Courageous Curiosity

Courageous Curiosity

Novi Community School District Superintendent Ben Mainka interviews students, staff, community stakeholders, experts and celebrities in the Courageous Curiosity Podcast. Each episodes aims to tackle a central question. Most episodes will be 30 minutes or less. For more information, visit https://www.novi.k12.mi.us/programs-and-departments/communications/courageous-curiosity-podcast

  1. 1D AGO

    Courageous Curiosity 4.3: What goes into the production of a snow day video?

    This is episode 4.3 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. For this episode, we’re interested in learning how the annual snow day videos are made, what experience is like for the performers? Guests: Esmè Scott, Novi High seniorMolly Forsyth, Novi High juniorIshaan Thurman, Novi High senior

    22 min

  2. 1D AGO

    Courageous Curiosity 4.2: What is an IB CAS project?

    This is episode 4.2 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. For this episode, we’re interested in learning more about an International Baccalaureate Community Action Service project that impacted both our Novi High and Novi Middle School students. GuestsSenior Anika Patel, Rise and Shine mentor, who created the CAS projects the past two years. Junior Helena Corradin, Rise and Shine menteeSophomore Laasya Ponugoti, Rise and Shine menteeSophomore Hansa Gondi, Rise and Shine mentee

    26 min

  3. FEB 17

    Courageous Curiosity 4.1: How can exchange programs benefit students?

    This is episode 4.1 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. In this episode, we're interested to know why a student would opt to live in another country for a year as part of an exchange program. Guest: Kyle Tew, Novi High senior, who spent a year in Germany as a junior The Courageous Curiosity Program was recognized with a  2025 Publication and Digital Media Excellence Award for podcasts by the National School Public Relations Association.

    19 min

  4. 12/30/2025

    Courageous Curiosity 3.13: Why is Wish Week important to students?

    This is episode 3.13 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. This week we’re interested in why Wish Week is such an important district-wide event. GuestsHelena Corradin, Novi High juniorBahar Saadat, Novi High juniorMatthew Yang, Novi High junior

    22 min

  5. 12/24/2025

    Courageous Curiosity 3.12: Why should students consider the military for a career path?

    This is episode 3.12 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. This week we’re interested in why students should consider the military for a career path. GuestsStaff Sgt. (SSgt) Austin Murphy, U.S. Marine Corps recruiterTechnical Sgt. (TSgt) Jason Manasseri, Air National Guard Production RecruiterNasir Henry, Novi High senior, USMC Delayed Entry Program

    26 min

  6. 12/01/2025

    Courageous Curiosity 3.11: What makes a successful marching band program?

    This is episode 3.11 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. This week we’re interested in what makes a successful marching band program. Guests Matthew Diroff, Director of Bands David Tauro, senior, drum major, trumpet/cornet Sayna Cho, senior, flute Sophia Snyder, junior, color guard

    25 min

  7. 11/11/2025

    Courageous Curiosity 3.10: Why is AI Guidance important for staff and students?

    This is episode 3.10 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. In this episode, we’re curious about Artificial Intelligence (AI) guidance for staff and students. Guests: Justin Bruno, Oakland Schools Director of AI Strategy and Innovation Alaina Brown, Novi High School AP/IB Coordinator and teacher Kathleen Ader, NCSD Instructional Coach

    30 min

  8. 11/11/2025

    Courageous Curiosity 3.9: What makes the Novi Middle School years unique?

    This is episode 3.9 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. In this episode, we’re curious about how our students successfully navigate the middle school years. Novi Middle School has been ranked the best public middle school in the state of Michigan each of the past two years by Niche. Guests: Robert Baker, Novi Middle School Principal Lisa Shindorf, Novi Middle School TeacherRebekah Schulze, Novi Middle School Teacher

    30 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Novi Community School District Superintendent Ben Mainka interviews students, staff, community stakeholders, experts and celebrities in the Courageous Curiosity Podcast. Each episodes aims to tackle a central question. Most episodes will be 30 minutes or less. For more information, visit https://www.novi.k12.mi.us/programs-and-departments/communications/courageous-curiosity-podcast

Information

  • Creator
    Courageous Curiosity
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Courageous Curiosity
  • Show Website
    Courageous Curiosity