Debby Knox was welcomed into our homes as a trusted and beloved journalist for more than 40 years—and this week she is our first guest for 2024 on the “Leaders and Legends” podcast. Debby talks about her career, some of the biggest stories in Indy (and beyond), and answers our Five Questions. We are joined by her former colleague and Hall of Famer Jim Shella.Sponsors•       Veteran Strategies•       NFP - A leading insurance broker and consultant•       Garmong Construction•       Crowne Plaza Downtown Indianapolis Historic Union StationAbout Veteran Strategies‘Leaders and Legends’ is brought to you by Veteran Strategies—your local veteran business enterprise specializing in media relations, crisis communications, public outreach, and digital photography. Learn more at www.veteranstrategies.com. Get full access to Indiana Podcasts - Hoosier Leaders, Legends and Nonprofits at www.indianapodcasts.com/subscribe

In October 2023 State Representative Jerry Torr announced his retirement from the Indiana Legislature. A champion for Hoosiers for more than 30 years, Jerry is our guest on this week’s “Leaders and Legends” podcast. Jim Shella and I ask him about his career, some of his favorite battles, and how much as changed since he first took his seat in the House and began his political career.Sponsors•       Veteran Strategies•       NFP - A leading insurance broker and consultant•       Garmong Construction•       Crowne Plaza Downtown Indianapolis Historic Union StationAbout Veteran Strategies‘Leaders and Legends’ is brought to you by Veteran Strategies—your local veteran business enterprise specializing in media relations, crisis communications, public outreach, and digital photography. Learn more at www.veteranstrategies.com. Get full access to Indiana Podcasts - Hoosier Leaders, Legends and Nonprofits at www.indianapodcasts.com/subscribe

Love him or hate him—we love him—Bob Kravitz is one of the most influential voices in American sports journalism. He is also this week’s guest on the “Leaders and Legends” podcast. We discuss “Deflategate”, Bob’s favorite sports memories, and what it was like to cover IU basketball when he was a journalist at the Indiana Daily Student.Sponsors•       Veteran Strategies•       NFP - A leading insurance broker and consultant•       Garmong Construction•       Crowne Plaza Downtown Indianapolis Historic Union StationAbout Veteran Strategies‘Leaders and Legends’ is brought to you by Veteran Strategies—your local veteran business enterprise specializing in media relations, crisis communications, public outreach, and digital photography. Learn more at www.veteranstrategies.com. Get full access to Indiana Podcasts - Hoosier Leaders, Legends and Nonprofits at www.indianapodcasts.com/subscribe

Is Abraham Lincoln a Hoosier? The three-way fight among Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois to claim precedence regarding the Great Emancipator rages on. On this week’s “Leaders and Legends” podcast we sit down with Evansville attorney and historian Joshua Claybourn as he makes the case for how Lincoln’s experience living and maturing in Indiana made him the leader who saved the Union. Get full access to Indiana Podcasts - Hoosier Leaders, Legends and Nonprofits at www.indianapodcasts.com/subscribe

Harry Gonso is a famous Hoosier athlete, a pioneering attorney, one of the proudest IU alums you’ll ever meet, and a former chief of staff to Governor Mitch Daniels—he is also this week's guest on the “Leaders and Legends” podcast. We are joined by Hall of Famer Jim Shella—and a special guest to read Harry the Five Questions.Sponsors•       Veteran Strategies•       NFP - A leading insurance broker and consultant•       Garmong Construction•       Crowne Plaza Downtown Indianapolis Historic Union StationAbout Veteran Strategies‘Leaders and Legends’ is brought to you by Veteran Strategies—your local veteran business enterprise specializing in media relations, crisis communications, public outreach, and digital photography. Learn more at www.veteranstrategies.com. Get full access to Indiana Podcasts - Hoosier Leaders, Legends and Nonprofits at www.indianapodcasts.com/subscribe

It’s a Grand Rapids Reunion! On this week’s “Leaders and Legends” podcast new Zionsville Mayor and Indiana broadcast Hall of Famer John Stehr joins his fellow Hall of Famer and former Michigan media teammate Jim Shella and me for fun conversation about Indiana, the media, favorite stories, and John’s take on the Five Questions.Sponsors•       Veteran Strategies•       NFP - A leading insurance broker and consultant•       Garmong Construction•       Crowne Plaza Downtown Indianapolis Historic Union StationAbout Veteran Strategies‘Leaders and Legends’ is brought to you by Veteran Strategies—your local veteran business enterprise specializing in media relations, crisis communications, public outreach, and digital photography. Learn more at www.veteranstrategies.com. Get full access to Indiana Podcasts - Hoosier Leaders, Legends and Nonprofits at www.indianapodcasts.com/subscribe

