In our latest episode of Voices of Indianapolis, we venture to the vibrant Re:Public, the museum pop-up for the 10 East Indy Arts Hub, where we sat down with its dynamic curator, Primrose Paul. Fresh out of college herself, Prim offers a refreshing and relatable perspective as she guides us through her vital work in the Indianapolis arts scene.

Prim's passion lies in ensuring artists have space to thrive, running an artist residency program, and hosting engaging community art and open mic nights. A talented painter trained at the University of Indianapolis, Prim shares the inspirations behind her own art, her journey of self-discovery through diverse mediums from oil painting to welding, and how she represents life's delicate balance through her work.

Listeners will hear how the social issues of 2020 profoundly shaped her path as both an artist and a curator, driving her commitment to highlighting underrepresented populations in Indianapolis art. Prim discusses the powerful role art plays in sparking conversations about social change – even recalling how a piece on food deserts opened her eyes to new dialogues. Prim also offers incredibly candid advice on overcoming creative blocks and the intersection of art and procrastination. This episode is a fantastic opportunity for our high school students to gain real-world insights from someone navigating the exciting early stages of their professional journey, as Prim even deconstructs the XQ competency of "art analysis," guiding us on how to truly engage with art.

In this thought-provoking episode of Voices of Indianapolis, our student host Luke (fueled by what Sam calls "four cups of coffee energy") leads a deep conversation with esteemed writer, educator, and businessman, Sam Chaltain. Sam takes us back to his early days teaching in China, sharing vivid experiences of living in a foreign country at a young age.

Sam, the national director of the Forum for Education and Democracy and founding director of the Five Freedoms Project, unpacks his powerful philosophy: that education should empower children to understand what it means to be truly free—to explore their passions while remaining connected to our shared humanity. He recounts the serendipitous timing that led him to the First Amendment Schools program, a moment that completely changed his life and underscored the importance of seeking out opportunities.

The discussion takes a personal turn as Sam shares a captivating story about his grandmother, featured in his mother's memoir about her, illustrating how a single decision can ripple across time and impact countless lives. Sam also dives into how people learn best: by actively engaging with their hands and focusing on what truly matters to them. With extensive experience visiting schools worldwide, Sam offers a hopeful perspective on the future of education, leaving us with big questions and inspiring insights.

In this episode of Voices of Indianapolis, our student hosts Annie and Phoenix sit down with Logan Davis, the Vicar of Cornerstone Lutheran Church – the very place our school calls home. Logan, who works closely with our students on outreach and community initiatives, shares invaluable insights from his mentorship under Pastor Jason Taber. He dives into the essential skills for effective pastoral outreach, including understanding pressing community needs and tackling systemic issues in the neighborhood.

Logan highlights the impactful initiatives he's already spearheaded, including a transformative internship where six of our students revitalized the Tuesday night community dinner program. This effort forged significant connections with Indianapolis's East Side. Listeners will hear Logan's profound lessons on the "power of starting from yes," the critical importance of empathy in community work, and the creative spirit needed for true community advocacy. He even shares how he experimented with creativity by collaborating with the Ball State architecture program to design innovative renovations for the church. Annie and Phoenix lead a fantastic interview, bringing Logan's passion and wisdom to the forefront.

In this student-led episode of Voices of Indianapolis, Gabe, A'marion, and Luke from Purdue Polytechnic High School take the reins, interviewing their mentor, David Greene. As the Region President of Indianapolis for First Merchants Bank, David oversees market operations and champions a community-focused approach to banking.

Listeners will discover David's extensive career in financial leadership, from his early days at Comerica Bank to his current role at First Merchants. David shares insights on his commitment to providing financial advice to local residents and businesses, and how he's driving growth in the Indianapolis region.

This episode also highlights David's crucial role in the financial literacy community partnership, where he teaches students valuable personal finance skills using Kerry Ao's Intertwined app. Beyond his professional achievements, David's dedication to community service, including his involvement with the Hamilton County Community Foundation and Impact Indiana, shines through. Join us as we explore the intersection of finance, leadership, and community impact with David Greene.

In this captivating episode of Voices of Indianapolis, students Jayden and Jacob introduce us to the remarkable Rachel Armstrong, a local wrestler and Wrestlearts' rising star. Rachel's story is one of exceptional drive, blending academic excellence with athletic prowess and a passion for finance.

Listeners will discover Rachel's journey from valedictorian of River Forest High School, where she excelled in multiple sports and academics. We delve into her competitive spirit, exploring her high school rivalries and how they've shaped her approach to professional wrestling.

We explore her experiences studying abroad in Japan and Germany, and how it shaped her view of respect and culture. We also explore her journey in professional wrestling, from her debut at Wrestlearts to her significant victories and rivalries with wrestlers like Alice Crowley and Heather Monroe.

Rachel's dedication to both her financial aspirations and her wrestling dreams showcases a young woman with a clear vision and unwavering determination. Join us as we uncover the inspiring story of Rachel Armstrong, a true rising star in Indianapolis and beyond.

In this special episode of Voices of Indianapolis, hosted by our very own student, Nat, we delve into the fascinating world of medical genetics with Dr. Erin E. Conboy. Dr. Conboy, a specialist in Medical Genetics at Riley Medical & Molecular Genetics and Co-director of the Undiagnosed Rare Disease Clinic (URDC), is making a profound impact on the Indianapolis health scene.

