This episode, we talk with author D.R. Schoel about his series of short stories revolving around The Galactic Culinary Society. Exactly what it sounds like, The Galactic Culinary Society takes as its mission the task of cataloguing, documenting, and preserving any and every interesting culinary creation at an intergalactic scale. Join us as we disc…

Another episode is live! Today I talk with science fiction author Gary Bloom about his debut novel Antares Ascended. The first installment in an epic series saturated with Machiavellian machinations, Antares Ascended breaths new life into many staples of science fiction. Join us as we chat about narrating political intrigue, practicality in battle,…

Episode 18 is live! Joining me is Timothy Robare, author of numerous books spanning a wide assortment of genres. Today we discuss his newest novel, Tails of Battle: The Fox, the Jaguar, and the Mysterious Island. The first in his series Tails of Battle, the novel begins an epic saga narrating the political and military machinations of a world inhab…

Episode 16 is live! Today we talk with author Elm Jed about her novel Vinny the Vampire and Me, the first novel in her Mafia, Murder and Mayhem (as a Rom Com) series. Billed as a paranormal mafia romance, The novel takes place in a fictionalized rendition of contemporary society, where paranormal humanoids, including vampires, werewolves, daemons, …

Episode 15 is live! With us for this episode are Mike and Barbara Gammage, the creative minds behind the publishing company “Mike Writes for Kids.” In addition to publishing books for children, they offer workshops, story-time events, and consultation. Their organization’s mission focuses on highlighting vital, but traditionally unheralded segments…

Episode 14 is live! With me today is Laura Thompson, author of numerous books across numerous genres. Today, we discuss two of her novels which are part of the "Freak or Unique" YA series penned under her maiden name L.E. LaBarge. Join us as we chat about epilepsy, body dysmorphia, and strategies of empowering young adults in the face of adversity.…

What happens when a sci-fi nerd interviews a romance author? A fantastic conversation, and nothing less! Join us in listening to Episode 13, where I talk with Regina Brownell, author of five romance novels. Today we discuss her debut novel The Two-Week Promise. Listen in as we talk about the therapeutic impact of light-hearted literature, growing u…

This episode, science fiction author Phil Bailey and I discuss his novel Kelvoo's Testimonial: Surviving the Aftermath of human first contact, the first in his series Kelvoo's Chronicles. Join us as we chat about colonization allegories, art and cognition, and, briefly, sausage. Phil can be reached on the following social media platforms: Website: …

Episode 11 is now available! Join us as we have a wonderful chat with Sarah Branson, author of several novels set in the world of New Earth. Today, we focus on the first book in the series, A Merry Life. Join us as we discuss post-apocalyptic worlds, pirates, trauma in YA literature, more pirates, and the efficacy of hitting things. Support indie a…

Episode 10 is now live! My guest today is Philip Raymond Brown, author of the novels "It Gives You Strength" and "Harvesting Earthlings for Fun and Profit." Today, we focus on the former. Join us as we discuss the roarin' '20s, prohibition in the wake of World War 1, and the wonders of treating epilepsy in the early 20th century. "It Gives You Stre…

Episode 9 is now live! Our guest today is Matthew Eccles, author of the novel "Kevan Bevan and the BMX Time Loop." Join us as we discuss the unique ingenuity of Bill (Winter) and Ted (Reeves), effective ways to engage children with meaningful issues, and coal mining. "Kevan Bevan and the BMX Time-Loop is available on Amazon in both digital and phys…

In our latest episode, we have a chat with John Simons. John is a creator of worlds, organizer of the masses, and, of course, author of the forthcoming novel The Saga of Bjorn Unfrid. Join John and myself as we discuss the art of storytelling, the 1980s, schizophrenia (a bit), all with a seasoning of mythology. Join indie authors and have a listen!…

Episode 7 is now live! Our guest this week is Robert John Jenson, author of the science fiction novel "All the Stars That Ever Were." Join us as have a discussion about the multiverse, time travel, our insignificant place in the cosmos, and...Bradberries. Remember to bring a towel. Robert can be reached on the following social media platforms: Face…

This episode we talk with Margarita Artista, author of the urban fantasy novel The Phoenix Keeper and the City of the Sun. Join us as we talk about mythology, capitalism and narcissism, the narrative of strong female characters, and nuisance bugs. Margarita can be reached on the following social media platforms: margarita.artista.business@gmail.com…

This episode we talk with Kimberly Davis Basso, the multi-talented incredible author of several works of literature. Join us as we talk about zombies and the medical establishment, the intersection of horror and humor, and sword fighting. Kimberly can be reached on the following platforms: Website: https://kdbassowrites.wixsite.com/kimberlydavisbas…

Join us as we talk with Rusty Miller, author of the (graphic) novella Origins: A Knights of New Avalon Story. Rusty and I cover a number of topics, including originality within the creative process, the role of AI in the creative process, and the overarching coolness of 80s pop culture. Check out Rusty at the links below: Knights of New Avalon spec…

