Advertise on podcast: Business & Beyond with Gerry Dick

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Mittman, the CEO of Bosma Enterprises— one of the largest nonprofit organizations providing employment, training, and rehabilitation services for people who are blind or visually impaired in the Midwest. Mittman shares his deeply personal journey, including losing his vision while serving on active duty in Iraq, and how that life-altering moment shaped his leadership and purpose. Today, he’s leading an organization that reaches all 92 counties in Indiana, providing critical services ranging from job training and employment to rehabilitation and independence support. It’s an inspiring and insightful discussion about overcoming challenges, building opportunity, and seeing potential in a whole new way.

For nearly 60 years, Damar Services has been a lifeline for families navigating complex developmental and behavioral challenges. In this episode, CEO Jim Dalton shares a candid look at the realities facing families of children with severe autism, the emotional and financial toll, and the critical role Damar plays in providing stability, treatment, and dignity. He also discusses a groundbreaking, AI-assisted technology developed and patented by Damar that could reshape the future of caregiving—particularly in addressing one of the industry’s biggest challenges: workforce. It’s a powerful conversation about compassion, innovation, and what it takes to meet some of society’s most urgent needs.

Indiana basketball history takes center stage in this special edition of Business & Beyond, featuring conversations with some of the most influential names in Hoosier hoops. Indiana Pacers co-owner Steve Simon reflects on growing up in Indianapolis, helping keep the franchise from leaving in the early 1980s, and how his bond with the Midwest has only grown after years on the West Coast. Purdue coach Matt Painter shares the blunt recruiting pitch from Gene Keady that shaped his philosophy, and explains why honesty still defines how he leads players. WNBA legend Tamika Catchings and former Indiana women’s basketball coach Lin Dunn discuss the rapid rise of the women’s game, from record Final Four audiences to the Caitlin Clark effect and the WNBA’s ambitions for major expansion. Don Fischer, the longtime voice of Indiana Hoosiers football and basketball, recounts memorable stories from his years alongside Bob Knight, including a live radio show disrupted by a shotgun barrel hitting the floor. Retired NCAA official Bo Boroski reflects on the emotion of earning a Final Four assignment and what it was like officiating inside the NBA bubble during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Marion County's 2025 Community Health Assessment is out, and it reveals some troubling trends. Like one in four residents reporting depression and nearly one in five experiencing anxiety, while suicide rates have climbed 10 percent since 2018. The report also highlights a surprising but critical factor affecting community well-being: housing stability. In this episode, Dr. Virginia Caine, the director and chief medical officer of the Marion County Public Health Department, weighs in on the findings and explains why these issues extend far beyond healthcare, influencing workforce, economic growth, and the long-term vitality of the region.

The big business of college sports is getting bigger than ever, and one economist is putting real numbers on the table. Ryan Brewer, an associate professor of finance at Indiana University Columbus, joins the podcast to talk about his groundbreaking work valuing college football and basketball programs. His research is gaining national attention in places like The Wall Street Journal as the financial stakes in college athletics surge. Brewer also weighs in on the new economic realities of the WNBA. It’s a fascinating conversation about the business of sports—and the numbers behind dramatic transformation.

In this episode, Dr. Rob Pepper talks about the state of higher education and why he believes small, faith-based schools like Huntington University still play an important role. We also explore the school’s bold move into areas like agriculture and digital media and yes, we talk about having some fun with the name Dr. Pepper! It’s a conversation about leadership and the future of a small university with big ambitions.

For nearly four decades, Cindy Hoye has been a driving force behind one of Indiana’s most beloved institutions: the Indiana State Fair and the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Hoye joined the Fairgrounds staff in 1988 as marketing director and became executive director of the Indiana State Fair Commission in 2002. During her tenure, she led unprecedented growth and transformation, including more than $250 million in new buildings and improvements. In this conversation, she reflects on the milestones, challenges and deeply personal connections that have shaped her career. A thoughtful look back at a remarkable career—and the legacy of a leader who helped transform one of Indiana’s most treasured traditions.

For episode 100, we begin a two-part Business & Beyond podcast with the one and only Dan Dakich. From his first recruiting trip to IU to playing for Bob Knight to his career as a firebrand media personality, this Gary native has lots of stories to tell. And he tells them with the passion, and humor, you’ve come to expect from the guy who shut down Michael Jordan.

