The WPI Podcast
The WPI Podcast
Podcast Description
The WPI Podcast is the university’s flagship podcast and your front-row seat to the heart of Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). Whether you're a future student dreaming big, a proud member of the campus community, or just wondering what the school is all about, this is where you'll meet the people who make WPI extraordinary.
Each episode dives into fascinating stories from across campus and around the world—spotlighting breakthrough research, hands-on projects, bold innovations, and the immersive experiences that define our purpose-driven STEM education. You'll hear directly from WPI’s faculty, students, and staff as they tackle global challenges, explore cutting-edge discoveries, and create real-world impact.
Hosted by the storytellers of WPI’s Division of Marketing Communications, this podcast connects you to the energy, creativity, and momentum driving WPI forward.
Tune in and discover what it means to think big, do more, and lead with purpose. www.wpi.edu/listen
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on the innovative research, hands-on projects, and immersive STEM education experiences at WPI. Episodes cover a variety of topics, including breakthrough scientific discoveries, cultural contributions, and sustainability efforts, showcasing content such as organic chemistry graphic novels, global project reflections, and sustainable career mentorship insights.

The WPI Podcast is the university’s flagship podcast and your front-row seat to the heart of Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). Whether you’re a future student dreaming big, a proud member of the campus community, or just wondering what the school is all about, this is where you’ll meet the people who make WPI extraordinary.
Each episode dives into fascinating stories from across campus and around the world—spotlighting breakthrough research, hands-on projects, bold innovations, and the immersive experiences that define our purpose-driven STEM education. You’ll hear directly from WPI’s faculty, students, and staff as they tackle global challenges, explore cutting-edge discoveries, and create real-world impact.
Hosted by the storytellers of WPI’s Division of Marketing Communications, this podcast connects you to the energy, creativity, and momentum driving WPI forward.
Tune in and discover what it means to think big, do more, and lead with purpose.
In this episode of The WPI Podcast, we explore why sticking with your money goals is harder than it seems.
Alexander Smith, associate professor in the Department of Social Science and Policy Studies, explains how personal finance is deeply influenced by behavioral economics, or the psychology of decision-making. He describes how emotions and a focus on short-term goals can make it hard to follow a long-term financial plan, and how commitment devices and tapping into motivation can help.
Smith outlines six essential rules for building wealth and shares why financial self-awareness is just as important as financial literacy.
Aedan Bingham, a student majoring in robotics engineering and economics, also shares his findings from a research project that surveyed college students about what they know and want to know about personal finance.
The pair discusses how this research is helping to empower students with knowledge about topics including saving, investing, taxes, and credit.
Related links:
Alexander Smith’s personal finance website, Follow The 6
“What WPI Students Know about Personal Finance,” by Aedan Bingham
Smith discusses the impact of buy-now-pay-later financing on financial planning in the New York Times

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