HOW MARION WORKS

How does our community support and guide individuals through their most difficult moments? In this episode of How Marion Works , host Layla Price-Bodkin and co-host Lillian Harshaw sit down with Amber Earhart, who serves alongside the Marion Police Department as a Victims’ Advocate. Amber shares powerful insights into how she helps victims navigate complex situations, connects families with essent...

Ever wonder what actually goes into preparing firefighters for those split-second moments when every second counts? In this episode of How Marion Works , host Layla Price-Bodkin and co-host Lillian Harshaw sit down with Brandon Satterthwaite, Training Officer with the Marion Fire Department. Brandon takes us behind the scenes to show what rigorous preparation looks like, why continuous training ma...

How does a city ensure safe construction, continuous development, and sustainable growth for the future? In this episode of How Marion Works , host Layla Price-Bodkin and co-host Lillian Harshaw go behind the scenes with Justin Dickerson, the City of Marion Building Commissioner. Justin breaks down the essential work, everyday challenges, and dedicated personnel shaping the physical footprint of M...

How are local leaders actively shaping the future of education and setting the next generation up for success? In this episode of How Marion Works , host Layla Price-Bodkin and co-host Lillian Harshaw welcome Dr. Stephanie Lockwood, Superintendent of Marion Community School Corporation, alongside April L. Evans, MS, Director of Human Resources. Together, they share an inside look at the vision, ta...

What does it take to keep an entire city running behind the scenes? In this episode of How Marion Works , host Layla Price-Bodkin and co-host Lillian Harshaw sit down with Ajay Papai, Superintendent of Citywide Maintenance. Ajay shares an exclusive look at the critical work, daily operations, and unexpected challenges involved in keeping Marion moving every single day. From managing core municipal...

How do you turn a personal vision into one of Marion's most unique community spaces? In this episode of How Marion Works , host Layla Price-Bodkin and co-host Lillian Harshaw sit down with Jamie J. Keys, the owner of Abide Collective. Jamie opens up about the faith, vision, and relentless determination required to bring her dream to life. Discover how Abide Collective evolved into far more th...

First Shift, First Response: Inside Patrol Leadership with 1st Shift Patrol Captain Drew Tittle What does it actually take to lead the officers keeping Marion safe every morning? In this episode of How Marion Works , host Layla Price-Bodkin and co-host Lillian Harshaw sit down with Drew Tittle, the 1st Shift Patrol Captain. Captain Tittle pulls back the curtain on the daily realities of patrol ope...

What does it take to transform a raw passion for authentic barbecue into a beloved local favorite? Join host Layla Price-Bodkin and co-host Lillian Harshaw as they sit down with Jeff Richardson, the owner and pitmaster behind downtown Marion's own Obi’s Barbecue. In this episode, Jeff shares his inspiring entrepreneurial journey from the early days of smoking meats to establishing a thriving...

We rely on them every single day, but how often do we actually stop to think about the essential systems that keep our community running smoothly? In this episode, we pull back the curtain on local infrastructure with Sherry Loshnowsky , Communications Specialist at the utility department. Sherry takes us behind the scenes to show us what it really takes to keep our city safe, functional, and movi...

What happens when you mix a passion for speed with a love for local flavor? In this episode, we’re joined by Tyler and Abby Hewitt , the powerhouse co-owners of Ashley's Ice Cream Cafe . We dive into their journey of entrepreneurship, from balancing the fast-paced world of racing to building a beloved local staple that serves up more than just sweet treats. Hear the story of how they’ve grown...

Ever wonder what drives the person behind the title? Join Layla and Lillian for a lighthearted and inspiring chat with Mayor Ronald Morrell Jr. We’re diving into everything from the big-picture vision for Marion’s growth to the personal stories that fuel his passion for our city. We discuss the success of Clean City 2.0 , the strategic developments currently breaking ground, and what it really tak...

In this episode of How Marion Works , hosts Layla Price-Bodkin and Lillian Harshaw sit down with Wendy Puffer , co-founder and CEO of Marion Design Co. , to explore the profound impact of empathy-driven design. Wendy discusses how intentional branding, web development, and product design serve as catalysts for growth—not just for individual businesses, but for the entire community. From her person...

Ever wonder what keeps a fire department running smoothly when the sirens aren't blaring? In Season 2, Episode 6 of How Marion Works , hosts Layla Price-Bodkin and Lillian Harshaw go behind the scenes with Lisa Edwards, the Administrative Assistant for the Marion Fire Department. Lisa pulls back the curtain on the essential administrative engine that powers our local first responders. She sha...

