The Podeia Podcast is a podcast from the Luther Center for Ethics and Public Engagement. In each episode, we ask Luther College alumni to reflect on the college experience by answering questions about meaningful, awkward, or pivotal memories they have from their time at Luther. We hope these conversations inspire current students to navigate their own awkward moments and encourage other alumni to connect their Luther experience to where they are now.
Publisher
Luther College Center for Ethics and Public Engagement
In the final chapter of The Kennedys of Decorah, host Lindsey Row-Heyveld traces the Kennedy family’s remarkable journey after they left Decorah: west to South Dakota, east to Philadelphia, and into the halls of historically Black colleges, the Harlem Renaissance, and even the New York State Legislature. Through newly uncovered documents and a powerful conversation with Kennedy descendant Yvonne Burnley Studevan, this episode examines the legacy of George and Sarah Jane Kennedy’s daughters and the power of knowing where you come from. It’s a story about memory, belonging, and what it means to tell the truth about your town.
Credits:
Written, hosted, and co-produced by Lindsey Row-Heyveld
Co-produced and edited by Asher Elliott Smith
Executive Producer: Andy Hageman
Theme music by Andrew Murray
Sponsored by the Center for Ethics and Public Engagement at Luther College
Produced in partnership with KWLC, Luther College’s student radio station
Special thanks to Anna Peterson and Yvonne Burnley Studevan
8 Oct 2025
Episode 4: Shake the Dust Off Your Feet
Season 3 of Podeia, The Kennedys of Decorah, tells the story of a Black family who made their home in post–Civil War Decorah, Iowa, and the town that both welcomed and failed them. Through historical research, interviews, and archival storytelling, host Lindsey Row-Heyveld unearths a legacy nearly lost to time.
In this episode, we explore the unraveling of the Kennedy family's life in Decorah. What began as a promising new chapter of stable work, civic participation, and community life slowly eroded in the face of rising anti-Black sentiment, personal tragedy, and economic hardship. George Kennedy faced false criminal accusations. His sons, George Jr. and Charley, died within months of each other. And in 1878, the gravestone that marked their burial was intentionally vandalized.
Through the lens of the Kennedy family’s grief and resilience, we examine the shifting racial politics of the late 19th century, the growing influence of scientific racism, and the consequences of being visible in a town that no longer wanted to see them. As Decorah changed, so did the message it sent to the Kennedys.
Credits:
Written, hosted, and co-produced by Lindsey Row-Heyveld
Co-produced and edited by Asher Elliott Smith
Executive Producer: Andy Hageman
Theme music by Andrew Murray
Sponsored by the Center for Ethics and Public Engagement at Luther College
Produced in partnership with KWLC, Luther College’s student radio station
17 Jun 2025
Episode 3: Stories and Truths
Host Lindsey Row-Heyveld examines the early years of George and Sarah Jane Kennedy, a Black family in Decorah, Iowa, revealing the complexities beneath their apparent triumph and exploring the search for truth in historical narratives.
11 Jun 2025
Episode 2: They Came Here on Purpose
Host Lindsey Row-Heyveld examines the Kennedy family's migration from Philadelphia to Iowa after the Civil War, highlighting Sarah Jane Kennedy's heritage and George Kennedy's background in this interview episode.
22 May 2025
A Story That Begins With a Stone
Host Lindsey Row-Heyveld interviews historian Stacey Gossling and geologist Laura Peterson about the Kennedy family's history in Decorah, Iowa, beginning with a gravestone and exploring themes of memory and belonging.
9 Aug 2024
Episode 6: Remembering Dorothy
In this episode, Lindsey sits down with Amelia, a senior nursing major who took part in the remembrance project in the Fall of 2023. Together, Lindsey and Amelia remember Dorothy.
The Podeia Podcast is sponsored by The Center for Ethics and Public Engagement at Luther College and produced in partnership with KWLC, Luther’s campus radio station. Podeia is written, hosted, and co-produced by Lindsey Row-Heyveld. It is co-produced and edited by Asher Elliott Smith. Executive Producer, Andy Hageman. Theme Song Composer, Andrew Murray.
19 Jul 2024
Episode 5: Remembering Anna & Abner
In this episode, Lindsey sits down with Mia, a senior international studies major, and Marie, a junior biology major. Both Mia and Marie took part in the remembrance project in the Fall of 2023. Together, Lindsey Mia and Marie remember Anna and Abner.
The Podeia Podcast is sponsored by The Center for Ethics and Public Engagement at Luther College and produced in partnership with KWLC, Luther’s campus radio station. Podeia is written, hosted, and co-produced by Lindsey Row-Heyveld. It is co-produced and edited by Asher Elliott Smith. Executive Producer, Andy Hageman. Theme Song Composer, Andrew Murray.
