On today's show I sat down with content creator and rapper Corey Tibbs Jr., professionally known as CeeJay2Kold and 2Kold, founder of the dating series Pop the Balloon.

2Kold began creating and posting dance videos online as a kid, and grew up primarily in Haughville on Indianapolis' near west side. His life changed when he was shot in the face at 19, spent three days in a coma and roughly 30 days in the hospital.

He explains how he transitioned from reaction videos to more structured creation by investing in camera equipment, studying specs and tutorials, taking courses, and learning from local videographers, moves that paid off when he achieved YouTube monetization.

2Kold details how Pop the Balloon started, with initial filming at the media hub and event space Midwest League in Indianapolis. The unscripted show features contestants who present their name, age, and job, and balloons are popped if someone isn't interested, followed by an explanation.

2Kold outlines a major 2026 tour running February through June starting in Washington, D.C., with nearly 25 additional stops in major cities across the country. Looking ahead, he announces a new competitive reality series concept called QOTC: Queens of the City, focused on business-minded women and brand development with structured auditions and challenges such as creating business plans.

If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.

You are going to learn about: - 2Kold's Journey as a Content Creator - The Dating Show Pop the Balloon - Queens of the City Reality Series

Thank you to our partners: Hoosier Lottery Huse Culinary

Check out these great clips from the show: 01:38 Guest Introduction: 2Kold, Pop the Balloon 02:48 Dancing, MySpace, and First YouTube Uploads 03:44 Growing Up in Haughville 06:48 Getting Shot at 19 and the Recovery 08:47 Leveling Up as a Creator 13:16 YouTube Reactions Take Off 15:53 Two-Year Plan & Family Pressure 17:53 Monetization, Hustling, and Building a Business 22:10 What Is Pop the Balloon? 24:27 Launching the First Live Episode 28:42 Welcoming Contestants & the 'pop' Psychology 30:12 Turning Pop the Balloon Into a Business 31:51 Why It's So Bingeable 34:04 Tickets, Audience Participation & Sudden Popularity 35:05 Casting, Sponsors, Org Collabs & Niche Episodes 37:20 Balancing Family Life with Nonstop Production 38:25 2026 Tour Game Plan 40:36 'Queens of the City' Reality Series 46:40 Creator Advice 49:50 Memorable Matches & Favorite Creators 53:07 Hidden Gems and Why Indiana is Home

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

On today's show, I jumped into the deep end with 10-year-old competitive swimmer Gabriel Brown from Greenfield, Indiana.

Gabe is the No. 1 ranked 10-year-old swimmer in the United States, has climbed the National Age Group rankings, and has set multiple Indiana 10-and-under records.

We talk through Gabe's training routine, including swimming two hours a day six days a week, plus five additional weekly workouts. Gabe explains why he avoids early morning practices to protect his sleep and how he balances training with friends. He also shares key moments that fueled his motivation: earning his first state cut at age seven, hitting zone cuts at eight, beating a top backstroker, and becoming the youngest athlete to win High Point through consistency.

Gabe then covers his short- and long-term goals, including chasing a 10-and-under National Age Group Record by the end of the season, aiming to qualify for Olympic Trials as early as age 12, and eventually swimming at IU while pursuing American and world records.

He also discusses switching to online school at the start of the year to create more time for workouts, his go-to foods, favorite swimmer, and favorite Indiana spots like the Natatorium.

If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.

You are going to learn about: - What It Takes to Train as America's Top 10-Year-Old Swimmer - How State, Zone, and All-Star Qualification Works in Youth Swimming - Goals for National Records, Olympic Trials, and IU

Check out these great clips from the show: 00:29 Guest Introduction: Gabriel Brown, 10-Year-Old Swim Phenom 01:42 Training Like a Champion 03:21 11 Workouts a Week 04:27 The Switch Flips 05:23 How National Rankings Work 06:02 Breaking Down the Backstroke, Free, IM, and Pool Formats 07:16 Rules, Referees, and Getting DQ'd 08:10 Swim Lessons at 3, Competitive at 6, State at 7 08:54 First Big Win & High Point 12:08 Motivation & Mindset 12:50 Faster Than Phelps at 10? 14:06 Other Sports, State Titles, and Racing Psychology 17:47 Favorite Events & Selling Swimming to Kids 19:58 Chasing Age Group Records 20:46 Switching to Online School for Training 22:01 Race-Day Fuel 22:56 Coolest, Coldest, & Fastest Pools 24:33 Big Dreams 26:30 How Close Are the All-Time 10U Records? 28:19 Mid-Distance Mindset + Favorite Swimmer 29:59 Life Outside the Pool 32:45 All Things Indiana 35:04 Advice, Where to Track Records, and Socials

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

On today's show I sat down with my colleague Cheyne Reiter to discuss top headlines, Indiana events, Hoosier spring break staycation ideas, and more.

