Miles Ahead: Every Mile Has a Story Worth Telling

The Power of Mentorship — Featuring Big Brother Nathan & Little Brother Rovenio In this episode of Miles Ahead, we sit down with Big Brother of the Year, Nathan, and his Little Brother, Rovenio, to talk about a bond that’s been growing since 2019. When they first met, Rovenio was just nine years old. Now, as a high school junior, he reflects on how their friendship has evolved through laughter...

From News to New Chapters – A Conversation with Kayla Maley In this episode of Miles Ahead, I sat down with Kayla Maley, a familiar face in Fort Wayne who many came to know as a morning anchor on 21Alive News. In October of 2024, Kayla made the courageous decision to step away from the newsroom to focus on her greatest calling — raising her three kids. But before her broadcasting career, Kayla was...

From Soap to Scents – A Conversation with Derek Taylor In this episode of Miles Ahead, I sat down with Derek Taylor, owner of Simple Nature Candles in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Kindhearted, community-minded, and just the right amount of witty, Derek has built a candle business that’s as unique as the scents he creates. We talk about how his journey started with soap, why candles became his calling, and...

Forecasting More Than Weather – A Conversation with Matt LeachIn this episode of Miles Ahead, I sat down with the one and only Matt Leach, Chief Meteorologist at 21Alive News in Fort Wayne. Known for his on-air charisma, Matt brings the same energy to the mic as we uncover the story behind the green screen. We dive into why he became a meteorologist, how his journey led him into teaching communica...

In this episode of Miles Ahead, I sit down with two inspiring leaders, Alfredo Pérez and Derek Vitatoe, to talk about what it really takes to climb the professional ladder in today’s world. From their early career challenges to leading in their respective organizations, they share honest insights about perseverance, adaptability, and the power of relationships. Whether you’re just starting your ca...

Legacy in the Making 🎙️✨ Angel Suttle is that woman. A Fort Wayne native, a powerhouse in media, and a fearless Black woman who has done it all — from marketing and TV to radio, nonprofit leadership, and beyond. She’s a proud mom of two, deeply rooted in her purpose, and fiercely committed to building a legacy for her children, her parents, and herself. In this episode, the girl talk gets real. W...

No Filter, No Fear, Just Alec Hold onto your seatbelts—this Mile Marker is taking off! ✈️ I sat down with my dear friend Alec Pena, and trust me, this episode is as wild, honest, and hilarious as he is. We unpack the crazy story of how we met, his powerful (and personal) “coming out” journey, and what life is really like traveling the world as a flight attendant. From globe-trotting adventures to...

"Skincare is Healthcare" — with Destiny Lee of Desi Esthetics! She’s 23, faith-filled, and the face behind one of Fort Wayne’s rising beauty brands. This week on Miles Ahead, we’re talking all things skincare, self-worth, and entrepreneurship with esthetician and business owner Destiny Lee — the powerhouse behind Desi Esthetics. From busting skincare myths to explaining why your products might be...

Game Changers in The Midwest In this episode, we're talking all things sports with two Fort Wayne natives who are redefining athletic performance in the Midwest. CJ McCarter and Zach Latham—trainers, mentors, and all-around game changers—join Miles Ahead to drop knowledge on what it really takes to train like a pro. We dive into their journeys growing up in Fort Wayne, how they’ve built a name...

Three Fathers. Three Leaders. One Powerful Conversation. In this special Miles Ahead episode, I sit down with three powerhouse guests — Austin Mack, Darrion White, and Daronte Powers — to talk about fatherhood, football, and forging legacy. These men represent what it means to lead both on and off the field. From Darrion’s transition into head coach at Wayne High School and raising three sons who...

From graduation party wisdom to leading Indiana’s second-largest city, this episode is full-circle and full of heart. Mayor Sharon Tucker joins me for an inspiring conversation about her journey—from a curious, grounded young girl to becoming Fort Wayne’s first Black woman mayor. We go beyond the headlines to talk about her childhood, her roots in leadership, and what it means to serve a city she...