Today, Oct. 1, marks the debut of “Hearts in Action”, a brand-new podcast from Sacred Heart University’s Office of Community Engagement (OCE). The series kicks off with an inaugural episode featuring none other than SHU’s president, Dr. John Petillo, and is now streaming on YouTube (@WHRTVSHU).
At its core, Hearts in Action is about celebrating the power of people and the impact of community. Designed to spotlight meaningful stories and journeys, the podcast shines a light on the individuals, whether students, faculty, staff, alumni, partners, whose everyday efforts embody SHU’s spirit of service and compassion.
The first episode sets the tone by beginning with a story close to home: Dr. Petillo’s own journey with Sacred Heart. He recalls joining SHU years ago as a member of the board, when the university was “a much different school,” one without residence halls or the vibrant campus culture it now enjoys. Reflecting on that time, he laughs that becoming president was “the best decision I never made,” a twist of fate that has shaped not just his career, but the direction of SHU as a whole.
When asked what has kept him passionate about Sacred Heart over the years after being vetted for the presidential role, his answer came quickly: the people.
“What kept me interested was definitely the community and the students, the culture we’ve been able to develop,” Petillo said. “It’s far different than most other colleges, in terms of engagement and presence.”
That culture of care is exactly what the podcast’s name reflects. For Petillo, the phrase “Hearts in Action” speaks directly to SHU’s identity.
“It’s about community engagement. It speaks to the heart of who we are, how we care for each other, and how we share the stories of the unsung heroes in our community,” he explained.
With each new episode, “Hearts in Action” will provide a platform to amplify those voices. Whether it’s a student leader inspiring peers, a faculty member mentoring through service, or alumni making change in their fields. The series creates space for reflection and connection, reminding listeners that even small acts of service and leadership ripple outward in powerful ways.
Recorded in SHU’s state-of-the-art podcasting suites in the Martire Business and Communications Center, the series will feature a wide range of guests and perspectives. Listeners can expect stories of perseverance, lessons learned, and insights into what it means to live with compassion and purpose in today’s world.
The choice to launch with Dr. Petillo underscores the heart of the project: recognizing the people who help shape Sacred Heart’s identity and carry its mission forward. By weaving together personal stories with larger themes of engagement, the podcast not only strengthens bonds within the SHU community but also extends its reach beyond campus.
Hearts in Action is more than a podcast, it’s a celebration of SHU’s commitment to service, leadership, and storytelling. By shining a light on the everyday efforts that often go unnoticed, the series honors the heart-driven work that defines Sacred Heart University and inspires others to do the same.
Follow @shu_service on Instagram for more information on the Office of Community Engagement and to find promos for the podcast!
