From Wabash to What’s Next

From Wabash to What’s Next

On this episode of the ThriveIN Podcast, Alex sits down with Wabash High School’s 2026 Valedictorian, Victoria Koselke, and Salutatorian, Andrea Stout, to talk about what it’s like growing up and graduating in a small community like Wabash. Victoria and Andrea reflect on the relationships, opportunities, and experiences that shaped their high school journey while sharing gratitude for the teachers, mentors, friends, and community members who supported them along the way. They also discuss their future plans, personal goals, and what the next chapter of life holds after graduation. This inspiring conversation highlights leadership, perseverance, and the impact of community as two outstanding students prepare to take their next steps beyond Wabash High School. If today’s episode inspired you, make sure to subscribe, rate, and download future episodes of the ThriveIN Wabash County Podcast. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments and upcoming stories. A heartfelt thank-you to our community partners—The Lisa Gilman Investment Fund, the Sandra Kunkel Trust, Mark & Amy Ford, PaperWorks Industries, The City of Wabash, Bowen Health, the Community Foundation of Wabash County, and Visit Wabash County—for helping bring this podcast to life. This podcast is produced in partnership with Destination Wabash County [https://visitwabashcounty.com/destination-wabash-county/]. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your feedback by completing this FORM [https://forms.gle/iRbdAsCELywR9k4M7].

Carrying the Legacy Forward: Teresa Galley

On this episode of ThriveIN, Alex sits down with Teresa Galley, Executive Director of the Wabash County Museum, to explore a journey that turned into a calling. From her early days on the Southwood High School Speech Team, serving as an educational outreach program director, to leading the way in museum operations, Teresa’s heart for Wabash County shines brilliantly. She shares how she stepped into the museum world and never looked back. What began as an opportunity quickly became a passion rooted in storytelling, preservation, and community connection. Under her leadership, the museum continues to honor the vision set forth by Wabash County’s legacy builders while boldly evolving into a dynamic, interactive space. This conversation dives into how the museum is more than a place to reflect on the past; it’s an experience designed to engage visitors of all ages, spark curiosity, and inspire stewardship for the future. Teresa highlights how history isn’t just something we look back on, it’s something we actively shape together. Listen in to discover how preserving the past can powerfully shape what comes next. Resources: Wabash County Museum: https://www.wabashmuseum.org/ [https://www.wabashmuseum.org/] Research: https://www.wabashmuseum.org/collections [https://www.wabashmuseum.org/collections] Teresa Galley: tgalley@wabashmuseum.org [tgalley@wabashmuseum.org] If today’s episode inspired you, make sure to subscribe, rate, and download future episodes of the ThriveIN Wabash County Podcast. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments and upcoming stories. A heartfelt thank-you to our community partners—The City of Wabash, Bowen Health, Sandra Kunkel Trust, Mark & Amy Ford, PaperWorks Industries, the Community Foundation of Wabash County, and Visit Wabash County—for helping bring this podcast to life. This podcast is produced in partnership with Destination Wabash County [https://visitwabashcounty.com/destination-wabash-county/]. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your feedback by completing this FORM [https://forms.gle/iRbdAsCELywR9k4M7].

