Shows
Defending IndianaHaving The Sex Talk with Dr. Justin Garcia of the Kinsey InstituteThere simply was not enough time for Colleen and Janice to ask Dr. Justin Garcia everything they wanted to know about sex! But this conversation was a good start. We cover the history and impact of the Kinsey Institute, sex research, sex in relationships, dating apps, sex education and a whole lot more. ****This episode contains content that may not be suitable for all listeners. Parental discretion is advised.****Dr. Justin R. Garcia is an evolutionary biologist and sex researcher. He is currently Acting Executive Director & Research Director of The Kinsey Institute, Ruth N. H...2025-06-0457 minDefending IndianaKurt Vonnegut - Hoosier IconKurt Vonnegut, one of the greatest American writers of all time, was a Hoosier! Colleen and Janice go deep into discussing the life and work of Vonnegut with special guest, Chris Lafave, curator for the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library. Guest: Chris Lafave is the curator for the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library, located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Chris has been studying and speaking about Kurt Vonnegut for over a decade, and has spoken at book festivals, schools and prisons about Kurt's life story and his influence on American culture and our world. Mr. Lafave has alwa...2024-04-1745 minDefending IndianaStranger Things in IndianaColleen, Janice and fellow co-producer, Michael Miltenberger, discuss some of their favorite unusual stories coming out of the Hoosier state. Both current events and past mysteries are shared such as zebras and camels on the interstate, the Kokomo Hum and Pukwudgies. Seriously, we are not making this stuff up. Stay in Touch with Defending Indianadefendingindiana@gmail.comDefending Indiana WebsiteDefending Indiana on FacebookDefending Indiana on InstagramDefending Indiana on Twitter2024-02-0739 minDefending IndianaHoosier Writers, Oh Hell Yes!So it turns out many people really do write books in Indiana. Bronwen Carlisle from Indiana Humanities joins Colleen and Janice to discuss the books and authors that everyone should have on their reading lists. This is a great conversation that highlights another overlooked but significant fact about the Hoosier State...and it's damn entertaining too.Bronwen Carlisle, programs and special projects manager, manages a variety of Indiana Humanities’ literary programs, including the Indiana Authors Awards and its affiliated events. She also supports the organization with grant reporting, copy writing and project management.Bron...2024-01-2449 minDefending IndianaHoosier Santa?Before you fly over Indiana for the holidays, just listen to this episode. Maybe you're missing something...? Colleen and Janice reminisce about their past Hoosier holidays with nods to live nativity scenes, unstable ice skating rinks and time and a half. Fortunately, Kathleen Crews, Director of the Santa Claus Museum & Village and Melissa Arnold, Executive Director of the Spencer County Visitors Bureau, save the episode by explaining the true magic of Santa Claus, IN. This episode is filled with delightful surprises about the remarkable town featured on the Today Show, CBS Sunday Morning , CBS Evening News, Good Mornin...2023-12-1345 minDefending IndianaIt's Been A While - Season 3 FinaleWe know, it's been a while! Colleen and Janice wrap up season three with their customary witty banter while offering very little useful information. Join us as we defend our delayed season finale and provide updates from the past year. Season 4 coming soon!Hosts: Colleen Brennan and Janice V. RodriguezCo-Producers: Colleen Brennan and Janice V. RodriguezTheme Music: Michael MiltenbergerSound Editing: Michael MiltenbergerStay in Touch with Defending Indianadefendingindiana@gmail.comDefending Indiana WebsiteDefending Indiana on FacebookDefending Indiana on Instagram2023-10-2535 minDefending IndianaAmazing Hoosier Women: