The NEI Pioneer Podcast

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Aug 2026

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The NEI Pioneer Podcast is a bi-weekly podcast powered by the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership’s Pioneer Starts Here platform. The podcast showcases and shares the stories of Northeast Indiana. It explores the journey of the pioneers of the region and how they got to where they are today. The target demographic of this podcast is multi-dimensional. It hopes to connect with business leader, as well as everyday people in the 11-county region it serves. It plans to also pique the interest of business leaders outside the region who are looking for a place to expand or relocate their business. Created and hosted by Jonathan Sackett.

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September 9, 202652 min

JA of Northeast Indiana: Innovative Education Starts Here

On this episode of The NEI Pioneer Podcast, Copywriter and Brand Strategist Brice Vance welcomes three experienced team members from Junior Achievement, including Karen Cooper, Vice President of Experiential Learning Centers, Ashley Adamson, Work Readiness Director, and Nicole Winans, 3DE Senior Director! They give us an inside look at everything Junior Achievement offers, including JA Biztown, Finance Park, 3DE, and Legacy Park. Junior Achievement designs unique learning experiences with the end in mind: real outcomes for students. To learn more about Junior Achievement: https://northernindiana.ja.org/ The NEI Pioneer Podcast is an internationally acclaimed biweekly podcast powered by the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership’s Pioneer Starts Here platform. The podcast showcases and shares the stories of resilience and perseverance from Northeast Indiana. \ Do you know someone in Northeast Indiana with a story to tell? Nominate them to be a guest on the NEI Pioneer Podcast! Nominate here: https://pioneerstartshere.com/nominate/ 🎙 Listen to the podcast here: https://pioneerstartshere.com/podcast/ ▶︎ Follow Us on Social LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/company/neindiana/ X https://twitter.com/NortheastIN Instagram https://www.instagram.com/northeast_in/ Facebook https://facebook.com/neindiana.com ▶︎ Visit https://neindiana.com/ to learn more about NEI. #nei #mynei #pioneerstartshere #fortwayne #podcast #juniorachievement #ja #education #experientialeducation #job #career #work #school

August 26, 202647 min

Dawn Rosemond: The Journey of Being the First

On this episode of The NEI Pioneer Podcast, Chief MarCom and Brand Officer Jonathan Sackett and Multimedia Manager Callie Herring welcome Firm Strategic Pillars Partner at Barnes & Thornburg, Dawn Rosemond! Part of Indiana legal history, Dawn is the first African American woman to rise from associate to equity partner at Barnes & Thornburg and, reportedly, in the state of Indiana. Dawn is a published author of Boss Presence and a national keynote speaker on leadership, mindset, and professional development. She also serves as Counsel to the President of the Indiana State Bar Association. What we find out from her is why she wanted to be a lawyer at the age of 11, how she ended up at Barnes & Thornburg, how she created her own role at the firm, and how she found her purpose along the way. To learn more about Dawn and Barnes & Thornburg: https://btlaw.com/en The NEI Pioneer Podcast is an internationally-acclaimed bi-weekly podcast powered by the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership’s Pioneer Starts Here platform. The podcast showcases and shares the stories of resilience and perseverance from Northeast Indiana. Do you know someone in Northeast Indiana with a story to tell? Nominate them to be a guest on the NEI Pioneer Podcast! Nominate here: https://pioneerstartshere.com/nominate/ 🎙 Listen to the podcast here: https://pioneerstartshere.com/podcast/ ▶︎ Follow Us on Social LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/company/neindiana/ X https://twitter.com/NortheastIN Instagram https://www.instagram.com/northeast_in/ Facebook https://facebook.com/neindiana.com ▶︎ Visit https://neindiana.com/ to learn more about NEI. #nei #mynei #pioneerstartshere #fortwayne #podcast #law #lawyer #purpose #author #culture #integration #sponsorship

