ThriveIN Wabash County

In this episode, Alex sits down with  Matthew Purkey , CEO of  Josiah White’s , and his daughter  Micah . The Purkey family recently made the move from Fort Wayne to Wabash, embracing rural life and all the community has to offer. For more than  175 years , Josiah White’s has been helping families and children in crisis, in transition, and in need of support through its accredited and comprehensiv...

What does it take to climb the equivalent height of  Mount Everest —29,029 feet—in just 36 hours? In this episode of  ThriveIN Wabash County , host  Adam Stakeman  sits down with three remarkable women from right here in Wabash County— Sarah Cole, Leah Howard, and Tammy Ford —to find out. Together, they reflect on their journey to  29029 Everesting in Sun Valley, Idaho , an endurance event that pu...

For 22 years, the  Wabash Cannonball Chili for Charity Cookoff  has been serving up more than just great chili—it’s been fueling community impact. As the largest chili cookoff east of the Mississippi River, this beloved Wabash County tradition blends friendly competition, flavorful recipes, and a whole lot of heart. In this episode, Christine sits down with event cofounder Bob McCallen and long-st...

In this lively episode, the tables are turned as the hosts face a series of rapid-fire questions submitted by the listeners—no notes, no prep, just honest (and sometimes hilarious) answers. You’ve heard them interview guests, but now it’s their turn in the hot seat. Will it be brilliant or a total trainwreck? Tune in to find out! If you enjoyed the ThriveIN Wabash County Podcast, be sure to downlo...

In this inspiring episode of  ThriveIN Wabash County , host  Adam Stakeman  sits down with guests  Todd Schindler ,  Matt Bohner , and  Lindsay Swihart  to explore the power of inclusive racing. Together, they dive into the mission of  MyTeam Triumph , an organization dedicated to creating unforgettable race experiences where athletes of  all abilities  thrive as one team. You’ll hear firsthand st...

In this episode, host Alex Downard chats with Bob Ferguson of Roann, Indiana—a man deeply passionate about the place he calls home. Bob shares Roann’s vision for bringing big ideas to one of Wabash County’s smaller communities and how collaboration with the rest of Wabash County, through the Imagine One 85 initiative, helps bring those ideas to reality.  From a transformational new park project to...

In this episode, Christine sits down with Candie Cooper, a visionary creator who believes artists aren’t just makers of beautiful things—they’re problem solvers, storytellers, and placemakers. We explore how communities can better tap into the unique skills of artists to drive economic growth, foster local pride, and bring people together in unexpected ways. From reimagining public spaces to spark...

In this episode of  ThriveIN Wabash County , host Adam Stakeman sits down with  David and Valerie Doud , owners of the beloved  Doud’s Countyline Orchard , to explore a story that’s as much about  legacy  as it is about  innovation . From humble beginnings and family ties to pioneering apple breeding, the Douds share what it means to steward land that’s been in their family for generations — and h...

In this episode of  ThriveIN Wabash County , the trio sit down with  Diane Morris , Board President of the  Wabash County Animal Shelter , to discuss the organization's transformation and renewed mission. Once under public scrutiny for concerns around services and financial transparency, the shelter has undergone a remarkable revision in recent years. Diane shares candid insights about the ste...

Alex and Christine sit down with Aylee and Randy, two current fellows in the  Wabash County Fellowship Program , to hear firsthand what it’s like to live, work, and grow in our community through this unique initiative. They share their experiences, what drew them to the program, and their honest feedback on how it could serve as a powerful tool to attract and retain young talent in Wabash County....

Alex sits down with Cheryl Working, founder of  Daniel's Place  in North Manchester, Indiana, to explore the heart behind this exceptional organization. Daniel’s Place provides compassionate, personalized care to individuals with disabilities of all ages—ensuring their well-being, dignity, and inclusion in a safe and joyful environment. The facility also offers essential respite for caregivers...

In this episode, Christine grabs the mic with Lagro local powerhouse Justin Gillespie—entrepreneur, community builder, and the guy who somehow helps make  everything  happen in Lagro. From slinging cocktails at the  950 Speakeasy Bistro to restoring historic charm at the  Riparian House , Justin’s love for his hometown runs deep. Oh, and did we mention he also works full-time at  Ford Meter Box  ...

