In our Season Four Finale, we break down the surprising, inspiring and unexpected delights that came out of Indiana in 2025 proving, once again, that you should never dismiss the Hoosier State. We touch upon Indiana University Football, the Heisman Trophy Winner, and Democracy! Joined by our guest and sound editor, Michael Miltenberger, we share our favorite things that impacted not only Indiana but, just maybe, the entire nation. Stay in Touch with Defending Indiana ...

There 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 Dr. Justin R. Garcia is an evolu...

Kurt 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 prison...

Colleen, 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 Indiana [email protected] Defending Indiana Website Defending Indiana on Facebook Defending Indiana on Instagram Defending Indi...

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...

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 Clau...

We 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. Rodriguez Co-Producers: Colleen Brennan and Janice V. Rodriguez Theme Music: Michael Miltenberger Sound Editing: Michael Miltenberger Stay in Touch with Defending Indiana defendingi...

Indiana 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 ...

In 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.*** &...

In 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 ...