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.

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.

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.

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.

While Chip Ganassi’s roots remain firmly planted in his native Pittsburgh, Indianapolis is more than a second home. In this episode, the IndyCar team owner opens up about the impact of winning the Indy 500, his early days behind the wheel and why he likes doing business in Indiana.

For Chris Denari, what started at a shopping mall in Crawfordsville, Indiana has blossomed into a 40-year broadcasting career, fueled by a love for basketball and a passion for his profession. In this edition, the longtime Indiana Pacers television play-by-play announcer talks about growing up the son of a coach, winning a national championship and life in the NBA.

From scaling Mount Kilimanjaro to producing award-winning underwater photography, there is seemingly no end to the diverse interests and pursuits of businessman and philanthropist Mickey Maurer. In this edition, he talks about his lifelong quest for success and shares some of his secrets for business success.

From Brownsburg to the bright lights of broadcasting to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Mark Patrick has always made an impression. From his iconic impersonations on the Bob & Tom Show to high profile roles as sports director at WISH-TV and host of the Hoosier Millionaire show, he earned the title of the hardest working man in media. Find out what he’s up to today and why even though he’s hundreds of miles away, he’s still a Hoosier at heart.

He’s an entrepreneur. An artist. A racer. Indianapolis native Turner Woodard is a man of many interests, wrapped up into one unforgettable personality. In this episode he talks about his passion for business, art and finding joy in life.

Growing up in Fort Wayne the daughter of a dentist, Julie Adams didn’t get to enjoy many sweets. But today the success of sweet wine is helping her drive growth as chief executive officer of Bloomington-based Oliver Winery, now one of the 30 largest wineries in the nation. In this episode, the Indiana University graduate talks grapes, gratitude and giving back.

By outward appearances, Geoffrey Mearns would seem to be your typical university president. But a closer look reveals he is anything but ordinary. From prosecuting mob bosses to qualifying for the 1984 U.S. Olympic Trials, Ball State University’s 17th president has led a life of achievement…and is showing no signs of slowing down.

He is the author of one of the biggest upsets in Indiana political history. In this episode, former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard opens up about life in retirement, the job that almost lured him back into politics and the event that nearly cost Indy thousands of jobs.

He grew up in southern California with no intention of getting into radio. But a chance encounter in Petoskey, Michigan would change all that. Bob Kevoian, one half of the iconic Bob & Tom Show, would go on to a Hall of Fame career that kept listeners in laughter for more than three decades. Today, he’s traveling the country with his wife Becky in their Airstream, but he put it in park long enough to share some great stories about an incredible ride.  

Pam Whitten calls it her dream job, comparing the night before she was announced as president of Indiana University to Christmas Eve as a child, “when you anticipated something pretty wonderful happening.” The first female president in IU’s more than 200-year history opens up about her path to the presidency, student-centered leadership and her budding friendship with Mitch Daniels.

Evan Bayh was destined for a life in politics and he wasted little time in making his mark, taking office as Indiana’s 46th Governor at the age of 33. In this episode, the son of legendary Senator Birch Bayh talks about a visit to New Hampshire that sparked his political passion, a covert vice presidential discussion over hamburgers with Barack Obama and life beyond politics.

He has led some of the biggest and most consequential events in Indianapolis history in a career that has taken him around the globe. But Indiana has always been home for Penske Entertainment Corp. Chief Executive Officer Mark Miles. In this episode, the Wabash College grad takes us inside the memorable events that have shaped Indy, recalls an unforgettable encounter with Fidel Castro and hints at a big event he’d like to one day see in Indiana.

From an Italian refugee camp to the pinnacle of motorsports, Mario Andretti has led a life of excitement and accomplishment.  And his need for speed started at a very young age. In this episode, the only man to win the Indy 500, Daytona 500 and Formula One World Championship opens up about immigrating to the United States, his love for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and a movie that started it all.

He is leading a transformation at the world’s second-largest animal health company that includes a vision to make downtown Indianapolis a destination for global talent. In this episode, Elanco Animal Health CEO Jeff Simmons talks about his passion for feeding the world, the power of mentoring and the profound impact of a hailstorm on the family farm. 

He was born in France, raised in Minnesota and thought he wanted to be a doctor. But Eric Halvorson’s life, and career path, would all change with a move to Indianapolis. The popular former news anchor talks about succeeding a legend, the future of TV news and life after TV in the grocery business.

Indianapolis Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Aleesia Johnson was destined to be an educator. Growing up in Evansville she watched her mother teach, volunteering to grade papers and spending time in her classroom and at school events. In this episode, she talks about her path to becoming the first black woman to lead Indiana’s largest school district and how her passion for education has been put to the test.

Tom Henry’s roots are firmly planted in Fort Wayne, where he grew up with 16 brothers and sisters! The fourth term mayor talks about the dramatic transformation in the city’s downtown, the importance of leadership and how his parents led him to a life of public service.

Deborah Curtis arrived in Terre Haute to teach music, and once there, her passion for education was ignited. But little did this Chicago native realize that after getting her PhD. from Indiana State University she would one day come back to lead the institution. In this episode she talks about coming home, her mission to reduce the achievement gap and why she wants to “dispel the language” that ISU is a well-kept secret.

It’s a job he’s been preparing for his entire life. Matt Taylor vividly remembers as a 10-year-old his animated play-by-play sessions in the basement of his family home. It was the start of a love affair with football and broadcasting that would shape his life---from state champion at Roncalli High School to linebacker at Franklin College to his dream job as the voice of the Indianapolis Colts. In this episode, Taylor talks about paying dues, seizing opportunities and the day he found out he was getting the big chair. And did I mention he does an unbelievable Don Fischer impression?

From childhood dreams of becoming a professional wrestler hatched in a homemade backyard ring to his legendary stint on radio powerhouse Q95, Jimmy Mad Dog Matis has always had entertainment in his blood. The proud Indy South sider opens up about family, career and exactly how he got that Mad Dog nickname.

When Dan Elsener took over as president of Marian University, financial issues had the school teetering on the verge of extinction. In the 20 years since , enrollment has quadrupled and the school has been transformed, on campus and in the classroom. In this episode, Elsener talks about decision making, risk taking and the future of higher education.