Big Hearted Indy - The Citizen 7 Podcast

In this special episode of Big Hearted Indy, hosts Don Palmer, Chris Spangle, and Greg Enas welcome executive coaches Darren Ho and Wes Cate for a deep conversation on how men can grow into lives of meaning, purpose, and impact. They discuss how personal character shapes leadership, marriage, and community life—and why coaching, mentorship, and friendship are essential for flourishing in today’s world. Through vulnerable stories and practical insights, Wes and Darren explore how to navigate life’s inflection points, build habits of presence and rest, and stay grounded in identity while leading others. The group also introduces two new cohort groups launching this fall through Citizen 7, designed to help men grow in marriage, family, and transitions. 🕒 Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction: A New Season of Big Hearted Indy 02:10 – Don on “Zinger Questions” That Shape Us 06:04 – Meet Wes Cate: From Curiosity to Coaching 10:45 – Darren Ho’s Cross-Cultural Story and Calling 18:40 – Coaching Men Through Change and Isolation 23:58 – What Is a Core Value and Why It Matters 29:15 – Dealing with Burnout, Overwhelm, and Character Gaps 34:30 – Coaching vs. Mentoring: Key Differences 38:05 – How to Ask for Mentorship Without Pressure 42:20 – Cohorts Preview: Marriage, Career, and Life Transitions 48:00 – The Mistakes That Hold Men Back 50:00 – Daily Habits to Cultivate Presence and Reflection 54:12 – Why Rest and Delight Are Non-Negotiable 58:35 – Flourishing in Male-Female Partnerships 1:03:10 – How to Get Involved with Citizen Seven 🔗 Learn more: https://citizen7indy.com 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations about male friendship, faith, and flourishing. Hashtags: #BigHeartedIndy #MensGrowth #ChristianLeadership #ExecutiveCoaching #CitizenSeven #Indianapolis #FaithInAction #Flourishing #RestoredLeader #CreatioSpace #Mentorship #CharacterFormation

Dr. Kraig Kinchen and Anderson White join Greg Enas, Don Palmer, and Chris Spangle to share how faith, mentorship, and lifelong relationships have shaped their lives and careers. They reflect on building community, learning to see through others’ perspectives, and raising up the next generation. This episode also features Trey, a recent high school graduate exploring sound engineering through 100 Black Men of Indianapolis.

In this episode of Big Hearted Indy, hosts Greg Enas, Don Palmer, and Chris Spangle speak with longtime Indianapolis leaders Rob Wynne and Tim Harris Sr. about their careers, friendship, and commitment to improving lives through business, education and community development. Wynne and Harris discuss how their professional relationship began with a major funding request—and quickly turned into a partnership rooted in shared values. Harris, founder and CEO of Harrison Ford Chemical Distribution, shares how he launched one of the nation’s leading Black-owned chemical distribution companies in 1994 after declining a $300,000 job offer. He describes how faith, family and community needs influenced his decision to build a purpose-driven company. The conversation also highlights the work of Turning Point Academy, a private school Harris founded on Indianapolis’s east side. Despite serving a high-poverty neighborhood, the school consistently earns A-ratings from the state of Indiana. Harris outlines how teacher quality, a disciplined environment, and faith-based motivation drive student achievement. Wynne, a business executive and civic connector, reflects on how his long-standing friendship with Harris has grown over time, offering insight into the power of collaboration and trust across racial and cultural lines. This episode covers a wide range of topics including: Black entrepreneurship in Indianapolis The founding and growth of Harrison Ford Chemical Distribution Private school education and academic success in underserved communities Faith-based nonprofit and global outreach efforts Local economic development and community revitalization The role of mentors, business leaders, and philanthropists in civic impact Big Hearted Indy is produced by Citizen 7, a men’s leadership and service organization based in Indianapolis focused on building authentic friendships and strengthening the city through community action. Timestamps and Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Big Hearted Indy 02:15 – Meet Rob Wynne and Tim Harris Sr. 07:00 – How Their Friendship Began 11:45 – The Founding of Harrison Ford Chemical Distribution 18:30 – Early Business Challenges and Faith-Driven Decisions 26:50 – Overview of Company Growth and Market Reach 32:15 – What Harrison Ford Distributes and Who They Serve 38:00 – The Impact of Turning Point Academy 45:20 – Indianapolis Education and Neighborhood Challenges 52:10 – Global Outreach: India, Kenya, and Zimbabwe 56:00 – Local Initiatives: Housing, Food Distribution, Deborah’s Place 1:02:30 – Reflections on Faith, Friendship, and Civic Leadership 1:09:15 – Final Thoughts on Giving Back and Building Indianapolis About the Podcast: Big Hearted Indy spotlights Indianapolis residents making a difference in business, education, faith, and community. The podcast features honest conversations with local leaders who are shaping the future of the city through service and collaboration. Learn more: Citizen 7: https://citizen7indy.com Turning Point Academy: https://tpschoolsindy.org Tim Harris Sr. (personal site): https://timharris.com (coming soon) Subscribe and share: If this episode resonated with you, please like and share on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X. Subscribe to Big Hearted Indy on YouTube and your favorite podcast platform. To stay connected with Citizen 7 and upcoming events, sign up for the email newsletter at citizen7indy.com. Keywords: Indianapolis business leaders, Indiana private schools, Black-owned businesses, faith and entrepreneurship, Rob Wynne, Tim Harris Sr., Harrison Ford Chemical Distribution, Turning Point Academy, eastside Indianapolis schools, Indianapolis education, men’s leadership networks, Citizen 7, civic engagement Indiana, urban revitalization, Christian business leadership, community development Indy.

