Hopeful Hoosier Podcast

Kevin Berkopes, Ph.D., is a mathematics educator who believes the current education system formula does not add up to success. He has created Crossroads Education, an Indianapolis based non-profit organization, to help communities and schools deploy a proven new approach combined with the latest technology and thoughtful architecture to create more successful educational outcomes for students.  He also believes that his innovative approach to school construction, which he calls community commons, will revitalize neighborhoods and towns as well as support families and students.  He is confident his approach will usher in a new era in education.  Host Andy Dix interviews Dr. Berkopes from his model learning commons at the offices of Crossroads Education on the near west side of Indianapolis.

Cassie Mecklenburg, Executive Director, Sheltering Wings Domestic Abuse Shelter, in Danville, IN, shares how to recognize and prevent domestic abuse. Cassie also shares her personal success story of how her career chose her. Host Andy Dix interviews Cassie from Sheltering Wings in Danville, IN.

Mike Thibideau, Director of Indiana Workforce Recovery is not only a champion for finding solutions for Indiana's employers and employees who are dealing with drug and alcohol issues in the workplace, he is in recovery himself.  Host Andy Dix interviews Mike from the offices of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce in Indianapolis. 

Debra Des Vignes, Founder of the Indiana Prison Writers Workshop shares her story of finding personal and professional fulfillment through her lifelong dream of fighting for the outcast underdogs by forming her non-profit to give Indiana's offenders the skills and encouragement to write their unique stories. Host Andy Dix interviews Debra from Indianapolis.

John McDonald is Indiana's version of Elon Musk.  He as a crystal clear vision for Indiana's future in a new world created by the Internet of Things (IoT). John shares his take on what the near future will look like in a highly interconnected and networked world.  Data could soon be Indiana's greatest cash crop.  Host Andy Dix interviews John at the offices of ClearObject in Fishers, IN.

Kristi Cundiff (Indiana's Super Foster Mom) shares her insights on the needed improvements in Indiana's child welfare system and how her non-profit organization, Indiana Foster and Adoptive Parents has grown to over 9,000 members in just a couple of years.  Hear how she turned her own family's adversity into hope for Indiana's foster families.

Jennifer Rubenstein is preserving communication in a print format with a delicious looking magazine called Edible INDY.  Jennifer shares their mission as well as how she overcame adversity to establish the elegant print publication in a digital age. Host Andy Dix interviews Jennifer from the Lemon Bar in Zionsville, IN.

Greg and Teresa Overby could be enjoying retirement.  Instead, they are growing a network of 180Xchange recovery groups across Indianapolis to help people overcome all forms of brokenness (alcohol, drugs, pornography, sex, food, gambling and more types of addictions) and recover to living a sane and healthy life again. Host Andy Dix interviews the Overbys from East 91st Street Christian Church.

Kristian Aleixo is an amazing success story of overcoming adversity to pursue your dream.  His is to drive in the Indianapolis 500 mile race someday soon.  When he does he will be the first formerly homeless, diabetic, war veteran, and person of color to do so.  Host Andy Dix interviews Kristian from the Hall of Champions at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Ron Brumbarger, President of Apprentice University is interviewed by Host Andy Dix in Carmel, IN.  Ron shares his story of seeing a need for qualified, college debt-free employees in Indiana.  He believes apprenticeships are the fastest way to launch a young person's career and keep them college debt-free.