Indiana Podcasts - Leaders, Legends, and Nonprofits from the Hoosier State

Teens today are facing an unprecedented challenge with mental health challenges, and my guests from the Chris Center use human-animal interaction and alpacas to give them tools to improve their mental wellness. Joining me is Nancy Elbert, Executive Director, Sandra Moreira, Director of Programming, and Megan Hanna, Facilitator of Programs. Learn more at https://www.chriscenterpaws.com/ . Get full...

He was a man as unique as his name: Rexford Carlisle Early. We lost Rex, a former Marine, on Veterans Day, and in tribute the “Leaders and Legends” podcast convened three of his closest friends to talk about Rex’s life, times, and laugh lines. Please enjoy Ann Delaney, Murray Clark, and Jim Shella as we reminisce about a true Hoosier original. Sponsors * Veteran Strategies * Girl Scouts of Central...

I recently moved downtown in Indianapolis and frequently walk by the home of Benjamin Harrison, who was the 23rd president of the United States from 1889 to 1893. I became curious about the man and his time in office and looked into him, and he cared deeply about civics and what makes a community work well. Charlie Hyde is the President & CEO of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, and he join...

Lisa Kreag, Executive Director of the Heart and Soul free clinic, joins me to discuss the need for care for the uninsured in one of the most affluent communities in the state of Indiana. You wouldn't think the need would be so great in our wealthiest county, but it is. She explains how this nonprofit cares for over 500 patients with an all-volunteer staff. http://www.heartandsoulclinic.org Join WA...

You've likely seen the iconic logo of the Boys and Girls Clubs in your local area. Maggie Lewis, CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of Indianapolis, joins me to share how they transform kids' lives through after-school programs. Learn more at https://bgcindy.org/.   Join WAL Plus now for commercial-free shows and our complete archives - JoinWALPlus.com ---- This episode is brought to you by Iconic Insura...

John Wechsler is one of Indiana’s most impactful and respected entrepreneurs—and he is also this week’s guest on the “Leaders and Legends” podcast. John joins us to talk about how his military service prepared him for his career, why Indianapolis is respected as a tech hub, and his new video venture—Spokenote. Sponsors * Veteran Strategies * Girl Scouts of Central Indiana * MacAllister Machinery *...

Over the last few months, my wife and I have experienced five miscarriages. We decided to be open about it because we need the support of friends and family, and we felt being open about it would contribute to the end of the stigma around losing a child. My guest Emma Ping of Selah’s Grace Ministries, started a nonprofit to do that same thing. Jennifer Kitzmiller of Indianapolis Arts Chorale also...

Former Indiana Speaker of the House and two-time gubernatorial candidate John Gregg is one of the most well-liked, humorous, and accomplished public servants in modern Indiana history. On this week’s “Leaders and Legends” podcast, Speaker Gregg talks about his career, his connection with his fellow Hoosiers, and how much he enjoyed being in the Statehouse. Our friend—and John’s friend—Jim Shella j...

Donna Oklak of the Meridian Foundation is passionate about innovation in the nonprofit space. She has created the Arago Honors Nonprofit Innovation Awards to grant of $10,000 to a nonprofit that breaks the molds of traditional systems. To show how that works, she and I speak to Kristi Mitchell of the Launch HOPE Foundation. Working with interns from Butler University that attend their business sch...

Kurt Vonnegut is one of the most brilliant and famous Hoosier writers in our state’s history. On this week’s “Leaders and Legends” podcast our conversation is with Chris Lafave, curator of the Indy-based Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library and Vonnegut fan and our friend Kip Tew. We discuss Kurt’s writings, his influences, and how his writings have affected us all. Get full access to Indiana Podcasts...

Yoezer Cassell is a junior at Covenant Christian High School. He won an internship with the Bank of America Student Leaders program, where he works at the Christamore House in Haughville, serving the economically disadvantaged. He shares what his service has taught him and how it prepares him to make a change not only in his local community but abroad. We are joined by Andy Crask, Bank of America...

Earlier this year the wonderful and delightful Janet Allen, Artistic Director and Co-CEO of the Indiana Repertory Theater, announced her retirement after nearly 40 years of service at one of our state’s most venerable and entertaining venues. Janet is our guest on this week’s “Leaders and Legends” podcast, and we are greatly honored to have this conversation with her. Sponsors * Veteran Strategies...

