Best Ryan Gleason Podcasts (2025)

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Sam Johnston on State Government and Data Analysis 20:24

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15d ago20:24

20:24

Sam Johnston talks about her B.A. and M.A. in political science at ISU helped prepare her to work for the Iowa Department of Management as a Justice Systems Analyst. For more information about the political science department at Iowa State, click here. Email us feedback or ideas for new episodes at [email protected]…

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Matthew Gleason on National Security and Military Service 18:53

1M ago18:53

18:53

In this episode we hear from Captain Matthew Gleason, U.S. Navy, about how political science helped prepare him for positions of leadership and provided frameworks for thinking through complex national security issues and strategies. For more information about the political science department at Iowa State click here. Email us feedback or ideas for…

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Jillian Carlson on Higher Education Policy 11:54

2M ago11:54

11:54

In this episode we talk with Jillian Carlson who is the state relations officer for Iowa State University. She talks about her experiences working in political campaigns, for the state legislature, and in higher education.By Iowa State Political Science Department

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Rob Denson on Education Leadership 13:11

4M ago13:11

13:11

In this episode, Rob Denson describes how he went from political science at ISU to a law career and then to his current role as President of Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC). For more information about the political science department at Iowa State, click here. Email us feedback or ideas for new episodes at [email protected].…

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Episode 52: Dreamers Who Do: Lessons from Season 2 of Main Street Reimagined 34:56

5M ago34:56

34:56

What truly transforms a struggling downtown into a vibrant community centerpiece? After two seasons and 52 episodes of the Main Street Reimagined podcast, a clear pattern has emerged—a recipe for revitalization success that's working across communities of all sizes. In this season finale, host Luke Henry distills the wisdom from dozens of conversat…

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Episode 51: Ohio Road Trips; The Hidden Power of Tourism with Brandy Gleason 59:42

5M ago59:42

59:42

Have you ever wondered how a simple visit to a town can spark economic transformation? In this captivating conversation with Brandy Gleason, founder of the 1.3-million-member Ohio Road Trips Facebook group, we discover how tourism creates ripple effects that reshape communities. Brandy shares her remarkable journey from homeschooling mom documentin…

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Episode 50: Downtowns; The Heartbeat of Economic Development with Sean Hughes 53:23

5M ago53:23

53:23

Why do communities with neglected downtowns struggle to attract businesses? How can small towns compete with manufactured lifestyle centers? Economic development expert Sean Hughes reveals the connection between downtown vitality and overall community success in this eye-opening conversation. Drawing from over a decade of downtown revitalization ex…

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Episode 49: Betting on the Blank Slate: Downtown Renaissance and Business Iteration with Ryan & Chad Whaley 50:43

5M ago50:43

50:43

Ever wonder what happens when two small-town dreamers return home with fresh eyes and big ideas? Ryan and Chad Whaley's journey from PR professionals to the owners of the vibrant Paddle Bar in Sandusky, Ohio reveals exactly what's possible when vision meets opportunity. The Whaleys saw potential where others saw decay. After careers that took them …

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Episode 48: Transforming Main Streets: The Sandusky Success Story with Eric Wobser & McKenzie Spriggs 57:57

6M ago57:57

57:57

In the heart of Sandusky, Ohio, something remarkable has been unfolding over the past decade. What was once a seasonal tourist town primarily known for Cedar Point has transformed into a vibrant year-round destination with a thriving downtown. Luke Henry sits down with Eric Wobser and McKenzie Spriggs of the Greater Sandusky Partnership to uncover …

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Episode 47: Coffee, Mentorship, and Allowing Leaders to be Human with Megan Gerber 1:03:25

6M ago1:03:25

1:03:25

What does it take to transform a community while simultaneously transforming yourself? Megan Gerber's journey from classroom teacher to downtown entrepreneur to leadership coach unveils the profound connection between personal growth and entrepreneurial success. When Megan noticed her high school students in Chillicothe, Ohio lacked consistent adul…

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Episode 46: Preserving History Through Modern Hospitality: The Inns at 8th and Main Story 1:04:08

