Every girl needs to know she is welcome, wanted, valued, and loved.

But for many teen girls navigating anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addiction, toxic relationships, social pressures, and questions of self-worth, having a safe place to be honest about what they’re experiencing can make an enormous difference.

In this episode of the Ripple Effect Podcast, hosts Traver Butcher and Brittany Wayman sit down with Kristi Hardin, Director of Operations for Girls Nite In International, to talk about mentoring teen girls, mental health, leadership, faith, and the power of simply showing up.

Kristi’s passion for helping girls is deeply personal. During high school, she battled an eating disorder, and her recovery created a desire to help other young women facing similar struggles. She originally thought that calling would lead directly into working with teen girls—but instead, her career took her into the corporate world.

Years later, Kristi’s mom, Jimme, was teaching at a local high school and repeatedly encountered girls dealing with painful situations and difficult circumstances. She felt called to do something about it.

In 2008, she created a curriculum addressing many of the issues she saw girls facing and invited a small group to gather in her basement.

She expected 10 or 12 girls.

Fifty-five showed up.

That night became the beginning of Girls Nite In.

Today, Girls Nite In provides mentoring, practical resources, leadership development, and safe spaces where middle school, high school, and college-age girls can have honest conversations, build relationships with trusted women, and discover that they are not alone.

In this conversation, Kristi shares:

• How her own battle with an eating disorder shaped her passion for helping teen girls

One of the most powerful parts of Kristi’s story is seeing the impact move from one generation to another. Girls who once needed mentors themselves are now adults, volunteers, leaders, and mothers investing in the next generation.

And Kristi makes one thing especially clear:

Girls Nite In is for every girl.

A girl doesn’t have to be in crisis to need encouragement. She doesn’t have to come from a difficult home to need support. Even girls surrounded by loving families can benefit from having trusted adults outside their immediate family who will listen, encourage them, and help them navigate the challenges of growing up.

Sometimes creating a ripple effect doesn’t require having all the answers.

It starts by doing the next right thing, being willing to say yes, and showing up for someone who needs to know they are seen and loved.

You don’t need an expensive vacation, a trip to Disney, or a huge budget to create memories your kids will carry with them for years.

Sometimes the best family adventures are already happening right in your own community.

In this episode of the Ripple Effect Podcast, hosts Traver Butcher and Brittany Wayman sit down with Katy Mann, founder of Indy With Kids, to talk about family, entrepreneurship, community, content creation, and the power of choosing experiences together.

Katy started Indy With Kids 17 years ago because she saw a problem: parents were carrying the mental load of constantly trying to figure out what to do with their kids, where to go, what events were worth attending, and what would actually work for their family. She wanted to make that process easier by creating one place where families could discover meaningful activities throughout Indianapolis and Central Indiana.

What started as a blog documenting adventures with her own family eventually grew into a full-time business, television appearances, tourism partnerships, books, and a trusted resource used by families throughout the region. But through all that growth, Katy says the heart of Indy With Kids has remained the same: helping families connect with one another while also supporting the local businesses and organizations that make those experiences possible.

Together, they discuss:

• How Indy With Kids grew from a side hustle into a 17-year business

Katy also gets candid about the sacrifices behind building a business while raising a family. After 17 years, she’s learned that priorities change from season to season—and sustainability sometimes means producing less, earning less, asking for help, and choosing the people in front of you over the algorithm.

And when it comes to family experiences, her message is encouraging: meaningful doesn’t have to mean expensive.

Katy shares that roughly 75% of the activities her family does are things other families can experience for free, too. From splash pads and festivals to sledding, walking tours, and spontaneous local adventures, there are opportunities all around us—we just have to know where to find them.

Whether you’re a parent looking to make more memories with your kids, an entrepreneur building something you believe in, a content creator navigating the pressure to always be “on,” or someone who simply wants to rediscover your own community, this episode will encourage you to be more intentional with the time and opportunities already around you.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share the Ripple Effect Podcast.

What happens when a great business owner needs capital—but traditional lending isn’t an option?

In this episode of the Ripple Effect Podcast, hosts Traver Butcher and Brittany Wayman sit down with Ashley Bridges, Build Fund Portfolio Manager at Intend Indiana, for a conversation about access to capital, entrepreneurship, mentorship, community development, and creating generational wealth.

After more than a decade in traditional financial services, Ashley transitioned into Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) lending, where the goal isn’t simply to make loans—it’s to help remove barriers for entrepreneurs and communities that have historically lacked access to traditional financial resources. Build Fund combines lending with education and technical assistance to help business owners build sustainable futures.

