Best WFYI Public Media Podcasts (2025)

1
Taxes and Cuts in the Indiana State Budget 26:46

1d ago26:46

26:46

A $2 cigarette tax and cuts to both public health and higher education in the Indiana state budget. Governor Braun launches a forensic audit of the IEDC after allegations of ethics violations and self-dealing by staffers. An energy bill offering tax incentives to coal plants and small nuclear reactors heads to Braun’s desk amid questions over the b…

1
Property Tax Reform 28:46

1d ago28:46

28:46

Leaders of Indiana’s GOP touted Senate Bill 1, the property-tax overhaul recently signed by Governor Mike Braun, as quote “historic tax relief” that will benefit most homeowners, farmers and small businesses. Democrats, however, denounced the measure as a “lose-lose” proposition that will result in higher local taxes and cuts in vital government se…

1
A pledge challenge and Tracy Forner 1:28:02

20h ago1:28:02

1:28:02

It's a spring pledge show edition of Film Soceyology, including a Grab a Pencil challenge. Matthew also has an epic cinema chat with Film Soceyology Usual Suspect Tracy Forner.By [email protected] (WFYI Public Media)

1
Fifth Annual Go All IN Day, Indiana Pacers Get Closer to Second Round of Playoffs, Former CEO of Indy School Reaches Settlement, Indy Jewish Community Releases Annual Antisemitic Analysis 5:16

23h ago5:16

5:16

Over a thousand volunteers will gather today as part of the fifth annual Go All IN Day. The Indiana Pacers are another win closer to moving on to the second round of playoffs, after beating the Milwaukee Bucks Tuesday night. The former CEO of Edison School of the Arts has settled a federal lawsuit with his old employer. Leaders of the Indianapolis …

1
Effort to Improve Highway Work Site Safety, Braun Signs Bill to Expand Opioid-Reversing Meds in School, Bill Language Criminalizing Public Sleeping Removed, Health Experts Worry about Budget

2d ago

—

In Indiana last year, 30 people were killed and more than one thousand five hundred were injured in work zones. A bill signed by Governor Mike Braun expands the kinds of opioid-reversing medications that can be stocked in schools. Legislation that could fine and jail people sleeping on public land was removed from another bill, shortly before the e…

1
Kate Lamont and Devon Ashley 48:49

4d ago48:49

48:49

Listen to an interview with Kate Lamont and Devon Ashley. Kate Lamont is a versatile musician, singer, and songwriter known for her soulful voice and genre-blending approach to music. She rose to prominence in the early 2000s with MAB LAB—an experimental, Indianapolis-based band that explored jazz, rock, soul, and hip-hop. She was also a member of …

1
How Bill Might Impact Indianapolis Public Schools, Immigration Empowerment Session, School Wins Robotics World Championship, Why Some Mentally Ill People Get Stuck in Indiana Jails 8:37

3d ago8:37

8:37

Indiana Governor Mike Braun has signed a bill into law that will take millions of dollars of funding away from local school districts. U.S. Congressman André Carson hosted a second immigration empowerment session for central Indiana residents last week. A Tippecanoe County high school brings home a world championship award in robotics. A process th…

1
East Side Community Center Finds New Home, Anti-Trump Protest Fills Statehouse Lawn, Rokita and Morales Sue Trump Admin Over Citizenship Info, Public Testifies on New State Budget 5:41

4d ago5:41

5:41

The Brightwood-Forest Manor Community Center has a new home — the east side center is now located in a former church building. A large group of anti-Trump protestors gathered at the Indiana Statehouse. Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita and Secretary of State Diego Morales are suing the Trump administration over citizenship information. The publi…

1
Free Bike Tours, Ongoing Statehouse Debate Over Sleeping in Public, Homelessness Crisis in Indy, Judge Rules on International Student Visas, Indiana Humanities Hit by Federal Funding Cuts 7:10