Leaders Throughout History and TodayIndiana has been home to extraordinary women. From actors and singers and writers to entrepreneurs and notable women from history, amazing women have been born and raised in Indiana (or if they spent a few years here - we're claiming them too!).One of these amazing Hoosier women, Christina Hale, worked her way through college as a proud single mother and served as a nonprofit executive for Kiwanis International, fulfilling a variety of roles that included chief communications officer and executive director for Kiwanis Youth Programs worldwide. A former state legislator for the Indiana General Assembly and t...2023-01-2550 minDefending IndianaReproductive Rights in Indiana - What HappenedIn our second episode examining human rights in Indiana, Colleen and Janice discuss the events in the Indiana Statehouse and Supreme Court following the U.S. Supreme Court decision to overrule Roe v. Wade. State senator, J.D. Ford, provides context and detail to help us understand how Indiana became the first state to ban abortion after the fall of Roe v. Wade. ***TRIGGER WARNING - This episode references sexual assault and may not be suitable for sensitive listeners.*** J.D. Ford - In 2018, the voters of Indiana Senate District 29 elected J.D. Ford...2023-01-0524 minDefending IndianaReproductive Rights in Indiana - What HappenedIn our second episode examining human rights in Indiana, Colleen and Janice discuss the events in the Indiana Statehouse and Supreme Court following the U.S. Supreme Court decision to overrule Roe v. Wade. State senator, J.D. Ford, provides context and detail to help us understand how Indiana became the first state to ban abortion after the fall of Roe v. Wade. ***TRIGGER WARNING - This episode references sexual assault and may not be suitable for sensitive listeners.***J.D. Ford - In 2018, the voters of Indiana Senate District 29 elected J.D. Fo...2023-01-0424 minDefending IndianaLGBTQ+ Rights in IndianaIn the first episode examining the state of human rights in Indiana, Colleen and Janice discuss the history and politics of LGBTQ+ rights over the past decade with state senator, J.D. Ford.Interview starts: 16:31 J.D. Ford - In 2018, the voters of Indiana Senate District 29 elected J.D. Ford to the Indiana Senate Since then, he was elected as Minority Caucus Chair and appointed to serve as ranking member on a number of important committees, including Education, Veterans Affairs and Family and Children Services.Senator Ford is the first, and so...2022-09-1452 minDefending IndianaPhotoworthy...Indiana?Is this "flyover" state worth a second look? Colleen and Janice hope Hoosier photographer and entrepreneur, Joey Lax-Salinas, can convince them it is. Lax-Salinas has changed the way Indiana appears on search engines by photographing and cataloging nearly every city and town across the entire State of Indiana (approximately 400 to date!). With his extensive travel and knowledge of not only Indiana, but cities across the U.S., he seemed to be the most qualified for this task. Joey Lax-Salinas is a traveling photographer and entrepreneur whose photos and videos have been featured on Good Morning America, World News...2022-07-2757 minDefending IndianaIndiana...Cuisine?Defending Indiana cuisine felt like a herculean task for Colleen and Janice. Thankfully, acclaimed Hoosier chefs, Ambarish Lulay and Chris Pappas, stepped in to provide much needed insight. Listen and learn all about food and the food scene in Indiana including: the "Indiana Banana" (the pawpaw), duck farms, mushrooms, burrata, lemon rice soup and the pork tenderloin. Interview starts: 16:17Ambarish Lulay is a Culinary Olympic Silver Medalist Chef who began his career in India with the 5-star Leela Beach, formerly the Four Seasons, in Goa and the 5-star Taj Mahal Hotel in Bombay. Since...2022-06-151h 03Defending IndianaThe Indiana Dunes - Sandy HappinessIn this episode, Colleen and Janice want you to imagine watching a stunning