Leaders and Legends

Edward Achorn, Author of “The Lincoln Miracle: Inside the Republican Convention that Changed History”

May 22, 2023

It was 163 years ago this month that Abraham Lincoln was somehow, someway nominated for president. On this week’s “Leaders and Legends” podcast, we discuss “The Lincoln Miracle: Inside the...

John C. McManus, Author of “To the End of the Earth: The US Army and the Downfall of Japan, 1945”

May 15, 2023

“To The End of the Earth” is a brilliant and highly-readable account of the United States Army’s heroic campaigns in the Western Pacific during the last year of World War...

Christopher Andersen, Author of “The King: The Life of Charles III”

May 08, 2023

For the first time since 1953 there was a coronation ceremony in England, and billions across the globe watched the pomp and pageantry as Charles III was crowned King of England....

Craig Symonds, Author of “Nimitz at War”

May 01, 2023

One of only four five-star Fleet Admirals in the history of the United States Navy, Chester Nimitz is one of the most consequential and underrated leaders of the Second World...

Michael Seth Starr, Author of “Don Rickles: The Merchant of Venom”

April 24, 2023

He was known as “Mr. Warmth” and Don Rickles’ insulting presence on our television screens lasted seven decades. On this week’s “Leaders and Legends” podcast, we talk with acclaimed author...

Bob Grand

April 17, 2023

Bob Grand is one of the most influential and generous Hoosiers I’ve ever met. He remains a mentor to many, a supporter of charities and candidates, and Bob is this...

Gareth Russell on “The Ship of Dreams: the Sinking of the Titanic and the End of the Edwardian Era”

April 10, 2023

At 11:40pm on April 14, 1912, the RMS Titanic struck an iceberg and sank less than three hours later. In his compelling and delightful book, “The Ship of Dreams: the Sinking of the...

Tevi Troy, Author of “Fight House”

April 03, 2023

Tevi Troy is one of the most popular and respected presidential historians writing today. On this week’s “Leaders and Legends” podcast, Tevi discusses his book “Fight House” which details some...

Steven McGregor, Author of “The Silver Waterfall: How America Won the War in the Pacific at Midway.”

March 27, 2023

The Battle of Midway is universally regarded as one of the watershed naval encounters in world history; but how did the Americans defeat the Japanese so decisively? On this week’s...

Greg Steinmetz, Author of “American Rascal: How Jay Gould Built Wall Street’s Greatest Fortune”

March 20, 2023

On this week’s “Leaders and Legends” podcast, we discuss the untamed world of 19th-century finance (a reoccurring topic it seems); our guest is Greg Steinmetz, author of “American Rascal: How...

Ambassador Ken Adelman, Author of “Reagan at Reykjavik: Forty-Eight Hours that Ended the Cold War”

March 13, 2023

Ambassador Ken Adelman is a legend in the arms control community. On this week’s “Leaders and Legends” podcast, we interview Amb. Adelman about his book “Reagan at Reykjavik: Forty-Eight Hours that...

Jake Oakman, Executive Director of White River State Park

March 06, 2023

Jake Oakman is the executive director of the beautiful White River State Park and one of the most respected communications gurus in the world. We have a fun and funny...

Kate Andersen Brower On Her Book “Elizabeth Taylor: the Grit and Glamour of an Icon”

February 27, 2023

Elizabeth Taylor is on the Mount Rushmore of the entertainment industry’s megastars. On this week’s “Leaders and Legends” podcast, we interview author Kate Andersen Brower about her delightful and fascinating...

Historian Jeff Shesol on His Book “Mercury Rising: John Glenn, JFK, and the New Battleground of the Cold War”

February 20, 2023

How important was John F. Kennedy to the launch of America’s space program and how did John Glenn get to be its first hero? On the week’s “Leaders and Legends”...

Dave Hyde, Co-Author of “Swagger” with Coach Jimmy Johnson

February 13, 2023

Hall of Famer Jimmy Johnson is one of the most successful football coaches in history. Award-winning Florida sports columnist Dave Hyde recently collaborated with Coach Johnson on the latter’s entertaining...

