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.
A Year of Growth: Indianola Main Street's 2025 Achievements, Opportunities & Future Plans
Indianola Main Street Executive Director Erica Roberts reviews Indianola Main Street's first year achievements, discusses upcoming events like Downtown Dough Day, and highlights community development initiatives in an interview.
18 Jun 2025TRANSCRIPT
Pickard Park's Disc Golf Evolution & The Road to the 2025 Discmania Challenge
Ty Tannatt and Doug Bylund discuss the development of Pickard Park's disc golf course and preview the upcoming Discmania Challenge, highlighting the event's community impact in this interview.
6 Jun 2025TRANSCRIPT
Leading Forward: A Conversation with Jacob Meshke, Indianola's New City Manager
Jacob Meshke, Indianola's City Manager, details his career path and vision for Indianola in a discussion about his new role and goals for the city; this is an interview.
20 May 2025TRANSCRIPT
Experiences That Elevate: How The Indianola Chamber Strengthens Business & Community
Amanda Zwanziger and Haley Swanson of the Indianola Chamber of Commerce discuss how community experiences and tourism initiatives strengthen local businesses and promote Indianola as a destination in this interview episode.
8 May 2025TRANSCRIPT
Indianola Council Member Mellisa Sones Reflects on Warren County Leadership Institute
Indianola City Council Member Mellisa Sones reflects on her Warren County Leadership Institute experience and how it informs her approach to community engagement and local policy in this interview episode.
31 Mar 2025TRANSCRIPT
The Latest On City Manager Search, Budget Progress & Other Key Topics
Indianola Mayor Steve Richardson discusses the city manager search, budget progress, and council vacancy in an interview with the host of Indy Unplugged
12 Mar 2025TRANSCRIPT
Indianola City Council Recap: March 10, 2025
Indianola Mayor Steve Richardson discusses the key topics from the March 10, 2025 Indianola City Council meeting with host of Indy Unplugged, including health insurance renewals and budget updates, in this interview.
5 Mar 2025TRANSCRIPT
Community Matters: Mayor Steve Richardson Discusses Indianola’s Opportunities & Challenges
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.
30 Dec 2024TRANSCRIPT
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 Inplugged” 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, plus so much more.
9 Oct 2024TRANSCRIPT
From Reviving To Thriving: What To Know About Indianola Main Street
Season 1, Episode 9: Indianola Main Street Executive Director Erica Roberts and Indianola Main Street Board Vice President Leslie Held Jared join ”Indy Unplugged” for an insightful conversation that dives deeper into the ins and outs of Indianola Main Street. In August 2024, Indianola was named a Main Street Iowa community following a rigorous application process. Through the Main Street Approach™, communities like Indianola can capitalize on the unique identity, assets and character of their historic commercial districts and develop a framework that guides community-based downtown revitalization efforts.
During this episode of ”Indy Unplugged,” Erica and Leslie discuss how the timing to be a Main Street Iowa community is perfect, early goals and visions for the Indianola Downtown Square, strategic planning and survey data, community support and involvement, upcoming events on the Square, plus so much more.
Fast-forward to a specific topic covered:
00:00: Intro
00:42: Welcome
1:13: What Is Main Street Iowa & Indianola Main Street?
3:02: Main Street Iowa Application Process
5:18: Benefits As A Main Street Iowa Community
7:29: How Do You Stay Informed & Educate Others About Main Street?
9:01: Indianola Main Street Executive Director Announcement
12:30: Community Meeting & Survey Findings
16:13: Dynamics With Main Street Iowa & Community Partners
22:26: What Will The Rest Of 2024 Look Like?
27:03: Importance Of Events At Indianola Downtown Square
30:09: Including Simpson College In Future Endeavors
32:19: Final Thoughts & Closing
24 Sept 2024TRANSCRIPT
Flowing Into A Sustainable Future: Indianola Water Resource Recovery Department
Water Resource Recovery Department Superintendent Jared Keenan joins ”Indy Unplugged” for an informative conversation that sheds light into the City’s new state-of -the-art facility, previews the Open House event on Thursday, October 3, 2024, experiences and processes that staff follow through for operations at the plant and out in the field, as well as other insightful viewpoints and details.
Fast-forward to a specific topic covered:
00:00-00:41: Intro
00:42-1:00: Welcome
1:01-2:39: Open House Details
2:40-8:12: Technologies, Strategies & Plant Workflows
8:13-14:00: Plant’s Performance with Historic Rainfall
14:01-16:43: Mix Between Facility & Community Operations
16:44-18:11: Interactions with Public
18:12-20:11: Closing
17 Sept 2024TRANSCRIPT
The Path To Carbon Neutrality: Indianola Municipal Utilities' Solar Energy Strategy
Indianola Municipal Utilities Chris DesPlanques joins ”Indy Unplugged” for an insightful conversation that highlights the upcoming solar project IMU is undertaking and what it will mean to Indianola, the groundbreaking event on Wednesday, Sept. 25, and other important updates and details from the organization.
