Explore every episode of the podcast Business & Beyond with Gerry Dick

In this episode, former Purdue University President Mitch Daniels joins us for an inside look at the new $168 million Mitch Daniels School of Business at Purdue, which is now under construction. Daniels shares his vision for how the school will stand apart, producing a different kind of graduate. We also get his take on a range of timely topics, from tariffs and the future of higher education to the evolving landscape of college athletics.

May in Indianapolis is a month-long celebration of speed, tradition and community leading up to the iconic Indianapolis 500. At the heart of it all is the 500 Festival, a nonprofit fueling more than 30 community events and programs that are part what makes May in Indy so special. In this episode, 500 Festival CEO Bob Bryant talks about the organization’s critical role and shares what it takes to keep the city’s greatest tradition beating strong.

From Peyton Manning’s post-game pilgrimages to its eye-watering shrimp cocktail, St. Elmo is known around the globe as an iconic Indianapolis destination. In this episode, Huse Culinary CEO and Co-Owner Craig Huse talks steak, sports and stories from behind the scenes at the legendary steakhouse. He also says more growth---both inside and outside of Indiana---is on the menu for the restaurant group.

Elaine Bedel has traveled many miles from the southeast Indiana farm where she grew up, creating a successful a business along the way. Now, as CEO of the Indiana Destination Development Corporation she is, in a sense, back home again, selling the state she loves. In episode 117, the Hanover College grad gives us her Hoosier sales pitch.   

He may just be the most interesting man in Indiana. Restaurateur. Renovator. And for 30 years, on the road with Jimmy Buffett. But that’s only part of Indianapolis native Tom Battista’s rambling career journey. In episode 116, find out how the Brebeuf High School and Indiana University graduate is continuing to create a better future for his community.

“We used to pile in the back of my red Impala. Drive down the road, play somebody, get back in the car, and drive back.” Lin Dunn knows about women’s sports pre-Title IX because she lived it. The Hall of Fame coach and trailblazer, who led the Indiana Fever to an improbable championship, talks about the path to progress, legacy, and the source of her competitive fire.

“I didn’t have a TV growing up. We worked and played basketball…with a rim nailed to the barn.” Christopher Day has gone from a low-tech childhood to the heights of high-tech success by always leaning in. The CEO of Elevate Ventures talks about life on the farm, creating “Indiana’s South by Southwest” and why it’s Toph, not Christopher.

Purdue University’s 13th president is an academic, an entrepreneur and an ice cream lover, who describes the transition from former President Mitch Daniels as “Harley-Davidson to Häagen-Dazs.” Mung Chiang immigrated to the United States, using education as his ticket to success. He’s also started three companies and has more than two dozen patents. In episode 113, Mung talks about Purdue’s next great leap, his love for America and the importance of putting “the who before the what.”

First Internet Bank CEO David Becker says his entrepreneurial journey started as a ten-year-old paperboy, hawking newspapers at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “I figured out that I could control my own destiny and control my earnings,” said Becker, who has launched and sold five Inc. 500 companies and created the first state-chartered, FDIC-insured bank operating solely on the Internet. In episode 112, he opens up about the banking crisis, Indiana’s changing tech landscape,  and lessons learned cleaning pig barns in Morgan County.

“It was miserable…I had a lot of doors shut in my face.” Angie Hicks is a self-described introvert who thought she was destined for a career as an accountant. So how then did she decide on starting a business by going door to door on the streets of Columbus, Ohio? The Angie’s List co-founder talks about how it all started, growing up in Fort Wayne and life lessons learned from her parents.

Dennis Murphy always knew he wanted to make a difference. And at the age of 14, he left home to do just that, enrolling in a Catholic seminary. While he ultimately opted for a career in healthcare instead of the priesthood, it was an experience that changed his life. In episode 110, the CEO of the state’s largest health system talks about the importance of giving back, family, and the challenging state of healthcare.