Al Hubbard, Businessman and Entrepreneur

February 06, 2023

For our 200th podcast interview, “Leaders and Legends” presents a conversation with businessman and entrepreneur Al Hubbard. A philanthropist who served in both Bush Administrations, Al is also one of...

Sarah Gristwood, Author of “Elizabeth: The Queen and the Crown”

January 30, 2023

Sarah Gristwood is one of the world’s best-selling historians, and she is our guest on this week’s “Leaders and Legends” podcast. Sarah discusses her writings and research, how female historians...

Scott Sander, Host of WISH-TV’s “Daybreak.”

January 23, 2023

Scott Sander is one of the most respected & genuine of all Hoosier journalists, and he is also this week’s guest on the “Leaders and Legends” podcast. We discuss his...

Martin Dugard, Author of “Taking Berlin: The Bloody Race to Defeat the Third Reich”

January 16, 2023

The end of World War II in Europe is one of the most fascinating topics in military and political history. On this week’s “Leaders and Legends” podcast, best-selling author Martin...

Todd Huston, Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives

January 09, 2023

Representative Todd Huston is the Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives and this week’s guest on the “Leaders and Legends” podcast. Co-host Jim Shella and I talk with Todd...

United States Senator Todd Young

January 02, 2023

Just reelected to the United States Senate (and winning 89 of Indiana’s 92 counties), Todd Young represents Hoosiers with purpose, faith, and distinction. Senator Young was a guest on the...

Former Purdue Coach Gene Keady

December 26, 2022

In honor of Purdue University’s standing as the number one ranked men’s college basketball team in the country, we are reposting our fun and terrific “Leaders and Legends” podcast interview...

Toby McClamroch and John Dillon

December 19, 2022

Toby McClamroch and John Dillon personify what it means to be loyal and close friends—and politics be damned. On this week’s “Leaders and Legends” podcast, we talk with these two...

Historian Taylor Downing on His Book “1942: Winston Churchill and Britain’s Darkest Hour.”

December 12, 2022

Was 1942 the decisive year of World War II? Historian Taylor Downing argues that it is, and he is this week’s guest on the Leaders and Legends podcast. Taylor is...

Will Inboden, Author of “Peacemaker: Ronald Reagan, the Cold War, and the World on the Brink”

December 05, 2022

Dr Will Inboden is author of the brilliant new book “Peacemaker: Ronald Reagan, the Cold War, and the World on the Brink” and he is also our guest on the...

Levi Roach, Author of “Empires of the Normans”

November 28, 2022

Is the history of the Normans more than just the feats of William the Conqueror in 1066? Yes, says Professor Levi Roach. In this week’s “Leaders and Legends” podcast, we...

Remembering Rex Early

November 21, 2022

He was a man as unique as his name: Rexford Carlisle Early. We lost Rex, a former Marine, on Veterans Day, and in tribute the “Leaders and Legends” podcast convened...

Craig Shirley, Biographer of Ronald Reagan

November 14, 2022

Craig Shirley is a prolific and award-winning historian who has chronicled the rise and legacy of Ronald Reagan, the beginning and end of World War II, and is this week’s...

Gareth Russell, Author of “Do Let’s Have Another Drink: the Dry Wit and Fizzy Life of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother”

November 07, 2022

Gareth Russell is a best-selling author and historian who was kind enough to join the “Leaders and Legends” podcast this week to discuss his delightful and funny book: “Do Let’s...

Clint Hill, Secret Service Agent For Jackie Kennedy

October 31, 2022

A few years ago, we posted an interview with President John F. Kennedy Secret Service Agent Clint Hill and his co-author Lisa McCubbin Hill; just this month Agent Hill has...

Dr Nicola Tallis, Author of Uncrowned Queen: The Life of Margaret Beaufort, Mother of the Tudors

October 24, 2022

Dr Nicola Tallis is the author of several books on British history, and she is this week’s guest on the “Leaders and Legends” podcast. We discuss her books on 16th-century...

Dwight Chapin, Author of “The President’s Man: The Memoirs of Nixon’s Trusted Aide”.

October 17, 2022

Dwight Chapin was one of President Richard Nixon’s closest aides both during his political comeback in the late 1960s and while he was president. In part one of a two...