Kyle & Aubrey Williams

What started with a plane ticket to Missouri turned into a life built on partnership, purpose, and entrepreneurship for Kyle and Aubrey Williams. In this episode of the ThriveIN Wabash County Podcast, Christine sits down with the duo to explore their journey—from their early days together to the many ventures they’ve built along the way. From a glass bottle business to real estate, construction, demolition, and even birthing babies, Kyle and Aubrey have embraced a diversified approach to entrepreneurship while raising their daughter and investing in their community. The conversation winds its way down memory lane before landing on their newest and most exciting venture: Fore Seasons Social Club—a space designed to bring people together and create new experiences in Wabash County. This episode is all about taking chances, building boldly, and growing something meaningful—together. Resources: Fore Seasons Social Club: https://www.foreseasonswabash.com/ [https://www.foreseasonswabash.com/] https://www.facebook.com [https://www.facebook.com/kwaholdingsrentals/]/foreseasonswabash KWA Holdings:  https://kwarentals.holidayfuture.com/ [https://kwarentals.holidayfuture.com/] https://www.facebook.com/kwaholdingsrentals/ [https://www.facebook.com/kwaholdingsrentals/] Your Hometown Handyman: https://www.facebook.com/yourhometownhandyman85 [https://www.facebook.com/yourhometownhandyman85] Aubrey the Doula: www.aubreythedoula.com [http://www.aubreythedoula.com/] https://www.facebook.com/aubreythedoula [https://www.facebook.com/aubreythedoula] If today’s episode inspired you, make sure to subscribe, rate, and download future episodes of the ThriveIN Wabash County Podcast. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments and upcoming stories. A heartfelt thank-you to our community partners—The City of Wabash, Bowen Health, Sandra Kunkel Trust, Mark & Amy Ford, PaperWorks Industries, the Community Foundation of Wabash County, and Visit Wabash County—for helping bring this podcast to life. This podcast is produced in partnership with Destination Wabash County [https://visitwabashcounty.com/destination-wabash-county/]. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your feedback by completing this FORM [https://forms.gle/iRbdAsCELywR9k4M7].

Building a Better Wabash Through Green Space

What role do parks play in building a thriving community? In this episode of ThriveIN Wabash County [https://visitwabashcounty.com/podcasts/], Adam Stakeman sits down with Adam Hall, Superintendent of Wabash City Parks [https://www.cityofwabash.com/department/index.php?structureid=18], to discuss the vision and work behind Wabash’s green spaces. They cover the impact of local parks on quality of life, economic development, and public health, along with current improvements and future plans for the parks system. Adam also shares what it takes to manage and maintain public spaces that serve residents year-round. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the community, this conversation highlights how thoughtful investment in green space helps shape a stronger, more connected Wabash. If today’s episode inspired you, make sure to subscribe, rate, and download future episodes of the ThriveIN Wabash County Podcast. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments and upcoming stories. A heartfelt thank-you to our community partners—The City of Wabash, Lisa Gilman Investment Fund, Sandra Kunkel Trust, Mark & Amy Ford, PaperWorks Industries, the Community Foundation of Wabash County, and Visit Wabash County—for helping bring this podcast to life. This podcast is produced in partnership with Destination Wabash County [https://visitwabashcounty.com/destination-wabash-county/]. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your feedback by completing this FORM⁠ [https://forms.gle/iRbdAsCELywR9k4M7] or email us at thrivepod@destinationwabashcounty.com [thrivepod@destinationwabashcounty.com]

Debunking Rural America: Six Myths Holding Us Back

In this episode of ThriveIN [https://visitwabashcounty.com/podcasts/], Alex and Adam take calls from rural sociologists Tim Slack [https://lsu.edu/hss/sociology/people/faculty/profiles/slack_tim.php] and Shannon Monnat [https://www.maxwell.syr.edu/directory/shannon-monnat] to discuss their recent article, “Six Myths About Rural America.” [https://theconversation.com/6-myths-about-rural-america-how-conventional-wisdom-gets-it-wrong-269037] For years, rural communities have been shaped by simplified — and often inaccurate — narratives about politics, poverty, opportunity, and decline. Dr. Slack and Dr. Monnat break down six of the most common myths and explain what the data actually reveals about rural life in America today. The conversation explores how these misconceptions influence media coverage, public policy, and even how rural residents see themselves. It also challenges listeners to rethink what they assume they know about small towns and the people who call them home. At ThriveIN, we care deeply about what it means to build strong communities in places like Wabash County. This episode invites you to look beyond the headlines and engage with a more accurate, more nuanced understanding of rural America. If today’s episode inspired you, make sure to subscribe, rate, and download future episodes of the ThriveIN Wabash County Podcast. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments and upcoming stories. A heartfelt thank-you to our community partners—The City of Wabash, Lisa Gilman Investment Fund, Sandra Kunkel Trust, Mark & Amy Ford, PaperWorks Industries, the Community Foundation of Wabash County, and Visit Wabash County—for helping bring this podcast to life. This podcast is produced in partnership with Destination Wabash County [https://visitwabashcounty.com/destination-wabash-county/]. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your feedback by completing this FORM [https://forms.gle/iRbdAsCELywR9k4M7].