Fast-forward to a specific topic covered:
00:00-00:41: Intro
00:42-1:10: Welcome
1:11-3:44: Background About IMU Solar Project
3:45-7:56: Previewing Solar Project Groundbreaking Event
7:57-8:21: How To Learn More About Project & Progress
8:22-10:59: What Community’s Support Means To IMU
11:00-13:31: Indianola In Comparison To Other Central Iowa Cities
13:32-14:10: Closing
16 Aug 2024TRANSCRIPT
Understanding Your Property Taxes: What Indianola Property Owners Should Know
Season 1, Episode 6: In this episode of ”Indy Unplugged,” we’re switching things up a bit!
Moderator Lucinda Sperry from Warren County Economic Development is joined by city and county leadership to bring insight to the recent property tax notice and its impact on Warren County residents. Join us in this informative discussion as we explore the details of the recent property tax notice together.
Panelists include:
Luke Nelson - City Manager, City of Norwalk
Deven Markley - City Administrator, City of Carlisle
Benjamin Reeves - City Manager, City of Indianola
Megan Battani - Budget Director, Warren County
Many thanks to the City of Indianola for hosting the conversation and Communications Manager and ”Indy Unplugged” host Aaron Young for the production of the content.
For more information and resources, please check out https://www.wcedc.com/understanding-property-taxes
18 Jul 2024TRANSCRIPT
Reading, Learning & Growing Together: The Indianola Public Library Story
Season 1, Episode 5: Director Michele Patrick, Teen Services & Marketing Librarian Alison Brown, Children’s Librarian Janis Comer and Adult Services Librarian Jacy West join "Indy Unplugged" for an engaging and entertaining conversation that highlights the Indianola Public Library, its services and programs for the community, future initiatives and opportunities, and upcoming events, among other topics.
Tune in to listen to Michele, Alison, Janis and Jacy as they explain their roles with the Indianola Public Library, learn more about the library's programming, services and opportunities available, how the library supports the community through as Indianola continues to grow and evolve, upcoming events, exciting plans for the future and so much more.
Fast-forward to a specific topic covered:
00:00-00:41: Intro
00:42-04:49: Welcome & Guest Backgrounds
04:50-09:07: Breaking Records & Elevating Programming/Events
09:08-13:59: Cycle of Programming & Opportunities for Individuals/Groups
14:00-21:03: Mission of Indianola Public Library & Strategic Plan for Library's Growth
21:04-24:17: New Operating Hours at Library & Purpose for Change
24:18-31:49: Storytime with Janis
31:50-32:51: Idea Generation & Collaboration to Serve Community
32:52-34:17: Soup-er Bowl
34:18-38:50: Evolution of Library, Branding & Communication Efforts
38:51-45:04: How Indianola Stays Engaged with the Library
45:05-51:03: Exciting Future Ahead for Indianola Public Library
51:04-56:08: Final Thoughts & Remarks
56:09-57:28: Closing
5 Jun 2024TRANSCRIPT
Enhancing Quality of Life: How Indianola Parks & Recreation Celebrates Community
Season 1, Episode 4: Chief of Culture & Recreation Doug Bylund and Horticulturalist Supervisor Angie Buchanan join "Indy Unplugged" for an engaging conversation that highlights the quality of life initiatives the City of Indianola has as it relates to the City’s parks, trails, cultural and leisure activities, and beautification efforts throughout the community, among other topics.
Tune in to listen to Doug and Angie as they explain their roles with the City and Indianola Parks & Recreation Department, learn more about the master plans that are guiding the community through next steps, upcoming events and opportunities for residents and visitors alike to enjoy, and so much more.
Fast-forward to a specific topic covered:
00:00-00:41: Intro
00:42-05:38: Welcome & Guest Backgrounds
05:39-09:48: Open Space Master Plan
09:49-16:15: Current State of Parks & Wonder on Buxton Project
16:16-25:17: Beautification Efforts in Indianola, Buxton Park & Favorite Spots
25:18-31:16: Disc Golf Pro Tour Event & Exploring Pickard Park
31:17-38:12: Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center & Pool Reminders
38:13-39:50: Future Amenities & Next Steps for the Pool
39:51-42:31: Upcoming Opportunities at Activity Center, Library, Wellness Campus & More
42:32-45:27: Final Thoughts & Remarks
45:28-46:52: Closing
17 Apr 2024TRANSCRIPT
Serving & Protecting Indianola: Insights From Police Chief Brian Sher
Season 1, Episode 3: Indianola Police Chief Brian Sher joins "Indy Unplugged" for an insightful conversation that highlights his 30-year journey with the Indianola Police Department and how the City of Indianola has evolved over the years, his passion for Indianola, community policing and how IPD prioritizes community outreach just as much as law enforcement, key moments in 2023 that IPD experienced, new technology initiatives, programs and so much more.
