Reimagining Youth Sports in Fishers: A New Vision with Jim Self

Reimagining Youth Sports in Fishers: A New Vision with Jim Self

In this episode of the Fishers Podcast, OneZone President Jack Russell and the Mayor sit down with longtime Hamilton Southeastern Athletic Director Jim Self to discuss a bold new vision for youth sports in Fishers. Drawing from decades of experience in education and athletics, Jim shares insights on how youth sports have evolved and why communities are increasingly shaped by the quality of experiences they offer young athletes. The conversation explores a groundbreaking initiative to align schools, city resources, and local organizations into a unified system focused on opportunity, access, and exceptional experiences for every child—whether recreational or competitive. With investments in facilities, a shift toward bringing travel sports back into the community, and a focus on collaboration over silos, Fishers aims to strengthen its identity, support families, and drive economic impact. This episode highlights how innovative partnerships between schools and city leadership can elevate quality of life, foster community pride, and position Fishers as a leader in youth sports development.

Driving Indiana’s Momentum: A Conversation with State Representative Danny Lopez

In this episode of the OneZone Chamber of Commerce podcast, President Jack Russell sits down with State Representative Danny Lopez to discuss his unique journey through Indiana’s political landscape. From his early days working under Governor Mitch Daniels and his role as Chief of Staff for Governor Eric Holcomb to his current seat on the influential Ways and Means Committee, Lopez shares an insider's perspective on how state policy is crafted. The conversation dives deep into the realities of the most recent legislative session, exploring critical topics like property tax reform (Senate Bill 1), economic development, and the restructuring of the Marion County court system. Lopez also reflects on the "loss of separation" between personal and political life and emphasizes the importance of civil, bipartisan collaboration to ensure Indiana remains a magnet for families and global investment.

Servant Leadership & The Life Cycle of a City

In this episode of the OneZone Chamber Studios podcast, Jack Russell, President of OneZone, sits down with the Mayor of Fishers to dive deep into the philosophy of "Servant Leadership" and the future of urban development. Following the recent State of the City address, the conversation moves beyond the "what" of local government to the "why." The Mayor shares a compelling vision regarding the life cycle of a city, illustrating how intentionality and constant renewal are the only ways to prevent the natural decline that often follows periods of stability. They also tackle the challenges of modern political leadership and the "smart growth" required to keep Fishers a dynamic hub for the next generation. This episode is a masterclass in long-term community stewardship.

A Candid Conversation with Rep. Alaina Shonkwiler

In this episode, OneZone Chamber President Jack Russell sits down with Indiana State Representative Alaina Shonkwiler for a wide-ranging conversation about life at the Statehouse, legislative priorities, and the importance of staying connected to the community leaders serve. Reflecting on their early days working together in Noblesville, the discussion moves into Representative Shonkwiler’s transition from her first session to her second, the learning curve of navigating committees and relationships, and the responsibility of carrying key legislation. The conversation highlights how bills evolve through stakeholder feedback, why engagement from businesses and constituents matters, and how topics like energy affordability, housing, and economic competitiveness shape policy decisions. With a focus on collaboration, communication, and practical leadership, the episode offers listeners an inside look at how state government works and how local voices play a role in shaping outcomes that affect everyday Hoosiers.

Behind the Curtain: Inside the First Year of the Fishers Event Center

In this episode of the Fishers podcast, Jack Russell and Mayor Scott Fadness sit down with Mitch List, General Manager of the Fishers Event Center, for a candid look at the first year of operations at Fishers' most exciting new venue. Mitch shares how he built his team from the ground up, what it took to plan and host over 140 events in the first year, and the lessons learned from launching a venue designed to serve a fast-growing, vibrant city. From major concerts and stand-up comedy to Indy Fuel hockey games, arena football, and even bull riding, the Fishers Event Center is quickly becoming a destination for entertainment in Central Indiana. The conversation also highlights the intentional design behind the space, the value of community-first programming, and how the venue fits into the broader vision for economic development and quality of life in Fishers. Whether you're a business leader, local resident, or event enthusiast, this episode pulls back the curtain on how vision becomes reality.