6M ago1:04:08

1:04:08

When Amy Smith was a young volleyball player traveling to away games, she'd always press her face against the bus window to catch a glimpse of two beautiful historic buildings on Main Street in McConnellsville, Ohio. Decades later, those same buildings would become her home and livelihood – The Inns at 8th and Main, a bed and breakfast that's helpi…

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Episode 45: Never Take No for an Answer; A Developer's Journey with Jared Jablonka 41:43

6M ago41:43

41:43

From humble beginnings sorting mail at a DC law firm for $12 an hour, Jared found his passion in real estate development after his grandmother noticed his habit of photographing buildings. His timing proved fortuitous—entering the market during the 2007 recession allowed him to learn valuable lessons managing troubled properties while others fled t…

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Episode 44: Building Taco Central: Courage, Cuisine, and Community with Al Aguirre 1:03:50

7M ago1:03:50

1:03:50

In this candid conversation, Alvero "Al" Aguirre takes us through his remarkable journey from helping in his family's restaurants as a child to launching Taco Central, a unique Mexican-American fusion restaurant that opened in Downtown Marion around the beginning of 2025. Growing up with a grandfather who pioneered Mexican restaurants in Virginia d…

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Episode 43: Self Leadership & Self Care for Entrepreneurs, Part 2 Deep Dive 1:00:28

7M ago1:00:28

1:00:28

After last week’s episode on self leadership and self care, we got a lot of questions and feedback, as well as a large amount of extra downloads, so it seems this topic is important and the information resonated. Luke decided to even deeper on each topic discussed last week, sharing more practical tips, personal experiences, and additional resource…

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Episode 42: Self Leadership & Self Care for Entrepreneurs 43:26

7M ago43:26

43:26

Self-leadership is the missing link for many entrepreneurs who excel at driving their businesses forward but struggle with personal sustainability. In this candid solo episode, Luke shares the rain barrel analogy that transformed his approach to self-care: while we can't control life's challenges (the rain), we can manage our capacity (the barrel's…

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Episode 41: From Farm Boy to Banking Innovator: Chad Hoffman's Leadership Journey 49:09

7M ago49:09

49:09

What happens when a community bank thinks beyond deposits and loans? Chad Hoffman, President of Richwood Bank, reveals the unexpected journey from traditional banking to becoming a true community cornerstone and industry disruptor. Growing up a farm boy who scraped hog barns in northern Union County, Chad never imagined leading a financial institut…

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Episode 40: From Home Hobby to Award-Winning Winery with Sandi Weddington 45:31

8M ago45:31

45:31

Sandi Weddington never expected a simple wine-making kit—an anniversary gift for her husband Steve—would transform their lives. What began as a hobby in 2008 blossomed into Blend of Seven Winery, an award-winning establishment now making an entrance into Downtown Marion after many successful years in Delaware. Their entrepreneurial journey exemplif…

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Episode 39: Putting Past Experiences to Work in City Leadership with Mike Bodine & Rob Cowell 49:36

8M ago49:36

49:36

City of Marion Service Director Mike Bodine and Safety Director Rob Cowell join host Luke Henry to reveal how their unexpected career paths prepared them for public service—and how they're leveraging those skills to secure millions in grant funding for betterment of the city. Behind every successful community initiative lies a network of relationsh…

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Episode 38: 3 Reasons You Aren’t Getting Results from Your Employees 43:40

8M ago43:40

43:40

In this episode, Luke goes solo and discusses one of the most challenging parts of starting or running a business: team members. If you are running a business that involves staff aside from just yourself, you are going to find value in hearing the 3 reasons you are frustrated, and why your team is probably frustrated too. Learn why Luke typically d…

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Episode 37: The Role of Faith in Restoration & Revitalization with Steve Estep 1:00:36

8M ago1:00:36

1:00:36

Pastor Steve Estep opens our conversation with a powerful challenge: "Find what you're passionate about, a need that needs to be met. Roll up your sleeves and get at it." This perfectly captures the spirit of community transformation that drives both his ministry and this enlightening discussion on how churches can be catalysts for community revita…

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Episode 36: From Living Room to Dream Studio: Sarah Hogan's Photography Journey 44:56

