‘The Vandal Theory’ podcast

“The Vandal Theory” podcast showcases the innovative and impactful work of University of Idaho researchers, offering an engaging look at how they approach the unknown and tackle real-world challenges. It’s a great way to discover the exciting research that has earned U of I the Carnegie ranking of R1, a designation for research excellence that only 4% of all U.S. higher education institutions attain — the only Idaho university to do so.

With hosts Leigh Cooper and Danae Lenz, this award-winning podcast highlights stories from a variety of disciplines and brings attention to the diverse research happening at U of I. Every spring and fall semester, “The Vandal Theory” drops an eight-episode season, with half-hour episodes being uploaded every Tuesday for eight weeks and, as of 2025, we've added a four-episode summer shorts season on Tuesdays in July. You can also catch us on the Palouse if you tune in to radio channels KRFP 90.3 FM and KUOI 89.3 FM. For questions, comments or ideas, email the producers of “The Vandal Theory.”

Get regular access to fascinating stories about U of I researchers solving pressing global challenges by subscribing to “The Vandal Theory” on your favorite podcasting platform. Subscribing also gives you access to past seasons and ensures you’ll be alerted when a new episode drops.