Our Indiana: Stories from Rural Hoosiers

IU Center for Rural Engagement
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Join Indiana University Center for Rural Engagement leaders as they hear stories from rural Hoosiers on topics of arts and culture, environmental resilience, health, leadership development and more.

Episodes

  1. FEB 4

    Episode 10: The Great Equalizer: The Vital Role of Rural Libraries

    In this episode of Our Indiana: Stories from Rural Hoosiers, host Denny Spinner records from the Washington Carnegie Public Library in Washington, Indiana, and sits down with Teresa Heidenreich, executive director of the Washington Carnegie Public Library, and Susan Graber, director of the Odon Winklepleck Public Library. Together, they explore the evolving role of rural public libraries as essential community hubs—places that provide far more than books. From reliable internet access and technology support to cultural programming, lifelong learning opportunities, and preservation of local history, Teresa and Susan share how libraries serve as “great equalizers” in rural Indiana. Tune in to discover why rural libraries are at the heart of their communities—and why stepping through the library doors might surprise you.

    25 min

  2. 10/13/2025

    Episode 9: Strengthening Rural Communities Through University Partnerships

    In this episode of Our Indiana: Stories from Rural Hoosiers, host Denny Spinner travels to Washington, Indiana, to explore the impact of Sustaining Hoosier Communities (SHC) partnerships in Daviess County, Indiana. Guests Cindy Barber, county extension director at Purdue Extension Daviess County, and Scott Burgins, clinical assistant professor at IU’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, share how SHC has helped local leaders and university students work together on real-world projects that address community needs. From planning infrastructure improvements to preserving local history, the partnership has sparked new energy, built trust, and created lasting impact. Tune in to hear how rural communities are leveraging academic resources to turn ideas into action, how students are gaining hands-on experience in civic engagement, and how cross-university collaboration is helping Indiana’s small towns thrive. For a transcript of this episode, visit go.iu.edu/ourindiana.

    30 min

  3. 06/20/2025

    Episode 8: Uncovering Black Heritage in Knox County and Beyond

    In this episode of Our Indiana: Stories from Rural Hoosiers, host Denny Spinner travels to Vincennes, Indiana, to speak with Eunice Trotter, director of the Indiana Landmarks Black Heritage Preservation Program, and local historian Tom Bartholomew. Together, they explore the deep and often overlooked history of Black communities in Knox County and across Indiana. They discuss the origins and evolution of the Black Heritage Preservation Program, the power of oral histories, and the grassroots efforts to digitize and share long-buried records. From freedom suits filed decades before the Civil War to the first Black woman to vote in Indiana, this episode reveals how local stories shape our collective past. Tune in to hear how communities are reclaiming their history, why preserving uncomfortable truths is essential for healing, and how this work is inspiring a new generation of historians and changemakers.

    33 min

  4. 04/09/2025

    Episode 7: Bridging the Mental Health Gap in Rural Indiana

    In this episode of Our Indiana: Stories from Rural Hoosiers, host Denny Spinner sits down with Jodi Routson, director of Deaconess Outpatient Behavioral Health Services at Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center; Jon Agley, associate professor at the IU School of Public Health; and Amy Todd, registered nurse and program management specialist at IU, to explore a groundbreaking partnership addressing mental health needs in rural Indiana.They discuss how telehealth innovations are breaking down access barriers, reducing wait times, and offering immediate support to underserved populations. The episode also touches on reducing stigma, provider support, and scaling successful models to reach more rural Hoosiers.Tune in to learn about innovative mental health care approaches, the impact of telehealth, and future expansion of these services to rural communities. Discover how collaboration is making a difference in the lives of rural Hoosiers. Read the transcript

    29 min

  5. 02/07/2025

    Episode 6: Navigating New Horizons as a Rural Student at IU Bloomington

    In this episode of "Our Indiana: Stories from Rural Hoosiers," we sit down with Colleen Rose, the director of student engagement at the IU Center for Rural Engagement, and two Indiana University Bloomington students, Dayanara Alvarado and Noah Bootcheck. Join us as we explore their journeys from small-town Indiana to the bustling campus of IU Bloomington. Dayanara and Noah share their experiences transitioning from rural high schools to a large university, discussing the challenges and opportunities they encountered along the way. They reflect on the community they found at IU, the importance of stepping out of their comfort zones, and the support systems that helped them thrive. Colleen provides insights into the resources available to students and the university's commitment to engaging with rural communities. Whether you're a prospective student, an educator, or simply interested in the stories of rural Hoosiers, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the transformative power of education and community. Tune in to hear how these students are making the most of their college experience and how they plan to give back to their hometowns. Visitgo.iu.edu/ourindiana for a transcript of the episode.

