A podcast produced by Worcester Polytechnic Institute has earned national recognition after an episode examining the role of rest in learning and creativity was named the best in higher education.
The WPI podcast won Episode of the Year at the inaugural HigherEd PodCon Awards, an honor presented during the HigherEd PodCon conference in Cleveland. According to the university, the winning episode was selected from more than 100 submissions by colleges and universities across the country.
The award-winning episode, titled “Rest Matters,” features Stacy Shaw, an assistant professor in WPI’s Department of Social Science and Policy Studies, discussing research on how rest influences learning, creativity, focus and long-term well-being, along with practical strategies listeners can use in their daily lives.
The episode is hosted by Colleen Wamback, WPI’s director of public relations, and was produced during the spring and summer of 2025 by former public relations manager Steven Foskett and Wamback. Audio engineering was provided by Varun Bhat, a doctoral candidate in community climate adaptation, and the episode was recorded in WPI’s Global Lab.
Jon Cain, the podcast’s executive producer and WPI’s senior public relations manager, accepted the award on the university’s behalf. He also led a conference session on podcast production titled “Crafting a Podcast Episode: Breaking Down the Steps.”
Produced by WPI’s Division of Marketing Communications, The WPI Podcast explores emerging technologies, scientific research and innovation through conversations with faculty, students, staff and industry leaders. Episodes cover topics ranging from artificial intelligence and life sciences to advanced materials and financial technology while highlighting the university’s project-based approach to education.
The recognition comes as colleges and universities increasingly turn to podcasts as a way to share research, showcase campus life and connect with prospective students and the broader public through long-form storytelling.
According to the university’s announcement, the podcast aims to make complex scientific and engineering topics more accessible while offering listeners a closer look at the people and ideas shaping research at WPI.
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