"The world doesn't need more compliant workers; it needs more innovative thinkers."

For the latest episode of The Genius Hour: Voices of Indianapolis, we are honored to sit down with a true trailblazer in the world of education: Don Wettrick.

Don is the founder of the STARTed UP Foundation and a world-renowned advocate for student-led innovation. In this episode, we dive deep into the philosophy that transformed a high school classroom into a global movement. Don shares why it is vital for students to stop waiting for permission to be great and start taking ownership of their own learning today.

This episode is a milestone for our program. As part of a multi-week intensive project, the students of our PPHS Audio/Visual program handled every aspect of this production: from researching Don’s extensive career in entrepreneurship to building our first professional multi-camera video set and managing the final edit.

In this conversation, we discuss:

- The origin of the "Genius Hour" and how it empowers student voice.

- The mission of the STARTed UP Foundation to foster an "Innovator's Mindset."

- Why Indianapolis is a unique hub for young entrepreneurs and creators.

- Advice for teachers and students on navigating failure and building resilience.

Whether you are an educator looking to spark innovation in your classroom or a student ready to build your own future, this conversation with Don Wettrick is your roadmap.

Student Production Credits:

Lead Researchers: Luke Knutson

Audio Engineer: Natalie Neri Toledo

Camera Ops & Set Design: Annie Trent, Jayden Crowe, Jacob Johnson

Post-Production/Editing: Luke Knutson & Natalie Neri Toledo

Learn more about Don’s work at: startedupfoundation.org Subscribe to support student-run media and join the conversation about the future of Indy!

#DonWettrick #TheGeniusHour #VoicesOfIndianapolis #STARTedUP #EducationInnovation #StudentVoice #PPHS #Entrepreneurship #IndyCreators #WorkBasedLearning #Indianapolis #AudioVisualCTE

"You have to be comfortable being uncomfortable."

In this episode of The Genius Hour: Voices of Indianapolis, our student hosts Annie and Nat sit down with a powerhouse of the next generation: Ava Wettrick. At just 24 years old, Ava has already built a career defined by curiosity, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of growth.

Ava’s journey started with a shift in mindset. Through the Innovation Classroom, she learned to view problems not as obstacles, but as opportunities. A lifelong athlete—competing in swimming, weightlifting, and rugby—she discusses how sports provided the foundation for her work ethic and why she remains a fierce advocate for youth athletics.

Now working alongside her father, the legendary Don Wettrick, at the STARTed UP Foundation, Ava reflects on the unique upbringing that shaped her. She shares how her parents’ focus on autonomy and intellectual stimulation gave her the confidence to start her own podcast, network with global entrepreneurs, and eventually become a writer and producer for major industry shows.

In this deep dive, Ava and our students discuss:

• The Art of the Interview: Why listening and engagement are more important than the questions on your paper.
• Failing Forward: How "ruining" conversations and being okay with "sucking at stuff" at first is the only way to get better.
• The Power of the Pivot: Moving from a student researcher to a professional producer and traveler.
• Intentional Community: The importance of surrounding yourself with people who both love you and challenge your priorities.
• The Mental Game: Why activities like rock climbing are essential for building mental toughness.

Ava offers a masterclass in people skills and life advice, pushing our students to consider their priorities and embrace the "pay" of the world through experience. Whether you’re a student, an educator, or a young professional, this conversation is packed with actionable insights on how to navigate the modern world.

Student Production Credits:

• Interviewers: Annie and Nat
• Production & Audio: PPHS Lab A/V Team

Subscribe to support student-led media and hear more stories from the voices making Indianapolis—and the world—a more innovative place.

#AvaWettrick #TheGeniusHour #VoicesOfIndianapolis #PPHS #STARTedUP #Innovation #StudentVoice #Networking #Resilience #PodcastLife #IndianapolisCreators

How do we truly prepare students for a future that is constantly evolving? In this episode of The Genius Hour: Voices of Indianapolis, our host (and PPHS AV teacher) Jeff Edge sits down with Ryan Murray, Project Specialist at the Central Indiana Educational Service Center (CIESC), to discuss a groundbreaking initiative: the TIE-IN program (Teacher Industry Experiences in Indiana).

A partnership between CIESC and the Department of Education, TIE-IN was designed to bridge the gap between education and industry. Ryan, a former STEM teacher who transitioned out of the classroom to drive larger-scale impact, shares how he curated immersive, all-day shadowing experiences for educators across the state. We discuss our 2025 journey through the program: visits to WTHR, Visit Indy, Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Indiana Fever), and MISO. Ryan's work, as well as the incredible logistical work done by Jessica Martin, made 40+ statewide events possible through the TIE-IN program.

The conversation dives deep into the shifting landscape of Indiana’s talent pool. Ryan highlights how forward-thinking organizations like Endress+Hauser, Gaylor Electric, and MISO are no longer waiting for post-graduation; they are investing in skill-building and talent-identifying from a young age.