Fast-forward to a specific topic covered:
00:00-00:41: Intro
00:42-02:04: Welcome & Guest Backgrounds
02:05-03:29: City Evolvement During 30-Year Career
03:30-04:20: What Made You Choose & Stay In Indianola?
04:21-08:12: Being Named Police Chief, Leading Department & Creating Opportunities
08:13-10:51: IPD’s Approach to Community Policing
10:52-12:35: Public Safety Chili Cookoff & Norwalk Office Jayson Spurr
12:36-13:47: Structure of Indianola Police Department
13:48-14:56: Top Qualities of a Successful IPD Employee
14:57-17:53: Working Events in Indianola & Their Impact
17:54-20:10: How Has Technology Shifted The Department?
20:11-23:42: New Cameras Appearing Along City Roads
23:43-27:20: IPD’s School Resource Officer
27:21-28:46: IPD’s DARE program
28:47-30:05: IPD’s K9 program and Kilo
30:06-31:20: Employee Recruitment & Staff Openings
31:21-33:58: New Community Services Officer Position
33:59-35:30: Closing
6 Mar 2024TRANSCRIPT
Reimagining Our Community: Navigating Indianola's Development With Charlie Dissell & Emily Rizvić
Season 1, Episode 2: Deputy City Manager - Chief of Development & Operations Charlie Dissell and Associate Planner Emily Rizvić joins "Indy Unplugged" for a meaningful conversation that highlights the department’s successes from its 2023 annual report and the community vision its following, updates on the Downtown Façade Grant Program and CDBG Grant Program for improvements in the Indianola Downtown Square, discussions on the various planned unit developments and how that process works, the Housing Study & Needs Assessment currently underway and how the community can get involved, plus so much more.
Fast-forward to a specific topic covered:
00:00-00:41: Intro
00:42-02:52: Welcome & Guest Backgrounds
02:53-22:22: 2023 Community Development Annual Report Highlights, Updates & Plan/Vision
22:23-34:55: Downtown Façade Grant Program/CDBG Grant Program & Downtown Indianola Square
34:56-40:33: Planned Unit Developments: What They Are & Process
40:34-42:39: Staying in the Loop with Project Updates
42:40-46:35: Housing Study & Needs Assessment: Community Involvement
46:36-50:30: Selling Points for Indianola
50:31-55:10: How Do You Navigate All These Moving Parts?
55:11-56:58: Closing
9 Feb 2024TRANSCRIPT
Moving Forward Together: Exploring Indianola's Future With Mayor Stephanie Erickson
Season 1, Episode 1: Indianola Mayor Stephanie Erickson joins "Indy Unplugged" for an engaging conversation that explores the City's evolving landscape – from the updated 2024-27 strategic plan to economic development initiatives, community partnerships driving progress and so much more. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of Indianola's vision and the collaborative efforts shaping our promising future.
Fast-forward to a specific topic covered:
00:00-00:41: Intro
00:42-02:30: Welcome & Podcast Background
02:31-03:40: Why Become Mayor
03:41-04:45: Rewarding Moments So Far
04:46-10:38: Simpson Town & Gown Committee
10:39-13:14: Community Experiences & Collaborations
13:15-16:38: Preserving Community Identity Amid Growth
16:39-22:12: Updated Strategic Plan & Vision
22:13-24:40: City Staff Praise
24:41-28:33: Community of Conversations
28:34-32:37: City Council Transitions
32:38-35:16: Civic Engagement
35:17-37:36: 2024 & Beyond For Indianola
37:37-42:37: Indianola Mayor’s Youth Council
42:38-45:02: Closing
5 Feb 2024TRANSCRIPT
Welcome to Indy Unplugged!
Hosted by City of Indianola Communications Manager Aaron Young, "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.
We want "Indy Unplugged" to be a two-way street. We value your input and questions. That's why we encourage you to reach out to the City of Indianola via social media, email or our website with your thoughts, ideas and feedback.
If you're passionate about staying informed, and if you want to be part of the conversation, then make sure you subscribe to "Indy Unplugged" and follow us on all of the appropriate channels. Let's explore the developments shaping our community and work toward a brighter future.
Inside a recent episode
A Year of Growth: Indianola Main Street's 2025 Achievements, Opportunities & Future Plans
Published 6 Aug 2025 · Transcript excerpt
[…] So it just was a very I for us a heartfelt message, you know, that we can accomplish really great things when so many of us come together. Oh, I agree, especially. I mean, community partners like Main Street, Indianola Chamber, the Warren County Economic Development. I mean, everybody helps play a part in and everything that we do, not just in the district, but across Indianola for sure. Where did this idea for downtown Doe come from? Yeah, it actually just started out as a simple conversation with, you know, a good friend of Indianola Main Street, both of us having concerns on, you know, how could we, especially this particular time of year where sometimes foot traffic can be a little light. […]
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