9M ago44:56

44:56

Sarah Hogan never imagined that pushing furniture aside in her living room and using tablecloths as backdrops would lead to a thriving 12-year photography business. Yet this humble beginning—where she borrowed back a camera she'd sold to her mother just to make enough for an eBay camera purchase—set her on a path to becoming one of Marion's most be…

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Ryan Renger on Working Towards a Law Career 11:47

9M ago11:47

11:47

In this episode, recent graduate Ryan Renger discusses his time at Iowa State, internships, and extracurriculars that helped him gain admission to the University of Iowa Law School. For more information about the political science department at Iowa State, click here. Email us feedback or ideas for new episodes at [email protected].…

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Episode 35: The Power of Who, Not How: Scaling Businesses Through Delegation 42:12

9M ago42:12

42:12

This week, the tables are turned and Luke is in the hot seat! This replay of the NextGen Strategies Podcast, features Luke as a guest, sharing his story and some lessons learned along the way about scaling a business and how to lead. Before he started revitalizing buildings and building community with Henry Development Group, Luke's story began wit…

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Episode 34: Plants, Coffee, and Community; The Greenhaus Coffee Story with Niki Woodruff 57:14

9M ago57:14

57:14

Sidney Series #3: In this episode, Luke Henry sits down with Niki Woodruff, owner of Greenhaus Coffee, to explore her entrepreneurial journey. Niki's path wasn't a straight line – it meandered from furniture flipping to plant retail before culminating in her current multi-concept business. What started as a creative outlet restoring mid-century fur…

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Episode 33: Running a City, Building a Wine Boutique with Andrew Bowsher 54:20

9M ago54:20

54:20

Andrew Bowsher embodies the fascinating intersection of public service and entrepreneurial spirit that's helping transform Sidney, Ohio. During a conversation held in his stunning Austeria Wine Boutique, with its exposed brick walls and carefully curated wine selection, Andrew reveals how wearing two seemingly disparate hats has created unexpected …

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Episode 32: Sidney Series: Seth Middleton Shares a 10 Year Revitalization Journey 45:43

9M ago45:43

45:43

As a fourth-generation farmer with a background in agricultural and commercial banking, Seth recognized downtown Sidney’s potential when few others did. Starting in 2015, he began acquiring vacant buildings one by one, learning the complex world of commercial real estate development through hands-on experience. What began as a personal investment s…

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Episode 31: Dreamers, Developers, and the Art of Community Building with Andy Warnock 53:27

10M ago53:27

53:27

Are you curious about how small towns can thrive again? Join us for this enlightening conversation as Luke Henry welcomes Andy Warnock to the Main Street Reimagined podcast, where they unfold fascinating stories of community building and revitalization. This episode dives deep into the nitty-gritty of what it takes to breathe new life into forgotte…

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Episode 30: What Exactly is Downtown Marion, Inc? A Conversation with Allen & Cheryl 1:01:20

10M ago1:01:20

1:01:20

This episode shines a light on the transformative efforts of Downtown Marion Inc, currently being led by Executive Director Allen Wilson and Board President Cheryl Wickersham. They share how the organization serves to inform and unite downtown stakeholders to work toward a shared vision of a vibrant downtown ecosystem. They also share about the jou…

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Episode 29: Crafting Dreams—The Edgework Creative Journey 52:32

10M ago52:32

52:32

In this week’s episode, we explore the inspiring journey of Edgework Creative, a custom fabrication shop based in Columbus, Ohio that specializes in unique furniture and architectural pieces for both residential and commercial clients nationwide. The founders, Alex and Lindsay Remley, share how their journey began with the simple need for a dining …

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Monet Butler on Interaction With Faculty 14:08

10M ago14:08

14:08

In this episode, Monet Butler discusses her time as a Senior in Political Science, including research, being a teaching assistant, and future plans. For more information about the political science department at Iowa State click here. Email us feedback or ideas for new episodes at [email protected].…

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Episode 28: Stitching Success; Candice DeWitt's Entrepreneurial Journey 58:55