sunset over the vast, blue seascape while feeling gentle breezes and sand between your toes. Would you believe THIS is Indiana?!?!?! It is and it can be enjoyed regularly at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Joined by Superintendent for the National Park Service, Paul Labovitz, and founder of Dig the Dunes, Eve Wierzbicki, Colleen and Janice confirm there is a slice of paradise in Northwest Indiana. Paul Labovitz started his National Park Service career in the Rivers & Trails Program and would go on to...2022-06-0154 minDefending IndianaTrue Crime in IndianaColleen and Janice discuss true crime in Indiana with the founder of Cold Case Chronicles, a popular, Indiana-based cold case podcast. Indiana has had its share of infamous crimes - many that have gone unsolved. Join us as we learn more about how podcasts and citizen detectives are changing the landscape of crime solving. Cold Case Chronicles is made up of four women from totally different backgrounds brought together for their desire to give exposure to lesser known cold cases. Started in July 2019, the hosts recorded over 80 episodes dedicated to finding answers for families.Host...2022-05-1855 minDefending IndianaBourbon, It's Not Just From Kentucky Any MoreColleen and Janice share many laughs discussing sexy beverages, après ski and growing up in families who did and did not drink alcohol (can you guess which host grew up without?) Joining them for an interview and a lesson in Indiana bourbon is the man behind the wildly popular @indianabourbon Instagram page, Dirk Fentz. Dirk Fentz is a bourbon enthusiast focused on bringing attention to Indiana spirits, Indiana farms, and Indiana families. Find him on Instagram @indianabourbon and discover the wide variety of high-quality bourbons made in Indiana.Hosts: Colleen Brennan and Janice V...2022-05-0441 minDefending IndianaWhat's That Smell?Colleen and Janice welcome Jesse Kharbanda, the Outgoing Executive Director of the Hoosier Environmental Council. In this enlightening conversation, Kharbanda explains the challenges of pollution in Indiana (and across the country) and the actions addressing those challenges.Jesse Kharbanda is the Outgoing Executive Director of the Hoosier Environmental Council, Indiana’s largest environmental policy organization. Jesse has focused HEC’s initiatives around environmental health & justice, land & water protection, and climate solutions. Jesse has been passionate about expanding the tent of people who care about the environment, and he has been personally involved in forging deeper connec...2022-04-2054 minDefending IndianaIs Indiana Funny...In A Good Way?Joined by Jared Thompson, co-creator/co-director of the Limestone Comedy Festival and owner of The Comedy Attic in Bloomington, IN, Colleen and Janice discuss all things comedy in Indiana (and across the US).Hosts: Colleen Brennan and Janice V. RodriguezCo-Producers: Colleen Brennan and Janice V. RodriguezTheme Music: Michael MiltenbergerSound Editing: Michael MiltenbergerStay in Touch with Defending Indianadefendingindiana@gmail.comDefending Indiana WebsiteDefending Indiana on FacebookDefending Indiana on InstagramDefending Indiana on Twitter2022-04-061h 07Defending IndianaDefending Indiana TrailerStay in Touch with Defending Indianadefendingindiana@gmail.comDefending Indiana WebsiteDefending Indiana on FacebookDefending Indiana on InstagramDefending Indiana on Twitter2022-02-1601 minDefending IndianaStill Not Experts - Season Two FinaleNymphs, Egyptian beer and sibling issues - these are just a few of the topics addressed in the season two finale. Colleen and Janice welcome their #1 Season Two Fan (and Janice's mom!), Carmen Jones, and #1 "Non-Listener", John Brennan, who offer their thoughts on why they listen...and why they don't. Hosts: Colleen Brennan and Janice V. RodriguezCo-Producers: Colleen Brennan and Janice V. RodriguezTheme Music: Michael MiltenbergerSound Editing: Michael MiltenbergerSeason Two Intern: Kate