On today's special nonprofit episode I sat down with Kelly Coker, CEO of Brightlane Learning, and Claire Brosman, Vice President of Marketing and Communications.

Brightlane Learning is an Indianapolis-based nonprofit providing personalized academic support and mentoring to students experiencing homelessness and housing instability.

Our discussion dives into the challenges faced by these students, the solutions Brightlane Learning has implemented, and their goals for 2026 and beyond.

Kelly and Claire emphasize the importance of community collaboration, including partnerships with organizations like Wheeler Mission and A Longer Table.

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: - How Brightlane Learning Impacts the Nearly 5,000 Homeless Youth in Marion County - Brightlane Learning's Community Partners and Success Stories - The Critical Role of Volunteers in Helping Fulfill Brightlane Learning's Mission

Thank you to our partner: Elements Financial

Check out these great clips from the show: 01:36 Guest Introduction: Kelly Coker and Claire Brosman, Brightlane Learning 02:56 Understanding Homelessness and Housing Insecurity 06:09 Impact on Education and Student Performance 07:31 Personal Stories and Connections to Brightlane Learning 13:28 Collaborations and Community Partnerships 16:40 Brightlane Learning's Approach and Success Stories 36:26 The Importance of Personal Connections and Consistency 41:04 Focusing on Student Growth Over Proficiency 41:38 Tracking Student Goals and Benchmarks 42:04 Celebrating Student Success and Alumni Connections 42:50 Community Support and Volunteer Impact 45:08 Brightlane Learning's Future Plans 47:25 Volunteer Opportunities and Community Involvement 49:46 Inspirational Story: Overcoming Adversity Through Wrestling 55:13 The Importance of Community and Mentorship 57:17 Why We Love Indiana 58:23 Addressing Misconceptions About Homelessness 01:07:08 Hidden Gems and Community Collaboration 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 Alex Yeater, a business growth advisor with over 20 years of experience in franchising, business ownership, and mergers and acquisitions.

Alex shares his journey from teaching and working at Cracker Barrel to scaling a Verizon dealership from 3 to 32 stores and eventually selling it.

Our conversation covers Alex's current ventures, including leading development for everbowl in 13 states and co-founding Bowls & Business, a rapidly growing entrepreneurial community in Indiana.

Alex also touches on the challenges and benefits of franchising, finding creative financing solutions, and the importance of community and people-first culture in business.

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 Yeater's Journey in Franchising and Business Ownership - The Challenges and Benefits of Franchising

Check out these great clips from the show: 00:50 Guest Introduction: Alex Yeater, Business Growth Advisor 02:01 Alex's Early Life and Career Beginnings 04:26 Transition to Wireless Industry 05:46 Building and Expanding Verizon Stores 07:24 Challenges and Strategies in Business Growth 16:16 Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic 19:16 Decision to Sell the Business 23:05 Entering the Franchise World with everbowl 28:42 Franchising Insights and Strategies 36:01 Identifying Key Demographics for Franchise Success 36:34 Becoming an Expert Franchise Operator 37:02 Pros and Cons of Opening a Franchise vs. Independent Business 38:36 The Concept of Dirty Soda and Its Popularity 39:36 Supporting Local Businesses Through Franchises 39:54 Qualities of Successful Franchise Operators 42:19 Encouraging Entrepreneurship in the Family 46:41 The Dream of a Family Entertainment Center 48:52 Bowls & Business: Building a Supportive Community 51:04 Challenges and Advice for Small Business Owners 55:33 The Importance of Serving Others in Business 01:08:16 Hidden Gems and Future Business Concepts in Indiana 01:09:25 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Entrepreneurs

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 three of the five owners of Glover's Ice Cream, Shan Sheridan, David Meek, and Tony Reyes. Glover's Ice Cream is an Indiana-based company that was founded in 1925 by Foster Glover.

Initially selling ice cream sandwiches on passenger trains in Frankfort, the business has grown to become one of Indiana's last independent ice cream manufacturers.

