Digital Media & Journalism Lecturer Brett Barry awarded for “Kaatscast” podcast

Digital Media & Journalism Lecturer Brett Barry has produced and hosted the biweekly “Kaatscast” podcast on the Catskills since 2020, and he was recently honored by the local community with the 2024 Alf Evers Award for Excellence from the non-for-profit Catskill Center.  

The Center awarded Barry during its annual gala “in recognition of his significant and lasting impact on the Catskills community.” 

“Brett’s dedication to advocating for the cultural and natural heritage of the Catskills, his chronicling of life in the region, and his community service have left an indelible mark on the spirit and identity of the Catskills,” the organization goes on to say.  

Every other week, Barry’s wide-ranging podcast delves into topics related to the culture, history and sustainability of the Catskills region and surrounding Hudson Valley area. “Kaatscast” recently featured Barry’s fellow Digital Media & Journalism faculty Associate Professor Gregory Bray and Associate Professor Megan Sperry discussing the Woodstock Film Festival’s Youth Film Lab. 

 Click here for all “Kaatscast” episodes. 

In addition to the Alf Elvers Award, “Kaatscast” earned three consecutive Chronogrammies readers’ choice awards presented by the local magazine Chronogram for Best Regional Podcast, a testament to its visibility in the Hudson Valley area. 

“Kaatscast” is produced by Barry’s audio production studio Silver Hollow Audio, which he founded with his wife Rebecca nearly 20 years ago.  

Click here for more information on the Department of Digital Media & Journalism at SUNY New Paltz.