We open with what we learned about Indiana this week, including an aerospace company in Upland building satellite equipment that flies on SpaceX rockets and the IHSAA high school wrestling tournament format.

Next, we cover Junior Achievement's 2026 Indy's Best and Brightest finalists, where I was named one of 10 finalists in the Media, Entertainment, and Sports category. The ceremony is set for April 22 at Fishers Event Center.

We then break down two major distribution centers creating job opportunities: Sweetwater's $36.7M Fort Wayne expansion adding 300 jobs and a $125M John Deere distribution center project near Lowell/Hebron projected to create 150 jobs at the minimum.

Other headlines include South Bend International Airport setting a record with over 1.1M ticketed passengers in 2025, IU Athletics announcing plans for a Bob Knight statue in Assembly Hall, and preview of the NFL Flag Championships coming to Grand Park.

We also discuss upcoming Indiana events before closing with Indiana spring break staycation ideas and a game where I quiz Cheyne on three ag production categories in which Indiana ranks No. 1 in the country. If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference or discuss trending topics in Indiana, visit getindiana.com/podcast.

You are going to learn about: - The 2026 Junior Achievement Indy's Best & Brightest Finalists - Sweetwater's Expansion in Fort Wayne - John Deere's New Distribution Center - IU Athletics to Install Bob Knight Statue - NFL Flag Championships Coming to Grand Park

Check out these great clips from the show: 01:34 What We Learned This Week: Indiana Satellites & Space Tech in Upland 02:55 Cheyne's Wrestling Take: The Case for Wrestlebacks 03:36 Junior Achievement 'Best & Brightest' Finalists 06:59 Sweetwater's $36.7M Expansion in Fort Wayne 08:26 John Deere's Massive Hebron/Lowell Distribution Center Investment 10:52 South Bend International Airport Hits Record 12:54 Bob Knight Statue Coming to Assembly Hall 16:25 NFL Flag Championships at Grand Park 19:35 How Olympic Flag Football Works 20:26 Drafting the Ultimate Team USA Flag Football Roster 21:23 The Georgia Flag Football Dream 23:17 Pros vs. Flag Football Purists 24:09 Indiana Events: State Wrestling, WWE Raw, Phil Collins, and Cardi B 27:38 NFL Combine in Indianapolis: Free Fan Experience 30:30 Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance Ag Trivia 33:53 Hoosier Spring Break Staycations: Best Hikes 36:08 Downtown Indy & Themed Day Trips

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

On today's show I sat down with Joe Curtis, the first franchisee in ClusterTruck history, and Janet Monroe, ClusterTruck's CEO, to talk about the company's new franchising chapter and the launch of ClusterTruck Carmel in February 2026.

ClusterTruck is an Indianapolis-born delivery and pickup kitchen with made-to-order meals and proprietary software designed to get food delivered hot, fresh, and on time. Monroe explains that it took nearly a decade to build and refine both the software and kitchen operations, creating a profitable model in food delivery.

Curtis shares his path from a 30+ year career in electrical engineering to residential real estate, with essentially no food background beyond working at McDonald's as a teenager. He became a loyal ClusterTruck customer during renovations and pursued franchising as an investment.

Our conversation covers how ClusterTruck documents operations in a "kitchen back office," uses training videos, standardizes plating and order accuracy, and emphasizes culture, customer service, and community involvement.

If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.

You are going to learn about: - Why ClusterTruck Is Launching Franchising - How the Smart Kitchen Model Works - What it Takes to Open a ClusterTruck Franchise

Check out these great clips from the show: 00:26 Guest Introduction: Joe Curtis & Janet Monroe, ClusterTruck 02:02 Why Franchise Now? 03:20 Why Carmel 04:11 Joe's Background 06:56 From Customer to Investor 09:42 Training in the Kitchen 11:21 Building the Franchise Playbook 16:44 Culture + Quality Control 17:50 Opening the Carmel Kitchen 22:02 Why Joe's the Right Franchisee 27:21 Joe's Indiana Journey 34:00 Choosing US-31 for Demand 34:41 Supper vs. Dinner 35:12 Where ClusterTruck Wants to Expand Next 36:07 A Detour into Regenerative Farming 38:16 Who Should Franchise ClusterTruck? 41:54 The Playbook for Training, Standards & Customer Service 43:07 What's Included in Opening Costs 47:33 Why They Call Indiana Home 51:39 Rapid Fire Questions 56:40 Best Restaurant Experiences Around Indiana 01:01:50 Hidden Gems in Indiana & Hoosier to Watch

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

On today's show I sat down with Jonathan Berger, Vice President of Marketing and External Affairs at Newfields, the cultural campus that includes the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Lilly House, the gardens, and Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park.

