Courageous Curiosity Podcast

Superintendent Ben Mainka interviews students, staff, community stakeholders, experts and celebrities on the Courageous Curiosity 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, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Overcast. Subscribe to stay up to date.

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Latest episode

Season 2

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 about 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 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 about how we can have civil debate at home and 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?

In episode 2.11 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, Superintendent Ben Mainka discusses why Homecoming is such an important event for the entire Novi community.

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?

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 about what it takes to be a champion and we talk to some Novi High School individual and team state champions.

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 about our educators of the year and the appreciation all of our staff feel at this time of year (Staff Appreciation Week).

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?

In episode 2.6 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, Superintendent Ben Mainka discusses all the hard work that goes into a high school production, like the spring musical.