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.
Episode 11: Connecting Southern Indiana Through the Monon South Trail
In this episode of Our Indiana: Stories from Rural Hoosiers, host Denny Spinner records from the Radius Indiana office in Bedford, Indiana, and speaks with Jeff Quyle, president and CEO of Radius Indiana, along with Layne Elliott and Kristy Anderson from Indiana University’s Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands.
Together, they trace the remarkable transformation of the historic Monon rail corridor into the Monon South Trail—soon to be the longest continuous rails‑to‑trails project in Indiana. Jeff, Layne, and Kristy share how small towns along the 62‑mile route are embracing the trail as a catalyst for economic revitalization, outdoor recreation, community identity, and new connections between residents and visitors.
Tune in to hear how southern Indiana communities are transforming a historic rail corridor into a shared regional asset and what the trail means for future growth and quality of life.
For a transcript of this episode, visit go.iu.edu/ourindiana.
4 Feb 2026
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.
13 Oct 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.
20 Jun 2025
Episode 8: Uncovering Black Heritage in Knox County and Beyond
Eunice Trotter and Tom Bartholomew reveal the hidden Black history of Knox County, discussing preservation programs, oral histories, and digitized records, in an interview with Denny Spinner.
9 Apr 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; John 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 (https://rural.indiana.edu/news/our-indiana/2025-03-episode-7.html)
7 Feb 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 diversity and 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 (go.iu.edu/ourindiana) for a transcript of the episode.
11 Dec 2024
Episode 5: Revitalizing Martin County through Creative Placemaking
Denny Spinner explores how the Rural Placemaking Studio transforms Martin County, Indiana, through collaborative community engagement and creative placemaking efforts.
5 Nov 2024
Episode 4: Trauma-informed care strengthens community resilience in Orange County
Brandy Terrell (https://sichc.org/brandy-terrell-dsw-lcsw/) and John Keesler (https://socialwork.iu.edu/directory/details/jkeesler/) 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 (https://sichc.org/thrive/) under the enabling services program at Southern Indiana Community Health Care, and John is an associate professor with the IU School of Social Work (https://socialwork.iu.edu/).
Read the transcript (https://rural.indiana.edu/news/our-indiana/2024-11-episode-4.html)
2 Oct 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 (https://spencerpride.org/) join host Denny Spinner to discuss how the LGBTQ+ not-for-profit supports rural quality of place through its annual Spencer Pride Festival (https://spencerpride.org/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 (https://rural.indiana.edu/news/our-indiana/2024-09-episode-3.html).
18 Sept 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 (https://rural.indiana.edu/news/our-indiana/2024-09-episode-2.html).
31 Jul 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 (https://rural.indiana.edu/news/our-indiana/2024-08-episode-1.html)
Reach and audience
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YouTube views
36,540
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 24 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
17
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
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