Episodes

  • Courageous Curiosity 3.13: Why is Wish Week important to students?
    Dec 30 2025

    This is episode 3.13 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. This week we’re interested in why Wish Week is such an important district-wide event. GuestsHelena Corradin, Novi High juniorBahar Saadat, Novi High juniorMatthew Yang, Novi High junior

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    22 mins
  • Courageous Curiosity 3.12: Why should students consider the military for a career path?
    Dec 24 2025

    This is episode 3.12 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. This week we’re interested in why students should consider the military for a career path. GuestsStaff Sgt. (SSgt) Austin Murphy, U.S. Marine Corps recruiterTechnical Sgt. (TSgt) Jason Manasseri, Air National Guard Production RecruiterNasir Henry, Novi High senior, USMC Delayed Entry Program

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    26 mins
  • Courageous Curiosity 3.11: What makes a successful marching band program?
    Dec 1 2025

    This is episode 3.11 of the Courageous Curiosity Podcast, hosted by Superintendent Ben Mainka. The podcast tries to answer questions that pique our curiosity. This week we’re interested in what makes a successful marching band program.

    Guests

    Matthew Diroff, Director of Bands

    David Tauro, senior, drum major, trumpet/cornet

    Sayna Cho, senior, flute

    Sophia Snyder, junior, color guard

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    25 mins
  • Courageous Curiosity 3.10: Why is AI Guidance important for staff and students?
    Nov 11 2025

    This is episode 3.10 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 Artificial Intelligence (AI) guidance for staff and students.


    Guests:

    Justin Bruno, Oakland Schools Director of AI Strategy and Innovation

    Alaina Brown, Novi High School AP/IB Coordinator and teacher

    Kathleen Ader, NCSD Instructional Coach


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    30 mins
  • Courageous Curiosity 3.9: What makes the Novi Middle School years unique?
    Nov 11 2025

    This is episode 3.9 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 our students successfully navigate the middle school years. Novi Middle School has been ranked the best public middle school in the state of Michigan each of the past two years by Niche. Guests: Robert Baker, Novi Middle School Principal Lisa Shindorf, Novi Middle School TeacherRebekah Schulze, Novi Middle School Teacher

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    30 mins
  • Courageous Curiosity 3.8: Why are we having success at the elementary level?
    Oct 14 2025

    This is episode 3.8 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 the recent success of our five K-4 elementary schools. Guests: Laura Bidlack, Director of Elementary EducationJoi Danforth, Principal of Orchard Hills ElementaryJennifer Smith, Teacher at Village Oaks Elementary

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    30 mins
  • Courageous Curiosity 3.7: How do legislators make decisions about school funding?
    Sep 30 2025

    This is episode 3.7 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 legislators make decisions about school funding. Guests: David Randels, Executive Director of Government Relations, Education Policy and Research for Oakland SchoolsMatthew Schueller, Director of Government Relations for the Michigan Association of Superintendents ansd Administrators

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    30 mins
  • Courageous Curiosity 3.6: How can technology help in educational athletics?
    May 27 2025

    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 and current Harvard sophomore right-handed pitcherJIm Sparks, Novi High Varsity Football Coach

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    29 mins