John Wechsler, CEO of Spokenote

October 10, 2022

John Wechsler is one of Indiana’s most impactful and respected entrepreneurs—and he is also this week’s guest on the “Leaders and Legends” podcast. John joins us to talk about how...

Larry Csonka, Super Bowl VIII MVP – Part Two

October 03, 2022

Larry Csonka, Super Bowl VIII MVP - Part Two In part two of our “Leaders and Legends” podcast interview with NFL Hall of Famer and Super Bowl VIII MVP Larry Csonka,...

Larry Csonka, Super Bowl VIII MVP – Part One

September 26, 2022

Larry Csonka is one of the greatest players in NFL history. He is a two-time Super Bowl champion, was named MVP of Super Bowl VIII, and is author of “Head On:...

“Queen Elizabeth II: An Oral History” Authors Deborah Hart Strober and Gerald Strober,

September 19, 2022

The passing of Queen Elizabeth II after reigning for more than 70 years is dominating the media around the globe and tugging at the heart strings of millions of people...

John Gregg, Former Indiana Speaker of the House

September 12, 2022

Former Indiana Speaker of the House and two-time gubernatorial candidate John Gregg is one of the most well-liked, humorous, and accomplished public servants in modern Indiana history. On this week’s...

Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library’s Chris Lafave and Kip Tew

August 29, 2022

Kurt Vonnegut is one of the most brilliant and famous Hoosier writers in our state’s history. On this week’s “Leaders and Legends” podcast our conversation is with Chris Lafave, curator...

Historian Jeff Shesol, Author of “Mutual Contempt: Lyndon Johnson, Robert Kennedy and the Feud that Defined a Decade.”

August 22, 2022

The clash between President Lyndon Johnson and Senator Robert F. Kennedy is the defining political relationship of the 1960s. On this week’s “Leaders and Legends” podcast, we talk with historian...

Janet Allen, Artistic Director and Co-CEO of the Indiana Repertory Theater

August 12, 2022

Earlier this year the wonderful and delightful Janet Allen, Artistic Director and Co-CEO of the Indiana Repertory Theater, announced her retirement after nearly 40 years of service at one of...

Jeffrey Frank, Author of “The Trials of Harry S. Truman: The Extraordinary Presidency of an Ordinary Man, 1945-1953”

August 08, 2022

Probably only Ulysses S. Grant has had a more beneficial and recent historical reappraisal than our 33rd president Harry Truman; on this week’s “Leaders and Legends” podcast historian and journalist...

James Danko, President of Butler

August 01, 2022

In 2011, James Danko became the 21st president of Butler University. On this week’s “Leaders and Legends” podcast, we talk with President Danko about his career, the amazing opportunity to...

Dr Tracy Borman, Author of “Crown & Sceptre: 1000 Years of Kings and Queens”

July 25, 2022

Dr Tracy Borman is one of the world’s best-selling and most-quoted historians of British history. On this week’s “Leaders and Legends” podcast, Dr Borman joins us from the United Kingdom...

Mark K. Updegrove, Author of “Incomparable Grace: JFK in the Presidency”

July 18, 2022

Mark K. Updegrove is a Presidential Historian for ABC News and president and CEO of the LBJ Foundation. He is also this week’s guest on the “Leaders and Legends” podcast;...

Pamela Whitten, President of Indiana University

July 11, 2022

Pamela Whitten is the 19th president of Indiana University and the first female to serve in this prestigious position. On this week’s “Leaders and Legends” podcast, President Whitten discusses her...

Historian Stephen Moore on General George S. Patton

July 04, 2022

As we celebrate our Fourth of July holiday, the “Leaders and Legends” podcast present a discussion with the author of a terrific book on General George S. Patton. Historian Stephen...

Niki Kelly, Editor-in-Chief of The Capital Chronicle

June 27, 2022

Niki Kelly is one of the most respected journalists in our state. She was recently announced as the editor-in-chief of “The Capital Chronicle”—the Indiana bureau of the States Newsroom. Our...

Rafael Sanchez, WRTV 6 Journalist

June 20, 2022

Rafael Sanchez is one of our state’s best-known television journalists. He is also this week’s guest on the “Leaders and Legends” podcast. We discuss his career, some of the biggest...

