Best WFYI Public Media Podcasts (2025)

1
Indy Hosts International Firefighter Event, Visas Revoked for International Students, Republican Leaders Split on School Vouchers, Why So Many Students with Disabilities are Being Suspended 9:44

31m ago9:44

9:44

The world’s largest firefighter training event was back in Indianapolis last week, for the 31st year. The Trump Administration is revoking student visas for international students across the country, including in Indiana. Republican leaders in Indiana are split on establishing universal school vouchers. School suspensions in Indiana have increased …

1
The Ballad of Wallis Island 47:35

2d ago47:35

47:35

Matthew Socey reviews the new film The Ballad of Wallis Island and he (carefully) discusses two Russ Meyer films new on Blu-Ray.By [email protected] (WFYI Public Media)

1
Local Government 28:46

2d ago28:46

28:46

Indiana has a love-hate relationship with “home rule,” a concept that, in theory, gives locals a fair degree of autonomy — but, in practice, often takes a back seat to the prerogatives of the General Assembly. Guests include Republican Senator Aaron Freeman of Indianapolis, Democratic Senator Fady Qaddoura of Indianapolis, and Terre Haute Mayor Bra…

1
House GOP Passes Property Tax Overhaul 26:46

3d ago26:46

26:46

The House GOP passes a major property tax overhaul with most counties expected to see more money than in previous years. The Senate GOP budget proposal does not expand the voucher program, lowers income eligibility for the Child Care and Development Fund, and increases the amount held in reserves. A House Committee scales back controversial measure…

1
Tamika Catchings Mural Coming to Mass Ave, Indiana School Districts Could Lose Half a Billion Under Tax Plan, Library Program on Diverse Communities, In-Person Required for VA Workers 5:18

3d ago5:18

5:18

A towering portrait of Tamika Catchings is set to join the Mass Ave neighborhood, and the community has a chance to weigh in on the final design. Indiana school districts stand to lose half a billion dollars under the latest plan to cut property taxes for Hoosier homeowners. An Indianapolis Public Library program offers residents a chance to learn …

1
Statehouse Bill Would Make Sleeping in Public Illegal, Education Alliance of IPS and Mayor's Office, Health Advocates Worry about Lost Federal Funding, Suspensions in Special Education 5:47

4d ago5:47

5:47

Indiana lawmakers snuck language into a bill that would make it illegal to sleep outside. A new legislative proposal would create an education alliance of Indianapolis Public Schools and the Mayor’s office. The Indiana Department of Health will lose millions of federal dollars after the Trump administration cancelled COVID-era funding linked to sev…

1
First Measles Case in Over a Year, Funding Approved to Redevelop Old City Hall, Meeting Worker Demand in the Next Decade, House Committee Scales Back Measure to Eliminate DEI Programs 6:55

5d ago6:55

6:55

The Indiana Department of Health confirmed the first measles case in over a year. Indianapolis City-County Councilors approved lending a private company the funds to redevelop the Old City Hall and construct a new mixed use building. More than 80,000 Hoosiers will need new skills or credentials every year over the next decade to meet the demand for…

1
Sean Imboden discusses his debut album with The Sean Imboden Large Ensemble 35:13

5d ago35:13

35:13

Listen to an interview with Indianapolis-based saxophonist, bandleader, composer and educator Sean Imboden. He’s the director of the Sean Imboden Large Ensemble, a 17-piece modern jazz big band. The Sean Imboden Large Ensemble will be issuing their debut recording Communal Heart later this month, and the band will be hosting an album release party …

1
Train Derailment on Southeast Side, Report Shows Indiana Faces Growing Workforce Shortage, How School Funding Would Work Under GOP Tax Plan, Democrats Say GOP Tax Plan Isn't Ready 5:05

6d ago5:05

5:05

A train derailed on the southeast side of Indianapolis Sunday night, near the intersection of Southeastern Avenue and Earhart Street. Indiana faces a growing workforce shortage and a need for more skilled talent, according to a new report from Ivy Tech Community College. Property tax relief from Indiana House Republicans now would split local prope…

