Great News with GreatNews.Life artwork

Great News with GreatNews.Life

145 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago -

Good news matters. It’s just that simple. GreatNews.Life Executive Director Jenny Craig-Brown and Founder Chris Mahlmann sit down with Region residents to feature the poignant, heart-felt stories and life experiences that help make everyone better. Listen on to hear everything that makes the Region and its residents worth following!

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Episodes

Leadership Life with Aaron McDermott

February 16, 2024 21:00 - 58 minutes - 40.1 MB

Aaron McDermott, CEO and President of Latitude Commercial sits down with GreatNews.Life Founder Chris Mahlmann to talk about his realty business, what it takes to be a leader,  being a "Region Guy", having a family that's involved in politics,  and the future of NWI.

Leadership Life with Mike Jessen

February 16, 2024 21:00 - 52 minutes - 36.1 MB

Mike Jessen, President and CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana sits down with GreatNews.Life Founder Chris Mahlmann to talk about his influences growing up, making the decision to go to college, serving as Valparaiso city administrator, and what it takes to lead a great team.

Governor Eric Holcomb visits GreatNews.Life for an update on Indiana's good news

September 08, 2023 04:00 - 9 minutes - 6.25 MB

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb traveled to Valparaiso on Tuesday, February 21 to congratulate both the Valparaiso Vikings State Championship Football Team and visit the GreatNews.Life office. Continuing his support of Northwest Indiana (NWI), Holcomb took time out of his busy schedule to highlight the positive news throughout the state.  Read more about Governor Holcomb's visit here: https://valpo.life/article/gov-holcomb-shares-good-news-around-the-state-and-beyond/

Leadership Life with Dave Uran

September 01, 2023 04:00 - 44 minutes - 30.7 MB

SSCVA President/CEO Dave Uran sits down with GreatNews.Life Founder Chris Mahlmann to discuss a wide array of topics, including the growing tourism industry in Northwest Indiana and his lifelong involvement with sports. The South Shore Convention and Visitors’ Authority is a not-for-profit organization that plays a vital part in the growth of tourism in the Northwest Indiana Region, providing marketing and support services for convention, sports, and special interest segments that help lead ...

GreatNews.Life Exclusive Interview with Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers

August 25, 2023 04:00 - 27 minutes - 18.9 MB

Days before kicking off a nationwide tour, Joe Hertler of Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers sat down for an all exclusive virtual interview with GreatNews.Life Executive Director Jenny Craig-Brown. Originally from Lansing, Mich., the band got its start in 2011 and is known and well loved for their indie, colorful discography. Today, the group has numerous albums under their belt and is getting ready to set out for their next show in Indianapolis, Ind.! Learn more about Joe Hertler & The Rai...

Leadership Life with Scott Samlan

August 18, 2023 04:00 - 18 minutes - 13 MB

GreatNews.Life is shining a spotlight on NW Indiana ER & Hospital CEO Scott Samlan this week! With more than 15 years of practice, Dr. Samlan is Board Certified and recognized as a Fellow of the American College of Emergency Medicine.

Leadership Life with Gene Crusie

August 11, 2023 14:00 - 19 minutes - 13.4 MB

Surf Internet’s CEO Gene Crusie visited the GreatNews.Life office to share some of what he’s learned after three decades of championing affordable, high-quality, reliable internet around the country. Crusie began his internet career in the early ‘90s and has helped develop and launch dozens of internet service providers. Since taking over Surf Internet five years ago, the company has grown to nearly 125 people providing internet access across three states. Surf Internet is committed to build...

Leadership Life with John Jordan

July 21, 2023 16:00 - 13 minutes - 9.16 MB

John Jordan is the Owner and President of CertaPro Painters of Northwest Indiana. He began the Northwest Indiana franchise location of CertaPro Painters out of the basement of his home in 2013 after the successful sale of his family’s three-generation business. His objective is to offer a trusted and reliable service to homes and businesses within his community in Northwest Indiana. Jordan focuses most of his efforts on the leadership and strategy of the company as well as sales in both res...

Leadership Life with Governor Eric J. Holcomb

July 20, 2023 16:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MB

Prior to being elected as the 51st governor of Indiana, Governor Eric Holcomb served in the United States Navy and as the state chairman of the Indiana Republican Party. Holcomb has met with officials from all over the world and was recognized as the International Center’s International Citizen of the year in 2018. He has been involved in many projects and foundations, including “Skillful Indiana,” Next Level Connections, Next Level Recovery, The Last Mile, and more. During the past few year...

