Who Gets What?

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.)  

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.  

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.

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.      

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.

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

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. 

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.

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.  

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.

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

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.

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.        

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. 

"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.

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.  

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.

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, 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.    

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