Ashley shares what that impact looks like firsthand, including the story of a woman who had operated her gym for approximately 12 years before Build Fund helped her navigate the process of purchasing commercial space. After a year-long journey, she ultimately acquired two floors instead of one, giving her room to grow the business she had spent years building.

Together, they discuss:

• Why access to capital remains a major barrier for many entrepreneurs

Ashley also shares an important lesson from her own leadership journey: meaningful community isn’t built by simply being in the room. It comes from showing up authentically, introducing yourself, building relationships, volunteering, supporting others, and having the courage to connect.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to grow, a community leader, an aspiring business owner, or someone passionate about creating more equitable opportunities, this conversation is a reminder of what can happen when people have access to the capital, knowledge, relationships, and opportunities they need to move forward.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share the Ripple Effect Podcast with someone who could benefit from the conversation.

What if your bank wasn’t just a place to keep your money—but a partner invested in helping you, your business, and your community succeed?

In this episode of the Ripple Effect Podcast, hosts Traver Butcher and Brittany Wayman sit down with Darrius Davis of Generations Community Bank to talk about financial access, small-business growth, generational wealth, leadership, and what it means to truly invest in a community.

Generations Community Bank is Indiana’s first Minority Depository Institution, built around a mission of providing resources and financial opportunities to communities that have historically been underserved and underbanked.

For Darrius, that mission is deeply personal. Growing up in Indianapolis, his family moved frequently, and it wasn’t until someone gave him an opportunity in banking that he began to understand how financial systems could be used to create opportunity and build wealth. Today, he wants to take what he has learned and make those same tools and relationships accessible to others.

Together, they discuss:

• Why understanding the financial system is critical to building generational wealth

One of Darrius’ biggest messages to entrepreneurs is simple: start the conversation early. If you hope to purchase a building, expand your business, or pursue another major goal in the next few years, begin building the roadmap now rather than waiting until you need financing.

And creating impact doesn’t always require starting an organization or making a huge investment. Sometimes it begins by knowing your neighbors, supporting local businesses, building relationships, and simply choosing to be present.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, emerging leader, or someone who wants to build a stronger financial future, this conversation offers a powerful look at what can happen when banking becomes less about transactions and more about relationships, access, and opportunity.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share the Ripple Effect Podcast with someone who could benefit from the conversation.

For many families, a food pantry is about far more than putting food on the table.

In this episode of the Ripple Effect Podcast, hosts Traver Butcher and Brittany Wayman sit down with Colleen Ritchie, Director of Share Food Pantry in Indianapolis, to explore what it truly means to serve people with dignity, compassion, and hope.

Colleen shares how a poverty simulation completely changed the direction of her life, leading her from a successful corporate career into nonprofit leadership. Today, she helps create a welcoming environment where every person who walks through the doors feels seen, valued, and cared for.

Together, they discuss:

• Why many families experiencing food insecurity are working full-time jobs

This conversation is a powerful reminder that meeting someone's immediate need can become the first step toward lasting transformation.

Whether you're a nonprofit leader, volunteer, community advocate, church leader, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, this episode will inspire you to see the impact that everyday acts of kindness can have on an entire community.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share it with someone who believes in creating positive change.

What if one of the biggest unmet needs in America isn't food... but soap, shampoo, diapers, and basic hygiene?

In this episode of the Ripple Effect Podcast, hosts Traver Butcher and Brittany Wayman sit down with Christina Huffines, founder and CEO of Indy Hygiene Hub, to uncover a crisis that affects thousands of families every day but is rarely talked about.

Christina shares her remarkable journey from personal hardship and difficult life circumstances to building a statewide nonprofit serving all 92 Indiana counties. What started with extreme couponing and helping a few local families has grown into a movement providing hygiene products, diapers, period supplies, education, and hope to people who often fall through the cracks.

Together, they discuss:

• Why SNAP benefits don't cover essential hygiene products

Whether you're passionate about serving your community, leading a nonprofit, supporting local organizations, or simply looking for an inspiring story of perseverance, this conversation will challenge the way you think about everyday needs and the extraordinary impact one person can make.

If this episode encouraged you, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share it with someone who believes in making a difference.

The Ripple Effect Podcast | Featuring Alice Watson, President & CEO of Indiana Black Expo

What does it take to create lasting impact in a community?