Join hosts Greg Enas, Chris Spangle, and guest host Ryan Davis as they chat with Matt Tyner Jr. and Toph Day from Elevate Ventures. We explore how genuine friendships, shared values, and impactful community work intersect in Indianapolis. Discover how Matt and Toph connected professionally, navigated entrepreneurship, and are making a difference by growing Indiana’s innovation ecosystem.

Seth Morales (CEO of Morales Group) and Brian Schutt (co-founder of HomeSense) join Greg Enas, Chris Spangle, and guest host Fred Yeakey to discuss their lifelong friendship, faith-driven leadership, and the impact of their businesses on Indianapolis. They reflect on being childhood friends to community leaders, the importance of intentional relationships, and how their values shape their work. Seth shares insights on Morales Group’s mission to empower job seekers, while Brian talks about entrepreneurship, neighborhood revitalization, and balancing business with family. Tune in for a conversation on purpose, legacy, and the power of community.

Join us as we explore the power of authentic friendship, community leadership, and faith-driven living with hosts Greg Enas, Don Palmer, and Chris Spangle. This episode features an inspiring conversation with Dave Neff and Chris Huxhold - two leaders dedicated to building deep connections and making a lasting impact in Indianapolis. Hear their story of how soccer, mentorship, and shared values forged a decade-long friendship that continues to grow through intentionality and purpose. From their day jobs at Purdue (Dave) and Elevate Ventures (Chris) to their passion for connecting and inspiring others, we discuss:  The importance of building meaningful friendships despite busy careers and family life. How intentionality shapes personal growth, faith, and service in their city. Tips for developing a network (not just a network), living with purpose, and mentoring the next generation. Plus, learn how Citizen 7 is bringing men across generations together for connection and impact—and how you can get involved. Connect with us at: citizen7indy.com

In this episode of Big Hearted Indy, hosts Don Palmer and Chris Spangle sit down with Greg Enas and his best friend, Mike Evans, to discuss the importance of their connection through successful careers at Eli Lilly to impactful community leadership through initiatives like The Oaks Academy and Shepherd Community Center. Greg and Mike share insights from their decades-long friendship, reflecting on how their bond has shaped their families, careers, and service. Tune in to discover the transformative power of intentional relationships, mentorship, and living out faith to create lasting change in Indianapolis and beyond.

In this episode, hosts Greg Enas, Don Palmer, and Chris Spangle are joined by Todd Fisher of Justice Ventures International and founding pastor of Trinity Church, and Glenn McDonald, retired Presbyterian pastor and founder of Zionsville Presbyterian Church. Together, they share the story of a 30-year friendship that transcends generational divides and discuss the transformative power of vulnerability, mentorship, and intentional relationships in strengthening communities. From navigating challenges and avoiding burnout to building impactful friendships, Todd and Glenn offer heartfelt insights and practical advice to inspire listeners to deepen their connections and live out their faith.    Justice Ventures International - https://www.justiceventures.org Glenn McDonald - https://glennsreflections.com/ Morning Reflections - https://glennsreflections.com/index.php/morning-reflections/

Jeff Brown, Lead Pastor at North City Church and David McKissick, founder of Cerebro Creative House join us to discuss the story of their 15-year friendship, their efforts to bridge gaps between the secular and religious communities, and their experiences collaborating on church and community projects. Learn how their friendship and faith drive impactful initiatives in the city and how they inspire others to build meaningful relationships. 28:45 Impact on Family and Personal Growth