YouTubers Asia and BJ

June 13, 2022

"Reaction videos” are all over YouTube and for good reason—they are wonderful, insightful, and a needed reminder that music unites us all. On this week’s “Leaders and Legends” podcast, we...

Catherine Ostler, Author of “The Duchess Countess”

June 06, 2022

As the saying goes, “well-behaved women rarely make history,” and the subject of this week’s podcast, Elizabeth Chudleigh, certainly fits the description. Catherine Ostler, author of “The Duchess Countess,” is...

Remembering Richard Hall

May 23, 2022

One of my favorite interviews since starting the “Leaders and Legends” podcast featured Richard Hall; a kidnap victim of Tony Kiritsis in 1977, Hall detailed not only that harrowing experience,...

Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, Journalist

May 16, 2022

Abdul-Hakim Shabazz is a host unto himself. Journalist, commentator, master of ceremonies, and a one-man media empire, Abdul joins us on the “Leaders and Legends” podcast to discuss his love...

Andrew Jackson O’Shaughnessy, Author of “The Men Who Lost America”

May 09, 2022

Why did Great Britain lose the American Revolutionary War? Was it poor leadership or just a lack thereof? Andrew Jackson O’Shaughnessy is this week’s guest on the “Leaders and Legends”...

Remembering Former Marion County Sheriff Frank Anderson

May 02, 2022

Former Marion County Sheriff Frank Anderson passed away last week. Elected to the office twice, his eight years as sheriff served as the culmination of an honorable and decades-long career...

Brian Bosma, Former Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives

April 25, 2022

Brian Bosma served as speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives for more years than anyone in our state’s history. He is also this week’s guest on the “Leaders and...

Milt Thompson, Indianapolis Entrepreneur, Civic Leader, and Philanthropist

April 18, 2022

Milt Thompson is simply in a class by himself—entrepreneur, civic leader, philanthropist, the list goes on.  Milt is this week’s guest on the “Leaders and Legends” podcast.  We talk about...

David Benner, former director of media relations for the Indiana Pacers

April 11, 2022

The amazing career of David Benner, who is retiring after 28 years as director of media relations for the Indiana Pacers, is getting some well-deserved attention and accolades. He set...

Derek Schultz, Sports Commentator

April 04, 2022

Derek Schultz’s sports commentary is “must-hear” radio in the Hoosier State. Derek is this week’s guest on the “Leaders and Legends” podcast. Please listen as we discuss as many sports...

John Ferling, Historian and Author of “Winning Independence”

March 28, 2022

Professor John Ferling is one of the world’s leading authorities on the American Revolution and has appeared on the History Channel, PBS, C-SPAN, and many more outlets. He is this...

Roger Harvey, Former TV Journalist

March 21, 2022

Roger Harvey is one of the best public relations professionals I’ve ever met—but he also had an award-winning career as a television journalist before joining Bose Public Affairs. Roger is...

Patty Martin, CEO of BioCrossroads

March 14, 2022

Patty Martin is one of our state’s most accomplished and respected leaders. She is also this week’s guest on the “Leaders and Legends” podcast. Patty talks about being CEO of...

Katja Hoyer, Author of “Blood and Iron: The Rise and Fall of the German Empire”

March 07, 2022

Katja Hoyer’s new book, “Blood and Iron: The Rise and Fall of the German Empire”, was published in 2021 to incredibly positive reviews. Her book is just terrific. On this...

Dan Coats, former US senator and director of national intelligence, on Ukraine

February 28, 2022

In the first of a two-part podcast interview, former Indiana Senator and Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats dissects the latest news from the war in Ukraine, the world’s response...

Gregg Doyel, Sports Columnist for The Indianapolis Star

February 21, 2022

Gregg Doyel is the sports columnist for The Indianapolis Star and this week’s guest on the “Leaders and Legends” podcast. Just like with his writing, Gregg pulls no punches when...

Historian Willard Sterne Randall on his book “The Founders Fortunes: How Money Shaped the Birth of America”

February 14, 2022

How did the American Revolution affect the financial prospect of men like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson?  In his latest book “The Founders Fortunes: How Money Shaped the Birth of America” award-winning historian Willard...