Join us as we discuss cryptids, borderline misanthropic protagonists, and the History Channel. Mike's book "Misadventures of a Cryptid Hunter" is available on Amazon, and is well worth the read!By Nate

Join us as we talk with Wayne M. Bailey, author of the 2022 science fiction novel "The Mars Migration." Wayne can be reached on the following social media platforms: Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/authorwmbailey/ X/Twitter - https://twitter.com/WayneUKwriting Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@themarsmigration Instagram - https://www.instag…

Join us as we talk with Charles House, author of the 2023 science fiction fantasy novel "Archblade: Legend of the Defiler." Charles can be reached on the following social media platforms: Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088883996632 Threads : https://www.threads.net/@archblade.c.a.house Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/ar…

The Martian, by Andy Weir. 50 Shades of Grey, by EL James. The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield. Milk and Honey, by Rupi Kaur. All these works of literature are now quite well known, some on the border of being cultural phenomena. Both The Martian and 50 Shades of Grey have adapted into highly successful motion pictures. Milk and Honey, Kaur’s …

Andrea Cramer is the founder of Neighbor to Neighbor, a friendship-based network cultivating mutual relationships among the South Bend area’s refugee, immigrant, and non-immigrant communities. Growing up in rural Indiana, she never imagined that she would team up with the ACLU to sue the state BMV as an act of friendship. - - - - - The Studebaker T…

Antonius Northern is a public servant in the truest sense—whether as an activist, artist, resident, or municipal employee, he has a record of bringing goodness into the city. He is focused on helping the City of South Bend foster a more inclusive economy. - - - - - The Studebaker Talks is an annual gathering on a former Studebaker factory floor to …

Magistrate Judge Andre Gammage presides over a variety of civil and criminal matters in the St. Joseph County Circuit Court in South Bend and teaches as an adjunct professor at the University of Notre Dame School of Law. In 2020, he gathered judicial officers, community leaders, and clergy to develop a series of four expungement clinics called "Fre…

Kathe Streeter is the district coordinator of restorative justice and restorative youth leadership at the South Bend Community School Corporation. Using Circle process in her classrooms and meetings, Kathe gives children and adult learners a tool for sharing stories about their lives. - - - - - The Studebaker Talks is an annual gathering on a forme…

Juan Constantino is the executive director of La Casa de Amistad in South Bend, Indiana. For the inaugural Studebaker Talks, he shared his personal story of immigrating to the United States and finding a sense of purpose here in South Bend. - - - - - The Studebaker Talks is an annual gathering on a former Studebaker factory floor to listen to stori…

Kathy Burnette is the owner of Brain Lair Books, a bookstore in South Bend focused on developing empathy and building community with inclusive books. In 2020, The Oprah Magazine included the store in their "125 Black-Owned Bookstores in America That Amplify the Best in Literature." She is on a mission to build empathy, one book at a time. - - - - -…

Joe Molnar is a local demographer and proud 4th generation son of South Bend. He is the author of More People, a podcast and article series about how our city lost 50,000 people in 50 years and what we can do about it. Joe believes that Studebaker was only South Bend's prologue, so it's time to give up the ghost. - - - - - The Studebaker Talks is a…

Last fall, we collaborated with South Bend City Church to host The Studebaker Talks: a gathering of people to listen to stories about South Bend's people, ingenuity, and progress. It was a special night. So starting this week, we're sharing the audio of those talks here on the podcast. And save the date: we're back at Building 112 on October 7, 202…

This week, guest host Pam Blair is reading "Between" from Groshonda McDonald’s book In The Process and reflecting on what it might be saying about our life together in South Bend. South Bend on Purpose is a podcast about place, belonging, and South Bend co-hosted by Jacob Titus, Dustin Mix, and John Garry. We enjoy conversations with the people who…

This week, we enjoy a conversation with Karen White, who has devoted over 28 years of service to South Bend as an elected official. We discuss her upbringing on Kenmore and Cherry Streets, how she learned a sense of responsibility to our community, and why we need to visualize the kind of city we want to become. South Bend on Purpose is a podcast a…

This week, we are reading "Paradise on Fire" by Jahnari Pruitt and reflecting on what it might be saying about our life together in South Bend. South Bend on Purpose is a podcast about place, belonging, and South Bend co-hosted by Jacob Titus, Dustin Mix, and John Garry. We enjoy conversations with the people who shape our city by practicing their …

This week, we enjoy a conversation with Alex Ann Allen. Alex is a South Bend-based artist best known for spending the past couple of years painting murals all across the city. We discuss Alex's path to becoming a muralist in her hometown, the joys and challenges of being a full-time artist, and her vision for a new mural festival right here in Sout…

This week, we are reading "Where We Are" by Gerald Locklin and reflecting on what it might be saying about our life together in South Bend. South Bend on Purpose is a podcast about place, belonging, and South Bend co-hosted by Jacob Titus, Dustin Mix, and John Garry. We enjoy conversations with the people who shape our city by practicing their purp…

