John Ketzenberger, Director of Government Relations, The Nature Conservancy (Indiana Chapter), reminds us of its many projects, as well as the opportunities to share and to understand nature in Indiana. John thanks Morton for "cranking me up on a Friday morning," after Morton wonders why so many different environmental organizations exist.…

Local mass transportation, a new soccer stadium and the new judicial center are just a few of the topics in this exchange with Greg Ballard, 48th Mayor of Indianapolis.By Greg Ballard, John Guy, Morton Marcus

This rambling dicussion between two economists, our host Morton Marcus, and our guest Bruce Jaffee, covers money in athletics, history disappearing, news as entertainment, regulating business, and the compelling need to teach critical thinking--the ability to ask questions, to see the difference between fact and fiction. For over four decades, Bruc…

Habitat for Humanity's State Director, Gina Leckron, talks about both the need for housing, especially starter homes, as well as means for Habitat's many chapters to attract donors. One method is to utilize The Attainable Home Ownership Indiana Income Tax Credit, created this year by The Indiana General Assembly.…

Tuck Langland has produced major works of art throughout the world. Here we consider/debate ideas about creativity in general, creating art on computers, the proper and improper application of artificial intelligence to copy or to enhance new works of art, and production by 3-d printing. Tuck asks "can artificial intelligence create new ideas?" The…

Jim Brainard may be the most expererienced urban planner in Indiana, possibly the nation, having served as Mayor of Carmel since 1996. In this conversation, he challenges assumptions about "weak mayors" by comparing Indiana's institutional system to those of other states. The long-term costs of urban sprawl are considered, as well as the absurd sys…

Jill's House serves up to 33 guests in Bloomington. Angela Hays has many tasks under the title Community Development Consultant. She talks about the nature of dementia, finanicial considersations and the broad national need for additional services.By Angela Hays, Morton Marcus, John Guy

This walk through a six-decade legal and civic career starts with the racial issues of 1968, moves to work on veterans affairs in Washington, a legal career representing utilities and other corporations, and his recent project, a photo-essay exhibition about the lives of soldiers who returned from Vietnam. The exhibition opens at the end of May at …

Jennifer Pearl is President of The Bloomington Economic Development Corporation which serves Monroe County, She states that "economic development is providing conditions for prosperity."By Jennifer Pearl, Morton Marcus, John Guy

Twice-chapter-president Roy Hedeen describes the nature, history and functions of service clubs, in this case, Kiwanis. Roy also served as a professional representative of Kiwanis International. Societal changes are considered.By Roy Hedeen, John Guy, Morton Marcus

Here we are fortunate to learn about emergence of a new non profit. Mental health care professional Antoniett Nelson opens Seasoned Transitional Living on June 1, planning to help dozens of young people this year and in to the future.By Antoniett Nelson, Morton Marcus, John Guy

Joy's House is a central Indiana leader fostering both professional and volunteer caregiving, and in understanding this element of our aging population. Tina McIntosh started down this road 25 years ago when she created Joy's House, an adult day care facility in Broad Ripple. As a result of this commitment, she was selected as USAToday's Woman of T…

Brian Sullivan teaches radio and television at New Albany High School, the owner of WNAS, the student-run, 24-hour station. (88.1 in the New Albany/Louisville area; also WNAS.org)By Brian Sullivan, Morton Marcus, John Guy

In possibly the clearest explanation we have heard, endocrinologist Hunter Heath explains diabetes. He also states that diabetes was understood by The Greeks. They measured the amnount of sugar in urine. Advances in both monitoring and treatment have improved treatment dramatically.By Hunter Heath, Morton Marcus, John Guy

For almost 20 years, Julia Vaughn has led Common Cause, Indiana, by advocating for legislative ethics, monitoring lobbying, and more fair legislative and congressional districting. Common Cause was founded by John Gardner in 1970, a Republican who held a cabinet position in the Democratic administration of Lyndon Johnson. Since then, bi partisanshi…

Having seved as both an Indiana legislator and, later, as a lobbyist for private companies, Marc Carmichael talks about educating legislators who cannot have knowledge about every issue. Three categories: lobbyists for one firm or industry; contract lobbyists who work for dozens of different organizations and issues; public interest lobbyists who a…

Will Higgins, humorist, author, journalist, talks about last suppers, catered food for journalists at executions, the delayed burial of Indiana poet James Whitcomb Riley, and Indiana's last hanging after which a journalist ate the deceased's final meal. With apologies, may we say: you will be dying to hear this podcast.…