Leadership Life with Matthew Wesaw

July 19, 2023 16:00 - 18 minutes - 12.9 MB

Matthew Wesaw currently serves as the Chairman of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. Prior to his time with the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, Wesaw served with the Michigan State Police where he had a full career, retiring from that career in 2001 as a Detective Sergeant. Wesaw served as the vice-chair for the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians before becoming the Chairman in 1996. Wesaw had 4 children at home, and after a couple of years of serving, he decided to step down until...

Leadership Life with Dan Kozlowski

July 18, 2023 16:00 - 22 minutes - 15.6 MB

As Regional Director of Big Shoulders Fund, Dan Kozlowski knows the importance of serving the Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland community. He grew up in Cedar Lake, attended catholic elementary and middle schools as well as Hanover Central High School, and received his Bachelor’s in business and accounting from Valparaiso University. Once Kozlowski moved to Michigan to start his career after college, he quickly realized accounting was not the correct career path for him. He returned to Valp...

Leadership Life with NIPSCO President Mike Hooper

July 17, 2023 16:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MB

After graduation from West Virginia University Institute of Technology in 1995 and working at American Electric Power from 1996-2011, Mike Hooper made the shift to Northern Indiana Public Service Company, Inc. (NIPSCO), where he now serves as its president.  Between 2011-2022, he served in a few positions at NIPSCO before working his way up to become president in 2020. Although he started his career in mechanical engineering and carried that expertise with him to each position at both Amer...

Leadership Life with Adam O'Doherty

July 14, 2023 16:00 - 26 minutes - 18.1 MB

Before stepping into his role earlier this year as CEO and President of United Way of Northwest Indiana, Adam O’Doherty was working hard to make a positive impact on lives across the county in Arizona. O’Doherty realized he had a passion for helping others from the very beginning of his career. Starting in education, he then transferred to working with nonprofit organizations when he discovered how a child’s home environment can also affect their school life as well. O’Doherty is no strang...

Leadership Life with Matt Burdan

July 13, 2023 16:00 - 17 minutes - 11.9 MB

Matt organizes and plans for the long-term vision of the organization and oversees all day-to-day operations. Prior to his position as President/CEO of Porter-Starke Services, Matt served as Chief Executive Officer at the Swanson Center for 8 years. Matt holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from Loyola University Chicago and has held academic and research/faculty positions at University of Michigan and Wayne State University School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry and Be...

Leadership Life with Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch

July 12, 2023 23:00 - 5 minutes - 3.64 MB

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch was born and raised in Evansville, Indiana, and entered public service as a means to help her community feel more connected with local and state government. She’s served as County Auditor, County Commissioner, State Auditor, State Representative for House District 78, and now Lt. Governor. Her portfolio in this role includes overseeing the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, Office of Defense Development, Offic...

Exclusive Interview with Spartan Race Founder Joe De Sena

July 21, 2022 14:00 - 26 minutes - 18.6 MB

Our own Jenny Craig-Brown sits down with Joe De Sena who is not only the CEO of Spartan, a leading endurance sports brand, but also a New York Times best selling author of The Spartan Way, Spartan Up!, and Spartan Fit! Like and subscribe! Follow us on social and our websites! Facebook:  GreatNews.Life, NWI.Life, Valpo.Life, Portage.Life, LaPorteCounty.Life Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatnews.l... Twitter: https://twitter.com/greatnewslife?lan... The Life Sites: NWI.Life Va...

NSA World Series, NorthShore Mural, and Camping Tips

July 29, 2021 14:00 - 11 minutes - 7.8 MB

Join us this week for our season finale of Great News Weekly. We get the scoop on the NSA World Series from Crown Point Mayor Uran and Bill Horton, President of NSA North. The new art installation at NorthShore from Brian Dortmund, Allen Grecula, and our very own Lifer Carter Puckett. Finally, Lifer Carter Dahlgren gives us some camping tips as we head out of summer and into the fall season. Great News Weekly will be back for Season 2 in September!

Lakes of Valpo, Friday Night Live, Indiana American Water, and Ally Christian

July 21, 2021 19:00 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MB

On this weeks episode of Great News Weekly we get a look at all that the Lakes of Valpo has to offer, a sit down with Indiana American Water, Friday Night Live in La Porte, and an interview with local artist Ally Christian!

