Who Gets What?

Judge Judy, interesting estates, classic automobiles, women in the law, trailers, the Wabash river, litigation, are some of the topics covered in this wide-ranging conversation with 50-year attorney John Gambs of Lafayette, Indiana. Not mentioned is the restaurant menu item, The Gambs Burger.  (Yes, a real restaurant offered this real burger.)

Mike Furnish is a "white hat," a referee of Indiana high school football games.  Within the profession, he is a leader, having been active in associations and as a teacher of rules to new officials. Mike also is past president of Special Olympics Indiana. Here we learn how a crew operates, the personal challenges and rewards, and how Peyton Manning butchered a coin toss.

James Johnson, CEO of The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, converses with Morton and John about hiring musicians, the correlation between young persons who played an instrument and their love of music as adults, how musicians are hired, the role of video images, and financial dynamics between management and musicians.   In his view, transparency and pizza make a difference.

Howeypolitics.com, a thorough, popular, award-winning internet news service in Indiana, was started by Brian, an inevitable evolution of journalism that started with his grandfather, then his father, then a news clipping service, and, now, daily and weekly emailed newsletters, by subscription, plus a web site with several dozen contributors.   And this question:   will philanthropic or government-sponsored news replace for-profit business models? 

Having created and served a half dozen festivals of film, Craig Prater arrived in Indianapolis to make ours even more world class.   Craig is first a believer in the positive power of film, and, second, in the opportunities afforded by Indianapolis. In less than three years, he has created a festival of short films and a "cultural journey" (films from one country, such as Mexico, India and Germany).  

David Horth, Chief Executive Officer of Indyhumane, talks about services, philosophies, and his personal journey to becoming head of the largest humane society in Indiana.    

Journalist, author, playwright, and, at one time, stand-up comedian, Lou Harry, talks about journalism. The discussion includes the four tenants of the code of ethics of The Society of Professional Journalist.        

Following up on last week's podcast with retired city planner Clarke Kahlo we talk about specific projects:   trees on Crown Hill Cemetery, public art on the scenic canal walk, park space on the canal, trees on streets, and the new White River visioning project proposed by developers and tourism advocates. Volunteer citizen action resulted in cancellation or substantial modification in various proposals that would have eliminated green space and remove trees.        

Retired city planner Clarke Kahlo describes his volunteer activity intervening in the city planning process.  He identifies development proposals that are not appropriate, gathers information, organizes opposition, and appeals to decision-making government bodies. Morton argues that all proposed developments should be more widely publicized.  He then plays devils advocate suggesting he should have more freedom to build whatever he wants on his property. In our next program, Clarke talks about specific projects.  

Tom Battista has led an eclectic life.  Starting with development of bakeries, restaurants, and even a viewing area called Idle, Tom found time to stage manage for Maria Carey, David Bowie, and Jimmy Buffett. People management is his expertise, his way of being.  Sweeping up at the restaurant, finding homes for employees, identifying talent, respect for Mr. Buffett, and a supportive family, have made it all possible.  

Howard Kellman, "The Voice of the Indianapolis Indians," talks about broadcasting and exchanges memories with fellow Brooklyn-ite Morton Marcus.  

Individuals with intellectual disabilities are discussed with The President and CEO of Special Olympics Indiana, Jeff Mohler.  A highlight is a conversation about whether persons with intellectual disabilities may be "cured," concluding with the answer,"maybe not." However, with sensitivity and care, with new technologies, with modified infrastructures, new ways of viewing the personal health care of special Olympians, and their employment opportunities, significant progress is under way.  

GIPC, The Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee, is headed by our guest, Beth White, who describes the history of the committee, as well as of unified government in central Indiana.   Among its many activities is a summer jobs program for youth, and general coordination between government and the private sector.  Perhaps her most serious and personal interest is voting, which she considers "the civil rights issue of our time."  Related to that is her activities towards garnering a "complete count," a full and accurate census in 2020. (Beth recently served as Marion County Clerk.)  

Morton:  "At 80, I have fewer opinions." John:  "New activity, pickle ball." Morton: "Gerrymandering threatens our society." John:  "Board service expands horizons." Morton:  "Too many choices." John:  "New song: The Amazon Wagon is a comin."   And:   We like each other.    

The Indiana Forest Alliance wants to preserve these natural assets while gaining for our state the highest possible revenues from harvested trees. Rae Schnapp, Ph.D., a lifetime student of rivers, forests, and the outdoors in general, describes these efforts as well as how net profits of tree sales are overstated because costs of forest management, pest control, road maintenance, and administration, are not deducted from revenues, but are paid by line items in the state budget.  

Pete Dunn was a financial adviser before graduating from Hanover, having earned his Series 7 stock brokers license.  He made money day trading while entertaining as a stand up comedian. Pete's work, the best John has known. is syndicated in many Gannett newspapers, and through a personal blog, podcast, and You Tube episodes. Although we focused on his personal and professional life, we heard these gems:  "Hit The Match"  "I am a fixer."  "No, I am not anti debt, perhaps not even frugal."  "Earliest money is the best money."  "Drive your car into the ground."       

"Match Support Specialist" Rodney Ferguson (now known as "Senior Mentoring Relationship Specialist") has been creating and nurturing relationships since 2013. How does a volunteer "Big" meet a "Little?"  That topic plus other information about Big Brothers, Big Sisters, of Central Indiana, is well covered in Rodney's charming descriptions of his personal life and professional accomplishments, especially the story of one young man who went from tragedy to success in this fine mentoring program.    

Farmer, trade group leader, development expert, consultant about servant leadership, Phil Anderson reflects on opportunities found in small Indiana towns.  (He has visited all of them.  Yes.  All!) Phil's firm is Re Think, Doing Outside the Box.  "Constant persuasion mode," "followers chose leaders; we only can decide to serve," "small towns must be wired," "allow new ideas to ruminate," and tourism/community development in Metamora, are highlights of this conversation.    

Jeff Sparks, founder of the writer's camp called The New Harmony Project, founder of The Heartland International Film Festival, and recently a promoter/coordinator of a new criminal justice center, reflects on how stories affect culture. Jeff's Book, "Changing Culture Through Stories," is described.   

Creating a redistricting commission in Indiana is a goal of Common Cause Indiana, headed by Julia Vaughn, with whom John and Morton discuss negative effects of gerrymandered districts in the context of the 2018 midterm elections. Along the way we hear about the "guillotine of data," and Governor Holcomb's 2016 pledge to reform the system.