Pop of Culture

S03 E21 - We Come from the Ground Up

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 29 May 2026 16:00:00 -0000

We're extending the holiday weekend! This week, we're listening back to some of our favorite pieces, including: our visit to the powerful illustrative work in "Nora Krug: Belonging" at the David Owsley Museum of Art, our sit-down with local potter John Peterson, live music from Jess Jones, and canning family recipes with farmer Riley McDermott.

S03 E20 - We're in Cowboy Couture

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 22 May 2026 16:00:00 -0000

This week, Indianapolis-based fashion designer Jerry Lee Atwood tells us how he went from embroidering behind the bar at a coffee shop to seeing his looks on the red carpet. He has a new exhibition at the Eiteljorg Museum titled "Cowboy Couture: The Fashion of Jerry Lee Atwood."

Also: we get tips from 2025 "DWNTWN Idol" winner (and returning guest) India Potter ahead of this years competition, and LaShanta Vaughn (President and CEO of Horizon Convention Center) and Carl Schafer (co-owner of Gordy Fine Art and Framing) talk about their project to fill Muncie's convention center with art. And after all that, we say goodbye to a member of the Pop team.

S03 E19 - We Tell an Untold Story

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 15 May 2026 16:00:00 -0000

You've likely never heard of US Marine Oliver Sipple, who saved President Gerald Ford from an assassination attempt in 1975. His complicated story is brought to light in "Arlington, or Your Forgotten American Hero," a new play from American Lives Theatre in Indianapolis. Ahead of the play's world premiere, we welcome back Andrew Kramer (playwright) and Chris Saunders (director) from ALT—joined by Dan Nicoletta, a photographer with first-hand knowledge of Sipple's story.

Also this week, journalist and TED Radio Hour host Manoush Zomorodi jumps on for an electrifying chat about her new book "Body Electric: The Hidden Health Costs of the Digital Age and New Science to Reclaim Your Well-Being." Consider this your sign to listen to the podcast while walking...

S03 E18 - We Insult the French

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 08 May 2026 16:00:00 -0000

This week, Scott Simon regals us with tales about tails! The NPR legend has a new book "Ulysses S. Cat and Other Animals I Have Known" chronicling a lifetime of remarkable relationships with pets. He even reveals which pet he named after IPR!

Also: We'll sit down with Yaniv Segal, Orchestra Indiana's Artistic Director and Principal Conductor, ahead of the final concert of their current season (Saturday, May 9). That show will open with his original composition “…the light that breathes…” We'll celebrate Mother's Day in the U.S. with "The Inside of Bones"—a Beautiful Thing from Kelly McMasters. And, our usual "WAYWO" and Arts Calendar check-ins!

S03 E17 - We Cross Blades

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 01 May 2026 16:00:00 -0000

This week, we join a Fencing Club class at Cornerstone Center for the Arts in Muncie! Instructor Christian Achgill (and his intermediate-level students) take Michelle and Jen through the basics—culminating in a back-and-forth bout!

Also in the show: we talk to metal artist Tracy Davidson, who's made sculptures as big as trees and as small as earrings; she explains how she started jewelry-making as a form of pain management. We'll hear three local musicians (Laura Switzer, Cari Cambridge, and Foxxy) go Behind the Song. And, "WAYWO" takes us onto the stage with Zeus Currie!

S03 E16 - We Get the Sensation of Summer

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 16:00:00 -0000

The Pop team has the week off to nurse our spring allergies, but we're listening back to some of our favorite interviews:

James Edwards (Director of Horticulture at Minnetrista) and Erica Oliver (Environmental Education and Greenhouse Coordinator at the Dr. Joe and Alice Rinard Orchid Greenhouse)
Chris Barnes of gospel soul duo The Sensational Barnes Brothers
Indy 500 wreath-maker Julie Harman Vance

S03 E15 - We Find Joy

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:00:00 -0000

This week, we sit down for a conversation with educator, writer, and editor Jill Christman. Jill's most recent memoir "The Heart Folds Early" took her almost 20 years to write—emerging after multiple different iterations, pushback from publishing houses, and being shelved by the writer herself. Jill tells us why she ignored the advice she gives her writing students, and why now was the right time to finish the book.

Also: we'll speak with Alex Chadsey, bandleader of jazz trio Duende Libre, who will bring their international influences to Pruis Hall on April 23. He explains how the band came to be and what audience members should look forward to. And we once again extend our Arts Calendar to discuss "Art for the People," a weekend-long celebration of public art in Muncie!