This week, we enjoy a conversation with Joe Mittiga. Joe is a husband, father, and the second-generation owner of Corby's Irish Pub in the East Bank neighborhood. We discuss his path to being a small businessman, which includes a surprise (to us) stint at South Bend Lathe in its last days on Sample Street, the complexities of owning a bar during th…

This week, we are reading a selection from Galway Kinnell’s poem "When You Have Lived A Long Time Alone” and reflecting on what it might be saying about our life together in South Bend. South Bend on Purpose is a podcast about place, belonging, and South Bend co-hosted by Jacob Titus, Dustin Mix, and John Garry. We enjoy conversations with the peop…

This week, we enjoy a conversation with Antonius Northern. Antonius is a public servant in the truest sense—whether as an activist, artist, resident, or municipal employee, he has a record of bringing goodness to the city. He is currently helping the City of South Bend foster a more inclusive economy, particularly with women- and minority-owned bus…

This week, we are reading selections from Audre Lorde’s poem “New York City 1970” and reflecting on what it might be saying about our life together in South Bend. South Bend on Purpose is a podcast about place, belonging, and South Bend co-hosted by Jacob Titus, Dustin Mix., and John Garry. We enjoy conversations with the people who shape our city …

This week, we enjoy a conversation with Beth Graybill, a resident of South Bend's near-west side historic neighborhood, who moved to the city with her husband and children two and a half years ago. Beth has found our city to be warm, welcoming, and gritty—and is refreshingly thoughtful about her decision to make a life here. We walked away from thi…

This week, we are reading Alice Walker’s poem “We Alone” and reflecting on what it might be saying about our life together in South Bend. South Bend on Purpose is a podcast about place, belonging, and South Bend co-hosted by Jacob Titus and Dustin Mix. We enjoy conversations with the people who shape our city by practicing their purpose. And read p…

This week, we enjoy a conversation with Mayor James Mueller about his time leading our City government during the pandemic. We discuss why he is not often active on social media and why he is hopeful for South Bend's future—and briefly entertain the possibilities of a new aquarium and the return of Pinhook public beach. South Bend on Purpose is a p…

This week, and every week in between interviews, we are trying something new. Our friend John Garry is joining the show to share "prose for the city" with us—shorter episodes that will contain a poetry reading and guided reflections. We asked John to share why we're trying this new kind of episode: "Poetry is a conversation with your community. I l…

This week, we enjoy a conversation with Pam Blair, a local artist and organizer of the Poetry Den—a community-based safe stage for the spoken word hosted at the Civil Rights Heritage Center. South Bend on Purpose is a podcast about place, belonging, and South Bend co-hosted by Jacob Titus and Dustin Mix. Conversations with people who shape our city…

We're back for a new, fifth season of South Bend on Purpose.By West.SB

This week we welcome Kathy Burnette to the podcast. Kathy is the owner of The Brain Lair, a bookstore in South Bend focused on developing empathy and building community with inclusive books. The store was recently included in The Oprah Magazine's "125 Black-Owned Bookstores in America That Amplify the Best in Literature" and next week is hosting a …

In this special bonus episode, Dr. Jeff Smith returns to share his perspective as a former consultant to the Metropolitan Museum of Art with a riveting conversation about the groundbreaking impact of some of the historical “bad boys” of art featured in his new book, “Scoundrels, Cads, and Other Great Artists.”…

In this special bonus episode, director of the Gifted Education and Talent Development Office at the University of Alabama Dr. Jennifer Jolly returns to dive deeper into parenting strategies, advocating for gifted students, and the importance of forging strong communities among parents of gifted learners.…

One year since the murder of Eric Logan and just weeks since the murder of George Floyd, our city is in the streets calling for justice. This week, we listen to these calls at the largest protest of the month in downtown South Bend. It occurred on the evening of Friday, June 5th, and was organized by Black Lives Matter South Bend and a group of rec…

This week we welcome Jenny Casas to the podcast. Jenny is a reporter for New York Public Radio’s Narrative Unit. She is New York based, via Chicago, where she reported on and produced season one of The City, USA Today's first narrative podcast about a 6-story tall illegal dump. We met Jenny when she began reporting for an episode of WNYC's The Unit…

This week, we podcast remotely with our friend and collaborator Chuck Fry, who is fresh off the release of his new hit video "South Bend, Lean on Me." In this conversation we discuss Chuck's road to South Bend, how he learned to tell stories, why he got out of bed to start creating things during quarantine, and the internal battles that come with b…

How can parents and educators help children express themselves and their dreams confidently? Tre’ Gammage, educational consultant and author of “Every Decision Counts: 8 Lessons I Wish They Taught Me In School” and host Jonathan Plucker discuss nuances of communication and methods for supporting children as they develop their social-emotional skill…