BeckStay in Touch with Defending Indianadefendingindiana@gmail.com2022-01-191h 02Defending IndianaIt's 5:00 Somewhere - Weird Liquor Laws and Craft Brewing in IndianaApparently, Indiana is not the only state with bizarre liquor laws. Colleen and Janice examine liquor laws from across the U.S. to determine whether or not Indiana's are as bad as they thought then chat with Chris Reisetter and Scott Ferguson from Zorn Brew Works to learn all about craft beer in Indiana.Hosts: Colleen Brennan and Janice V. RodriguezCo-Producers: Colleen Brennan and Janice V. RodriguezTheme Music: Michael MiltenbergerSound Editing: Michael MiltenbergerSeason Two Intern: Kate BeckStay in Touch with Defending Indianadefendingindiana@g...2021-12-2957 minDefending IndianaLove It Or Hate It - Region Rats and Northwest IndianaPop or soda? Tennis shoes or sneakers? People all over the U.S. use different words to talk about the same things and Indiana is no exception. Colleen and Janice dive deep into regional slang and try to understand the origins of "Region Rat" with the Mayor of Hammond, IN, Tom McDermott. Stay in Touch with Defending Indianadefendingindiana@gmail.comDefending Indiana WebsiteDefending Indiana on FacebookDefending Indiana on InstagramDefending Indiana on Twitter2021-12-1548 minDefending IndianaThe Bobby Knight EpisodeHe is loved, feared, hated and revered. Colleen and Janice discuss college sports and the legendary Bobby Knight with sports journalist, Chris Luchene.Hosts: Colleen Brennan and Janice V. RodriguezCo-Producers: Colleen Brennan and Janice V. RodriguezTheme Music: Michael MiltenbergerSound Editing: Michael MiltenbergerSeason Two Intern: Kate BeckStay in Touch with Defending Indianadefendingindiana@gmail.comDefending Indiana WebsiteDefending Indiana on FacebookDefending Indiana on InstagramDefending Indiana on Twitter2021-12-011h 05Defending IndianaIndy Car Racing - Need We Say More?Auto racing is kind of a big thing around the world. Colleen and Janice learn all about life in the fast lane from former motorsports professional and Indiana native, Terry Greetham. Terry's experience with racing teams is so long, we can't fit it all in this space, but we are not above a little name dropping (Mario Andretti, Danica Patrick, Dario Franchitti and more!). Hosts: Colleen Brennan and Janice V. RodriguezCo-Producers: Colleen Brennan and Janice V. RodriguezTheme Music: Michael MiltenbergerSound Editing: Michael MiltenbergerSeason Two Intern: Kate BeckS...2021-11-1757 minDefending IndianaWhatever Happened to Hometown News?How can we relive our glory days without hometown news? Colleen and Janice wonder whatever happened to small town news in the Midwest. Joined by their guest, podcast host and executive director of GreatNews.Life, Jenny Craig-Brown, they learn that hometown news might actually be coming back. Hosts: Colleen Brennan and Janice V. RodriguezCo-Producers: Colleen Brennan and Janice V. RodriguezTheme Music: Michael MiltenbergerSound Editing: Michael MiltenbergerSeason Two Intern: Kate BeckStay in Touch with Defending Indianadefendingindiana@gmail.comDefending Indiana WebsiteDef...2021-11-0349 minDefending IndianaIndiana - Unexpected Melting PotCurious to find out how Indiana fits into the Great American Melting Pot, Colleen and Janice discuss immigration and refugees with refugee advocate, Sara Hindi. Turns out, Indiana has a much more diverse population than many people might think!Hosts: Colleen Brennan and Janice V. RodriguezCo-Producers: Colleen Brennan and Janice V. RodriguezTheme Music: Michael MiltenbergerSound Editing: Michael MiltenbergerSeason Two Intern: Kate BeckStay in Touch with Defending Indianadefendingindiana@gmail.comDefending Indiana WebsiteDefending Indiana on FacebookDefending Indiana on I...2021-10-201h 00Defending IndianaPart Two - Dreams Do Come True with Ashley C. FordPart two of our conversation with NYT Bestselling author of the memoir "Somebody's Daughter" and Fort Wayne native, Ashley C. Ford. Hosts: Colleen