Baylor Connections Podcast Adds Video Streaming Option as New Season Begins

Contact: Baylor University Media & Public Relations, 254-710-1961
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Baylor Connections, Baylor University’s signature podcast featuring engaging conversations with Baylor leaders, researchers and changemakers, has debuted a new video streaming option with today’s ninth season premiere episode. President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., is the inaugural guest on the new format, which originated from the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center.

The podcast, which launched in 2018 and shared nearly 400 audio interviews with University leadership, faculty, staff and more, will now feature video episodes on the official Baylor University YouTube channel. In addition to video, listeners can still subscribe and download audio-only versions on iTunes, Google Play and Spotify. 

“There is no shortage of great stories to tell throughout Baylor University, and Baylor Connections provides us with a forum to hear directly from University leadership, faculty and staff advancing Baylor's Christian mission,” said Jason Cook, vice president of marketing and communications and chief marketing officer. “The addition of video this season is exciting, providing new avenues to share compelling conversations about what makes Baylor distinct in research and scholarship, student life and more."

In addition to President Livingstone, guests during Baylor Connections’ ninth season include:

• Baylor water researchers Bryan W. Brooks, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Environmental Science and Biomedical Studies, and Thad Scott, Ph.D., professor of biology and director of Baylor’s Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research (CRASR);
• Sharra Hynes, Ph.D., vice president for student life;
• Byron R. Johnson, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of the Social Sciences and co-director of Baylor’s landmark Global Flourishing Study;
• Groundbreaking materials science researchers J. Brian Jordon, Ph.D., The Kenneth and Celia Carlile Chair in Materials Science, and Paul Allison, Ph.D., professor of mechanical engineering and director of Baylor’s Point-of-Need Innovations Center (PONI);
• Scientists and ethicists Sarah A. Schnitker, Ph.D., professor of psychology and neuroscience, and Devan Stahl, Ph.D., associate professor of bioethics and religion; and more.

Veteran interviewer Derek Smith returns as host of the program. Smith serves as assistant director of research communications in Baylor University Marketing & Communications and is a familiar voice to Baylor fans as public address announcer at McLane Stadium and the radio voice of Baylor’s Women’s Basketball and Baseball teams.

“Baylor Connections affords us the opportunity to share Baylor voices with the world in ways that showcase the heart behind program names, titles or headlines,” Smith said. “I’m grateful for the generosity of Baylor leadership, faculty and staff in sharing their stories on the podcast, and it’s exciting to envision new audiences discovering the fantastic work taking place here at Baylor through the podcast’s expansion.”

New episodes will debut every other Tuesday, year-round, with audio and video subscription options available to deliver each episode to listeners and viewers.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. Learn more about Baylor University at www.baylor.edu.