We Are IU

Indiana University’s Little 500 is much bigger than a bikerace. It’s a profoundly special experience unique to Bloomington that fosters lifelong community, supports student scholarships, and helps riders grow as people and leaders.This year, the men’s race celebrates its 75thrunning. As we gear up for both the women’s and men’s races, we talked to riders, former champions, steering committee members, and race directors about he history and impact of this one-of-a-kind event that started at the IU Bloomington campus in 1951.

There’s no stigma around getting a gym membership or eating healthy. So why, in 2026, does mental health still carry one? In this episode of the We Are IU podcast, Indiana University faculty members Scott Shackelford and Bernice Pescosolido sit down to explore the roots of mental health stigma, how it prevents people from seeking care, and what it will take to change the conversation.

Ozempic and similar GLP-1 drugs—with their quick weight-loss effects—have become ubiquitous topics in health care and popular culture. While this new frontier of pharmaceuticals became wildly popular in just a few years, the science took decades to develop. Much of the research and innovation have ties to Indiana University, and a key player is IU Distinguished Professor Richard DiMarchi. In this episode, DiMarchi discusses the trend of GLP-1s and his contributions to the research that made them possible.

What does it mean to be human in the digital age? It may be the defining question of our time. We dive into the promises and perils of AI and the unseen battles to keep our data secure.

A tied game. A missed field goal. A collegiate clothing renaissance. Hear how Homefield Apparel grew from late night fan project to college crowd favorite.

What started as a casual backyard pastime has quickly become one of America’s fastest-growing sports—and Indiana University is serving up success. Host Nattie Meador rallies with the people who transformed IU pickleball from a community club into a four-time championship-winning team.

You’ve heard of ChatGPT and Gemini—but how is generative AI reshaping the way we think, create, and connect? Guest host Scott Shackelford joins technology scholars Brian Williams and Anne Ottenbreit-Leftwich for a thought-provoking look at how Indiana University is navigating this new tech frontier. Together, they explore the opportunities, challenges, and everyday implications of generative AI—both in the classroom and beyond.View an accessible version of the video: https://www.myiu.org/alumni/we-are-iu/genai-101-with-iu.html

Meet Hoosier—IU’s newest mascot. From concept to gameday reveal, hear how Hoosier the Bison came to life and what this welcome addition means for students, fans, and the IU community.View an accessible version of the podcast: https://www.myiu.org/alumni/we-are-iu/the-bison-is-back-say-hello-to-hoosier.html

Cover letter—write it or forget it? Values assessment—must or meh? Work-life balance—on the level or out of whack? IU alums and “career therapists” Erin Erwin and Mike Schmeckebier talk these topics and more in this essential profesh sesh that will recalibrate your career thinking.View an accessible version of the podcast: https://www.myiu.org/alumni/we-are-iu/hints-hacks-and-habits-for-career-happiness.html

IU football head coach Curt Cignetti invites us inside Memorial Stadium to talk winning ways, gameday rituals (and recliners), and how support from the Hoosier faithful translates into touchdowns. Also, the Bison.View an accessible version of the podcast: https://www.myiu.org/alumni/we-are-iu/keys-to-cig-cess.html

What is an AI-driven racing vehicle? How does it work? And what can it tell us about the future of road safety? Join IU Associate Professor Lantao Liu and members of his team from the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering as they discuss their self-driving Indy car and its debut at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Hear about the challenges they faced, including an untimely crash during time trials, an all-nighter, and their ultimate success.View an accessible version of the podcast: https://www.myiu.org/alumni/we-are-iu/artificial-intelligence-at-120-mph.html