Please note that due to video issues, this is an audio episode only. To catch Bill's smiling face follow him on Facebook or catch his podcast Sports Talk lined below. 

The ThriveIN Podcast trio sits down with Wabash County youth sports legend Bill Barrows for a heartfelt conversation about service, leadership, and community. From his impactful years at the YMCA to being named the 2019 Distinguished Citizen of the Year, Bill’s legacy is woven into the fabric of local athletics and youth development.

A familiar voice at countless local sporting events, Bill has spent decades announcing games, building quality youth programs, and investing his time where it matters most—kids and families. As a husband, father, and grandfather, he reflects on the changes he’s witnessed in Wabash County, the values that have guided his work, and what continues to make him proud to call this place home.

To catch Bill's podcast hosted by the Wabash County Museum, you can listen here: https://www.youtube.com/@WabashCountyMuseum or https://www.wabashmuseum.org/

This episode is a tribute to dedication, mentorship, and the lasting impact one person can have on an entire community.

If today’s episode inspired you, make sure to subscribe, rate, and download future episodes of the ThriveIN Wabash County Podcast. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments and upcoming stories.

A heartfelt thank-you to our community partners—The City of Wabash, Lisa Gilman Investment Fund, Sandra Kunkel Trust, Mark & Amy Ford, PaperWorks Industries, the Community Foundation of Wabash County, and Visit Wabash County—for helping bring this podcast to life. This podcast is produced in partnership with Destination Wabash County.

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Host Alex Downard sits down with Dr. Stacy Young, President of Manchester University, for a deep and hopeful conversation about the future of higher education in rural Indiana.

Dr. Young shares her passion for creating affordable, accessible degree pathways that reduce barriers and widen opportunities for every student who steps on campus. She explains how Manchester is expanding “earn while you learn” programs that give students real-world experience, reduce debt, and build confidence long before graduation day.

Together, they explore how Manchester University is becoming a true beacon for talent attraction—not only developing skilled graduates, but drawing fresh energy and ideas into Wabash County and the surrounding region. Dr. Young reflects on what it means to lead a historic institution into the next chapter, why rural communities are uniquely positioned for growth, and how education can be a powerful force for economic and personal transformation.

Learn more about Manchester University: https://www.manchester.edu/

If today’s episode inspired you, make sure to subscribe, rate, and download future episodes of the ThriveIN Wabash County Podcast. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments and upcoming stories.

A heartfelt thank-you to our community partners—The City of Wabash, Lisa Gilman Investment Fund, Sandra Kunkel Trust, Mark & Amy Ford, PaperWorks Industries, the Community Foundation of Wabash County, and Visit Wabash County—for helping bring this podcast to life. This podcast is produced in partnership with Destination Wabash County.

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Host Christine Flohr talks with Lesley Vigar, an experienced real estate agent and Wabash County Champion, about why a community’s image plays a critical role in relocation decisions. Lesley shares what homebuyers truly look for in a place to live and how Wabash County stands out compared to other markets she knows—through connection, quality of life, and a strong sense of community.

Discover what turns a community into a place people are proud to call home.

If today’s episode inspired you, make sure to subscribe, rate, and download future episodes of the ThriveIN Wabash County Podcast. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments and upcoming stories.

A heartfelt thank-you to our community partners—The City of Wabash, Lisa Gilman Investment Fund, Sandra Kunkel Trust, Mark & Amy Ford, PaperWorks Industries, the Community Foundation of Wabash County, and Visit Wabash County—for helping bring this podcast to life. This podcast is produced in partnership with Destination Wabash County.

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In this episode of ThriveIN Wabash County, host Adam Stakeman sits down with Jason Kissel, Executive Director of ACRES Land Trust, to explore how land conservation is shaping the future of Northeast Indiana.

ACRES, Indiana’s oldest land trust, protects more than 8,500 acres of natural and working lands across the region — including several treasured preserves right here in Wabash County. Jason shares the heart behind ACRES’ mission, how properties are protected “forever,” and why community partnerships and donor legacies make this work possible.

Together, Adam and Jason dive into what it means to protect not just land, but the stories, memories, and sense of placethat come with it.

Learn More

Visit ACRES Land Trust: https://acreslandtrust.org

Explore local preserves in Wabash County

If today’s episode inspired you, make sure to subscribe, rate, and download future episodes of the ThriveIN Wabash County Podcast. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments and upcoming stories.

A heartfelt thank-you to our community partners—The City of Wabash, Lisa Gilman Investment Fund, Sandra Kunkel Trust, Mark & Amy Ford, PaperWorks Industries, the Community Foundation of Wabash County, and Visit Wabash County—for helping bring this podcast to life. This podcast is produced in partnership with Destination Wabash County.

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your feedback by completing this 

Adam, Alex, and Christine are ringing in the New Year with energy and excitement as they launch Season 2 of ThriveIN. And they’re starting it off with a twist: listener-submitted “Most Likely To…” questions that put the hosts in the hot seat.

For an hour of insight, laughter, and light-hearted chaos, the trio reveals their picks for prompts like:

“Who is most likely to adopt an Amish lifestyle?”

“Who is most likely to write a book?”

…and plenty more that you definitely don’t want to miss.

It’s a fun, candid start to the season—one that sets the tone for another year of showcasing the people, stories, and momentum that prove Wabash County is truly thriving.

If today’s episode inspired you, make sure to subscribe, rate, and download future episodes of the ThriveIN Wabash County Podcast. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments and upcoming stories.

A heartfelt thank-you to our community partners—The City of Wabash, Lisa Gilman Investment Fund, Sandra Kunkel Trust, Mark & Amy Ford, PaperWorks Industries, the Community Foundation of Wabash County, and Visit Wabash County—for helping bring this podcast to life. This podcast is produced in partnership with Destination Wabash County.