LaNae and John Abnet sit down with Adam to discuss their 1600-mile kayak journey from the source of the Wabash River to the mouth of the Mississippi River. Find out how these Berne, IN residents became connected to several Wabash County residents along the way, why they choose to volunteer with the  Wabash River Defenders , and how this 3 1/2 month journey changed their lives forever. If you'r...

In this episode, the trio sits down with  Mayor Scott Long  of Wabash, Indiana, to explore the  human element  behind public leadership. Before stepping into the mayor's office, Scott led a very different life—and he shares what inspired him to run for public office in the first place. They discuss the vital role public service and volunteering play in the health of a small town, and how commu...

In this episode, Adam and Alex sit down with Conner Hindman to explore the Wabash County Fellowship Program. This is not your typical summer internship—this innovative initiative is designed to attract and retain young talent in the region, build leadership skills, and foster a deeper sense of community engagement. The   Fellowship Program  is shaping the next generation of leaders and as a result...

Listen in as Alex talks with his predecessor, former President & CEO of the Community Foundation of Wabash County , Patty Grant. Patty retired in March of 2025, leaving a legacy of servant leadership, humility, innovation, and a deep commitment to Wabash County and the Community Foundation. Under Patty's leadership, the Community Foundation grew from around $30M in assets to over $100M in...

In this episode, Christine chats with  Heather Cruz , the powerhouse Executive Director behind  Manchester Alive . From creative downtown initiatives to summer parties on the riverfront, Heather is all about turning big ideas into real impact. Tune in to hear how she’s helping North Manchester thrive—one event, one partnership, and one good time at a time. If you love community innovation, clever...

Stephanie Rogers, Experiences Manager at Visit Wabash County, joins Adam to share exciting details about two major local events:  Wabash Run the River  and the  Dam to Dam Century Ride . Are you thinking about getting into running or cycling but not sure where to begin? No worries! Stephanie also highlights two  local clubs  — one for runners and one for cyclists — both perfect for beginners of al...

In this episode, the trio dive into an honest conversation about the crossroads many face: staying in or leaving rural communities like Wabash County. We reflect on friends who’ve moved away—and why—and explore the very real challenges and meaningful advantages of choosing rural life. We talk about what makes Wabash County special, what we're doing to address what  can  be improved, and why we're...

What happens when a world-famous true crime podcaster falls in love with a small town in Indiana? In this episode, Alex and Adam sit down with Shane Waters—an award-winning podcast creator turned passionate community leader. Shane shares the unexpected journey that led him to Wabash and how his love for storytelling now fuels his role as Executive Director of  Downtown Wabash, Inc . From his podca...

In this episode, we hear from Jennifer Long-Dillon, Tourism Manager at Visit Wabash County, as she shares the inspiring story behind leveraging the use of a historic barn into a vibrant venue for bluegrass music once a year. Discover how her creative vision brought new life to the space and sparked an event that blends rich musical tradition with a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Jennifer d...

Adam sits down with Erica and Jared Cordes, the husband-and-wife team behind The Cordes Berry Farm. Erica and Jared open up about the joys and challenges of running a family farm and walk us through their bold transition from traditional farming to a focus on specialty crops. Head to the Cordes Berry Farm  Facebook Page  to learn more about this family-owned and operated business, including what a...

Hosted by three passionate leaders—Adam Stakeman, Alex Downard, and Christine Flohr—the podcast dives into the people and projects shaping Wabash County’s future. With backgrounds in community development, economic growth, outdoor adventure, marketing, and tourism, the trio brings thoughtful perspective and authentic energy to every episode. Their chemistry as co-hosts is evident, blending humor w...

The podcast features episodes that highlight innovation, entrepreneurship, placemaking, and quality-of-life initiatives. From new business launches to grassroots revitalization efforts, ThriveIN captures the spirit of a community on the rise. We’re not just talking about change—we’re talking to the people making it happen. Special thanks to the City of Wabash, Gilman Investment Fund, Sandra Kunkel...