Bloomington Stories
Josh Bennett and Chris Kupersmith
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Top 10 Bloomington Stories Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Bloomington Stories episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Bloomington Stories for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Bloomington Stories episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Josh Turns 50 in a Parking Lot
Bloomington Stories
08/01/24 • 78 min
On Josh’s 50th birthday, BadkneesTs’ Jim Beck hosted a grand reopening for his new location on West Kirkwood across from Rose Hill Cemetery, forever home of Hoagy Carmichael and so many other seminal Bloomington humans. (In fact, just the other day, Chris’s son pointed out how many Hinkle headstones there are. If you eat burgers and haven’t had a Hinkle’s hamburger, go visit Badknees then head west a few blocks for lunch at Hinkle’s.) Anyway, Josh and Chris set up a mobile recording tent at the event because If You Pitch It, They Will Talk. And they did. We chatted with Andrew Kupersmith, Max Chestnut from Columbus, Benedict Jones, Eli McCormick, Camryn Greer and Mallory Elver, and Bloomington cornerstone, Tim Clower. The filling in this donut is a recording of Beck’s moving and historic speech commemorating the unveiling of the Bloomington monolith.
Thank you to our sponsors, Gretchen and Ruth Nall and Bloomington Rentals and Realty for their support of the pod.
And thanks as usual to badknees
WE HAVE MERCH! Designed by Chris Mott and sponsored by badknees. Check it out!
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Content Warning: It is never our intention to hurt or offend people, and we plan to be mindful about not punching down. We are always open to feedback about this because we want to keep growing and evolving until we croak. However, we do like to joke around and we are middle-aged, so our sense of humor may not be for you.
Not Your Average Security Guard with Rob Jordan
Bloomington Stories
09/01/23 • 53 min
Rob Jordan works as a security guard at Bloomington High School North, but we found that he provides way more emotional security for students than he does guarding them from each other. During the interview, we talked about Rob’s difficult upbringing in Kentucky, his deeply intuitive approaches to working with at-risk kids, donuts, knowing kids’ names, the Chicago-to-Bloomington pipeline, body language, food insecurity, his son’s first date, comic books, the students we’ve lost, and Sunday dinners. Oh, and bourbon.
BIG NEWS: WE HAVE MERCH! Designed by Chris Mott and sponsored by badknees. Check it out!
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Content Warning: It is never our intention to hurt or offend people, and we plan to be mindful about not punching down. We are always open to feedback about this because we want to keep growing and evolving until we croak. However, we do like to joke around and we are middle-aged, so our sense of humor may not be for you.
Know Fear with Merrie Sloan
Bloomington Stories
06/01/23 • 55 min
Welcome to another episode of Bloomington Stories! In today's captivating episode, we explore the extraordinary experiences of a woman who found herself immersed in the vibrant and eclectic community of Bloomington, Indiana. From her involvement with a non-denominational charismatic cult to encounters with colorful characters, join us as we unravel her journey filled with intrigue, self-discovery, and unforgettable memories.
Our story begins with our protagonist's entanglement in a non-denominational charismatic cult. We delve into her struggles with church leaders and the complexities of breaking free from their influence. From questioning faith to seeking independence, she embarked on a path of personal growth that shaped the rest of her remarkable journey.
Amidst the chaos of her spiritual awakening, our protagonist stumbles upon the perfect punk rock boyfriend. We explore the magnetic pull between their rebellious spirits, their shared passion for music, and the adventures they embark upon together. Through their eyes, we witness the vibrant punk scene in Bloomington and how it influenced their lives.
Beneath the moonlit skies of Bloomington, our protagonist finds solace and inspiration. We accompany her on enchanting walks through the city, exploring its hidden corners and sharing the captivating tales that unfold in the depths of the night. These nocturnal excursions reveal the essence of Bloomington's soul, as experienced through her eyes.
Campfires and country music become a catalyst for connection and camaraderie. We delve into the intimate moments our protagonist shared around crackling flames, strumming guitars with fellow musicians, and singing heartfelt songs that resonate with the spirit of Bloomington. These musical interludes hold a special place in her heart and serve as a backdrop to the stories she cherishes.
The music scene in Bloomington embraces our protagonist, allowing her to pursue her passion by playing music alongside talented individuals. We explore the unique dynamics and friendships formed within these collaborative ventures, revealing the transformative power of music and the unifying spirit it fosters within the community.
Bloomington is home to a colorful cast of characters, and our protagonist encounters her fair share of intriguing personalities along the way. We highlight some of these memorable figures, including Toby, whose enigmatic presence leaves an indelible mark on her life. We also recount the amusing tale of Robocop on Kirkwood and other intriguing anecdotes that bring the city's character to life.
As our journey nears its end, we recount a particularly unforgettable episode involving a green water gun holster. We explore the mischievous escapades that unfolded, including encounters with puking clowns, embodying the wild and adventurous spirit that can only be found in the unique tapestry of Bloomington.
