From the Nominator

The ToddCast is a series about the people Kent State makes—and the people who make Kent State. In its inaugural season, The ToddCast experimented with format—audio-only interviews, video conversations, and audio documentary. Our entry features two episodes that together illustrate that range. The Jerry M. Lewis episode is the series' most fully realized iteration: a scripted documentary built around archival audio and the last recorded interview with Lewis, a faculty member who witnessed the May 4, 1970, Kent State shootings. When Lewis died Feb 11, 2026, the episode became something no communications team can plan for—a final testament, preserved in his own voice. The Marcus Lehto episode is a video conversation with the Kent State alumnus who co-created the Halo franchise. Lehto reflects on how his university experience shaped one of gaming's most influential careers. Together, these episodes demonstrate Kent State President Todd Diacon's range as a host—equally at home in documentary narration and relaxed conversation—and the series' capacity to reach audiences well beyond traditional higher education constituencies, from historians and May 4 researchers to gamers and game designers. The Lewis episode achieved a 72% engagement rate. The Lehto episode generated 932 YouTube views and 818 page views across platforms, supported by a multichannel promotion strategy.

From the Judges

The judges felt this entry showed how presidential communications can effectively leverage a podcast format. Judges were particularly impressed by its distinctive documentary and archival value, as well as its creative experimentation with format. The fact that this was executed with $0 in direct spend further underscores its impact. This entry serves as an excellent model for other universities to consider.