The Michigan Association of Broadcasters named the Science of Grief podcast the winner of the Best Use of New Media award for Public Radio Group 2 during its 2021 Broadcast Excellence Awards ceremony on Thursday, March 10, 2022. The Science of Grief podcast is a collaboration between WDET-FM, Detroit’s NPR Station, and MSU Science Gallery. The Broadcast Excellence Awards program recognizes outstanding achievement in broadcasting by commercial and public television and radio stations in Michigan each year.

“This is a big honor for everyone who worked so hard on this project,” remarked David Leins, podcast producer at WDET. “The award helped elevate WDET to win Station of the Year. But more importantly, it shows that the stigma around mental health and grief is changing for the better.”

Science of Grief is a 10-episode podcast that makes space for young adults to share stories, science, and solutions for those who are experiencing grief and exploring their mental health for the first time. Hosted by acclaimed poet and MSU Science Gallery Community Engagement Manager Natasha T. Miller and featuring a production team that includes six Science Gallery Mediators between the ages of 18 and 24 as producers, the Science of Grief podcast puts the voices and stories of young adults front and center. Listen to Science of Grief podcast here.

“Through this podcast I learned the power of conversation, active listening, and how to curate a story to reflect the essence of the emotions and experiences that were shared with me,” said Patrick Vaughan, MSU Science Gallery Mediator. “I’d like to thank everyone I interviewed for being vulnerable, open, and for having the courage to share their stories with me.”

“During my experience working on the Science of Grief podcast, I connected with some of the most resilient people who have faced and overcome incredible adversity,” explained Shanmin Sultana, MSU Science Gallery Mediator. “Through their stories, I developed a better understanding of grief, mental health, and the strategies that we can use to cope with loss when it hits.”

The creation of the Science of Grief podcast was made possible by the generous support of the Children’s Foundation of Michigan, MSUFCU, and Science Sandbox.