Hi, I'm Michael.

Professor, columnist, novelist. I teach stuff. I write stuff.
I never grew out of my 'why' phase.

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The Edge of Motherland

In an unusual moment, an unusual friendship forces a young black man and a middle-aged white man to reevaluate what home really means. “The Edge of Motherland” follows the two men, connected through the tech company where they both work and their shared musical and poetic passions. Disillusioned by their state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the racial strife of 2020, they embark on a transformative journey out of Indianapolis. Along the way, they confront the emotional toll of the pandemic, reevaluate their beliefs, and forge a deeper bond through shared adversity. Against the backdrop of an eerie, fractured America, their quest captures the struggles of a nation grappling with isolation, resilience, and the pursuit of hope in uncertain times.

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The Edge of Motherland

About Michael

Michael Leppert is an award-winning lecturer and essayist in Indianapolis, Indiana. He teaches speech and writing at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. After a thirteen year career in public service, he enjoyed 20 years as a private sector lobbyist and public affairs consultant, working with top government, community, and business leaders to achieve strategic priorities. In 2026, Manhattan Book Group will publish his latest novel, “The Edge of Motherland.” He lives in downtown Indy with his wife, Amy Levander and has two adult children, Alex and Jack.
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