Among compelling points in this interview is "the politicalization of medicine is a horrible thing," and, in public health "personal responsibility does not work." Our guest is former Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Richard Feldman who also is a frequent columnist in The Indianapolis Business Journal as well as author of books, including his …

This is a quick and comprehensible description of mediation. Our guest, John Krauss, teaches and practices mediation. John has been a leader of government with both the mayor of Indianapolis and the governor of Indiana. He is an attorney who teaches at the law school in Indianapolis.By John Krauss, Morton Marcus, John Guy

In this wonderful exchange we learn the history of the barber poll, as well as the rigorous training reauired before starting work. Nora Barber Shop's Kelly White tells us this compelling story.By Kelly White, Morton Marcus, John Guy

"We recyle what society does not want, both people and products," says our guest, Gregg Keesling, founder and president of RecyleForce. "ABC: Any Job; Better Job; Career" is the operating philosophy of this effort.By Gregg Keesling, Morton Marcus, John Guy

The name of a museum tells it all: "Children of Auschwitz Nazi Deadly Labs Experiments Survivors." Our guest. Dr. Alex Kor, is one of those survivors. His memories are vivid, powerful, and important. The museum is located in Terre Haute, having been started by Alex' Mother, Eva Kor.By Dr. Alex Kor, John Guy, Morton Marcus

Appraising assets of The American Songbook Foundation, Colts owner Jim Irsay, royalty in London, and hundreds of others, is the occupation of our guest, J. Scott Keller. Morton Marcus, our moderator/economist, asks about the utility of doing this work. We also learn about the brand new Randy Corson Antique Museum of Fire Equipment opening in Indian…

In this second interview with Gene Tempel, founding dean of The Indiana University Lilly School of Philanthropy, we hear about the role of boards, electing/naming directors, refreshing boards, private foundations, diversifying support, seizure of foundation funds by state legislatures, the large number of community foundations in our state, and oth…

This marvelous interview starts with Clare Longendyke's performance of Debussy's piano prelude "La danse de Puck/Puck's Dance and ends with Amy Williams's "Frieda" from Books 2 of Piano Portraits (2019–20). In between we learn about memorization, dynamics of performing, emerging composers, and George Gershwin. Clare performs Wednesday, January 31, …

The engineer/broadcast meteorologist, Bob Werner, describes his experiences in South Bend, first designing energy-saving rennovations in large buildings such as The Joyce Athletic Complex, then learning meteorology and becoming certified to broadcast.By Bob Werner, Morton Marcus, John Guy

Although Trish Whitcomb has assisted in more than 100 political campaigns, this is her first as a candidate; she is running for The Indiana House of Representatives. We plan additional conversations as her effort evolves.By Trish Whitcomb, Morton Marcus, John Guy

Sam Carpenter became head of the Hoosier Environmental Council in October, 2022, having previously served 17 years as head of Global Gifts. This wide-ranging discussion includes the importance of wetlands, advocating for change, and his personal all-electric life.By Sam Carpenter, Morton Marcus, John Guy

Locating, honoring, restoring and protecting important sites in Indiana's African-American history is one task of Indiana Landmarks. Journalist, historian, newspaper editor, Eunice Trotter, is director of the organization's Black Heritage Preservation Program. This conversation includes references to many historical sites. For example, Indianapolis…

During the current run of The Yuletide Celebration, we hear from Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Pops and Presentations Coordinator, Matthew Creek. Planning, staging, handling crises, working with talent with both contracts and hospitality all are part of Matthew's world. At the time of this broadcast, tickets are available for Yuletide at Indianap…

To describe Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp as "The Hoosier Gardener" is both appropriate yet understated because she has been a newspaper reporter covering, among other things, education, a photographer, an editor of state gardening periodicals in four other states, and a professional writer in several contexts. https://hoosiergardener.com is the place to f…

The father-son team, Cavan and Russell Cameron, have produced a vehicle gaining attention world wide, starting in Las Vegas and next in Indianapolis, Poland, and Australia, as well as through an instagram account having almost 100,000 followers. They have taken a 1973 Pontiac Firebird to a ranking as one of the top picks in the 2023 SEMA show in Lo…

The rare incidence of creating a new foundation is discussed with Dora Anim, the first president and chief executive officer. The initial goal of this new, $100 million institution, is to make Jefferson County one of the healthiest counties in the world.By Dora Anim, Morton Marcus, John Guy

Why teach music to a student of engineering? What is Ludomusicology? "All humans are musical." What do dissonance and Taylor Swift have in common? How does a science student learn counting and frequencies by studying and appreciating music? These are a few of the topics considered by David Chapman, Associate Professor of Music, Rose-Hulman Institut…