S03 E14 - We Do Duos

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:00:00 -0000

This week, we talk to two sets of artists that have teamed up! Jenni and John Marsh just finished directing "The West Wind" at Muncie Civic Theatre. It's the third play they've written together, and they'll take us into their collaborative creative process. And: Ruthie Berkey and Randy Eyestone are both musicians in their own right, but they've teamed up for performances across East Central Indiana—including the Pop studios.

Also in this show, we get driven straight to summer with Candace Angelica Walsh's Beautiful Thing "Playing Hooky," and we'll talk with respected glass artist Brent Cole!

S03 E13 - We Ready Our Tastebuds

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 16:00:00 -0000

This week, we get a taste of culinary offerings in ECI: Prabhu Krishnan welcomes us into Bayleaf Indian restaurant in Muncie; Jeff Clark and chef Jason Reynolds from the video series "A Taste for Whiskey" banter ahead of their educational appearance at Public Media Pours; and Cheryl Crowder (Muncie Downtown Development) and Lindsay Montgomery (Aerial Annex) preview a different beverage-themed event.

We'll also take a detour Up North to hear about "Trout Lilies" with writer Ginny MacDonald.

S03 E12 - We're on the Floor

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 16:00:00 -0000

This week... we're still recovering from celebrating our 100th episode! So we're listening back to some of favorite trips in past seasons: we find local artists on the floor of the 2025 Indiana Artisan Marketplace, we look to the skies with members of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, and The Ball State Studio Band brings us into their rehearsal. We'll also have a brand new arts calendar!

S03 E11 - We're Live!

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 21:53:00 -0000

This week, we're celebrating our 100th episode by doing the show live! We'll be joined by NPR's Stephen Thompson for a national perspective on pop culture right now. We'll chat with filmmaker and local history expert Chris Flook about the history of arts and culture in East Central Indiana. We'll also check in with some of our favorite "WAYWO" guests, do our Arts Calendar live, and laugh at some of the audio that didn't make it into our previous 99 episodes. Join us!

Pop of Culture - Live! Tomorrow

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:00:00 -0000

The Pop of Culture podcast is going to be a little late this week... because we're doing the show live to celebrate our 100th episode!

Join us Friday, March 20th at 12:00 p.m. on IPR's airwaves, via the Ball State Public Media App, or on indianapublicradio.org.

If you can't listen live, we'll have the show up as soon as possible—and we still like you just as much!

S03 E10 - We Get All C's

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 16:00:00 -0000

We first heard from Indiana's Poet Laureate Curtis L. Crisler after he had been selected for the role in 2024. This week, he joins us in-studio to share how he's moving now that he's been selected for a second term. We'll learn about the "Chitlin Circuit," how Motown influences his work, and the new poetry form he's pioneering.

Also in this show: Ball State University's Department of Theatre and Dance is bringing the classic musical "Cats" to Emens Auditorium for one weekend only March 20 - 22; we cat-ch up with Avery Nienhuis (Rum Tum Tugger) and Vivian VerHulst (Grizabella) to learn about the show! We'll also discover our latest Story Behind the Song with Annette Miller.

S03 E09 - We Survive the Wintering

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 17:00:00 -0000

This week, we meet writer and poet Mark B. Hamilton. He has a new book of poems inspired by Captain William Clark's (of Lewis & Clark) journal entries as they voyaged west. He also took the 8,000-mile journey himself, so we have to ask him about that incredible experience.

We also immerse ourselves in the the David Owsley Museum of Art's visiting exhibition of "Nora Krug: Belonging," which details the author and illustrator's work on their memoir grappling with their German heritage, and their illustrations for Timothy Snyder's "On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century." Nora Krug will give a talk on Ball State's campus Wednesday, March 11. We'll bring in film and television awards expert (and professor) Monica Sandler for a preview of the Academy Awards. And finally, we'll sit down with Stephanie Michaels (Cornerstone Center for the Arts) and Karen Fisher (Muncie Artists Guild) to learn about two exhibitions for young artists.

S03 E08 - We Have "Balls Balls Balls"

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:00:00 -0000

This week, award-winning playwright Alice Tuan steps into our studios to have a Conversation Between the Coasts. She was on Ball State's campus after being commissioned to write a play and workshop that play with students; she tells us about that experience, why sitting in discomfort is important, and creating art in the age of constant feedback.

