Ben Kolodzinski

Ben Kolodzinski, of Valparaiso, Indiana, is a journalist and actor known for his work in various local/regional media outlets. Having worked for Lakeshore Public Media (Merrillville, IN) since 2006, Kolodzinski has become an influential member of the local media in both television and radio. An alumni of Purdue University (2008), he graduated with a degree in Communication, with a minor in Film Studies. He is best known for Heaven is Hell (2014), Scent (2014), and a multitude of other projects. In addition to his work in media, Kolodzinski became interested in improvisational acting. Kolodzinski found a niche as "Rowdy", a featured character in an award winning haunted attraction in Valparaiso. Utilizing his large physical presence and playful demeanor, he quickly became a popular character actor in the local scene. During the 2017-2018 sport calendar, Kolodzinski accepted a position as a Weekly Columnist at Indiana Sports Coverage, part of the USA Today Sports Blog Network. There he provides editorial insights on Purdue University, particularly the Football and Men's Basketball programs. Kolodzinski's writing style has been described as snarky, occasionally irreverent/irrelevant, but always, "Good for a laugh or a life lesson." It is through his work on USA Today and his Purdue Boilermaker fandom, that Kolodzinski has maintained a colorful social media presence, which he has referred to as "hyperbolic" and has jokingly referred to it as a certain percentage of "performance art" and "more well adjusted than [his profiles] let on." In August 2021 Kolodzinski assumed the role Analyst for Prep Football Report, providing his insight and opinions on the the highest level of prep sports in Northwest, Indiana. Kolodzinski provides a breakdown on both Lakeshore Public Television and Lakeshore Public Radio. Kolodzinski continues to be a writer, journalist, photojournalist, radio personality, and actor in the Indiana and Chicagoland area.