Meeting Muncie

Muncie, Indiana, has been called "the most studied city of its size in America." It has long served as a bellwether: a quintessential American small city. The history is important, and well-documented. But what's it like to move here in the 21st century? Join Jonathan Balmer, a new Munsonian, as he interviews the people around town who make Muncie truly unique.

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Episodes

Dr. Andy Shears (Muncie Map Company)

Dr. Andy Shears it the owner of Muncie Map Company, Muncie's own custom cartography studio. From local history, plenty of observational humor, to custom maps and international clientele, Andy shares his thoughts. We talk about how space and place matter, how Muncie is the sort of town that can take a beating and be at work the next day, and why living in other towns without the ever-present sound of trains isn't all it's cracked up to be. Links of interest: ⁠Muncie Map Company Website ⁠Muncie Ma...

Dec 27, 2023•34 min•Season 1Ep. 8

Sasha Donati (Legacy Village West African Cuisine)

Sasha Donati is the chef and owner of Legacy Village West African Cuisine located at 3124 N Granville Ave, Muncie, IN 47303. She came to Muncie after marrying her husband, a native Munsonian. Originally from Liberia, Sasha and I talk about the unique features of African Cuisine, her philosophy on life, and her hopes that food not only makes for a good meal but meaningful community connections. Links of interest: Legacy West African Cuisine Facebook Page Meeting Muncie Instagram Post with Picture...

Oct 31, 2023•24 min•Season 1Ep. 7

Bibi Bahrami (AWAKEN INC)

Bibi Bahrami is the founder of AWAKEN Inc (Afghan Women And Kid's Education & Necessities); an American citizen originally from Afghanistan, Bibi met her husband Dr. Saber Bahrami in a refugee camp in Pakistan in the 1980s. She came to Muncie during her husband's residency at Ball Memorial hospital, not knowing English she went from learning the English Alphabet to earning a degree from Ball State all right here in Muncie. We spoke on a variety of topics from refugee resettlement in Muncie t...

May 12, 2023•31 min•Season 1Ep. 7

Jeff Robinson (City Council President)

Jeff Robinson is the current City Council President (2023). We discuss his years growing up in Muncie, his love for classic cars and the Mustang he and his father refurbished when he was 13, about bipartisanship and being the Democratic President of a majority Republican city council, and even what job he would love to have other than the one he currently does (it involves the open road!). This is part of a two part series. Last week, a conversation with the current Mayor, Dan Ridenour, was publ...

Apr 25, 2023•21 min•Season 1Ep. 5

Dan Ridenour (Mayor)

Dan Ridenour is the current Mayor of Muncie Indiana (2023). We discuss how he became a Munsonian, why he runs not only for office but for recreation and relaxation, about Southside development, and even what he finds to be the most obnoxious sound in the world! This is part of a two part series. A week after this episode is published, a conversation with the current President of City Council, Jeff Robinson, will be online. Both public officials are running for Mayor this year. "Meeting Muncie's ...

Apr 14, 2023•20 min•Ep. 4

Dr. Christina Blanch (Aw Yeah Comics)

Dr. Christina Blanch is owner of Aw, Yeah Comics in addition to being a published author of comics herself. Learn what led her to stay in Muncie after her time at Ball State University, and how she transformed her business to stay afloat during Covid-19 shutdowns. We talk about everything from Colombo to a Comic Con event right here in Muncie, to what makes downtown special. It was a fun conversation. I hope you enjoy it! See Aw, Yeah Comics Aw Yeah Comics Muncie "Meeting Muncie's " web home is ...

Mar 22, 2023•39 min

Mitch Isaacs (Shafer Leadership)

If you have questions on your mind like: - What's the most unexpected scenic spot near Muncie? - What if sports fans were given the microphone instead of the professional sports commentators? - What in the world is a leadership academy? Then THIS episode is for you. Mitch Isaacs is the Executive Director of Shafer Leadership academy. He's one of the people you might meet, if you decide to Meet Muncie. See Shafer online at: https://www.shaferleadership.com/ If you know of someone who should be in...

Mar 06, 2023•24 min

Mike Martin (Common Market)

Much thanks to our very FIRST guest: Mike Martin. You can find more about Common Market here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/munciecommonmarket Support Mike Martin & The Beautiful Mess here: https://show.co/JBrgQUw Their single previewed at the end of the episode is called "Barefoot Child" (2022). And check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mikemartinmess "Meeting Muncie's " web home is at anchor.fm/meeting-muncie . Leave a voice message there. Send a letter with thoughts...

Jan 13, 2023•26 min•Season 1Ep. 1

Introduction

Welcome to Meeting Muncie! This preview is very short and explains the concept of the show. Submit voice messages at: http://anchor.fm/meeting-muncie Follow on: facebook: Meeting Muncie twitter: @Meeting_Muncie instagram: @Meeting_Muncie or Email at MeetingMuncie@gmail.com...

Jan 05, 2023•44 sec

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