We discuss the company's legacy, its challenges, and the vision for the company's growth beyond its centennial celebration. Shan, David, and Tony also share insights on the ice cream-making process, the importance of maintaining local business traditions, and the impact of community support in keeping the brand alive.

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 Sweet History of Glover's Ice Cream - The Ice Cream-Making Process - Glover's Vision for Future Growth

Check out these great clips from the show: 00:51 History of Glover's Ice Cream 01:09 Guest Introduction: Shan Sheridan, David Meek, Tony Reyes 01:37 Foster Glover's Legacy 04:13 The Great Depression and Survival 12:09 Expansion and Purdue Partnership 22:28 Generational Transition 28:13 Challenges in Modern Grocery Systems 30:14 The Arrival of Walmart in Rural Indiana 30:42 Impact on Local Grocery Stores 32:13 Evolution of Glover's Ice Cream 33:09 Expansion into New Markets 34:29 Generational Connections and Nostalgia 37:05 Steve Glover's Exit Strategy 38:09 The Sale of Glover's Ice Cream 39:29 The Polar Vortex Crisis 41:24 Community Support and Revival Efforts 42:08 The New Ownership Group 46:56 Rebuilding and Modernizing 51:53 The First Production Day 58:06 Maintaining Quality and Tradition 01:02:17 The Heart of Glover's Ice Cream: Love and Passion 01:03:16 Community and Legacy: The Importance of Small Town Businesses 01:04:11 Celebrating 100 Years: A Family Affair 01:05:46 Future Plans and Community Involvement 01:08:35 Indiana Pride and Local Support 01:12:53 Why We Call Indiana Home 01:14:27 Dream Flavors and Ice Cream Innovations 01:17:51 The Spirit of Frankfort and Clinton County 01:25:42 Hidden Gems of 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 Alex Collignon, a Nashville-based talent agent at WME who represents renowned country artists.

We discuss Alex's journey from Indianapolis to Nashville, starting in the mailroom and becoming an agent representing acts like the Red Clay Strays and Gavin Adcock.

Alex also shares the inner workings of the country music industry, the importance of networking, and significant moments in his career, including winning awards and booking major shows.

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 Collignon's Journey from the Mailroom to Becoming a Talent Agent at WME - The Importance of Networking in the Country Music Industry - The Growing Music Scene in Indianapolis and Nashville

Check out these great clips from the show: 00:56 Guest Introduction: Alex Collignon, WME 01:48 Alex's Early Music Journey 03:07 The Path to Becoming a Talent Agent 03:47 Internships and Early Career Experiences 05:31 Life in the Mailroom 07:54 The Role of a Talent Agent 29:02 Celebrating Vocal Group of the Year 29:36 Building Relationships in the Music Industry 30:17 Booking Live Talent and Handling Requests 32:45 Surviving the Early Career Struggles 34:17 Learning from Mentors and Career Breakthroughs 36:52 Navigating Artist Representation and Touring 46:25 The Role of Data and Analytics in Touring 49:32 Managing Multiple Artists and Their Careers 57:32 Forming the Team and Initial Meetings 58:00 The Importance of Personal Connections 01:00:06 Gavin's Story and Taking Risks 01:01:46 Nashville's Growth and Its Impact 01:02:30 Indianapolis vs. Nashville: Learning and Growing 01:05:12 Memorable Moments and Career Highlights 01:08:55 Festival Experiences and Booking Shows 01:13:43 Indiana's Music Scene and Venues

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 Tom Main, the visionary behind the restaurants Tinker Street, Puccini's Smiling Teeth, and Freeland's.

Main's unconventional introduction into the restaurant industry began at age 30 after a stint in prison. Driven by a need for change, he launched the pizzeria Puccini's Smiling Teeth in 1991, successfully expanding to multiple locations.

In 2015, he opened Tinker Street, followed by Freeland's in Carmel, aiming to empower adults with developmental disabilities while showing his commitment to people and the community.

