Who Gets What?

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce

April 05, 2021 13:50 - 29 minutes - 26.1 MB

In another wide-ranging discussion, we converse with Kevin Brinegar, president of The Indiana Chamber of Commerce. With eight years staffing The Indiana Senate Finance Committee, more than two decades with The Chamber, and side experiences as a school board member, Kevin has lots to say, about taxes, amicus briefs in important legal proceedings, whether school boards should be appointed, and more.

Financing Higher Education

March 30, 2021 21:04 - 29 minutes - 26.2 MB

The question is not whether student loans should be forgiven. The question is how parents and students handle this in the future. Five years for a four-year degree? Eight years to enter a low-paying profession? First-class meals and living facilities with jacuzzis? Bill Wozniak, Vice President of InVestEd, Indiana's student loan provider and consultant, tells it all.

Developing Southwest Indiana

March 17, 2021 04:30 - 28 minutes - 24.8 MB

The Economic Development Commission Coalition of Southwest Indiana, headed by our guest, Greg Walthen, and about to merge with other organizations, is a powerhouse in a region which includes the sixth largest inland waterway port, some of the most digitally well-connected communities in the state, a superb airport, and, of course, the city of Evansville. While Greg attracts new businesses, he also collects movies and vinyl records, and a few bottles of fine whiskey.

Legislating an Indiana State Budget

March 11, 2021 21:45 - 26 minutes - 23 MB

As this is published, the General Assembly of Indiana is processing its budget for two years. Having passed The House, it is ready for consideration by The Senate, to be followed by a conference between the two houses to arrive at a conclusion. Many stories here by legislative expert Jerry Williams, including the unique story about how The Indiana History Museum came to be.

Poverty

March 03, 2021 05:30 - 30 minutes - 26.3 MB

The minimum wage, repairing roofs, wage disparity, literacy and education, all are part of this statistical presentation about poverty in both The United States and Indiana. John and Morton discuss these topics while also learning what Morton would do if he were in The Oval Office, or The Square Office, when he runs in 202?.

Property Assessment in Indiana

February 24, 2021 05:30 - 35 minutes - 30.2 MB

This conversation with Joe Gomeztable provides a fine history of the property tax system in Indiana. Towards the end, we also learn about We The People, living near a bar, walking from St. John to Indianapolis, and spending four years learning Latin. Joe is an original plaintiff in Town of St. John vs State Board of Tax Commissioners, the 1991 case which led to the Indiana system

Philanthropy with Frank Basile

February 17, 2021 01:22 - 33 minutes - 29.2 MB

What do stopping fires, supporting organizations, traveling on the edge, writing and public speaking have in common? The answer is Frank Basile of Indianapolis. This is a fine commentary on the value of supporting the arts, seeking appropriate and exciting occupations, and getting along with people.

Turning a County Blue

February 10, 2021 00:01 - 28 minutes - 25.5 MB

Long-time civic activist Barbara Keck, who moved back to her Indiana hometown where no Democrat has filed to run for local office since 2011, is working to establish political balance in Nappanee and the southwest corner of Elkhart County. At some point in the future, she even might try to make her points by using puppets.

The Race to Produce

February 02, 2021 20:37 - 38 minutes - 33.9 MB

Television's "Invisible Sports Producers" Terry Lingner and Conrad Piccirillo describe life inside "the truck" during a 500 mile race, Olympic rowing competition, golf, basketball, and baseball, saying that "it is so much fun, so exciting, so spontaneous." Replays, story telling, relationships with announcers, and sound are discussed. (Did you know that sound quality changes half a dozen times between leaving the truck, traveling over cable, and arriving at your home?)

Promoting International Business

January 27, 2021 05:30 - 28 minutes - 24.9 MB

As a Foreign Service Officer, Mark Van Fleet learned about international trade and made life-long friendships that have advanced the aspirations of Indiana businesses. He served in Thailand, then 20 years in senior positions at The United States Chamber of Commerce. Why do some businesses grow internationally, while others do not? The answer is here.

The Taiwanese-Argentinian-Swiss Violinist

January 20, 2021 01:13 - 37 minutes - 35.5 MB

Yi-Fang Huang is a violin virtuoso raised in Taiwan, educated in Argentina, now performing from Basel, who competed in the 1998 International Violin Competition of Indianapolis. This podcast includes his performance of The Sibelius Violin Concerto Third Movement. He tells us about his career, and about perceived differences among orchestras of the world during the pandemic.

