First Internet Bank CEO David Becker says his entrepreneurial journey started as a ten-year-old paperboy, hawking newspapers at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “I figured out that I could control my own destiny and control my earnings,” said Becker, who has launched and sold five Inc. 500 companies and created the first state-chartered, FDIC-insured bank operating solely on the Internet. In episode 112, he opens up about the banking crisis, Indiana’s changing tech landscape, and lessons learned...
Apr 10, 2023•39 min•Ep. 57
“It was miserable…I had a lot of doors shut in my face.” Angie Hicks is a self-described introvert who thought she was destined for a career as an accountant. So how then did she decide on starting a business by going door to door on the streets of Columbus, Ohio? The Angie’s List co-founder talks about how it all started, growing up in Fort Wayne and life lessons learned from her parents.
Apr 03, 2023•32 min•Ep. 56
Dennis Murphy always knew he wanted to make a difference. And at the age of 14, he left home to do just that, enrolling in a Catholic seminary. While he ultimately opted for a career in healthcare instead of the priesthood, it was an experience that changed his life. In episode 110, the CEO of the state’s largest health system talks about the importance of giving back, family, and the challenging state of healthcare.
Mar 27, 2023•33 min•Ep. 55
“I rolled a car at about 175 MPH and was knocked out and airlifted to the hospital when I was about 17.” You could say cars and racing are part of Morgan Lucas’ DNA. And while he has hung up his helmet, he remains in the fast lane, charged with growing the family business. The president of Lucas Oil Products opens up about risk, family and why the company is all in on Indiana.
Mar 20, 2023•35 min•Ep. 54
She is an engineer turned educator with no experience in the world of museums. But Colette Pierce Burnette has never been one to shy away from a challenge, so she says it was a natural to for her to accept the CEO role at Newfields as the organization endured one of its most challenging periods. “There's so much opportunity for us to enrich lives…who would shy away from that?
Mar 13, 2023•36 min•Ep. 53
It is the result of vision ,persistence and a belief that more than 200 acres of neglected property along the White River could be something special. 35 years after opening, White River State Park is a gleaming collection of arts and culture, sports and entertainment attractions. But, as Executive Director Jake Oakman explains, this urban park’s relevance, and size, are about to grow.
Mar 06, 2023•32 min•Ep. 52
From the bright lights of TV news to the rough and tumble world of the Professional Bull Riders circuit, Fanchon Stinger’s career has come full circle. The Emmy award-winning journalist bid farewell to news and is now bucking trends and breaking barriers for minority women in one of America’s fastest growing sports. A homecoming of sorts that takes her back to her childhood.
Feb 27, 2023•44 min•Ep. 51
“It’s also suspicious when you have these objects flying over our military installations. And I think it calls for deep concern.” From the downing of a Chinese spy balloon to prospects for high-speed rail, Indiana’s 7th District Congressman talks politics, his late grandmother and how his fascination with UFO’s began as a teenager.
Feb 20, 2023•41 min•Ep. 50
From the chaos of war to the pandemonium of a presidential debate, ABC News anchor Linsey Davis feels right at home in the heat of the action. In the opening episode of season three of the podcast, she talks about life in the fast lane of network news, her emerging profile as a children’s author and why Indiana will always feel like “home.”
Feb 13, 2023•36 min•Ep. 1
In the second half of our 100th episode, the always opinionated sports talk host weighs in on playing for Bob Knight, his favorite teammates and the head slap that got him to IU.
Jan 23, 2023•35 min•Ep. 49
For episode 100, we begin a two-part Business & Beyond podcast with the one and only Dan Dakich. From his first recruiting trip to IU to playing for Bob Knight to his career as a firebrand media personality, this Gary native has lots of stories to tell. And he tells them with the passion, and humor, you’ve come to expect from the guy who shut down Michael Jordan.
Jan 16, 2023•37 min•Ep. 48
“I am a native of Porter County, and I think that's what makes this job even more special to me.” She grew up in the region and today leads Indiana’s first and only National Park. In episode 99, Lorelei Weimer talks about her dream job, Indiana’s “best kept secret” and why its economic impact is just beginning to be felt.
Jan 09, 2023•33 min•Ep. 47
Rob Shumaker has had a passion for animal conservation from a very young age and today is leading the Indianapolis Zoo through a transformational period. In episode 98, Shumaker talks about his passion for primates and how that passion is playing a role in the zoo’s next big thing.
Jan 02, 2023•42 min•Ep. 46
She’s an Indiana broadcast Hall of Famer who has left the business but is far from retired. In this episode, Ann Craig Cinnamon talks about breaking Indy radio’s glass ceiling, living in Iran, and life as an entrepreneur.
Dec 26, 2022•37 min•Ep. 45
Growing up in Carmel, Todd Young was taught the value of service, a mindset that would lead him to the United States Naval Academy and ultimately a career in politics. In episode 96, Indiana’s senior senator talks about what drives him, his passion for soccer and how working out next to Chuck Schumer in the Senate Gym helped make the CHIPS Act a reality.
Dec 19, 2022•40 min•Ep. 44
”My brother died, basically, right in front of me.” He witnessed the murder of his brother and could have turned to life on the streets. But promoter Amp Harris chose a different path. In episode 95 he talks about life lessons, race relations and how his friendship with high profile athletes and entertainers helps him be a force for good.
