Stories That Move

A canceled keynote, a delayed flight, and a pilot with a rag might sound like chaos—until you see how it all snaps into focus. Photographer and pilot Jon Carmichael joins us to unpack the once-in-a-lifetime chain reaction that led to “108,” his breathtaking mosaic of the Great American Eclipse captured from a Southwest Airlines window at 39,000 feet. From childhood rocket launches and a seventh-gr...

A single conversation in an airport changed everything. Andrew Morgan—award-winning director of The True Cost, The Heretic, and Long Gone By—joins us to share how a documentary made in a season of grief set him on a path to tell human stories that cut through noise and shift culture. We get candid about why certain ideas won’t let go, how to find projects that scare you in all the right ways, and...

What if the most transformative theater in your life isn’t in Times Square, but under a 70-year-old roof in Indiana—where the stage is a circle, the audience is inches away, and young artists get their first lead before they ever see a Broadway dressing room? We sit down with artistic director Scott Michaels and managing director Jen Dow to explore how Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts built a natio...

Burnout doesn’t start with apathy—it starts with caring so much that you disappear. We bring in keynote speaker and burnout expert Rachel Sheerin to unpack how overgiving becomes a quiet habit, why resentment creeps in when service turns into expectation, and how to choose joy as a daily practice instead of a performance. From childhood scripts and firstborn pressure to the moment a laptop meets a...

What happens when you walk away from a successful engineering career to pursue your artistic passion? For Nathan Underneath, founder of Moving Pictures Tattoo Cinema, it meant discovering his true purpose. Nathan's journey takes us from his childhood as a creative kid in a conservative household to touring as a drummer, teaching preschool, and eventually climbing the corporate ladder in the o...

Michelle Smith-Ledrew's fashion journey began with a childhood love of sketching outfits and creating "looks for less" in her small hometown of Mentone, Indiana. That spark of creativity eventually led her through the retail world, from managing high-volume stores in Florida to styling high-profile military clients near Washington DC. When life brought her back to Indiana in 2014, s...

Jim Grant's remarkable journey from political scientist to sailing entrepreneur unfolds as a testament to curiosity, resilience, and the power of pursuing passion. As the founder of Sailrite, Jim transformed a simple solution to a personal problem—needing better sails for a competition—into a thriving family business that spans three generations. Growing up on Crooked Lake in Indiana, Jim dev...

The difference between companies that retain top talent and those with revolving doors often comes down to one thing: a culture of belonging. In this illuminating conversation with workplace belonging expert Adam "Smiley" Pozwalski, we uncover why human connection has become the competitive advantage modern organizations can't afford to ignore. Smiley shares his journey from being t...

What makes some organizations thrive for decades while others fade away after a promising start? Jesse Oxford, founder and creative director of Ox Creative, has spent years pondering this question—not just as the leader of a successful creative agency, but as someone fascinated by the intersection of longevity and impact. Jesse's creative journey began not with heavy metal (despite his joking...

What happens when your identity is shattered on national television? When strength fails you at the moment you need it most? For Angela Gargano, six-time American Ninja Warrior competitor, Miss Fitness America, and founder of the Pull-Up Revolution, that moment became the catalyst for her most meaningful work. Angela's path from biochemist to fitness icon wasn't linear or predictable. Af...

What happens when artistry meets community service in a small Midwestern town? The story of Kira Lace Hawkins and the Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts reveals the extraordinary magic that unfolds when creativity takes root. Kira describes theater as "mental floss" that helps us see the world with fresh eyes—a perfect metaphor for the transformative work happening at this unique theater-in...

In this conversation, Jesse Cody shares his journey from a successful athlete to founding Hike the Good Hike, an organization dedicated to promoting mental health through nature. He discusses his personal struggles with mental health, the impact of nature on well-being, and the importance of storytelling in inspiring others. A pivotal moment during his 40th birthday party led him to seek help and...

In this conversation, Todd Elliott shares his journey from a childhood immersed in church activities to becoming the president of Fusion Productions and the founder of the FILO Conference.  He discusses the importance of building trust between tech teams and church leaders, the challenges faced by tech personnel, and the evolution of church productions. He shares insights on writing his book, the...

