Recent census estimates state that Indiana is growing more slowly than the nation, and that Marion County, Indiana, is growing substantially faster than the rest of the state.  Therefore, what does it mean that the central part of the state is thriving, while other parts are failing?

The Rules:   Expand by fifty percent; begin on the third day; stage out; the sacrifices; arrive and depart with no plan in between.

With years of experience studying theories of economic growth, wealth distribution, and urban life, Elias Crim talks comprehensively about his adopted home, South Bend, Indiana.  He considers localism, distributism, and other concepts which are prominent in his writing for Solidarity Hall, which he founded in 2013.

Since the late 19th century, Arabs from dozens of countries and various religious backgrounds have emigrated to Indiana, starting on Willard Street, now the location of Lucas Oil Stadium.

Our guest, Edward Curtis, is a publicly-engaged scholar of Muslim American, African American, and Arab American history and life, serving as a teacher and scholar at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis.

A valuable source is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmYxlrdr5j4.

Both Morton Marcus and our guest, Dean Whittaker, are classic communicators, theorists and teachers about economic development.

Dean is president of Whittaker Associates Inc., a data analytic company advising governments and business groups on development opportunities, such as quantum computing.  

Zachary Fawbush leads The Crooked Creek Food Pantry in Indianapolis, following on educational and social services experiences at St. Joseph College and in Ketchikan, Alaska.

Zach speaks effectively about volunteerism, food insecurity, the infrastructure of food distribution, as well as his personal goal to become a father.  

Listeners also will appreciate a previous podcast, June 17, 2020, with John Elliott, head of Gleaners Food Bank.

Dave Riggs, Director of Corporate, Community, and Alumni Engagement of The Indianapolis Children's Choir, shares about his decades working for scouts, a cancer group, and the choir.  

Most compelling are his comments about the joy of this work, raising funds comfortably, and campaigning to restrict smoking in public.  

Historian James Madison speaks about the pain of writing, the absence of teaching economic history, and more, as he reveals thoughts about Wendell Wilkie, Evan Bayh, Donald Trump, Eli Lilly, and how history affects modern attitudes.  

In another wide-ranging discussion, we converse with Kevin Brinegar, president of The Indiana Chamber of Commerce.  With eight years staffing The Indiana Senate Finance Committee, more than two decades with The Chamber, and side experiences as a school board member, Kevin has lots to say, about taxes, amicus briefs in important legal proceedings, whether school boards should be appointed, and more.  

The question is not whether student loans should be forgiven.  The question is how parents and students handle this in the future.  Five years for a four-year degree?  Eight years to enter a low-paying profession?  First-class meals and living facilities with jacuzzis?  

Bill Wozniak, Vice President of InVestEd, Indiana's student loan provider and consultant, tells it all.