ThriveIN Wabash County

What does it look like when healthcare goes beyond treating illness and begins investing in the well-being of an entire community? In this episode of  ThriveIN , Christine sits down with Lori Augustus , Executive Director of Southeast Operations,  and  Kari Adams, Practice Administrator  of Bowen Health, to explore the organization's remarkable journey—from its beginnings in the 1960s to its b...

In this special hosts-only episode, Alex Downard, Adam Stakeman, and Christine Flohr take a break from interviewing guests and spend time catching up with each other—and with you. The trio shares some BIG personal and professional updates, reflects on lessons learned from the incredible guests they've welcomed to the podcast, and discusses how those conversations have challenged, inspired, and...

On this episode of the ThriveIN Wabash County Podcast, Alex sits down with Adam Penrod, the Town Manager of North Manchester. Adam’s heart for his town and the people who call it home shines through in the way he leads and serves each day. Rooted in a strong work ethic that began on his family’s dairy farm — which is still in operation today — Adam shares how hands-on learning, faith in community,...

ThriveIN Host Christine sits down with Judge Benjamin Vanderpool, Judge Robert McCallen, and Probation Officer Abby Schuler for a meaningful conversation about the purpose and positive impact of  Problem Solving Court  within our local judicial system. Together, they discuss how the program first began, the vision behind it, and how it works to support individuals who are seeking a second chance a...

Golf courses are about more than scorecards — they’re about community and for Etna Acres, FAMILY. In this episode of  ThriveIN Wabash County , Adam Stakeman sits down with Devin and JoDee Dale, the owners of  Etna Acres Golf Course , to talk about family, entrepreneurship, and the legacy of a small-town golf course. The Dales share the story behind Etna Acres, what it takes to operate a seasonal b...

On this episode of the ThriveIN Podcast, Alex sits down with Wabash High School’s 2026 Valedictorian, Victoria Koselke, and Salutatorian, Andrea Stout, to talk about what it’s like growing up and graduating in a small community like Wabash. Victoria and Andrea reflect on the relationships, opportunities, and experiences that shaped their high school journey while sharing gratitude for the teachers...

On this episode of ThriveIN, Alex sits down with Teresa Galley, Executive Director of the Wabash County Museum, to explore a journey that turned into a calling. From her early days on the Southwood High School Speech Team, serving as an educational outreach program director, to leading the way in museum operations, Teresa’s heart for Wabash County shines brilliantly. She shares how she stepped int...

What started with a plane ticket to Missouri turned into a life built on partnership, purpose, and entrepreneurship for Kyle and Aubrey Williams. In this episode of the ThriveIN Wabash County Podcast, Christine sits down with the duo to explore their journey—from their early days together to the many ventures they’ve built along the way. From a glass bottle business to real estate, construction, d...

What role do parks play in building a thriving community? In this episode of  ThriveIN Wabash County , Adam Stakeman sits down with Adam Hall, Superintendent of  Wabash City Parks , to discuss the vision and work behind Wabash’s green spaces. They cover the impact of local parks on quality of life, economic development, and public health, along with current improvements and future plans for the pa...

In this episode of  ThriveIN , Alex and Adam take calls from rural sociologists  Tim Slack  and  Shannon Monnat  to discuss their recent article,  “Six Myths About Rural America.” For years, rural communities have been shaped by simplified — and often inaccurate — narratives about politics, poverty, opportunity, and decline. Dr. Slack and Dr. Monnat break down six of the most common myths and expl...

Alex and guest co-host Conner Hindman sit down with James Davis, owner of Creedence Contracting, LLC, for a conversation about business, craftsmanship, faith, and family. Based in Northern Indiana, Creedence Contracting is built on the belief that quality work and strong relationships go hand in hand. From custom homes and barndominiums to post-frame buildings, additions, garages, concrete work, r...

Hosts Adam and Christine are joined by C athy Gatchel, Chief Development Officer of Honeywell Arts & Entertainment, along with Ranaan Meyer, Artistic Director of Honeywell Arts Academy, and Emily Meyer, Director of Honeywell Arts Academy,  for an episode dedicated to shining a light on the Honeywell Arts Academy. Discover the origins of the Academy, hear about its unique approach to mentorship...

