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
Colette Pierce Burnette: A “Passionate Collision”
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?
34 min
127
White River State Park: After 35 years, positio...
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.
30 min
128
Fanchon Stinger: Returning to her roots with a ...
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.
42 min
129
Andre Carson: Shooting down “stigma” surroundin...
“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.
39 min
130
Linsey Davis: Network News Star with an Indiana...
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.”
34 min
131
Dan Dakich: Dakich Unplugged, the Second Half
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.
33 min
132
Dan Dakich: From the region to radio with no re...
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.
35 min
133
Lorelei Weimer: Hometown Pride Fuels Park Passion
“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.
31 min
134
Rob Shumaker: Lifelong love for animals finds a...
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.
40 min
135
Ann Craig Cinnamon: Media pioneer with a lifelo...
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.
35 min
136
Senator Todd Young: A Call to Service
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.
38 min
137
Amp Harris: Promoter with a heart to serve
”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.
33 min
138
Jennifer Pace Robinson: Preparing for her role ...
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.
33 min
139
John Lechleiter: From Louisville to Lilly, Less...
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.
33 min
140
Scott Fadness: A ‘love-hate relationship’ with ...
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.
32 min
141
Taylor Schaffer: A Vision for Downtown Indy
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.
36 min
142
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
143
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
144
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
145
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
146
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
147
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
148
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
149
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
150
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