What does it take to make the jump from high school to college—and thrive once you get there? On Episode 8 of the Next Step IN Podcast, Joe Glover and Eddie Bobbitt sit down with Landen Kirk, an Indiana public high school grduate an now IU Bloomington student, to talk candidly about preparing for college, applying for scholarships, and taking advantage of dual credit opportunities to save time and money. Landon shares what surprised him most about college, how he found his people on campus, and why involvement, networking, and simply opening the email can change everything. You’ll also hear his perspective on the buzz around Bloomington during a historic year for IU football—and what it feels like to experience it as a student.

In this special holiday edition of Next Step IN, hosts Joe Glover and Eddie Bobbitt hit pause on the busy season to reflect, laugh, and look ahead. From festive hats and college football banter to meaningful conversations about postsecondary planning, Episode 7 is all about perspective, progress, and grace—especially during the holidays.

Joe and Eddie recap the podcast’s debut season (including some exciting listener milestones!), share advice for students and families navigating college conversations around the dinner table, and remind everyone that it’s okay not to have everything figured out at 18. They offer practical guidance for seniors, juniors, and even parents—focusing on small, intentional steps, asking better questions, and supporting students without adding pressure.

The episode also previews what’s next for Next Step IN, including an upcoming conversation with Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Adams and a renewed commitment to sharing real Indiana stories about education, workforce, and opportunity.

Whether you’re a student, parent, educator, or lifelong learner, this episode is a timely reminder that success isn’t about perfection—it’s about taking the next right step.

🎄 Happy holidays from Next Step IN—and here’s to an impactful 2026.

In this episode, Dr. D. Eric Schansberg joins Joe and Eddie to discuss his book 'College 101' and the complexities of navigating higher education. He emphasizes the importance of understanding college choices, the financial implications, and the role of parents in guiding students. The conversation also covers the value of general education, the differences between teaching-focused and research-focused institutions, and the necessity for students to take ownership of their education. Dr. Schansberg provides insights into the evolving landscape of higher education and the importance of aligning personal goals with institutional fit.

In this episode, Joe Glover and Eddie Bobbitt discuss the current state of higher education in Indiana, exploring enrollment trends, the importance of affordability, and the value of a college degree. They emphasize the need for better integration of career centers into the educational experience and the significance of lifelong learning in today's job market. The conversation highlights the role of community engagement and the necessity for business leaders to advocate for the value of education. The episode concludes with a call to action for collaboration among educational institutions, industries, and communities to ensure a brighter future for Indiana.

In this episode of Next Step IN, Joe Glover sits down with Dr. Alan Zollman and Dr. Lisa Hoffman to discuss their book STEM Smart Parenting. Together, they explore how parents can nurture innovative thinkers by encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and resilience through everyday parenting strategies. The conversation highlights the importance of struggle as a productive part of learning, the role of mistakes as opportunities rather than failures, and how different parenting styles—like helicopter or lawn mower parenting—can impact a child’s ability to grow independently. They also examine the challenges of technology and screen time, emphasizing the value of hands-on experiences and open communication between parents and children. With practical insights and real-world examples, this episode offers a guide for parents who want to empower their children with the skills and confidence needed for lifelong success.

In this episode, Joe Glover, Eddie Bobbitt, and Steve Combsdiscuss the transformative impact of early college programs in Indiana. They explore the benefits of dual credit opportunities for high school students, the challenges faced in implementing these programs, and the importance of educator involvement. The conversation highlights the Indiana College Corps and its role in providing students with valuable credentials that can enhance theirpost-secondary education and career prospects. The episode concludes with insights on the future of early college initiatives and the hope for a more educated populace in Indiana.

In this episode of the Next Step IN Podcast, Joe Glover and Eddie Bobbitt engage with Chris Lowery, the Commissioner of the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. They discuss the transformative power of higher education in Indiana. The conversation highlights the need for workforce alignment and the role of community support in encouraging students to pursue higher education. Lowery shares insights on the affordability of Indiana's institutions and the positive impact of education on economic mobility, urging listeners to consider higher education as a valuable investment for their future.

In the inaugural episode of the Next Step In podcast, hosts Joe Glover and Eddie Bobbitt introduce their mission to explore the power and promise of higher education in Indiana. They share their personal stories of overcoming barriers to education, the impact of guidance counselors, and the importance of educational attainment for individuals and communities. They discuss the purpose of the podcast, which is to address the challenges facing higher education, promote educational pathways, and engage with the audience to foster open dialogue. They emphasize the need for a more educated workforce in Indiana and the importance of real stories from real people in shaping the conversation around education in the State of Indiana.

Welcome to Next Step IN: A Podcast for Indiana’s Future — where we explore the power of education to transform lives, strengthen communities, and build a brighter tomorrow for Indiana.