JBK On Air
By James Blair Kennedy III
JBK On AirMar 14, 2023
#129 - Scott Uecker
Scott Uecker is the former General Manager of WICR-FM, HD1/HD2/HD3, & UIndy TV5. He joins his former student Jimmy as Assistant Professor Emeritus for the University of Indianapolis, retiring after more than 20 years as a college professor. Scott recalls what inspired him to become a teacher, never imagining he would do it as a career. Jimmy & Scott talk about the evolution of technology and how podcasting has changed the way people consume media. Finally, Scott describes his best & worst experiences covering high school sports in a press box.
New episode is available everywhere now! Rate, review, subscribe, & donate! https://linktr.ee/jbkonair #jbkonair
#128 - Mike Sington
Former NBC Universal executive Mike Sington, makes his second appearance for JBK on Air from his home in Los Angeles. Jimmy & Mike first reflect back on the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the lack of toilet paper and other basic items. Mike talks about Howard Stern's in-depth interview with POTUS Biden, what he remembers about living through the OJ Simpson trial, & much more. Mike also reveals his favorite snacks at the concession stand and can't remember the last time he paid to see a movie. New show is available everywhere now! Rate, review, subscribe, & donate! Links - https://linktr.ee/jbkonair
#127 - Ryan Osborn
Ryan Osborn is head coach for Carmel High School Boys Basketball in Carmel, IN. Coach Osborn joins Jimmy to recall Carmel’s back-to-back state championship run he earned as an assistant under coach Scott Heady. Coach Osborn explains how his job has changed since becoming head coach at Carmel and ways he has improved since taking charge of the program. Jimmy asks about the importance of routine when shooting free throws and if Coach Osborn believes yelling is an effective way to coach players. Finally, Coach Osborn shares his best advice for sports parents & encourages students to play multiple sports. New show is available everywhere now! Rate, review, subscribe, & donate! #jbkonair Links - https://linktr.ee/jbkonair
#126 - Scott Heady
Scott Heady is head coach for University of Indianapolis Men's Basketball. Scott joins Jimmy to talk about accepting this new challenge, after spending the last seven years with crosstown NAIA mainstay, Marian University. Coach and Jimmy reflect back on time they both spent together at Carmel High School, where the Greyhounds won back to back 4A State Championships. Now back as a UIndy alumnus, Heady shares his favorite memories of playing for Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Billy Keller, including an intimidating college tryout. He gives advice to parents with student athletes and emphasizes the importance of enjoying every moment. Coach Heady wraps up by sharing his favorite Bob Seger song and the most memorable live concerts he has attended.
#125 - Pete Smith
Newly inducted member of the Indiana Basketball of Fame, Pete Smith joins Jimmy for his second appearance on the show. He documents his career as a coach and how humbling it is to be an inductee this year. Pete talks about the success of Purdue Basketball making The Final Four, ahead of their national championship matchup against defending champion UConn. He also emphasizes the value of assistant coaches to a team and head coach's success. JBK asks about how depth perception is impacted playing in a stadium environment and what can be done to help shooting percentages. Finally, Pete and Jimmy react to John Calipari leaving Kentucky after 15 seasons for Arkansas.