July 22, 202653 min

Becca Graf: This Place Will Be a Housing Model Used Nationally

On this episode of The NEI Pioneer Podcast, Copywriter and Brand Strategist Brice Vance welcomes Becca Graf, Executive Director of CASS Housing! Becca talks about how CASS Housing and its unique housing solutions empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to maximize their potential and grow in their independence. She discusses how CASS Academy started and how important the program is to the success of their organization. Finally, she tells us how CASS Housing can be a model for other organizations doing similar projects around the country. To learn more about Becca and CASS Housing: https://www.casshousing.org/ The NEI Pioneer Podcast is an internationally-acclaimed bi-weekly podcast powered by the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership’s Pioneer Starts Here platform. The podcast showcases and shares the stories of resilience and perseverance from Northeast Indiana. Do you know someone in Northeast Indiana with a story to tell? Nominate them to be a guest on the NEI Pioneer Podcast! Nominate here: https://pioneerstartshere.com/nominate/ 🎙 Listen to the podcast here: https://pioneerstartshere.com/podcast/ ▶︎ Follow Us on Social LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/company/neindiana/ X https://twitter.com/NortheastIN Instagram https://www.instagram.com/northeast_in/ Facebook https://facebook.com/neindiana.com ▶︎ Thanks to our sponsors for making this podcast possible. Grace College https://www.grace.edu/ ▶︎ Visit https://neindiana.com/ to learn more about NEI. #nei #mynei #pioneerstartshere #fortwayne #podcast #accessibility #disability #advocacy #inclusionmatters #inclusion #housing #housingmarket #house #academy #learning #lifeskills

July 8, 202633 min

Zach Groth: The Scoop Behind the News Reporter

On this episode of The NEI Pioneer Podcast, Chief MarCom and Brand Officer Jonathan Sackett and Copywriter and Brand Strategist Brice Vance welcome Zach Groth from @21AliveNews ! Zach is a Media Executive and Lifestyle Host with 21 Alive, and he shares how he got his start in broadcasting at a young age, how he got to Fort Wayne, and why he decided to put down roots in Fort Wayne. He also tells his favorite stories and if he still gets the itch to stand on the sidelines on a Friday night in Northeast Indiana. To learn more about Zach: https://www.21alivenews.com/authors/ZachGroth/ The NEI Pioneer Podcast is an internationally-acclaimed bi-weekly podcast powered by the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership’s Pioneer Starts Here platform. The podcast showcases and shares the stories of resilience and perseverance from Northeast Indiana. Do you know someone in Northeast Indiana with a story to tell? Nominate them to be a guest on the NEI Pioneer Podcast! Nominate here: https://pioneerstartshere.com/nominate/ 🎙 Listen to the podcast here: https://pioneerstartshere.com/podcast/ ▶︎ Follow Us on Social LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/company/neindiana/ X https://twitter.com/NortheastIN Instagram https://www.instagram.com/northeast_in/ Facebook https://facebook.com/neindiana.com ▶︎ Thanks to our sponsors for making this podcast possible. Grace College https://www.grace.edu/ ▶︎ Visit https://neindiana.com/ to learn more about NEI. #nei #mynei #pioneerstartshere #fortwayne #podcast #news #newsroom #21alive #broadcast #sportsnews #lifestyle #highschoolsports #illinois

June 24, 202639 min

Sea Grandon: A Place to Live Local & Work Global

On this episode of The NEI Pioneer Podcast, Chief MarCom and Brand Officer Jonathan Sackett and Senior Director of Regional Initiatives Jacob Ihrie welcome Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts Board President Sea Grandon! A contemporary art advisor, Sea also owns Atelier, a contemporary art gallery located in Warsaw, Indiana. She talks about her journey from practicing law to selling art, as well as her path from New York City to Warsaw, Indiana. Sea is the living truth of the phrase "live local and work global." To learn more about Sea and Atelier: https://www.seagrandon.com/ To learn more about the Wagon Wheel: https://wagonwheelcenter.org/ The NEI Pioneer Podcast is an internationally-acclaimed bi-weekly podcast powered by the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership’s Pioneer Starts Here platform. The podcast showcases and shares the stories of resilience and perseverance from Northeast Indiana. Do you know someone in Northeast Indiana with a story to tell? Nominate them to be a guest on the NEI Pioneer Podcast! Nominate here: https://pioneerstartshere.com/nominate/ 🎙 Listen to the podcast here: https://pioneerstartshere.com/podcast/ ▶︎ Follow Us on Social LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/company/neindiana/ X https://twitter.com/NortheastIN Instagram https://www.instagram.com/northeast_in/ Facebook https://facebook.com/neindiana.com ▶︎ Thanks to our sponsors for making this podcast possible. Grace College https://www.grace.edu/ ▶︎ Visit https://neindiana.com/ to learn more about NEI. #nei #mynei #pioneerstartshere #fortwayne #podcast #art #gallery #theater #wagonwheel #artist

