ThriveIN Wabash County

Destination Wabash County
  • 4.9 (30)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

Hosted by three passionate leaders—Adam Stakeman, Alex Downard, and Christine Flohr—the podcast dives into the people and projects shaping Wabash County’s future. Every episode offers its listeners key takeaways that can be implemented in their own communities and will cause you to pause and celebrate the wins in your own backyard. With backgrounds in community development, economic growth, outdoor adventure, marketing, and tourism, the trio interviews local business owners, nonprofit leaders, and creatives who are all working to make Wabash County thrive. Subscribe and join us!

  1. Rooted in Community: Adam Penrod

    6d ago

    Rooted in Community: Adam Penrod

    On this episode of the ThriveIN Wabash County Podcast, Alex sits down with Adam Penrod, the Town Manager of North Manchester. Adam’s heart for his town and the people who call it home shines through in the way he leads and serves each day. Rooted in a strong work ethic that began on his family’s dairy farm — which is still in operation today — Adam shares how hands-on learning, faith in community, and dedication to service have shaped his leadership journey. A devoted family man known for his integrity and vision, Adam discusses the challenges and opportunities of guiding North Manchester forward while preserving the values that make the town special. Tune in to hear a conversation about leadership, small-town pride, community growth, and the importance of investing in the place you love. If today’s episode inspired you, make sure to subscribe, rate, and download future episodes of the ThriveIN Wabash County Podcast. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments and upcoming stories. A heartfelt thank-you to our community partners—The City of Wabash, Bowen Health, Sandra Kunkel Trust, Mark & Amy Ford, PaperWorks Industries, Lisa Gilman Investment Fund, the Community Foundation of Wabash County, and Visit Wabash County—for helping bring this podcast to life. This podcast is produced in partnership with Destination Wabash County. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your feedback by completing this FORM.

    1 hr
  2. Changing Paths: How Problem Solving Court Is Transforming Lives

    Jun 16

    Changing Paths: How Problem Solving Court Is Transforming Lives

    ThriveIN Host Christine sits down with Judge Benjamin Vanderpool, Judge Robert McCallen, and Probation Officer Abby Schuler for a meaningful conversation about the purpose and positive impact of Problem Solving Court within our local judicial system. Together, they discuss how the program first began, the vision behind it, and how it works to support individuals who are seeking a second chance and a better path forward. Through accountability, structure, and support, Problem Solving Court has helped many participants rebuild their lives and reconnect with their families and community. Listeners will also hear inspiring stories of individuals who chose brighter paths, as well as the dedication and heart of the people leading the charge behind the program. RESOURCES:  https://www.in.gov/courts/local/wabash-county/ https://www.in.gov/courts/committees/ This episode offers a powerful look at how compassion, accountability, and community partnerships can work together to create real and lasting change. If today’s episode inspired you, make sure to subscribe, rate, and download future episodes of the ThriveIN Wabash County Podcast. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments and upcoming stories. A heartfelt thank-you to our community partners—The City of Wabash, Lisa Gilman Investment Fund, Sandra Kunkel Trust, Mark & Amy Ford, PaperWorks Industries, the Community Foundation of Wabash County, and Visit Wabash County—for helping bring this podcast to life. This podcast is produced in partnership with Destination Wabash County. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your feedback by completing this FORM.

    54 min
  3. Fairways & Family: The Legacy of Etna Acres

    Jun 9

    Fairways & Family: The Legacy of Etna Acres

    Golf courses are about more than scorecards — they’re about community and for Etna Acres, FAMILY. In this episode of ThriveIN Wabash County, Adam Stakeman sits down with Devin and JoDee Dale, the owners of Etna Acres Golf Course, to talk about family, entrepreneurship, and the legacy of a small-town golf course. The Dales share the story behind Etna Acres, what it takes to operate a seasonal business in Northeast Indiana, and how their course has become a gathering place for leagues, tournaments, youth golfers, and longtime friends. In this conversation, you’ll hear: The history and evolution of Etna Acres What it’s like running a family-owned golf course The challenges and rewards of small-town entrepreneurship How golf continues to connect generations Their vision for the future of the course Whether you’re an avid golfer, a weekend duffer, or someone who simply values strong local businesses, this episode highlights how places like Etna Acres quietly strengthen the fabric of Wabash County. Support local. Book a tee time. Build community — one round at a time. If today’s episode inspired you, make sure to subscribe, rate, and download future episodes of the ThriveIN Wabash County Podcast. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments and upcoming stories. A heartfelt thank-you to our community partners—The City of Wabash, Lisa Gilman Investment Fund, Sandra Kunkel Trust, Mark & Amy Ford, PaperWorks Industries, the Community Foundation of Wabash County, and Visit Wabash County—for helping bring this podcast to life. This podcast is produced in partnership with Destination Wabash County. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your feedback by completing this FORM⁠ or email us at thrivepod@destinationwabashcounty.com