5 Jul 2024
Episode 4: Remembering Samuel, Adelaide, and Ella
In this episode, Lindsey sits down with Alana, a Junior biology and anthropology student who took part in the remembrance project in the Fall of 2023. Together, Lindsey and Alana remember three siblings: Samuel, Adelaide, and Ella.
The Podeia Podcast is sponsored by The Center for Ethics and Public Engagement at Luther College and produced in partnership with KWLC, Luther’s campus radio station. Podeia is written, hosted, and co-produced by Lindsey Row-Heyveld. It is co-produced and edited by Asher Elliott Smith. Executive Producer, Andy Hageman. Theme Song Composer, Andrew Murray.
21 Jun 2024
Episode 3: Remembering Sgt. Robert
In this episode, Lindsey sits down with Pat, a sophomore English student who took part in the remembrance project in the Fall of 2023. Together, Lindsey and Pat remember Sergeant Robert.
The Podeia Podcast is sponsored by The Center for Ethics and Public Engagement at Luther College and produced in partnership with KWLC, Luther’s campus radio station. Podeia is written, hosted, and co-produced by Lindsey Row-Heyveld. It is co-produced and edited by Asher Elliott Smith. Executive Producer, Andy Hageman. Theme Song Composer, Andrew Murray.
17 Jun 2024
Episode 2: Remembering George Phelps
In this episode, Lindsey sits down with Katie, a sophomore pre-pharmacy student who took part in the remembrance project in the Fall of 2023. Together, Lindsey and Katie remember George Phelps.
The Podeia Podcast is sponsored by The Center for Ethics and Public Engagement at Luther College and produced in partnership with KWLC, Luther’s campus radio station. Podeia is written, hosted, and co-produced by Lindsey Row-Heyveld. It is co-produced and edited by Asher Elliott Smith. Executive Producer, Andy Hageman. Theme Song Composer, Andrew Murray.
7 Jun 2024
Episode 1: Ghost Stories
Welcome to second season of the Podeia Podcast, which is a podcast from the Luther Center for Ethics and Public Engagement. In this episode, Andy Hageman and Host Lindsey Row-Heyveld Introduce this season's topic.
The Podeia Podcast is sponsored by The Center for Ethics and Public Engagement at Luther College and produced in partnership with KWLC, Luther’s campus radio station. Podeia is written, hosted, and co-produced by Lindsey Row-Heyveld. It is co-produced and edited by Asher Elliott Smith. Executive Producer, Andy Hageman. Theme Song Composer, Andrew Murray.
26 Aug 2023
Episode 7: Singing is Like a Celebration of Oxygen
Welcome to the Podeia Podcast, which is a podcast from the Luther Center for Ethics and Public Engagement. In this episode, Jaime Webb joins us to talk about belonging, liberal arts, and what it means to be a lifelong learner.
In each episode of this podcast, we ask Luther College alumni to reflect on the college experience by answering questions about meaningful, awkward, or pivotal memories they have from their time at Luther. We hope these conversations inspire current students to navigate their own awkward moments and encourage other alumni to connect their Luther experience to where they are now.
The Podeia Podcast is sponsored by The Center for Ethics and Public Engagement at Luther College and produced in partnership with KWLC, Luther’s campus radio station. Podeia is written, hosted, and produced by Dominique Stringer. It is edited by Asher Elliott Smith. Executive Producer, Andy Hageman. Production Assistant, Methembe Moyo. Theme Song Composer, Andrew Murray.
28 Jun 2023
Episode 5: There's No Sparknotes for Cod
Welcome to the Podeia Podcast, which is a podcast from the Luther Center for Ethics and Public Engagement. In this episode, Kimberly Osberg joins us to talk about some experiences of being unprepared at college.
In each episode of this podcast, we ask Luther College alumni to
reflect on the college experience by answering questions about
meaningful, awkward, or pivotal memories they have from their time at
Luther. We hope these conversations inspire current students to navigate
their own awkward moments and encourage other alumni to connect their
Luther experience to where they are now.
The Podeia Podcast is sponsored by The Center for Ethics and Public
Engagement at Luther College and produced in partnership with KWLC,
Luther’s campus radio station. Podeia is written, hosted, and produced
by Dominique Stringer. It is edited by Asher Elliott Smith. Executive
Producer, Andy Hageman. Production Assistant, Methembe Moyo. Theme Song Composer, Andrew Murray.