Also on the show: Melody A. Lynch is the COO of a not-for-profit utility co-op—a job that brings a lot of stress. She picked up painting during the COVID-19 pandemic and shares how it's a source of calm away from her day job. And speaking of painters, we've been doing Paint Month for "What Are You Working On?" in February, and today is our last exhibit!

S03 E07 - We Put Ourselves on the Map

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 17:00:00 -0000

This week, Sara McKinley (Carnegie Library Manager and Archivist) and Melissa Gentry (Supervisor of the Map Collection at Ball State University Libraries) give us a sneak peek of their panel event "Women of Whitely: At the Heart of Muncie’s Black History" happening Thursday, February 26 at the historic Shaffer Chapel Museum in Muncie. They'll use archival material and "story maps" to tell the stories of significant women in Muncie's history!

We'll also take a journey... right back to East Central Indiana! Members of The Barricade Boys join us from Florida and the U.K. before their "Broadway party" bursts into Emens Auditorium. And we'll visit florist Sharon Grubbs at Foister's Flowers & Gifts to learn how they prep for major holidays (hint: Valentine's Day).

S03 E06 - We Take a Dive Into the Archives

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 17:00:00 -0000

The Pop Team is off this week, so enjoy some relevant favorites:

- Indiana Poet Laureate Curtis L. Crisler

- Fort Wayne band SUN.DYLE

- "Beautiful Things" writer Robert Earle

- Fine artist Anne Maddox

...and we'll pop up with a new episode next week!

S03 E05 - We Build a Bakery

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 17:00:00 -0000

This week on Pop of Culture, we meet Heather Taylor and Casey Morgan of Cocoa & Cream Collective—a new bakery opening in Yorktown... soon! They take us through the process of opening a new small business and why their team is truly a collective.

We'll also catch up with musician Nick Kendall of Time for Three, a genre-bending trio with a new album based on the works of Emily Dickinson. The tile game Mahjong is having a moment, so we asked local expert Raquel Santoni to give us the basics. And Maya Doss kicks off our first-ever themed month of "WAYWO!"

S03 E04 - We Reflect on the Banks of the Tallahatchie

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 17:00:00 -0000

This week, we're immersed in the visiting exhibition "Emmett Till & Mamie Till-Mobley: Let the World See." Minnetrista Director of Curation & Exhibition Sebastián Encina explains how their team chooses exhibitions, and why this one was so important to bring to East Central Indiana.

Also in this show: we chat with 2026 NPR Tiny Desk Contest judges Anamaria Sayre and Robin Hilton, "Arts Alive" artist Jeffrey Gibson talks about the changing art world, and we interview Samantha Rowe—a balloon artist!

S03 E03 - We Wreck Your Heart

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 17:00:00 -0000

This week, we learn about two singer-songwriters—one real, one fictional. Author Lori Rader-Day returns to the show with her new murder mystery "Wreck Your Heart," set in the country music scene of Chicago (yes, really). Later, we hear a performance from multi-genre musician Katie Jo Robinson, recorded live for Pop of Culture.

Also in this episode: A Beautiful Thing set "In the Delivery Room," and sculptor Chet Geiselman shares what he's working on!

S03 E02 - We Hit a Pothole

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 17:00:00 -0000

This week we're rocking with local band Pothole, who identify their sound as "765 PUNK." Bandmates Carter Minton and Lawson Sanchez take us through the process of their soon-to-be-released "sister" EPs. Also in this episode: artist Tashema Davis takes us into a new exhibition centering women of color in the community at Kennedy Art Center, and we'll get a taste of "Destination: Munchie" from Destination: Muncie.

S03 E01 - We Get Our Glass in Gear

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 17:00:00 -0000

Welcome to Season 3! Lots to get to...

We'll start with two different takes on the medium of glass: documentarian Chris Flook tells us what surprised him during his new documentary about collecting Ball jars ("The Hobby"); artist Jessica Calderwood takes us through the process for her new metal and glass series honoring textile patterns from diverse communities across East Central Indiana ("Threads of Home).

Also in this episode: a Beautiful Thing from Diane Gottlieb ("Mondegreen") and Maya Doss asks Olivia Willard, "What Are You Working On?"

S02 E44 - We Look Back at the Best of 2025

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 17:00:00 -0000

The Pop of Culture team is readying Season 3!