10M ago58:55

58:55

Have you ever thought of turning your hobby into a business? Join us as we unlock the journey of Candice DeWitt, the owner of Stitch and Skein, whose passion for fiber arts led her to create a beloved yarn shop in the heart of downtown Marion. Discover how Candice juggled her full-time job while establishing her brand, offering Ohio-made indie dyed…

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Episode 27: Reviving Spaces; Lois Fisher's Impact on Marion's Downtown 1:08:18

11M ago1:08:18

1:08:18

From the back hills of West Virginia to the vibrant streets of Marion, Ohio, Lois Fisher has been a driving force in downtown revitalization. Luke calls her the "Matriarch of Marion". Lois has an extraordinary story that begins with her origins as the original coal miner's daughter. Her unexpected career path took her from the office of attorney Be…

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Episode 26: Family Business, Community Engagement, and Restaurant Innovation with Brad Winner 1:10:58

11M ago1:10:58

1:10:58

Brad Winner, a seasoned entrepreneur literally raised in the food and beverage industry, joins us on the Main Street Reimagined podcast to share his journey from growing up in a family-run grocery and restaurant business to transforming a small-town dive bar into a vibrant eatery. With stories that take us from snow-filled parking lots to the bustl…

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Lemuel Anderson on Law and Politics 18:42

11M ago18:42

18:42

Lemuel Anderson graduated from Iowa State's political science department and went on to get his law degree from the University of Wisconsin. Since he finished law school he has worked as a public defender and is now the first ever Environmental Legal Fellow at the University of Wisconsin.By Iowa State Political Science Department

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Season 1 Recap: Themes, Lessons, and Takeaways with Luke Henry 54:18

1y ago54:18

54:18

In this episode, Luke recaps the first season of the Main Street Reimagined Podcast with discussion around the major themes and takeaways from the first 24 episodes! He not only touches on some of the stories shared by our guests, but also boils them down to a few key lessons for each theme, teasing out the finer points to apply to life and busines…

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Episode 24: From Professor to Business Owner: Insurance, Community, and Personal Transformation with Katie Grimes 1:07:14

1y ago1:07:14

1:07:14

What happens when a college professor trades the classroom for the world of insurance? Join us as we sit down with Katie Grimes, owner of Shamrock Insurance Agency in Marion, Ohio, who did just that. Katie shares her unique journey from academia to business ownership, revealing how her background in philosophy and social justice shaped her approach…

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Episode 23: Leading Change; Chamber Advocacy, Community Engagement, and Leadership Insights with Heidi Jones 58:30

1y ago58:30

58:30

Heidi Jones, President of the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce, joins us on this episode to unravel the intricacies of leading the community business hub. As she dispels myths about the Chamber, Heidi outlines its mission of advocacy, engagement, and community planning, distinguishing it from other entities like the Better Business Bureau. With a ke…

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Kevin McAdams on Political Science and Business 18:51

1y ago18:51

18:51

In this episode, Kevin McAdams discusses how his Political Science degree from Iowa State University led him to become the CEO of Perdue Farms, a multinational food and agriculture business. For more information about the political science department at Iowa State click here. Email us feedback or ideas for new episodes at [email protected]…

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Episode 22: Connecting People & Stories Through Historic Transformation with Lily Lloyd & Sophie Johnston 1:02:25

1y ago1:02:25

1:02:25

What does it take to transform a historic building into a vibrant cocktail lounge that tells a story with every sip? Join us on the Main Street Reimagined Podcast as we explore this journey with the creative minds behind Fable Bar & Co, Lily Lloyd & Sophie Johnston. These Marion natives have woven their artistic family legacy into the very fabric o…

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Episode 21: Banking, Charcuterie, and Events: Navigating Challenges & Opportunities with Leiha Lamb 45:27

1y ago45:27

45:27

Ever wondered what it takes to leave a stable banking career to chase your culinary dreams? Join us as Leiha Lamb, the visionary behind The Nest and Yellow Finch Creations, shares her fascinating journey. Leiha’s story is one of courage and creativity, as she transformed her lifelong passion for cooking into a successful business after being encour…

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Ike Barrash on Research and Job Applications 16:22