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your feedback by completing this 

In this special year-end episode, the hosts take a heartfelt and humorous look back at 2025—what they’ve learned, what surprised them, and how the stories of Wabash County have shaped the first year of ThriveIN.

From behind-the-scenes moments to the conversations that changed their perspective, this wrap-up is part reflection, part celebration, and all about community. They also share what they’re most excited for as Season 2 launches in 2026, including new voices, deeper dives, and more inspiration from the people who make Wabash County THRIVE.

You’ll laugh, you’ll reflect, and we hope you’ll feel the pulse of what it means to thrive in Wabash County.

If today’s episode inspired you, make sure to subscribe, rate, and download future episodes of the ThriveIN Wabash County Podcast. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments and upcoming stories.

A heartfelt thank-you to our community partners—The City of Wabash, Lisa Gilman Investment Fund, Sandra Kunkel Trust, Mark & Amy Ford, PaperWorks Industries, the Community Foundation of Wabash County, and Visit Wabash County—for helping bring this podcast to life. This podcast is produced in partnership with Destination Wabash County.

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your feedback by completing this 

In this episode, host Alex Downard sits down with well-known servant leader and longtime Wabash County business owner, Brian Howenstine. Brian proudly claims to be the podcast’s biggest fan—and after hearing this conversation, you’ll understand why his passion for community runs so deep.

Alex and Brian dive into Brian’s decades of involvement in Wabash County, his commitment to servant leadership, and the lessons he’s learned balancing business, family, and civic responsibility. From heartfelt reflections to light-hearted moments, this episode captures Brian’s genuine spirit and unwavering dedication to helping Wabash County thrive.

If today’s episode inspired you, make sure to subscribe, rate, and download future episodes of the ThriveIN Wabash County Podcast. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments and upcoming stories.

A heartfelt thank-you to our community partners—The City of Wabash, Lisa Gilman Investment Fund, Sandra Kunkel Trust, Mark & Amy Ford, PaperWorks Industries, the Community Foundation of Wabash County, and Visit Wabash County—for helping bring this podcast to life. This podcast is produced in partnership with Destination Wabash County.

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your feedback by completing this 

Christine brings together her marketing team from Visit Wabash County for a candid conversation about what it’s really like to market a destination. Content Manager Biz Bishop and Creative Lead Brittany Riner share their experiences building strategic marketing plans, creating content that resonates, and showcasing the best of Wabash County.

1. Learn about the task management, ASANA, which they use to keep their workload progressing

2. Hear how to leverage Google Analytics to make data-driven decisions

3. Sprout Social is their "go to" for social media management. 

If you would like more information about topics discussed in this episode, please fill out the form below. 

If today’s episode inspired you, make sure to subscribe, rate, and download future episodes of the ThriveIN Wabash County Podcast. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments and upcoming stories.

A heartfelt thank-you to our community partners—The City of Wabash, Lisa Gilman Investment Fund, Sandra Kunkel Trust, Mark & Amy Ford, PaperWorks Industries, the Community Foundation of Wabash County, and Visit Wabash County—for helping bring this podcast to life. This podcast is produced in partnership with Destination Wabash County.

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your feedback by completing this 

From delicate butterflies along the Wabash River Trail to world-class performers on the Honeywell Center stage, writer, editor, and photojournalist David Nelson has a gift for helping us see the extraordinary in the everyday.

In this episode of ThriveIN Wabash County, host Adam Stakeman sits down with David to talk about his craft, his process, and the power of perspective. Whether he’s behind a camera, editing a story, or documenting community moments, David invites us to pause, look closer, and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.

In this conversation, you’ll discover:

How David captures both the quiet wonders of nature and the energy of live performance.

The role of storytelling in helping us connect with our community.

Why shifting our perspective can change how we experience the world.

How creativity and curiosity fuel a deeper appreciation for Wabash County and beyond.

If today’s episode inspired you, make sure to subscribe, rate, and download future episodes of the ThriveIN Wabash County Podcast. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments and upcoming stories.

A heartfelt thank-you to our community partners—The City of Wabash, Lisa Gilman Investment Fund, Sandra Kunkel Trust, Mark & Amy Ford, PaperWorks Industries, the Community Foundation of Wabash County, and Visit Wabash County—for helping bring this podcast to life. This podcast is produced in partnership with Destination Wabash County.

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your feedback by completing this 

In this special episode, the ThriveIN hosts are saying thank you to their loyal listeners with FIVE amazing giveaway packages! Each themed bundle—Adventure, Date Night, Family Fun, Shop Local, and the Mele Kalikimaka Big Kahuna Prize Package—all are packed with hundreds of dollars in local gift cards, perfect for the upcoming holiday season.

HOW TO ENTER:

Step 1 - Subscribe, rate, and review the ThriveIN podcast on Spotify and/or Apple Podcasts (remember your user handle (name)

Step 2 - Complete THIS LINK and add your user handle. (https://forms.gle/d7ZbSAq4hMsp4KUJ7) 

Contest runs from December 2 - December 7. 

The winners will be announced on December 8 via ThriveIN social media and will be notified directly.

If today’s episode inspired you, make sure to subscribe, rate, and download future episodes of the ThriveIN Wabash County Podcast. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments and upcoming stories.

A heartfelt thank-you to our community partners—The City of Wabash, Lisa Gilman Investment Fund, Sandra Kunkel Trust, Mark & Amy Ford, PaperWorks Industries, the Community Foundation of Wabash County, and Visit Wabash County—for helping bring this podcast to life. This podcast is produced in partnership with Destination Wabash County.

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your feedback by completing this