Faithful Discourse with Chris Henry

Judith B. Thomas’ leadership has touched nearly every aspect of our city’s life together. Currently the President and CEO of the Indy Arts Council, Judith previously served as Deputy Mayor and played key roles in the Indiana Black Expo, NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, and many other events and organizations. *Show Note: This episode includes Judith’s memories of growing up in Gary, Indiana. Because it was recorded before catastrophic, weeks-long power outages in Northwest Indiana, there is no mention of these recent events in the episode. To support Judith’s hometown and our neighbors in Gary, please consider donating through local churches or the City of Gary at Gary.Gov/StormRecovery.

Earl Goode — veteran, business leader, and chief of staff to two Indiana governors — shares his stories of leadership, from an unlikely presidency of his fraternity to Army service under a three-star general to his focus on government over politics. Earl and Chris discuss hope, how to find the right people for a team, and what we have lost in government in these polarized times. Listen for what he asked job candidates when they interviewed to work on the governor’s team. It was never “Are you a republican or a democrat?”

Dr. Courtnye Lloyd—pastor, organizer, educator, and community psychologist—founded The Gathering, built around the simple and radical idea that fellowship with God and fellowship with one another are the foundation for everything. Join Courtnye and Chris as they discuss what it means to be a church beyond a specific property, how to reinvest in relationships in the midst of the loneliness epidemic, and how to bridge policy, practice, and research. 

Writer and urban theorist Aaron Renn joins Chris to talk about the shifting cultural status of Christianity and the role of faith in our country. As the creator of the Negative World Framework and author of Life in the Negative World, Renn’s work has sparked important conversations across the entire spectrum of religious life. 

Indiana Fever and Pacers in-game host Olivia West is in the business of encouragement and storytelling. She shares about her journey from agriculture to sports entertainment and her faith that has been her foundation all along. 

Rik Hagarty founded Servants at Work to help those in need of a ramp, inspire volunteers, and show God’s love to the world. He shares how his faith has compelled action and how a congregation can be a catalyst, volunteer base, and support for important community work.

Joanna Taft, founding director of The Harrison Center for the Arts, shares her stories of falling in love with neighborhoods and creating beauty through artistic expression, honoring a neighborhood’s culture, seeking justice and mercy, and knowing each other’s stories. 

Author, history professor, and Indiana treasure Jim Madison joins Chris to talk about the importance of formation, education, and grappling with our failures as a state when it comes to race and Christian nationalism. Despite dark eras and current challenges, there is hope as we learn from history and “refuse to surrender” to the idea of a post-truth world. 

Beloved Indy 500 track announcer Dave Calabro sits down with Chris to talk about calling, curiosity, and a career full of incredible stories in the sports broadcasting world. Dave shares about his deep faith, the challenges of anxiety, and mentors like his father and Tom Carnegie who led the way.

Mo Merhoff—former president of One Zone Chamber, the joint Chamber of Carmel and Fishers—shares her stories of leadership from international rowing and the Olympics to making an impact in her own city. She encourages us to think bigger by working together across disparate viewpoints to create meaningful lives and thriving communities.