Military Family Research Institute now offering podcasts

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Sharing stories and advice is nothing new for military veterans, active duty personnel and their families.

But a new resource from Purdue University’s Military Family Research Institute (MFRI) captures and shares their stories and advice for others searching for resources and guidance.

The center’s new Military Family Research Institute Podcast has had 15 episodes with an audience of more than 6,600 people.

Topics have included veterans and veterans organizations, military family issues including employment, finances, as well as relationships for children and spouses. 

“Podcasts provide a way for us to share insights about military and veteran families, and people who care about them, in an easy, accessible way,” said Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth, director of MFRI and professor of human development and family studies in the College of Health and Human Sciences. “We have used them to provide ways for military and veteran families to tell their stories, and to share insights from MFRI projects.”

With more Americans listening to podcasts, it was an easy decision to offer this program.

“We  decided to create a podcast to provide another avenue to deliver resources to military and veteran families, and those interested in supporting this population,” said Sayde Uerkwitz, MFRI marketing communication specialist and host of the podcast. “The podcast expands MFRI’s presence in the digital world.”

Topics and guest ideas are always welcome, Uerkwitz said. To provide feedback or suggestions for upcoming episodes, email mfri@purdue.edu.

“The podcast is not only informative, but it also dives deep into the lives of military and veteran families. My hope for the podcast is it isn’t only about delivering great content, but content that is relatable and helpful to the listener,” Uerkwitz said.

The podcast can be accessed by the MFRI website. 

Writer: Matthew Oates, 765-496-2571, oatesw@purdue.edu, @mo_oates

Sources: Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth, 765-494-6026, shelley@purdue.edu, @MFRIPurdue

Sayde Uerkwitz, 765-496-6073, suerkwit@purdue.edu, @MFRIPurdue