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.

This week, we have a conversation with Tyler Warner, a video editor working on The Drew Barrymore Show in New York from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. What does it mean to be part of a creative team, when that team is over 400 miles away? We'll ask. We also learn about a program bringing ballet to all generations. Lisa Love at Muncie Ballet tells us her philosophy. Oh—and we meet a professional clown!

This week, we have a conversation with Tyler Warner, a video editor working on The Drew Barrymore Show in New York from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. What does it mean to be part of a creative team, when that team is over 400 miles away? We'll ask. We also learn about a program bringing ballet to all generations. Lisa Love at Muncie Ballet tells us her philosophy. Oh—and we meet a professional clown!

Can you work in a TV show in New York from Ohio? We'll find out.

S1 E11 - We Work Remotely

This week, the entire ECI community is invited to Art in Bloom at the David Owsley Museum of Art. We talk to Rachel Buckmaster, Associate Director at the Museum, about how staff prepare for the flower-filled event. We also sit down with artist Jeff Bracket to ask how he learned to "play" more when creating. And, we'll listen back to one of our favorite interviews with comedian and musician Mikey Mason.

This week, the entire ECI community is invited to Art in Bloom at the David Owsley Museum of Art. We talk to Rachel Buckmaster, Associate Director at the Museum, about how staff prepare for the flower-filled event. We also sit down with artist Jeff Bracket to ask how he learned to "play" more when creating. And, we'll listen back to one of our favorite interviews with comedian and musician Mikey Mason.

Previewing a flower-powered art exhibit!

S01 E16 - We Work on Our Line Work

This week on Pop of Culture, a conversation with Malina Simone Bacon—​co-founder and Executive Director of GANGGANG, a creative agency based in Indianapolis. We talk to her about building equity for creatives, and why "starving artists" shouldn't exist.

This week on Pop of Culture, a conversation with Malina Simone Bacon—​co-founder and Executive Director of GANGGANG, a creative agency based in Indianapolis. We talk to her about building equity for creatives, and why "starving artists" shouldn't exist.

We sit down with the co-founder and president of GANGGANG in Indianapolis to learn about her work.

S01 E14 - We Talk About Butter

This week, we talk about attending—and submitting work for—the Victory International Film Festival in Evansville, Indiana with Festival Director Matthew Ulm. We also sit down for a conversation about the realities of being a professional artist with Carrie Wright.

This week, we talk about attending—and submitting work for—the Victory International Film Festival in Evansville, Indiana with Festival Director Matthew Ulm. We also sit down for a conversation about the realities of being a professional artist with Carrie Wright.

Conversations with silk and yarn artists that are safe for arachnophobes.

S01 E14 - We Spin a Yarn

This week, we have an extended conversation with artist and arts curator Braydee Euliss. Braydee runs a gallery (with none of her own work) out of the front of her home. For the past several years, she's been the lead curator for the Butter Art Fair in Indianapolis, and she shares how the radical concept is supporting visual artists throughout the state. We also look at a few events for Arbor Day!

This week, we have an extended conversation with artist and arts curator Braydee Euliss. Braydee runs a gallery (with none of her own work) out of the front of her home. For the past several years, she's been the lead curator for the Butter Art Fair in Indianapolis, and she shares how the radical concept is supporting visual artists throughout the state. We also look at a few events for Arbor Day!

An extended conversation with an artist and curator who's spent her career making arts more accessible.

S01 E13 - We Create Art and Opportunities

We've got a special look at two theatre shows you can see this weekend! First, we talk to Teresa Reynolds, who's bringing "Platanos y Collard Greens" to Muncie, Anderson, and Indianapolis. We also sit down for a conversation with the guest star of Muncie Civic Theatre's "Fiddler on the Roof," Adam B. Shapiro. He tells us what it was like to join rehearsals three months in.

We've got a special look at two theatre shows you can see this weekend! First, we talk to Teresa Reynolds, who's bringing "Platanos y Collard Greens" to Muncie, Anderson, and Indianapolis. We also sit down for a conversation with the guest star of Muncie Civic Theatre's "Fiddler on the Roof," Adam B. Shapiro. He tells us what it was like to join rehearsals three months in.

Do you have your tickets yet? We're learning about two shows you can see this weekend.