Join us next time as we continue to unravel the captivating stories that lie within Bloomington's colorful history. From cults to punk rock, and everything in between, this city has nurtured the spirit of adventure, creativity, and resilience. Until then, keep exploring, keep discovering, and keep embracing the unique tapestry of life.
BIG NEWS: WE HAVE MERCH! Designed by Chris Mott and sponsored by badknees. Check it out!
Contact & Follow:
Content Warning: It is never our intention to hurt or offend people, and we plan to be mindful about not punching down. We are always open to feedback about this because we want to keep growing and evolving until we croak. However, we do like to joke around and we are middle-aged, so our sense of humor may not be for you.
Tales from the Gulch with Miles and Alex
Bloomington Stories
01/01/24 • 67 min
We take a conversational stoll through our town, this time joined by fellow podcasters Alex and Miles from “It’s a Beautiful Day in the Gulch.” We talk about our shared love for Bloomington (the Gulch), but also our common experience of defending the decision to stay here. These Hoosier Alan Lomaxes tell us about Nighthawk, a local caped crusader, and his direct action crew. We also get to hear about Humor the Clown, who is actually a mime. Along the way, we talk about Reggie Miller, Farm Aid, Alex’s last name, Miles’ alter-ego, Premiles, and, of course, John Mellencamp. We even get a guest appearance by Sushi the cat, and an original poem by Alex. This episode is a love letter to Bloomington to close out 2023.
BIG NEWS: WE HAVE MERCH! Designed by Chris Mott and sponsored by badknees. Check it out!
Contact & Follow:
Content Warning: It is never our intention to hurt or offend people, and we plan to be mindful about not punching down. We are always open to feedback about this because we want to keep growing and evolving until we croak. However, we do like to joke around and we are middle-aged, so our sense of humor may not be for you.
Shoes on a Wire, Shirts on the Press, and Dogs on the Floor
Bloomington Stories
03/11/24 • 7 min
Today we talk about T-shirts that make you feel like a loser and T-shirts that make you feel like today is your day. We also discuss Jim from badknees, T-shirt whisperer, and Chris Mott, killer artist. You even get to hear one of his songs, “All the Dogs,” from the PURPLE 7 album Jewel Finger. Find the link below. And while you're at it, go out and get yourself some street cred by pre-ordering one of our shirts, mugs, totes, or buttons by March 15!
MERCH! Designed by Chris Mott and sponsored by badknees. Check it out!
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Three Lil B**ches
Bloomington Stories
06/01/24 • 71 min
Our guest, Asher Waite-Jones, greeted us in pajamas and immediately began making Josh feel slightly nervous–before we could even start recording. While we can never predict how successful an interview will be, this was certainly an auspicious beginning.
You might expect a certain degree of decorum from a Staff Attorney in the Bloomington Office of Indiana Legal Services who, according to a Maurer School of Law blog, “runs the Expungement Help Desk, working alongside Maurer students to represent hundreds of low-income Hoosiers impacted by the criminal legal system.” But, as you know, we happen to specialize in bringing out the worst in people—even local saints like Asher. And he brought his A game: gossip about the ex, all kinds of sex jokes, and a real doozy of an imitation of one of our hosts.
Thank you to our newest sponsors, Gretchen and Ruth Nall and Bloomington Rentals and Realty for their support of the pod.
And thanks as usual to badknees
WE HAVE MERCH! Designed by Chris Mott and sponsored by badknees. Check it out!
Support:
Contact & Follow:
Content Warning: It is never our intention to hurt or offend people, and we plan to be mindful about not punching down. We are always open to feedback about this because we want to keep growing and evolving until we croak. However, we do like to joke around and we are middle-aged, so our sense of humor may not be for you.
I Can Freak Myself Out All Day Long Anywhere with Megan MacDonald
Bloomington Stories
10/01/23 • 66 min
Welcome to a resplendent edition of “Bloomington Stories,” where we have the singular honor to present the esteemed Ms. Megan MacDonald! Our delightful guest, a radiant custodian of times bygone, is an eminent figure at the Monroe County History Center.
In this scintillating episode, Ms. MacDonald, fresh from the razzle-dazzle of the city that never sleeps—New York City, spins marvelous yarns of the illustrious days of early Bloomington.
Our conversation dances through the gamut of extraordinary tales, hopping from the whimsical charm of pink houses to the snapping vigor of turtles! And, oh, the strange and wondrous relics she has received!
We delve into animated discussions, ranging from the legendary Bob Hope to the most peculiar subject of underwater cemeteries! Brace yourselves, dear listeners, for our conversation does wander into the more risqué territories, embracing topics of sex and dolls! And it’s the effervescent Ms. MacDonald who regales us with quite the eyebrow-raising anecdote involving none other than Herman B Wells’ testicles.