“I rolled a car at about 175 MPH and was knocked out and airlifted to the hospital when I was about 17.” You could say cars and racing are part of Morgan Lucas’ DNA. And while he has hung up his helmet, he remains in the fast lane, charged with growing the family business. The president of Lucas Oil Products opens up about risk, family and why the company is all in on Indiana.

She is an engineer turned educator with no experience in the world of museums. But Colette Pierce Burnette has never been one to shy away from a challenge, so she says it was a natural to for her to accept the CEO role at Newfields as the organization endured one of its most challenging periods. “There's so much opportunity for us to enrich lives…who would shy away from that?

She grew up in the shadow of the Pentagon, spent 20 years with Habitat for Humanity and is now leading Bloomington in a time of economic transition. In this episode, Mayor Kerry Thomson talks about how she fell in love with the city and what she sees as keys to a new path forward.

It is the result of vision ,persistence and a belief that more than 200 acres of neglected property along the White River could be something special. 35 years after opening, White River State Park is a gleaming collection of arts and culture, sports and entertainment attractions.  But, as Executive Director Jake Oakman explains, this urban park’s relevance, and size, are about to grow.      

From the bright lights of TV news to the rough and tumble world of the Professional Bull Riders circuit, Fanchon Stinger’s career has come full circle. The Emmy award-winning journalist bid farewell to news and is now bucking trends and breaking barriers for minority women in one of America’s fastest growing sports. A homecoming of sorts that takes her back to her childhood.

“It’s also suspicious when you have these objects flying over our military installations. And I think it calls for deep concern.” From the downing of a Chinese spy balloon to prospects for high-speed rail, Indiana’s 7th District Congressman talks politics, his late grandmother and how his fascination with UFO’s began as a teenager.  

From the chaos of war to the pandemonium of a presidential debate, ABC News anchor Linsey Davis feels right at home in the heat of the action. In the opening episode of season three of the podcast, she talks about life in the fast lane of network news, her emerging profile as a children’s author and why Indiana will always feel like “home.”  

In the second half of our 100th episode, the always opinionated sports talk host weighs in on playing for Bob Knight, his favorite teammates and the head slap that got him to IU.

For episode 100, we begin a two-part Business & Beyond podcast with the one and only Dan Dakich. From his first recruiting trip to IU to playing for Bob Knight to his career as a firebrand media personality, this Gary native has lots of stories to tell. And he tells them with the passion, and humor, you’ve come to expect from the guy who shut down Michael Jordan.

“I am a native of Porter County, and I think that's what makes this job even more special to me.” She grew up in the region and today leads Indiana’s first and only National Park. In episode 99, Lorelei Weimer talks about her dream job, Indiana’s “best kept secret” and why its economic impact is just beginning to be felt.

Rob Shumaker has had a passion for animal conservation from a very young age and today is leading the Indianapolis Zoo through a transformational period. In episode 98, Shumaker talks about his passion for primates and how that passion is playing a role in the zoo’s next big thing.

She’s an Indiana broadcast Hall of Famer who has left the business but is far from retired. In this episode, Ann Craig Cinnamon talks about breaking Indy radio’s glass ceiling, living in Iran, and life as an entrepreneur.

Growing up in Carmel, Todd Young was taught the value of service, a mindset that would lead him to the United States Naval Academy and ultimately a career in politics. In episode 96, Indiana’s senior senator talks about what drives him, his passion for soccer and how working out next to Chuck Schumer in the Senate Gym helped make the CHIPS Act a reality.

In this episode, we sit down with a third-generation member of the Dahm family to talk about the vision, values and culture that have propelled Crew Carwash into an industry powerhouse. Founded more than 70 years ago in Fort Wayne as Indiana’s first automated car wash, Crew now boasts 45 locations in Indiana and Minnesota. Executive Vice President Sally Grant explains how technology, training and tenacity are pushing that number higher.