1y ago16:22

16:22

In this episode, we speak with Ike Barrash about how his Political Science degrees from Iowa State led him to his current work as a researcher for the Center for Naval Analysis. For more information about the Political Science department at Iowa State click here. Email us feedback or ideas for new episodes at [email protected]…

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Episode 20: Ten Things Boutique Retailers Can Do Through the Holidays & Beyond with Lindsey Henry 57:25

1y ago57:25

57:25

The 20th episode of the Main Street Reimagined Podcast features our most popular guest, Lindsey Henry, the innovative mind behind Lulu's Toy Co. and Luke’s amazing wife. Luke and Lindsey share insights on navigating economic uncertainties in the world of boutique retail, starting with some insights on the current market, then shifting to 10 strateg…

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Episode 19: Community Soul: Downtowns & Small Businesses with Luke Henry 30:21

1y ago30:21

30:21

Join Luke Henry for a solo episode where he tells a story about his experience in a quaint Minnesota town, where the stark difference between the lively downtown and the surrounding commercial sprawl became a call to action. This episode of the Main Street Reimagined Podcast takes you on a heartfelt journey, exploring why supporting local businesse…

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Episode 18: Create Your Dream Job with Beth Fox 59:39

1y ago59:39

59:39

Ever wondered how a leap from the corporate world can lead to a flourishing small-town business? Meet Beth Fox, one of Downtown Marion’s newest business owners, who traded her career at Mac Tools for the charm of Foxglove Hollow Home Decor. Discover how her experience in franchise development became her secret weapon as she designed a boutique that…

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Sophie Shoultz on International Affairs and Graduate School 15:24

1y ago15:24

15:24

In this episode, Sophie Shoultz discusses her time as a Political Science Graduate student at Iowa State and how this led her to become the Slovakia Desk Officer for the United States Department of State. For more information about the political science department at Iowa State click here. Email us feedback or ideas for new episodes at policyclones…

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Episode 17: Revitalizing Marion; Vision, Innovation, and Community Growth with Mayor Bill Collins 1:00:18

1y ago1:00:18

1:00:18

Listen in on the story of how a law enforcement veteran turns city leader, whose vision for Marion is reshaping the status quo through innovative public-private partnerships. Mayor Collins shares how he is looking to ignite change in Marion, emphasizing the importance of leaving a positive first impression and letting others know we are “open for b…

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Episode 16: Coffee & Community: The Remnant's Journey with Jamie Riffe and Abigail Jordan 53:14

1y ago53:14

53:14

What happens when two determined ladies take the leap to chase their entrepreneurial dreams? Jamie Riffe and Abigail Jordan, the mother-daughter duo from The Remnant Tea & Coffee, share their story of turning a simple coffee shop into a community gathering place in downtown Marion. Discover how their backgrounds in real estate and business, coupled…

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Episode 15: Dancing Through Life: Business, Family, and Community with Emilee Irey 1:01:44

1y ago1:01:44

1:01:44

Emilee Irey, the inspiring owner of Irey Dance Academy, shares her whirlwind journey over the last few years from dancer, to wife, to mom, to business owner. Once a dancer and instructor at the Edye Cook School of Dance, Emilee took a bold leap to purchase and rebrand the studio, although the timing was far from ideal. Hear about her journey from b…

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Episode 14: From Insurance Agent to Deli Owner with Mike Zucker 1:01:25

1y ago1:01:25

1:01:25

Meet Mike Zucker, a cornerstone of the Marion community who seamlessly transitioned from running Zucker Insurance Agency to founding Mike's Deli on Main. In this episode, Mike takes us through his adventurous career, reflecting on his time in the oil fields and behind the bar, all the way to revitalizing a historical building in Downtown Marion. He…

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Episode 13: Relationships through Insurance with Logan Kirk 1:07:29

1+ y ago1:07:29

1:07:29

Logan Kirk joins the Main Street Reimagined Podcast this week to tell his story, as well as that of Dostal & Kirk Insurance & Financial Services. From the humble beginnings of his father taking a risk to start his own agency decades ago, Logan takes us through the key moments that shaped their success. Discover how Logan’s early entrepreneurial spi…