In the latest episode of the How Marion Works Podcast , co-hosts Layla Price-Bodkin and Lillian Harshaw sit down for an engaging conversation with Matt Wilson , the visionary owner of Psychedelic Cellar . Together, this dynamic trio explores the rhythmic heart of Marion and the story of how a lifelong obsession with music transformed a private collection into one of the city’s most unique cultural...

From the front lines of emergency calls to the heartwarming success of a final adoption, Brittney Shrout and Steven Garmon offer an inside look at the daily life of animal welfare. In this episode, they dive into the essential work their team performs, ranging from high-stakes rescues and reuniting lost pets with their families to educating the community on responsible ownership. Join us as they s...

Meet Marc Lobdell, the person behind one of Marion’s most trusted and long-standing businesses. Discover how Jerry’s Leather Shop and Shoe Hospital combines tradition, skill, and genuine care for the community and beyond. The "HOW MARION WORKS" podcast is produced by Frequency Canvas, LLC. All Audio Production (Recording, Editing, Mixing, & Mastering) is done by: Kyren Monteiro of Fr...

In Season 2, Episode 2 of How Marion Works , host Layla Price-Bodkin and co-host Lillian Harshaw sit down with MPD Lieutenant Bryan Ridgway to explore the specialized world of the Marion Police Department’s K-9 Division. Lieutenant Ridgway shares his personal journey into law enforcement and the path that led him to his calling as a K-9 handler, offering an inside look at how these dogs are select...

We kicked off a fresh new season with returning host Layla Price-Bodkin introducing her new co-host, Lillian Harshaw. In this episode, you'll get to know all about her new position as the City's new Neighborhood Association Coordinator and much more. Learn and laugh as they share some of their personal stories, life lessons, and upcoming events under Mayor Morrell's administration....

On behalf of the City of Marion, IN the team here at the "HOW MARION WORKS" podcast would like to wish all of our listeners and supporters a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We are excited to kick-off season 2 in the year of 2026! Stayed tuned to: www. HowMarionWorks.com for all updates and future episodes! The "HOW MARION WORKS" podcast is produced by Frequency Canvas, LLC....

In this episode of How Marion Works, host Layla Price-Bodkin explores the vital infrastructure that powers the city. We are joined by Robin Schrader, Director of Municipal Utilities, for a deep dive into the systems that provide clean water, manage wastewater, and protect our local environment. In This Episode, We Discuss: * The Essentials of City Life: Understanding the daily operations of the Mu...

Welcome to the administrative engine of Marion City Hall! In Season 1, Episode 23, we pull back the curtain on the critical administrative work that keeps the City of Marion running efficiently. Host Layla Price-Bodkin is joined by two key administrators who provide essential support to the executive and legal branches: Whitney Gilbert (Administrative Assistant, Legal) and Esther Williams (Assista...

In this high-flying episode of How Marion Works , host Layla Price-Bodkin is joined by Airport Manager and Air Marion Incorporated Co-Owner Andy Darlington ! Andy takes you behind the scenes of the Marion Municipal Airport . He shares his personal journey into aviation, what it takes to manage a local airport, and the current projects and challenges keeping him busy. ✈️ Inside the Manager's O...

How Marion Works: S1 E21—World of the Clerks The City Clerk's Office: Behind the Scenes of Marion's Official Records Join host Layla Price-Bodkin for this vital episode as we dive into the City Clerk's office , the cornerstone of Marion's historical and legal documentation. Layla welcomes City Clerk Debbie Goodman , 1st Deputy Clerk Aisha Richard , and 2nd Deputy Clerk Crystal...

Welcome to Season 1, Episode 20 of the How Marion Works podcast! This week,  Host Layla Price-Bodkin welcomes the City's Chief of Operations, Keenan Davis . This episode is dedicated to keeping the citizens of Marion, IN and surrounding areas updated and exposed to the moving parts of the city. In This Episode, Listeners Will Hear: Keenan's Background: Mr. Davis discusses where he was bo...

Welcome to Season 1, Episode 19 of the "How Marion Works" podcast, where your host Layla Price-Bodkin and co-host Deana Vice sit down with the City of Marion's Grant Writer, Jeff Reyes. The mission of this podcast is to expose and inform the community of Marion, IN to all the moving pieces of the city. In this episode, we dive into the life of a grant writer, discussing the challeng...