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.

September 3, 2026 - Hannah Tiffin, Ashley Russo, & Matt Springer (Tick Research)

Sep 3, 2026

LEXINGTON, Ky. (September 3, 2026) – University of Kentucky researchers are working to better understand how ticks move through Kentucky landscapes — and how wildlife, livestock, people and land use all connect in the spread of tick-borne disease.

On this episode of Behind the Blue, Kody Kiser talks with Hannah...

August 28, 2026 - Golisano Children's at UK and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library partnership [ENCORE]

Aug 28, 2026

LEXINGTON, Ky. (August 28, 2026) – THIS IS AN ENCORE EPISODE. A new partnership at Golisano Children’s at UK will help put books directly into the hands of Kentucky children and families.

On this episode of Behind the Blue, host Kody Kiser talks with Kelsey Rahenkamp of Golisano Children’s at UK, Lindsey...

August 20, 2026 - Dr. Paramarajan Piranavan & Dr. Izabela Antic (CAR-T Lupus Clinical Trial)

Aug 20, 2026

LEXINGTON, Ky. (August 20, 2026) – A UK HealthCare patient who has lived with severe lupus for more than 20 years recently became the second patient in the United States to receive an experimental CAR-T cell therapy through a Phase 2 clinical trial. On this episode of ‘Behind the Blue,’ Dr. Paramarajan...

August 14, 2026 - Robin Cooper (2026 Great Teacher Award Winner)

Aug 14, 2026

LEXINGTON, Ky. (August 14, 2026) – The University of Kentucky Alumni Association started the Great Teacher Award program in 1961 to honor excellent teaching at the university. There have been more than 300 teachers honored since that first year. Nominations may only be submitted by current students.

To receive the...

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,...