often thought of as the easy season — school is out, the days are longer and families are heading to pools, parks, camps, museums, beaches, mountains and airports.

But summer also comes with questions, especially for parents, caregivers and travelers: Do we need vaccines...

June 18, 2026 - Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers (UK & Kentucky's future)

Jun 18, 2026

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 18, 2026) – When Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers first came to the University of Kentucky as a student, Lexington felt like “the big city.”

Growing up in southeastern Kentucky, between London and Manchester, Stivers saw UK as a place that opened his eyes to the diversity of the...