#124 - Demetrice Bruno
#123 - Taylor Torwudzo
Taylor Torwudzo is host/producer of Hoosier Lottery, working with CBS 4 and Fox 59 in Indianapolis, IN. She joins Jimmy to talk about their shared experience as students at the University of Indianapolis and her earliest influences in entertainment. Taylor talks about the responsibility of being a mom to her daughter and how being a parent has helped her grow as a person. Both share their favorite TV shows to watch including old reality shows that can be streamed again. Lastly, Taylor talks about the demands of working in television including additional costs like makeup, hair, and nails. Episode 123 is available everywhere! Rate, review, share & donate to sustain future shows! #jbkonair Links - https://linktr.ee/jbkonair
#122 - "Bad" Brad Berkwitt
“Bad” Brad Berkwitt is a political activist, retired US Navy veteran, and Florida Boxing Hall of Fame inductee based in Winfield, Indiana. Brad served for 20 years & 28 days before retiring from the Navy spending 16 years of his tenure in the intelligence field. He joins Jimmy to talk about saving democracy from former POTUS & current GOP nominee Donald J Trump in November. He discusses the political divide happening in the United States and the stark choice Americans face in 2024: democracy with POTUS Biden or autocracy/dictatorship with 45. Both Jimmy & Brad talk about the movies that bring them peace following the 96th Academy Awards. Lastly, Brad calls out the hypocrisy of radicalized service members, organized religion and other factions undoing civil rights in the United States. Follow Brad on the platform formerly known as Twitter @BadBradRSR for more! EP122 is available everywhere! Rate, review, share & donate to sustain future shows! Links - https://linktr.ee/jbkonair #jbkonair
#121 - Derek Schultz
Derek Schultz of ISC Sports Network makes his 2nd appearance for JBK on Air, documenting his recent experience at the NBA All-Star Game hosted in Indianapolis. Derek talks about growing up in New York and his father’s job as Director of Taxes for Viacom, which owned channels such as Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and MTV. He later recalls getting to cover Super Bowl XLVI including a very close encounter with the Archie Manning & the Manning family, immediately after the game. Finally, Derek reveals his favorite sound and curse word. Episode 121 is available everywhere! Rate, review, share & donate to sustain future shows! Links - https://linktr.ee/jbkonair
#120 - Don Elbreg
#119 - Joe Boehnlein
Joe Boehnlein is Operations Manager and afternoon host for New Hampshire Public Radio. He joins the podcast to document his experience with Jimmy as colleagues at the University of Indianapolis. He urges for more students to learn about broadcast engineering with the high demand for qualified candidates. He reflects on the opportunity of working at his alma mater as the Director of Engineering for WICR-FM. Joe later shares his experience of coming out as a gay man and the major cultural differences he has seen between Indiana and New Hampshire. Finally, Joe shares his favorite music, the restaurants his misses most in Indianapolis & much more Full podcast is available now! Links to rate, review, subscribe & donate - https://linktr.ee/jbkonair
#118 - Dr. Chuck Dietzen
#117 - Dillon Welch
Dillon Welch is a pit road reporter & broadcaster for NBC Sports covering NASCAR, IndyCar, and IMSA telecasts. He recalls his early years alongside Jimmy as students together at Carmel High School, gaining experience through the WHJE & CHTV broadcast programs. Dillon shares the best parts of living in Charlotte, North Carolina, including his favorite food spots. Finally both Jimmy & Dillon reflect on getting to work alongside their fathers Chooch Kennedy & Vince Welch respectfully in the same industry, sharing their best pieces of advice. Full podcast is available everywhere now! Rate, review, subscribe & donate! Links - https://linktr.ee/jbkonair
#116 - Jason Acquisto
Jason Acquisto is an air-personality & podcast producer/host based in Indianapolis, Indiana. He recalls his early years in radio as a morning drive producer and the various “on-air” names he went by in his career. Jason also documents his love for the band U2 and how important Bono is to a performance. Finally, Jimmy tells about meeting former President of the United States Bill Clinton at a local book signing, on the hottest day of the summer. Full show is available everywhere now! Rate, review, subscribe & donate! Links - https://linktr.ee/jbkonair
#115 - Haley Coronado
Haley Coronado joins Jimmy to reflect back on their time spent together as communication students at the University of Indianapolis. She recalls her experience as a cheerleader, growing up in the suburbs of Chicago and attending the same high school as Isiah Thomas, documented in the critically acclaimed film Hoop Dreams. Haley talks about her favorite TV shows including American Horror Story, created by Indianapolis native Ryan Murphy. Finally, Jimmy & Haley bond over food including some of her specialties as a chef. Full show is anywhere you get podcasts!
