As USA Gymnastics prepares for LA 2028, it is planting deep roots in Indiana with a new headquarters and wellness center in Noblesville, and CEO Kyle Albrecht says it's about much more than bricks and mortar. On this episode, Albrecht explains why USA Gymnastics chose central Indiana, how Indianapolis' reputation as a sports capital helped seal the deal, and what the state-of-the-art campus will mean for athletes, coaches, and the future of one of the nation's most recognizable Olympic sports.

Purdue University in Indianapolis could reshape Indiana’s tech economy by placing more engineering, computer science and STEM students closer to employers. Mitch Daniels, interim president of Purdue University, tells Gerry Dick that the university has focused first on supporting current students, aligning faculty and academic standards with West Lafayette, and establishing the Indianapolis campus as a fully integrated part of Purdue. He says the next opportunity is faster enrollment growth and stronger connections with central Indiana businesses through internships, work experience and first jobs that could help more graduates remain in the state. Daniels also discusses Purdue’s role in strengthening Indianapolis as a high-tech center, including research in information sciences, life sciences and biomedical engineering, along with the university’s semiconductor programs, the SK hynix investment near West Lafayette and Purdue’s artificial intelligence competency requirement. Looking ahead, he defines success as several thousand students studying in Indianapolis, working with local companies and helping expand Indiana’s talent base, research capacity and long-term economic competitiveness.

The Indiana State Fair is more than an annual summer tradition—it's a major economic engine. In this episode, Gerry talks with Indiana State Fair Commission Executive Director Ray Allison as the fair prepares to open its gates for the 174th time!  Allison shares what fairgoers can expect this year, a new year-round business model for the fairgrounds and why the fair remains an important part of Indiana's identity. He also talks about an emotional connection to the fairgrounds that for him began more than three decades ago.

When Latha Ramchand accepted the job as the inaugural chancellor of IU Indianapolis, she inherited one of the biggest transformations in the history of higher education in Indiana. Following the separation of IUPUI into independent campuses, Ramchand is helping define a new identity for the state's largest research university.  On this episode, she discusses her vision for IU Indianapolis and how the downtown campus is uniquely positioned to strengthen partnerships with business, healthcare and community. She also shares her personal journey—from growing up in India to becoming a nationally recognized academic leader—and how those experiences have shaped her leadership philosophy. It's a conversation about leadership, transformation, and the future of one of Indiana's most important institutions.

From the Super Bowl and NCAA Final Fours to Taylor Swift and the WWE, few venues in America host a more diverse lineup of marquee events than Lucas Oil Stadium. On this episode, General Manager Eric Neuburger takes listeners behind the scenes of one of the busiest stadiums in the country, detailing its enormous economic impact and role in reinforcing Indianapolis' reputation as one of the nation's premier sports and convention destinations. He also reflects on his career path and the influence of his father, Dale Neuburger, whose decades of leadership helped establish Indy as a sports capital. Whether you're into sports, business, tourism or economic development, this episode offers an inside look at how a world-class venue delivers experiences that extend far beyond game day.

After four decades in the fire service, Ernest Malone has witnessed dramatic change—from fighting fires with traditional tactics to leading one of the nation's busiest urban departments in an era of advanced technology, emergency medicine and complex public safety challenges. On this episode, Chief Malone reflects on his career, the evolution of the Indianapolis Fire Department and what it takes to lead a modern fire service. Chief Malone also discusses one of the profession's biggest challenges: building the next generation of firefighters. It's a conversation about leadership, service, resilience and the changing face of public safety.

Thirty years ago, many questioned whether the WNBA would survive. Today, it's one of the hottest properties in sports. In this special edition, Gerry Dick sits down with Val Ackerman, the league's founding president, and Kelly Krauskopf, who helped launch the Indiana Fever and now oversees one of the league's most valuable franchises. They explore the league’s 30-year journey—from financial uncertainty and skepticism to record television audiences, sold-out arenas and unprecedented corporate interest. Ackerman and Krauskopf also discuss whether they believed this moment would eventually arrive—and why their answer is an emphatic "yes."  It's an insider's look at one of the great growth stories in professional sports—and where the WNBA goes from here.

As many colleges struggle with enrollment and financial challenges, in the shadow of the Golden Dome Saint Mary's College is charting a different course.  President Katie Conboy joins Gerry to discuss the college's record fundraising success, growing enrollment and academic offerings.  She also shares her perspective on the future of higher education, the value of a women's college and the importance of leadership during uncertain times. It's a conversation about innovation, resilience, and why opportunity still exists for colleges willing to evolve.

Five years after opening its doors, Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana has become one of the region's biggest success stories. On this episode of Business & Beyond, Gerry Dick sits down with President Matt Schuffert to discuss how the casino has carved out a winning formula in one of the nation's most competitive gaming markets.  A Northwest Indiana native, Schuffert also reflects on the personal pride he feels in helping lead a project that is creating jobs, attracting visitors, and contributing to the area's resurgence. It's a conversation about business, community and the future of one of Indiana's most visible entertainment destinations.

Former Vice President Mike Pence joins the podcast to discuss his new book, What Conservatives Believe, and why he sees an inflection point for the Republican Party. In a wide-ranging conversation, Pence argues that the GOP must return to core conservative principles—limited government, fiscal discipline, and constitutional governance. He also reflects on his time in the Trump White House, offering perspective on working closely with President Trump and their current relationship. And he shares his outlook on the future of the Indiana economy and where he believes economic opportunity and conservative policy intersect in the years ahead.