5d ago7:10

7:10

A new selection of group bike tours are coming to Indianapolis. Lawmakers have debated whether they should adopt controversial language this session to criminalize people sleeping on public property. Frustrations over the homelessness crisis in Indianapolis were concentrated on one person during a recent City-County Council meeting. A federal judge…

1
Sinners and Cari Crowe 1:03:56

8d ago1:03:56

1:03:56

Matthew Socey reviews three new films, pays tribute to director Ted Kotcheff and has a chat with Cari Crowe (Daredevil Brewing Co.) about classic literature in cinema.By [email protected] (WFYI Public Media)

1
Childcare 28:46

9d ago28:46

28:46

The lack of affordable childcare can be viewed through various prisms: through the eyes of a single working parent, an understaffed business scrambling to hire and retain workers, or a child needing physical safety and a nurturing environment. Lawmakers examine the General Assembly’s ongoing effort to ease Indiana’s potentially crippling childcare …

1
A $2.4 Billion Loss in Revenue 26:46

9d ago26:46

26:46

State Revenue Forecasts project a $2.4 billion loss in revenue, the worst forecast since the Great Recession. Governor Mike Braun unveils significant changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that includes removing candy and soft drinks and limiting eligibility. The property tax overhaul is signed in to law, giving most Hoosiers a cr…

1
Lawsuit Dismissed Alleging Systemic Abuse at IPS, Earth Day Cleanup on Indy's East Side, Mobile Lung Clinic for Rural Residents, Parents Say Discrimination Complaints are Being Ignored 5:00

8d ago5:00

5:00

A lawsuit against a former Indianapolis Public Schools teacher, alleging systemic abuse against a student, has been dismissed. A large-scale cleanup of an east side waterway and greenspace is planned for this Earth Day weekend. Residents who live in rural areas or lack transportation may struggle to access lung screenings. Forty percent of the staf…

1
Gov. Braun Signs Property Tax Reform Into Law, Indy Effort to Pinpoint Dangerous Areas, ACLU of Indiana Sues Trump Admin Over Revoked Visas, The Growing Debate Over Public Education 10:22

9d ago10:22

10:22

Indiana’s major property tax reform package is now law, as Governor Mike Braun signed the measure Tuesday. Indianapolis residents are being asked to help shape priorities for the city’s Vision Zero initiative. The ACLU of Indiana sued the Trump Administration on Tuesday for revoking visas of seven international students studying at universities in …

1
The Impact of Indiana’s Property Tax Reform Plan on School Districts, Bill to Secure Power for AI Data Centers, RFK Jr. and Dr. Oz Visit Indy for 'Make Indiana Healthy Again' Initiative 5:20

10d ago5:20

5:20

Indiana’s property tax reform plan would cost school districts more than $740 million across three years. The state Senate passed a bill on Tuesday that aims to secure power for AI data centers. Indiana Governor Mike Braun hosted U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services Administra…

1
Todd Rundgren / Nnenna Freelon 45:19

11d ago45:19

45:19

Listen to an interview with Todd Rundgren, a pioneering musician, songwriter, and producer known for his eclectic style and innovative approach to technology in music. Rising to fame in the late 1960s with the band Nazz, Rundgren gained widespread acclaim with his 1972 solo album Something/Anything? which included the hit singles “Hello It’s Me” an…

1
Invasive Plant Program in Hamilton County, Bipartisan Bill Would Fund Road Repairs in Indy, Students Parents and Teachers Rally Against Tax Relief Plan, Experts Worry ER Waits will Worsen 9:25

11d ago9:25

9:25

A Hamilton County organization is looking to help residents replace potentially harmful plants with native species. A bipartisan-supported bill at the Statehouse would provide more money for Indianapolis' infrastructure. Students, parents and educators filled the Statehouse Monday to tell lawmakers that the state’s plan for property tax relief woul…

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

12d 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

15d 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

16d 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

16d 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

15d 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

16d 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

17d 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

18d 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

18d 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

19d 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

23d 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

23d 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

22d 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

23d 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

24d 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

24d ago

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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

25d 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

26d 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

30d 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

29d 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

30d 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

29d 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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…