Indy Unplugged

City of Indianola, Iowa
  • 5.0 (4)
  • GOVERNMENT
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Indy Unplugged is the official City of Indianola podcast that dives deeper into the stories, projects and initiatives throughout the city. Whether it’s discussions with elected officials, insights from City staff or perspectives from valued community partners, at least one episode each month will be released packed with in-depth conversations and real-time information. To stay engaged with the City of Indianola, subscribe to Indy Unplugged wherever you get your podcasts, visit our website and follow us on social media.

  1. 08/06/2025

    A Year of Growth: Indianola Main Street's 2025 Achievements, Opportunities & Future Plans

    Season 1, Episode 18: In this episode of Indy Unplugged, Indianola Main Street Executive Director Erica Roberts joins us and discusses a variety of exciting topics, such as:   Previewing Downtown Dough Day on August 7 – an innovative incentive where up to $60,000 will be spent at local businesses in the downtown district. Looking ahead to Indianola Main Street's annual fundraiser, dinner and celebration on August 21. Highlighting the community events happening later this year that it organizes including Wine, Witches and Brew as well as Home for the Holidays. Providing updates and developments from the organization as it completes its first year as a Main Street community.   Fast-forward to a specific topic covered: 00:00: Intro 00:42: Welcome 01:47: On Looking Back to Early Beginning 02:43: Downtown Dough Initiative 10:00: On Upcoming Annual Dinner & Celebration 12:23: On Other Upcoming Events 15:00: On Downtown Facade Improvements 17:36: Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks   To learn more about Indianola Main Street, its upcoming events and opportunities to get involved, please visit: https://indianolamainstreet.com/   To view an interactive map of the revitalization efforts of the Indianola Downtown Square, please visit: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/1c182100d2b840589078ecd8cde28a14

    20 min

  2. 06/18/2025

    Pickard Park's Disc Golf Evolution & The Road to the 2025 Discmania Challenge

    Season 1, Episode 17: Ty Tannatt of the Disc Golf Pro Tour and the City of Indianola’s Chief of Culture and Recreation, Doug Bylund, join Indy Unplugged to explore the evolution of the Pickard Park Disc Golf Course into one of the premier disc golf destinations in the world. The pair also preview this year’s Discmania Challenge, presented by Trubank, which is slated for June 27-29. Grab a disc, step up to the tee and listen!   Fast-forward to a specific topic covered: 00:00: Intro 00:42: Welcome 01:50: On Early Disc Golf Beginnings 10:52: On Volunteer Impact 13:58: On Evolution of Pickard Park & Disc Golf Course 20:53: On Connection of Event to Community Draw & Collaboration 26:28: On Previewing 2025 Discmania Challenge 35:40: On This Year’s Competitors 38:36: On Ultimate Goals for Discmania Challenge & Pickard Park Course 43:20: On How to Get Involved 49:05: On How to Stay Connected 50:01: Final Thoughts & Closing To learn more about the Discmania Challenge, please visit: https://www.dgpt.com/event/2025-discmania-challenge/ To learn more about the Pickard Park Disc Golf Course, please visit: https://www.indianolaiowa.gov/facilities/facility/details/Disc-Golf-28

    52 min

  3. 06/06/2025

    Leading Forward: A Conversation with Jacob Meshke, Indianola's New City Manager

    Season 1, Episode 16: In this special episode of Indy Unplugged, we welcome new city manager Jacob Meshke, who joined the City of Indianola on Wednesday, May 28. In this episode, Jacob shares his professional journey from his early beginnings in city government. He also discusses what drew him to Indianola, what excites him about being part of the team and his approach for guiding Indianola into its next chapter. Find more information online: https://www.indianolaiowa.gov/1195/Indy-Unplugged-Podcast

    10 min

  4. 05/20/2025

    Experiences That Elevate: How The Indianola Chamber Strengthens Business & Community

    Season 1, Episode 15: Amanda Zwanziger and Haley Swanson with the Indianola Chamber of Commerce join Indy Unplugged for a dynamic conversation about how strategic community experiences fuel local growth and vibrancy.   With the Dad’s Rock Festival debuting on Saturday, June 14, a new twist to the Chamber’s Summer Nights Live concert series, Amanda and Haley share how this exciting, action-packed event will support local businesses and showcase Indianola as a go-to destination. The episode also highlights the Chamber’s ongoing efforts to promote Indianola through the Experience Indianola tourism initiative, regional co-op marketing campaigns and digital passports, among other tactics, designed to attract visitors, elevate local experiences and create increased visibility throughout the city, across Warren County and beyond.   Additionally, listeners will gain insight insight into how the Chamber advocates for local businesses, cultivates a strong sense of place and builds lasting connections between commerce, tourism and community pride.   Fast-forward to a specific topic covered: 00:00: Intro 00:42: Welcome 01:40: On Dad’s Rock Festival 11:45: On Experience Indianola & Tourism Initiatives 17:00: On Impact of Tourism for Communities 20:09: On New Digital Passport Program 23:58: On Joys of the Job 29:50: On Importance of Data-Driven Decision Making 31:53: On Power of Community Partner Collaboration 33:03: On Flurry of Upcoming Indianola Summer Events 34:07: Final Thoughts & Closing To learn more about Dad’s Rock Festival, please visit: https://experienceindianola.com/dads-rock/.   To volunteer for the event, please email haley@indianolachamber.com.   To learn more about Experience Indianola, please visit: https://experienceindianola.com/   To learn more about Iowa Getaway, please visit: https://iowagetaway.com/   To learn more about the Indianola Chamber of Commerce, please visit: https://www.indianolachamber.com/

