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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.

Jan 26, 2023

LEXINGTON, Ky. (January 26, 2023) – Originally from Long Island, NY and growing up in Florida, Mario Maitland had a surprising love for the University of Kentucky since childhood, due to a passionate support of the Wildcats on the basketball court. When it came time for him to attend college, the choice for him was clear.

What wasn’t entirely clear was his path once he got here. Initially majoring in Biology, Mario soon learned that it wasn’t a good fit, and he was changed over to earn a degree in History, instead. Still, as graduation grew closer, he wasn’t quite sure what the next chapter of his life would hold.

It was in his final semester at UK when Mario took a podcasting class as an elective, and from that a fire ignited within. Now entering his second year of production, Mario is the creator and host of the ‘What’s Next Podcast’, where he interviews “intriguing people in their respective fields.” As he says in the show’s description, his main focus is to “connect normal individuals with inspiring people who are making a difference.”

In his short time of producing the podcast, Mario has interviewed music executives like Stephon Dupree, professional athletes such as former UK Women’s Basketball standout Rhyne Howard, clothing designers, physicians, and more.

On this episode of ‘Behind the Blue’, Mario talks about his experience at the University of Kentucky, the lessons he learned about taking advantage of opportunities and timing, his advice for current students and young alumni for pursuing their dreams, and more.

"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.