On today's special nonprofit episode I sat down with Kelly Coker, CEO of Brightlane Learning, and Claire Brosman, Vice President of Marketing and Communications.

Brightlane Learning is an Indianapolis-based nonprofit providing personalized academic support and mentoring to students experiencing homelessness and housing instability.

Our discussion dives into the challenges faced by these students, the solutions Brightlane Learning has implemented, and their goals for 2026 and beyond.

Kelly and Claire emphasize the importance of community collaboration, including partnerships with organizations like Wheeler Mission and A Longer Table.

If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.

You are going to learn about:
- How Brightlane Learning Impacts the Nearly 5,000 Homeless Youth in Marion County
- Brightlane Learning's Community Partners and Success Stories
- The Critical Role of Volunteers in Helping Fulfill Brightlane Learning's Mission

Thank you to our partner:
Elements Financial

Check out these great clips from the show:
01:36 Guest Introduction: Kelly Coker and Claire Brosman, Brightlane Learning
02:56 Understanding Homelessness and Housing Insecurity
06:09 Impact on Education and Student Performance
07:31 Personal Stories and Connections to Brightlane Learning
13:28 Collaborations and Community Partnerships
16:40 Brightlane Learning's Approach and Success Stories
36:26 The Importance of Personal Connections and Consistency
41:04 Focusing on Student Growth Over Proficiency
41:38 Tracking Student Goals and Benchmarks
42:04 Celebrating Student Success and Alumni Connections
42:50 Community Support and Volunteer Impact
45:08 Brightlane Learning's Future Plans
47:25 Volunteer Opportunities and Community Involvement
49:46 Inspirational Story: Overcoming Adversity Through Wrestling
55:13 The Importance of Community and Mentorship
57:17 Why We Love Indiana
58:23 Addressing Misconceptions About Homelessness
01:07:08 Hidden Gems and Community Collaboration in Indiana

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

On today's show I sat down with Alex Yeater, a business growth advisor with over 20 years of experience in franchising, business ownership, and mergers and acquisitions.

Alex shares his journey from teaching and working at Cracker Barrel to scaling a Verizon dealership from 3 to 32 stores and eventually selling it.

Our conversation covers Alex's current ventures, including leading development for everbowl in 13 states and co-founding Bowls & Business, a rapidly growing entrepreneurial community in Indiana.

Alex also touches on the challenges and benefits of franchising, finding creative financing solutions, and the importance of community and people-first culture in business.

If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.

You are going to learn about:
- Alex Yeater's Journey in Franchising and Business Ownership
- The Challenges and Benefits of Franchising

Check out these great clips from the show:
00:50 Guest Introduction: Alex Yeater, Business Growth Advisor
02:01 Alex's Early Life and Career Beginnings
04:26 Transition to Wireless Industry
05:46 Building and Expanding Verizon Stores
07:24 Challenges and Strategies in Business Growth
16:16 Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic
19:16 Decision to Sell the Business
23:05 Entering the Franchise World with everbowl
28:42 Franchising Insights and Strategies
36:01 Identifying Key Demographics for Franchise Success
36:34 Becoming an Expert Franchise Operator
37:02 Pros and Cons of Opening a Franchise vs. Independent Business
38:36 The Concept of Dirty Soda and Its Popularity
39:36 Supporting Local Businesses Through Franchises
39:54 Qualities of Successful Franchise Operators
42:19 Encouraging Entrepreneurship in the Family
46:41 The Dream of a Family Entertainment Center
48:52 Bowls & Business: Building a Supportive Community
51:04 Challenges and Advice for Small Business Owners
55:33 The Importance of Serving Others in Business
01:08:16 Hidden Gems and Future Business Concepts in Indiana
01:09:25 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Entrepreneurs

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

On today's show I sat down with three of the five owners of Glover's Ice Cream, Shan Sheridan, David Meek, and Tony Reyes. Glover's Ice Cream is an Indiana-based company that was founded in 1925 by Foster Glover.

Initially selling ice cream sandwiches on passenger trains in Frankfort, the business has grown to become one of Indiana's last independent ice cream manufacturers.

We discuss the company's legacy, its challenges, and the vision for the company's growth beyond its centennial celebration. Shan, David, and Tony also share insights on the ice cream-making process, the importance of maintaining local business traditions, and the impact of community support in keeping the brand alive.

If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.

