• Mitch Daniels on Leadership, Humility, and the Power of Friendship
    Nov 4 2025
    Former Indiana Governor and Purdue University President Mitch Daniels joins Citizen 7’s Coffee & Connection for a candid fireside chat on leadership, humility, and civic renewal. Daniels reflects on lessons from history, mentors such as Calvin Coolidge, and his experiences leading Eli Lilly, Purdue, and the state of Indiana. He shares personal stories about culture, friendship, and the importance of local action to strengthen communities.
    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
  • How Edna Martin Christian Center and Shepherd Community Center Empower Indy’s East Side
    Oct 13 2025
    Four years ago, a bold idea took root: what if philanthropy could break down barriers rather than create dependency? That idea sparked a powerful partnership between Edna Martin Christian Center and Shepherd Community Center, helping Eastside Indy neighbors move from just any job to better jobs — and into lasting careers. In this special live episode of Big Hearted Indy, hosts Greg Enas, Don Palmer, and Chris Spangle talk with Brittany Keno (Edna Martin) and Andrew Green (Shepherd) about their collaborative “barrier-busting” approach, how faith drives their community work, and what happens when organizations serve with neighbors, not for them. Hear real stories of transformation, the impact of Citizen 7’s job fund, and why relationship—not handouts—is the key to lasting change.
    Show More Show Less
    57 mins
  • Sam Odle and Mike Smith on the Seven Essentials to End Poverty, Faith, Leadership, and Friendship
    Oct 12 2025
    At this Citizen 7 After-Hours Fireside Chat, civic leaders Sam Odle and Mike Smith share powerful stories of leadership, faith, and friendship that have shaped Indianapolis for decades. Odle, former COO of IU Health and IPS board member, reflects on his 76 years in the city—from growing up in segregated Indianapolis to helping build one of the nation’s leading health systems. Joined by longtime friend and former Anthem CFO Mike Smith, the two discuss poverty, mentorship, healthcare reform, civic renewal, and the importance of cross-racial relationships and community trust. Hear their wisdom on the “seven essentials” to rise out of poverty, how faith shapes their leadership, and why building social capital is the key to helping Indianapolis flourish.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
  • Pastor Aaron Brockett on Biblical Masculinity and What It Means to Be a Man
    Sep 29 2025
    Aaron Brockett, lead pastor of Traders Point Christian Church in Indianapolis, shares a message on biblical masculinity, strength under control, and the cultural challenges men face today at our most recent Coffee & Connections. Drawing on Scripture, real-life examples, and personal stories, he contrasts harmful, diluted masculinity with redemptive, directed masculinity. Brockett unpacks the call to “be a man” from 1 Kings 2, explores the core struggles of men, and points to Jesus as the model for authentic manhood. Join us at the next one: https://citizen7indy.com/#rec736856881
    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • Kristian Andersen and Thad Cockrell on friendship, risk, music and ‘The Kid’
    Sep 1 2025
    Hosts Greg Enas and Chris Spangle sit down with Kristian Andersen, co-founder of High Alpha, and Nashville singer-songwriter Thad Cockrell for a raw, live conversation about friendship, courage, and community in Indianapolis. Andersen shares how decades-long bonds—born at a Christian sports camp—shaped his life and leadership, while Cockrell explains why he made The Kid and sells it directly for $99, pushing back on music-industry economics after a Tonight Show break sparked by Jimmy Fallon. Plus: why vulnerability fuels real relationships, how risk builds grit, and where to buy The Kid (thadcockrell.com).
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Gina Fears on Martindale-Brightwood’s future: Youth, faith and the 2025–2030 quality-of-life plan
    Aug 30 2025
    Hosts Aaron Story and Greg Enas sit down at COhatch Polk Stables in Indianapolis with community leader Gina Fears, Peer Innovation Manager at Mental Health America Indiana’s ICAADA, MHAI Stanley W. DeKemper Training Institute. Fears shares her roots near 36th and Ralston, reflects on Martindale and Brightwood history, and explains how faith, active listening and resident engagement drive the 2025–2030 Martindale-Brightwood Quality-of-Life Plan. She highlights youth engagement— including a student film, The Sound of Love—and a strong focus on mental health. The conversation touches on partners such as Edna Martin Christian Center, KIPP, neighborhood associations (including One Voice), and how residents can join monthly priority meetings and town halls. Fears notes the plan is certified by the city and available via the Department of Metropolitan Development. 00:00 Welcome & Introductions 03:00 Meet Gina Fears: Community Roots 06:00 Life in Martindale-Brightwood: Family & History 13:00 Overcoming Challenges & Building Business 18:00 Community Transformation: Railroads & Resilience 24:00 The Power of Relationship-Building 29:00 Youth Engagement & The Sound of Love 34:00 Quality of Life Plan: Vision & Priorities 40:00 Resident Engagement & Community Challenges 45:00 Churches, Asset-Based Approaches, and Neighborhood Ownership 49:00 Journey to Joy: Faith & Final Reflections 51:00 Closing Thoughts & Next Steps
    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
  • Bob Grand and Mandy Pietrykowski on Little Red Door: Fighting Cancer with Care, Camp, & Community
    Aug 13 2025
    On this episode of Big Hearted Indy, hosts Greg Enas, Chris Spangle, and Don Palmer talk with Bob Grand and Mandy Pietrykowski, CEO of Little Red Door Cancer Agency, about the nonprofit’s mission to serve medically underserved Hoosiers with cancer. They discuss the impact of programs like transportation assistance, nutrition support, and Camp Little Red Door, as well as the personal stories that fuel their passion for making the most of life and the least of cancer.
    Show More Show Less
    57 mins
  • Darren Ho and Wes Cate on Helping Men Flourish
    Jul 13 2025
    In this special episode of Big Hearted Indy, hosts Don Palmer, Chris Spangle, and Greg Enas welcome executive coaches Darren Ho and Wes Cate for a deep conversation on how men can grow into lives of meaning, purpose, and impact. They discuss how personal character shapes leadership, marriage, and community life—and why coaching, mentorship, and friendship are essential for flourishing in today’s world. Through vulnerable stories and practical insights, Wes and Darren explore how to navigate life’s inflection points, build habits of presence and rest, and stay grounded in identity while leading others. The group also introduces two new cohort groups launching this fall through Citizen 7, designed to help men grow in marriage, family, and transitions. 🕒 Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction: A New Season of Big Hearted Indy 02:10 – Don on “Zinger Questions” That Shape Us 06:04 – Meet Wes Cate: From Curiosity to Coaching 10:45 – Darren Ho’s Cross-Cultural Story and Calling 18:40 – Coaching Men Through Change and Isolation 23:58 – What Is a Core Value and Why It Matters 29:15 – Dealing with Burnout, Overwhelm, and Character Gaps 34:30 – Coaching vs. Mentoring: Key Differences 38:05 – How to Ask for Mentorship Without Pressure 42:20 – Cohorts Preview: Marriage, Career, and Life Transitions 48:00 – The Mistakes That Hold Men Back 50:00 – Daily Habits to Cultivate Presence and Reflection 54:12 – Why Rest and Delight Are Non-Negotiable 58:35 – Flourishing in Male-Female Partnerships 1:03:10 – How to Get Involved with Citizen Seven 🔗 Learn more: https://citizen7indy.com 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations about male friendship, faith, and flourishing. Hashtags: #BigHeartedIndy #MensGrowth #ChristianLeadership #ExecutiveCoaching #CitizenSeven #Indianapolis #FaithInAction #Flourishing #RestoredLeader #CreatioSpace #Mentorship #CharacterFormation
    Show More Show Less
    47 mins