We also tackle the "Soft Skills Gap." While schools are traditionally built to assess technical proficiency, industries are sending a clear message: We can teach the technical skills, but we need you to teach the soft skills. From the future of AI in broadcasting to the necessity of intentional collaboration, this episode is a must-listen for educators, industry leaders, and students alike.

Student Credits:

1. Audio Engineer: Nat
2. Producer: Annie

How do you build a career when the world shuts down? We kick off Season 3 of The Genius Hour: Voices of Indianapolis with filmmaker and entrepreneur Deonna Weatherly.

After graduating into the uncertainty of the 2020 pandemic, Deonna didn't wait for a job offer; she created her own. In this episode, our first-year Principles of Broadcasting students sit down with the founder of The Weatherhouse Company and the Indiana Youth Film Festival to discuss the power of self-reliance.

Deonna shares how childhood storytelling with Barbie dolls evolved into a mission to keep creative talent right here in Indiana. We also dive into her vital work with the Weatherhouse Institute, where she is actively changing the face of the film industry by creating space and mentorship for young creatives.

Editors: Jordan Neri Toledo and Journei Wilbourn

In our latest episode of Voices of Indianapolis, we venture to the vibrant Re:Public, the museum pop-up for the 10 East Indy Arts Hub, where we sat down with its dynamic curator, Primrose Paul. Fresh out of college herself, Prim offers a refreshing and relatable perspective as she guides us through her vital work in the Indianapolis arts scene.

Prim's passion lies in ensuring artists have space to thrive, running an artist residency program, and hosting engaging community art and open mic nights. A talented painter trained at the University of Indianapolis, Prim shares the inspirations behind her own art, her journey of self-discovery through diverse mediums from oil painting to welding, and how she represents life's delicate balance through her work.

Listeners will hear how the social issues of 2020 profoundly shaped her path as both an artist and a curator, driving her commitment to highlighting underrepresented populations in Indianapolis art. Prim discusses the powerful role art plays in sparking conversations about social change – even recalling how a piece on food deserts opened her eyes to new dialogues. Prim also offers incredibly candid advice on overcoming creative blocks and the intersection of art and procrastination. This episode is a fantastic opportunity for our high school students to gain real-world insights from someone navigating the exciting early stages of their professional journey, as Prim even deconstructs the XQ competency of "art analysis," guiding us on how to truly engage with art.

In this thought-provoking episode of Voices of Indianapolis, our student host Luke (fueled by what Sam calls "four cups of coffee energy") leads a deep conversation with esteemed writer, educator, and businessman, Sam Chaltain. Sam takes us back to his early days teaching in China, sharing vivid experiences of living in a foreign country at a young age.

Sam, the national director of the Forum for Education and Democracy and founding director of the Five Freedoms Project, unpacks his powerful philosophy: that education should empower children to understand what it means to be truly free—to explore their passions while remaining connected to our shared humanity. He recounts the serendipitous timing that led him to the First Amendment Schools program, a moment that completely changed his life and underscored the importance of seeking out opportunities.

The discussion takes a personal turn as Sam shares a captivating story about his grandmother, featured in his mother's memoir about her, illustrating how a single decision can ripple across time and impact countless lives. Sam also dives into how people learn best: by actively engaging with their hands and focusing on what truly matters to them. With extensive experience visiting schools worldwide, Sam offers a hopeful perspective on the future of education, leaving us with big questions and inspiring insights.

In this episode of Voices of Indianapolis, our student hosts Annie and Phoenix sit down with Logan Davis, the Vicar of Cornerstone Lutheran Church – the very place our school calls home. Logan, who works closely with our students on outreach and community initiatives, shares invaluable insights from his mentorship under Pastor Jason Taber. He dives into the essential skills for effective pastoral outreach, including understanding pressing community needs and tackling systemic issues in the neighborhood.

Logan highlights the impactful initiatives he's already spearheaded, including a transformative internship where six of our students revitalized the Tuesday night community dinner program. This effort forged significant connections with Indianapolis's East Side. Listeners will hear Logan's profound lessons on the "power of starting from yes," the critical importance of empathy in community work, and the creative spirit needed for true community advocacy. He even shares how he experimented with creativity by collaborating with the Ball State architecture program to design innovative renovations for the church. Annie and Phoenix lead a fantastic interview, bringing Logan's passion and wisdom to the forefront.

In this student-led episode of Voices of Indianapolis, Gabe, A'marion, and Luke from Purdue Polytechnic High School take the reins, interviewing their mentor, David Greene. As the Region President of Indianapolis for First Merchants Bank, David oversees market operations and champions a community-focused approach to banking.

Listeners will discover David's extensive career in financial leadership, from his early days at Comerica Bank to his current role at First Merchants. David shares insights on his commitment to providing financial advice to local residents and businesses, and how he's driving growth in the Indianapolis region.

This episode also highlights David's crucial role in the financial literacy community partnership, where he teaches students valuable personal finance skills using Kerry Ao's Intertwined app. Beyond his professional achievements, David's dedication to community service, including his involvement with the Hamilton County Community Foundation and Impact Indiana, shines through. Join us as we explore the intersection of finance, leadership, and community impact with David Greene.