In this engaging conversation, director Corry Wiens shares his journey from making goofy high school films to becoming a successful filmmaker in Los Angeles. He discusses the importance of leadership in film production, emphasizing empowerment and collaboration. Corry also reflects on his significant move from Chicago to LA, driven by a desire to pursue his dreams in the entertainment industry. Th...

In this episode of Stories That Move, hosts Matt Deuel and Alexis Grant, interview Tyler Thompson, a writer and executive producer of the hit series The Chosen. They explore Tyler's creative journey, his upbringing in a storytelling culture, and the early days of The Chosen's production. Tyler shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of bringing the series to life, the importance...

In this episode of Stories That Move, hosts Matt and Erica Deuel engage with Sea Grandon, a contemporary art advisor and director of Atelier, an art gallery in Warsaw. They explore the significance of art in shaping community culture, Sea’s journey from law to art, and the challenges and opportunities in making art accessible. Sea shares her insights on fostering creativity, the organic growth of...

Join us for an inspiring episode featuring Todd and Cindy Schoenbarger, who redefine what it means to transition into retirement. With a compelling narrative around their journey into "Life 2.0," they showcase how a new phase of life can be filled with purpose, growth, and innovation. From their well-established careers in IT and engineering, the Schoenbargers made a conscious decision t...

In this episode of "Stories that Move," we’re talking all about trust in the nonprofit world with James Bladel, Chief Strategy Officer of Historic. James shares his years of experience helping nonprofits tackle challenges and make a real impact. He breaks down the two types of trust every nonprofit needs: relational trust, which builds collaboration and understanding within teams, and fu...

What happens when your soul is as parched as the world around you? Join us as we sit down with Mindy Caliguire, founder and president of Soul Care, to unravel the profound necessity of soul care and spiritual formation in times of crisis. Our conversation explores the shifting tides of spiritual formation, recounting the journey to integrate soul care into various organizational settings. From str...

World traveler and adventurer Micah Lemasters takes us on an extraordinary journey from the serene landscapes of Winona Lake, Indiana, to the vibrant and diverse cultures of Madagascar and the Dominican Republic. Micah's stories captivate with their rich tapestry of experiences, offering listeners a glimpse into how his global escapades have shaped his unique perspective on life and storytell...

Judge Linda Davis, a distinguished public servant from Michigan, joins us to share her transformative journey in understanding addiction. From her beginnings as a teacher to her impactful career as a prosecutor and judge, Judge Davis reveals how her views shifted from seeing addiction as a moral failing to recognizing it as a chronic disease. Her personal connection runs deep, with her daughter&ap...

Discover the journey of John Ratliff, a dynamic entrepreneur who transformed his childhood knack for business into the foundation of Apple Tree Answers, a call center company that grew to 24 locations and over 650 employees. John reveals how his early ventures, from selling cotton plants to managing a ski resort snack bar, instilled a deep understanding of leadership and business dynamics. His ins...

What would you do if a life-altering event pointed you towards a path you never intended to take? Josh Wildman, CEO of Wildman Business Group, takes us on a remarkable journey from a career-ending wakeboarding injury to leading a thriving family business. Josh shares his story of embracing marketplace ministry and cultivating a purpose-driven company ethos that extends beyond mere profit. Discover...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Michael Tsangaris, a leading pediatric pulmonologist from Riley Hospital for Children, who opens up about his remarkable journey from facing medical school rejection to becoming a specialist in pediatric lung diseases. Dr. Tsangaris shares how his initial interest in orthopedic surgery evolved into a passion for pediatric pulmonology, sparked by his...

Join us for a captivating conversation with Karen Polkinghorne, president of Network Partners, as she takes us through her extraordinary career from packaging engineer to a leader in the orthopedic industry. Discover how Karen's adventurous spirit, embodied in her unique lifestyle of RV travels across the country, influences her personal and professional life. With insights into her leadershi...