This week on The Ripple Effect, hosts Traver Butcher of Nexus Impact Center and Brittany Wayman of Soul Care Coaching sit down with Alice Watson, President and CEO of Indiana Black Expo, to discuss leadership, community transformation, and the power of investing in people.

Alice shares her journey from leading operations across both the public and private sectors to serving at the helm of one of Indiana's most influential nonprofit organizations. Together, they explore the mission of Indiana Black Expo, the importance of creating opportunities that strengthen communities, and how intentional leadership can create a ripple effect that extends far beyond any one individual or organization.

Whether you're a nonprofit leader, business professional, or someone passionate about making a difference where you live, this conversation offers valuable insights on servant leadership, collaboration, and building stronger communities.

About Our Guest

Alice Watson is the President and CEO of Indiana Black Expo, Inc., a nonprofit organization with twelve chapters across Indiana. She oversees the organization's daily operations, community programs, and signature events—including Circle City Classic and Summer Celebration—which collectively attract more than 400,000 attendees and generate more than $28 million in annual economic impact.

Prior to becoming President and CEO, Alice served for more than 11 years as IBE's Senior Vice President of Operations, leading finance, operations, marketing, human resources, and youth and family programming. She previously served as Deputy Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Administration's Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise Division and held leadership positions with Prima Technology and Thomson Consumer Electronics. Alice earned her degree in Criminal Justice from Indiana University and serves on numerous civic and community boards throughout Indianapolis.

Subscribe to The Ripple Effect for more conversations with leaders who are making a difference and inspiring positive change throughout our communities.

Can Faith, Music, and Community Heal Addiction?

What if recovery wasn’t just about sobriety—but about purpose, faith, and community?

In this powerful episode of the Ripple Effect Podcast, Arron Stanton and Traver Butcher sit down with Eric Maitlen, founder of Two-Eight Ministries, to unpack a deeply personal journey through addiction, redemption, and leadership.

Eric shares how music and ministry collide to bring hope to those battling substance abuse, and how redemptive entrepreneurship and authentic community can transform lives.

Whether you're a leader, a creative, or someone searching for hope—this conversation is for you.

Topics We Cover:

Addiction recovery through faith and connection

The power of music in healing and ministry

How to build strong teams and authentic relationships

Redemptive leadership and real-world faith

Why asking for help is a sign of strength

The origin and mission of Two-Eight Ministries

Don’t miss this honest, practical conversation about overcoming fear, building something bigger than yourself, and finding freedom in unexpected places.

Subscribe for more stories of transformation, leadership, and faith in action.

In this inspiring episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, hosts Arron Stanton and Traver Butcher sit down with educator and entrepreneur Don Wettrick to explore how real transformation in education starts—not with a textbook—but with a mindset shift.

From launching an innovation class that empowered students to chase passions and connect with industry leaders, to challenging the outdated norms of traditional schooling, Don shares how education can—and must—become a catalyst for creativity, leadership, and real-world impact.

Through personal stories, powerful reflections, and actionable insights, Don reveals how teachers, mentors, and coaches can ignite a ripple effect of growth not just in the classroom, but across entire communities.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

Why seeing problems as opportunities is a superpower students must learn

How mindset shapes both education and entrepreneurship

Why building “seekers and peekers” is essential for innovation

How real-world networking can unlock student potential

The critical role teachers and coaches play in shaping futures

Why the traditional education model needs a major overhaul

How personal growth and mentorship go hand-in-hand

The lasting legacy great educators leave behind

If you believe the next generation deserves more than just standardized tests and outdated models, this conversation will fire you up and equip you to be part of the change.

In this raw and inspiring episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, hosts Arron Stanton and Traver Butcher sit down with Indiana entrepreneur Ben McCann for a conversation that quickly moves beyond startups and success—and straight into the heart of what truly shapes a life.

What starts as a story of business hustle and early fatherhood struggles unfolds into a powerful exploration of forgiveness, identity, spiritual discipline, and living with intentionality. Ben doesn't hold back, sharing vulnerable moments of failure, breakthrough, and the mentors who helped him find resilience when the weight of life got heavy.

Whether you’re building a business, nurturing a family, or navigating your own crossroads, this episode offers wisdom and hope for the journey ahead.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Why forgiveness is one of the most underrated leadership skills

How facing anger can actually lead to healing and growth

What it takes to build a legacy that outlasts your success

The daily spiritual practices that keep purpose at the center

How one small act of kindness can ripple outward into lasting change

This isn’t just another business story. It’s a conversation about becoming the kind of person who leaves a mark that matters.