John Thompson, Chairman of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce

February 07, 2022

John Thompson is one of our state’s leading entrepreneurs and respected civic leaders. He is also this week’s guest on the “Leaders and Legends” podcast. We talk with John about...

Brad Tolinski, Author of “Light and Shade: Conversations with Jimmy Page.”

January 31, 2022

If you love Led Zeppelin, then I hope you will also love this week’s podcast with author Brad Tolinski—he comes on the “Leaders and Legends” podcast to discuss his book...

Chris Jensen, Mayor of Noblesville

January 24, 2022

In 2019 proud Miller Chris Jensen was elected mayor of Noblesville. His resume also includes working for Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman and serving as the executive director of the 2016...

Ann Murtlow, President and CEO at United Way of Central Indiana

January 17, 2022

Ann Murtlow’s leadership has made a significant difference for so many people around our state and beyond. In her first in-depth interview since announcing her retirement as President and CEO...

Dana Hunsinger Benbow, Sports Reporter for The Indianapolis Star

January 10, 2022

Dana Hunsinger Benbow is this week’s guest on the “Leaders and Legends” podcast. Dana is a sports reporter for The Indianapolis Star who writes consistently compelling prose about our Hoosier...

George Will, Columnist for the Washington Post

January 03, 2022

George Will is one of the most respected commentators and famous baseball fans in the United States—and he’s also 2022’s first guest on the “Leaders and Legends” podcast. We talked...

Our 2021 Retrospective with Robert Vane and Chris Spangle

December 27, 2021

While 2021 has had its share of disappointing moments, we at the “Leaders and Legends” podcast were honored to have some amazing guests come on to discuss their careers, research,...

Brad Chambers, Indiana’s Secretary of Commerce

December 20, 2021

Brad Chambers is Indiana’s Secretary of Commerce, the CEO of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, and one of our state’s most successful business and civic-minded leaders. On this week’s “Leaders...

Dr. Neil Lanctot, Author of “The Approaching Storm: Roosevelt, Wilson, Addams and Their Clash Over America’s Future”

December 13, 2021

Dr. Neil Lanctot is the author of a new book on the United States' entry into World War I, and he’s also our guest on this week’s “Leaders and Legends”...

Evan Bayh, Former Governor and Senator of Indiana

December 06, 2021

Evan Bayh is one of only two Hoosiers to win statewide elective office at least five times. He was a governor, a United States Senator, and now we’re happy to...

Willard Sterne Randall on the Founding Fathers

November 29, 2021

Willard Sterne Randall is one of America’s most eminent historians of the Colonial and Revolutionary Era. He makes the first of two appearances on the “Leaders and Legends” podcast to...

Brad Tolinski, Author of “Eruption: Conversations with Eddie Van Halen”

November 22, 2021

Former Guitar World magazine editor-in-chief Brad Tolinski is one of the world’s most famous and respected music journalists. He appears on this week’s “Leaders and Legends” podcast to discuss his...

Becky Skillman, Former Lt. Governor of Indiana

November 15, 2021

Becky Skillman served Hoosiers with distinction as their 49th lieutenant governor—but her career was remarkable long before she joined Mitch Daniels’ ticket in 2004. She held several elected offices and...

Professor Allen Guelzo on Robert E. Lee

November 08, 2021

Professor Allen Guelzo of Princeton University is one of our country’s pre-eminent scholars of the American Civil War. On this week’s “Leaders and Legends” podcast, Dr Guelzo discusses his new,...

Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana’s first Secretary of Education

November 01, 2021

Dr. Katie Jenner is Indiana’s first Secretary of Education and this week’s guest on the “Leaders and Legends” podcast with our co-host, CEO of Girl Scouts of Central Indiana and...

Historian Michael Dobbs, Author of “One Minute to Midnight”

October 25, 2021

In October 1962, the United States and the Soviet Union stood on the brink of mutual nuclear annihilation. Historian Michael Dobbs returns to the “Leaders and Legends” podcast to discuss...

Murray Clark and Kip Tew, Former State Chairs of the Republican and Democratic Parties of Indiana (Respectively)

October 18, 2021

The list of my political friends who have fought the good fight is a long one for sure. Today on the “Leaders and Legends” podcast we chat with my former...

