Bloomington Stories

Know Fear with Merrie Sloan


Listen Later

Welcome to another episode of Bloomington Stories! In today's captivating episode, we explore the extraordinary experiences of a woman who found herself immersed in the vibrant and eclectic community of Bloomington, Indiana. From her involvement with a non-denominational charismatic cult to encounters with colorful characters, join us as we unravel her journey filled with intrigue, self-discovery, and unforgettable memories.

Our story begins with our protagonist's entanglement in a non-denominational charismatic cult. We delve into her struggles with church leaders and the complexities of breaking free from their influence. From questioning faith to seeking independence, she embarked on a path of personal growth that shaped the rest of her remarkable journey.

Amidst the chaos of her spiritual awakening, our protagonist stumbles upon the perfect punk rock boyfriend. We explore the magnetic pull between their rebellious spirits, their shared passion for music, and the adventures they embark upon together. Through their eyes, we witness the vibrant punk scene in Bloomington and how it influenced their lives.

Beneath the moonlit skies of Bloomington, our protagonist finds solace and inspiration. We accompany her on enchanting walks through the city, exploring its hidden corners and sharing the captivating tales that unfold in the depths of the night. These nocturnal excursions reveal the essence of Bloomington's soul, as experienced through her eyes.

Campfires and country music become a catalyst for connection and camaraderie. We delve into the intimate moments our protagonist shared around crackling flames, strumming guitars with fellow musicians, and singing heartfelt songs that resonate with the spirit of Bloomington. These musical interludes hold a special place in her heart and serve as a backdrop to the stories she cherishes.

The music scene in Bloomington embraces our protagonist, allowing her to pursue her passion by playing music alongside talented individuals. We explore the unique dynamics and friendships formed within these collaborative ventures, revealing the transformative power of music and the unifying spirit it fosters within the community.

Bloomington is home to a colorful cast of characters, and our protagonist encounters her fair share of intriguing personalities along the way. We highlight some of these memorable figures, including Toby, whose enigmatic presence leaves an indelible mark on her life. We also recount the amusing tale of Robocop on Kirkwood and other intriguing anecdotes that bring the city's character to life.

As our journey nears its end, we recount a particularly unforgettable episode involving a green water gun holster. We explore the mischievous escapades that unfolded, including encounters with puking clowns, embodying the wild and adventurous spirit that can only be found in the unique tapestry of Bloomington.

Join us next time as we continue to unravel the captivating stories that lie within Bloomington's colorful history. From cults to punk rock, and everything in between, this city has nurtured the spirit of adventure, creativity, and resilience. Until then, keep exploring, keep discovering, and keep embracing the unique tapestry of life.

BIG NEWS: WE HAVE MERCH! Designed by Chris Mott and sponsored by badknees. Check it out!

Support Bloomington Stories

Transcripts

Contact & Follow:

[email protected]

Instagram

Facebook

Bluesky

YouTube

Threads

Content Warning: It is never our intention to hurt or offend people, and we plan to be mindful about not punching down. We are always open to feedback about this because we want to keep growing and evolving until we croak. However, we do like to joke around and we are middle-aged, so our sense of humor may not be for you.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Bloomington StoriesBy Bloomington Stories

  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5

5

30 ratings


More shows like Bloomington Stories

View all
This American Life by This American Life

This American Life

91,010 Listeners

Stuff You Should Know by iHeartPodcasts

Stuff You Should Know

78,772 Listeners

WTF with Marc Maron Podcast by Marc Maron

WTF with Marc Maron Podcast

29,033 Listeners

99% Invisible by Roman Mars

99% Invisible

26,242 Listeners

The Rachel Maddow Show by Rachel Maddow, MS NOW

The Rachel Maddow Show

37,131 Listeners

On the Media by WNYC Studios

On the Media

9,244 Listeners

Dear Hank & John by Complexly

Dear Hank & John

7,768 Listeners

Doughboys by Headgum / Doughboys Media

Doughboys

5,279 Listeners

The Purple Stuff Podcast by Purple Stuff Podcast

The Purple Stuff Podcast

871 Listeners

Pod Save America by Crooked Media

Pod Save America

87,466 Listeners

The Daily by The New York Times

The Daily

112,842 Listeners

SmartLess by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, Will Arnett

SmartLess

58,891 Listeners

The Ezra Klein Show by New York Times Opinion

The Ezra Klein Show

16,221 Listeners

A Heavy Weight by A Heavy Weight

A Heavy Weight

87 Listeners

Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson (sometimes) by Team Coco & Ted Danson, Woody Harrelson

Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson (sometimes)

3,597 Listeners