Behind the Region

Hosted by South Bend Regional Chamber

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Episodes

142

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

What’s happening to spur economic vitality in the South Bend, Indiana, Region, and surrounding areas? And who are the people behind these efforts? We'll dive deeper beyond the headlines to keep you informed on the people and businesses making things happen in the region. You’ll hear casual and candid conversations with real people—business and community leaders driving the region forward. Hear authentic, unscripted stories from entrepreneurs, business owners, elected officials, and more!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 12, 202630 min

Carl Buchanon - Fire Chief at City of South Bend

Send us Fan MailToday, we're joined by Chief Carl Buchanon of the South Bend Fire Department. Chief Buchanon has dedicated his career to public service and leadership, helping ensure the safety and well-being of South Bend residents while guiding one of the region's most vital public institutions.In this conversation, we'll discuss his journey in the fire service, the evolving role of today's fire department, the challenges and opportunities facing emergency responders, and how the South Bend Fire Department continues to serve and strengthen our community.

June 5, 202630 min

Mayor James Mueller - Mayor, City of South Bend

Send us Fan Mail Today, we're joined by South Bend Mayor James Mueller. Since taking office in 2020, Mayor Mueller has led efforts focused on economic development, neighborhood investment, public safety, and continued innovation across the city. We'll discuss the opportunities and challenges facing South Bend, the city's role in the region's growth, and what's ahead for residents, businesses, and community partners.

May 29, 202630 min

Brian Dodge - Vice President and General Manager of WSBT TV

Send us Fan Mail Today we’re joined by a leader in regional media and broadcasting, Brian Dodge, Vice President and General Manager of WSBT.With decades of experience in television, journalism, and community engagement, Brian has played a key role in keeping audiences informed while helping local media evolve in a rapidly changing landscape. From covering the stories that matter most to leading one of the region’s most recognizable stations, Brian brings a unique perspective on leadership, communication, and the future of local news.Today, we’ll talk about the changing media environment, the importance of trusted local journalism, community impact, and what it takes to lead in an industry that never stops moving.

May 22, 202630 min

Michelle Bryant - Managing Partner at Premier Planning Partners

Send us Fan Mail Today we’re joined by Michelle Bryant from Premier Planning Partners. Michelle brings a wealth of experience in financial planning, leadership, and helping individuals and businesses prepare for long-term success.In this episode, we’ll talk about financial confidence, planning for the future, and the important role strong businesses and smart leadership play in building a thriving region. Michelle also shares insights from her professional journey and what she’s seeing in today’s economic landscape.

May 15, 202630 min

Brian Pappas - Chancellor of Indiana University South Bend

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Behind the Region, the podcast from the South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce, where we explore the leaders, ideas, and innovations shaping our region’s future.Today, we’re joined by Brian Pappas, Chancellor of Indiana University South Bend. Chancellor Pappas has been a strong advocate for higher education, workforce development, and community partnerships across Northern Indiana. In this conversation, we’ll discuss the evolving role of regional universities, how IUSB is preparing students for today’s workforce, and the opportunities ahead for South Bend and the surrounding region.

May 8, 202630 min

Dee McDonald PHD - President of Bethel University

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Behind the Region, the podcast from the South Bend Regional Chamber where we explore the leaders, ideas, and institutions shaping the future of our region.Today we’re joined by Dee McDonald, president of Bethel University. In this conversation, we’ll talk about the evolving role of higher education in regional growth, how Bethel is preparing students for today’s workforce, and why collaboration between education, business, and community leaders matters more than ever.We’ll also hear Dee’s perspective on leadership, innovation, and what makes the South Bend region a place where students, employers, and families can thrive.

May 1, 202629 min

Ian Book - Notre Dame Football Standout- OSMC Athlete Partner - Director of Investor Relations Golden Legacy Partners

Send us Fan MailToday’s episode features a special guest with deep ties to both our region and the national stage—Ian Book. Many know Ian for his standout career at the University of Notre Dame, where he became one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in program history. But his story doesn’t stop on the field.We’ll dive into Ian’s journey from college football to the professional level, and how his experiences have shaped his work today with OSMC and Golden Legacy Partners. Along the way, we’ll talk about leadership, resilience, and the role athletes can play in strengthening regional communities.Whether you’re a sports fan, a business leader, or someone passionate about the South Bend region, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

April 24, 202614 min

Jesse Oñate - Owner of JC's Coal Oven Pizza in Granger

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Behind the Region, the podcast from the South Bend Regional Chamber, where we explore the people, stories, and ideas shaping our local economy and community.Today we’re joined by a guest who’s bringing a unique flavor—and a lot of passion—to the region’s food scene. Jesse Onate, owner of JC’s Coal Oven Pizza Co., has carved out a niche with his commitment to authentic coal-fired pizza and a dedication to quality that keeps customers coming back.In this episode, we’ll talk with Jesse about his journey into the restaurant industry, what inspired him to start JC’s Coal Oven Pizza Co., and the challenges and rewards of building a business in our region. We’ll also dive into what makes coal oven pizza so special, and how local entrepreneurs like Jesse are helping define the character and growth of the South Bend area.

April 17, 202621 min

Jon Backstrom - Backstrom Insurance Group

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Behind the Region, the podcast from the South Bend Regional Chamber, where we go beyond the headlines to explore the people, businesses, and ideas shaping our community.Today we’re joined by Jon Backstrom of Backstrom Insurance Group. Jon brings deep experience in the insurance industry and a strong commitment to serving businesses and families across our region. In this episode, we’ll talk about the evolving landscape of insurance, what local organizations need to be thinking about right now, and how strong relationships and trust continue to drive success in a changing market.Jon also shares insights into leadership, risk management, and what it takes to build a resilient business.

April 10, 202626 min

Vahid Sadrzadeh - Co-Founder of VSR Media

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Behind the Region, the podcast from the South Bend Regional Chamber, where we go beyond the headlines to explore the people, ideas, and businesses shaping our region’s future.In this episode, we’re joined by Vahid Sadrzadeh, co-founder of VSR Media. Vahid shares his journey into media, storytelling, and entrepreneurship—along with insights on how video and digital content are transforming the way businesses connect with their audiences.We dive into: The power of storytelling in today’s marketing landscape How businesses can leverage video to stand out Trends shaping the future of media and content creation Lessons learned from building a creative business in the region As always, this is a candid conversation with one of the leaders helping drive innovation and growth across Northern Indiana.Vahid has built a reputation for his passionate and insightful coverage, including his work following Notre Dame football, where he brings fans closer to the action with thoughtful analysis and storytelling.