As we celebrate the new year, we picked some of our favorite segments from last season, like our visit to the Ball State Studio Band, our delightful chat with comedian and cartoonist Dan Wright, the times we've ended up recording in the dark (which has somehow happened twice), and many more!

S02 E43 - We Predict a Vacation

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 17:00:00 -0000

Surprise! It's our last episode of the year, so we're gifting it to you a little early!

This week, we're speaking with Meg Crane, the inventor of the home pregnancy test. Playwright (and Pop of Culture cohost) Jennifer Blackmer wrote a play about her story that's been produced across the nation—and now it's headed Off-Broadway. Also in this episode, NPR's Andrew Limbong joins us to break down the annual "Books We Love" list for 2025, and Maya Doss brings us a "WAYWO" with contemporary artist Audrey Barcio.

S02 E42 - We Might Need Subtitles

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 17:00:00 -0000

This week, we sit down with the multi-multi-talented Anwar Frazier. He recently won the 2025 Muncie Mayor's Arts Awards People's Choice, and he'll tell us how he's made a living drawing, painting, tattooing, candle-making, designing custom clothes... the list goes on. Then, we'll visit the Ball State Opera Theatre program as they prepare to present "The Elixir of Love" November 22 - 23. We talk to cast and crew about why opera is accessible—even in Italian! There's more: musician India Potter and baker Alexis Cooper of "Coops Creations" round out this rather full episode.

S02 E41 - We're Visionaries

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 17:00:00 -0000

This week, we have an extended conversation with Kyren Monteiro. Kyren is an audio engineer and hip-hop artist with an audio production company in Marion. Before the release of his new album "Visionary," he joins us to talk about his creative process, the (accidentally) illicit record label he started at 16, and why he chooses to stay in East Central Indiana. We'll also hear "Reason Enough," our Beautiful Thing for National Adoption Month. And Maya Doss brings us her latest "WAYWO" with Laith Hicks!

S02 E40 - We Think People Make Place

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 17:00:00 -0000

This week, we speak to artists with work that reflect their communities: Henrik Söderström is a professor at Indiana Wesleyan University who has an exhibit at the Kennedy Art Center in Marion that required "a game of telephone" across the community. Aaron McDermott is an artist and the Vice President of the Pendleton Artists Society; he tell us about his new mural in downtown Pendleton and why having a group for local artists is so important. Also in this episode: how funding cuts continue to affect arts organizations across Indiana, and the return of Season 1 "WAYWO" guest Leonski Crosby!

S02 E39 - We Decorate for Halloween

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 16:00:00 -0000

The Pop of Culture team is off this week—and it's Halloween! So, we're listening back to some of our favorite spooky interviews, including: Brian Blair of Pumpkin Pulp (a masks and prop business in Muncie), Tommy Miller and Jason Kindred of the band Void King (purveyors of doom metal), and Riley McDermott (a young farmer). Join us... if you dare!

S02 E38 - We Hear Diversity in Sound

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 16:00:00 -0000

Where do electronic music artists go in Muncie? IPR's Ransom True takes us to a studio where the mixing decks are open for experimentation and collaboration. Also in this episode: Christina Diaz Gonzalez pivoted from a career as an attorney to write middle grade fiction and graphic novels. We'll speak with her and Ball State professor Jill Christman ahead of the 2025 Writer-in-Residence (events open to the public the week of November 3). And, Julie Lyn Barber sneaks us behind the scenes of the Actors Theatre of Indiana's production of Mel Brooks' "Young Frankenstein." Blücher!

S02 E37 - We Do a Cannonball (Into Leaves)

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 16:00:00 -0000

This week, we continue our Beautiful Things series with Joseph Gross's "Jumping in Leaves," a short essay about the author and his son in autumn. Then, we'll visit with Robin Phelps-Ward and Kat Stephens-Peace about their artistic careers—and about Hue House, their art studio and community space for local creatives in the Murray building in Muncie. Also packed into this episode: all the details about Ball State PBS's Happy Little Fest, our arts calendar, and local artist (and recent college graduate) Mars Presswood answers our question "What Are You Working On?"

S02 E36 - We Add a Pop of Color, a Pop of Music, and a Pop Host

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 16:00:00 -0000

This week: how two fine arts organizations in East Central Indiana are adapting to attract audiences. We'll speak to Daniel Wiley with the Anderson Symphony Orchestra and Debra Lynn from "Opera Today!" in Fort Wayne. Also in the show: an audio postcard from muralists who gathered in Muncie to paint a bus (yes, really), and the return of "WAYWO" artist Maya Doss as a host!