New Businesses, Parks, Philanthropy, Democracy, with Tom Hiatt

January 13, 2021 13:16 - 29 minutes - 24.9 MB

Tom Hiatt's commitment is The Indiana Democracy Collaboration, but this only is the most recent of a long-line of activities, such as creating an endowment for Holliday Park, starting The Indianapolis branch of Grameen America (micro loans to women living below the poverty line), venture capital, and helping to raise $70 million for Newfields (Indianapolis Museum of Art).

Legislative Attorney, Banker, Hockey Investor, Jerry Williams

January 06, 2021 10:50 - 32 minutes - 26.9 MB

What do First Internet Bancorp, Speakers of The House, Hockey Players, and Auto Auctions have in common: Jerry Williams Among the many things we learn here is a reason legislative term limits do not work. All of this from a world class bicycle traveler.

Year end review

December 30, 2020 05:30 - 24 minutes - 15.7 MB

John and Morton discuss financial planning, state of the market, and credit cards.

Teaching Journalism

December 16, 2020 05:30 - 33 minutes - 28.9 MB

John Krull, director of The Pulliam School of Journalism at Franklin College, talks about respect, re-write, The State House File . Com, and his book, Emily's Walk, as well as remaining underwater for three minutes.

Our Guest, The Violinist

December 09, 2020 05:30 - 40 minutes - 37.8 MB

Jiafeng Chen stayed with John and Chichi Guy while competing in the 2010 International Violin Competition of Indianapolis. He now teaches and performs from Birmingham, U.K. In this conversation, he explains his philosophy of teaching music, challenges caused by The Virus, and his love of pasta.

Film Festivals: Now, and in the Future

December 02, 2020 22:19 - 31 minutes - 27.6 MB

Two leaders of the international film festival community speak about challenges ahead. Craig Prater, President of The Heartland International Film Festival of Indianapolis, and Andy Friedenberg, founder and director of The Cinema Society of San Diego, consider the challenges and opportunities of streaming, of attracting films in times of less production, and the strong position of the Indianapolis event.

The Special Athlete

November 25, 2020 05:30 - 33 minutes - 21 MB

College freshman Liam Price, a special athlete, talks about the challenges of autism and turrets, Special Olympics, taking two girls to his high school prom, and potential public service in the future. His parents Cindy and Jon joined this conversation. A recent speech by Liam is appended at the end.

Indiana's Faltering Public Health

November 18, 2020 05:30 - 30 minutes - 26.3 MB

This conversation is not for persons contented with Indiana's public health. Dr. Richard Feldman has a lot to say, including about Indiana's response to COVID 19, and he has the qualifications to do so. Dr. Feldman served almost 40 years as director of the Franciscan Health family Residency Program, and 4 years as Indiana's Health Commissioner. (He also met Richard Nixon, sort of.)

Memories of an activist, Betty Leclare

November 11, 2020 01:56 - 21 minutes - 18.3 MB

Nothing equals the joy of speaking to a long-time activist, in this case, Betty Leclare, who helped to found and to support The Phoenix Theatre, The Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Hot Line, and the community referral service known as 211. Is she still active? Darn right, writing news for her community, the Robin Run retirement center.

Violinist Galiya Zharova

November 04, 2020 05:30 - 22 minutes - 19.5 MB

World-class violin soloist and orchestra performer Galiya Zharova joined us by zoom from Moscow, telling us about her orchestra in Moscow, and her world travels for solo performances and violin competitions. She appeared at The International Violin Competition of Indianapolis in 2018.

The Headmaster

October 27, 2020 19:55 - 30 minutes - 27.6 MB

Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Nyle Kardatzke (Eritrea) describes the joy of being Headmaster of Indianapolis' Sycamore School. In an unexpected diversion, we learn that Nyle also is author of Widow-man, about the lives of widowers, which, he states, are different than the lives of widows. (Men: better learn now how to cook and clean.)

The Fiscal and Policy Consultant

October 20, 2020 20:41 - 27 minutes - 23.9 MB

Bill Scheldrake, having worked in various levels of government for many years, now operates Policy Analytics, a firm which receives commissions for economic and fiscal policy studies, such as for transportation systems in Marion County and in North West Indiana. Bill recalls working on consolidation of government entities, such as fire and police, in Indianapolis, and other projects around the state.

Heartland Film: "Can You Hear My Voice?"

October 13, 2020 15:23 - 35 minutes - 32.6 MB

Director Bill Brummel describes this documentary about the Shout At Cancer choir in which all members have had their voice boxes removed. Having himself had a laryngectomy, we hear Bill's modified voice as he tells about the people of the film and the challenges of production.

A Personal Film: "What Lies Inside" (Heartland Festival)

October 09, 2020 13:47 - 31 minutes - 28.4 MB

Director Luke Renner and Executive Producer David Neidert describe the sources of illness known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and how recovery can take place. They also describe the 6-year production effort. This is a personal story largely based on Mr. Runner's personal experiences. The film is a selection of The Heartland International Film Festival.

