Calling all podcast fans: Looking for something new to add to your weekly listening lineup? Indianapolis is home to dozens of local podcasts spanning music, history, food, politics, and much more. Here are a few we think you should press play on.
Echoes of Indiana Avenue
Episode cadence: Weekly
Subject: Cultural achievements of Black artists and musicians from Indianapolis
Recent episode: A history of the Ink Spots, the only Indianapolis act to be inducted into the Rock and Hall of Fame.
Business and Beyond with Gerry Dick
Episode cadence: Weekly
Subject: The successes, failures and memorable moments that have shaped the lives of high profile Hoosiers
Recent episode: The CEO of Techpoint announces that the “Oscars of Tech” is moving to Old National Centre and explains the importance of investing in Indiana tech.
Talking Hoosier History
Episode cadence: Monthly
Subject: The people, places, and events that shaped Indiana
Recent episode: An analysis of how bracero workers in Indiana helped the US meet agricultural needs during WWII.
Voices of Indy features live music from talented local acts.
Photo by @voicesofindy
Voices of Indy
Episode cadence: Every other week
Subject: Interviews and in-studio performances from established and up and coming local musicians
Recent episode: An interview with the frontman of Vonnegut Hardware, who have performed at local venues including Black Circle Brewing and Healer.
Indiana Week in Review
Episode cadence: Weekly
Subject: Hoosier Democrats, Republicans, and insiders talk candidly about the political debates and issues shaping Indiana
Recent episode: A look at South Korean tech company SK Hynix’s plans to build its first US semiconductor plant at Purdue Research Park.
Shift Drink
Episode cadence: Monthly
Subject: Conversations with movers and shakers in the beer, liquor, and hospitality industry, hosted by Indy restaurateur Ed Rudisell
Recent episode: An interview and tasting with a translator-turned-mezcal enthusiast from Fort Wayne.
Locked On
Episode cadence: Daily
Subject: Daily reviews of the latest news concerning the Pacers, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the Colts, and more.
Recent episode: Now that the Pacers are playoff bound, host Tony East reviews the keys that will help them prevail against the Bucks.
Classical Pairings
Episode cadence: Every other week
Subject: Indianapolis-based innovators in the food or beverage industry teach a classical musician about their craft
Recent episode: The culinary director of SoChatti Artisinal Chocolates explains the technology behind the company’s perfectly balanced flavors.
You all reached out to us with some more local podcast recommendations. Here’s what you had to say:
- “The F.A.B. (Fake A** Book Club) are two friends who review books and life events from a unique perspective that is under represented in the Circle City. A little saucy, always real from the heart conversation.” — Lerato S.
- “I wanted to bring to your attention a local podcast that is not so much entertainment as inspiration and awareness. Homeward Indy has only been around for about a year, but already the stories of hope and dedication are more than I can even relate. The focus of the conversation is on those who are part of the continuum of care - a group of organizations working to end homelessness in Indy. The episodes range anywhere from those serving in shelters, to those involved in the respectful burial of homeless individuals and people who dedicate their lives to ensuring that all those who are unhoused in Indy are treated with respect, care, and dignity. Together the hosts have worked to bring awareness to the Indy community about those working on behalf of the people we so often see on the streets.” — Lisa B.
- “I listen every week to Speed Street, a podcast by Conor Daly, local IndyCar race driver. He interviews drivers and gives us the latest race results and news about everything IndyCar.” — Tina H.
- “I thought you might be interested in PopaHALLics. We’ve been around for 121 episodes now. The majority of the shows are Kate and I discussing/debating/arguing about the merits of whatever we’ve watched, read, or heard, but we have done some interesting locally themed interviews, like a guy who was at the original Woodstock music festival and filmmakers who filmed primarily in Indy and Shelbyville. Some of the episodes also have an accompanying Spotify playlist.” — Steve H.
- “For a great podcast on leadership, look no further than Luminate: Navigating the Unknown Through Creative Leadership. In these thought-provoking episodes, Sarah Hempstead speaks with executives and leadership experts to uncover their achievements, watershed moments, and the turning points that have shaped their careers.” — Lisabeth H.
- “The Moonshine and Music podcast features indie songwriters, and so far we have 159 episodes. The podcast also presents the National Road Music Series concerts at the H.J. Ricks Centre for the Arts in Greenfield. Those shows are recorded and become part of the podcast as well as full concert videos on YouTube.” — Joe S.
- “What’s Up Westfield. A lot of the schools have them too.” — Amanda + David
Know of another local podcast we missed? We’re all ears.
