Courageous Curiosity Podcast

Superintendent Ben Mainka interviews students, staff, community stakeholders, experts and celebrities on the Courageous Curiosity Podcast.

The Courageous Curiosity Podcast earned the National School Public Relations Association Publications and Digital Media Excellence Award for Podcasts in 2025 and a Michigan School Public Relations Association Excellence Award in 2023.

NSPRA Publications and Digital Media Excellence Award - podcast

Each episode aims to tackle a central question. Most episodes are 30 minutes or less.

The podcast first airs on YouTube in video format. Audio podcasts are also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Overcast. Subscribe to stay up to date.

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Season 3

3.6: How can technology help in educational athletics?

This is episode 3.6 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. In this episode, we’re curious about how technology can help in athletics.

Guests: Andrew Abler, Novi High Alumnus

Harvard sophomore right-handed pitcher JIm Sparks, Novi High Varsity Football Coach

3.5: What is it like to be a first-year teacher in Novi?

This is episode 3.5 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. In this episode, we’re curious to learn what the first year is like for a Novi educator.

Guests:

Abby Coleman, Orchard Hills Third Grade teacher
Mridula Nanda, Novi High School Science teacher
Logan Pawloski, Novi High School History teacher, HS and Middle School coach

3.4: What do we appreciate about education as a career?

This is episode 3.4 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. In this episode, we’re curious about why some of our Novi High seniors are interested in pursuing a career in education. Guests:

Evelyn Barrons, Novi High senior
Kennedy Gilmore, Novi High senior
Zan Malan, Novi High senior
Peggy Bassett, NCSD's NEF Educator of the Year

3.3: How do we excel at science?

This is episode 3.3 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. In this episode, we’re curious about how three NCSD educators helped shape our successful science curriculum. Each of the educators has been awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

Guests:

Emily Pohlonski, NCSD Director of Secondary Education, 2021 PAEMST winner in 7-12 science
Bridget Zahradnik, Novi Meadows teacher and 2020 PAEMST winner in K-6 science
Brian Langley, Novi HIgh teacher and 2015 PAEMST winner in 7-12 science

3.2: What do we enjoy about winter sports?

This is episode 3.2 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. In this episode, we’re curious about some of the successful seasons being enjoyed by some of our high school student-athletes in winter sports.

Guests:

Maddy Gazzarari, bowling

Chase LeFevre, basketball

Drew Reed, diving

Camber Smith, skiing

3.1: Why is character education important?

This is episode 3.1 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Novi Community School District Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. In this episode, we’re curious about why character education is important?

Guests:

Dominic Fisina, The Positivity Project

RosaLeigh Johnson, NCDSD Director of Mental Health & Wellness

Sarah Lephart, Novi High School Assistant Principal

Thomas Michalski, Novi Middle School 6th grade robotics teacher

Season 2

2.17: Why do some make the journey from PTO to School Board?

This is episode 2.17 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Novi Community School District Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. In this episode, we’re curious to know what the journey was like for some who went from volunteering on a PTO to serving on the School Board?

Guests:

Dr. Danielle Ruskin
Mary Ann Roney
Jamie Kliebert

2.16: What is the future of education?

This is episode 2.16 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Novi Community School District Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. In this episode, we’re curious to know what is the future of education?

Guests:

Dr. Yong Zhao, a global education thought leader.
Dr. Joseph South, chief innovation officer at the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)

2.15: Why has trust in the media diminished?

This is episode 2.15 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Novi Community School District Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. In this episode, we’re curious to know why has trust in the media has diminished and where do our students go for news?

Guests:

M.L. Elrick, Pulitzer Prize- and Emmy-award winning investigative journalist, author and podcast host (Soul of Detroit)
Chris Renwick, host of “JR Afternoon With Chris Renwick” on WJR-AM 760
Rebecca Borlace, Novi High senior and 2024 Detroit Free Press Summer Apprentice
Clara Pohlonski, Novi HIgh junior, frequent contributor to the Cat’s Eye News broadcast class and a work-based learner for NCSD’s Supervisor of Communications and Community Engagement

2.14: What is the Mechatronics Lab?

This is episode 2.14 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Novi Community School District Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. In this episode, we’re curious to know what happens at the new Mechatronics Lab at Novi High School?

