At Home In Bloomington

It goes without saying that times are weird. Here at the At Home in Bloomington podcast, we are, like everyone else, trying to navigate our way and do the right things. We are not currently recording full podcasts as our preference is to record face to face (we are going to try out some Zoom recording, though!). We have a few episodes previously recorded that are already in the can that we are going to drop. And here is one. This is one we all need and even though you can't go in person...

Big ideas. The world needs them right now. On every topic and in every field, encouraging the spread of big ideas and the excitement those ideas instill in others is what will cause change for the better. You may have heard of TED Talks? Those short talks posted online on a huge variety of subjects, designed to make us think? Did you know that Bloomington has our own TED series called TEDxBloomington? Local events and local speakers come together to create our own Ted-like experience. On...

I'm so excited about this episode, I don't even know if I can string a coherent sentence together. Lucky for me, you don't talk while scuba diving. That's right. Okay, okay. Full disclosure, I was only in about 10 feet of water. In a pool. Without sharks. But still. Did you know that Southern Indiana has a large contingent of scuba enthusiasts? I did not know this until I met and chatted with Casey Vallee, a dive instructor with Southern Indiana Scuba. Her enthusiasm for scuba is infectious...

Local. Is it a trendy word or is it truly a vital concept? We're voting for vital concept. Local businesses and business people have an intimate knowledge of our community needs. As Liam Neeson would say, "a very particular set of skills" that can only be "acquired over a very long career." What does that have to do with this episode's guest? Is it Liam Neeson? Not quite. But we talk with two of the general managers of our local food market juggernaut, Bloomingfoods Co-Op, Dee Bohler and...

Today’s show is about magic. Not the pull a rabbit out of a hat or guess my card magic. Real magic. Turning silent sunshine into music and hot beams into freezing cold AC. The magic of solar power. We welcome Ryan Zaricki, owner of Whole Sun Designs to talk about the process of integrating solar power into your home and all the benefits that come along with it (and how to make the most of those benefits). This show is about what a homeowner needs to know about solar. We don't get too deeply...

At Home in Bloomington is about finding community. And that's literally what this episode is about. Community. And it's one of Deb's most favorite places on earth. If you’ve heard her talk, then you’ve probably heard her talk about it. No, it’s not Disneyworld. But we kind of love it for the same reason. The people there are always so happy and having fun. We're talking about Meadowood, a senior living community., but really a center of community for Bloomington. On this episode of At Home...

Are you new to the community? Or maybe just want to make more friends? Today's show is a two-fer. Because you can meet people and make friends while making a difference. Volunteers are vital to so many organizations in Bloomington. And we are lucky enough to have a city government that recognizes that. In fact, in 1980, when then Mayor Frank McCloskey established the Bloomington Volunteer Action Center, it was only the 2nd center of its kind in the country (the first being New York City). So...

History isn't so much about remembering "the Good Old days." If you really study and contemplate, you'll often gain a greater appreciation for today! (Never a bad thing to increase our gratitude, I think!) One of the best (and FREE) ways to connect with our local history is through the Monroe County History Club. On this episode of At Home in Bloomington, we talk with Michael Carter about the origins of the club, what's involved to be a member (nothing but showing up and maybe eating...

Collaboration, cooperation and innovation. Probably things our world could use more of and that's why we love this guest so much! Growing Opportunities collaborates with local businesses, cooperates with other non profits and is constantly working on innovative ways to hydroponically grow fresh produce year around. In a parking lot off East 10th Street. There's a double story here of fresh greens, grown in controlled and chemical free environment where only gloved hands touch the plant from...

We did the math. It's not that far. Think about it this way, if you lived in Greenwood (Indiana), you'd probably not hesitate to drive to downtown Indianapolis to do something, right? This is the same distance. What are we talking about? Driving to Spencer, Indiana (just west of Bloomington a few miles) to check out one of their special places (and save money, too!). Spencer is home to the Historic Tivoli Theatre and in this episode of At Home in Bloomington, we talk with Andrea and Rob...