S02 E35 - We Have Star Power

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 16:00:00 -0000

Inside this episode: The Indiana Clay Conference is held every two years, and this year it's in Muncie! Organizer (and Ball State professor) Ted Neal talks about what goes into planning the event. We continue our Conversations Between the Coast with Christopher and Justin Swader, professional set designers who work across the country. And, we ask teacher and artist Sun-Young Gullery about "Indy In Inches, her exhibition of 56 Indianapolis small businesses and landmarks.

S02 E34 - We Go Through the Village and Into the Woods

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 16:00:00 -0000

This week, during IPR's fall pledge drive, we're listening back to some of our favorite recent pieces, including: a trip into the faux woodlands created for "Good Night Forest" at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens, an extended conversation with longtime local potter John Peterson, and glimpse into the constantly creative world of Stephen M Millben II.

S02 E33 - We're on Location

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 16:00:00 -0000

This week, we're all over the map! Our first stop is Michael Greer, President and CEO of ArtsFund in Seattle. He'll explain how arts are essential for communities—and democracy—ahead of his presentation on Ball State's campus. Then, we'll talk fall book releases in our semi-regular Book Club with Jay County Public Library librarian Hannah Elliott. And, a new romantic comedy was shot on location in Muncie; writer and director Thomas Peek gives us a sneak peek. Finally, multi-talented artist Cara Jean Wahlers takes us on a journey through her memories for "What Are You Working On?"

S02 E32 - We Pull Out Our Pocket Constitutions

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 16:00:00 -0000

This week, we sit down with Nicole Etcheson, a Civil War and Reconstruction Era scholar, ahead of her public lecture for Constitution Week—where she'll speak on the Reconstruction Amendments (13th, 14th, and 15th) and their relevance to the present day. Also in this episode: board members from the MuncieArts & Culture Council, we hear a collegiate Beautiful Thing, and "What Are You Working On?" artist River Feeney wouldn't define themselves as an artist—he'll explain!

S02 E31 - We Find New Harmonies

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 16:00:00 -0000

This week, Jenni Werner joins us for Conversations Between the Coasts. Jenni is Executive Artistic Director of The New Harmony Project, an arts organization that has been fostering new works for stage and screen in Indiana for nearly 40 years. In May of this year, the organization had a $40,000 grant terminated by the National Endowment for the Arts. We'll talk with Jenni about what the Project does, what a dramaturg is, and how their organization is moving forward.

Also in this episode: Diane Huston—owner of Gallery 112 in Farmland—tells us about their upcoming juried show "Dumpster Visions: the art of discard."

S2E30 - We're Hooked on Butter

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 16:00:00 -0000

The Pop Team is off this week, so we're listening back to some of our favorite parts from Season 2, including:

Stevie Hahn (AKA "Ray Toffer") on how he creates his viral videos exploring "Beautiful, Luxurious Muncie™."
Tracy Burns is a rug hooker; she fills our studio with her artwork to help explain her craft.
Jarrod Case and Jason Cooper from local band White Lies & The Half Truth share tracks from their new album "The Ghosts We Carry."
Photographer and artist Rebekah Gaillard joined us for "What Are You Working On?" before Butter Art Fair last year ("Butter" 2025 is this weekend, August 28 - 31).

S02 E29 - We Can't Stop the Beat

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 16:00:00 -0000

This week is all about live music: Muncie Civic Theatre is in the middle of its run of "Hairspray," director Terry Whitt Bailey and Muncie Civic Artistic & Executive Director (and cast member) Laura Williamson crash through our doors to tell us about the musical! Local musician Dave Carter talks about the long journey to his new album (PODCAST EXCLUSIVE: Dave performs two original songs live), and singer/songwriter Jennie DeVoe shares what it feels like to be on stage in front of an audience before she takes the stage at the Muncie Three Trails Series!

S02 E28 - We Step Into a Foggy Future

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 16:00:00 -0000

This week, we're listening back to some of our favorite interviews from Season 2 (so far): longtime Muncie artist and businesswoman Ann Johnson tells us about how she created F.B. Fogg—and what she thinks is the future of the arts business in Muncie; librarian and Pop of Culture book club president Hannah Elliott runs down her top picks for summer reading; and artist Sara Collas tells us what she's working on.