Guests:

Phil Scavo, Novi High teacher
Sanvi Rao, Novi HIgh School junior
Ava Mandhare, Novi HIgh School senior
Ed Roney, retired, Fanuc America

2.13: How do we keep score of the success of educational athletics?

This is episode 2.13 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Novi Community School District Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. In this episode, we’re curious about how we keep can score of the success of educational athletics?

Guests:

Brandon Carnegie, Novi High alum who played football at Ball State
Chris Lawler, former Novi parent and former college softball player at Eastern Michigan.
Sofia Ghanbari, Novi High senior

2.12: How can we bring civil discourse back to our conversations?

This is episode 2.12 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Novi Community School District Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. In this episode, we’re curious to know how we can bring civil discussions back home and at work?

Guests:

Ann Bollin, Michigan House of Representatives
Kelly Breen, Michigan House of Representatives
Yuna Hahm, Novi sophomore and debate team member
Rohan Patil, Novi senior and debate team member

2.11: What makes Homecoming such an important event?

This is episode 2.11 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Novi Community School District Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. In this episode, we’re curious to know what makes Homecoming such an important event?

Guests:

Alayna Bazzy, Novi High School junior cheerleader/Student Council executive board member
Johnny Aurilia, Novi senior football player
Kareena Ashok, Novi Marching Band
Madison Gagui, Novi pom/2023 homecoming court

2.10: How are students benefiting from less cell phone distractions in school?

In episode 2.10 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, Superintendent Ben Mainka discusse how students in grades 5-12 are benefiting early in the school year from less cell phone distractions. Students in Grades 5-8 have phones locked in Yondr pouches during the school day. High School students are only allowed to use their phones during passing time or lunch.

Guests

Katherine James, Novi High School teacher
Jenna Atoui, Novi High School student
Lily Atoui, Novi Middle School student

2.9: What do our NATC students enjoy about the program?

This is episode 2.9 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Novi Community School District Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. In this episode, we’re curious to know what do our Novi Adult Transition Center students enjoy about the program?

Guests:

Michael Manning
Jason Nunez
Alexandria Wachuku
Abby Rea, Speech Pathologist

2.8: What does it takes to become a champion?

This is episode 2.8 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Novi Community School District Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. In this episode, we’re curious to know what does it take to be a champion?

Guests:

Uli Fernsler, junior left-handed pitcher on defending state champion baseball team
Lorelai Maisano, senior individual diving state champion.
Alisa Shiraishi, senior balance beam state champion
Ravit Chandra, senior player of the year for Valorant and member of the state champion esports team.

2.7: What makes our educators of the year feel appreciated?

This is episode 2.7 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Novi Community School District Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. In this episode, we’re curious to know what makes our educators of the year feel appreciated?

Guests

Guests Darcie Moss, High School Educator of the Year
Heather Stewart, Pre-K through Grade 4 Educator of the Year
Laura Khalil, 5-8 Educator of the Year

2.6: What goes into a high school production?

This is episode 2.6 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Novi Community School District Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. In this episode, we’re curious to know what goes into a high school production?

Guests

Jim Van Einzega, Director of Orchestras
Hannah Jeong, Novi High senior
Thomas Smith Jr., Novi High senior
Sriya Tangutur, Novi High senior

2.5: Why do we value student feedback?

This is episode 2.5 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Novi Community School District Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. In this episode, we’re curious to know why we value student feedback?

Guests

Cameron Lipscomb, Novi High School student
Jennifer Rajesh, Novi High School student
Ellyanna Sharrow, Novi Middle School student
Nailah Nchari, Novi Meadows student

2.4: Why are risky behaviors a concern?

This is episode 2.4 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Novi Community School District Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. In this episode, we’re curious to know why risky behaviors are a concern?

Guests

Dr. Marc Zimmerman, co-director of the U-M Firearm Injury Prevention institute and co-principal investigator of the National Center for School Safety
Lisa Fenchel, Novi Meadows Principal
Det. Julie Warren, School Resource Officer, Novi Police

2.3: What are the responsibilities of a school board?

This is episode 2.3 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Novi Community School District Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. In this episode, we’re curious to know what are the responsibilities of a school board?