Rick and Karen Fuson represent the best of involved and authentic community leadership. On this week’s “Leaders and Legends” podcast, we discuss the growth of Indianapolis, its wonderful people, and what’s needs to happen next for our city to grow. Rick and Karen share some funny memories and dish on what it’s like to negotiate with each other. We are very honored to have them on the podcast. Rick is the President/COO at Pacers Sports & Entertainment. Karen is the former President and Publisher of Star Media, and is currently Board Chair of Free Press Indiana.Sponsors* Veteran Strategies* NFP - A leading insurance broker and consultant* Garmong Construction* Crowne Plaza Downtown Indianapolis Historic Union StationAbout Veteran Strategies‘Leaders and Legends’ is brought to you by Veteran Strategies—your local veteran business enterprise specializing in media relations, crisis communications, public outreach, and digital photography. Learn more at www.veteranstrategies.com. Get full access to Indiana Podcasts - Hoosier Leaders, Legends and Nonprofits at www.indianapodcasts.com/subscribe

Purdue Polytechnic High School is a revolutionary model of learning that promotes student interest-guided, project-based education. I am joined by Drew Gooden, a coach from the school, and Mark Boykin, a sophomore student. They provide insights into the school's operations, teaching methods, and successful outcomes of the school launched by the famed University. We dive into how this model empowers students to control their educational journey, preparing them for a future of potential jobs that may not yet exist. Transcript - https://share.descript.com/view/XSoLGI710c0 Get full access to Indiana Podcasts - Hoosier Leaders, Legends and Nonprofits at www.indianapodcasts.com/subscribe

For years on this program, we've said that the best way to make change in our area isn't through government action or even through starting a business... It is through a voluntary organization like a nonprofit. After a friend was killed in his neighborhood, Joe Garrison and a few other neighbors formed the North Shadeland Alliance to find ways to quell crime. In the process, they also built community, aided hungry neighbors, and built political power to get the attention of once-inattentive city officials. It was far easier than expected, and this story will greatly inspire listeners. https://northshadeland.com/Transcript - https://share.descript.com/view/1jXUBN4awyC Get full access to Indiana Podcasts - Hoosier Leaders, Legends and Nonprofits at www.indianapodcasts.com/subscribe

During the pandemic, Dave Haughs wanted to find a way to give kids a technology break, and he began creating woodworking projects for the neighborhood. Now that has expanded to a large program that creates tens of thousands of kits for kids around Indiana. Learn more at: https://deeplyingrained.org/Transcript - https://share.descript.com/view/6m04GerLFgZ Get full access to Indiana Podcasts - Hoosier Leaders, Legends and Nonprofits at www.indianapodcasts.com/subscribe

Randall Shepard served as chief justice of Indiana’s Supreme Court for twenty-five years. On this week’s “Leaders and Legends” podcast, we interview one of our state’s most distinguished jurists and scholars about his career, the law, and his friends at Princeton and Yale Law School. Get full access to Indiana Podcasts - Hoosier Leaders, Legends and Nonprofits at www.indianapodcasts.com/subscribe

Consuelo Lockhart of the Latinas Welding Guild joins me to discuss her 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that offers welding training and job placement for marginalized groups and partners with local community organizations. She joins me to discuss the origins and importance of her organization. Learn more here: https://weldingguild.com. Get full access to Indiana Podcasts - Hoosier Leaders, Legends and Nonprofits at www.indianapodcasts.com/subscribe

Mel Raines is one of the Hoosier State’s most admired leaders—and legends. On this week’s podcast, we interview a woman on everyone’s wish list when it comes to big projects, impacting our community, and ensuring Indy always shines under the bright lights.Sponsors* Veteran Strategies* NFP -  A leading insurance broker and consultant* Garmong Construction* Crowne Plaza Downtown Indianapolis Historic Union StationAbout Veteran Strategies‘Leaders and Legends’ is brought to you by Veteran Strategies—your local veteran business enterprise specializing in media relations, crisis communications, public outreach, and digital photography. Learn more at www.veteranstrategies.com. Get full access to Indiana Podcasts - Hoosier Leaders, Legends and Nonprofits at www.indianapodcasts.com/subscribe