    34 min

  5. 05/08/2025

    Indianola Council Member Mellisa Sones Reflects on Warren County Leadership Institute

    Season 1, Episode 14: Indianola City Council Member Mellisa Sones joins "Indy Unplugged" for an insightful discussion on leadership, community engagement and her experience with the Warren County Leadership Institute. In this episode, Council Member Sones reflects on how WCLI influenced her approach to public service and has helped shape her role on the Council. She highlights key takeaways from the program, including building connections through networking and fostering civic involvement throughout Warren County. The conversation also touches on upcoming community initiatives and ways residents can get involved in shaping local policy. Plus, Council Member Sones shares behind-the-scenes stories from her time in the Leadership Institute and how those lessons continue to guide her work today. Fast-forward to a specific topic covered: 00:00: Intro 00:42: Welcome 01:24: What is Warren County Leadership Institute?  02:28: This Year's WCLI Class Project 03:08: Why Enroll to WCLI? 04:15: Key Advantages & Challenges from WCLI Experience 07:58: How WCLI Elevates Leadership Skills 10:30: Eye-Opening Bus Tour Throughout Warren County 13:45: Elevator Pitch For WCLI Involvement 14:28: Applying Knowledge From WCLI Today 17:48: Serving on City Boards & Commissions 18:57: Final Thoughts & Closing To learn more about the Warren County Leadership institute, please visit: https://www.wcedc.com/leadership To learn more about the City of Indianola's boards and commissions, please visit: https://www.indianolaiowa.gov/164/Boards-Commissions

    20 min

  6. 03/31/2025

    The Latest On City Manager Search, Budget Progress & Other Key Topics

    Season 1, Episode 13: Indianola Mayor Steve Richardson joins "Indy Unplugged" for an in-depth conversation covering key topics as of late that are shaping the city's future. In this episode, Mayor Richardson shares updates on the three City Manager finalists, where citizens are invited to a community meet-and-greet event on Tuesday, April 1, from 5:30-7 p.m. at Simpson College’s Hubbell Hall and have the opportunity to interact with the candidates and learn about the next steps in the selection process. The conversation also dives into the city's budget progress and timeline, including recapping the March 24 public hearing and the upcoming April 21 meeting, as well as as the latest regarding the at-large council member vacancy, with interviews scheduled for the Indianola City Council’s regular meeting on Monday, April 7. Additionally, Mayor Richardson shares some fascinating fun facts about various city departments learned during departmental visits, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of local government. Fast-forward to a specific topic covered: 00:00: Intro 00:42: Welcome 01:48: Mayor’s Memo 03:28: City Manager Finalists & Next Steps 13:13: City Budget Progress 23:19: At-Large Council Vacancy & Upcoming Process 27:21: Did You Know? Departmental Fun Facts 32:45: Final Thoughts & Reminders 35:18: Closing

    37 min

  7. 03/05/2025

    Community Matters: Mayor Steve Richardson Discusses Indianola’s Opportunities & Challenges

    Season 1, Episode 11: Newly appointed Indianola Mayor Steve Richardson joins “Indy Unplugged” for an informative conversation as he shares his journey to civic leadership, his background and his vision for the city’s future. In this episode, Mayor Richardson dives into the opportunities and challenges facing Indianola, all the while the Indianola City Council goes through its budget process amid House File 718. With his unique perspective and commitment to public service, Mayor Richardson offers valuable insights into the complexities of civic leadership and the importance of community engagement. Fast-forward to a specific topic covered: 00:00: Intro 00:42: Welcome 1:50: On Becoming Mayor of Indianola 2:43: Leadership Style in Elected Role 7:40: Evolution of Civic Engagement by Citizens 11:15: What is House File 718? 16:48: Implications of House File 718 20:38: How to Engage in Discussions & Share Perspectives 25:22: Local and State Leadership & Collaboration 32:30: Vision 2030 Update 34:32: Working Together & Future Horizon 37:04: Final Thoughts & Closing

    38 min

  8. 12/30/2024

    A Legacy Of Service: Leadership Lessons And A New Chapter For The Indianola Fire Department

    Season 1, Episode 10: Retiring Indianola Fire Chief Greg Chia and new Indianola Fire Chief Aaron Hurt join “Indy Unplugged” for an informative conversation that highlights the Indianola Fire Department. In this episode, Chief Chia and Chief Hurt talk about their respective careers and transition of leadership, department accomplishments and priorities, an outlook of the future, the importance of community engagement, mentorship and professional development, plus so much more. Fast-forward to a specific topic covered: 00:00: Intro 00:42: Welcome 1:11: Retirement Announcement & Background 2:43: When Chief Chia Became Indianola Fire Chief 4:24: Changes That Chief Chia Implemented 7:17: Training Priorities & Opportunities 12:25: Responding With Integrity, Serving With Compassion 20:41: Importance of Community Engagement Initiatives 25:05: Budgeting & Grant Funding Impact 28:22: Collaboration With Community Partners 31:13: Retirement Celebrations & Plans 33:15: Describing Chief Chia As A Leader 34:11: Final Thoughts & Closing

    41 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Indy Unplugged is the official City of Indianola podcast that dives deeper into the stories, projects and initiatives throughout the city. Whether it’s discussions with elected officials, insights from City staff or perspectives from valued community partners, at least one episode each month will be released packed with in-depth conversations and real-time information. To stay engaged with the City of Indianola, subscribe to Indy Unplugged wherever you get your podcasts, visit our website and follow us on social media.

Information

  • Creator
    City of Indianola, Iowa
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Indy Unplugged