We can find sources of connection through our family, our friendships, our work and volunteer lives, and even our pets. David Inman — a journalist, author, podcaster, and educator — demonstrates through his work that movies and TV can be added to that list because they not only serve to entertain us but can connect us in deep and long-lasting ways.
For more than 30 years, David wrote a column called The Incredible Inman, which appeared in The Courier Journal and later in other newspapers around the country. “I was Google before there was Google,” David says. One look at his work, and you’ll agree. If there is anything you want to know about a movie, TV show, or actor, you’ll find it in his work.
The research involved is incredible, but better than that is the way that David immediately engages you with his humor, wit, and obvious love for the subject matter. His work comes from the heart, drawing upon the emotions that come from watching shows he loved with people he treasured. “It happens for all of us. TV is universal. Some people don’t want to admit it, but we all watch,” David says. “I began my column in an age well before computers and the internet. Such a cool job, being able to talk about movies that many people watched when they were young. These stories leave an impact that stays with you. It’s not trivia for trivia’s sake. It’s a genuine connection that brings people together.”
Not only did David write his column for decades, but he has also authored seven books, one of them called Louisville Television (2010), which takes a close look at 50 years of TV in our city. He also hosts a podcast called Incredible Inman’s Pop Culture Potluck. Despite the fact that he’s officially retired now, David stays quite busy with these projects. “Nostalgia makes people happy, and I see a great need for it,” he says. “I like being able to tap into that. I can be the conduit to happy memories and special times. I was fortunate to be connected to this type of work, and I like to share it with others.
These days, David and his wife still live in Louisville, but they also have a home in Chicago where they live part of the year. Staying connected to the community in both places is a big part of his daily life. “I like to get out and do something different every day. When I’m in Chicago, I enjoy getting on the train and riding around, just observing and taking it all in,” he says. “I do a lot of walking in Louisville, and we live near beautiful Seneca Park. I love getting out and meeting new people, finding new projects, and staying as busy as I want to be.”
What’s The Incredible Inman’s take on the importance of connection with others? “It’s like a muscle,” he says. “You kind of want to exercise it.”
***If you had to pick one item that brings you joy, what would it be?**
That’s an easy one. Back when I worked at The Courier Journal, I saw a giant stack of TV Guides, going back as far as 1956, all bound up and ready to be thrown away! I couldn’t have that. I asked if I could have them, and was told “sure.” No one else wanted them. They are a treasure. None of that can be found online, and it’s a wonderful glimpse of Louisville TV. A piece of history.”
Want to learn more about David and take a Life Long Learning history class? Then check out his five week program at IU Southeast starting this March called Hollywood and World War II. Learn how Hollywood helped us progress, celebrate, and even mourn the complexities of war through the movies it produced. Check out more about this class at IU Southeast here.
By Megan S Willman | Photo by Shai-ann Vera
P.S. You may also enjoy What Her “Retirement” Day Looks Like
Leave a Reply