You are going to learn about:
- The Sweet History of Glover's Ice Cream
- The Ice Cream-Making Process
- Glover's Vision for Future Growth

Check out these great clips from the show:
00:51 History of Glover's Ice Cream
01:09 Guest Introduction: Shan Sheridan, David Meek, Tony Reyes
01:37 Foster Glover's Legacy
04:13 The Great Depression and Survival
12:09 Expansion and Purdue Partnership
22:28 Generational Transition
28:13 Challenges in Modern Grocery Systems
30:14 The Arrival of Walmart in Rural Indiana
30:42 Impact on Local Grocery Stores
32:13 Evolution of Glover's Ice Cream
33:09 Expansion into New Markets
34:29 Generational Connections and Nostalgia
37:05 Steve Glover's Exit Strategy
38:09 The Sale of Glover's Ice Cream
39:29 The Polar Vortex Crisis
41:24 Community Support and Revival Efforts
42:08 The New Ownership Group
46:56 Rebuilding and Modernizing
51:53 The First Production Day
58:06 Maintaining Quality and Tradition
01:02:17 The Heart of Glover's Ice Cream: Love and Passion
01:03:16 Community and Legacy: The Importance of Small Town Businesses
01:04:11 Celebrating 100 Years: A Family Affair
01:05:46 Future Plans and Community Involvement
01:08:35 Indiana Pride and Local Support
01:12:53 Why We Call Indiana Home
01:14:27 Dream Flavors and Ice Cream Innovations
01:17:51 The Spirit of Frankfort and Clinton County
01:25:42 Hidden Gems of Indiana

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

On today's show I sat down with Alex Collignon, a Nashville-based talent agent at WME who represents renowned country artists.

We discuss Alex's journey from Indianapolis to Nashville, starting in the mailroom and becoming an agent representing acts like the Red Clay Strays and Gavin Adcock.

Alex also shares the inner workings of the country music industry, the importance of networking, and significant moments in his career, including winning awards and booking major shows.

If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.

You are going to learn about:
- Alex Collignon's Journey from the Mailroom to Becoming a Talent Agent at WME
- The Importance of Networking in the Country Music Industry
- The Growing Music Scene in Indianapolis and Nashville

Check out these great clips from the show:
00:56 Guest Introduction: Alex Collignon, WME
01:48 Alex's Early Music Journey
03:07 The Path to Becoming a Talent Agent
03:47 Internships and Early Career Experiences
05:31 Life in the Mailroom
07:54 The Role of a Talent Agent
29:02 Celebrating Vocal Group of the Year
29:36 Building Relationships in the Music Industry
30:17 Booking Live Talent and Handling Requests
32:45 Surviving the Early Career Struggles
34:17 Learning from Mentors and Career Breakthroughs
36:52 Navigating Artist Representation and Touring
46:25 The Role of Data and Analytics in Touring
49:32 Managing Multiple Artists and Their Careers
57:32 Forming the Team and Initial Meetings
58:00 The Importance of Personal Connections
01:00:06 Gavin's Story and Taking Risks
01:01:46 Nashville's Growth and Its Impact
01:02:30 Indianapolis vs. Nashville: Learning and Growing
01:05:12 Memorable Moments and Career Highlights
01:08:55 Festival Experiences and Booking Shows
01:13:43 Indiana's Music Scene and Venues

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

On today's show I sat down with Tom Main, the visionary behind the restaurants Tinker Street, Puccini's Smiling Teeth, and Freeland's.

Main's unconventional introduction into the restaurant industry began at age 30 after a stint in prison. Driven by a need for change, he launched the pizzeria Puccini's Smiling Teeth in 1991, successfully expanding to multiple locations.

In 2015, he opened Tinker Street, followed by Freeland's in Carmel, aiming to empower adults with developmental disabilities while showing his commitment to people and the community.

If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.

You are going to learn about:
- Tom Main's Journey to Becoming a Restaurateur
- The Foundings of Puccini's Smiling Teeth, Tinker Street, and Freeland's
- Day-to-Day Realities of the Restaurant Business

Check out these great clips from the show:
00:56 Guest Introduction: Tom Main, Tinker Street
02:26 Tom's Early Life and Entry into the Restaurant Business
02:51 The Turning Point: Federal Prison and Self-Reflection
06:07 Discovering a Passion for Restaurants
12:07 Starting Puccini's: The Early Days
23:42 Challenges and Failures in the Restaurant Industry
30:55 Expanding and Managing Multiple Locations
33:29 Stepping Away and Returning with Tinker Street
37:09 Starting Tinker Street: The Early Days
37:47 Creating a Unique Dining Experience
38:48 The Challenges and Successes
41:33 Community and Evolution
43:53 The Reality of the Restaurant Business
48:35 Opening a New Restaurant in Carmel
51:50 Lessons from the Restaurant Industry
53:55 Future Plans and Reflections
55:48 Indiana and Community Involvement

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

On today's special New Year's Eve episode, I sat down with two of my Get Indiana team members Will Hudson and Robert Porter to reflect on the past year and discuss our ambitious plans for 2026.

