Stories That Move

What happens when artistry meets community service in a small Midwestern town? The story of Kira Lace Hawkins and the Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts reveals the extraordinary magic that unfolds when creativity takes root.

Kira describes theater as "mental floss" that helps us see the world with fresh eyes—a perfect metaphor for the transformative work happening at this unique theater-in-the-round in Warsaw, Indiana. As the Outreach and Education Director, Kira nurtures both emerging talent and seasoned performers while building bridges throughout the community. From her conservatory classes that welcome everyone from second-graders to adults to professional summer productions that rival Broadway quality, her work epitomizes how the arts can become the heartbeat of a community.

The Wagon Wheel's seemingly modest venue belies its outsized impact. With 836 seats circling performers in an intimate arena, productions require innovative staging solutions—actors crawl through underground tunnels nicknamed "Shawshank" and elaborate sets emerge from beneath the stage floor. But what truly distinguishes this organization is its legacy of launching careers. Alumni have gone on to perform on Broadway stages (including a current Eliza in Hamilton), creating a remarkable artistic pipeline between rural Indiana and the nation's theater capital.

Kira's own journey weaves together unexpected threads. Growing up in a musical Minnesota family (the "Von Laces"), she found her way to Indiana after meeting her husband, whose fourth-generation family farm now operates alongside her theater career. This intersection of sustainable agriculture and performing arts creates a unique perspective on creativity—as her husband says, "the farm has truly become his symphony."

With an exciting season ahead featuring Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, South Pacific, Sister Act, Steel Magnolias, and Grease, now is the perfect time to experience the Wagon Wheel's community-centered magic. Subscribe to their newsletter or visit wagonwheelcenter.org to discover how this nearly 70-year institution continues to prove that the arts aren't just entertainment—they're essential to helping us connect with our shared humanity.

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In this conversation, Jesse Cody shares his journey from a successful athlete to founding Hike the Good Hike, an organization dedicated to promoting mental health through nature. He discusses his personal struggles with mental health, the impact of nature on well-being, and the importance of storytelling in inspiring others. A pivotal moment during his 40th birthday party led him to seek help and commit to change, emphasizing the power of community and love in the healing process. In this conversation, Jesse Cody shares his transformative journey from the restaurant industry to hiking the Appalachian Trail, highlighting the importance of self-discovery, mental health awareness, and the healing power of nature. He discusses the challenges of opening up about his struggles, the impact of childhood trauma, and the significance of taking small steps towards personal growth. Jesse emphasizes the need for community support and encourages others to share their stories as a means of healing.

Keywords:

mental health, hiking, storytelling, Jesse Cody, Hike the Good Hike, nature therapy, personal journey, mental health awareness, self-discovery, resilience, mental health, self-discovery, hiking, Appalachian Trail, personal growth, trauma, inspiration, nature, resilience, storytelling, Appalachian Trail, mental health, hiking, community, personal growth, nature, Hike the Good Hike, documentary, Jesse Cody, transformation

https://www.hikethegoodhike.org/

@hikethegoodhike

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In this conversation, Todd Elliott shares his journey from a childhood immersed in church activities to becoming the president of Fusion Productions and the founder of the FILO Conference.  He discusses the importance of building trust between tech teams and church leaders, the challenges faced by tech personnel, and the evolution of church productions. He shares insights on writing his book, the impact of technology on church services, and the need for authentic engagement in church missions. Todd emphasizes the significance of leadership in guiding tech teams and the potential of technology to enhance church outreach and community involvement.

FILO Conference, church production, Todd Elliott, Fusion Productions, community, technical artists, nonprofit, AV, church leadership, encouragement, trust, technology, church production, leadership, communication, book writing, church events, tech advancements, community, future aspirations

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In this engaging conversation, director Corry Wiens shares his journey from making goofy high school films to becoming a successful filmmaker in Los Angeles. He discusses the importance of leadership in film production, emphasizing empowerment and collaboration. Corry also reflects on his significant move from Chicago to LA, driven by a desire to pursue his dreams in the entertainment industry. The conversation highlights his award-winning short film 'Defy the Odds,' which tells the inspiring story of Bill Lester, a trailblazing NASCAR driver. Corry shares insights into the challenges and experiences of filming, showcasing the passion and dedication behind his work. 

Keywords
filmmaking, leadership, Defy the Odds, Bill Lester, Los Angeles, short film, production, creativity, empowerment, storytelling, NASCAR, filmmaking, short films, feature films, perseverance, challenges, creative problem solving, Bill Lester, Defy the Odds, film industry

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In this episode of Stories That Move, hosts Matt Deuel and Alexis Grant, interview Tyler Thompson, a writer and executive producer of the hit series The Chosen. They explore Tyler's creative journey, his upbringing in a storytelling culture, and the early days of The Chosen's production. Tyler shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of bringing the series to life, the importance of humanizing biblical stories, and the impact of audience reception on the show's evolution. The discussion highlights the impact of personal experiences on creativity and the need for artists to engage with the world around them.

