The Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University ToddCast
A Podcast by Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Today.
Hosted by President Todd Diacon
The Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University ToddCast brings you candid conversations with the people who are shaping Northeast Ohio—and who often started their journeys at Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹.
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 Á½ÐÔÉ«Îçҹ’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 Á½ÐÔÉ«Îçҹ’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 Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ 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 Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹. 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 Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹. 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, Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ 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 Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ 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 Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ 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.