Dec 12, 2022•35 min•Ep. 43
As a child she would create “crazy-themed haunted houses” in her basement and charge neighborhood kids admission. Today, she is CEO of the world’s largest children’s museum. In episode 96, Jennifer Pace Robinson talks about her creative childhood, the “surreal” experience of the pandemic and what might be in store as the museum prepares to celebrate 100 years.
Dec 05, 2022•35 min•Ep. 42
He grew up one of 9 children in Louisville and would go on to lead Eli Lilly & Co. through the most difficult period in its history. In episode 95, John Lechleiter opens up about life, leadership and his love of Indianapolis.
Nov 28, 2022•35 min•Ep. 41
How did a third-generation farm kid from North Dakota wind up leading one of Indiana’s fastest growing cities? And could he one day be leading the state? In episode 94, Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness opens up about farm life, politics and how it all came together in a once sleepy bedroom community.
Nov 21, 2022•34 min•Ep. 40
For new Downtown Indy, Inc. CEO Taylor Shaffer, getting involved is nothing new. From student government, volunteer work, and beauty pageants growing up in Terre Haute, to serving as an Indianapolis deputy mayor, being engaged is part of her DNA. In episode 93, she talks about her vision for downtown Indy, the sense of urgency needed to get things done, and what fuels her optimism for the future.
Nov 14, 2022•38 min•Ep. 39
For Rod Roberson, being the mayor of Elkhart is personal. It’s where he grew up. Starred in school, sports…and on the sax. And it’s where he’s now leading a resurgence in the heart of RV country. In episode 92, he talks about his hometown, hoops and what’s next for the city he loves.
Nov 07, 2022•43 min•Ep. 38
He grew up in northern Indiana, the son of musicians. And for more than a quarter-century he has orchestrated a dramatic and unlikely transformation in Carmel. From new corporate headquarters to massive investment in the arts and downtown development, Jim Brainard has been a lightning rod for change and criticism. In episode 91, he talks about his decision to not seek reelection, the future of cities and, yes, all those roundabouts.
Oct 31, 2022•36 min•Ep. 37
In episode 90, former Indiana Senator Joe Donnelly talks about growing up on the east coast, his path to Notre Dame and experiences that would propel him to a life of service. The U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See also offers perspective on Pope Francis, the war in Ukraine and a possible run for governor.
Oct 24, 2022•40 min•Ep. 36
In her role as CEO of One Southern Indiana, Wendy Dant Chesser is responsible for driving economic development and quality of life in southeast Indiana. And for Dant Chesser, who grew up drinking cherry cokes and eating red hots from Jeffersonville’s world-famous Schimpff’s Confectionery, it is a job she takes very personally. In episode 89, she talks coming home, change and building a region of the future.
Oct 17, 2022•39 min•Ep. 35
For Tom Dakich, growing up in northwest Indiana was special, and after years of economic challenges, he believes the region is poised for transformation. In episode 87, Dakich talks about big projects, his passion for the region and what it was like growing up with little brother Dan.
Oct 10, 2022•35 min•Ep. 34
For years, Michael Huber didn’t talk much about his passion for music and his talents as an accomplished keyboard player. “Then when I got into my late 30’s and 40’s, I’m like, this is who I am, take it or leave it.” In episode 87, the outgoing Indy Chamber CEO talks about his special connection to music, the changing world of economic development and what Indiana University President Pam Whitten said to get him to IU.
Oct 03, 2022•38 min•Ep. 33
Growing up, it was not unusual to find Angela Ganote racing older neighborhood boys in the backyard or the pool. The FOX59 morning anchor’s family-focused childhood instilled a competitive spirit and a toughness that would serve her well in her broadcasting career. It’s also what brought her back home. In this episode, the former IU cheerleader talks career, family and a story that put her in the national spotlight.
Sep 26, 2022•37 min•Ep. 32
It was a day he’ll never forget. Corporate cost cutting cost sports talk radio host Derek Schultz his job and, he thought, the only career he ever wanted. “I don’t think I slept or ate for about three days…and (then) it just kind of hit me. You know what, everything’s going to be OK.” In episode 85, the Hoosier by choice talks Connecticut wiffleball, what it’s like to be a “Miracle Triplet” and why career and life are better than ever.
Sep 19, 2022•50 min•Ep. 31
Serial entrepreneur John Wechsler says he has always had the entrepreneurial spirit. From being the top popcorn salesman on his Pike Township Little League team to jumping out of helicopters as an Army combat engineer, Wechsler has embraced hard work and risk-taking that are hallmarks of an entrepreneur. In this episode, he talks about his path to success, the importance of giving back, and his latest venture, Spokenote.
Sep 12, 2022•37 min•Ep. 30
From the very beginning, Butler University Men’s Basketball Coach Thad Matta knew what he wanted to do with his life. The son of an iconic high school hoops coach, he grew up in, appropriately enough, Hoopeston, Illinois, a self-described gym rat. In episode 84, Matta talks about those early years and what brought him back to his alma mater and the game he loves.
Sep 05, 2022•33 min•Ep. 29