Keywords
Tyler Thompson, The Chosen, storytelling, filmmaking, creative journey, production, audience reception, biblical stories, writing, creativity, storytelling, The Chosen, character-driven, emotional connection, writing process, audience impact, future projects, unique perspectives, filmmaking, personal experiences

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In this episode of Stories That Move, hosts Matt and Erica Deuel engage with Sea Grandon, a contemporary art advisor and director of Atelier, an art gallery in Warsaw. They explore the significance of art in shaping community culture, Sea’s journey from law to art, and the challenges and opportunities in making art accessible. Sea shares her insights on fostering creativity, the organic growth of her advisory business, and the vibrant community engagement surrounding her gallery. This conversation explores the transformative power of art within communities, focusing on the importance of immersive experiences, the empowerment of young artists, and the role of art in emotional processing and mental health. 

Keywords
art, community, creativity, contemporary art, Warsaw, Sea Grandon, Atelier, art advisory, cultural impact, accessibility, art, community, creativity, mental health, young artists, immersive experiences, empowerment, accessibility, exhibitions, Warsaw

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Join us for an inspiring episode featuring Todd and Cindy Schoenbarger, who redefine what it means to transition into retirement. With a compelling narrative around their journey into "Life 2.0," they showcase how a new phase of life can be filled with purpose, growth, and innovation. From their well-established careers in IT and engineering, the Schoenbargers made a conscious decision to seek deeper meaning beyond the corporate world. Influenced by the thought-provoking book "Halftime," Todd began to search for significance over success, prompting both Todd and Cindy to reevaluate their paths and set intentional goals for the next chapter.

In this engaging conversation, we explore their planning process, emphasizing the necessity of intentionality in navigating life’s transitions. From developing a strategic document outlining their aspirations to pursuing volunteer opportunities with Operation Mobilization, they illustrate how purpose-driven living can foster incredible impacts. Their innovation in elder care, especially during the pandemic, highlights the power of creativity born from personal experience and passion.

Mentorship plays a pivotal role in their story, where they share the importance of fostering relationships and seeking guidance from others who can inspire and support growth. Todd and Cindy reflect on how their journey encourages listeners to consider their own legacies and the impact they wish to leave behind.

This episode provides a rich tapestry of insights into navigating life’s transitions with intention, fostering a spirit of service, and embracing the continual journey of growth. Don’t miss out on this heartfelt discussion that invites everyone to reflect on their purposes, aspirations, and the legacy they wish to create! Tune in and be inspired to craft your own "Life 2.0."

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In this episode of "Stories that Move," we’re talking all about trust in the nonprofit world with James Bladel, Chief Strategy Officer of Historic. James shares his years of experience helping nonprofits tackle challenges and make a real impact.

He breaks down the two types of trust every nonprofit needs: relational trust, which builds collaboration and understanding within teams, and functional trust, which focuses on accountability and getting things done. Balancing both is key to long-term success.

Plus, James dives into how nonprofits can thrive by using empathy and smart strategy, and why a design thinking approach is a game-changer when it comes to connecting with beneficiaries and donors.

If you’re ready to rethink trust in your own organization and learn practical steps to drive change, this episode’s for you. Hit play, subscribe, and drop a review—let us know what you think!

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What happens when your soul is as parched as the world around you? Join us as we sit down with Mindy Caliguire, founder and president of Soul Care, to unravel the profound necessity of soul care and spiritual formation in times of crisis.

Our conversation explores the shifting tides of spiritual formation, recounting the journey to integrate soul care into various organizational settings. From strategic roles and collaborations with the Willow Creek Association to the insights gained from the Reveal study, we explore the evolution of discipleship and church transformation. We also delve into the post-pandemic transition to digital tools, which has significantly enhanced our approach to fostering spiritual well-being. This journey underscores a long-standing vision to nurture individuals' spiritual growth, highlighting the increasing awareness of the need for soul care.

We also embrace the realities of 2025, acknowledging the challenges of burnout and the societal pressures that often hinder spiritual growth. Our dialogue emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, patience, and holding space for others' pain without the compulsion to fix it. With references to traditions like sitting shiva, we underscore the need for self-care to offer genuine support. As we share updates on future projects, including Whisper Ranch, and celebrate personal milestones, we invite you to explore the abundant resources available for your spiritual journey, reminding you that hope and renewal are always within reach.

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World traveler and adventurer Micah Lemasters takes us on an extraordinary journey from the serene landscapes of Winona Lake, Indiana, to the vibrant and diverse cultures of Madagascar and the Dominican Republic. Micah's stories captivate with their rich tapestry of experiences, offering listeners a glimpse into how his global escapades have shaped his unique perspective on life and storytelling. Discover the inspiration behind his project of rewilding 45 acres of land near his hometown and the lessons learned about nature's surprising resilience and the importance of biodiversity.

As Micah recounts his transformative travel experiences, listeners will be drawn into the humor and warmth of community connections and the thrilling spontaneity of adventures, like sailing to Cuba. From the pivotal decision to join the Peace Corps in Madagascar to understanding the cultural nuances of a small farming community, Micah's tales emphasize the value of embracing discomfort through travel. These stories serve as a testament to personal growth and deepened family connections, inspiring us to appreciate the richness of shared adventures and the unexpected paths life can take.

Throughout this engaging episode, the conversation weaves through life-changing decisions, cultural immersion, and the significance of compassionate travel. Micah shares valuable insights into the importance of learning local languages and fostering genuine interactions with people around the world. With heartfelt anecdotes, including a touching story about traveling with his father to the Dominican Republic, Micah illustrates how such experiences can strengthen family bonds and shift perceptions. Join us for an episode brimming with adventure, curiosity, and the transformative power of stepping out of one's comfort zone.

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