Who Gets What?

Robin Winston, the first African American to lead an Indiana political party, talks about practical politics, how to prioritize, as well as African American historical sites in Indiana, and the underground railway up the eastern side of the state.    

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.    

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.

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?.  

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

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.  

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.  

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?)    

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.     

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.

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).  

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.  

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

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.    

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.  

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.

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.  

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.)

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.  

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.