What is Life all about, Do Good Feel Good Challenge Recap, Horizon Bank Pro Tips

July 16, 2021 18:00 - 8 minutes - 6 MB

Join us for this weeks Great News Weekly. The exclusively positive news show brought to you by GreatNews.Life. This week we have a little more information about our mission brought to you by our very own Lifer Carter, a recap from the Franciscan Do Good Feel Good challenge from some of our Lifers who took on the challenge, and internet safety tips brought to you by Horizon Bank.

Festival of the Lakes, Hobart Market, and Seltzer Taste Test!

July 07, 2021 17:00 - 12 minutes - 8.6 MB

Join us this week as we take a look at the schedule for Festival of the Lakes, get a peak at the Hobart Market on the Lake vendors, and a seltzer taste test thanks to Indiana Beverage!

Jonny James on Festival of the Lakes, everything you can grill at Stracks, & tons of outdoor yard games!

June 30, 2021 19:00 - 18 minutes - 12.5 MB

Join as we talk to country music artist Jonny James about the festival of the lakes. Then we grill all sorts of things from Strack & Van til before finishing off with some fun outdoor activities and games!

Outdoor dining, Tie-dye, and the first female stunt driver Anita King

June 23, 2021 19:00 - 13 minutes - 9.38 MB

We get a sneak peek at the new Anita king museum dedicated to her. Then we check out an awesome tie dye company before finishing off with a funny segment all about outdoor dining areas in northwest Indiana.

Blues Traveler, Valpo Library Garden, and Lifer day at Zao Island

June 16, 2021 17:00 - 13 minutes - 9.23 MB

Join us as we get to interview Ben Wilson from Blues Traveler, look at the new Valpo library garden, and Lifers day off at Zao Island!

La Porte Farmer's Market, Hops for Hospice, and Four Winds Casino's delicous food

June 09, 2021 20:00 - 19 minutes - 13.2 MB

Join us as we get the scoop on all the awesome items at the La Porte Farmer's Market. Then we'll hear all about Hops for Hospice Beer fest, and finish with a sneak peek at Four Winds Casino's new food menu.

Jobs are Hiring and the Poor Handmaids are farming sustainably!

June 02, 2021 19:00 - 19 minutes - 13.1 MB

Join us as we tell you all about the poor handmaids of Jesus Christ and their mission to farm sustainably. We also get the scoop on a ton of local jobs that are hiring in the region, and finish off with a good Samaritan story!

Jobs are Hiring and the Poor Handmaids are farming sustainably!

June 02, 2021 19:00 - 19 minutes - 13.1 MB

Join us as we tell you all about the poor handmaids of Jesus Christ and their mission to farm sustainably. We also get the scoop on a ton of local jobs that are hiring in the region, and finish off with a good Samaritan story!

Mustang raffle, 30 day challenge, Bubble's Ice Cream Parlor, and new school plays

May 26, 2021 19:00 - 18 minutes - 12.8 MB

#greatnews #goodnews #greatnewslife Join us to find out the details about Four Winds Casino's mustang giveaway, participate in Franciscan Health's 30 day 'Do Good, Feel Good' challenge, get the scoop on the famous Bubble's Ice Cream Parlor, and hear all about the wonderful plays and musicals happening at our local schools! 0:00 Welcome to the show! 1:50 School Plays 7:35 Ice Cream Time! 11:48 Do Good, Feel Good 16:10 Mustang Giveaway --------------------------------------------------- Like ...

Chicago Street Theatre Teen Fest, Motorcycles, and a look at Chesterton's Story point

May 19, 2021 18:00 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MB

Join us as we get the scoop on Chicago Street Theatre's plays in their yearly 'Teen Fest'. Then we get our engines roaring with a look at Harley Davidson's Motorbike blessing, and finish up with Chesterton's Story Point and what they are all about! Like and subscribe! New Podcast every Wednesday The Life Sites: NWI.Life Valpo.Life LaporteCounty.Life Portage.Life GreatNewsLife looks to form positive, online communities centered around the idea that, given the option, viewers prefer t...

MAKS, Jobs, and Vale Park Animal Hospital Virtual Tour

May 12, 2021 18:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MB

Join us as we interview Morgan Bradley, founder of MAKS, share job openings from great companies around the region, and get a tour of Vale Park Animal Hospital with Brent Lakia, co-owner of Vale Park. Like and subscribe! The Life Sites: NWI.Life Valpo.Life LaporteCounty.Life Portage.Life GreatNewsLife looks to form positive, online communities centered around the idea that, given the option, viewers prefer to see all the good things going on in their community, as opposed to negative news...