David Benner, Director of Media Relations for the Indiana Pacers

October 04, 2021

David Benner is the director of Media Relations for the Indiana Pacers who just announced he’s retiring at the end of the coming NBA season. For 27 years, David has set...

Dr Suzannah Lipscomb, Host of “Not Just the Tudors”

September 27, 2021

Dr. Suzannah Lipscomb is one of the world’s most popular British historians with a social media following of more than 200,000 people. She received her Ph.D. from Oxford University and...

Claudia Cummings, President and CEO of the Indiana Philanthropy Alliance

September 20, 2021

Claudia Cummings’ career is a model of public sector and philanthropic service. Claudia joins us on the “Leaders and Legends” podcast to discuss some of the things she’s learned along...

Paul Page, Author of “Hello, I’m Paul Page and it’s Race Day in Indianapolis”

September 13, 2021

Paul Page is one of Indianapolis’ most endearing and enduring sports journalists. His career as the “Voice of the Indianapolis 500” spanned decades, and he comes on the “Leaders and...

Dr. Craig Symonds, American Naval and Military History

September 06, 2021

Dr. Craig Symonds is a brilliant and best-selling historian of American naval and military history. He’s also written about D-Day and the Battle of Gettysburg among other works. Professor Symonds...

Remembering Congresswoman Julia Carson

August 30, 2021

Congresswoman Julia Carson broke down barriers while building up the people and opportunities in her district. Her grandson, Congressman Andre Carson, and her long-time friend Cordelia Lewis-Burks join Jim Shella...

Cathy Langham, Owner and President of Langham Logistics, Inc.

August 23, 2021

Cathy Langham is one of the most respected and successful entrepreneurs in all of Indiana, and she’s also this week’s guest on the “Leaders and Legends” podcast. Joined by our...

Notre Dame Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick

August 16, 2021

Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick is one of the most accomplished and respected civic leaders in the history of modern Indianapolis (and Indiana). Jack is our guest on this...

Michael Dobbs, Author of “King Richard: Nixon and Watergate: An American Tragedy”

August 09, 2021

It was 47 years ago today that embattled Richard Nixon resigned the presidency due to the scandals collectively known as Watergate. In Michael Dobbs’ brilliant new book, “King Richard: Nixon...

Al Unser, Jr., Two-Time Winner of the Indy 500

August 02, 2021

Al Unser, Jr. is not only a two-time champion of the Indianapolis 500, a scion of one of racing’s greatest families, and one of the most popular drivers in the...

Historian Fergus Bordewich on His Book “Congress At War”

July 26, 2021

Abraham Lincoln gets most of the attention given for political and governmental leadership during the American Civil War and deservedly so. The role of Congress during the war, however, is...

Gerry Dick, Host of “Inside Indiana Business”

July 19, 2021

Gerry Dick’s career on Indiana television spans decades. On this week’s “Leaders and Legends” podcast, we talk with the host of “Inside Indiana Business” about his career in journalism, some...

Fred Glass, Former Vice President and Director of Athletics at Indiana University

July 12, 2021

Fred Glass is one of the most respected civic leaders in Modern Indianapolis. He also served as a Vice President and athletic director at his alma mater, Indiana University. On this week’s...

Ted Widmer, author of ‘Lincoln on the Verge’

July 05, 2021

Abraham Lincoln’s journey to Washington, D.C., to take the oath of office was the most dangerous in history. In his book “Lincoln on the Verge”, professor Ted Widmer details Lincoln’s...

Frank Anderson, Former Marion County Sheriff and United States Marshal

June 28, 2021

Frank Anderson has one of the most impressive careers in public service that I’ve ever encountered. The former Marion County sheriff and United States Marshal joins the “Leaders and Legends”...

Michael Huber, CEO of the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce

June 21, 2021

Our friend Michael Huber had me on his “Michael Loves Indy” podcast a little while ago and this week we return the favor; Michael is the president and CEO of...

Paul Lushin, Founder and CEO of Lushin, Inc

June 14, 2021

Paul Lushin has had one of the most varied and interesting entrepreneurial careers I’ve ever encountered. As founder and CEO of Lushin, Inc, Paul has helped transform and grow companies all...