Love Fort Wayne Podcast

There’s no better way to kick off our countdown to this year’s Global Leadership Summit than with a conversation featuring community leader Tony Hudson, CEO of Blue Jacket. Tony shares how faith, purpose, and a deep love for people have shaped his leadership journey and Blue Jacket’s mission of creating pathways to employment, dignity, and hope for those facing significant barriers. From prison re...

We’re excited to share this conversation with Brooke Howe, co-founder and executive director of Cooper House Indiana, and Jennifer Johnson, house manager for the Allen County home. Together, they unpack a different vision for foster care visitation, one rooted in dignity, hospitality, and hope. Through welcoming spaces where families can reconnect around kitchen tables, in living rooms, and throug...

On this episode, we sit down with Rudy Mahara to talk about biblical generosity that goes deeper than dollars and gets practical about how givers, churches, and nonprofits can move together for real Kingdom impact in Fort Wayne. Rudy shares his story, why collaboration matters, and how microchurch and faith-driven work can reach people who would never walk into a sanctuary.

We sit down with YMCA association chaplain, Tim Hallman, to trace his journey from two decades in pastoral ministry to building a chaplaincy that thrives on presence, not programs. Tim opens the door on what the “C” in YMCA really means today—rooted in George Williams’s 1844 vision of caring friendship on a factory floor—and how that legacy shows up in Fort Wayne through everyday listening, prayer...

What if the help we offer keeps people from healing? That question sits at the heart of our conversation with James Scott of Our Neutral Voices, a South Side entrepreneur turned community builder whose life bridges poverty, perseverance, and purpose. James opens up about growing up with a single mom, running a neighborhood telecom store that doubled as a listening post, and discovering that the mo...

What if the moment that nearly broke you became the turning point that clarified your calling? We open our sixth season with a candid, hope-charged conversation about rescue, refuge, and the quiet courage it takes to be still long enough to hear God’s next step. Joined by New Hope Girls’ U.S. director, Jeri Purdy, and board member Rob Wallstrom, we trace a story that moves from personal surrender...

In this powerful and emotional episode, we sit down with Brandon Bower, Executive Director of The Lighthouse, to hear his personal story and calling to Christ-centered recovery. Brandon shares his heart for biblically based counseling and the transformative power of discipleship, mentorship, and authentic community. We also explore the holistic ministry of The Lighthouse — from recovery and treatm...

In this episode of the Love Fort Wayne Podcast, we sit down with Austin Bradmueller, Executive Director of Christian Community Health Care, to explore what it means to lead with the heart of a shepherd. Austin shares how his calling to care for others extends far beyond meeting physical health needs — it’s about bringing the hope of the Gospel to every patient and family, both in word and action....

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Glenn Packiam - pastor, author, lead researcher for Barna Group’s Resilient Pastor Initiative, and special guest for our upcoming Resilient Pastor Summit - as he shares his journey into ministry, the realities of today’s ministry climate, and faith-rooted strategies to sustain resilient ministry leaders. Drawing from his book The Resilient Pastor, Barna’s...

What happens when decades of Fortune 500 leadership collide with a heart to advance the gospel? Join us for a powerful conversation with Stan Griswold, C12 Chair for Fort Wayne, as he shares how God led him from corporate boardrooms to shepherding business leaders on a foundation of faith. From navigating billion-dollar deals to embracing the “4th quarter of life,” Stan’s story is a reminder that...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Anne Casteen, Director of Development for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana. Anne shares the heart and mission behind the organization's life-changing mentorship programs and paints a powerful picture of the impact a caring adult can have in the life of a child. From success stories to current needs, we're invited to step into the r...

A testimony of saying yes to God's call, stepping out in faith, and building something beautiful in service to others. Rooted in their faith in Jesus, they lead with courage and compassion, creating healing spaces for individuals and families across Northeast Indiana.

Ever wondered how to balance personal growth with family dynamics? Join us as we chat with Jonathan and Sarah Baldwin from Storyhouse Ministries, whose journey began in their childhood church. They share the heartwarming story of their lives with four lively kids and offer a fresh perspective on parenting and family life. Discover how Jonathan’s experience from a large family and Sarah’s approach...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Mike Reed, the former financial planner who has turned his community-focused vision into reality as the owner of Dirty Dough Cookies in Fort Wayne. Mike's journey is anything but ordinary, as he shares how he left behind the world of finance to create a local bakery that champions authenticity over perfection, capturing the essence of what it means t...

Discover the transformative journey of Fort Wayne, the Midwest's fastest-growing metro, with our distinguished guests, board chair Mike Packnett and vice chair Brenda Gerber Vincent. Together, we uncover the stories behind the anticipated $3 billion in building permits by 2024 and celebrate the city's accolade as the most affordable place to live. Through heartfelt conversations, we expl...

What happens when a career in high-profile car auctions intersects with a deep commitment to family and faith? Join us on the Love Fort Wayne podcast as Jeff King and Mitch Kruse share their personal stories of gratitude, growth, and the enriching journey of leadership in Fort Wayne. Mitch Kruse opens up about his unique upbringing in an auctioneer family, his educational background, and a transfo...

What drives someone to dedicate their life to supporting youth and families in their community? Amos Norman, Executive Director of the Renaissance Point YMCA, shares his inspiring journey from his decade-long tenure with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne to his impactful initiatives at the YMCA. Learn about the transformative Midnight Basketball League, a unique program providing a safe space...

What if a major detour in your career path could lead you to your true calling? Join us as we sit down with Pastor Tony from Northeast Church in Fort Wayne, who shares his incredible faith journey from accounting to ministry. Learn how a significant spiritual reawakening redirected his life and how he now serves with a vision of bringing people together to live the beautiful way of Jesus, all whil...

Overcoming the odds is a story we've all heard, but few have lived it quite like Tomi Cardin, founder and CEO of Redemption House. Her personal journey from recovery to revolutionizing support for women post-incarceration is nothing short of inspirational. Throughout the episode, we peel back the layers of Tomi's mission to provide a sanctuary for those in the throes of re-entry, and how...

Embracing the heart of servant leadership, John Bowen illustrates through his own life how faith and dedication to service can shape one's approach to the demanding world of healthcare. As John peels back the layers of his journey, inspired by his father's ministry and his mother's teaching, he reveals the intricate dance of fulfilling professional obligations while cherishing famil...

Is it possible to catapult your career in just two days? Hear firsthand from Chris Ratay, Vice President of Hospitality at Honeywell Arts and Entertainment, about his transformative experience at the Global Leadership Summit. Chris shares how two days at the summit last year provided him with invaluable insights and golden nuggets of wisdom that have profoundly influenced his leadership journey. D...