Cinco de Mayo, Fencing, and National Tourism Week!

May 05, 2021 18:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MB

#goodnews #nationaltourismweek #cincodemayo Join us as we celebrate Cinco de Mayo with our favorite tacos! Then we check out the awesome sport of fencing, before finishing off with a cool chat about the future of tourism for National Tourism Week. Like and subscribe! The Life Sites: NWI.Life Valpo.Life LaporteCounty.Life Portage.Life GreatNewsLife looks to form positive, online communities centered around the idea that, given the option, viewers prefer to see all the good things going on...

Wandering Wildflower's Flower Truck, Local Park reviews, and rocking out with 'The Double Features'

April 28, 2021 17:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MB

We get to check out the story behind the mobile flower truck of Northwest Indiana. Then we get to check out all the beautiful and fun local parks in the area before finishing off with a fun interview with the awesome custom song making band 'The Double Features'.

Listen to Your Mother Show, Earth Day fun facts, & Scouting for Food

April 21, 2021 18:00 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MB

We get the scoop on the cool show 'Listen to your mother' in which a ton of local writers share their pieces on motherhood. Speaking of mothers we share some fun facts all about mother earth. Finally we finish off with a nice message about 'scouting for food' the food drive event done by the Boy Scouts of America.

National Grilled Cheese Day, 'Tough as Nails' game show, & John Dillinger Car returns to Indiana

April 14, 2021 18:00 - 13 minutes - 9.38 MB

Join us as we celebrate national grilled cheese day with some of our favorite recipes. Then we get to talk with Swifty Sanders, a game show contestant on 'Tough as Nails'. And finally, hear about the legendary John Dillinger escape and the rescue of the stolen car.

Coach of the Year with Coach Seibert, Vaccine News, & Newsies at Marquette High School

April 07, 2021 19:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MB

Join us as we chat with Coach Chris Seibert of the Girls Bulldog's basketball team. Then we get some fresh news about the Vaccines in Northwest Indiana and finish off with a taste of Marquette's "Newsies" performance.

Peter Cottontail Surprise and Wise Guys Easter Wine Pairings

March 31, 2021 21:00 - 13 minutes - 8.99 MB

In this special edition of Great News Weekly, we celebrate Easter with some fun surprises! Jenny gets a visit from Peter Cottontail and we learn what his favorite Easter Egg color to hide is, Lifer Aubrey Thomson shares with us some interesting facts about Easter traditions, and Marc Ruchti from Wise Guys Discount Liquors helps us plan our Easter dinner.

One Year Anniversary, Levin Tire's great service, & delicious Pastries

March 24, 2021 18:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MB

Join us for Great News Weekly's one year anniversary! We celebrate with a wonderful montage of all of our greatest moments, then get an inside look at what awesome services Levin Tire has to offer. Finally, don't get too hungry looking at these delicious pastries from Bau's Pastry shop.

St. Patrick's Day Celebration, Chicago Street Theatre, and Delicious Food!

March 17, 2021 18:00 - 11 minutes - 8.07 MB

Great News Weekly is your destination for all things positive news, right here in Northwest Indiana!  Join us as we celebrate St. Paddy's Day by flipping through our photo gallery, sharing some fun facts, and reviewing some delicious food! We also get a look at the show line up for Chicago Street Theatre and their partnership with Campagna Academy's foster care program.

First Female Eagle Scout, Boys & Girls Club Tour, & Meal Prep Tips and Tricks!

March 10, 2021 19:00 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MB

In this episode we have a heartwarming interview with the first female eagle scout from Indiana! Kayla Hofferth gets the scoop from the scout herself, Emily Long. Then Michelle Shirk and Lee Ann Killingbeck give us an inside look at their Boys and Girls club in La Porte Indiana. Finally we top it off with some fun meal prep tips! Find more at greatnews.life

Domino's Pizza Making, Glass Blowing, and NBC The Wall Winners

March 03, 2021 18:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MB

In this week's exciting installment of Great News Weekly, Lifer Chris Mahlmann learns to make a pizza with Jim Gronemann at Domino's, Lifer Kami Tupiak visits Hot Shop Valpo to get a demonstration of the glass-blowing process, and we get the scoop on NBC The Wall winners from Valparaiso. Tune in now to get your weekly fill of GOOD News and other great news stories at the .Life Sites: NWI.Life, Valpo.Life, Portage.Life and LaPorteCounty.Life.