Lesa Dietrick and Diane Masariu are wonderful, delightful, amazing, and have never let politics get in the way of an enduring friendship. On this week’s “Leaders and Legends” podcast, Jim Shella and I talk with two of our state’s most respected Hoosiers about their lives in politics and their impact at the Statehouse. Get full access to Indiana Podcasts - Hoosier Leaders, Legends and Nonprofits at www.indianapodcasts.com/subscribe

Ray Boomhower is one of the Hoosier State’s most talented historians. He is also this week’s guest on the “Leaders and Legends” podcast. Ray serves as the senior editor of the Indiana Historical Society Press and is in demand as an unsurpassed storyteller. His books include biographies of Ernie Pyle, Gus Grissom, and President Benjamin Harrison. Ray was very generous with his time, and we hope you enjoy our interview.Sponsors* Veteran Strategies* NFP -  A leading insurance broker and consultant* Garmong Construction* Crowne Plaza Downtown Indianapolis Historic Union StationAbout Veteran Strategies‘Leaders and Legends’ is brought to you by Veteran Strategies—your local veteran business enterprise specializing in media relations, crisis communications, public outreach, and digital photography. Learn more at www.veteranstrategies.com. Get full access to Indiana Podcasts - Hoosier Leaders, Legends and Nonprofits at www.indianapodcasts.com/subscribe

The friendship of Patty Spitler and Ken Owen stretches back to the last century and Indianapolis is the better for it. On this week’s “Leaders and Legends” podcast, we feature a delightful conversation with two cherished members of our media landscape. Get full access to Indiana Podcasts - Hoosier Leaders, Legends and Nonprofits at www.indianapodcasts.com/subscribe

Bob Grand is one of the most influential and generous Hoosiers I’ve ever met. He remains a mentor to many, a supporter of charities and candidates, and Bob is this week’s guest on the “Leaders and Legends” podcast—and we are joined by Indiana Journalism Hall of Famer Jim Shella.Sponsors* Veteran Strategies* NFP -  A leading insurance broker and consultant* Garmong Construction* Crowne Plaza Downtown Indianapolis Historic Union StationAbout Veteran Strategies‘Leaders and Legends’ is brought to you by Veteran Strategies—your local veteran business enterprise specializing in media relations, crisis communications, public outreach, and digital photography. Learn more at www.veteranstrategies.com. Get full access to Indiana Podcasts - Hoosier Leaders, Legends and Nonprofits at www.indianapodcasts.com/subscribe

Ted Green is a director, producer, and writer who fell in love with the art of storytelling through film and has made several documentaries, many of them about sports, but also focusing on people and events that celebrate the triumph of the human spirit. His newest film, "The Best We've Got: The Carl Erskine Story," is about Carl Erskine, a baseball player who played a seminal role in two of the great human-rights movements of the past century, first as a teammate and close friend of Jackie Robinson, then as a pioneer in the fight for people with special needs. Carl Erskine and his wife Betty gave birth to their son Jimmy and discovered he had Down syndrome. Instead of institutionalizing him, they found themselves at the forefront of another fight for the recognition of the marginalized. Erskine went on to play a pivotal role in the development of the Special Olympics. Ted Green also talks about the Erskine Personal Impact Curriculum, which is designed to teach themes of inclusion, diversity, and acceptance using the stories of Carl and other individuals featured in the film. The curriculum has been distributed to schools in Indiana and beyond, with more than 70,000 books distributed so far. The goal is to inspire the next generation to positively impact the world.* Official Trailer - "The Best We've Got: The Carl Erskine Story" - * Film Link - https://www.carlerskinefilm.com/* EPIC | Erskine Personal Impact Curriculum - * Special Olympics Indiana - http://soindiana.org/EPIC/* Transcript - https://share.descript.com/view/NgYmplb8hrDJoin our Patreon now for commercial-free shows, bonus content and our complete archives - https://www.patreon.com/wearelibertarians----Thanks to our sponsor, Lions of Liberty. Unlock the power of freedom with Lions of Liberty - the premier libertarian/anarchist podcast network. Join John Odermatt on Mondays for a dose of inspiration, health, and faith with 'Finding Freedom.' Get a good laugh with Brian McWilliams on Wednesdays as he takes on the broken world with 'Mean Age Daydream.' And don't miss out on the infamous 'Libertarians in Living Rooms Drinking Liquor' episodes and 'Meme Wars' and 'Hatewatch' on Fridays. Take the first step towards true freedom and listen to the Lions of Liberty Network on all major podcast platforms today. Learn more at https://www.lionsofliberty.com---Q Sleep Spray assists in achieving a more restful sleep so you can wake up refreshed. Q SLEEP contains incredible ingredients, including melatonin, 5-HTP, and L-theanine, as well as a proprietary herbal extract, which synergistically promotes restful sleep and helps your mind and body rejuvenate. Buy Now - https://wearelibertarians.com/sleepspray/---Chris Spangle and Leaders and Legends, LLC edited and produced this podcast. If you're interested in starting a podcast or taking yours to the next level, please contact us at LeadersAndLegends.net.----Looking to start a podcast? Download my podcast Podcasting and Platforms now, and check out my recommendations for buying the right equipment. Get full access to Indiana Podcasts - Hoosier Leaders, Legends and Nonprofits at www.indianapodcasts.com/subscribe

