ThriveIN Wabash County

It’s Christine’s turn to take the  HOT SEAT  as hosts Alex and Adam flip the script and put her under fire with questions. In this episode, Christine shares why she fell in love with the world of  tourism and marketing , the passion she has for telling the stories of her community, and why she proudly chooses  Wabash County  as the place she calls home. From her belief in the power of small commun...

What does it truly mean to go the extra mile—for your family, your workplace, and your community? In this episode of  ThriveIN Wabash County , all three hosts sit down with Tyler Niccum, a lifelong Wabash County resident and current County Commissioner, to explore a life built on service, commitment, and stepping into leadership when it matters most. From growing up in Wabash County to now helping...

In this energizing episode of the ThriveIN Podcast, Christine sits down with Visit Wabash County’s dynamic marketing team—Biz, Brittany, and marketing intern Isaac, who steps in as the guest host—to unpack what’s actually working in marketing today. From promoting a podcast to leveraging print media and maximizing email marketing, this conversation is packed with practical strategies that any busi...

Christine and Alex turn the tables and put Adam in the hot seat on this episode of  ThriveIN . From the heights he’s willing to climb—literally and figuratively—to reach a goal, to the heart behind the countless volunteer hours he pours into the community, Adam shares what drives him. As an on-the-road Sales Manager for JM Reynolds Oil, Adam offers a unique perspective on regional business, relati...

In this heartwarming and witty episode of  ThrivIN Wabash County ,  Christine  welcomes community stakeholders  Jeff and Karen Leslie  into the studio. This dynamic duo shares how their faith, family, and service have shaped a life deeply rooted in Wabash County. From being active in their church’s  FOR Campaign , advocating for  foster care , and  homeschooling their children , to Jeff transformi...

Rivers connect communities — economically, environmentally, and recreationally. In this episode of  ThriveIN Wabash County , Adam Stakeman sits down with Jess Linder, Executive Director of  Northeast Indiana Water Trails , and Past Director Kyle Quandt to talk about the growth and impact of water trails across the region. They discuss how NEIWT works with local communities to expand river access,...

Mayor Scott Long joins Adam and Christine in the ThriveIN studio for a fact-based, educational conversation about how Indiana’s current legislative session affects the City of Wabash and Wabash County. The discussion covers Local Income Tax, property taxes and assessments, land use regulations, housing costs, and the ongoing debate around growth and local control. Mayor Long explains how state-lev...

All three hosts sit down with Chris Wetherford—more than the Senior Vice President of Operations at PaperWorks Industries. Chris is a husband, father, avid cyclist, and deeply invested community stakeholder. In this episode, Chris shares how he leverages Wabash County’s local resources to attract and retain talent, why the county’s outdoor recreation scene plays a role in quality of life, and how...

Alex brings Executive Director Cynthia Johnson and Board Member Julie Garber of the Learn More Center into the studio to talk about real opportunity through education. Discover how this organization is helping adults earn high school diplomas, gain industry-recognized certifications, and learn English as a second language. With a ribbon cutting for a brand-new facility in late 2025, the Learn More...

Christine and Adam put their  famous  podcast co-host in the hot seat for a conversation listeners have been waiting for. Who is Alex Downard—beyond the mic? In this episode, Christine and Adam dig into Alex’s journey to Wabash County, what inspired him to stay, and how he landed in his role as President & CEO of the Community Foundation of Wabash County. Now leading a team of nine and steppin...

Join Adam Stakeman and Christine Flohr on this episode of the ThriveIN Wabash County Podcast as they sit down with Michael Beauchamp and Jen Rankin, self-described River Rats and co-founders of  Wabash River Defenders . Mike and Jen share the story behind this grassroots organization dedicated to protecting, cleaning, and celebrating the Wabash River.  Listeners will learn about the history of the...

Please note that due to video issues, this is an audio episode only. To catch Bill's smiling face follow him on Facebook or catch his podcast Sports Talk lined below.  The ThriveIN Podcast trio sits down with Wabash County youth sports legend Bill Barrows for a heartfelt conversation about service, leadership, and community. From his impactful years at the YMCA to being named the 2019 Distingu...

Host Alex Downard sits down with Dr. Stacy Young, President of Manchester University, for a deep and hopeful conversation about the future of higher education in rural Indiana. Dr. Young shares her passion for creating  affordable, accessible degree pathways  that reduce barriers and widen opportunities for every student who steps on campus. She explains how Manchester is expanding “ earn while yo...