June 10, 202643 min

Mark O'Sullivan x Parkview Mirro Center: Ground Breaking Medical Technology & Research

On this episode of The NEI Pioneer Podcast, Chief MarCom and Brand Officer Jonathan Sackett and guest co-host Ethel Massing, Director of PSE and Innovation at Parkview Health, welcome Mark O'Sullivan of NeuroBell! NeuroBell is a medical device company based in Ireland, and Mark discusses how the collaboration between NeuroBell and Parkview is driving better outcomes for some of healthcare's most fragile patients. The conversation highlights how advances in infant brain care are equipping clinicians with new tools to support vulnerable newborns at critical moments in their development. Also, Mark and Ethel discuss the authenticity and the history of the local Irish pub, JK O'Donnell's. To learn more about NeuroBell: https://www.neurobell.com/ To learn more about the Parkview Mirro Center for Research and Innovation: https://www.parkview.com/mirro-center The NEI Pioneer Podcast is an internationally-acclaimed bi-weekly podcast powered by the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership’s Pioneer Starts Here platform. The podcast showcases and shares the stories of resilience and perseverance from Northeast Indiana. Do you know someone in Northeast Indiana with a story to tell? Nominate them to be a guest on the NEI Pioneer Podcast! Nominate here: https://pioneerstartshere.com/nominate/ 🎙 Listen to the podcast here: https://pioneerstartshere.com/podcast/ ▶︎ Follow Us on Social LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/company/neindiana/ X https://twitter.com/NortheastIN Instagram https://www.instagram.com/northeast_in/ Facebook https://facebook.com/neindiana.com ▶︎ Thanks to our sponsors for making this podcast possible. Grace College https://www.grace.edu/ ▶︎ Visit https://neindiana.com/ to learn more about NEI. #nei #mynei #pioneerstartshere #fortwayne #podcast #infantcare #NICU #parkview

May 27, 202636 min

David Geders: The Story Behind Local Music Shop with a National Audience

On this episode of The NEI Pioneer Podcast, Chief MarCom and Brand Officer Jonathan Sackett welcomes David Geders, Owner of Copper Chord Music in Huntington! David is also the owner of Japanese Guitar Company. He discusses starting the YouTube channel @GuitarsintheBank , touring with the band Sons, why he started his own music shop, and how he came to own the largest collection of vintage Japanese guitars in North America. To learn more about Copper Chord: https://copperchordmusic.mymusicstaff.com/home The NEI Pioneer Podcast is an internationally-acclaimed bi-weekly podcast powered by the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership’s Pioneer Starts Here platform. The podcast showcases and shares the stories of resilience and perseverance from Northeast Indiana. Do you know someone in Northeast Indiana with a story to tell? Nominate them to be a guest on the NEI Pioneer Podcast! Nominate here: https://pioneerstartshere.com/nominate/ 🎙 Listen to the podcast here: https://pioneerstartshere.com/podcast/ ▶︎ Follow Us on Social LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/company/neindiana/ X https://twitter.com/NortheastIN Instagram https://www.instagram.com/northeast_in/ Facebook https://facebook.com/neindiana.com ▶︎ Thanks to our sponsors for making this podcast possible. Barrett McNagny https://www.barrettlaw.com/ Grace College https://www.grace.edu/ ▶︎ Visit https://neindiana.com/ to learn more about NEI. #nei #mynei #pioneerstartshere #fortwayne #podcast #music #guitar #huntington #musiclessons #japaneseguitars #collection #collectors

May 13, 202640 min

Grace College & Orthoworx: Secrets of a Thriving Partnership with Drew Flamm & Ryan Christner

