Pop of Culture

About Pop of Culture

Pop of Culture explores the vibrant cultural scene of East Central Indiana. Join hosts Jennifer Blackmer, Michelle Kinsey, and Dr. Kara DuQuette as they delve into regional arts, showcase local events, and engage in insightful conversations with artists and curators. From small business spotlights to in-depth art analyses, Pop of Culture aims to amplify the voices of Indiana's artistic community, enriching lives with the diverse spirit of our state.

Publisher

Indiana Public Radio

Category

arts

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

29 Jan 2024

Latest episode

16 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

128 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   16 Oct 2026

   S03 E36 - We're Ready for Festival Festivities

   This week, our resident film nerd (and assistant producer) Andrew Montavon talks with Jessica Chapman at the Heartland International Film Festival, which is celebrating it's 35th year. We spend the rest of the episode in our archives with voices you might see at Pop Fest on October 17 (https://indianapublicradio.org/popfest/), including writer Jill Christman and visual artist Stephen M Millben II! We also replay our trip to the fencing class at Cornerstone in Muncie (where Pop Fest will be!).

2. 

   9 Oct 2026

   S03 E35 - We Work on our MasterWorks

   This week we spend some time at a rehearsal for MasterWorks Chorale. We talk to members of the choir—and Artistic Director Kerry Glann—about what makes the local singing group special. Also, our Resident Reader Stephanie Wiechmann sits down with the 2026 Ball State Writer-in-Residence Varian Johnson to learn about his upcoming visit. And we talk with two musical talents: touring Hoosier musician Taylor Bickett (with a hometown show October 9) and Indianapolis native Marcus Elliott (actor in "The Wiz" at Emens October 15).

3. 

   2 Oct 2026

   S03 E34 - We Free Joel

   This week, we have a podcast exclusive extended interview with Muncie-formed band Free Joel. They're headed straight from a summer set at Lollapalooza to headline our Pop Fest on October 17 (https://indianapublicradio.org/popfest/). We chat about how they got started, how they picked their Lolla set, and where they're taking their sound next. Also in the show: The resurgence of tabletop gaming, local poet Michael Brockley's new book, and Muncie Public Library's Kelly Batchelor tell us how the Maring-Hunt branch is celebrating America's 250th—with a quilt!

Who has been a guest on Pop of Culture

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Levi Rinker
• Aimee Maychack
• Rose & Kate Elliott
• Lynette Whitesell
• Shaun Dingwerth

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 59 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

94

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

60

Contact Pop of Culture

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.