Rate, review, subscribe & donate here: https://linktr.ee/jbkonair
#114 - Caroline Forbes-Pozen
Caroline Forbes-Pozen is an elementary special education teacher based in Denver, Colorado. She recalls the privilege of getting involved with Best Buddies in high school at Zionsville and what motivated her to pursue this career path. She describes her previous experience as a teacher on St. Thomas Island in the US Virgin Islands. Both Jimmy & Caroline are also forever grateful for their protective mothers & caring teachers early on in school. Finally, Caroline reveals to Jimmy she is 15 weeks pregnant and what she is most looking forward to as an expecting mom! Full show is anywhere you get podcasts! Rate, review, subscribe & donate! https://linktr.ee/jbkonair
#113 - Peyton Thompson
Peyton Thompson is a Digital Marketing Coordinator for the Indiana Pacers with retail & their team store. She reflects on her college experience at Butler & what it’s like getting to witness basketball games at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse. Peyton sees the pros/cons to having a dentist as a parent & appreciates the 24/7 commitment of being a stay-at-home mom. Finally, Peyton talks about the challenges of creating content with how short attention spans are in 2024. Episode is available everywhere now. Rate, review, subscribe & donate at https://linktr.ee/jbkonair & on all social media platforms!
#112 - Russ Maloney
Russ Maloney is the Director of Operations & Programming for KCLU 88.3 FM in Thousand Oaks, California, 45 minutes west of Los Angeles. Russ joins his former student Jimmy after spending time together as colleagues on 88.7 WICR-FM in Indianapolis. Russ recalls donating to the Indiana Pacers telethon to keep the franchise from leaving Indianapolis & sees the deck stacked against them ever winning an NBA Championship. He shares a story of working with former Vice President of the United States, Mike Pence before entering politics, when Mike hosted of The Mike Pence Show for Network Indiana. He later reveals the best live concert he's seen & the most rewarding part of being a college professor. For more information about Russ, you can follow him @russmaloney on the platform formally known as Twitter. Rate, Review, Subscribe & Donate to sustain future shows! https://linktr.ee/jbkonair
#111 - Princess German-Dodson
Princess German-Dodson is a former DII college basketball player & traveling ICU nurse. She reflects on her experience as a student athlete at the University of Indianapolis where she ended her career with 1,443 points, the ninth most all-time in UIndy history. She shares how stressful being a nurse can be and the ways her athletic background prepared her for a career in medicine now. Finally, Princess manifests some goals & resolutions for the year ahead in 2024. New show is available everywhere now! Rate, review, subscribe & donate! https://linktr.ee/jbkonair #jbkonair
#102 - Kylee Kendall
Kylee Kendall is a communication specialist for Beacon Health System in South Bend, Indiana. She joins Jimmy to catch up after being a communication major with him at the University of Indianapolis. She recalls her experience as Editor-in-Chief of The Reflector, UIndy's campus newspaper, and the stressful process of putting a full issue together. Originally from Elkhart, Indiana, Kylee recently moved back to her hometown for a position with Beacon Health System. Beacon Health System oversaw the care of Kylee's sister, Sarah, after she was diagnosed with cancer. This shocking news came during Kylee's freshman year at UIndy, with her sister passing away after a hard-fought five-month battle on December 7, 2013. Kylee also reflects on interning at Riley Children's Hospital, documenting patient stories like Sarah’s in her experience. Kylee enjoys helping others with her communication skillset in medicine now, knowing Sarah would be proud of the work she is doing to pay it forward. Finally, Kylee & Jimmy look back on their "Friends" themed capstone Senior Project collaboration that was required for graduation. An easy conversation with one of the most kind & joyful souls I know.
