Mustang Mentality

What does it mean to be a State Representative? Or as Mike would simply say- a Public Servant.  We discuss his role for Munster and neighboring communities as our voice in the State House. He talks about his reasoning for running in 2020 and what passions keep him involved and seeking  reelection in 2024. This podcast was started for several little reasons but the main goal and focus has been to i...

Yet another great conversation as I wrap up the School Board candidate episodes. Scott and I sat down for an engaging and enlightening conversation, I learned his background and what experience he's looking to bring to the table. It was comforting to sit down with all candidates to be assured Munster is in good hands. There are 5 candidates and 3 seats open, I suggest everyone try and engage w...

I had a wonderful time getting to know Johnny Craig and I believe if you listen to this episode you will too. Johnny and I discuss his  years in the education sector, his active role in Munster Sports/Extracurricular activities and much more.  This episode is #3 of 4 introducing the school board candidates and it’s great to hear the passion and dedication of all I’ve sat down with so far. The fina...

It was such a delight sitting down with Amy today and getting to know her more. Amy is 1 of the 5 school board candidates in this upcoming November election. We spoke on the current highlights of the STM and if given the opportunity the things she would like to see enhanced. Thank you once again for your time and for putting yourself out there in order to serve the community.

This November 3 of the 5 School Board seats will be up for election and my goal is to introduce and highlight each candidate. On the kickoff for Season 2 I had the pleasure of sitting down with two current STM board members. Ingrid and John have both recently launched re-election campaigns for their spots on the school board. As sitting members they provided a glimpse into what the school board is...

The last one on one conversation for the season is no time to shy away from a controversial topic so I attack it head on sitting down with Mitch from "For the Love of Munster". No name calling, no insults just a conversation breaking down legitimate concerns on the Ridge Road project. Mitch has decades of experience on trails, grants and funding among other things in relation to community developm...

With only 3 episodes lefts of season 1 I sit down with one half of the dynamic duo taking NWI by storm. Hear the story about how the Barnes got started in the Doughnut business and what it’s like opening in various locations around the state. Wes and I are both happy to be a part of a new small business committee through the Chamber of Commerce in town, we have also met with town staff in regard t...

In a follow up episode from our December conversation Katie and I discuss what’s changed over at the Chamber since her becoming Chairman. We talk about the new committees, events and real focus on small businesses in Munster. This time around we are also joined by Karen who has been with the chamber for over a decade of service, Karen gives us some insight on the mechanics of the chamber and infor...

This months recap of our previous speakers and a peek at what’s upcoming! The round table discussions are open at anyone that would like to attend. It gives an opportunity to raise questions, concerns and feedback with previous guests and have input on what you would like to see from the show in the future. Thank you to all that attended!

Members of the Choice Community Council- Officer Ghrist and Connie Karras stop by Top Tier and fill us in with information on past and an exciting upcoming project. This group is another great example of volunteerism in Munster. The Choice Community Council, founded in 1994 through the Munster Police Department and whose mission is drug, gang, crime, and violence prevention in Munster. For more in...

Last week I had the pleasure and glowing experience of sitting down with two of the three Co-Owners of one of Munsters bright new businesses JEM MedSpa. What exactly is a MedSpa? Well that's where our conversation begins. It was enlightening to find out how many services and experiences are offered at this true JEM in the middle of Centennial Village. If you are unaware this is the third locat...

Hall Monitor, Activist, WUM Overlord, Environmentalist, who exactly is Paul Nelson? Learn the background on how Paul starting Munster Safe Neighborhoods with the help of some friends and how it evolved (or devolved depending on who you ask) into the different pages you see and hear about today. Dedicating your free time and energy in creating and sustaining useful tools for the community most ofte...

Get to know The Musleh brothers. This dynamic duo has taken NWI by storm with multiple Anytime Fitness locations as well as their new project “Basecamp” located in Schererville with more on the way. In recent years they have also upped the game by developing and managing the properties those businesses are anchored at giving them a unique experience of tenant and landlord.

The more I dig to find what makes Munster tick it becomes more and more apparent its the level of community members dedicating their time and energy to volunteer. What does it mean to Volunteer? Well Webster would say- "Volunteering is  the act of rendering selfless service to a cause, oftentimes for free and without coercion . It is about giving time to a good cause, specifically to help an...

A Lenten bonus episode before we reach Holy week. In this episode we start off in the Sanctuary of Munster's oldest Church with me telling the Pastor I don't really have a Religion, now that's not to say I don't have faith. But as far as Religion goes my status is the same as my political one- Independent. Now some Church leaders may have been offended or dismissive but Pastor Jim...

Come get the inside scoop on how “The Sweet Tooth” found its way to its home on Ridge Road. Hear what business owners would like to see happen on Ridge Road from actual business owners on Ridge Road. Spoiler alert this episode talks about signage …a Jelly Belly sign to be exact. Plus we wrap it up with how you can get involved and join Dan and other “young” (under 40) Republicans in the area.

A Fiscally Conservative Independent and a Progressive Democrat walk into a bar… There are probably a ton of bad jokes in there but this conversation isn’t one. -This episode is a perfect example of community members who may not always see eye to eye coming together and looking towards the future. Ryan and I got lost in conversation for 2hrs simply talking about life and politics (inside and outsid...

An inside look into what a PTO is all about- We talk about what involvement looks like, the core purpose of the organization and everyone’s favorite event of the year- Carnival!! Thank you to Eads PTO President (Nicole Albright), Vice President (Katie Djuric), Treasurer (Liz Hoitsma), and Secretary (Alison Rio) for this quick and informative chat.

This months recap of our previous speakers and a peek at what’s upcoming! The round table discussions are open at anyone that would like to attend. It gives an opportunity to raise questions, concerns and feedback with previous guests and have input on what you would like to see from the show in the future. Thank you to all that attended!

Without criticism there is no progress and without progress there is no life. No one can deny Munster being a desirable place to live whether it’s because you want to be close to Chicago without those pesky IL taxes or if you came here to raise a family in the award-winning schools. We have great parks, lots of activates and excellent community engagement with our Police Department, these are all...

Rosie the Executive Director and Aleesha the Director of K14 initiatives for Ivy Tech Community College provide details on the duel credit program available through Munster High School. We discuss the many benefits and any potential drawbacks of being involved in these courses throughout High School. This episode is a must listen for Munster parents!

Munster Resident and Business Owner Summer gives us an inside scoop on what it’s like to get started on a business dream. We talk about the excitement we both share with the focus of the Chamber on Commerce shifting gears to businesses like ours. Come cure those winter blues by learning all the things Summer Gold has to offer!

Come swing right into this conversation about Parks, Trails, and everything in between. We cover the staffing dilemma at the pool, talk about options to reboot the wine tasting event, and upcoming improvements and additions to trails. Want your voice heard? Head over to the Parks Department tab on the town website and submit your feedback for the Munster Parks and Recreation 5-Year Comprehensive P...

Round Table #1 was a great way to recap the first full month of Mustang Mentality. We discussed a-lot of topics including the Nominating Committee, steps to avoid conflicts of interests on Boards/Council and the new ticket quota for Munster PD. Thank you to the speakers (Chuck,Katie,Brad,Mike) and to all of those who came (some pictured- some not), asked questions and got engaged in a new and uniq...

This week I sit down and sip tea with former town council candidate and current park board member Mike Sowards. We reflect on his time campaigning and serving on the park board. We dive into some of the things he would like to see in Munster going forward (Like the return of wine tasting 🤞). And at the end of the day we focus on all of us being community members committed to a better future for M...