Big 10 Bargain. If you don't know what that is, can you really call yourself a Bloomingtonian? We still love you, but you need to get on board with this iconic deal. Yes, I'm talking about pizza, but so much more. Jeff Mease, Godfather of the Bloomington pizza scene and co-owner of One World Enterprises, the parent company of beloved Pizza X, Lennie's, Bloomington Brewing Company, Woolery Mill, Hive, and the One World Kitchen Share, joins us on this episode. We talk their history, his...

How many places have you driven by over and over again and never stopped to check out? We are guilty as charged and that stops now! Well, at least for this episode. We talk with (and Karan reunites with an old college friend) Carey Champion who is the executive director of the Wylie House. You know the house I'm talking about. The beautiful and stately home on Second Street? It's got stories, possible ghosts, and important history to both Bloomington and IU. And it's free to tour. Listen to...

We are not the only podcast game in town. We love to share and support other local podcasts. That’s what we are doing on this episode of At Home in Bloomington. And it comes with such an interesting twist. I Flashback to Never is a scripted podcast (which means the complete opposite of what we do since we have no script and barely any notes! We just wing it!) Flashback to never is a radio show about radio. And music. And Bloomington in the 1960’s. But an alternate history telling of a world...

This is a show near and dear to Deb's heart for a couple reasons. First, it's the 50th Episode of At Home in Bloomington! Whew! That's a lot. Between listening to the shows and then visiting all our guests, you shouldn't be bored for years! The second reason Deb is loving on this episode so much is that she worked with Bloomington Restorations Inc for many years to find the right buyer for this property to turn it into something amazing. The Beaumont House has become one of the most stunning...

How do the French say that something is dreadfully long? They say it's like "un jour sans pain," like a day without bread (pain doesn't mean pain, it means bread). And if you're going to make or eat bread, make it darn good bread. We're here to give you a hot tip! Did you know that Bloomington is home to Indiana's only wood-fired brick-oven bakery? Every Saturday, Muddy Fork Bakery loads up a truck of beautiful loaves and croissants made with organic grains, including wheat, rye, kamut and...

As we've discovered on previous episodes of At Home in Bloomington, some of the best ideas start in a garage or barn. Oliver Winery began as a backyard hobby of Indiana University law professor William Oliver and as most good ideas do, quickly outgrew the barn (sound familiar, Switchyard Brewery?). Professor Oliver was instrumental in passing legislation allowing for the creation of small wineries in Indiana and opened the door for breweries and wineries to sell and serve their craft...

Are you like Deb and get your political aspirations from the movie, "Legally Blonde?" Don't judge! That movie is chock full of sound advice. From animal rights to Elle Woods telling Congress to "Speak up! Use your voice!" This is YOUR community. There's a difference between being a part of the community and just living in it. This episode of At Home in Bloomington encourages you to be an active part and a voice of the community, rather than just a bystander. Everyone can be involved. And...

Are you like us? Have you heard and seen the words "Community Foundation" often but really don't understand the impact they have on our community? Maybe you've even given a donation to the Foundation and not really understood the power of those funds? It's powerful! We'll tell you how! Established in 1990, the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County (or CFMBC) is a nonprofit, community corporation created by and for local citizens. The CFBMC creates positive impact, helps...

What's your passion? What's your dream? We are always impressed and inspired when we find someone who seemingly "threw it all away" only to make their passion a reality. For Michelle Pruitt, reading a book by the founder of Farm Sanctuary changed her life forever and put her on the path to making her passion a reality. Michelle immediately went vegan, but wanted to do more to help abused and neglected farmed animals. Michelle and her husband Mark opened the barn doors to Uplands PEAK...

In certain circles, this week's guest is considered a rock star. While she humbly disagrees, we're impressed with the fact that this author, teacher, artist, scholar and woodworker has chosen Bloomington as her home. Since 1995, Nancy Hiller has taught cabinetmaking, furniture, and finishing courses, authored five books and run NR Hiller Design, a one woman design and build operation. We talk to Nancy about how a woodworking course taken out of spite led her down the path to what would...