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.
151
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
152
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
153
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
154
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
155
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
156
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
157
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
158
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
159
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
160
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
161
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
162
Chip Ganassi: ‘It Will Stick with Me Until My O...
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.
26 min
163
Chris Denari: Courtside or Trackside, Always Pr...
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.
38 min
164
Mickey Maurer: Always Searching for That Next M...
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.
46 min
165
Mark Patrick: Born to Entertain
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.
41 min
166
Turner Woodard: A Hoosier Entrepreneur with Spirit
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.
36 min
167
Oliver Winery CEO Julie Adams: The Sweet Taste ...
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.
33 min
168
Geoff Mearns: From Prosecutor to President
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.
39 min
169
Greg Ballard: Writing That Next Chapter
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.
44 min
170
Bob Kevoian: Radio Legend on Cruise Control
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.
34 min
171
IU President Pam Whitten: “It’s Our Time to Ste...
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.
37 min
172
Evan Bayh: From Shirkieville to the Senate, a L...
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.
47 min
173
Mark Miles: Big Ideas, Big Events, Big Impact
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.
44 min
174
Mario Andretti: Hall of Famer Still Going Full ...
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.
37 min
175
Elanco CEO Jeff Simmons: ‘It Only Takes One’
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.
34 min