26 May 2023
Episode 4: Unsettling In
Welcome to the Podeia Podcast, which is a podcast from the Luther Center for Ethics and Public Engagement. In this episode, Laura Proescholdt joins us to share reflections on how she built and maintained relationships at college.
In each episode of this podcast, we ask Luther College alumni to reflect on the college experience by answering questions about meaningful, awkward, or pivotal memories they have from their time at Luther. We hope these conversations inspire current students to navigate their own awkward moments and encourage other alumni to connect their Luther experience to where they are now.
The Podeia Podcast is sponsored by The Center for Ethics and Public Engagement at Luther College and produced in partnership with KWLC, Luther’s campus radio station. Podeia is written, hosted, and produced by Dominique Stringer. It is edited by Asher Elliott Smith. Executive Producer, Andy Hageman. Production Assistant, Methembe Moyo. Theme Song Composer, Andrew Murray.
12 May 2023
Episode 3: Rapscallion's Rhapsody
Welcome to the Podeia Podcast, which is a podcast from the Luther Center for Ethics and Public Engagement. In this episode, Jake DeBacher joins us to discuss a mistake he made while working on his Senior Project and the ways that he navigated the consequences.
In each episode of this podcast, we ask Luther College alumni to reflect on the college experience by answering questions about meaningful, awkward, or pivotal memories they have from their time at Luther. We hope these conversations inspire current students to navigate their own awkward moments and encourage other alumni to connect their Luther experience to where they are now.
The Podeia Podcast is sponsored by The Center for Ethics and Public Engagement at Luther College and produced in partnership with KWLC, Luther’s campus radio station. Podeia is written, hosted, and produced by Dominique Stringer. It is edited by Asher Elliott Smith. Executive Producer, Andy Hageman. Production Assistant, Methembe Moyo. Theme Song Composer, Andrew Murray.
28 Apr 2023
Episode 2: Keep Your Composer
Welcome to the Podeia Podcast, which is a podcast from the Luther Center for Ethics and Public Engagement. In this episode, Matt Lagus joins us to discuss a Luther concert that required some last minute creativity and improvisation.
In each episode of this podcast, we ask Luther College alumni to reflect on the college experience by answering questions about meaningful, awkward, or pivotal memories they have from their time at Luther. We hope these conversations inspire current students to navigate their own awkward moments and encourage other alumni to connect their Luther experience to where they are now.
The Podeia Podcast is sponsored by The Center for Ethics and Public Engagement at Luther College and produced in partnership with KWLC, Luther’s campus radio station. Podeia is written, hosted, and produced by Dominique Stringer. It is edited by Asher Elliott Smith. Executive Producer, Andy Hageman. Production Assistant, Methembe Moyo. Theme Song Composer, Andrew Murray.
14 Apr 2023
Episode 1: Stellar Fail
Welcome to the Podeia Podcast, which is a podcast from the Luther Center for Ethics and Public Engagement. In this episode, Emily Tope joins us to discuss her experience of being unprepared for a college class.
In each episode of this podcast, we ask Luther College alumni to reflect on the college experience by answering questions about meaningful, awkward, or pivotal memories they have from their time at Luther. We hope these conversations inspire current students to navigate their own awkward moments and encourage other alumni to connect their Luther experience to where they are now.
The Podeia Podcast is sponsored by The Center for Ethics and Public Engagement at Luther College and produced in partnership with KWLC, Luther’s campus radio station. Podeia is written, hosted, and produced by Dominique Stringer. It is edited by Asher Elliott Smith. Executive Producer, Andy Hageman. Production Assistant, Methembe Moyo. Theme Song Composer, Andrew Murray.
6 Apr 2023
Podeia Podcast Trailer
In the Podeia Podcast, we ask Luther College alumni to reflect on the college experience by answering questions about meaningful, awkward, or pivotal memories they have from their time at Luther. We hope these conversations inspire current students to navigate their own awkward moments and encourage other alumni to connect their Luther experience to where they are now. Check back here April 14, 2023 for episode 1.
This new podcast is brought to you by the Luther College Center for Ethics and Public Engagement. To learn more, visit our website: https://www.luther.edu/academics/centers-resources/ethics-public-engagement (https://www.luther.edu/academics/centers-resources/ethics-public-engagement)
The Podeia Podcast is produced in partnership with KWLC, Luther’s campus radio station. Podeia is written, hosted, and produced by Dominique Stringer. It is edited by Asher Elliott Smith. Executive Producer, Andy Hageman. Production Assistant, Methembe Moyo. Theme Song Composer, Andrew Murray.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 31 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
50
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
Contact Podeia Podcast
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Podeia Podcast?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
