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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Please fill out the feedback form to let us know what you enjoyed about the podcast or how we can improve.

Please share a question or a topic you would like us to consider for an upcoming episode. 

Episode 5: Why do we have Novi Pride?

In the fifth episode of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, Superintendent Ben Mainka explores why so many graduates of Novi who go into education want to return and help the next generation of students. 

Superintendent Ben Mainka is joined in episode five by:

• 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

Episode 4: Should we be concerned about AI and Chat GPT?

In the fourth episode of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, Superintendent Ben Mainka explores the artificial intelligence and how tools like Chat GPT impact education.  

Superintendent Ben Mainka is joined in episode four by: 

• 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.

Episode 3: What should we know about the opiod crisis and stigma associated with it?

In the third episode of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, Superintendent Ben Mainka explores the opiod epidemic and the stigma associated with it. 

Superintendent Ben Mainka is joined in episode three by: 

• 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

Episode 2: Why is play so important?

In the second episode of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, Superintendent Ben Mainka explores the question “why is play so important?”

Superintendent Ben Mainka is joined in episode two by: 

• 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

Episode 1: Are we curious anymore? 

This episode launches the Courageous Curiosity Podcast. Superintendent Ben Mainka discusses the purpose of the show, what to expect in each episode, and explores the question “are we curious anymore?”

For centuries, people have asked questions, explored new ideas, and pushed innovation to the highest levels. Have we lost our desire to be curious? We will find out as we launch our new video podcast.

Superintendent Ben Mainka is joined in episode one by: 

• 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.