”My brother died, basically, right in front of me.” He witnessed the murder of his brother and could have turned to life on the streets. But promoter Amp Harris chose a different path. In episode 95 he talks about life lessons, race relations and how his friendship with high profile athletes and entertainers helps him be a force for good.

As a child she would create “crazy-themed haunted houses” in her basement and charge neighborhood kids admission. Today, she is CEO of the world’s largest children’s museum. In episode 96, Jennifer Pace Robinson talks about her creative childhood, the “surreal” experience of the pandemic and what might be in store as the museum prepares to celebrate 100 years.

He grew up one of 9 children in Louisville and would go on to lead Eli Lilly & Co. through the most difficult period in its history. In episode 95, John Lechleiter opens up about life, leadership and his love of Indianapolis.

How did a third-generation farm kid from North Dakota wind up leading one of Indiana’s fastest growing cities? And could he one day be leading the state? In episode 94, Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness opens up about farm life, politics and how it all came together in a once sleepy bedroom community.

For new Downtown Indy, Inc. CEO Taylor Shaffer, getting involved is nothing new. From student government, volunteer work, and beauty pageants growing up in Terre Haute, to serving as an Indianapolis deputy mayor, being engaged is part of her DNA.  In episode 93, she talks about her vision for downtown Indy, the sense of urgency needed to get things done, and what fuels her optimism for the future.

For Rod Roberson, being the mayor of Elkhart is personal. It’s where he grew up. Starred in school, sports…and on the sax. And it’s where he’s now leading a resurgence in the heart of RV country. In episode 92, he talks about his hometown, hoops and what’s next for the city he loves.

He grew up in northern Indiana, the son of musicians. And for more than a quarter-century he has orchestrated a dramatic and unlikely transformation in Carmel. From new corporate headquarters to massive investment in the arts and downtown development, Jim Brainard has been a lightning rod for change and criticism. In episode 91, he talks about his decision to not seek reelection, the future of cities and, yes, all those roundabouts.

In episode 90, former Indiana Senator Joe Donnelly talks about growing up on the east coast, his path to Notre Dame and experiences that would propel him to a life of service. The U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See also offers perspective on Pope Francis, the war in Ukraine and a possible run for governor.

In her role as CEO of One Southern Indiana, Wendy Dant Chesser is responsible for driving economic development and quality of life in southeast Indiana. And for Dant Chesser, who grew up drinking cherry cokes and eating red hots from Jeffersonville’s world-famous Schimpff’s Confectionery, it is a job she takes very personally. In episode 89, she talks coming home, change and building a region of the future.

For Tom Dakich, growing up in northwest Indiana was special, and after years of economic challenges, he believes the region is poised for transformation. In episode 87, Dakich talks about big projects, his passion for the region and what it was like growing up with little brother Dan.

What is the economic outlook for Indiana and how does it compare to the rest of the nation? Ball State economist Mike Hicks joins us for an insightful discussion on the Hoosier economy that is generally upbeat, but with some definite concerns as well.

For years, Michael Huber didn’t talk much about his passion for music and his talents as an accomplished keyboard player. “Then when I got into my late 30’s and 40’s, I’m like, this is who I am, take it or leave it.” In episode 87, the outgoing Indy Chamber CEO talks about his special connection to music, the changing world of economic development and what Indiana University President Pam Whitten said to get him to IU.

Growing up, it was not unusual to find Angela Ganote racing older neighborhood boys in the backyard or the pool.  The FOX59 morning anchor’s family-focused childhood instilled a competitive spirit and a toughness that would serve her well in her broadcasting career. It’s also what brought her back home. In this episode, the former IU cheerleader talks career, family and a story that put her in the national spotlight.

It was a day he’ll never forget. Corporate cost cutting cost sports talk radio host Derek Schultz his job and, he thought, the only career he ever wanted. “I don’t think I slept or ate for about three days…and (then) it just kind of hit me. You know what, everything’s going to be OK.” In episode 85, the Hoosier by choice talks Connecticut wiffleball, what it’s like to be a “Miracle Triplet” and why career and life are better than ever.

