Where We Landed

Jim and Jenny Allbaugh’s journey to Grant County began in 2013, guided by career moves, a willingness to embrace change, and the importance of finding the right neighborhood. In this episode, they share their story—one that started in an unexpected place: a divorce couples care class.  From that unique beginning to a truly memorable engagement, their journey is one of faith, love, and fresh starts...

This week, we sit down with Dr. Tina Root, a dedicated dentist with deep roots in Grant County. Growing up in Fairmount and competing in athletics at Madison-Grant, she knew she wanted to build a career where she could truly know the people she served. For 40 years, she’s done just that—bringing personal, small-town care to dentistry, where patients are more than just a number. Beyond her passion...

This week, we’re joined by Kisha Fisher, a dynamic changemaker who landed in Marion from Pontiac, MI, for love and found a community perfect for raising her boys. Kisha has dedicated her life to making a difference, with a passion for advocating for marginalized communities and working to reshape the legal system for a positive impact in many lives.

In this episode, we sit down with Marion native Phil Bowers, a passionate advocate for redevelopment who loves to re-imagine spaces for the better. Phil shares why the demo phase of redevelopment is his favorite—nothing like clearing the way for a brighter future!  Phil talks about what makes Marion home for his family and discusses navigating business changes amid burnout.

This month of love, we’re joined by Darren and Susan Reese, a couple whose story is as unique as it is heartwarming. They met in 1991 but didn’t start dating until 1995, when Darren made the ultimate romantic gesture—inviting Susan to a waste management meeting. Since then, they’ve built a life full of love, laughter, and inside jokes, making Marion their home of choice thanks to its incredible hu...

In this episode, Alicia, Kylie, and Iris chat with Chris Jennerjahn, owner of Jennerjahn Machine. Chris shares how the community has rallied around him, his employees, and his business after a devastating fire. He’s also a proud dad of four and part of a racing family. From stories about innovation to heartfelt moments of community support, listen in on this inspiring episode.

Today we welcome CJ McAbee-Reher, a trailblazer in the world of volleyball officiating and a proud Marion resident since the age of 4. As part of the first all-female line judge crew at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996, and a deep passion for leadership, CJ shares her experiences, from her time in the South to her decision to return to Marion to raise her family. Tune in for this fun conversation with...

Join Alicia, Kylie, and Iris as they welcome, Dr. Steve Wood this week to the podcast.  With a Peter Pan spirit, Steve proudly proclaims that he'll never grow up. He holds a PhD in Fine Arts—"just fine art," as he likes to say—and teaches students the art of pretending. In this playful and insightful podcast, Dr. Wood shares why he believes that art not only makes life livable but also lovable. Tu...

Meet Vickie Conrad, a pastor and the director of Kids Hope that provides mentoring support at  Frances Slocum Elementary. She has called Grant County home since 2001. In this episode, Vickie shares her journey of finding a sense of belonging and encourages listeners to give any place three years to truly feel like home. Her biggest praise for Grant County? The people—true, genuine, and deeply cari...

In this episode, we follow the incredible journey of Cameron Balser, the real-life Forrest Gump, who ran around the entire perimeter of the USA—unsupported. For Cameron, running isn’t just exercise; it’s pure joy. Along the way, he encountered the unconditional love and support of people from all walks of life, while also learning to be deeply in tune with his own body. Join us as Cameron shares s...

Join us as we welcome Judd Riddle, COO of TJR, whose journey from humble beginnings to business leadership is a testament to the power of grit and innovation. Raised by a father who taught him perseverance and a mother who instilled business savvy, Judd's first jobs selling watermelon and working as a carnie laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial spirit. In this podcast, Judd shares how these...

Kylie, Iris, and guest host Bobby Browder welcome Ashley Hurd, a lifelong Marion resident who is passionate about her work as an escrow officer, where she has the unique joy of handing out keys and money. With a background as a former business owner, Ashley has a deep understanding of the community's challenges and potential. In this podcast, she talks about the need for us to move beyond negative...

The team welcomes Lindsey Dewitt, VP branch manager at Ruoff Mortgage. Born and raised in Grant County, Lindsey graduated from Oak Hill and, after a brief stint in El Paso, quickly realized there’s no place like home. In this episode, Lindsey shares her deep love for her community, her dreams of making it an even better place to live, and how she unwinds with her husband, daughter, and pups!

WWL welcomes Tim Street, the owner of Bahr Brothers Manufacturing. A graduate of Eastbrook High School, Tim's journey is one of hard work, dedication, and family values. Starting at Bahr Brothers in 1985, Tim worked every job in the company before taking the reins as owner in 2017. Listen in as we learn how Tim balances life as a business owner with being the "Best Pop in the World".

Join Scott, Iris, and Kylie as we meet Gas City native Kevin Planck. From working with inner-city youth to dedicating himself to behavioral health and senior care, Kevin has always found his purpose in helping others. In this podcast, we dive deep into Kevin's experiences, the challenges he's faced, and the profound fulfillment he finds in taking care of people.

Listen in as we welcome Matt Wilson, a Grant County boomerang, that made his way back for family. The team enjoyed learning about Matt’s love for palindromes, alliterations, and music. The owner of Psychedelic Cellar, a record store located  in downtown Marion, shares with us how he chose the name of his business and the importance of being patient.

WWL welcomes guest host Bobby Browder as we interview Sheriff Del Garcia. Listen in as we learn how Del landed in Grant County. A child of immigrant parents - his family found their way here when he was 5 years old. The team learns how he found his purpose - to serve people - and his journey to his position today.

Scott, Alicia, and Iris welcome  Bridgette Boswell to the show. Rooted in Grant County, Bridget talks about family, self-care, and the importance of remaining steadfast in your vision. She shares about the journey of opening Milk + Honey, a coffee shop located in Converse and learning the importance of always making customers feel heard and seen.

Josh Bowlin joins Scott, Alicia and Kylie this week.  We learn about how this born and bred Grant County boy traveled the world from land locked Indiana to Africa, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. Hear about how their family of six has made the transition back to central Indiana.

Alicia, Kylie, and Scott welcome Megan Gilmore to Where We Landed this week! Megan spent her childhood commuting from Elwood to Marion for school and activities. She attended Indiana Wesleyan and after a bit of back-and-forth, her family decided to make Marion its home. Come  along as we learn about Megan’s passion for her family, work, and community!

Scott, Alicia, and Kylie are joined this week by Amanda Cruea- a local Paramedic, Entrepreneur and Non-Profit Founder. Amanda is a lifer, born and raised in Grant County. She's an Oak Hill grad that never wanted to leave her small town roots. Get ready to learn about the winding road of how Amanda's passions have led her to the life she has today.

Buckle up - you are in for some fun! WWL welcomes Jeremy Hite to the show. Moving to Grant County to attend IWU, Jeremy made this his home. Listen in as Jeremy shares his love for the county, fried foods, Disney, and teaches us to order the “Jeremy” at Starbucks.

Meet Carol Hamilton, Everyone’s Favorite Volunteer! Or at least the WWL team has titled her. Listen in as we learn how Carol landed here, grew up here, her passion for volunteering, and how she always had a bathing suit in hand.

The team welcomes Dwight Ott to our first full episode of 2024! Scott, Alicia, and Iris learn how the Ott family chose Marion as their home based on the school system. Come on a ride as Dwight shares some of their best business practices, his philosophy on working hard & playing hard, and why they still choose Marion.