Unfiltered: Conversations with Myron

While Myron had decided to end his bike trip across the country, he and Dana are still out there making new friends and having unfiltered conversations. Mike and Kelli Ellis share their journey to the First Baptist Church of Sanderson.  Visit the Electric Brew

Myron and Dana made their way to Roswell, yes, that Roswell. While there, they met Jocelyn and Ernie at “Food Not Bombs.” A nonprofit that recovers food that would otherwise be discarded. Both Jocelyn and Ernie share where their deeply personal relationship with food insecurity began.  Visit the Electric Brew

As Myron and Dana travel across the country, they can't help but meet and have Unfiltered Conversations with folks they meet. This week, Jason and Jackie Reames share overcoming many personal difficulties to find love for each other, their children, and their community. They are also owners of a BBQ and Burger food truck in New Waverly, TX.  Check them out on Facebook! Double J's Burgers...

After retirement, Myron and Dana hit the road! This special BONUS episode is one of the first Unfiltered episodes born on the road. We hope there are many more to follow! Heidi Jackson is an extraordinary individual! Standing tall at 6'8", she made waves during her college basketball career at Vanderbilt University. Heidi was a dominant force on the court, earning numerous accolades, inc...

The author shares the story of his name, "E-Man," derived from the show Family Matters . Born and raised in Goshen, Indiana, he attended Catholic schools and adopted the nickname "E-Man" (God with us), inspired by his mother's story as a refugee from Nicaragua.   Growing up in Indiana with a Catholic background, his childhood included playing with G.I. Joes and watching pr...

In this episode of Unfiltered Conversations with Myron, Ted Swartz shares his journey as a storyteller and comedian. He grew up in Eastern Pennsylvania, where he was a part of a rural community that was influenced by Mennonite values. His brother and sister were part of a group that shared a love for baseball and comedy. Ted was married at 19 and worked as a meat cutter until his father's sto...

Tammy Hicks, a native of Goshen, shares her journey from growing up in Florida to becoming a teacher. Born in Colorado Springs, she moved to Florida at nine and attended Model Elementary and Goshen Middle Schools. She graduated from Goshen High School. Tammy's hardworking parents supported her interests in music and cheerleading. After high school, Tammy attended IUSB but paused her education...

Sywulka is the Founder and Chief Dot Connector of HAPI, with expertise in national innovation ecosystems, corporate innovation management, and social innovation. He is a Guatemalan linguist and author, translated the Bible into Mam, an indigenous language. Inspired by his missionary grandparents, he studied linguistics. Sywulka emphasizes addressing smaller issues to tackle bigger problems and adv...

Twila, born in Goshen, grew up by Gorham Woods. One of her earliest memories was biking downtown to the brew, meeting friends, and begging for chocolate-covered espresso beans. This space inspired her creative work. Twila, from a creative family, expressed herself through writing and poetry, admiring her siblings' skills in photography and drawing. Realizing writing was her identity, she focu...

Jess, the Founder and CEO of Write Connections | strategy + design, talks about growing up in Wakarusa as a first-generation international adoptee. Born in Seoul, Korea, and adopted at three months old, she was one of the few minority students in her school. She left but found her way back to Elkhart County, where she now embraces it as her community, where we build together.  Visit the Electric B...

In this episode of Unfiltered Conversations with Myron, Marshall King recounts his upbringing in Southern Arkansas and his ties to the Mennonite community. Born in El Dorado, he grew up in a Mennonite church and experienced community building. After attending Eastern Mennonite College, he worked in journalism in Indiana. His ecumenical background and diverse community influenced his worldview, inc...

This week, it's Dana's turn as the guest on Unfiltered. Granddaughter Abby Bontrager takes a turn as host.  Visit the Electric Brew

This week, Josiah (Myron's grandson) takes over the hosting mic and turns the tables as he interviews Myron. "The man, the myth, the legend."  Visit the Electric Brew

In this episode, Myron chats with friend Ritch Hochstetler about retirement. Ritch will also be hanging up his work hat this fall. Join them as they discuss their thoughts and feelings in the next chapter.  Visit the Electric Brew

In this episode of Unfiltered Conversations with Myron, Cory Martin, the chaplain of the Elkhart jail ministry, shares his journey from a privileged childhood in Elkhart County to forming a lasting friendship with Shannon and Dana. He discusses the contrast between peace and chaos, emphasizing that a "boring" upbringing can be beneficial and that embracing different experiences and persp...

Matthew Gillan, a Goshen-born artist, sat down with Myron; he has a multicultural background shaped by his Puerto Rican heritage and frequent visits to the island. These trips inspired his appreciation for family connections and cultural traditions, such as the sounds of coquilles at night. Homeschooled by a doctor mother, he values curiosity and learning, fostering a love for drawing, reading, an...

Allison Garcia Romero shared her life story with Myron, highlighting her upbringing in Goshen, Indiana, and her diverse heritage. She described her charmed childhood, influenced by her Amish and Mexican roots, and the impact of owning land on her sense of belonging. Allison discussed her educational journey, including studying social work and Spanish at Nazarene University, and her career in educa...

Rafael Barahona, an immigrant from Canada with Chilean roots, sat down with Myron and discussed his journey from feeling disconnected in Goshen at 13 to becoming a strong advocate for the community. He shared his experiences of cultural identity, moving frequently due to his father's pastoral work, and the challenges of integrating into different communities. Rafael also talked about his musi...

Kim Pedler shared her challenging childhood in Middlebury, marked by emotional and physical abuse from her alcoholic father. Despite these traumas, Kim developed empathy and resilience, choosing a path of understanding over anger. Her father's violent life and eventual suicide profoundly impacted her, leading her to advocate for financial education to break cycles of financial ignorance. Kim...

In this final episode of Season One, Iris and Myron sit down to discuss what they've learned through this experience.  Visit the Electric Brew

Myron sits down with Eyob and Melat, both born in Ethiopia. Their dream for Goshen is that we grow as a community and help one another thrive, not just survive. They wish for us to show more kindness and open up to strangers in our community.  Visit the Electric Brew

Myron sits down with Ana Avila, a former Brew employee. Ana graduated from Goshen College. She loves to read, and her diverse background (Ana is of Mexican descent) and education reflect her commitment to her community and all she encounters.  Visit the Electric Brew

Myron talks with Goshen native Katy Sonner this week. Her dream for Goshen is for it to be a place where people want to grow old.  Visit the Electric Brew

This week, Myron sits down with Karuu Njogu, the branch manager at 1st Source Bank in downtown Goshen. Karuu was born in Kenya and moved to the US when he was 39. He is passionate about Goshen and dreams that someday, everyone will have more access to affordable housing.  Visit the Electric Brew

This week, Myron sits down with his friend Chet Peachy, who talks about paving the way as a male nurse, growing up in Pennsylvania as an only child who never felt like an only child, and making it through graduate school.  Visit the Electric Brew