1
Potential Impact of Budget Cuts on Medicaid, Diabetes Studies Under Threat, Automatic University Enrollment with New Diplomas, House Republicans Unveil Property Tax Reform Plan 9:22

7d ago9:22

9:22

The health reporting team at The Checkup answers the question: What are site-neutral payments, and why are rural hospitals concerned about them? One of the largest diabetes studies is under threat from the current administration’s funding cuts. High school students who graduate with one of Indiana’s new diplomas are guaranteed a spot at one of the …

1
Partisan School Board Election Bill Advances 26:46

10d ago26:46

26:46

A bill to force school board candidates to declare a political party is narrowly approved in the House. A bill aimed at ending the statute of limitations for rape and child molestation is gutted by a House committee. Secretary of State Diego Morales continues to refuse to answer questions around the funding for a 10-day India trip. Host Brandon Smi…

1
Economic Development 28:46

11d ago28:46

28:46

In the 1980s and ’90s, Indiana viewed “economic development” as the enticement of high-profile, high-tech, high-wage manufacturers, ideally from other states if not other countries. More recently, a fair number of policymakers have called for greater transparency and the cultivation of smaller employers already established in Indiana.…

1
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Reopens, Debate on Local Property Taxes for Charter Schools, How Violence Impacts Communities, Trump Admin Freezes Planned Parenthood Funds 6:36

10d ago6:36

6:36

After a 17-month closure and more than $60 million in renovations, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway museum reopened to the public. A Republican push to give charter schools a share of local property tax money has sparked a fierce debate, and students from traditional public and charter schools say their voices matter. A study emphasizes how communit…

1
$600 Million Project to Transform Circle Centre Mall, Helping Formerly Incarcerated Hoosiers Reenter Society, Indiana Schools Suspended Students 30,000+ Times for Fighting Last Year 7:24

11d ago7:24

7:24

The southern block of the Circle Centre Mall closed to prepare for an extensive redevelopment project. A new study in Indianapolis set out to learn if giving incarcerated people more resources could help them reenter society. Indiana public schools suspended more than 72,000 students last academic year, one of the highest numbers in the past decade…

1
The Monkees’ Mickey Dolenz / jazz guitarist Charlie Ballantine 37:51

12d ago37:51

37:51

Listen to a conversation with the vocalist and actor Micky Dolenz, best known for his work with The Monkees. Dolenz will be performing in Central Indiana on April 25 at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. In 1966, during the height of Beatle-mania, The Monkees premiered on NBC. The show focused on the lives of a fictional Californi…

1
Indy Chef Wins World Food Championships, Update on FBI Raid on IU Professor's Homes, Eli Lilly Seeks Approval for Alzheimer’s Cure, Statehouse Bill Would Prohibit Student IDs at the Polls

12d ago

—

An Indianapolis chef took the top prize at the World Food Championships on Sunday. XiaoFeng Wang, a tenured cybersecurity professor recently fired by Indiana University the same day the FBI raided his homes, stood accused of academic misconduct for not properly identifying people involved in his research. Indiana-based company Eli Lilly has approva…

1
Purdue Loses in Sweet 16, FBI Raid on IU Professor's Homes, Indiana Senate Advances Bill to Supply Power for AI Data Centers, Victoria Spartz Faces Angry Constituents at Town Hall 7:33

13d ago7:33

7:33

The Purdue men’s basketball season came to an end late Friday night during the Sweet Sixteen round. FBI officials aren’t saying why agents searched two homes belonging to an IU professor. A Senate committee passed a bill that aims to help ensure AI data centers coming into the state have the massive amount of power they need. Indiana U.S. congressw…

1
Indiana's New Public Records Czar, Advocates Push for Horseshoe Crab Blood Alternative, Housing Changes Will Impact People at Risk of Homelessness, Historic Building Restoration 5:06