    33 min

  6. 12/11/2024

    Episode 5: Revitalizing Martin County through Creative Placemaking

    In this episode of Our Indiana: Stories from Rural Hoosiers, host Denny Spinner sits down with Jessica Potts, executive director of the Martin County Alliance for Economic Growth; Jon Racek, program director and teaching professor for comprehensive design at the IU Eskenazi School for Art, Architecture + Design; and Nicole Vasconi, quality of place liaison for the IU Center for Rural Engagement to discuss the transformative impact of the Rural Placemaking Studio on Martin County, Indiana. Jessica Potts shares insights into the economic development initiatives and quality-of-life projects spearheaded by the Martin County Alliance for Economic Growth in partnership with the Rural Placemaking Studio. Jon Racek and Nicole Vasconi explain how the Rural Placemaking Studio connects IU students with rural communities to create vibrant public spaces and foster community pride. Together, they highlight the unique assets of Martin County, the collaborative process of engaging students in real-world projects, and the positive changes brought about by creative placemaking efforts. Tune in to hear inspiring stories of community engagement, the importance of outside perspectives, and the tangible benefits of placemaking in rural Indiana. ⁠Read the transcript

    29 min

  7. 11/05/2024

    Episode 4: Trauma-informed care strengthens community resilience in Orange County

    Brandy Terrell and John Keesler join host Denny Spinner to discuss the evolution of developing trauma-informed care programming in Orange County, Indiana. Brandy is the chair of Thrive Orange County under the enabling services program at Southern Indiana Community Health Care, and John is an associate professor with the IU School of Social Work. Read the transcript

    33 min

  8. 10/02/2024

    Episode 3: Spencer Pride fosters quality of place through rural LGBTQ+ outreach

    In this episode of Our Indiana: Stories from Rural Hoosiers, Jacob Balash, Judi Epp, and Elisabeth Solchik of Spencer Pride join host Denny Spinner to discuss how the LGBTQ+ not-for-profit supports rural quality of place through its annual Spencer Pride Festival, commUnity center, cultural programming, and local beautification efforts in Spencer, Indiana. Jacob Balash serves as the community center director, Judi Epp is the financial director, and Elisabeth Solchik directs programming and fundraising. Read a transcript of the episode ⁠here⁠.

    29 min

  9. 09/18/2024

    Episode 2: Building recovery networks in Daviess County

    In this episode of Our Indiana: Stories from Rural Hoosiers, Jimmy Hay and Priscilla Barnes join host Denny Spinner for a hopeful conversation on the community impact of the Daviess Advances Recovery Access Consortium partnership with the Indiana University Center for Rural Engagement. Hay is the president of REAL Recovery in Washington, Indiana. Priscilla Barnes is an associate professor of applied health science at the IU School of Public Health. Together, they have worked with organizations throughout Daviess County, Indiana, to unite on providing resources and services to residents seeking recovery from substance use disorder. Read a transcript of the episode here.

    30 min

  10. 07/31/2024

    Episode 1: Sustaining Hoosier Communities in Dubois County

    In our debut episode, Rossina Sandoval and Christian Blome join host Denny Spinner for a lively conversation on the community impact of Dubois County's two-year partnership with the Indiana University Center for Rural Engagement's Sustaining Hoosier Communities initiative. Sandoval is the director of community engagement for Southwest Dubois County School Corporation. Christian Blome is the assistant vice president and dean of the Vincennes University Jasper Campus. Read the transcript

    31 min
  • 10 Episodes

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Join Indiana University Center for Rural Engagement leaders as they hear stories from rural Hoosiers on topics of arts and culture, environmental resilience, health, leadership development and more.

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