Big Talk

Newly-named state poet laureate Adrian Matejka says Bloomington is an almost magical, mystical fertile ground for creative writers. A professor in Indiana University’s English Department and a National Book Award finalist for his poetic biography of boxer Jack Johnson, The Big Smoke, Matejka assumed his post as Indiana’s bard ambassador this month. He joins Michael Glab to talk about his …

Amanda Barge is a first-term Monroe County Commissioner and a rising star in the local Democratic Party. A family counselor who grew up in a politically active family, Barge finds her social work experiences were invaluable preparation for her stint as an elective officeholder. She has helped spearhead the county’s efforts to cope with the opioid epidemic. She talks about …

Joan Hawkins, associate professor at Indiana University’s Media School, is one of the organizers of an academic conference and festival marking the 50th anniversary of a landmark, revolutionary year. Titled “Wounded Galaxies 1968: Paris, Prague, Chicago,” the conference runs February 6-11. A pre-conference festival has already begun with film screenings, art exhibits, musical performances, and literary readings at various venues …