S02 E27 - We're Not Afraid of the Dark

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 16:00:00 -0000

This week, we take a trip to the forest... indoors! We get an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Minnetrista Museum and Gardens' latest exhibit "Good Night Forest." We'll also speak to PBS host Steven Raichlen ahead of a special event in Fort Wayne, hear about an award-winning stop-motion video, and listen to a Beautiful Thing with imaginary animals ("Things Not Always Seen").

S02 E26 - We Tell the Half Truth

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 16:00:00 -0000

Pop of Culture is back for the second half of Season 2!

This week, we chat with Jarrod Case and Jason Cooper of local band White Lies & The Half Truth. They'll share tracks from their album "The Ghosts We Carry" and explain why now was the right time to form a band. We'll also hear our latest Beautiful Thing from writer Jill Currie ("He Comes Back for the Curtains"), catch up with Pop favorite Aimee Maychack (who 'blew up' their life to pursue a full-time career in the arts), and ask young farmer Riley McDermott what she's working on!

S02 E25 - We're Working On a Summer Vacation

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 16:00:00 -0000

It's Pop of Culture's 70th episode! To celebrate, we're listening back to some of our favorite answers to our favorite question: "What Are You Working On?"

We first asked Levi Rinker in February 2024... he talks about his work to bring more art into the community of Anderson. We'll also hear from Aimee Maychack (linocuts), Rose & Kate Elliott (sewing very special pillows), and Lynette Whitesell (getting back into art after a pandemic era hiatus). And, we'll ask our hosts the same question. Join us!

This is also our last episode before our regular summer break. We'll be back with new episodes starting Friday, August 1.

S02 E24 - We’re Outdoors?!

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 16:00:00 -0000

This week, we discuss upcoming outdoor events in ECI... from the climate-controlled safety of the Pop of Culture Studios.

Tracy Manning (Executive and Artistic Director of the Hoosier Shakespeare Festival)—and actors Grace Bogue and Selah Grannis—discuss the Festival's tenth year and what it’s like to perform Shakespeare in the open air.

Shaun Dingwerth (Executive Director of the Richmond Art Museum), and Sylvia Finney with Sarah Kreps (Delaware County Master Gardeners Association) talk about their respective garden tours!

Kirsten Novotny (Theatre & Events Manager at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens) gives us a peek into the world of "Faeries, Sprites, & Lights."

And the answer to “What Are You Working On?” is fireworks!

S02 E23 - We Have Someone to Be

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 16:00:00 -0000

This week: comedian, cartoonist, writer, musician... the list goes on! Dan Wright entertains us with the stories behind his multifaceted career—including how his syndicated cartoon started with rejection from all four major syndicates. Also in this episode: writer H.K. Hummel shares her Beautiful Things essay "It Seemed Like Everything Was Still Before Us."

S02 E22 - We Have the Clay Olympics

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 16:00:00 -0000

This week, we sit down with local pottery legend John Peterson. In a podcast-exclusive extended conversation, he tells us how he came to Muncie, how he started Bethel Pike Pottery studios, and what's still inspiring him today as he looks back on his career in the arts.

Also in this show: we preview The Harlem Gospel Travelers' Muncie Three Trails Music Series performance with trio member Ifedayo Gatling, we listen back to the Ball State Studio Band in rehearsal before their performance at We Fly Fest (June 7, 2025), and Stephen M Millben II answers our favorite question.

S2E21 - We Aim for the Stars and Land Among the Alligators

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 30 May 2025 16:00:00 -0000

Pop of Culture is off this week, so we're listening back to some of our favorite summer adventures: Charles W. Brown Planetarium Director Dayna Thompson takes us on a tour of the night sky (kind of), writer Lindsey Pharr takes us to an alligator-teeming river in Mississippi, and art quilter Daren Redman takes us through her creative process.

S02 E20 - We Read and Write (Songs)

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 23 May 2025 16:00:00 -0000

This week, we speak with Barrett Smith from Steep Canyon Rangers ahead of their performance at the Muncie Three Trails Music Series. He tells us what it's like as a touring musician, and why the band decided to release a live album. Also in this episode: local musician Jess Jones talks about his songwriting career and performs a set in the IPR studios; and we have the next meeting of our Book Club with librarian Hannah Elliott.