Brennan and Janice V. RodriguezCo-Producers: Colleen Brennan and Janice V. RodriguezTheme Music: Michael MiltenbergerSound Editing: Michael MiltenbergerSeason Two Intern: Kate BeckStay in Touch with Defending Indianadefendingindiana@gmail.comDefending Indiana WebsiteDefending Indiana on FacebookDefending Indiana on InstagramDefending Indiana on Twitter2021-10-0639 minDefending IndianaDreams Do Come True with Ashley C. Ford - Part OneShe has been interviewed by Oprah, Trevor Noah, Terry Gross and now...Colleen and Janice! In the first part of a two-part interview, Colleen and Janice chat with NYT Bestselling author of the memoir "Somebody's Daughter" and Fort Wayne native, Ashley C. Ford. Hosts: Colleen Brennan and Janice V. RodriguezCo-Producers: Colleen Brennan and Janice V. RodriguezTheme Music: Michael MiltenbergerSound Editing: Michael MiltenbergerSeason Two Intern: Kate BeckStay in Touch with Defending Indianadefendingindiana@gmail.comDefending Indiana WebsiteDefending Indiana on Facebook2021-09-2230 min
All INArtificial IntelligenceArtificial intelligence is everywhere these days, and a few universities in Indiana are working to advance the technology. Today we talk to experts about what A.I. can be used for and the ethical concerns surrounding it.
We also get an update from the hosts of the comedy podcast "Defending Indiana."
Produced by Mariam Sobh.
Guests:
Colleen Brennan
Comedian; Co-Host of "Defending Indiana"
Janice V. Rodriguez
Comedian; Co-Host of "Defending Indiana"
Shiaofen Fang
Director of the Institute of Integrative A.I. and Chair of Computer Science Department, IUPUI
David Crandall
Professor of Computer Science and Director of Graduate Studies of...2021-09-1600 minDefending IndianaArchitectural Innovation...In Indiana?Colleen and Janice explore architecture in Indiana with Anthony 'Tony' Costello, FAIA, a 50+ year educator/practitioner who is recognized as one of the national pioneers in community -based, urban planning and design education. Winner of countless design and preservation awards, this Hoosier (via New York) explains why Columbus, IN is ranked 6th in the nation for architectural innovation and design by the The American Institute of Architects right behind Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Boston & Washington DC. Hosts: Colleen Brennan and Janice V. RodriguezCo-Producers: Colleen Brennan and Janice V. RodriguezTheme Music: Michael Miltenberger2021-09-0853 minDefending IndianaDid We Mention We Are Not Experts? - Season One FinaleWhy does a smoking monkey law exist? Is there really a monument made of teeth? Does Clint Eastwood have sheep? In the season one finale, Colleen and Janice welcome Defending Indiana sound editor, Michael Miltenberger, and stand-up comedian and Defending Indiana's biggest fan, Sonal Aggarwal, for a deep dive into some of the interesting tidbits they discovered in the first season. Stay in Touch with Defending Indianadefendingindiana@gmail.comDefending Indiana WebsiteDefending Indiana on FacebookDefending Indiana on InstagramDefending Indiana on Twitter2021-05-1256 minDefending IndianaTrue Confession: We Never Listened to Country MusicColleen and Janice did not listen to Country radio while growing up in Indiana and they know almost nothing about it. Thank God for their special guest, former Michiana B100 radio host, Lisa Kosty, who shares stories about her years as a radio personality in Indiana.Stay in Touch with Defending Indianadefendingindiana@gmail.comDefending Indiana WebsiteDefending Indiana on FacebookDefending Indiana on InstagramDefending Indiana on Twitter2021-04-271h 02
All INEducation Funding and COVID-19 in Indiana SchoolsThe latest state budget proposal was introduced last night, and Republicans are calling it a win for education funding.
Today we talk about the budget proposal, and find out how the money might impact things like teacher pay in addition to the COVID-19 relief funding the state is also receiving from the federal government.