Berger explains why the 152-acre campus rebranded from "the IMA" to Newfields – rooted in the site's history of Oldfields and the Lilly family's "Newfields" house name – and shares how the institution evolved to feel less intimidating and more like an invitation to experience art and nature.

We discuss Newfields' permanent collection of 42,000 works acquired through purchases, donations, and loans, with only a small percentage on display at any given time.

A major focus is THE LUME, Newfields' immersive, projection-based experience on the fourth floor that has featured Van Gogh, Monet, and Salvador Dalí, and currently explores contemporary Indigenous Australian artists.

Lastly, Berger covers signature events, including Winterlights, Harvest Nights, and Penrod that drive attendance.

If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.

You are going to learn about: - The Newfields Campus - Newfields' Permanent Collection and THE LUME - Signature Events at Newfields

Thank you to our partner: Duke Homes

Check out these great clips from the show: 01:16 Guest Introduction: Jonathan Berger, Newfields 02:30 Why the Name Changed From IMA to Newfields 04:30 What's on the Newfields Campus 05:18 Origins & Lilly Family Gift 08:21 Modernizing the Museum 10:29 THE LUME Explained 12:52 How Museums Acquire Art 15:04 Inside the Vault: Surprise Finds Among 42,000 Works 18:06 Why Visit If You're "Not an Art Person"? 21:05 Signature Events at Newfields 27:13 Art Park Moments That Go Viral 29:47 Your First Visit 32:05 Must-See Masterpieces 33:10 Rarest Art & Most Moving Works 34:58 Digital Art & the Nation's Biggest Canvas 38:08 Biggest Misconceptions: 'It's Not for Me' 38:34 Becoming an Artist & Marketer 40:58 Bike Design to Big Business 43:45 Coming Home to Newfields 45:07 How Touring Shows and Deals Work 46:48 Life in Indy: Favorite Spots and Why Indiana Is Home 49:04 Rapid Fire Questions & Career Advice 52:16 Indiana's Culture & Hidden Gems 57:08 How to Connect

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

On today's show I sat down with Earl Seals, co-founder of N2 Company, a media and marketing brand connecting businesses with neighborhoods across the U.S.

Earl shares his journey from a small town in East Tennessee to founding a successful company. He credits his early entrepreneurial spirit, starting with mowing lawns and selling baby calves, and his transformative experiences through faith.

He also provides insights on scaling N2 to over 850 locations and his involvement with 'The Chosen' TV series. Lastly, he talks about his move to Indianapolis and the future of N2. If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.

You are going to learn about: - The Founding and Purpose of N2 Company - Scaling Business from Local to National - The Future of N2 Company

Check out these great clips from the show: 00:56 Guest Introduction: Earl Seals, N2 Company 01:48 Earl's Humble Beginnings 03:40 Early Entrepreneurial Ventures 08:36 A Life-Changing Moment 21:10 The Journey to Moody Bible Institute 35:08 Founding the N2 Company 41:52 Divine Promptings: The Journey to Sell the House 44:28 The Birth of a Business: Overcoming Early Struggles 48:51 Scaling Up: From Local to National Success 50:53 Navigating Economic Challenges and Personal Moves 01:07:27 The Chosen: From Failure to Phenomenon

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

On today's show I sat down with Mary Kay "MK" Huse, president and general manager of the Indy Ignite, Indiana's professional Major League Volleyball team.

MK shares her journey from working in the tech industry to spearheading the establishment of the Indy Ignite amidst the growing volleyball scene in Indiana.

She covers challenges and milestones in building a professional sports franchise from scratch, the exciting debut season that ended with a runner-up finish, and the community support that has fueled the team's success. If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.

You are going to learn about: - MK Huse's Transition from Working in Tech to Sports - Building a Professional Sports Franchise from the Ground Up - The Growth and Future of Volleyball in Indiana

Thank you to our partners: Elements Financial Greek's Pizzeria

Check out these great clips from the show: 01:28 Guest Introduction: Mary Kay "MK" Huse, Indy Ignite 02:30 MK's Journey from Tech to Volleyball 07:22 Building Mandolin: A Startup Story 17:41 Challenges and Lessons from Mandolin 27:31 Transition to Indy Ignite 39:39 The Marketing Manager's Unique Role 39:54 Building the Team and Community Engagement 41:23 Sponsorship Challenges and Successes 43:13 The Excitement of Volleyball 46:12 Signing Players and Building the Roster 50:13 Opening Night and Fan Experience 53:52 Indiana's Volleyball Culture 01:01:46 Professionalism and Growth of the League

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

On today's show I sat down with Scott Lingle and Justin Clements, co-founders of Remodel Health and entrepreneurs, about their efforts to revitalize small towns in Indiana.

Scott and Justin share their passion for investing in their respective communities of Danville and Martinsville, including current projects like opening a high-end restaurant in Danville and developing career training programs in Martinsville.