Serial entrepreneur John Wechsler says he has always had the entrepreneurial spirit. From being the top popcorn salesman on his Pike Township Little League team to jumping out of helicopters as an Army combat engineer, Wechsler has embraced hard work and risk-taking that are hallmarks of an entrepreneur. In this episode, he talks about his path to success, the importance of giving back, and his latest venture, Spokenote.

From the very beginning, Butler University Men’s Basketball Coach Thad Matta knew what he wanted to do with his life. The son of an iconic high school hoops coach, he grew up in, appropriately enough, Hoopeston, Illinois, a self-described gym rat. In episode 84, Matta talks about those early years and what brought him back to his alma mater and the game he loves.

Growing up, sports was everything to Frank Reich. And while football would provide a pathway to college and a career, it was lessons learned in his Pennsylvania home that would provide a foundation for life. In this episode, the Indianapolis Colts head coach opens up about what motivates him, this year’s team, Andrew Luck and more.  

“He said…you're coming with me. We're flying up to Chicago to see a recruit. So, for the next 10 hours, it was me and Coach Knight talking. And it was one of the most fascinating 10 hours of my entire life.” Some great stories from the man who brought Hoosiers and Rudy to life. In episode 81, Angelo Pizzo talks growing up in Bloomington, his first encounter with Bob Knight, his latest project and much more.  

For the state’s first chief equity, inclusion and opportunity officer, faith, family and a firm feel for what’s important have been guideposts for success, both personally and professionally. Karrah Herring is the daughter of pastors, so the concept of service is something she has lived her entire life. In episode 80, she talks about that passion for service, growing up in South Bend and how she plans to move the needle in her trailblazing role.

Peter Dunn started buying stocks in middle school and by the time he graduated from Hanover College he had his stockbroker’s license. But financial guru Pete the Planner is about more than money. Comedian. Author. Problem solver? “I think that's what I would want in my eulogy, problem solver. I'll take it.”

“I miss the days when all they argued about in this building was Sunday retail alcohol sales.” He’s covered politics in Indiana for more than two decades and is rarely at a loss for words as he does it. In episode 78, the opinionated Abdul Hakim Shabazz weighs in on the Indiana General Assembly’s contentious special session, his love for comic books, cigars and whiskey and has a surprising answer when asked what’s next.

In this episode, Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness talks about the bold decision to build the new 7,500 seat Fishers Event Center and the more than $1 billion in investment that continues to transform one of Indiana’s fastest growing cities. He also talks about future investment in the city’s downtown, the life sciences and motorsports and why Fishers is on track to become Indiana’s third-largest city.

She was a household name, the woman who for more than 30 years navigated Hoosiers around delays on their way to work and the drive home. Little did Mimi Pearce know that she would one day be forced to reroute her career path, a detour that would take her to an unlikely landing. In this episode, the Morgan County native talks traffic, rediscovery and why after decades ON the air, she’s happy to now be IN the air.

For nearly 50 years, a Gregory has been delivering the weather to central Indiana television viewers. From heat waves to snow storms, Bob and Kevin Gregory created a bond with Hoosier households as solid as a mid-winter, freeze yet as comfortable as an early Fall breeze. In this episode, father and son share stories from their decades in broadcasting, how the industry has changed and exactly what made Bob crack up on the air.

“Like there is a secret DNA, a sort of mojo, that collectively is not like any other place I have been to.” The man in line to be the next owner of the Indiana Pacers has been running a private equity firm in San Francisco for more than 20 years. But Steve Simon has never really left his native Indiana. In episode 73, the eldest son of current owner Herb Simon opens up about his leadership style, vision for the future and why he proudly wears his passion for the franchise and Indy on his sleeve.