Our Indiana: Stories from Rural Hoosiers

Episode 11: Connecting Southern Indiana Through the Monon South Trail

In this episode of Our Indiana: Stories from Rural Hoosiers, host Denny Spinner records from the Radius Indiana office in Bedford, Indiana, and speaks with Jeff Quyle, president and CEO of Radius Indiana, along with Layne Elliott and Kristy Anderson from Indiana University’s Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands. Together, they trace the remarkable transformation of the historic Monon rail corridor into the Monon South Trail—soon to be the longest continuous rails‑to‑trails project in Indiana. Jeff, Layne, and Kristy share how small towns along the 62‑mile route are embracing the trail as a catalyst for economic revitalization, outdoor recreation, community identity, and new connections between residents and visitors.  Tune in to hear how southern Indiana communities are transforming a historic rail corridor into a shared regional asset and what the trail means for future growth and quality of life. For a transcript of this episode, visit go.iu.edu/ourindiana.

Episode 10: The Great Equalizer: The Vital Role of Rural Libraries

In this episode of Our Indiana: Stories from Rural Hoosiers, host Denny Spinner records from the Washington Carnegie Public Library in Washington, Indiana, and sits down with Teresa Heidenreich, executive director of the Washington Carnegie Public Library, and Susan Graber, director of the Odon Winklepleck Public Library. Together, they explore the evolving role of rural public libraries as essential community hubs—places that provide far more than books. From reliable internet access and technology support to cultural programming, lifelong learning opportunities, and preservation of local history, Teresa and Susan share how libraries serve as “great equalizers” in rural Indiana. Tune in to discover why rural libraries are at the heart of their communities—and why stepping through the library doors might surprise you.

Episode 9: Strengthening Rural Communities Through University Partnerships

In this episode of Our Indiana: Stories from Rural Hoosiers, host Denny Spinner travels to Washington, Indiana, to explore the impact of Sustaining Hoosier Communities (SHC) partnerships in Daviess County, Indiana. Guests Cindy Barber, county extension director at Purdue Extension Daviess County, and Scott Burgins, clinical assistant professor at IU’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, share how SHC has helped local leaders and university students work together on real-world projects that address community needs. From planning infrastructure improvements to preserving local history, the partnership has sparked new energy, built trust, and created lasting impact. Tune in to hear how rural communities are leveraging academic resources to turn ideas into action, how students are gaining hands-on experience in civic engagement, and how cross-university collaboration is helping Indiana’s small towns thrive. For a transcript of this episode, visit go.iu.edu/ourindiana.

Episode 8: Uncovering Black Heritage in Knox County and Beyond

In this episode of Our Indiana: Stories from Rural Hoosiers, host Denny Spinner travels to Vincennes, Indiana, to speak with Eunice Trotter, director of the Indiana Landmarks Black Heritage Preservation Program, and local historian Tom Bartholomew. Together, they explore the deep and often overlooked history of Black communities in Knox County and across Indiana. They discuss the origins and evolution of the Black Heritage Preservation Program, the power of oral histories, and the grassroots efforts to digitize and share long-buried records. From freedom suits filed decades before the Civil War to the first Black woman to vote in Indiana, this episode reveals how local stories shape our collective past. Tune in to hear how communities are reclaiming their history, why preserving uncomfortable truths is essential for healing, and how this work is inspiring a new generation of historians and changemakers.

Episode 7: Bridging the Mental Health Gap in Rural Indiana

In this episode of Our Indiana: Stories from Rural Hoosiers, host Denny Spinner sits down with Jodi Routson, director of Deaconess Outpatient Behavioral Health Services at Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center; Jon Agley, associate professor at the IU School of Public Health; and Amy Todd, registered nurse and program management specialist at IU, to explore a groundbreaking partnership addressing mental health needs in rural Indiana. They discuss how telehealth innovations are breaking down access barriers, reducing wait times, and offering immediate support to underserved populations. The episode also touches on reducing stigma, provider support, and scaling successful models to reach more rural Hoosiers. Tune in to learn about innovative mental health care approaches, the impact of telehealth, and future expansion of these services to rural communities. Discover how collaboration is making a difference in the lives of rural Hoosiers. Read the transcript [https://rural.indiana.edu/news/our-indiana/2025-03-episode-7.html]