The Insight Table Podcast

The Insight Table Podcast

The Insight Table is brought to you by The Veridus Group, where vision turns into action. This podcast brings together the thinking behind how communities, organizations, and leaders plan, decide, and deliver meaningful outcomes. Each episode shares clear perspectives, real-world experience, and practical insight across all three Veridus divisions, helping you move from ideas to impact with confidence. Pull up a chair and join the conversations shaping what comes next.

  1. 5d ago

    Education Leader | Terry Spradlin on School Boards, Student Success, and Indiana’s Education Story

    Terry Spradlin, Executive Director of the Indiana School Boards Association, joins The Insight Table to share his perspective on public education, school board leadership, and the issues shaping Indiana schools. Drawing on more than three decades in education policy, advocacy, and leadership, Terry discusses the role of school boards, the importance of effective governance, and how ISBA works to support school leaders across the state. The conversation explores changes in education policy, career and work-based learning, the evolving role of school boards, and the importance of keeping student outcomes at the center of decision-making. Terry also shares why he believes Indiana has a positive public education story to tell, pointing to improvements in reading, graduation rates, academic performance, and opportunities for students to earn college credit while still in high school. Key Topics: The role of school boards and effective board governanceAdvocacy and the changing education policy landscape in IndianaKeeping student achievement at the center of school leadershipCareer pathways, work-based learning, and preparing students for what comes nextIndiana’s progress in reading, graduation rates, and student achievementChapters: 00:00 Introduction to Terry Spradlin 01:38 A Career in Education Policy and Advocacy 05:43 The Role of the Indiana School Boards Association 11:33 Legislative Priorities and Changes in Public Education 15:36 School Boards, Politics, and Staying Focused on Students 21:15 School Referenda and the Changing Funding Landscape 25:43 Career Pathways and Work-Based Learning 29:56 Strategic Planning and Effective Board Governance 33:51 The “Indiana Miracle” in Public Education 37:42 Telling the Story of Indiana’s Public Schools

  2. Sep 29

    Storyteller | Nate Spangle on Indiana, Community Pride, and the Power of Place

    Nate Spangle joins The Insight Table to share how a passion for storytelling turned into Get Indiana, a growing media platform dedicated to celebrating the people, places, and stories that make Indiana unique. Nate shares the unconventional journey from launching an all-Indiana Indy 500 tailgate to building a business focused on creating positive, engaging content about the state. The episode also explores what Nate has learned while traveling across Indiana, the role storytelling can play in building community pride, and why changing the way people talk about where they live can be an important first step in strengthening communities. Key Topics: Building Get Indiana and turning content creation into a businessDiscovering the people, places, and stories that make Indiana uniqueUsing storytelling to build community prideChanging the way residents talk about the places they call homeThe connection between community identity, investment, and growthChapters: 00:00 Introduction to Nate Spangle 01:33 Nate’s Journey from Small-Town Indiana to Entrepreneurship 05:14 Building an Audience Through Indiana Storytelling 07:17 The All-Indiana Indy 500 Tailgate 11:25 Turning an Idea into Get Indiana 13:36 Building a Modern Indiana Media Company 17:10 Discovering What Makes Indiana Special 20:45 Hidden Gems and Unexpected Stories Across the State 22:57 Changing the Way We Talk About Our Communities 27:35 Indiana History, Identity, and Pride 31:09 Giving Back Through Coaching

  3. Jul 28

    Municipal Leader | Creating Spaces for Everyone with Lora Hemlick

    Lora Helmick joins The Insight Table to share her leadership journey and the innovative work happening within Washington Township Parks. The episode highlights the development of Murphy Aquatic Park, the growing focus on inclusivity and ADA accessibility in parks design, and the importance of creating community-centered recreational spaces. Lora also discusses leadership lessons from more than a decade in parks management and how regional collaboration continues to shape the future of public spaces and community engagement. Key Topics: Community engagement and regional collaborationInclusive park design and ADA accessibilityLeadership lessons in parks and recreationThe impact of Murphy Aquatic ParkBuilding community through public spaces Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Lora Helmick and Her Journey13:51 The Impact of Murphy Aquatic Park21:33 Trends in Parks and Recreation24:32 Leadership Insights and Philosophy

  4. Jul 21

    Superintendent | Leadership, Growth, and Excellence in Pike Township

    Dr. Larry Young joins The Insight Table to discuss leadership, educational innovation, and the evolving future of urban school systems. As superintendent of Pike Township Schools, Dr. Young shares how the district is leveraging diversity, community engagement, and strategic investment to create opportunities for students across Central Indiana. The episode also explores career and technical education initiatives, the impact of the Lilly Endowment grant, the growing role of AI in education, and the importance of building systems that support both equity and long-term student success. Key Topics: Diversity and inclusion in educationCareer and technical education initiativesThe impact of the Lilly Endowment grantAI and technology in modern schoolsLeadership development and community engagement Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Insight Table Podcast01:54 Dr. Larry Young’s Journey to Superintendency04:54 Understanding Pike Township’s Unique School District09:47 Cultural Inclusion and Diversity in Education12:57 Challenges and Opportunities in Education15:48 Career and Technical Education (CTE) Initiatives20:52 Lilly Endowment Grant and Future Projects25:39 Leadership and Mentorship in Education30:38 Personal Insights and Self-Care Practices