Film: "Generation Growth"

October 07, 2020 18:36 - 32 minutes - 29.5 MB

Teacher/ motivator Stephen Ritz, founder of The Green Bronx Machine," and director Mu Sun, describe an inspiring film of The Heartland International Film Festival. The conversation includes background information on the filmmaker, and an especially sincere, motivational, and poignant philosophy about food, children, teachers, and teaching.

Heartland International Film Festival 2020

October 02, 2020 18:17 - 28 minutes - 25.4 MB

Artistic Director Greg Sorvig and Senior Programmer Julia Ricci explain what is ahead starting October 8.

The Retiring Congresswoman

September 29, 2020 15:55 - 37 minutes - 34.7 MB

After 8 productive years, Susan Brooks is retiring from representing the Fifth Congressional District of Indiana. This conversation covers her work in crime reduction, improving the effectiveness of social media in emergencies, national preparedness for pandemics, local preparedness for disasters, improving civility in Congress, and much, much more.

The Federal Public Defender

September 22, 2020 14:37 - 27 minutes - 24.9 MB

Monica Foster is Executive Director of The Indiana Federal Community Defender for the Southern District of Indiana. She and her colleagues defend more than 90 % of cases in the district. Does that sound boring? No Way. Just learn about the Santa Claus fraud of John F. Kennedy (alias), the most humane form of execution according to Saudis, the need for "racial reckoning," and even how a culinary workshop affected her life.

The Music of Tim Brickley

September 15, 2020 22:07 - 31 minutes - 31.2 MB

Tim Brickley produces, engineers, composes, sings, and conducts in a dozen different contexts, including solo jazz, opening for big name touring groups, and preparing music for film as well as for the local Fonseca Theater. Listen to Tim here with John and Morton, then pull down some of his work on YouTube. Well worth the time.

The Indiana Tax Court

September 08, 2020 17:01 - 33 minutes - 29.2 MB

Judge Martha Wentworth, the Indiana Tax Court Judge (second person to hold this position) tells us: "I love tax." She loves the ever-changing legal tax structure that directly or indirectly affects every Hoosier family. Major topics are the case "Town of St. John (1998) that changed property tax administration to market-based valuations, and "Wayfair" (2018 U.S. Supreme Court) that allowed sales tax to be charged on most inter state transactions.

Indiana Fiscal Policy

September 01, 2020 20:31 - 30 minutes - 26.8 MB

Chris Watts, head of the Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute, talks about his agency and the fiscal challenges caused by COVID.

What is "Design?"

August 25, 2020 20:53 - 28 minutes - 26.9 MB

Designer Elizabeth Mahoney (EMDesign) describes the many meanings of good design, from buildings to computer icons, and she cites some of her favorites. She also is passionate about protecting our climate, animal welfare and tree preservation. A potential new state seal rounds out this conversation.

The Practice of Law in Good Times and Bad

August 19, 2020 04:30 - 27 minutes - 23.5 MB

Attorney Robert Wildman spent years representing The Indiana Secondary Market for Education Loans. (Host Morton Marcus served the same organization on the board of directors.) Now his largest client is a developer of commercial real estate, placing him on the borrowers side of the table. This discussion covers the 2008 economic challenges, and compares those to the challenges today caused by COVID.

Elections in Marion County (and elsewhere)

August 12, 2020 15:53 - 30 minutes - 26.2 MB

Arguably the most experienced and knowledgeable attorney regarding a 40 year history of elections in Marion County, Indiana, Bill Groth explains the major cases that determined how our city council is elected. He then talks about current litigation regarding voting in the time of COVID, mailed ballot receipt deadlines, signature matching, and methods to speed up tabulations.

Loving our Legislature

August 06, 2020 19:44 - 31 minutes - 27 MB

"Our legislature runs on trust" is one of many points raised by our guest, Rick Cockrum, President, Capitol Assets, a firm representing citizens' interests to The Indiana General Assembly. Gambling, taxes, health and safety of legislators, how to influence government decisions, and the powerful role of volunteer administrators of elections, are part of this engaging conversation.

Alzheimer"s Care

July 29, 2020 20:45 - 30 minutes - 26.9 MB

In addition to discussing normal challenges of giving care to dementia and Alzheimer's patients, this conversation considers differences between The United States and The United Kingdom. A reason is that our guest, Maria Holmes, was raised and worked in The UK prior to coming to Indianapolis 12 years ago. She serves as a program manager for the Alzheimer's Association Greater Indiana Chapter.