Black History Month, Crown Point Girls Basketball, Ask a Nurse, & CTE Month

February 24, 2021 18:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MB

This week, we celebrate Black History Month, Lifer Kayla interviews the stars of Crown Point's Girls Basketball team, Lifer Chris interviews CTE Directors of the Region, and Nurse Christy Cleveland answers your questions about the medical field!

Giant Paw Prints, Random Acts of Kindness Day, & Restaurant Week

February 17, 2021 19:00 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MB

This week, Lifer Kayla talks to the people from Giant Paw Prints, The South Shore CVA discusses the Savor the South Shore Restaurants Weeks, and we celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day!

Great News Weekly Ep. 46: Culver's, Region Job Round-Up, and Big Comedy La Porte

February 10, 2021 22:00 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MB

On this week's episode of Great News Weekly, Lifer Kami takes a trip to Culvers to learn how custard is made, we give you a run-down on the job openings around the Region, and Kayla sits down with Ben Konowitz  of Big Comedy La Porte!

Culver's, Region Job Round-Up, and Big Comedy La Porte

February 10, 2021 22:00 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MB

On this week's episode of Great News Weekly, Lifer Kami takes a trip to Culvers to learn how custard is made, we give you a run-down on the job openings around the Region, and Kayla sits down with Ben Konowitz  of Big Comedy La Porte!

Great News Weekly Ep. 45: Sunny Akomu Akhigbe, Steiner Homes, & Hearts of Hope

February 03, 2021 18:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MB

This week on Great News Weekly, Lifer Dan interviews a local Region athlete, Lifer Colin checks out Steiner Homes LTD. newest creation, Sunny Akomu Akhigbe discusses his nonprofit organization A Boy and His Dream Foundation, and Jenny discusses the 16th Annual Hearts of Hope Campaign from Community Hospital!

Sunny Akomu Akhigbe, Steiner Homes, & Hearts of Hope

February 03, 2021 18:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MB

This week on Great News Weekly, Lifer Dan interviews a local Region athlete, Lifer Colin checks out Steiner Homes LTD. newest creation, Sunny Akomu Akhigbe discusses his nonprofit organization A Boy and His Dream Foundation, and Jenny discusses the 16th Annual Hearts of Hope Campaign from Community Hospital!

Fiddlehead, Salvation Army, La Porte County Library

January 27, 2021 20:00 - 13 minutes - 9.53 MB

This week, host Jenny Craig-Brown learns about the delicious food offered at Fiddlehead in Michigan City, the Salvation Army's coat drive, and the recent changes and fun programming at the La Porte County Public Library, all with help from Lifer Kami.

Great News Weekly Ep. 44: Fiddlehead, Salvation Army, La Porte County Library

January 27, 2021 20:00 - 13 minutes - 9.53 MB

This week, host Jenny Craig-Brown learns about the delicious food offered at Fiddlehead in Michigan City, the Salvation Army's coat drive, and the recent changes and fun programming at the La Porte County Public Library, all with help from Lifer Kami.

Great News Weekly Ep. 43: Kelsey's Steakhouse, Wrestling Recap, and Nate "Can Do" Caricatures

January 20, 2021 19:00 - 16 minutes - 11.4 MB

This week, special guest host Chris Mahlmann shares Lifer Dan's awesome recap of high school sports from the weekend, checks in with Valpo artist Nate "Can Do" Caricatures, and Lifers Kami Tupiak and Kayla Hofferth take a trip down to Kelsey's Steak House to try some amazing steaks.

Kelsey's Steakhouse, Wrestling Recap, and Nate "Can Do" Caricatures

January 20, 2021 19:00 - 16 minutes - 11.4 MB

This week, special guest host Chris Mahlmann shares Lifer Dan's awesome recap of high school sports from the weekend, checks in with Valpo artist Nate "Can Do" Caricatures, and Lifers Kami Tupiak and Kayla Hofferth take a trip down to Kelsey's Steak House to try some amazing steaks.

Great News Weekly Ep. 42: Static Age, Younique Boutique, Nate Venturelli

January 13, 2021 18:00 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MB

This week on Great News Weekly, host Jenny Craig-Brown sits down with the folks at Static Age in Michigan City, discussing records, bands, and running a small business. Country singer Nate Venturelli discusses his newest hit song "Union Man" and his late grandfather, and Jenny takes a trip to Younique Boutique in La Porte to explore the goods they sell! Tune into this week's musical edition of Great News Weekly!

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