BIG NEWS: WE HAVE MERCH! Designed by Chris Mott and sponsored by badknees. Check it out!
Contact & Follow:
Content Warning: It is never our intention to hurt or offend people, and we plan to be mindful about not punching down. We are always open to feedback about this because we want to keep growing and evolving until we croak. However, we do like to joke around and we are middle-aged, so our sense of humor may not be for you.
Spiritual Father
Bloomington Stories
08/01/23 • 75 min
Tall swooning bamboo, the smoke of clove cigarettes, and classical piano. If you’ve taken a walk on the near westside of Bloomington in the last many decades, you may have had this sensory experience as you knowingly or unknowingly passed the home of our guest, Simeon Rodgers. Having made his way from a farm in the middle of Indiana to the prestigious Indiana University Music in the 1960s, Simeon established a home here and earned a degree. He also made donuts to keep a roof over his daughters’ heads and started a career in rolfing, an intense form of bodywork that involves manipulating deep tissue. Along the way, your hosts talk about fear of highways, Spanish beaches, Nine Inch Nails, spiritual godfathers, weeding gardens, eating pies at Spring Mill State Park, conflicts on rooftops, and, most importantly, being lil bitches.
In this episode, Chris incorrectly guessed that David Letterman interviewed Kenny Aranoff about rolfing, and Josh called Scott his uncle. He’s actually his cousin, so fuck you!
Chris wrote this song for Simeon back in the day. Some of the references should be familiar, bitch.
BIG NEWS: WE HAVE MERCH! Designed by Chris Mott and sponsored by badknees. Check it out!
Contact & Follow:
Content Warning: It is never our intention to hurt or offend people, and we plan to be mindful about not punching down. We are always open to feedback about this because we want to keep growing and evolving until we croak. However, we do like to joke around and we are middle-aged, so our sense of humor may not be for you.
California Sober with Freda Love Smith
Bloomington Stories
12/01/23 • 59 min
According to her recently published book, I Quit Everything, Freda Love Smith quit everything. But she does still talk, and we can prove it. And when she did do stuff, she played drums with The Blake Babies, Juliana Hatfield, Antenna, Gentleman Caller, Sunshine Boys, and Mysteries of Life among other 90s darlings. She wrote Red Velvet Underground, a cookbook/ memoir. However, once again we have no interest in lingering on our guest’s remarkable accomplishments but prefer to bring out the worst in them. So get ready to hear about Ricky’s Cantina, robotripping, and roughing up a local celebrity.
PS The related articles on Freda’s Wikipedia page are “Erzulie, Family of Voodoo spirits,” “Felix da Housecat, American DJ and record producer,” and “Debra L. Shapiro, American scholar.”
BIG NEWS: WE HAVE MERCH! Designed by Chris Mott and sponsored by badknees. Check it out!
Contact & Follow:
Content Warning: It is never our intention to hurt or offend people, and we plan to be mindful about not punching down. We are always open to feedback about this because we want to keep growing and evolving until we croak. However, we do like to joke around and we are middle-aged, so our sense of humor may not be for you.
Jawin’ Away with Joel and Jonathan
Bloomington Stories
07/01/24 • 96 min
Joel Washington is one of those superheroes of Bloomington who walks among us like he’s no big deal. His artistry is his superpower. In fact, for his decades of making colorful–sometimes almost psychedelic–pop art, he received the City of Bloomington Living Legend Award in 2021. We also found out that he’s not too shabby on a skateboard either, and he's been doing it long before the the City decided that skating was rad. Joel’s skater pal, Jonathan Prather, came along too. Jonathan is the owner of Rhett Skateboarding and an all-around awesome dude.
Episode links:
Thank you to our sponsors, Gretchen and Ruth Nall and Bloomington Rentals and Realty for their support of the pod.
And thanks as usual to badknees
WE HAVE MERCH! Designed by Chris Mott and sponsored by badknees. Check it out!
Support:
Contact & Follow:
Content Warning: It is never our intention to hurt or offend people, and we plan to be mindful about not punching down. We are always open to feedback about this because we want to keep growing and evolving until we croak. However, we do like to joke around and we are middle-aged, so our sense of humor may not be for you.
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FAQ
How many episodes does Bloomington Stories have?
Bloomington Stories currently has 21 episodes available.
What topics does Bloomington Stories cover?
The podcast is about Podcasts, Society & Culture and Personal Journals.
What is the most popular episode on Bloomington Stories?
The episode title 'Us' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Bloomington Stories?
The average episode length on Bloomington Stories is 60 minutes.
How often are episodes of Bloomington Stories released?
Episodes of Bloomington Stories are typically released every 30 days.
When was the first episode of Bloomington Stories?
The first episode of Bloomington Stories was released on Apr 1, 2023.
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