The English Teacher

July 23, 2020 04:30 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MB

Is your infinitive split? What about "irregardless?" Should you read fantasy and/or John Green? These are just a few topics of this stimulating conversation with 25-year English teacher Shauna Gough.

The Modern Playground

July 15, 2020 05:00 - 23 minutes - 19.7 MB

Have you been on a Monkey Bar recently, or, a small Merry Go Round? It might have been manufactured by KidsSoft, a company in Gary, Indiana, that has worked more than 30 years for the enjoyment--and safety--of active children. A founder, George McGuan is our guest.

Scott Keller: Leading Preservation

July 08, 2020 13:40 - 26 minutes - 22.7 MB

Scott Keller, a leader in preservation, appraisal, home building and restoration, and innovator of such ideas as The Indiana Black Heritage Trail, speaks about his long service, including in Indianapolis city government.

Planning for Your Death

July 01, 2020 04:00 - 25 minutes - 22.8 MB

Personal care giver and experienced nurse Rebecca Marcus describes her recent experience helping a friend pass.

Chambers of Commerce in Lake County

June 24, 2020 04:30 - 28 minutes - 29.2 MB

David Ryan, Executive Director of the Lake Shore Chamber of Commerce (Hammond and East Chicago), describes his work today, as well as his previous experiences in communities such as Kentland, Indiana.

The Indianapolis Food Bank

June 17, 2020 17:28 - 29 minutes - 34.4 MB

John Elliott, President and CEO of Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, describes his work, and the concept of food insecurity, in great detail, revealing much new information to us. For example, grandparents raising grandchildren often find themselves food insecure. School closings not only negatively affected food delivered inside schools. It also reduced the number of general public food banks, and those which delivered pack lunches on weekends. Gleaners delivers more than 35 million meal...

Utility Regulation in Indiana

June 10, 2020 16:43 - 26 minutes - 29 MB

Attorney Tom Cobb served as counsel for The Indiana Department of Environmental Management, and, later, as administrative law judge for The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. Along the way he frustratingly considered what to do with used capacitors near Bloomington, and disagreements over new telephone area codes in the northwest quadrant of our state.

Economic Growth in Jackson County

June 03, 2020 04:30 - 28 minutes - 32.9 MB

For 36 years, our guest, Jim Plump, has served as leader of The Jackson County (Indiana) Industrial Development Corporation, based in Seymour. He has worked to attract companies to this area, to build required infrastructure, and to make his communities friendly both to new companies and to residents. And this: he believes that having served as a high school basketball official, he learned to make decisions, and to face criticism.

Economic Growth in Grant County

May 27, 2020 18:53 - 28 minutes - 34.3 MB

(With apologies for challenging sound) we had fine conversation with Tim Eckerle, executive director of The Grant County Economic Growth Council (Marion, Indiana) for more than 35 years. The nature of work, expectations and incentives for young people, status of restaurants during the pandemic, and the challenge of interacting by Zoom, all were part of this edition. (Zoom requires more work than in-person encounters.) And this question: is Indiana rooted too much in the past?

The Paramedic Today

May 20, 2020 19:46 - 28 minutes - 30 MB

Garrett Hedeen is supervisor of The Bloomington, Indiana, emergency services system, having previously worked as a paramedic in Indianapolis for more than 17 years. Garrett describes issue, protocols and budgeting for emergency services. In the middle, Julia Ricci recommends a movie appropriate to our conversation.

The Journalist Today

May 14, 2020 04:30 - 29 minutes - 34.8 MB

With a movie recommendation about 1950s sensational journalism, this conversation with Ed Breen is about the state of journalism today. Ed is a member of the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame, most recently having served as editor of The Chronicle-Tribune of Marion, Indiana. His "retirement" involves production of a radio show in Marion featuring commentary and history. (Ed was a board member of The Indiana Historical Society.)

The Clerk Treasurer: Highland, Indiana

May 07, 2020 18:35 - 28 minutes - 29.2 MB

This conversation is for serious students of public finance. Michael Griffin, Clerk Treasurer of Highland, Indiana, explains tax caps, financial reserves, bonds, pensions, how The Subaru Plan was financed, and, importantly, shared ethics among units of government. A movie review is included: Harold and Lillian, A Hollywood Love Story.

Civil Liberties in The Time of Corona

April 30, 2020 11:12 - 30 minutes - 32.5 MB

During the world's largest known shut down/quarantine, what rights do we lay aside? Jane Henegar, Executive Director of The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana, provides answers with respect to all Americans, but especially to incarcerated persons, persons seeking abortions, and those held only for non payment of bail and fees. This podcast includes a movie recommendation: Be Natural: The Untold Story of Alice Guy-Blache'

Episodes