On this episode of The NEI Pioneer Podcast, Chief MarCom and Brand Officer Jonathan Sackett welcomes Drew Flamm, President of Grace College, and Ryan Christner, President & CEO of OrthroWorx! Drew and Ryan discuss the partnership between their two entities, including how it got started and what the future holds for both. Additionally, they talk about ALL IN Koscuisko, and how they are leaning into making their community thrive. To learn more about Grace College: https://www.grace.edu/ To learn more about OrthroWorx: https://orthoworxindiana.com/ To nominate to be a guest on the show, contact Chief MarCom and Brand Officer Jonathan Sackett at jonathan@neindiana.com . The NEI Pioneer Podcast is an internationally-acclaimed bi-weekly podcast powered by the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership’s Pioneer Starts Here platform. The podcast showcases and shares the stories of resilience and perseverance from Northeast Indiana. Do you know someone in Northeast Indiana with a story to tell? Nominate them to be a guest on the NEI Pioneer Podcast! Nominate here: https://pioneerstartshere.com/nominate/ 🎙 Listen to the podcast here: https://pioneerstartshere.com/podcast/ ▶︎ Follow Us on Social LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/company/neindiana/ X https://twitter.com/NortheastIN Instagram https://www.instagram.com/northeast_in/ Facebook https://facebook.com/neindiana.com ▶︎ Thanks to our sponsors for making this podcast possible. Grace College https://www.grace.edu/ ▶︎ Visit https://neindiana.com/ to learn more about NEI. #nei #mynei #pioneerstartshere #fortwayne #podcast #gracecollege #orthropedics #education #nonprofit #medtech

March 18, 202644 min

Brittany Scott: Quipping Women to Grow and Thrive

On this episode of The NEI Pioneer Podcast, Marketing Content Producer Callie Herring and Videographer Hannah Hanagan welcome GROW WIWO Founder Brittany Scott! Brittany found that resources for women were lacking, and she wanted to change that. She discusses her background and how it shaped a powerful business that helps women connect and grow. Then she talks about how she defines success, offers career advice, and discusses the future of GROW. To learn more about Brittany and her work: https://growwiwo.com/ To register for The GROW Conference Fort Wayne 2026: https://events.humanitix.com/the2026growconferencefortwayne Special promo code for $50 of your ticket: NEIPOD To nominate to be a guest on the show, contact Vice President of Marketing and Communication Jonathan Sackett at jonathan@neindiana.com . ▶︎ Follow Us on Social LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/company/neindiana/ X https://twitter.com/NortheastIN Instagram https://www.instagram.com/northeast_in/ Facebook https://facebook.com/neindiana.com ▶︎ Visit https://neindiana.com/ to learn more about NEI. #nei #mynei #pioneerstartshere #fortwayne #podcast #women #conference #growth

March 4, 202641 min

Mayor Sharon Tucker: Get to Know the Woman Making Fort Wayne History

On this episode of The NEI Pioneer Podcast, Head of MarCom Jonathan Sackett welcomes Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker! NEI is not affiliated with any political party, and wherever you may fall, we feel you will still enjoy this conversation. Mayor Tucker has been the mayor of Fort Wayne since April 2024. She gives her thoughts on the potential casino coming to the region, how she got into politics, and what impact she has made on the city during her time as mayor. To learn more about Tucker and her work for the City of Fort Wayne, visit https://www.cityoffortwayne.in.gov/ To nominate to be a guest on the show, contact Vice President of Marketing and Communication Jonathan Sackett at jonathan@neindiana.com . The NEI Pioneer Podcast is a bi-weekly podcast powered by the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership’s Pioneer Starts Here platform. The podcast showcases and shares the stories of resilience and perseverance from Northeast Indiana. Do you know someone in Northeast Indiana with a story to tell? Nominate them to be a guest on the NEI Pioneer Podcast! Nominate here: https://pioneerstartshere.com/nominate/ 🎙 Listen to the podcast here: https://pioneerstartshere.com/podcast/ ▶︎ Follow Us on Social LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/company/neindiana/ X https://twitter.com/NortheastIN Instagram https://www.instagram.com/northeast_in/ Facebook https://facebook.com/neindiana.com ▶︎ Visit https://neindiana.com/ to learn more about NEI. #nei #mynei #pioneerstartshere #fortwayne #podcast #mayor #politics #unhoused #casino #tomhenry