From Feb. 22, 2022: From an Italian refugee camp to the pinnacle of motorsports, Mario Andretti has led a life of excitement and accomplishment.  And his need for speed started at a very young age. In this episode, the only man to win the Indy 500, Daytona 500 and Formula One World Championship opens up about immigrating to the United States, his love for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and a movie that started it all.

In this episode, Gerry sits down with John Fernandez, the CEO of Amplify Bloomington—a bold new public-private partnership designed to transform the region’s economic future. The former Bloomington Mayor shares the vision behind the initiative and why this moment is different from past efforts. It’s a conversation about place, purpose, and what it takes to reimagine a community’s future.

In this episode, longtime Sporting News columnist and Big Ten Network analyst Mike DeCourcy joins Gerry to break down how IU pulled off one of the most unlikely title runs in modern college football history. He also weighs in on the seismic shifts reshaping college athletics and if this new business model is sustainable. With decades of national perspective, DeCourcy offers insight, context, and clarity on where the college game is headed. And, oh yes, he talks some hoops, too.

From opera houses to roaring arenas, Jim Cornelison’s voice has become part of the soundtrack of American sports. “The Anthem Singer” first captured hearts with his powerful rendition of the National Anthem at Chicago Blackhawks games, but his powerful baritone can also be heard in some of the world’s most iconic venues, including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In this episode, Jim sits down with Gerry Dick and opens up about what it takes to deliver when the lights are brightest and why singing “Back Home Again in Indiana” carries special meaning. It’s a powerful conversation about passion, preparation, and the voice behind some unforgettable moments.

Eric Tobias has built companies, backed founders, and helped shape one of the Midwest’s most influential startup ecosystems—but his latest venture hits much closer to the heart. In this episode, the Indianapolis serial entrepreneur takes us through his remarkable innovation journey in a conversation that goes far beyond spreadsheets and software. Eric opens up about his lifelong love of music—and how that passion led him and a group of partners to purchase the iconic Vogue Theatre. It’s a wide-ranging and inspiring look at what happens when entrepreneurship meets passion, and how one founder is working to ensure that both startups and stages in Indianapolis continue to shine.

Former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard joins Gerry Dick for a candid and wide-ranging conversation centered on his new book, Urban Republican Mayor: My Story. The two-term Republican reflects on the defining moments of his tenure—from major infrastructure investments and a Super Bowl to reshaping the city’s quality of life through projects like the Cultural Trail. He also speaks openly about the political and cultural challenges of leading a growing urban city as a Republican, including the controversial RFRA debate that divided Indiana and drew national attention. It’s an honest look at leadership, legacy, and the evolving politics of urban America—told by a mayor who helped put Indianapolis on the global stage.

A special edition of the Business and Beyond podcast presented by PNC looks back at the Bob and Tom Show by hitting play on memorable clips and rewinding through the stories behind them. Host Gary Dick revisits highlights with Tom Griswold and features conversations with Bob Kevoian, Kristi Lee, Jimmy “Mad Dog” Matis, Pat Carlini and Mark Patrick. Hear how Bob and Tom’s chemistry took shape, how the cast and characters found their fit, and how the show’s comedy, bits and voices grew alongside Indianapolis. Along the way: Mark Patrick’s impressions, behind the scenes writing routines, the early studio days, and stories tied to the Colts, Peyton Manning and a surprise spin at the Speedway with Al Unser Jr. Subscribe to Business & Beyond with Gerry Dick - https://apple.co/3La5uJn Episodes with the BOB & TOM Show cast: Tom Griswold on the History of the BOB & TOM Show - https://apple.co/49PhMju Bob Kevoian: Radio Legend on Cruise Control - https://apple.co/3Nggg19 Kristi Lee: When Hard Work Meets Opportunity - https://apple.co/4sAXMsq Mark Patrick: Born to Entertain - https://apple.co/4svYwPH Jimmy Mad Dog Matis: Right Place, Right Time with the Right Stuff - https://apple.co/45z7mCc Pat Carlini: From Buckeye to Hoosier, a Media Trailblazer - https://apple.co/4suyjRj The BOB & TOM Show podcast - https://apple.co/4jDtzVA