S01 E12 - We Peek Behind the Curtain

This week, we're in the path of totality! We chat with Trenton Bush at Destination Muncie about the festivities planned for the total solar eclipse visible in Muncie on April 8. We'll also ask Erica Oliver, at the Dr. Joe and Alice Rinard Orchid Greenhouse about what happens to animals during the eclipse. And we'll get a behind-the-scenes peek at a special eclipse concert broadcast in partnership with Ball State Public Media.

If that's not enough: it's Pop of Culture's 10th episode! Our cohosts Jennifer Blackmer, Dr. Kara DuQuette, and Michelle Kinsey pile into the studio to celebrate the arts.

This week, we're in the path of totality! We chat with Trenton Bush at Destination Muncie about the festivities planned for the total solar eclipse visible in Muncie on April 8. We'll also ask Erica Oliver, at the Dr. Joe and Alice Rinard Orchid Greenhouse about what happens to animals during the eclipse. And we'll get a behind-the-scenes peek at a special eclipse concert broadcast in partnership with Ball State Public Media.
If that's not enough: it's Pop of Culture's 10th episode! Our cohosts Jennifer Blackmer, Dr. Kara DuQuette, and Michelle Kinsey pile into the studio to celebrate the arts.

As East Central Indiana prepares for a total solar eclipse, we talk to the arts & culture curators making plans!

S01 E10 - We Put On Our Eclipse Glasses

We’re being serenaded in-studio this week! First, musician and comedian Mikey Mason tells us how he finds inspiration to make a song every week—and he plays some of them for us live. Then, we speak to  Michael Brockley, Jeff Pearson and Long Haul Paul, part of a group bringing “Poets and Songwriters: An American Song” to Farmland, Indiana. And our own Jen Blackmer shares her personal experience with a total solar eclipse, and how it inspired what she’s working on now.​

We’re being serenaded in-studio this week! First, musician and comedian Mikey Mason tells us how he finds inspiration to make a song every week—and he plays some of them for us live. Then, we speak to  Michael Brockley, Jeff Pearson and Long Haul Paul, part of a group bringing “Poets and Songwriters: An American Song” to Farmland, Indiana. And our own Jen Blackmer shares her personal experience with a total solar eclipse, and how it inspired what she’s working on now.​

We're serenaded in the studio by multiple musicians

S01 Ep 09 - We Bring Our Guitars

This week, we head to extreme environments underwater and in space... from the safety of Muncie, Indiana. We learn about Minnetrista's "Life on the Edge" exhibit from Hannah Bender, the experience designer for the Museum. We'll also talk to Leon Crosby, who's preparing for the solar eclipse by making art.

This week, we head to extreme environments underwater and in space... from the safety of Muncie, Indiana. We learn about Minnetrista's "Life on the Edge" exhibit from Hannah Bender, the experience designer for the Museum. We'll also talk to Leon Crosby, who's preparing for the solar eclipse by making art.

We visit extreme environments from the safety of Muncie, Indiana.

S01 E08 - We Live Life on the Edge

This week, Jen sits down with Chris Saunders—founding artistic director at American Lives Theatre (ALT) in Indianapolis—​and Andrew Kramer—literary director at ALT—to discuss why they came to Indiana to start a theatre company. We'll also talk to James Edwards—​assistant director of Horticulture at Minnetrista Museum &amp; Gardens—to learn about his job and an upcoming seed giveaway.

This week, Jen sits down with Chris Saunders—founding artistic director at American Lives Theatre (ALT) in Indianapolis—​and Andrew Kramer—literary director at ALT—to discuss why they came to Indiana to start a theatre company. We'll also talk to James Edwards—​assistant director of Horticulture at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens—to learn about his job and an upcoming seed giveaway.

We ask a horticulturist about starting a garden, and continue our conversation about cultivating audiences.

S01 E07 - We Plant Flowers

This week on Pop of Culture, we grab a seat at the weekly Governor Davis Memorial Blues Jam at the Hitching Post! There we learn from band members Tom Lindmar and Marty Weaver how the jam started and how musicians can get involved. We also try out virtual reality in Fort Wayne, plus get an exclusive preview into how Muncie is working to grow the arts and culture scene from Marcy Minton of The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County.

This week on Pop of Culture, we grab a seat at the weekly Governor Davis Memorial Blues Jam at the Hitching Post! There we learn from band members Tom Lindmar and Marty Weaver how the jam started and how musicians can get involved. We also try out virtual reality in Fort Wayne, plus get an exclusive preview into how Muncie is working to grow the arts and culture scene from Marcy Minton of The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County.

