The Kent State University ToddCast
A Podcast by Kent State Today.
Hosted by President Todd Diacon
The Kent State University ToddCast brings you candid conversations with the people who are shaping Northeast Ohio—and who often started their journeys at Kent State.
Hosted by President Todd Diacon, each episode features alumni, innovators, and community leaders as they reflect on their careers, values, and the impact of their work. These stories reveal how Kent State’s spirit lives on through its graduates and friends, inspiring progress across the region. Whether you’re tuning in for inspiration, insight, or connection, the ToddCast is a celebration of Kent State’s ongoing
Episode 1: Designing a Better Cleveland w/ Lillian Kuri
For the inaugural episode, President Diacon meets with Lillian Kuri, BS ’93, BArch ’94, a graduate of the Kent State architecture program. She is the president and CEO of the Cleveland Foundation, where she focuses on design and community and how to lift the individuals and neighborhoods in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County.
Episode 2: The Science of Beauty w/ Valerie Patton George, 06
In this episode, President Diacon meets with Valerie Patton George, ’06, who studied biological chemistry at Kent State. She found her passion for hair color chemistry at Paul Mitchell, and now owns her own lab, Simply Formulas, Inc., which creates hair care formulas for global brands. George has been named one of Beauty Independent’s 30 Top Beauty Product Developers and co-hosts the popular Beauty Brains podcast.
Episode 3: Revisiting a Conversation with Jerry M. Lewis, Ph.D.
In this episode, President Diacon revisits a powerful conversation with Professor Emeritus Jerry M. Lewis, Ph.D., a faculty marshal and eyewitness to the May 4, 1970, shootings at Kent State. Lewis reflects on that tragic day, its lasting impact on the nation, and his decades-long commitment to preserving the memory of the students who were killed and wounded.
Episode 4: Halo Co-Creator Marcus Lehto
In this episode of the ToddCast, Kent State University President Todd Diacon interviews Marcus Lehto, co-creator of the iconic Halo video game franchise. Marcus shares his journey from studying graphic design at Kent State in the early 90s to revolutionizing the gaming industry. Marcus reveals the origin story of Halo and the Master Chief character, his experiences working with industry giants like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, and memorable celebrity encounters throughout his career. This conversation offers unique insights into the creative process behind one of gaming's most influential franchises and how a Kent State education helped shape a cultural phenomenon.
Episode 5: The Art of Possibility
In this episode, President Diacon meets with Jane Chu, former chair of the National Endowment for the Arts, to speak about arts entrepreneurship, the hard work and discipline of the arts and the different ways that manifests in a wide range of careers.