14d ago5:06

5:06

Governor Mike Braun announced attorney Jennifer Ruby as the state’s new Public Access Counselor on Friday. Horseshoe crab blood has been used in medical testing since the 1970s – but environmental groups worry that bleeding the animals, which can kill them, is too environmentally harmful. Changes to two housing programs will impact people at risk o…

1
A Possible Primary Challenge for Sen. Young 26:45

18d ago26:45

26:45

Former State Senator Carlin Yoder mulls a primary challenge to Senator Todd Young in the 2028 elections. House Democrats unveil a series of property tax reform amendments to support schools and provide relief for homeowners. A House committee approves a bill to ban student IDs as valid identification at polling places. Host Brandon Smith is joined …

1
Penguin and Kaufman 38:17

17d ago38:17

38:17

Matthew Socey reviews the film The Penguin Lesson and the Andy Kaufman documentary Thank You Very Much. Plus, films on video inspired by another podcast.By [email protected] (WFYI Public Media)

1
Infrastructure 28:46

18d ago28:46

28:46

Do you call it a chuckhole or a pothole? A much tougher question: how do you pay to fill them all? Legislators look at a variety of funding options to satisfy Indiana’s growing need for infrastructure investment. From taxes to toll roads to targeted delivery fees, lawmakers try to find solutions that will keep Hoosiers on the road without widesprea…

1
Indianapolis Public Library Pike Branch to Reopen, Archeological Excavation of Public Cemetery, Bill Could Change How Indiana School Districts Control Facilities, Housing Complex for Veterans 6:01

17d ago6:01

6:01

A public library branch on the west side of Indianapolis will reopen this weekend, after being closed for over a year. An archeological excavation of a small part of the city’s first public cemetery is complete, along the eastern bank of the White River. A Republican-proposal would allow school districts to voluntarily shift control of their facili…

1
Lucas Oil Stadium Transformed for March Madness, Faith Leaders Urge Local Law Enforcement Not to Help ICE, Indiana Medicaid Waiver Invitations Hit Capacity, Foreclosure Filings on the Rise 5:06

18d ago5:06

5:06

The NCAA Midwest regionals comes to Indianapolis this weekend, which means Lucas Oil Stadium needs to be transformed into a proper basketball venue. Indianapolis faith leaders are urging local law enforcement not to help Immigration and Customs Enforcement deport people. Indiana Medicaid waiver invitations hit capacity with more than 10,000 people …

1
Steve Allee on the Naptown sound 34:47

18d ago34:47

34:47

Explore a new album from the Steve Allee Big Band, titled Naptown Sound. The project pays tribute to the musicians, teachers, mentors, history, and places that contributed to the development of the Naptown sound. The pianist, composer and bandleader Steve Allee has been part of the Indianapolis jazz scene since the 1960s. He came of age at a time w…

1
Online Portal for Hoosier Farmers, Teachers Union Asks for Moratorium on New Schools, Marion County Judge Blocks Release of Abortion Records, Georgia Street Renovations 5:43

19d ago5:43

5:43

Indiana will create an online portal for Hoosier farmers, a one-stop-shop for them to connect with the government. A teachers union has asked for a moratorium on new schools in Indianapolis. A Marion County Superior judge blocked the Indiana Department of Health from releasing abortion records –– also known as terminated pregnancy reports. Renovati…

1
Bill to Subsidize Small Nuclear Reactors, Transforming Historic Downtown Indy Buildings, Congress Seeks Info from Purdue on Chinese Students, Letter Carriers Rally Against Privatization 5:35

20d ago5:35

5:35

A bill that would subsidize the development of small modular nuclear reactors is awaiting the governor’s signature. Construction on a project to transform historic downtown buildings into a new residential mixed-use development is underway. A Congressional committee on China issued a letter to Purdue University claiming a national security interest…

1
Purdue Heads for Sweet Sixteen, Gov. Braun Visits White House, Workers Push Against Privatization of U.S. Postal Service, Bill Aims to Block Zoning Rules from Stopping Charter Schools 5:28

