Business & Beyond with Gerry Dick
Business and Beyond with Gerry Dick is a weekly conversation with Indiana leaders in business, politics, sports, entertainment…and beyond. The 30-minute podcast explores the successes, failures and memorable moments that have shaped the lives of high profile, high-performing individuals with a Hoosier connection. Inspirational, informative and sometimes emotional, Business and Beyond is an intimate conversation with well-known guests who share their personal, unfiltered stories and what motivates them in their daily pursuit of success and happiness, personally and professionally.
126
Rod Roberson: Hometown Hero Charting New Course...
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.
41 min
127
Jim Brainard: ‘We got things done’
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.
34 min
128
Joe Donnelly: Answering the call to serve
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.
38 min
129
Wendy Dant Chesser: Charting the course for her...
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.
37 min
130
Tom Dakich: Running a region resurgence
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.
33 min
131
Michael Huber: Making his own music
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.
36 min
132
Angela Ganote: Home is where the heart is
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.
35 min
133
Derek Schultz: ‘Everything’s going to be OK’
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.
48 min
134
John Wechsler: An entrepreneur and innovator fr...
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.
35 min
135
Thad Matta: Back home, where he belongs
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.
31 min
136
Frank Reich: Faith, Family and Football
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.
34 min
137
Angelo Pizzo: Moviemaker with a passion for Ind...
“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.
37 min
138
Karrah Herring: Born to serve
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.
31 min
139
Peter Dunn: Pete the Problem Solver
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.”
33 min
140
Abdul Hakim Shabazz: Mayor Abdul?
“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.
30 min
141
Mimi Pearce: A journey of rediscovery
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.
33 min
142
Bob and Kevin Gregory: The first family of fore...
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.
40 min
143
Steve Simon: ‘I’m a Hoosier, through and through’
“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.
37 min
144
Marc Lotter: From the producer’s desk to politics
Fort Wayne native Marc Lotter knew from a young age that he wanted a career in television. Little did he know that one day his television career would take a U-turn into the bright lights of big-time politics. From the Statehouse to the White House, Lotter opens up about life in the political fast lane, the mid-term elections and if Trump’24 will be a reality.
34 min
145
Robin Winston: A passion for politics and publi...
He was born in Pennsylvania and educated in Kentucky, but Indiana is where Robin Winston made history. In 1999 he was named chairman of the Indiana Democrat party, the first African American to lead a major political party in state history. In this episode, he shares stories about some of the biggest names in Indiana politics and the mentors who have helped him along the way.
37 min
146
Patty Spitler: Strength through adversity
When she started out as a radio DJ in Dayton, Ohio, Patty Spitler could not have envisioned where her career would take her or the challenges she would face along the way. In this episode, the well-known former WISH-TV anchor and entertainment reporter opens up about how a shy schoolgirl from Ohio would wind up interviewing some of the biggest names in Hollywood and dealing adversity that she refused to let define her career.
32 min
147
Nate Feltman: Global Perspective, Local Focus
Nate Feltman: Global Perspective, Local Focus “It was capitalism without rules,” says Nate Feltman about his life-changing experiences living and working in post-Cold War Russia. But while the owner and chief executive officer of IBJ Media has long had a passion for international affairs, he continues to make his mark in Indiana. In this episode, he talks about his time as secretary of commerce, the changing face of Indiana and the importance of local ownership in media.
36 min
148
Ball State AD Beth Goetz: Striving for success ...
For Beth Goetz, sports have always been much more than a game, from her days as a multi-sport athlete growing up in St. Louis to her current role as director of athletics at Ball State University. “I am the person I am today because of sports,” says Goetz, who offers candid perspectives on Title IX and NIL, the role of sports in society and lessons learned from legendary UConn Women’s Basketball Coach Geno Auriemma.
34 min
149
Beth Bechdol: From the Family Farm to Feeding t...
Born into a longtime farm family in northeast Indiana, Beth Bechdol seemed destined for a life in agriculture. There was only one problem. She wanted to be as far away from the farm as possible. In this episode, the Deputy Director-General of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization joins us from Rome for a conversation about career pivoting, her passion for feeding the world and why Indiana is an important part of it all.
37 min
150
Scott Dixon: Nice Guys Can Finish First
For Scott Dixon, racing has been a lifelong passion, beginning before his feet could reach the pedals of a go kart in his native New Zealand. The six-time INDYCAR series champion and 2008 Indy 500 champ has won more races than any active driver and is third all-time in wins, behind A.J. Foyt and Mario Andretti. In this episode, he talks about the journey to success, how he finds balance and why he calls Indy home.
35 min