S02 E19 - We're Back in Bloom

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 16 May 2025 16:00:00 -0000

This week, we take you behind the scenes of the David Owsley Museum of Art's annual Art in Bloom event. We'll talk to three of the florists interpreting artwork for this year's event: Sharon Grubbs (Foister's Flowers & Gifts), Marnie Tupling (Wasson Nursery), and Julie Harman Vance (Buck Creek in Bloom). We'll also get the full lineup of this year's Muncie Three Trails Music Series from series founder Rick Zeigler, hear details on the loss of arts funding in Indiana, and ask our favorite question.

S02 E18 - We Go Into the Void

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 09 May 2025 16:00:00 -0000

This week, a bouquet of artistic options: we talk to Kelly McVey, cofounder and Executive Director of the Indiana Peony Festival—coming up Saturday 5/17; we have an extended conversation with Jason Kindred and Tommy Miller from Void King about their new concept album; and we'll ask retired educator Vernon Bedel, "What Are You Working On?"

S02 E17 - We Make A Stained Glass Dachshund

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 02 May 2025 16:00:00 -0000

This week we learn about stained glass (artist and business owner Erica Markley), we hear a new single (returning musician Dana Powell), and we ask multimedia artist Lynette Whitesell about what she’s working on!

S02 E16 - We're in Beautiful Luxurious Muncie

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 16:00:00 -0000

This week we talk to the creator of the viral series "Beautiful Luxurious Muncie™." The delightful Stevie Hahn tells us how his character Ray Toffer came to be, what his creative process is like, and how he feels about his portrayal of Muncie. Also in this episode: Nancy Carlson reflects on a documentary she executive produced 25 years ago, we listen to a "Beautiful Thing," and assemblage artist Sara Collas talks about what she's working on.

S02 E15 - We Decide That It's Springtime

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 16:00:00 -0000

This week, we spring back into our archives with some of our favorite plant-themed interviews! We visit Cat Dyeak at her greenhouse to learn about the art of Bonsai, PBS creator and host of "Life in Bloom" tell us about his life in the flower trade, and Anne Maddox gives us the details on her incredibly detailed ecosystem paintings.

S02 E14 - We Enter a Contest

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 16:00:00 -0000

This week, we talk Tiny Desk: Fort Wayne band SUN.DYLE shares the song they entered into the 2025 Tiny Desk Contest, and NPR's Anamaria Sayre gives us details on the new Tiny Desk Radio! We'll also ask furniture artist Connie Beaty to take us through her process, and we'll listen back to our interview with Indy 500 winner's wreath florist Julie Harman Vance.

S02 E13 - We're Here and There

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 16:00:00 -0000

This week, we sit down with visiting artist Justin Favela, who tells us about why he started covering cars and buildings like piñatas. Also in this show: we take you to the floor of the Indiana Artisan Marketplace to check in with the artists representing East Central Indiana, Thomas Ouellette reports on a new exhibit put together by—and celebrating—women, and we get up-to-date with all the events happening in our listening area!

S02 E12 - We Write by the Seat of Our Pants

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 16:00:00 -0000

In this encore edition of Pop of Culture, we're listening back to some of our favorite interviews: crime fiction novelist Lori Rader-Day joins us to talk about her process (or lack thereof) and where her ideas come from; Tracy Burns is a rug hooker making detailed works with fiber; and Dana Powell is a Canadian musician now residing Indiana who shares tracks from her debut album.

S02 E11 - We're on the Move

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 16:00:00 -0000

This week, we talk to the team responsible for creating "Groove," a dance performance at the intersection of West African traditional dance and hip hop. Professors Jenn Meckley and Emmanuel Cudjoe explain how they work with their dancers and what they hope the audience takes away. Then, in our continuing Conversations Between the Coasts, founder and CEO of Discovering Broadway Joel Kirk explains why Indianapolis is the perfect place to birth a Broadway show! And we'll ask young artist Rose Elliott, "What Are You Working On?"

S02 E10 - We’re In Print and In Portraiture

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 16:00:00 -0000

This week, we step behind the camera with photographer Ronn Brown; he's guest-curated a selection of photographs at the David Owsley Museum of Art. We'll ask about how his career in Hollywood led him back to Muncie, how he approaches a photography session, and some of his favorite photos in the DOMA collection. Also in this episode: the Indianapolis Public Library celebrates African American artists, Ball State's In Print Festival is back for the 20th year, and our friend J.R. Jamison gives us a sneak peek into his latest book.