21d ago5:28

5:28

Indianapolis News: The Purdue men’s basketball team is advancing to the Sweet Sixteen…By [email protected] (WFYI Public Media)

1
Wings Hauser and The Alto Knights 37:46

24d ago37:46

37:46

Matthew Socey pays tribute to actor Wings Hauser and reviews the film The Alto Knights.By [email protected] (WFYI Public Media)

1
Higher Education 28:46

25d ago28:46

28:46

As the General Assembly weighs new expectations and limitations on the state’s public colleges and universities, we’ll examine a multifaceted debate that more or less boils down to this: Are left-leaning institutions and professors trying to force beliefs on students or are conservative lawmakers attempting to impose their views at the expense of a…

1
Hundreds Rally for Property Tax Relief 26:46

25d ago26:46

26:46

Governor Mike Braun joins hundreds who gathered at the statehouse to rally for significant property tax relief. Former State Senator Karen Tallian is named the new Indiana Democratic Party chair, replacing outgoing chairman Mike Schmuhl. Federal Democratic Senators led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer help advance a continuing budget resolution ami…

1
Indiana Sees Largest Population Increase Since 2008, Big Brothers Big Sisters Campaign for Mentors, Gov. Braun to Decide on Lifeline Law Expansion, Local Impact from Anti-DEI Orders 5:44

24d ago5:44

5:44

The State of Indiana had its largest increase in population since 2008. Big Brothers Big Sisters says it needs more mentors – the group hopes a partnership with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway can help address its growing waitlist. Indiana is a stroke of the governor’s pen away from expanding its Lifeline Law to shield more young people from undera…

1
Jefferson High School Unified Bowling Team Wins, Indiana Says to Stop Accepting Gender Change Requests, Bobcat Trapping Season in 40 Counties, Bill Would Make Significant Medicaid Changes 5:37

24d ago5:37

5:37

Jefferson High School’s Unified Bowling Team placed first at the high school state tournament this past weekend. The Indiana Department of Health issued new guidance to local and county health departments to stop accepting gender change requests for Indiana birth records. Indiana’s Natural Resources Commission approved a bobcat trapping season in 4…

1
Suzanne Vega on punk rock, Lou Reed, and Flying With Angels 22:24

25d ago22:24

22:24

Listen to an interview with the critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega. She’ll be performing in Indianapolis on March 24th at the Tobias Theatre at Newfields. Vega is known for her poetic lyrics and distinctive voice. She helped to pioneer the acoustic folk movement of the 1980s. Vega’s influential hits, including "Tom's Diner" and "Lu…

1
The Chatterbox 56:34

27d ago56:34

56:34

Listen to a 2022 conversation with David Andrichick, owner of the Chatterbox, an important jazz club located in Downtown Indianapolis. The Chatterbox made national news this week when a video depicting a dispute between the club’s bartender and a Trump supporter went viral online. But many news reports and social media posts about the incident left…

1
Carmel Clay Schools Apologizes for Antisemitic Language, Musical Flash Mob Supports Public School Funding, Effort to Make Indiana Home for Remote Workers, Mental Health Crisis Teams 5:02

26d ago5:02

5:02

Carmel Clay Schools is apologizing for antisemitic language that appeared in a display as part of an international festival earlier this month. Music teachers, lawmakers and education advocates put on a show at the Indiana Statehouse Monday afternoon in support of public school funding. A new program is working to make Central Indiana a popular hom…

1
Chatterbox Jazz Club Viral Video, March Madness, U.S. Rep. Jim Baird Fined for Campaign Finance Violation, Indiana Dems Elect Karen Tallian as Chair 5:09

27d ago5:09

5:09

A viral video online shows a woman being asked to leave the Chatterbox Jazz Club on Mass Avenue for being a Trump supporter. This year’s men’s March Madness will feature only one school from Indiana. The Federal Election Commission recently fined a U.S. Representative from Indiana’s Fourth Congressional District for a campaign finance violation. Fo…

