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.

On today's show I sat down with Jason Osterhage, President and CEO of Everwise Credit Union.

Jason shares his journey from Atlanta to Indiana, the rich history and recent rebranding of Everwise – formerly Teachers Credit Union – and the impact of local financial institutions on the community.

He provides insights into the significance of credit unions, the strategic process behind rebranding a 94-year-old institution, and the value of maintaining personal relationships in banking.

Our conversation also touches on Everwise's community involvement, their day of giving, and Jason's personal experiences exploring Indiana.

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 Rich History of Teachers Credit Union
- The Challenges and Strategies of Rebranding to Everwise
- Everwise's Community Involvement and Day of Giving

Check out these great clips from the show:
00:53 Guest Introduction: Jason Osterhage, President & CEO of Everwise
01:58 First Impressions of Indiana
03:54 History and Evolution of Everwise
10:40 The Rebranding Journey: From Teachers Credit Union to Everwise
13:51 Challenges and Strategies in Rebranding
29:13 The Importance of Physical Branches in Modern Banking
34:47 Community Engagement and Day of Giving
35:47 Favorite Communities and Memorable Experiences
36:34 Exploring Indiana's Hidden Gems
37:39 The Origins and Impact of Everwise
39:03 Understanding Credit Unions and Their Role
41:36 The Importance of Banking Local
47:48 Cultural and Geographic Insights of Indiana
56:04 Leadership and Corporate Governance
59:40 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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 Brandon Noll, director of Indiana operations for Plug and Play.

We discuss the vibrant med tech and orthopedic industry in Warsaw, Indiana, the impact of global innovation platforms like Plug and Play, and Noll's personal journey from a small rural farm in Pleasant Lake, Indiana, to leading startup acceleration efforts.

Our conversation covers the growth of startups in Indiana, the role of investment and corporate partnerships, and the importance of community support in fostering innovation.

Noll also dives into his background, from working in finance to coaching middle school football, and the vision for Indiana's future in the global innovation landscape.

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:
- Why Warsaw Is the "Orthopedic Capital of the World"
- The Impact of Global Innovation Platforms
- The Growth of Startups in Indiana

Thank you to our partners:
Rare Saint

Check out these great clips from the show:
00:52 Guest Introduction: Brandon Noll, Plug and Play Indiana
01:34 Growing Up in Rural Indiana
05:04 College and Early Career
11:36 Challenges and Opportunities in Finance
29:37 Economic Development and Plug and Play
39:45 The Lucky Building and Its Startups
40:17 Expanding to Sunnyvale: Plug and Play's Growth
40:45 Global Accelerator Programs and Investments
42:11 Corporate Innovation and Industry Verticals
42:45 Med Tech Startups in Indiana
49:50 The Role of Venture Capital in Indiana
01:01:15 Warsaw: The Orthopedic Capital of the World
01:10:02 Hidden Gems and Future Plans
01:15:24 Final Thoughts and Indiana's Potential

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 was joined by wrestler Wyatt Hendrickson, who was raised in Newton, Kansas, before becoming a Big 12 champion, NCAA national champion, and Real American Freestyle competitor.

After placing third at NCAAs as a junior and senior with the Air Force Academy, Hendrickson transferred to Oklahoma State University and memorably secured one of the biggest upsets in college wrestling history at the 2025 NCAA championships. Trailing late in the third period of the heavyweight championship match, he took down Minnesota's Gable Steveson – a 2024 Olympic Gold Medalist and two-time national champion – to win in dramatic fashion, 5-4. The stunning victory led to Hendrickson winning the Dan Hodge Trophy as college wrestling's most outstanding wrestler.

Currently competing in Real American Freestyle Wrestling, Hendrickson is prepared for a high-stakes, main-event heavyweight match against Lawrenceburg, Indiana native Mason Parris during RAF 04 on Saturday, Dec. 20 at the Fishers Event Center.

The discussion covers Hendrickson's early life in Kansas, his decision to attend the Air Force Academy, and his eventual transfer to Oklahoma State University under Coach David Taylor. He also gives advice to young wrestlers and talks through his training routines.

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:
- Wyatt Hendrickson's Wrestling Journey from Kansas to the NCAAs and Real American Freestyle
- How Wyatt Pulled Off the Biggest Upset in College Wrestling History
- Real American Freestyle and the Post-College Opportunities It Provides to High-Level Wrestlers

Check out these great clips from the show:
00:00 Guest Introduction: Wyatt Hendrickson
01:10 Early Life and Wrestling in Kansas
03:45 Choosing the Air Force Academy
04:56 Transition to Oklahoma State
06:16 The Championship Match Against Gable Steveson
10:53 Post-Championship Reflections
12:01 Upcoming RAF 04 Match vs. Mason Parris and Training Insights
18:32 Advice for Young Wrestlers
21:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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 Kristian Andersen, co-founder of High Alpha, to discuss his journey from New York to Arkansas to Indianapolis, and his deep connection to Indiana.

Kristian shares his experiences in tech entrepreneurship, the essence of community impact, and his belief in Indianapolis as 'Speed City.'

Topics include the importance of a collective identity, the benefits of Indianapolis' scalable and accessible ecosystem, and the role of ambition and affection in city transformation.

Our conversation also touches on local pride, evangelism for one's city, and actionable ways to market Indiana's unique strengths.

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:
- Kristian's Tech Journey Across the Country
- Indianapolis Becoming 'Speed City'
- Rebranding Indy

Thank you to our partners:
NCW
Hoosier Lottery

Check out these great clips from the show:
01:18 Guest Introduction: Kristian Andersen
02:17 Kristian's Early Life and Background
05:32 Journey to Indiana and College Days
10:48 Early Career and Entrepreneurial Ventures
14:57 Building a Design Business in Indianapolis
18:06 Impact of ExactTarget and Tech Boom
23:15 City and State Identity: Lessons from Nashville and Austin
26:15 Challenges and Opportunities for Indianapolis
43:48 Setting Priorities: The Importance of Focus
44:08 Indianapolis' Identity: Speed City
45:15 The Soul of Great Cities
47:12 Speed Beyond Motorsports
51:06 Embracing Speed in Everyday Life
51:41 The Power of Community Identity
59:41 Gratitude and Evangelism for Indianapolis

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.