S02 E09 - We Talk Bookbinding, Banjo, and Beautiful Things

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 17:00:00 -0000

This week, we learn about bookbinding from Rai Peterson. She expounds on her love of paper and how bronze metals made their way into her covers! Also in this episode: internationally renowned banjo player and producer Alison Brown gives us news on her album with Steve Martin (she'll play Pruis Hall on March 8), woodturner Dennis Whitted explains how the piece of wood he's working on tells him what it's going to be, and we start a new series called "Beautiful Things" in partnership with River Teeth Journal.

S02 E08 - We Show and Share

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 17:00:00 -0000

This week, artists at the peak of their craft: the Ball State Studio Band sneaks us into rehearsal as they prep for gigs around East Central Indiana, NPR's Linda Holmes tells us about her latest novel "Back After This," Sally and Lyn Fierce bring their songwriting skills to the "The Songwriter Sessions" at First Thursday in Muncie, and arts educator Carol Burt talks about what she's working on in retirement!

S02 E07 - We Work on Our Timing

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:00:00 -0000

Pop of Culture is off this week, but not before we catch up with our co-host Jen Blackmer. Jen is directing "POTUS" in Strother Theatre at Ball State University, and she gives us insight into the process of meeting a tense political moment with humor. Then, we'll hear our interview with trucker and musician Long Haul, recorded before the release of his new album last year.

S02 E06 - We Cut a Rug

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 17:00:00 -0000

It's another action-packed week! Local musician Jerry Barker joins us to share original music (and talk about building the confidence to perform that music for others). Tracy Burns explains the art of rug hooking (and brings examples). And we meet Carly Acree-King, Executive Director of MadJax Maker Force in Muncie (and learn what's inside their building).

S02 E05 - We Work from a Tiny Desk

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 17:00:00 -0000

It's Pop of Culture's 50th episode! This week, we peek behind the Tiny Desk: NPR producer Bobby Carter gives us last-minute details on the 2025 Tiny Desk Contest. Sculptor and professor Michael Lorsung takes us on a tour of his recent exhibit. We step inside a Muncie greenhouse to learn about the art of bonsai from Cat Dyeak. And we speak to one of the stars from Muncie Civic Theatre's production of "Waitress: The Musical" just before opening night!

S02 E04 - We Come Out of Retirement

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 17:00:00 -0000

This week, we sit down for an extended conversation with Ann Johnson, owner of former Muncie arts business F.B. Fogg. She talks about what "Fogg" meant to her and the East Central Indiana artist community, and what she hopes to see in that community moving forward. We'll also speak to retired Muncie Public Library Director Akilah Nosakhere, who's starting a new community gathering spot on the east side of the city. She lets us in on some of her plans for the space!

S02 E03 - We Start a Business

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 17:00:00 -0000

This week, we're listening back to some of our favorite interviews from last season. Silk painter and business owner Carrie Wright talks to us about how she grew her business and lessons she learned along the way. Muralist Holly Sims explains how she goes from concept to color on a wall. And John Morris brings some of his work to our studio to answer the question, "What Are You Working On?"

S02 E02 - We Stop and Smell the Flowers

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 17:00:00 -0000

This week, we're joined by the delightful J Schwanke, PBS host of "Life in Bloom." He tells us how he was born to be a florist, why everyone should pick up flowers at the grocery store, and why he brought his show to Muncie! We also talk to musician Dana Powell about the effort it took to create her new debut feature-length album "Your Love Is Enough."

S02 E01 - We Go Down the Street to Reach the Stars

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 17:00:00 -0000

It's a new season of Pop of Culture from IPR! We're starting off by visiting the largest planetarium (by dome height) in the state of Indiana: the Charles W. Brown Planetarium in Muncie! Planetarium Director Dayna Thompson takes us behind the control panel to demonstrate how they put on a show for 20,000 visitors a year. We'll also talk to an avid volunteer about cultural opportunities in East Central Indiana, and we'll ask metalsmith Sandy Gaier "What Are You Working On?"

Pop of Culture Promo

arapp@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 15:52:29 -0000

Pop of Culture explores the vibrant cultural tapestry of East Central Indiana. Join hosts Jennifer Blackmer, Michelle Kinsey, and Dr. Kara Duquette as they delve into regional arts, showcase local events, and engage in insightful conversations with artists and curators. From small business spotlights to in-depth art analyses, Pop of Culture aims to amplify the voices of Indiana's artistic community, enriching your life with the diverse spirit of our state.