Don Palmer and Steve Cosler met at a Purdue fraternity rush party 50 years ago, and since that moment, they've built a deep friendship. Don and Steve join host Chris Spangle and guest host Aaron Story to share lessons about building a friendship through mountaintops and valleys. Video - https://youtu.be/VM7sIPGp9CI

Hosts Don Palmer and Chris Spangle welcome guest host Dave Neff, Rex Fisher and Mark Nottingham to the podcast to discuss their journeys of navigating careers, family life, and community investments. Listen in as they discuss their experiences with Edge Mentoring, Shepherd Community Center, and their entrepreneurial endeavors, providing valuable insights on balancing faith, work, and relationships in the vibrant city of Indianapolis.  Video - https://youtu.be/Gm8lrLaAhkQ Download the podcast here: https://link.chtbl.com/citizen7

In this episode, we welcome Isaac Bamgbose and Fred Yeakey. Isaac, a real estate developer with New City Development, shares his journey from Nigeria to Indianapolis and his mission to create enriching community spaces. Fred, the Chief Partnerships Officer at Providence Cristo Rey High School, discusses his innovative affordable housing project for women recovering from addiction and his barbershop mentorship program. Visit citizen7indy.com to learn more, join the email list, and attend upcoming events. Tune in and be inspired by the positive change happening in Indianapolis. Exercising with Rosie - https://amzn.to/46FiCMK Frederick Yeakey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederick-yeakey-682925117/ Isaac Bamgbose - https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaac-bamgbose1/ The Barbershop Male Mentoring Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNxy2Jz_QqPIxJ9coTzmXeA Video - https://youtu.be/Ha7EnETWpeg Download the audio podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/citizen7 Subscribe on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm0WsfdKBmcWgliQnVsHyUg/  Join Heartbeat.chat - https://app.heartbeat.chat/citizen7/invitation?code=B32DD7

Join hosts Don Palmer, Greg Enas, and Chris Spangle on Big Hearted Indy as they welcome Sajan George, a passionate advocate for redemptive entrepreneurship. Sajan shares his journey from his roots in India to leading innovative educational initiatives in Indianapolis. Learn about his work with Praxis, a non-profit fostering redemptive entrepreneurship, and his efforts to turn around some of the worst-performing schools in the U.S. through Matchbook Learning. Discover how vulnerability, sacrifice, and a deep connection to God's heart have shaped Sajan's mission to make a meaningful impact in the community. Sajan's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sajan-george-72521551/ Indy Redemptive Labs - https://www.indianapolis.redemptivelabs.org/ Praxis - https://www.praxislabs.org/ Video - https://youtu.be/2l0lXwoHWYM

Join hosts Don Palmer, Greg Enas, and Chris Spangle as they welcome guest David Lewis on this episode of Big Hearted Indy presented by Citizens 7. David is a lifelong Indianapolis resident and former head of global taxes at Eli Lilly, and shares his inspiring journey of professional and personal service to the community. The conversation covers the importance of networking, the generational shift in leadership, the value of community service, and how Indianapolis is hosting the 2024 US Olympic Swimming Trials.

This month's guests are Scott Lingle and Aaron Story, who are working together on projects to support Indianapolis's youth through entrepreneurship and mentorship. Scott Lingle, who launched two tech startups after becoming a founder at age 45, now focuses on Side Hustle School to encourage entrepreneurship among the city's youth. Aaron Story, the president and CEO of Elevate since January 2018, is dedicated to developing the community through his roles as an active foster parent, basketball coach, and community builder. We explore the importance of creating cross-class relationships and providing opportunities for upward mobility through mentorship and entrepreneurship. The podcast highlights how engaging with and investing in young entrepreneurs can help address the city's lack of upward mobility, positioning Indianapolis 47th out of 50 in terms of upward mobility among major cities. We discuss the significance of relationship-building, the role of seed funding, and the potential for scaling these initiatives to benefit more students across Indianapolis. Side Hustle School - https://sidehustleschool.org/ Elevate Indy - https://elevateindy.org/ Scott Tingle - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-lingle-a84a9b83/ Aaron Story - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-story-5a0176a/

In this first episode of the Citizen 7 podcast, host Chris Spangle introduces founders Greg Enas and Don Palmer, who share the origins and mission of Citizen Seven. They delve into their personal backgrounds, their journey to forming a deep friendship, and the subsequent creation of Citizen 7 as a platform for men to build meaningful relationships, serve their community, and foster personal growth rooted in faith. The discussion highlights the organization's non-traditional approach to networking, emphasizing giving over taking, and creating an inclusive space for men to connect, share, and mentor each other.  Join our Heartbeat community here: https://app.heartbeat.chat/citizen7/invitation?code=B32DD7