Nat's research and interview reveal Dr. Conboy's dedication to diagnosing rare genetic diseases through the URDC. We explore her collaborative work with other departments, including Ophthalmology and Allergy and Immunology, to establish specialized clinics like the Ocular Genetics Clinic and the Genetic Immunodeficiency Clinic.

Beyond her remarkable medical work, we learn about Dr. Conboy's passion for Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, showcasing her dedication and discipline. Join us as we uncover the stories of hope and innovation in medical genetics, and discover how Dr. Conboy and her team are bringing answers to those facing the challenges of rare and undiagnosed conditions.

In this episode of Voices of Indianapolis, we dive deep into the world of project-based learning with Shane Krukowski, Co-founder and COO of Headrush. Headrush empowers educators with a powerful platform that supports project-based learning from start to finish, fostering student agency, and deeper learning experiences.

Shane shares his insights on how to create more engaging and meaningful learning environments, the importance of authentic student projects, and the role of technology in supporting student success. We explore how project-based learning can prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century and how Headrush is transforming the way we teach and learn.

This episode of Voices of Indianapolis delves into how we're using Headrush to bridge the gap between student learning and real-world impact within our community. By integrating XQ Competencies like 'community advocacy' and 'community mobilization' into internships and community engagement projects, we're empowering students to become active agents of change in Indianapolis. Headrush provides a valuable platform for us to track, assess, and recognize these competencies, ensuring that students' valuable contributions are not only meaningful but also meaningfully documented and celebrated."

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Shane Krukowski as we explore the future of education and the power of project-based learning.

It's a new school year. In this episode of Voices of Indianapolis, we sit down with State Representative Blake Johnson. Blake shares his vision for Indianapolis and discusses the issues that matter most to our community. We delve into his work on the City-County Council, his legislative priorities, and his plans for the future. Blake also talks about his experience engaging with students and how he's working to address the needs of Indianapolis.

Tune in to hear Blake's insights on education, economic development, and more.

In the exciting season finale of Voices of Indianapolis, we bring you a special episode featuring one of our very own students, Nat Neri Toledo from Purdue Polytechnic, alongside her mentor, Pastor Jason Taber from Cornerstone Lutheran Church. This episode marks a significant milestone as it’s the first time we have a student guest who is being asked the questions rather than asking them.

Nat has been an integral part of our innovative internship-based learning program. Over the past school year, our students have had the unique opportunity to engage with community influencers, asking insightful questions and gaining valuable knowledge. This week, Nat shares her transformative journey as one of the pioneers of our internship program. Guided by Pastor Jason, who was also our first guest of the season, Nat delved into the program that emphasized XQ competencies, honing critical skills in community advocacy and mobilization.

Throughout her internship, Nat practiced essential career readiness skills, learning firsthand the importance of dedication, teamwork, and the impact of community service. Together, Nat and Pastor Jason collaborated on various projects aimed at serving the community, showcasing the power of mentorship and the profound effects of practical, hands-on learning experiences. Nat's journey through this program has not only prepared her for future career endeavors but has also instilled in her a deep understanding of the value of helping others.

This episode is a testament to the innovative educational approaches at Purdue Polytechnic and the incredible potential of our students. Nat’s story is an inspiring example of how mentorship and real-world experiences can shape the leaders of tomorrow. Join us as we celebrate the end of our first season by highlighting the achievements of our students and the positive impact they are making in Indianapolis.

Tune in to hear Nat and Pastor Jason reflect on their journey, the lessons learned, and the meaningful projects that have contributed to the betterment of our community. This season finale is a heartwarming and inspiring conclusion to our inaugural season, setting the stage for many more stories of growth, collaboration, and community impact in the seasons to come.

In this week’s episode of Voices of Indianapolis, we have the honor of welcoming Dr. Keeanna Warren, CEO of all Purdue Polytechnic High Schools, including our very own microschool. Dr. Warren sits down with our high school students to share her wealth of knowledge and experience, offering invaluable insights into the ever-evolving landscape of education in Indianapolis.

As a transformative leader in the education sector, Dr. Warren delves into the innovative approaches being implemented across Purdue Polytechnic High Schools. She highlights the remarkable projects and achievements of the students, showcasing how they are not just learning but actively contributing to the betterment of our community. Her passion for education and dedication to fostering a nurturing and stimulating environment for students is palpable as she discusses the programs and initiatives that are making a significant impact.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Warren provides thoughtful advice on how students can effectively prepare for their future careers. She emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience, critical thinking, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Her guidance helps students understand the vital steps they need to take as they transition from high school to the next exciting stage of their lives.

Moreover, Dr. Warren shares her personal journey to becoming one of the leading figures in Indianapolis's educational infrastructure. Her story is one of perseverance, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. She talks about the challenges she has faced and the lessons she has learned along the way, offering a source of inspiration and motivation for our listeners.

Tune in to this enlightening episode to hear Dr. Keeanna Warren’s thoughts on the future of education, the incredible work being done by students, and how young minds can prepare for successful careers. This conversation is a testament to the power of education and the positive change it can bring to our community.