  5. Jul 14

    Community Partner | Relationship-Driven Community Engagement

    Dr. Ellen Szarleta joins The Insight Table to discuss the power of community engagement, regional collaboration, and relationship-driven development. Drawing from her experience in academia and public policy, Dr. Szarleta shares how strong community relationships, data-informed decision making, and shared regional strategies can help communities navigate growth, redevelopment, and legislative change. The episode also explores urban renewal, property tax reform, and the importance of building resilient communities that can adapt to future challenges. Key Topics: Community engagement principles and relationship buildingUrban renewal and redevelopment strategiesRegional collaboration and shared community resourcesProperty tax reform and policy impactsData-driven approaches to community development Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Ellen Zarletta04:03 Educational Journey and Early Influences08:13 Understanding Community Engagement11:23 Success Stories in Community Engagement19:20 Urban Renewal vs. Gentrification22:49 The Case for Consolidation28:01 Impact of Senate Enrolled Act 132:21 Personal Insights and Hobbies

  6. Jul 7

    Superintendent | Dr. Jack Parker on AI, Growth, and Schools

    Dr. Jack Parker joins The Insight Table to discuss leadership, strategic growth, and the pursuit of excellence in modern education. As Superintendent of Mount Vernon School District, Dr. Parker shares insights into managing rapid district growth, long-term capital planning, and the importance of building systems that sustain high performance. The episode also explores collaborative initiatives like Amplify Hancock, the evolving impact of technology and AI in schools, and how community partnerships are helping shape the future of education in Indiana. Key Topics: Leadership philosophy and educational excellenceStrategic growth and capital planningAmplify Hancock and community collaborationSchool funding and SEA 1 challengesThe future of education, technology, and AI Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Jack Parker04:22 Growth in Mount Vernon School District07:38 Capital Planning for Future Growth10:28 Amplify Hancock: A Collaborative Project13:30 Striving for Excellence in Education16:43 Navigating SEA-1 and Funding Challenges20:29 The Future of Education and AI23:37 Shooting Sports and Student Development

  7. Jun 30

    Municipal Leader | Ben Lipps on Service, Strategy, and Community

    Ben Lipps joins The Insight Table to share his leadership journey from mowing grass as a teenager to serving as Town Manager for Cumberland, Indiana. The episode explores the realities of local government, the challenges of balancing growth with community needs, and how legislative changes continue to impact municipalities across the state. Ben also discusses staff leadership, working effectively with town councils, and the importance of maintaining balance between public service and personal life. Key Topics: Leadership journey from grounds crew to town managementLegislative impacts on local government and developmentMotivating municipal staff and building team cultureWorking with town councils and community stakeholdersBalancing personal life with public service responsibilities Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Ben Lips and His Journey03:41 Understanding the Role of a Town Manager06:34 Challenges in Town Government09:20 Cumberland’s Unique Geographical and Legislative Landscape12:09 Community Engagement and Local Attractions13:06 Leadership Lessons from Experience19:08 Motivating Town Employees22:20 Interacting with the Town Council26:27 Qualities of an Effective Council Member27:53 Balancing Public and Private Life31:19 Fun Facts About Ben Lips

  8. Jun 23

    Schools | Greg Elkins on the Strategy Behind School Finance

    Greg Elkins joins The Insight Table to break down the complexities of school finance, district growth, and educational leadership in Indiana. Drawing from his experience as a school district CFO, Greg explains how schools are funded, the challenges created by rapid growth, and the long-term impact of legislation like SEA 1. The episode also explores capital planning, TIF districts, leadership lessons from coaching, and the importance of making complicated financial topics understandable for both educators and the community. Key Topics: School funding and finance in IndianaThe impact of SEA 1 legislationManaging school district growth and capital projectsTIF districts and long-term financial planningLeadership lessons from coaching and administration Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Journey of a CFO04:07 Understanding the Role of a CFO in Education07:07 How Schools are Funded: A Deep Dive10:20 Navigating Capital Projects and Growth13:05 The Impact of Legislation on School Funding17:11 The Role of TIF in School Funding20:02 Leadership Lessons from Coaching to Administration23:18 The Importance of Teamwork and Expertise26:12 Conclusion and Reflections on the Future

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The Insight Table is brought to you by The Veridus Group, where vision turns into action. This podcast brings together the thinking behind how communities, organizations, and leaders plan, decide, and deliver meaningful outcomes. Each episode shares clear perspectives, real-world experience, and practical insight across all three Veridus divisions, helping you move from ideas to impact with confidence. Pull up a chair and join the conversations shaping what comes next.

Information

  • Creator
    The Insight Table Podcast
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Insight Table Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Insight Table Podcast

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