In this episode of Our Indiana: Stories from Rural Hoosiers, host Denny Spinner records from the Radius Indiana office in Bedford, Indiana, and speaks with Jeff Quyle, president and CEO of Radius Indiana, along with Layne Elliott and Kristy Anderson from Indiana University’s Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands.

Together, they trace the remarkable transformation of the historic Monon rail corridor into the Monon South Trail—soon to be the longest continuous rails‑to‑trails project in Indiana. Jeff, Layne, and Kristy share how small towns along the 62‑mile route are embracing the trail as a catalyst for economic revitalization, outdoor recreation, community identity, and new connections between residents and visitors.

Tune in to hear how southern Indiana communities are transforming a historic rail corridor into a shared regional asset and what the trail means for future growth and quality of life.

For a transcript of this episode, visit go.iu.edu/ourindiana.

In this episode of Our Indiana: Stories from Rural Hoosiers, host Denny Spinner records from the Washington Carnegie Public Library in Washington, Indiana, and sits down with Teresa Heidenreich, executive director of the Washington Carnegie Public Library, and Susan Graber, director of the Odon Winklepleck Public Library.

Together, they explore the evolving role of rural public libraries as essential community hubs—places that provide far more than books. From reliable internet access and technology support to cultural programming, lifelong learning opportunities, and preservation of local history, Teresa and Susan share how libraries serve as “great equalizers” in rural Indiana.

Tune in to discover why rural libraries are at the heart of their communities—and why stepping through the library doors might surprise you.

In this episode of Our Indiana: Stories from Rural Hoosiers, host Denny Spinner travels to Washington, Indiana, to explore the impact of Sustaining Hoosier Communities (SHC) partnerships in Daviess County, Indiana.

Guests Cindy Barber, county extension director at Purdue Extension Daviess County, and Scott Burgins, clinical assistant professor at IU’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, share how SHC has helped local leaders and university students work together on real-world projects that address community needs. From planning infrastructure improvements to preserving local history, the partnership has sparked new energy, built trust, and created lasting impact.

Tune in to hear how rural communities are leveraging academic resources to turn ideas into action, how students are gaining hands-on experience in civic engagement, and how cross-university collaboration is helping Indiana’s small towns thrive.

For a transcript of this episode, visit go.iu.edu/ourindiana.