    56 min
  4. From Wabash to What’s Next

    Jun 2

    From Wabash to What’s Next

    On this episode of the ThriveIN Podcast, Alex sits down with Wabash High School’s 2026 Valedictorian, Victoria Koselke, and Salutatorian, Andrea Stout, to talk about what it’s like growing up and graduating in a small community like Wabash. Victoria and Andrea reflect on the relationships, opportunities, and experiences that shaped their high school journey while sharing gratitude for the teachers, mentors, friends, and community members who supported them along the way. They also discuss their future plans, personal goals, and what the next chapter of life holds after graduation. This inspiring conversation highlights leadership, perseverance, and the impact of community as two outstanding students prepare to take their next steps beyond Wabash High School. If today’s episode inspired you, make sure to subscribe, rate, and download future episodes of the ThriveIN Wabash County Podcast. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments and upcoming stories. A heartfelt thank-you to our community partners—The Lisa Gilman Investment Fund, the Sandra Kunkel Trust, Mark & Amy Ford, PaperWorks Industries, The City of Wabash, Bowen Health, the Community Foundation of Wabash County, and Visit Wabash County—for helping bring this podcast to life. This podcast is produced in partnership with Destination Wabash County. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your feedback by completing this FORM.

    40 min
  5. Carrying the Legacy Forward: Teresa Galley

    May 26

    Carrying the Legacy Forward: Teresa Galley

    On this episode of ThriveIN, Alex sits down with Teresa Galley, Executive Director of the Wabash County Museum, to explore a journey that turned into a calling. From her early days on the Southwood High School Speech Team, serving as an educational outreach program director, to leading the way in museum operations, Teresa’s heart for Wabash County shines brilliantly. She shares how she stepped into the museum world and never looked back. What began as an opportunity quickly became a passion rooted in storytelling, preservation, and community connection. Under her leadership, the museum continues to honor the vision set forth by Wabash County’s legacy builders while boldly evolving into a dynamic, interactive space. This conversation dives into how the museum is more than a place to reflect on the past; it’s an experience designed to engage visitors of all ages, spark curiosity, and inspire stewardship for the future. Teresa highlights how history isn’t just something we look back on, it’s something we actively shape together. Listen in to discover how preserving the past can powerfully shape what comes next. Resources: Wabash County Museum: https://www.wabashmuseum.org/ Research: https://www.wabashmuseum.org/collections Teresa Galley: tgalley@wabashmuseum.org If today’s episode inspired you, make sure to subscribe, rate, and download future episodes of the ThriveIN Wabash County Podcast. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments and upcoming stories. A heartfelt thank-you to our community partners—The City of Wabash, Bowen Health, Sandra Kunkel Trust, Mark & Amy Ford, PaperWorks Industries, the Community Foundation of Wabash County, and Visit Wabash County—for helping bring this podcast to life. This podcast is produced in partnership with Destination Wabash County. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your feedback by completing this FORM.