#110 - Jake Query
Jake Query is the host of Query & Company which airs 12-3 PM ET on 93.5 & 107.5 FM The Fan in Indianapolis. He is also the co-host of Query & Schultz alongside Derek Schultz on ISC Sports Network & anywhere else you get podcasts. He documents his experience as a sports broadcaster covering INDYCAR races, including the Indianapolis 500 as a native hoosier. Jimmy & Jake discuss the stadiums with the best spread of food available to working media. Finally, Jake talks about the various trips he has taken overseas and which places he wants to see next! Jake Query is the host of Query & Company which airs 12-3 PM ET on 93.5 & 107.5 FM The Fan in Indianapolis. He is also the co-host of Query & Schultz alongside Derek Schultz on ISC Sports Network & anywhere else you get podcasts. He documents his experience as a sports broadcaster covering INDYCAR races, including the Indianapolis 500 as a native hoosier. Jimmy & Jake discuss the stadiums with the best spread of food available to working media. Finally, Jake talks about the various trips he has taken overseas and which places he wants to see next! For more information about Jake you can follow him @jakequery on X! Rate, review, subscribe, and donate to sustain future shows! Follow @jbkonair on all social media platforms for more!
#109 - Mike Berman
Mike Berman is a sports reporter and anchor at NBC Chicago. He catches up with Jimmy after meeting each other as colleagues on the sideline during an Indianapolis Colts game day. Mike previously worked for the Indianapolis affiliates CBS 4 & Fox 59, getting to cover events like the Final Four & Indianapolis 500. Mike shares his go-to pizza places in Chicago, favorite places to eat when he comes back to Indianapolis & much more. For more information about Mike & his work, you can follow him @MikeBermanNBC on the platform formally known as Twitter (X) or mike.berman@nbcuni.com through email! Rate, review, subscribe & donate to the show to sustain future episodes! https://linktr.ee/jbkonair
#108 - Sarah Smith
Sarah Smith is a musician based out of Indianapolis, IN. She joins Jimmy to talk about their shared experience as communication students at the University of Indianapolis. Sarah documents her experience as Music Director for WICR-FM including a Swing Era music show she hosted on The Diamond. She talks about learning to play the guitar, how music can change people, and the trauma she has healed from through songwriting. Finally, Jimmy opens up with appreciation toward Sarah for one of the best compliments he's ever received in his career, during their time working together in school. Rate, review, subscribe & donate! https://linktr.ee/jbkonair
#107 - Chris Shoulders
Chris Shoulders is the Development Coordinator at 4 Paws for Ability in Xenia, Ohio. He describes the most rewarding parts of his job working with service dogs, producing heartfelt & meaningful content on the organization's social media platforms. 4 Paws for Ability helps children with disabilities, including autism, epilepsy, physical handicaps, and other conditions. These services also assist veterans in rebuilding their lives after an injury to regain physical independence and offer emotional support, which plays a significant role during their transition back to civilian life. Their Service dogs specialize in assisting veterans with mobility issues or hearing loss resulting from combat injuries, including limb loss, balance problems, spinal injuries, and deafness. For more information including ways to donate & get involved visit https://www.4pawsforability.org/
Chris later opens up about his own anxiety and how his dogs help him day to day with handling stress. Finally, Chris & Jimmy reflect on creating content together as college classmates and colleagues in the radio business. For more information about Chris & his work, follow him @barksnrec on Instagram!
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#106 - Kayla Sullivan
Kayla Sullivan makes her second appearance for JBK on Air and documents her latest experience as an influencer & television personality at WISH-TV Channel 8 in Indianapolis in her “Kid-ding with Kayla” segment. She talks about the challenges of dating as a single mom & the best ways to find a partner in 2023. Kayla also shares her love for Taylor Swift and the need to have Taylor produce a love album dedicated to her current boyfriend, Kanas City Chiefs tight end, Travis Kelce. For more information about Kayla you can follow her @kaylamariesully on Instagram! New episode is available everywhere now! Links to rate, review, subscribe & donate! https://linktr.ee/jbkonair Catch up with with Kayla’s first appearance available now at EP21 too!