They highlight the importance of making small towns attractive places to live and visit, leveraging their business acumen, and fostering local entrepreneurship.

They also touch on the legacy and impact of historical figures like Doc Merritt and Coach John Wooden in Martinsville, showing how these past influences continue to inspire current revitalization efforts. If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.

You are going to learn about: - Why Revitalizing Small Towns in Indiana Is Important - How to Foster Local Entrepreneurship - How Historical Figures Inspire Change in Communities Today

Thank you to our partners: ClusterTruck (use code GETIN at checkout for $5 off orders of $25 or more) Kelley School of Business AccountedFor

Check out these great clips from the show: 01:25 Guest Introduction: Scott Lingle and Justin Clements 01:58 The Motivation Behind Community Investment 04:37 Scott's Journey to Danville 10:23 Justin's Journey to Martinsville 20:01 Revitalizing Small Towns: Strategies and Challenges 23:26 The Legacy of Doc Merritt 27:53 Overcoming Stereotypes and Building a Better Future 32:03 Navigating Community Reception and Support 45:47 The Brewery Dilemma 46:12 Marketing and Messaging Strategies 46:23 Martinsville's Strategic Location 47:13 Convention Center Vision 49:29 Small Town Feel and Safety 50:42 Developing Martinsville and Danville 51:21 Career and Training Opportunities 53:49 The Pyramid of Success 55:41 Entertainment Ideas for Small Towns 01:02:44 First Jobs and Sales Skills 01:07:14 Faith and Business Principles 01:08:27 Entrepreneurial Journeys and Advice 01:13:31 Hidden Gems in Indiana

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

On today's show I sat down with one of my Get Indiana team members, Cheyne Reiter, to discuss top headlines, upcoming events, and Valentine's Day recommendations across Indiana.

We began with something we learned about Indiana in January. We then shifted to upcoming events and what's in the news, including a $6 million incubator kitchen and pavilion in Logansport, the historical recognition of a World War II riveter from Evansville, and the continued talks of the Chicago Bears' potential move to northwest Indiana.

After a fun segment where Cheyne quizzed me with random Indiana towns and I guessed which county they were in, we closed with dinner recommendations for Valentine's Day. If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference or discuss trending topics in Indiana, visit getindiana.com/podcast.

You are going to learn about: - A $6 Million Project in Cass County - The Chicago Bears Exploring NW Indiana for Their New Stadium - The Best Dinner Spots Across Indiana for Valentine's Day

Check out these great clips from the show: 00:46 Indiana's Record Snowfall and Community Spirit 04:16 Small Town Spotlight: Zionsville 05:21 Cass County's New Incubator Kitchen 08:23 Restaurant Concepts and Food Business Ideas 12:30 Celebrating a Hoosier Hero 14:00 The Future of Jobs and Indiana's Sports Legacy 17:15 Chicago Bears' Potential Move to Indiana 22:53 Comparing Stadium Locations 25:59 Upcoming Events in Indiana 29:07 Indiana Towns and Counties Quiz 33:17 Valentine's Day Restaurants in Indiana 38:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

On today's show I sat down with Alex Baker, a marathoner and cancer awareness fundraiser based in Brownsburg, Indiana.

Alex shares the heart-wrenching experience of losing his wife Amanda to colorectal cancer in 2019 and how it inspired him to start 'Ketchup to Cancer,' a movement channeling his love of running and hatred of ketchup and cancer into fundraising for leading cancer research institutions.

From participating in notable marathons like New York in 2023, Chicago and Boston in 2024, and London in 2025, to raising tens of thousands of dollars, Alex's journey is filled with emotion.

Alex also talks about Amanda's spirited 16-month fight against cancer, the extensive treatment process, and how he balanced being a primary parent and caregiver. If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.

You are going to learn about: - Alex Baker's Wife Amanda and Her Battle vs. Colorectal Cancer - The Nonprofit 'Ketchup to Cancer' and Its Mission - Practical Ways of Handling Grief

Thank you to our partners: Indy Grills Fire and Ice Café

Check out these great clips from the show: 01:12 Guest Introduction: Alex Baker, Marathoner and Ketchup to Cancer 07:23 Amanda's Cancer Diagnosis 13:20 The Battle with Cancer Begins 17:07 Struggles and Support 22:10 Exploring Treatment Options 34:05 Facing the Reality of Terminal Illness 38:12 Final Conversations and Hospice 45:45 Reflecting on Loss and Family Support 48:46 Embracing Life's Lessons 51:04 Channeling Pain into Purpose 51:55 The Journey to Fitness and Health 55:39 Pandemic Challenges and New Beginnings 56:53 Running for a Cause: The Marathon Journey 01:06:20 The Birth of 'Ketchup to Cancer' 01:13:20 Final Thoughts and Reflections 01:18:44 Indiana Pride and Community

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.