While on the topic of school during the pandemic, we also talk about a study focused on how COVID-19 can spread in in-person school settings. Later in the show, we talk to the hosts of a podcast called "Defending Indiana" about how the podcast came to...2021-04-2300 minDefending IndianaBaby Please Don't Go: Stopping Brain DrainIs Indianapolis the #siliconvalleyofthemidwest? Colleen and Janice discuss keeping talent in Indiana with Key Club International Director at Kiwanis International and Indianapolis native Greg Stowers. Together they examine Indiana's #braindrain and his hopes for the future for Indiana communities.Stay in Touch with Defending Indianadefendingindiana@gmail.comDefending Indiana WebsiteDefending Indiana on FacebookDefending Indiana on InstagramDefending Indiana on Twitter2021-04-1455 minDefending IndianaThe KKK In Indiana: Our Questions AnsweredColleen and Janice discuss the important issues of racism and the history of the KKK in Indiana. Our guest is Dr. James Madison, Professor Emeritus of History at Indiana University and the author of "Ku Klux Klan in the Heartland."Stay in Touch with Defending Indianadefendingindiana@gmail.comDefending Indiana WebsiteDefending Indiana on FacebookDefending Indiana on InstagramDefending Indiana on Twitter2021-03-311h 02Defending IndianaRomance, Bromance and the Amazing Erica RidleyIs Indiana romantic? Colleen and Janice uncover evidence to suggest, well, maybe?New York Times & USA Today Best Selling Author of regency romance novels and fellow Hoosier, Erica Ridley, joins Colleen and Janice to discuss her new series The Wild Wynchesters, growing up in Indiana and everything in between.Stay in Touch with Defending Indianadefendingindiana@gmail.comDefending Indiana WebsiteDefending Indiana on FacebookDefending Indiana on InstagramDefending Indiana on Twitter2021-03-1756 minDefending IndianaIndiana Culture - An Oxymoron?Joined by Craig Prater, president of the Heartland Film Festival, Colleen and Janice share their experiences with culture in the Hoosier State - proving that there really IS more than corn in Indiana.Stay in Touch with Defending Indianadefendingindiana@gmail.comDefending Indiana WebsiteDefending Indiana on FacebookDefending Indiana on InstagramDefending Indiana on Twitter2021-03-0349 minDefending IndianaMore Of "Hoosiers" Makes My Husband Cry - Part TwoOur interview with Angelo Pizzo continues! Stay in Touch with Defending Indianadefendingindiana@gmail.comDefending Indiana WebsiteDefending Indiana on FacebookDefending Indiana on InstagramDefending Indiana on Twitter2021-02-2435 minDefending Indiana"Hoosiers" Makes My Husband Cry - Part OnePart one of a two-part series features filmmaker Angelo Pizzo (“Hoosiers” and “Rudy”). In these revealing episodes, Pizzo speaks extensively about how his Indiana upbringing has influenced his approach to filmmaking and storytelling. Stay in Touch with Defending Indianadefendingindiana@gmail.comDefending Indiana WebsiteDefending Indiana on FacebookDefending Indiana on InstagramDefending Indiana on Twitter2021-02-171h 01Defending IndianaWait, THAT'S a Law?You probably broke the law in Indiana and didn't even know it! Colleen and Janice discuss their favorite weird state laws with special guest, former Indiana State Representative, Christina Hale, then defend the Hoosier state by examining some very strange laws from other states. Stay in Touch with Defending Indianadefendingindiana@gmail.comDefending Indiana WebsiteDefending Indiana on FacebookDefending Indiana on InstagramDefending Indiana on Twitter2021-01-2759 minDefending IndianaHoosier What?Colleen and Janice discuss what "Hoosier" means and try to figure out its origins. Stay in Touch with Defending Indianadefendingindiana@gmail.comDefending Indiana WebsiteDefending Indiana on FacebookDefending Indiana on InstagramDefending Indiana on Twitter2021-01-2137 min