Meet IndyStar pop culture reporter Heather Bushman

Heather BushmanIndianapolis Star
Sept. 18, 2026, 5:50 a.m. ET

It takes a staff of dedicated journalists to bring you the news from around Central Indiana. In this feature, the Indianapolis Star introduces readers to our newsroom staff – or, rather, we let them introduce themselves. Up this week is Heather Bushman.

What’s your job title?

When did you join IndyStar?

What’s your favorite part of your job?

I am so inspired by my colleagues who’ve listed sharing previously undiscovered stories, speaking truth to power or serving our community as job highlights. All of that is paramount and a real privilege to do for a living. But my favorite part of being a reporter is, hands down, the moment in an interview or on assignment when I know exactly how I’m going to write out what’s happening in front of me – when a lede or a kicker or a stray line just materializes. That’s a rush.

Why journalism?

The twin realizations that I love to write and suck at STEM made the path pretty clear. That I get to talk to interesting people, dive into niche topics I’d otherwise never encounter and turn those conversations and research into stories sealed the deal. Yap, read, scribble… Twist my arm, I guess!

What’s your favorite Indy area restaurant or hidden gem?

It pains me to even put this on the record because the place is packed as it is, but shoutout to Tinker Coffee’s Firehouse location at 56th and Illinois Streets. I’ve cranked out so many “masterpieces” at those tables that the baristas know me by name and order.

What do you do to unwind from a job that can be stressful?

Drive my car as fast as legal limits allow with the stereo cranked or force affection upon my cat. Elle Woods’ “exercise equals endorphins” theory has come to fruition on my quest to get jacked. “Selling Sunset” has also proven an effective reprieve.

What are you reading or streaming?

I’m a few chapters into “Paper Girl” by Beth Macy (the words “deeply reported, artfully written narrative” are catnip to me). And the new season of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” just dropped, so I will be talking about exactly one (1) thing for at least the next week.

What’s your favorite quote?

“My main goal is to blow up and then act like I don’t know nobody!” – Riff Raff

What song do you shamelessly jam out to in the car?  

You wouldn’t believe the playlists I’ve dedicated to mapping this out. Everything. All the time. “Since U Been Gone” is the ringer, though.

What’s the best piece of advice you ever received? 

My mom is a fountain of wisdom. “What’s the worst thing that could happen and can you handle it?” is an infallible litmus test. I wish I could internalize “the only things you can control are your attitude and effort” more often.

If you could guest star on any TV show past or present, which one? 

Probably low-hanging fruit for the pop culture reporter, but put me on “Pop Culture Jeopardy” and I guarantee I’m running away with it.

Do you prefer dogs or cats?

I grew up with both, so I was neutral for most of my life – until the tiniest, cutest kitten in the world turned up at my doorstep a year and a half ago and started purring like an engine. I would go to the ends of the Earth for Green Bean Casserole (Cassie). She doesn’t care if I live or die. We make it work.

Contact IndyStar Pop Culture Reporter Heather Bushman at hbushman@indystar.com. Follow her on X @hmb_1013.