The big business of college sports is getting bigger than ever, and one economist is putting real numbers on the table. Ryan Brewer, an associate professor of finance at Indiana University Columbus, joins the podcast to talk about his groundbreaking work valuing college football and basketball programs. His research is gaining national attention in places like The Wall Street Journal as the financial stakes in college athletics surge. Brewer also weighs in on the new economic realities of the WNBA. It’s a fascinating conversation about the business of sports—and the numbers behind dramatic transformation.

In this episode, Dr. Rob Pepper talks about the state of higher education and why he believes small, faith-based schools like Huntington University still play an important role. We also explore the school’s bold move into areas like agriculture and digital media and yes, we talk about having some fun with the name Dr. Pepper! It’s a conversation about leadership and the future of a small university with big ambitions.

For nearly four decades, Cindy Hoye has been a driving force behind one of Indiana’s most beloved institutions: the Indiana State Fair and the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Hoye joined the Fairgrounds staff in 1988 as marketing director and became executive director of the Indiana State Fair Commission in 2002. During her tenure, she led unprecedented growth and transformation, including more than $250 million in new buildings and improvements. In this conversation, she reflects on the milestones, challenges and deeply personal connections that have shaped her career. A thoughtful look back at a remarkable career—and the legacy of a leader who helped transform one of Indiana’s most treasured traditions.

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.

From Feb. 22, 2022: 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.

In this episode, Gerry sits down with John Fernandez, the CEO of Amplify Bloomington—a bold new public-private partnership designed to transform the region’s economic future. The former Bloomington Mayor shares the vision behind the initiative and why this moment is different from past efforts. It’s a conversation about place, purpose, and what it takes to reimagine a community’s future.

In this episode, longtime Sporting News columnist and Big Ten Network analyst Mike DeCourcy joins Gerry to break down how IU pulled off one of the most unlikely title runs in modern college football history. He also weighs in on the seismic shifts reshaping college athletics and if this new business model is sustainable. With decades of national perspective, DeCourcy offers insight, context, and clarity on where the college game is headed. And, oh yes, he talks some hoops, too.

From opera houses to roaring arenas, Jim Cornelison’s voice has become part of the soundtrack of American sports. “The Anthem Singer” first captured hearts with his powerful rendition of the National Anthem at Chicago Blackhawks games, but his powerful baritone can also be heard in some of the world’s most iconic venues, including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In this episode, Jim sits down with Gerry Dick and opens up about what it takes to deliver when the lights are brightest and why singing “Back Home Again in Indiana” carries special meaning. It’s a powerful conversation about passion, preparation, and the voice behind some unforgettable moments.

Eric Tobias has built companies, backed founders, and helped shape one of the Midwest’s most influential startup ecosystems—but his latest venture hits much closer to the heart. In this episode, the Indianapolis serial entrepreneur takes us through his remarkable innovation journey in a conversation that goes far beyond spreadsheets and software. Eric opens up about his lifelong love of music—and how that passion led him and a group of partners to purchase the iconic Vogue Theatre. It’s a wide-ranging and inspiring look at what happens when entrepreneurship meets passion, and how one founder is working to ensure that both startups and stages in Indianapolis continue to shine.

Former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard joins Gerry Dick for a candid and wide-ranging conversation centered on his new book, Urban Republican Mayor: My Story. The two-term Republican reflects on the defining moments of his tenure—from major infrastructure investments and a Super Bowl to reshaping the city’s quality of life through projects like the Cultural Trail. He also speaks openly about the political and cultural challenges of leading a growing urban city as a Republican, including the controversial RFRA debate that divided Indiana and drew national attention. It’s an honest look at leadership, legacy, and the evolving politics of urban America—told by a mayor who helped put Indianapolis on the global stage.