We find live music that happens every Tuesday, and get an exclusive preview of a music event.

S01 E06 - We Go To A Blues Jam

This week, we ask Hannah Elliott at Jay County Public Library what's flying off the shelves. We also learn one way Muncie is honoring volunteers and we meet Indiana's new Poet Laureate.

Oh! And we say “hello” to our co-host, Michelle Kinsey!

This week, we ask Hannah Elliott at Jay County Public Library what's flying off the shelves. We also learn one way Muncie is honoring volunteers and we meet Indiana's new Poet Laureate.
Oh! And we say “hello” to our co-host, Michelle Kinsey!

Librarians, volunteers, and a Poet Laureate walk into a public radio station...

S01 E05 - We Check Out A Book

This week we step into the historic Muncie Civic Theatre to learn why "community" theatre matters from Executive and Artistic Director Laura Williamson. We also talk to a local artist who fires his own clay kiln—and develops photographs in his bathroom! We'll also listen back to a conversation we had with Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder, who moved her career from New York City to find inspiration on a mountain.

This week we step into the historic Muncie Civic Theatre to learn why "community" theatre matters from Executive and Artistic Director Laura Williamson. We also talk to a local artist who fires his own clay kiln—and develops photographs in his bathroom! We'll also listen back to a conversation we had with Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder, who moved her career from New York City to find inspiration on a mountain.

We go inside one of the oldest buildings in Muncie

S01 E04 - Stepping Into History

This week, Dr. Kara DuQuette speaks to two curators in Muncie: Dr. Robert G. LaFrance, Director and Curator of the David T. Owsley Museum of Art (DOMA); and Brian Statz, President and CEO of Minnetrista Museum &amp; Gardens. We also learn from a Muncie artist breathing new life into clients' family heirlooms.

This week, Dr. Kara DuQuette speaks to two curators in Muncie:  Dr. Robert G. LaFrance, Director and Curator of the David T. Owsley Museum of Art (DOMA); and Brian Statz, President and CEO of Minnetrista Museum & Gardens. We also learn from a Muncie artist breathing new life into clients' family heirlooms.

This week we talk to curators about cultural offerings in Muncie

S01 E03 - There's Nothing to Do in Muncie

This week, we talk to Jacob Janssen, the Steve &amp; Jackie Kane Artistic Director at Third Avenue Playworks in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin about his efforts to cultivate new local audiences. We’ll also meet Katie Morgan Perez, Executive Director of Orchestra Indiana, and find out how a Muncie creative is making textiles from her garden!

Pop of Culture is hosted by Jennifer Blackmer, Kara DuQuette and Michelle Kinsey.

This week, we talk to Jacob Janssen, the Steve & Jackie Kane Artistic Director at Third Avenue Playworks in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin about his efforts to cultivate new local audiences. We’ll also meet Katie Morgan Perez, Executive Director of Orchestra Indiana, and find out how a Muncie creative is making textiles from her garden!
Pop of Culture is hosted by Jennifer Blackmer, Kara DuQuette and Michelle Kinsey.

How can local arts organizations attract and retain new patrons?

S01 E02 - Finding New Audiences

Pop of Culture is a new program from Indiana Public Radio bringing you closer to arts and culture in East Central Indiana, the Midwest, and the people who make it happen. In this episode, we meet Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder, a playwright who moved from New York City to a mountaintop; we also sit down with Mike Martin inside The Common Market in Muncie.

Hosted by Jennifer Blackmer, Kara DuQuette and Michelle Kinsey, Pop of Culture airs Fridays and Saturdays at 12 p.m. ET, and is available wherever you find your podcasts.

Pop of Culture is a new program from Indiana Public Radio bringing you closer to arts and culture in East Central Indiana, the Midwest, and the people who make it happen. In this episode, we meet Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder, a playwright who moved from New York City to a mountaintop; we also sit down with Mike Martin inside The Common Market in Muncie.
Hosted by Jennifer Blackmer, Kara DuQuette and Michelle Kinsey, Pop of Culture airs Fridays and Saturdays at 12 p.m. ET, and is available wherever you find your podcasts.

Hosts Jennifer Blackmer and Dr. Kara Duquette talk to artists and curators in the Midwest.

S01 E01 - From the Mountaintop

Pop of Culture explores the vibrant cultural tapestry 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 your life with the diverse spirit of our state.

Pop of Culture explores the vibrant cultural tapestry 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 your life with the diverse spirit of our state.