Donna Oklak of the Meridian Foundation is passionate about innovation in the nonprofit space. She has created the Arago Honors Nonprofit Innovation Awards to grant of $10,000 to a nonprofit that breaks the molds of traditional systems. To show how that works, she and I speak to Kristi Mitchell of the Launch HOPE Foundation. Working with interns from Butler University that attend their business sch...

In 2020, Americans felt isolated, disconnected, and trapped in their houses. In some ways, this can mirror families' experiences with a child with a life-threatening illness. A Kid Again opens a bright spot in the month through fun and free adventures for their participants. Katie Pappas, the Executive Director of a Kid Again Indiana, and Caroline Jolie, the President of A Kid Again’s Indiana Univ...

In 2011, James Danko became the 21st president of Butler University. On this week’s “Leaders and Legends” podcast, we talk with President Danko about his career, the amazing opportunity to lead one of state’s most prestigious universities, and how he felt when Gordon Hayward’s shot just barely missed in the 2010 NCAA championship game. Sponsors * Veteran Strategies * Girl Scouts of Central Indiana...

Pamela Whitten is the 19th president of Indiana University and the first female to serve in this prestigious position. On this week’s “Leaders and Legends” podcast, President Whitten discusses her career and her vision for all of IU’s campuses. We are joined in the discussion by our friend and CEO of Girl Scouts of Central Indiana Danielle Shockey. Sponsors * Veteran Strategies * Girl Scouts of Ce...

Becky Moore was watching an episode of Oprah years ago and learned about Camp to Belong, an organization that gives foster care siblings a week together at camp. As a former foster kid herself, she decided to start her own chapter. She talks about life within foster care, what this week of camp means to the kids that attend, and how we can help their efforts. Learn more at https://www.camptobelong...

When our minds think of organizations that work in the space of domestic violence, we often think of intervention work. Stephanie Solomon, the Youth Programs Coordinator of the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, works on prevention. What does that mean? She joins me to outline how cultural trends can lead to domestic violence and how her organization works with teens to end violence in t...

Andrew Neal is the Chief Executive Officer of Outreach Indiana to discuss the challenges cities face when trying to end homelessness. He explains everything from the difficulties of counting the population, how to serve teens in a system tilted towards adults, and what flaws exist between faith-based and public services. Learn more at https://www.outreachindiana.org/. Get full access to Indiana Po...

Niki Kelly is one of the most respected journalists in our state. She was recently announced as the editor-in-chief of “The Capital Chronicle”—the Indiana bureau of the States Newsroom. Our friend Jim Shella joins us on the “Leaders and Legends” podcast as we discuss Niki’s career, some of the biggest stories she’s covered, and why she thinks The Capital Chronicle can make its mark on the Hoosier...

Rafael Sanchez is one of our state’s best-known television journalists. He is also this week’s guest on the “Leaders and Legends” podcast. We discuss his career, some of the biggest stories he’s covered, and why a kid from the Bronx loves to call Indiana his home. Sponsors * Veteran Strategies * Girl Scouts of Central Indiana * MacAllister Machinery * Garmong Construction * Crowne Plaza Downtown I...

The Starfish Initiative is an organization in Indianapolis that helps economically disadvantaged youth reach their full potential by moving into post-secondary education. President and CEO Crystal Givens shares the importance of mentoring in the life of their program's scholars and how students and adults can participate. Visit their website at https://www.starfishinitiative.org/. About The Starfi...

Abdul-Hakim Shabazz is a host unto himself. Journalist, commentator, master of ceremonies, and a one-man media empire, Abdul joins us on the “Leaders and Legends” podcast to discuss his love of politics, his career, and what may be next on his to-do list. Our friend Chris Spangle joins the interview as co-host. Get full access to Indiana Podcasts - Hoosier Leaders, Legends and Nonprofits at www.in...

Former Marion County Sheriff Frank Anderson passed away last week. Elected to the office twice, his eight years as sheriff served as the culmination of an honorable and decades-long career in law enforcement at multiple levels. In 2021, Sheriff Anderson was a guest on the “Leaders and Legends” podcast, and we are re-posting our interview with him in memory of his amazing career. We are joined by o...

Brian Bosma served as speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives for more years than anyone in our state’s history. He is also this week’s guest on the “Leaders and Legends” podcast. We talk with Brian about his career in politics, how his family always honored public service, and why effective leadership matters so much. Our friend Jim Shella joins us for the interview. Thank you for listeni...