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: - Tom Main's Journey to Becoming a Restaurateur - The Foundings of Puccini's Smiling Teeth, Tinker Street, and Freeland's - Day-to-Day Realities of the Restaurant Business

Check out these great clips from the show: 00:56 Guest Introduction: Tom Main, Tinker Street 02:26 Tom's Early Life and Entry into the Restaurant Business 02:51 The Turning Point: Federal Prison and Self-Reflection 06:07 Discovering a Passion for Restaurants 12:07 Starting Puccini's: The Early Days 23:42 Challenges and Failures in the Restaurant Industry 30:55 Expanding and Managing Multiple Locations 33:29 Stepping Away and Returning with Tinker Street 37:09 Starting Tinker Street: The Early Days 37:47 Creating a Unique Dining Experience 38:48 The Challenges and Successes 41:33 Community and Evolution 43:53 The Reality of the Restaurant Business 48:35 Opening a New Restaurant in Carmel 51:50 Lessons from the Restaurant Industry 53:55 Future Plans and Reflections 55:48 Indiana and Community Involvement

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 special New Year's Eve episode, I sat down with two of my Get Indiana team members Will Hudson and Robert Porter to reflect on the past year and discuss our ambitious plans for 2026.

They each highlight their favorite moments and achievements of 2025, including memorable shoots, podcast episodes and guests, and personal milestones.

We also dive into the exciting plan of visiting 1,000 towns across Indiana in 2026, sharing unique facts and reasons why the state is underrated.

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: - Get Indiana's Most Memorable Content, Podcast Guests, and Milestones from 2025 - Get Indiana's 2026 Plan of Visiting 1,000 Towns Across Indiana - Bold Predictions for Growth and Recognition

Check out these great clips from the show: 00:00 Guest Introduction: Will Hudson and Robert Porter, Get Indiana 00:55 Reflecting on 2025 Highlights 02:07 Favorite Video Projects of 2025 03:39 Favorite Podcast Episodes 07:27 Looking Ahead to 2026 10:01 Unexpected Moments and Challenges 15:20 Studio Upgrades and Challenges 16:05 Predictions for Indiana in 2026 17:10 Surprises and Developments in 2025 19:05 Announcing the 2026 Epic Quest 20:59 Exploring Indiana's Regions 25:22 Goals and Predictions for 2026 28:31 Acknowledgements and Gratitude

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 Bryan Mills, president and CEO of Community Health Network, who is retiring at the end of 2025.

Mills shares experiences about his 40-year journey in healthcare, from starting as an accountant to leading community health initiatives, creating partnerships with MD Anderson Cancer Center, and expanding healthcare services across Indiana.

He also provides insights into the emotional and logistical aspects of healthcare leadership, the importance of culture, and his future plans post-retirement.

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: - Bryan Mills' 40-Year Journey in Healthcare - How Healthcare Services have Expanded Across Indiana - The Future of Healthcare

Check out these great clips from the show: 00:57 Guest Introduction: Bryan Mills, Community Health Network 02:02 Early Career and Transition to Healthcare 04:11 Joining Community Health Network 06:53 Building and Expanding Community Health 11:32 Leadership and Cultural Impact 14:29 Navigating Challenges and Growth 27:31 Acquisitions and Community Integration 37:08 Starting the Conversation: Immediate Healthcare Access 37:49 Navigating Hard Conversations in Healthcare 38:22 Evaluating Healthcare Performance: Data and Analytics 40:12 Leadership Training and Its Impact 43:26 Challenges in Healthcare: Mental Health and Addiction 46:37 The Role of Calmness in Crisis Situations 49:14 Reflecting on 40 Years of Service 50:45 Advice for the Incoming CEO 52:31 The Future of Healthcare in Indiana 55:44 Personal Reflections and Future Plans

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 Jeffrey Harrison, President and CEO of Citizens Energy Group, to learn more about the ambitious Dig Indy project.

This $2 billion initiative involves constructing a 28-mile tunnel system 250 feet below Indianapolis to significantly reduce wastewater overflow into local rivers. Harrison covers the project's origins, its critical need addressed by the EPA's Clean Water Act, the massive engineering feats involved, including using tunnel boring machines and micro-explosives for excavation, and the broader impacts of the project on local rivers.