#105 - Dylan Bostic
Dylan Bostic is a pro wrestler, boxer, actor & rapper from Shelbyville, Indiana. He talks about his pro wrestling career including his training with Rip Rogers who taught WWE superstars like Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, Batista, & John Cena. Dylan talks about how to develop a character and what someone can expect from a pro wrestling show if they have never seen one. Finally, Jimmy & Dylan talk about what aspects of pro wrestling could be improved on to make the product better in the future. For more information about Dylan, you can follow him @dylanbostic on Instagram. Rate, Review, Subscribe & Donate! https://linktr.ee/jbkonair
#104 - Sarah Hughett (Layman)
#103 - Zack Reising
#101 - Derek Stern
#100 - Marie Kennedy
Marie Kennedy is a published author, public speaker, advocate, & caregiver based in Indianapolis, IN. She joins her son Jimmy on the 100th episode special of JBK on Air to talk about her book My Perfect Son Has Cerebral Palsy. She shares the process for getting a book self-published and the most rewarding parts of being a writer. She also chronicles about her early life, working as editor of her high school's newspaper and yearbook. Finally, she shares some of her favorite music and what kind of posts you can expect on her social media pages. Jimmy gets emotional about what his mom has meant to his career, being grateful for the privilege of creating content. This episode is being published on October 5, 2023, which marks Marie's 62nd birthday! Mom you are my joy, strength, & the best of me. Thank you for being the sunshine of my life. I love you, every time, all the day! - JBK
Purchase your copy of "My Perfect Son Has Cerebral Palsy" today! Link - https://www.authorhouse.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/224774-My-Perfect-Son-Has-Cerebral-Palsy
Also available as a link here - https://linktr.ee/jbkonair
#99 - Sydney Blackburn, Laurie Cutsinger, & Shelly Walters
#98 - Joey Brunk
#97 - Milt Thompson
#96 - Madarrell Murphy
#95 - Stephanie Hirsch
#94 - Chad Eppley
#93 - Wendy Reed
Wendy Reed is a singer & musician based out of Indianapolis, Indiana. She rejoices with Jimmy about getting the chance to work with Jimmy's dad Chooch, as part of Chooch & The Enchanters. She recalls meeting Tony Bennett in New York and getting to work with stars like Eddie Money as part of a Live Day experience with the Bob & Tom Show. Wendy also shares her experience working at the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, helping people gain & keep employment in spite of their adversity. For more information about Wendy including her upcoming gigs and rates to hire, visit her page Wendy Reed Vocalist on Facebook.
#92 - Tayler Persons
#91 - Joe Lawson
#90 - Martha Burse
#89 - Adriane Young
Adriane Young is Indy's Relational Realtor emphasizing quality service to her clients in need of residential real estate help. She joins Jimmy to talk about her career after being colleagues at Entercom Communications in Indianapolis. Learn about the process of buying a home & how to get started with your own career in real estate. Adriane also talks about her apparel company Pretty Being and the many forms prettiness can take, with the mission of making all women feel more empowered.
For Adriane's help with real estate questions, call/text 317-500-7994.
For more information about Adriane & her work with Pretty Being visit https://prettybeing.com/
#88 - Katie Clements
Katie Clements is a thru hiker based out of Denver, Colorado. She majored in graphic design with a minor in marketing at the University of Indianapolis. Katie also participated as a college athlete with UIndy Women's Swimming & Diving for two years. She joins Jimmy to describe her experience hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2019, the amount of preparation that goes into that kind of trip, and the challenges she encountered along the way. Both Jimmy & Katie talk about the importance of appreciating nature and the ways it can help with healing after trauma. For more information about Katie, follow her @katladykatie & @katiewithkeys on Instagram!