Host  Christine Flohr  talks with  Lesley Vigar , an experienced real estate agent and Wabash County Champion, about why a community’s image plays a critical role in relocation decisions. Lesley shares what homebuyers truly look for in a place to live and how  Wabash County stands out  compared to other markets she knows—through connection, quality of life, and a strong sense of community. Discove...

In this episode of  ThriveIN Wabash County , host  Adam Stakeman  sits down with  Jason Kissel , Executive Director of  ACRES Land Trust , to explore how land conservation is shaping the future of Northeast Indiana. ACRES, Indiana’s oldest land trust, protects more than 8,500 acres of natural and working lands across the region — including several treasured preserves right here in  Wabash County ....

Adam, Alex, and Christine are ringing in the New Year with energy and excitement as they launch Season 2 of ThriveIN. And they’re starting it off with a twist: listener-submitted “Most Likely To…” questions that put the hosts in the hot seat. For an hour of insight, laughter, and light-hearted chaos, the trio reveals their picks for prompts like: “Who is most likely to adopt an Amish lifestyle?” “...

In this special year-end episode, the hosts take a heartfelt and humorous look back at 2025—what they’ve learned, what surprised them, and how the stories of Wabash County have shaped the first year of ThriveIN. From behind-the-scenes moments to the conversations that changed their perspective, this wrap-up is part reflection, part celebration, and all about community. They also share what they’re...

In this episode, host  Alex Downard  sits down with well-known servant leader and longtime Wabash County business owner,  Brian Howenstine . Brian proudly claims to be the podcast’s biggest fan—and after hearing this conversation, you’ll understand why his passion for community runs so deep. Alex and Brian dive into Brian’s decades of involvement in Wabash County, his commitment to servant leaders...

Christine brings together her marketing team from  Visit Wabash County  for a candid conversation about what it’s really like to market a destination. Content Manager Biz Bishop and Creative Lead Brittany Riner share their experiences building strategic marketing plans, creating content that resonates, and showcasing the best of Wabash County. Learn about the task management, ASANA, which they use...

From delicate butterflies along the Wabash River Trail to world-class performers on the Honeywell Center stage, writer, editor, and photojournalist  David Nelson  has a gift for helping us see the extraordinary in the everyday. In this episode of  ThriveIN Wabash County , host  Adam Stakeman  sits down with David to talk about his craft, his process, and the power of perspective. Whether he’s behi...

In this special episode, the ThriveIN hosts are saying thank you to their loyal listeners with  FIVE  amazing giveaway packages! Each themed bundle— Adventure, Date Night, Family Fun, Shop Local, and the Mele Kalikimaka Big Kahuna Prize Package —all are packed with hundreds of dollars in local gift cards, perfect for the upcoming holiday season. HOW TO ENTER: Step 1 - Subscribe, rate, and review t...

In this episode, Alex sits down with Indiana Senator  Andy Zay  for a candid and heartfelt conversation about public service, personal conviction, and staying grounded in what matters most. Senator Zay shares openly about his deep love for his family, his faith, and his unwavering commitment to serving rural Indiana with integrity. Alex isn’t afraid to ask the challenging questions—what does it re...

In this episode, we sit down with Mike and Maria Smyth, a dynamic couple who moved back to the U.S. and chose Wabash County as the place to put down roots. They share their journey of opening the  Eclectic Shoppe , a unique small business that has added charm and vibrancy to the area. Now living in LaFontaine—a quiet town just outside Wabash—the Smyths are channeling their entrepreneurial drive in...

Trails do more than connect towns—they connect people, boost economies, and inspire healthier lifestyles. In this episode of  ThriveIN Wabash County , co-hosts  Adam Stakeman  and  Christine Flohr  sit down with  Amy Ford  to talk about the vision, development, and lasting impact of the  Wabash River Trail , which stretches from Wabash to Lagro. Together, they explore how this project has transfor...

*Please be advised: this episode discusses addiction and thoughts of suicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text the national hotline - 988 In this episode, Adam and Christine sit down with local entrepreneur Nick Palmer, whose story is one of resilience, perseverance, and redemption. Despite personal struggles with addiction and hitting rock bottom, Nick never gave up. T...