They each highlight their favorite moments and achievements of 2025, including memorable shoots, podcast episodes and guests, and personal milestones.

We also dive into the exciting plan of visiting 1,000 towns across Indiana in 2026, sharing unique facts and reasons why the state is underrated.

If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.

You are going to learn about:
- Get Indiana's Most Memorable Content, Podcast Guests, and Milestones from 2025
- Get Indiana's 2026 Plan of Visiting 1,000 Towns Across Indiana
- Bold Predictions for Growth and Recognition

Check out these great clips from the show:
00:00 Guest Introduction: Will Hudson and Robert Porter, Get Indiana
00:55 Reflecting on 2025 Highlights
02:07 Favorite Video Projects of 2025
03:39 Favorite Podcast Episodes
07:27 Looking Ahead to 2026
10:01 Unexpected Moments and Challenges
15:20 Studio Upgrades and Challenges
16:05 Predictions for Indiana in 2026
17:10 Surprises and Developments in 2025
19:05 Announcing the 2026 Epic Quest
20:59 Exploring Indiana's Regions
25:22 Goals and Predictions for 2026
28:31 Acknowledgements and Gratitude

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

On today's show I sat down with Bryan Mills, president and CEO of Community Health Network, who is retiring at the end of 2025.

Mills shares experiences about his 40-year journey in healthcare, from starting as an accountant to leading community health initiatives, creating partnerships with MD Anderson Cancer Center, and expanding healthcare services across Indiana.

He also provides insights into the emotional and logistical aspects of healthcare leadership, the importance of culture, and his future plans post-retirement.

If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.

You are going to learn about:
- Bryan Mills' 40-Year Journey in Healthcare
- How Healthcare Services have Expanded Across Indiana
- The Future of Healthcare

Check out these great clips from the show:
00:57 Guest Introduction: Bryan Mills, Community Health Network
02:02 Early Career and Transition to Healthcare
04:11 Joining Community Health Network
06:53 Building and Expanding Community Health
11:32 Leadership and Cultural Impact
14:29 Navigating Challenges and Growth
27:31 Acquisitions and Community Integration
37:08 Starting the Conversation: Immediate Healthcare Access
37:49 Navigating Hard Conversations in Healthcare
38:22 Evaluating Healthcare Performance: Data and Analytics
40:12 Leadership Training and Its Impact
43:26 Challenges in Healthcare: Mental Health and Addiction
46:37 The Role of Calmness in Crisis Situations
49:14 Reflecting on 40 Years of Service
50:45 Advice for the Incoming CEO
52:31 The Future of Healthcare in Indiana
55:44 Personal Reflections and Future Plans

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

On today's show I sat down with Jeffrey Harrison, President and CEO of Citizens Energy Group, to learn more about the ambitious Dig Indy project.

This $2 billion initiative involves constructing a 28-mile tunnel system 250 feet below Indianapolis to significantly reduce wastewater overflow into local rivers. Harrison covers the project's origins, its critical need addressed by the EPA's Clean Water Act, the massive engineering feats involved, including using tunnel boring machines and micro-explosives for excavation, and the broader impacts of the project on local rivers.

Harrison also sheds light on his engineering background and role since joining Citizens in 2011, environmental sustainability, and potential future developments in Indianapolis.

If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.

You are going to learn about:
- The $2 Billion Dig Indy Project
- How the 28-Mile Tunnel System Will Impact Local Rivers
- Potential Future Developments in Indy

Check out these great clips from the show:
00:37 Guest Introduction: Jeffrey Harrison, Citizens Energy Group
01:02 Jeffrey's Background
01:37 The Dig Indy Project Overview
02:42 History of Indianapolis' Water Issues
12:25 The Tunnel Boring Process
18:57 Citizens Energy Group's Role
26:37 Marketing Idea for Citizens Energy
28:31 Breaking Perceptions of Indiana
28:57 Experiencing the White River
31:30 Future Vision for Indianapolis Waterways
32:25 South Bend's Riverwalk Inspiration
33:58 The Impact of the Dig Indy Project
36:56 Jeffrey's Indiana Roots and Career
40:14 Community and Charity in Indiana
41:40 Fun and Unique Questions

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.