The forthcoming documentary, Kennedy, (November 18, 2023, The History Channel) is described in this conversation. This is Ashton's third documentary. Ashton has composed or assisted composing many film scores. He also produced "We Shall Not Die Now" with stories about Holocaust survivors. It was released in 2019. A documentary about Secret Service …

Yes, in broad brush, with the massive number of news stories, court actions, and servicer changes, the only answer to the question "What is the state of student loans?" is: confusion. However, individuals may eliminate most personal confusion, and they can learn about financing possibilities in the future, as well as specific information about cost…

Attorney Greg Silver is an attorney who has been active in more groups than can be listed, such as The Sierra Club, The Nora Community Council, The Falls of the Ohio, Indianapolis Greenways, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, and more. He covers many suggestions for more environmentally friendly practices.…

Trish Whitcomb, daughter of an Indiana governor, is running for the Indiana House of Representatives in district 69, southern Indiana, near Salem. She describes her long history as a political and civic consultant including her experiences assisting U.S. Senator Birch Bayh, and her role as a child of a governor. She will actively campaign immediate…

Morton and John interview friend Russ Sipes, who, in light of contemporary events, tells us about an early military experience in which he was loading supplies to support the Yom Kippur war. Then Russ provides a compelling history of asbestos and the relevent litigation in which he has been involved. Civil justice (access to courts) and protection …

Through a history with names such as Cub Foods, Meijer, McKay, SuperValu, Jewel, Walmart, Costco, Target and Sams, grocery business leader Rusty McKay traces his family's involvement from 1880 in Ft. Wayne to the rise of destination stores and the large warehouse stores of today. His volunteer commitment to Fairbanks Hospital also is explained.…

Doug VanSlambrook is Senior Design-Build Manager of The Walsh Group which has recently completed the Madison (Indiana)-Milton (Kentucky) Bridge over The Ohio River, and he has started work on two major projects (8 years or more) in Cincinnati, The Western Hills Viaduct Replacement and The Brent Street Bridge rennovation. (Listeners may Google these…

Performer, singer, sound design expert, lighting design expert, and, after twelve years at The Palladium, Lisa Posson now is Director of Production. The Palladium is an astoundingly fine and effective venue in which support staff are artists as well as technicians. This charming and compelling interview tells all about it.…

Special Olympian John Wheeler, champion in soft ball, track and field, and especially basketball, tells us how to overcome obstacles and to reach personal goals. John is an author, student of basketball, and a motivational presence. His two books are availabe on Amazon. Two days prior to this interview, he started writing his third book.…

Lynne Sladky is a photo journalist with the world's largest supplier of news content, The Associated Press. She lives and works in Miami, covering everything from Mar a Lago Club to Lionel Messi. This conversation considers modern digital photography compared to portable laboratories of the past, the changing businesses of newspapers, instantly tra…

In Indianapolis, our guest, Jill Santoriello, produced a preliminary version of her musical "A Tale of Two Cities." In 2008, the show opened on Broadway. Jill's most recent effort is "It Happened in Key West," which will open in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in January, having already opened in London. This conversation describes the 25-year labor to co…

This conversation is a wonderful survey of local musicians, national stars, and, in general, the life of an accomplished musician, cellist Marjorie Hanna. Elton John and Michael Jackson, plus Indiana musicians such as Al Cobine and Dick Dennis, to name just a few, all have important cameos in this delightful exchange.…

Indianapolis-based Sagamore Institute, sometimes described as a "think tank," includes Alan Dowd as head of its Center for America's Purpose. Many of Alan's clear and effective writings can be found at http://alanwdowd.com/Articles.aspx. One theme of our conversation asks "Is America the greatest country in the world?"…

Rachel Blakeman, director of a Purdue-based community research institute in Ft. Wayne, IN. talks about the economy, public health, and infrastruture of Indiana's second city. Home ownership and transportation are among the many topics discussed.By Rachel Blakeman, Morton Marcus, John Guy

Jerry King is chair of "Hoosiers Concerned About Gun Violence," which works to reduce gun violence. Reducing ability to acquire guns, and to reduce access to guns inside homes, are among the activities of this organization.By Jerry King, Morton Marcus, John Guy

Broadway Across America, a national, privately-owned company, manages broadway touring shows in 48 American cities. For Indianapolis, and Salt Lake, the group sales manager is Chris Schneider, who describes differences between cities both in culture and marketing. An example of differences is Book of Mormon, which performs five to ten minutes longe…