It’s Christine’s turn to take the  HOT SEAT  as hosts Alex and Adam flip the script and put her under fire with questions. In this episode, Christine shares why she fell in love with the world of  tourism and marketing , the passion she has for telling the stories of her community, and why she proudly chooses  Wabash County  as the place she calls home. From her belief in the power of small commun...

What does it truly mean to go the extra mile—for your family, your workplace, and your community? In this episode of  ThriveIN Wabash County , all three hosts sit down with Tyler Niccum, a lifelong Wabash County resident and current County Commissioner, to explore a life built on service, commitment, and stepping into leadership when it matters most. From growing up in Wabash County to now helping...

In this energizing episode of the ThriveIN Podcast, Christine sits down with Visit Wabash County’s dynamic marketing team—Biz, Brittany, and marketing intern Isaac, who steps in as the guest host—to unpack what’s actually working in marketing today. From promoting a podcast to leveraging print media and maximizing email marketing, this conversation is packed with practical strategies that any busi...

Christine and Alex turn the tables and put Adam in the hot seat on this episode of  ThriveIN . From the heights he’s willing to climb—literally and figuratively—to reach a goal, to the heart behind the countless volunteer hours he pours into the community, Adam shares what drives him. As an on-the-road Sales Manager for JM Reynolds Oil, Adam offers a unique perspective on regional business, relati...

In this heartwarming and witty episode of  ThrivIN Wabash County ,  Christine  welcomes community stakeholders  Jeff and Karen Leslie  into the studio. This dynamic duo shares how their faith, family, and service have shaped a life deeply rooted in Wabash County. From being active in their church’s  FOR Campaign , advocating for  foster care , and  homeschooling their children , to Jeff transformi...

Rivers connect communities — economically, environmentally, and recreationally. In this episode of  ThriveIN Wabash County , Adam Stakeman sits down with Jess Linder, Executive Director of  Northeast Indiana Water Trails , and Past Director Kyle Quandt to talk about the growth and impact of water trails across the region. They discuss how NEIWT works with local communities to expand river access,...

Mayor Scott Long joins Adam and Christine in the ThriveIN studio for a fact-based, educational conversation about how Indiana’s current legislative session affects the City of Wabash and Wabash County. The discussion covers Local Income Tax, property taxes and assessments, land use regulations, housing costs, and the ongoing debate around growth and local control. Mayor Long explains how state-lev...

All three hosts sit down with Chris Wetherford—more than the Senior Vice President of Operations at PaperWorks Industries. Chris is a husband, father, avid cyclist, and deeply invested community stakeholder. In this episode, Chris shares how he leverages Wabash County’s local resources to attract and retain talent, why the county’s outdoor recreation scene plays a role in quality of life, and how...

Alex brings Executive Director Cynthia Johnson and Board Member Julie Garber of the Learn More Center into the studio to talk about real opportunity through education. Discover how this organization is helping adults earn high school diplomas, gain industry-recognized certifications, and learn English as a second language. With a ribbon cutting for a brand-new facility in late 2025, the Learn More...

Christine and Adam put their  famous  podcast co-host in the hot seat for a conversation listeners have been waiting for. Who is Alex Downard—beyond the mic? In this episode, Christine and Adam dig into Alex’s journey to Wabash County, what inspired him to stay, and how he landed in his role as President & CEO of the Community Foundation of Wabash County. Now leading a team of nine and steppin...

Join Adam Stakeman and Christine Flohr on this episode of the ThriveIN Wabash County Podcast as they sit down with Michael Beauchamp and Jen Rankin, self-described River Rats and co-founders of  Wabash River Defenders . Mike and Jen share the story behind this grassroots organization dedicated to protecting, cleaning, and celebrating the Wabash River.  Listeners will learn about the history of the...

Please note that due to video issues, this is an audio episode only. To catch Bill's smiling face follow him on Facebook or catch his podcast Sports Talk lined below.  The ThriveIN Podcast trio sits down with Wabash County youth sports legend Bill Barrows for a heartfelt conversation about service, leadership, and community. From his impactful years at the YMCA to being named the 2019 Distingu...

Host Alex Downard sits down with Dr. Stacy Young, President of Manchester University, for a deep and hopeful conversation about the future of higher education in rural Indiana. Dr. Young shares her passion for creating  affordable, accessible degree pathways  that reduce barriers and widen opportunities for every student who steps on campus. She explains how Manchester is expanding “ earn while yo...