    56 min
  6. Kyle & Aubrey Williams

    May 19

    Kyle & Aubrey Williams

    What started with a plane ticket to Missouri turned into a life built on partnership, purpose, and entrepreneurship for Kyle and Aubrey Williams. In this episode of the ThriveIN Wabash County Podcast, Christine sits down with the duo to explore their journey—from their early days together to the many ventures they’ve built along the way. From a glass bottle business to real estate, construction, demolition, and even birthing babies, Kyle and Aubrey have embraced a diversified approach to entrepreneurship while raising their daughter and investing in their community. The conversation winds its way down memory lane before landing on their newest and most exciting venture: Fore Seasons Social Club—a space designed to bring people together and create new experiences in Wabash County. This episode is all about taking chances, building boldly, and growing something meaningful—together. Resources: Fore Seasons Social Club: https://www.foreseasonswabash.com/ https://www.facebook.com/foreseasonswabash KWA Holdings:  https://kwarentals.holidayfuture.com/ https://www.facebook.com/kwaholdingsrentals/ Your Hometown Handyman: https://www.facebook.com/yourhometownhandyman85 Aubrey the Doula: www.aubreythedoula.com https://www.facebook.com/aubreythedoula If today’s episode inspired you, make sure to subscribe, rate, and download future episodes of the ThriveIN Wabash County Podcast. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments and upcoming stories. A heartfelt thank-you to our community partners—The City of Wabash, Bowen Health, Sandra Kunkel Trust, Mark & Amy Ford, PaperWorks Industries, the Community Foundation of Wabash County, and Visit Wabash County—for helping bring this podcast to life. This podcast is produced in partnership with Destination Wabash County. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your feedback by completing this FORM.

    1h 13m
  7. Building a Better Wabash Through Green Space

    May 12

    Building a Better Wabash Through Green Space

    What role do parks play in building a thriving community? In this episode of ThriveIN Wabash County, Adam Stakeman sits down with Adam Hall, Superintendent of Wabash City Parks, to discuss the vision and work behind Wabash’s green spaces. They cover the impact of local parks on quality of life, economic development, and public health, along with current improvements and future plans for the parks system. Adam also shares what it takes to manage and maintain public spaces that serve residents year-round. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the community, this conversation highlights how thoughtful investment in green space helps shape a stronger, more connected Wabash. If today’s episode inspired you, make sure to subscribe, rate, and download future episodes of the ThriveIN Wabash County Podcast. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments and upcoming stories. A heartfelt thank-you to our community partners—The City of Wabash, Lisa Gilman Investment Fund, Sandra Kunkel Trust, Mark & Amy Ford, PaperWorks Industries, the Community Foundation of Wabash County, and Visit Wabash County—for helping bring this podcast to life. This podcast is produced in partnership with Destination Wabash County. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your feedback by completing this FORM⁠ or email us at thrivepod@destinationwabashcounty.com

    49 min
  8. Debunking Rural America: Six Myths Holding Us Back

    May 5

    Debunking Rural America: Six Myths Holding Us Back

    In this episode of ThriveIN, Alex and Adam take calls from rural sociologists Tim Slack and Shannon Monnat to discuss their recent article, “Six Myths About Rural America.” For years, rural communities have been shaped by simplified — and often inaccurate — narratives about politics, poverty, opportunity, and decline. Dr. Slack and Dr. Monnat break down six of the most common myths and explain what the data actually reveals about rural life in America today. The conversation explores how these misconceptions influence media coverage, public policy, and even how rural residents see themselves. It also challenges listeners to rethink what they assume they know about small towns and the people who call them home. At ThriveIN, we care deeply about what it means to build strong communities in places like Wabash County. This episode invites you to look beyond the headlines and engage with a more accurate, more nuanced understanding of rural America. If today’s episode inspired you, make sure to subscribe, rate, and download future episodes of the ThriveIN Wabash County Podcast. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments and upcoming stories. A heartfelt thank-you to our community partners—The City of Wabash, Lisa Gilman Investment Fund, Sandra Kunkel Trust, Mark & Amy Ford, PaperWorks Industries, the Community Foundation of Wabash County, and Visit Wabash County—for helping bring this podcast to life. This podcast is produced in partnership with Destination Wabash County. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your feedback by completing this FORM.

    1h 2m
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Trailer

4.9
out of 5
30 Ratings

About

Hosted by three passionate leaders—Adam Stakeman, Alex Downard, and Christine Flohr—the podcast dives into the people and projects shaping Wabash County’s future. Every episode offers its listeners key takeaways that can be implemented in their own communities and will cause you to pause and celebrate the wins in your own backyard. With backgrounds in community development, economic growth, outdoor adventure, marketing, and tourism, the trio interviews local business owners, nonprofit leaders, and creatives who are all working to make Wabash County thrive. Subscribe and join us!

Information

  • Creator
    Destination Wabash County
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    59
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Destination Wabash County
  • Show Website
    ThriveIN Wabash County

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