#87 - Riley Pelton
#86 - Ty Dixson
#85 - Mark Grainda
Mark Grainda is Director of Content Communications for the United Soccer League's Indy Eleven. He also spent 3 years as Media Relations Director for the Indy Fuel, a professional hockey team based in Indianapolis, IN. Mark describes his daily responsibilities working for a professional sports franchise and the impact it can have on work/life balance. Mark reflects on his shared high school experience with Jimmy as classmates in American Sign Language. They both appreciate the opportunity to gain better perspective on life because of their ASL teacher Joseph Wheeler. Finally, Mark recalls his athletic career as a hockey player at Carmel High School & how being a student athlete helped him get to where his is today!
#84 - Ray Steele
Ray Steele is the local host for NPR's Morning Edition on WFYI 90.1 FM in Indianapolis. He joins Jimmy to talk about his responsibilities as a broadcaster to promote positive content around Indianapolis and help underserved communities with his platform. Ray provides expert analysis on professional wrestling and explains the peace it brings him when needing to disconnect from the stress of work.
Finally, both recall their experience being involved with Timmy Takedown, a charity pro wrestling event organized & performed by people with disabilities. For more about Timmy Takedown & how to donate to Timmy Global Health, visit https://www.timmyglobalhealth.org/timmytakedown
For more with Ray, tune in weekdays 5-9 AM ET on WFYI 90.1 FM in Indianapolis, stream online, & follow him @RaySteeleWFYI on Twitter!
#83 - Harold "H.B." Bell (Jumbo Love)
#82 - Brenda Williams
Brenda Williams is a singer and actress based in Indianapolis, IN. She joins Jimmy to talk about her career in entertainment, recalling the joy she felt performing with Jimmy's dad, Chooch as part of The Jackson Street Orchestra.
Brenda shares her experience competing in the Mrs. America beauty competition as Mrs. Montana, finishing 2nd runner up for the title. She also shares her earliest music influences & how singing in church with the encouragement of her father inspired her to become a singer.
She has been the opening act for headliners such as Ray Charles, The Beach Boys, Lee Greenwood, Chuck Mangione, and Meryl Streep. She reflects on a stellar career that has spanned over four decades and still continues today. Ms. Williams has established a large following of fans in Central Indiana over the years, through her ability to perform a wide variety of settings in her own defining style.
For more information about Brenda, follow her page BRENDA WILLIAMS ENTERTAINMENT on Facebook!
#81 - Marquone Edmonds
Marquone Edmonds is a fitness specialist and coach based out of Lake Bluff, Illinois. He is a former wide receiver at the University of Indianapolis playing from 2009-2012. He is the all-time leader for UIndy Football in career receptions (256), receiving yards (3,254) & touchdown catches (41).
He talks about his experience playing multiple sports in high school, the hours that go into developing timing with a quarterback, and what it is like to physically recover following a football game. Marquone reflects on having the opportunity to play professional football in Germany and getting to experience a different culture. Finally, Marquone reveals his favorite professional wrestler & go-to football movie!
For more information about Marquone including his services as a fitness specialist/coach follow @quone86 on Instagram!
#80 - Eric Davidson
Eric Davidson is a former college basketball player at the University of Indianapolis. He reacts to John Rahm winning the 2023 Masters, the satisfaction of seeing LIV Tour players lose, and if Tiger Woods will ever win again on the PGA Tour.
He first recalls his high school basketball experience at Hamilton Southeastern, playing alongside two Indiana Mr. Basketball award recipients, Gary Harris and Zak Irvin. Before enrolling at UIndy, Eric won the 2014 American Family Insurance High School Three-Point Shooting Championship in Dallas, establishing himself as one of the best shooters in the country. He emphasizes the need for confidence and repetition as keys to becoming a prolific shooter.
Eric is also UIndy's all-time leader in career free-throw percentage, converting on better than 93% of his attempts. Much like his favorite NBA player, Steph Curry, ED points to his steady free throw line routine as a major reason for the consistent success. Finally, he reflects on the best life lessons basketball has taught him and the joy he feels seeing his younger brother Jack play professionally overseas!
For more information about Eric, follow him @ericdavidson5 on Instagram!