Jake Oakman is the executive director of the beautiful White River State Park and one of the most respected communications gurus in the world. We have a fun and funny conversation with Jake on this week’s “Leaders and Legends” podcast and he gives some unique answers to the podcast’s Five Questions.Sponsors* Veteran Strategies* Girl Scouts of Central Indiana* NFP -  A leading insurance broker and consultant* Garmong Construction* Crowne Plaza Downtown Indianapolis Historic Union StationAbout Veteran Strategies‘Leaders and Legends’ is brought to you by Veteran Strategies—your local veteran business enterprise specializing in media relations, crisis communications, public outreach, and digital photography. Learn more at www.veteranstrategies.com.About Girl Scouts of Central IndianaWe're 2.5 million strong—more than 1.7 million girls and 750,000 adults who believe in the power of every G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™ to change the world. Our extraordinary journey began more than 100 years ago with the original G.I.R.L., Juliette Gordon “Daisy” Low. On March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Georgia, she organized the very first Girl Scout troop, and every year since, we’ve honored her vision and legacy, building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. We’re the preeminent leadership development organization for girls. And with programs from coast to coast and across the globe, Girl Scouts offers every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure, and success. To volunteer, reconnect, donate, or join, visit girlscoutsindiana.org or call 317.924.6800. Get full access to Indiana Podcasts - Hoosier Leaders, Legends and Nonprofits at www.indianapodcasts.com/subscribe

Melissa Echerd is the Prevention and Education Officer for Sheltering Wings, a shelter for domestic violence victims in Hendricks County. We discuss the signs of an abusive relationship and resources on how to leave. We also discuss their Men In Action initiative, which recruits hundreds of men from their county to lead and mentor to curb violence, including a reading event that places men in every elementary classroom on a single day in March to read an empowering story to kids.Men In Action Read - https://shelteringwings.org/men-in-action-read/Their website - https://shelteringwings.org/Quizzes - https://www.loveisrespect.org/quizzes/Join our Patreon now for commercial-free shows, bonus content and our complete archives - https://www.patreon.com/wearelibertarians----Thanks to our sponsor, Lions of Liberty. Unlock the power of freedom with Lions of Liberty - the premier libertarian/anarchist podcast network. Join John Odermatt on Mondays for a dose of inspiration, health, and faith with 'Finding Freedom.' Get a good laugh with Brian McWilliams on Wednesdays as he takes on the broken world with 'Mean Age Daydream.' And don't miss out on the infamous 'Libertarians in Living Rooms Drinking Liquor' episodes and 'Meme Wars' and 'Hatewatch' on Fridays. Take the first step towards true freedom and listen to the Lions of Liberty Network on all major podcast platforms today. Learn more at https://www.lionsofliberty.com---Q Sleep Spray assists in achieving a more restful sleep so you can wake up refreshed. Q SLEEP contains incredible ingredients, including melatonin, 5-HTP, and L-theanine, as well as a proprietary herbal extract, which synergistically promotes restful sleep and helps your mind and body rejuvenate. Buy Now - https://wearelibertarians.com/sleepspray/---Chris Spangle and Leaders and Legends, LLC edited and produced this podcast. If you're interested in starting a podcast or taking yours to the next level, please contact us at LeadersAndLegends.net.----Looking to start a podcast? Download my podcast Podcasting and Platforms now, and check out my recommendations for buying the right equipment. Get full access to Indiana Podcasts - Hoosier Leaders, Legends and Nonprofits at www.indianapodcasts.com/subscribe