1
UAW Approve New Contract, NIH Funding Impacts State, IN Latino Dems Oppose Anti-Immigrant Bills, Prosperity Indiana Housing Report, Curbside Recycling Will Come to Marion County 6:57

28d ago6:57

6:57

United Auto Workers union members at Rolls-Royce in Indianapolis overwhelmingly approved a new contract last week. A new analysis underscores the impact funding for the National Institutes of Health has on state economies. The Indiana Latino Democratic Caucus pushes back against a wave of anti-immigrant legislation. A housing report from Prosperity…

1
A Major Property Tax System Overhaul 26:46

1M ago26:46

26:46

Proposals for a major property tax system overhaul to completely change how property taxes are calculated. An education campaign on the role of pharmacy benefits managers in lowering the costs of prescription medication. A proposal to raise teacher minimum pay to $45,000 a year raises questions as to how schools would afford the move under current …

1
Black Bag and Rich Koz 59:51

1M ago59:51

59:51

Matthew Socey reviews the suspense film Black Bag. He also replays his epic chat with Rich Koz (aka Svengoolie) to celebrate Koz's birthday.By [email protected] (WFYI Public Media)

1
Energy 28:46

1M ago28:46

28:46

Thanks to a push from the state’s publicly regulated utilities, cleaner, renewable sources of power, such as wind, water, and the sun, have carried an increasing share of the state’s energy load. Some members of the General Assembly have sought to slow Indiana’s transition from fossil fuels to renewables, citing concerns about reliability.…

1
Indiana Charter School Board Director Forced to Resign, Construction May Resume on Assisted Living Facility After Ruling, Proposed Tax Reform in Indiana, Federal Policy and Local Immigrants 9:03

1M ago9:03

9:03

The Indiana Charter School Board Director was forced to resign back in January. Construction may resume on an assisted living facility for Alzheimer’s patients after Indiana Supreme Court ruling. Indiana House Ways and Means Chair introduces his version of property tax reform. Changing federal immigration policy is shining a light on local immigran…

1
Indiana Statewide Immigrant Numbers, IU Under Review by U.S. Department of Education, Sunday Protest in Support of Two Honduras Men, The State of Women in Central Indiana Report 5:33

1M ago5:33

5:33

Statewide numbers of immigrant communities in Indiana. Indiana University is under review by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. Protesters gathered Sunday in support of two Honduras men arrested by federal officers. A report asks the question, can women in central Indiana thrive? Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on…

1
Indy Immigrant Community, New Housing Proposal in Fishers, Old City Hall Renovation More Expensive, Lawmakers Consider Boost in Pay for Prosecutors, Pregnancy Care Center Resolution 7:36

1M ago7:36

7:36

Immigrants from four countries fled to live in Indianapolis. The City of Fishers is considering a new housing proposal. A project to transform the old City Hall is now much more expensive than first estimated. Indiana lawmakers consider a boost in state funding for deputy prosecutors and public defenders. Health experts say pregnancy care centers p…

1
Tank and the Bangas vocalist discusses her Indianapolis roots 17:53

1M ago17:53

17:53

Listen to an interview with Tarriona “Tank” Ball of Tank and The Bangas. They’ll be performing in Indiana this March. Tank is a native of New Orleans, but she spent time living in Indianapolis during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and graduated from Pike High School in 2006. Last month Tank and The Bangas won their first Grammy when their 2024 …

1
Sirius Blvck and Scott Matelic on Daily Rituals of the Wild Heart 19:24

1M ago19:24

19:24

Hear an interview with rapper Sirius Blvck and hip-hop producer Scott Matelic. The duo issued their debut collaborative album, Daily Rituals of the Wild Heart. Sirius Blvck is among the most prolific voices in the Indianapolis music scene. Known for his poetic and introspective lyrics, Blvck’s music has attracted a devoted following among hip-hop f…

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