Harrison also sheds light on his engineering background and role since joining Citizens in 2011, environmental sustainability, and potential future developments in Indianapolis.

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 $2 Billion Dig Indy Project - How the 28-Mile Tunnel System Will Impact Local Rivers - Potential Future Developments in Indy

Check out these great clips from the show: 00:37 Guest Introduction: Jeffrey Harrison, Citizens Energy Group 01:02 Jeffrey's Background 01:37 The Dig Indy Project Overview 02:42 History of Indianapolis' Water Issues 12:25 The Tunnel Boring Process 18:57 Citizens Energy Group's Role 26:37 Marketing Idea for Citizens Energy 28:31 Breaking Perceptions of Indiana 28:57 Experiencing the White River 31:30 Future Vision for Indianapolis Waterways 32:25 South Bend's Riverwalk Inspiration 33:58 The Impact of the Dig Indy Project 36:56 Jeffrey's Indiana Roots and Career 40:14 Community and Charity in Indiana 41:40 Fun and Unique Questions

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 Jason Osterhage, President and CEO of Everwise Credit Union.

Jason shares his journey from Atlanta to Indiana, the rich history and recent rebranding of Everwise – formerly Teachers Credit Union – and the impact of local financial institutions on the community.

He provides insights into the significance of credit unions, the strategic process behind rebranding a 94-year-old institution, and the value of maintaining personal relationships in banking.

Our conversation also touches on Everwise's community involvement, their day of giving, and Jason's personal experiences exploring Indiana.

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 Rich History of Teachers Credit Union - The Challenges and Strategies of Rebranding to Everwise - Everwise's Community Involvement and Day of Giving

Check out these great clips from the show: 00:53 Guest Introduction: Jason Osterhage, President & CEO of Everwise 01:58 First Impressions of Indiana 03:54 History and Evolution of Everwise 10:40 The Rebranding Journey: From Teachers Credit Union to Everwise 13:51 Challenges and Strategies in Rebranding 29:13 The Importance of Physical Branches in Modern Banking 34:47 Community Engagement and Day of Giving 35:47 Favorite Communities and Memorable Experiences 36:34 Exploring Indiana's Hidden Gems 37:39 The Origins and Impact of Everwise 39:03 Understanding Credit Unions and Their Role 41:36 The Importance of Banking Local 47:48 Cultural and Geographic Insights of Indiana 56:04 Leadership and Corporate Governance 59:40 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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 Brandon Noll, director of Indiana operations for Plug and Play.

We discuss the vibrant med tech and orthopedic industry in Warsaw, Indiana, the impact of global innovation platforms like Plug and Play, and Noll's personal journey from a small rural farm in Pleasant Lake, Indiana, to leading startup acceleration efforts.

Our conversation covers the growth of startups in Indiana, the role of investment and corporate partnerships, and the importance of community support in fostering innovation.

Noll also dives into his background, from working in finance to coaching middle school football, and the vision for Indiana's future in the global innovation landscape.

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 Warsaw Is the "Orthopedic Capital of the World" - The Impact of Global Innovation Platforms - The Growth of Startups in Indiana

Thank you to our partners: Rare Saint

Check out these great clips from the show: 00:52 Guest Introduction: Brandon Noll, Plug and Play Indiana 01:34 Growing Up in Rural Indiana 05:04 College and Early Career 11:36 Challenges and Opportunities in Finance 29:37 Economic Development and Plug and Play 39:45 The Lucky Building and Its Startups 40:17 Expanding to Sunnyvale: Plug and Play's Growth 40:45 Global Accelerator Programs and Investments 42:11 Corporate Innovation and Industry Verticals 42:45 Med Tech Startups in Indiana 49:50 The Role of Venture Capital in Indiana 01:01:15 Warsaw: The Orthopedic Capital of the World 01:10:02 Hidden Gems and Future Plans 01:15:24 Final Thoughts and Indiana's Potential

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.