Indy Unplugged

Season 2, Episode 1: Season 2 of the City of Indianola's official podcast, Indy Unplugged, is here, and it kicks off with a deep dive into the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. In this episode, residents get an inside look at how the FY27 budget was developed, the teamwork that shaped it and what the community can expect as the new fiscal year begins July 1, 2026. Featured guests include Mayor Steve Richar...

Season 1, Episode 18: In this episode of Indy Unplugged, Indianola Main Street Executive Director Erica Roberts joins us and discusses a variety of exciting topics, such as:   Previewing Downtown Dough Day on August 7 – an innovative incentive where up to $60,000 will be spent at local businesses in the downtown district. Looking ahead to Indianola Main Street's annual fundraiser, dinner and celeb...

Season 1, Episode 17: Ty Tannatt of the Disc Golf Pro Tour and the City of Indianola’s Chief of Culture and Recreation, Doug Bylund, join Indy Unplugged to explore the evolution of the Pickard Park Disc Golf Course into one of the premier disc golf destinations in the world. The pair also preview this year’s Discmania Challenge, presented by Trubank, which is slated for June 27-29. Grab a disc, st...

Season 1, Episode 16: In this special episode of Indy Unplugged, we welcome new city manager Jacob Meshke, who joined the City of Indianola on Wednesday, May 28. In this episode, Jacob shares his professional journey from his early beginnings in city government. He also discusses what drew him to Indianola, what excites him about being part of the team and his approach for guiding Indianola into i...

Season 1, Episode 15: Amanda Zwanziger and Haley Swanson with the Indianola Chamber of Commerce join Indy Unplugged for a dynamic conversation about how strategic community experiences fuel local growth and vibrancy.   With the Dad’s Rock Festival debuting on Saturday, June 14, a new twist to the Chamber’s Summer Nights Live concert series, Amanda and Haley share how this exciting, action-packed e...

Season 1, Episode 14: Indianola City Council Member Mellisa Sones joins "Indy Unplugged" for an insightful discussion on leadership, community engagement and her experience with the Warren County Leadership Institute. In this episode, Council Member Sones reflects on how WCLI influenced her approach to public service and has helped shape her role on the Council. She highlights key takeaways from t...

Season 1, Episode 13: Indianola Mayor Steve Richardson joins "Indy Unplugged" for an in-depth conversation covering key topics as of late that are shaping the city's future. In this episode, Mayor Richardson shares updates on the three City Manager finalists , where citizens are invited to a community meet-and-greet event on Tuesday, April 1, from 5:30-7 p.m. at Simpson College’s Hubbell Hall and...

Season 1, Episode 11: Newly appointed Indianola Mayor Steve Richardson joins “Indy Unplugged” for an informative conversation as he shares his journey to civic leadership, his background and his vision for the city’s future. In this episode, Mayor Richardson dives into the opportunities and challenges facing Indianola, all the while the Indianola City Council goes through its budget process amid H...

Season 1, Episode 10: Retiring Indianola Fire Chief Greg Chia and new Indianola Fire Chief Aaron Hurt join “Indy Unplugged” for an informative conversation that highlights the Indianola Fire Department. In this episode, Chief Chia and Chief Hurt talk about their respective careers and transition of leadership, department accomplishments and priorities, an outlook of the future, the importance of c...

Season 1, Episode 9: Indianola Main Street Executive Director Erica Roberts and Indianola Main Street Board Vice President Leslie Held join "Indy Unplugged" for an insightful conversation that dives deeper into the ins and outs of Indianola Main Street. In August 2024, Indianola was named a Main Street Iowa community following a rigorous application process. Through the Main Street Approach™, comm...

Season 1, Episode 8: Water Resource Recovery Department Superintendent Jared Keenan joins "Indy Unplugged" for an informative conversation that sheds light into the City's new state-of-the-art facility, previews the Open House event on Thursday, October 3, 2024, experiences and processes that staff follow through for operations at the plant and out in the field, as well as other insightful viewpoi...

Season 1, Episode 7: Indianola Municipal Utilities General Manager Chris DesPlanques joins "Indy Unplugged" for an insightful conversation that highlights the upcoming solar project IMU is undertaking and what it will mean to Indianola, the groundbreaking event on Wednesday, Sept. 25, and other important updates and details from the organization.   Fast-forward to a specific topic covered: 00:00-0...

Season 1, Episode 6: In this episode of "Indy Unplugged," we're switching things up a bit! Moderator Lucinda Sperry from Warren County Economic Development is joined by city and county leadership to bring insight to the recent property tax notice and its impact on Warren County residents. Join us in this informative discussion as we explore the details of the recent property tax notice together. P...

Season 1, Episode 5: Director Michele Patrick, Teen Services & Marketing Librarian Alison Brown, Children’s Librarian Janis Comer and Adult Services Librarian Jacy West join "Indy Unplugged" for an engaging and entertaining conversation that highlights the Indianola Public Library, its services and programs for the community, future initiatives and opportunities, and upcoming events, among oth...

Season 1, Episode 4: Chief of Culture & Recreation Doug Bylund and Horticulturalist Supervisor Angie Buchanan join "Indy Unplugged" for an engaging conversation that highlights the quality of life initiatives the City of Indianola has as it relates to the City’s parks, trails, cultural and leisure activities, and beautification efforts throughout the community, among other topics. Tune in to l...

Season 1, Episode 3: Indianola Police Chief Brian Sher joins "Indy Unplugged" for an insightful conversation that highlights his 30-year journey with the Indianola Police Department and how the City of Indianola has evolved over the years, his passion for Indianola, community policing and how IPD prioritizes community outreach just as much as law enforcement, key moments in 2023 that IPD experienc...

Season 1, Episode 2: Deputy City Manager - Chief of Development & Operations Charlie Dissell and Associate Planner Emily Rizvić joins "Indy Unplugged" for a meaningful conversation that highlights the department’s successes from its 2023 annual report and the community vision its following, updates on the Downtown Façade Grant Program and CDBG Grant Program for improvements in the Indianola Do...

Season 1, Episode 1: Indianola Mayor Stephanie Erickson joins "Indy Unplugged" for an engaging conversation that explores the City's evolving landscape – from the updated 2024-27 strategic plan to economic development initiatives, community partnerships driving progress and so much more. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of Indianola's vision and the collaborative efforts shaping our promisin...

Hosted by City of Indianola Communications Manager Aaron Young, "Indy Unplugged" is the official City of Indianola podcast that dives deeper into the stories, projects and initiatives throughout the city. Whether it's discussions with elected officials, insights from City staff or perspectives from valued community partners, at least one episode each month will be released packed with in-depth con...