Guests

Brad Banasik, MASB Legal Counsel/Director
Paul Cook, Novi Board of Education President
Jason Michener, Novi Board of Education Trustee
Bobbie Murphy, former Novi Board of Education President

2.2: Why are parent volunteers so important to schools?

This is episode 2.2 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Novi Community School District Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. In this episode, we’re curious why parent volunteers are so important to a school district?

Guests

John Brickey, Novi Meadows Principal
Kaija Juszak, Novi Athletic Boosters
Anu Udupa, Frog Force 503/Novi Robotics
Kristy McKone, Orchestra Boosters

2.1: How do school district and city leaders work together?

Season 1

1.9: What goes into calling a snow day?

This is episode 1.9 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Novi Community School District Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. In this episode, we’re curious to know what goes into calling a snow day?

Guests

Ella Griffin, sophomore, Novi High School
Arnab Ghosal, sophomore, Novi High
Logan Belsky, sixth grader, Novi Meadows
Grace Steslicki , fourth grader, Parkview Elementary

1.8: How has the role and importance of school nurses expanded over time?

This is episode 1.8 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Novi Community School District Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. In this episode, we’re curious to know how the role and importance of school nurses has expanded over time?

Guests

Cathy Farris, NCSD Supervisor of Medical Services

1.7: Why is food equity important in schools?

This is episode 1.7 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Novi Community School District Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. In this episode, we’re curious to know why food equity is important in schools?

Guests

Kimberly Sinclair, Director of Food Service, Chartwells/NCSD
Susan Rudnick, Executive Chef, Chartwells/ NCSD
Deborah Beeker, parent, lunch aide at Novi Woods and member of Superintendent’s Parent Advisory committee for food service
Neel Archis Manish, Novi High School Student and member of Superintendent’s High School Student Advisory Committee

1.6: How has parenting changed?

This is episode 1.6 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Novi Community School District Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. In this episode, we’re curious to know how parenting has changed?

Guest

Hunter Clarke-Fields, author and podcaster who gave the keynote at the Novi Educational Foundation/Novi Mental Health Alliance Pancake Breakfast and Parent Camp on Saturday at Novi High School.

1.5: Why do we have Novi Pride?

This is episode 1.5 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Novi Community School District Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. In this episode, we’re curious to know why do we have Novi Pride?

Guests

Emily Pohlonski, NCSD Director of Instruction and Novi Virtual Principal
Ron Kane, Novi High School Assistant Principal
Kelsey Partyka, Novi High Teacher and Varsity Girls Basketball Coach
Marissa Catner, Novi Deerfield Teacher

1.4: Should we be concerned about AI and Chat GPT?

This is episode 1.4 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Novi Community School District Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. In this episode, we’re curious to know if we should be concerned about AI and Chat GPT?

Guests

Laura McBain, Co-Managing Director, Stanford d.School
Andrew Kim, Novi High School senior
Andrew Comb, NCSD Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Hattie Maguire, Novi High School teacher and recent NEF Educator of the Year.

1.3: What should we know about the opioid crisis and stigma associated with it?

This is episode 1.3 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Novi Community School District Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. In this episode, we’re curious about what we should know about the opiod crisis and the stigma associated with it?

Guests

Ken Daniels, Detroit Red Wings play-by-play announcer and co-founder of the Jamie Daniels Foundation
Dr. Stella Resko, professor in the School of Social Work at Wayne State University

1.2: Why Is play So Important?

This is episode 1.2 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Novi Community School District Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. In this episode, we’re curious to know why is play so important in our lives?

Guests

Matt Matthews, Associate Director of Playworks Michigan
Audrey Moiseeff, Novi Meadows 6th Grade Counselor
Dr. Rodlescia Sneed, social gerontologist at Wayne State University
Jacqueline Ukrop, 4th grade teacher at Orchard Hills Elementary

1.1: Are we curious anymore?

This is episode 1.1 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Novi Community School District Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. In this episode, we’re curious about whether we are curious anymore as a society?

Guests:

Ashley Kurtz, Orchard Hills Elementary first grade teacher
Shailee Patel, NCSD Director of Special Education Programs and Services
Korinne Lavergne, Novi Middle School student
Kristin Franchi, Novi High School AP Computer Science and Incubator teacher.