The Rooted & Reaching podcast, now entering its third season, gives a voice to the founders shaping our dynamic Midwest economy. With each episode, the show digs beneath the surface of business strategy to explore the deeper “why” behind the people who choose to take the leap into entrepreneurship.

Produced by the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership’s Startup South Bend – Elkhart initiative, Rooted & Reaching highlights the journeys of local entrepreneurs as they build and scale companies that reflect their values, passions, and communities. What started in March 2023 as a pilot effort to document the “how” of business building has now evolved into a more intimate look at the motivations, fears, and inspirations that power the region’s founders.

Season One of Rooted & Reaching introduced listeners to the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem across the region, featuring 17 in-depth interviews with local changemakers. Hosts Bethany Hartley, President & CEO of the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership, and Nicholas Kuhn, Vice President of Hardtech at Elevate Ventures, walked listeners through the nuts and bolts of launching and growing a business – covering everything from funding and mentorship to overcoming early obstacles.

Guests included respected founders like Kathy Burnette of Brain Lair Books, Derald Gray of DG Visionaries, Mike Keen of Hometowne Development, and Jess Koscher of Write Connections. Their stories reflected a wide array of industries, backgrounds, and business models, showcasing the diversity and resilience of the local startup community.

In Season Two, the show shifted its focus. With new hosts Marty Mechtenberg, Senior Director of Entrepreneurship and Industry Innovation at the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership, and Susan Ford, Partner at Graham Allen Partners, the podcast looked to bring a new layer of introspection, as entrepreneurs reflect on what their work means to them, their families, and their communities.

“The first season, we tended to discuss the ‘how’ of these founders’ entrepreneurial journeys,” said Mechtenberg. “With Season Two, we’re looking at the ‘why’ – what drives these individuals to leave the security of a nine-to-five to risk it all, bringing their vision to life.”

Season Two launched on April 25, 2024, and consisted of 16 episodes released biweekly. Guests included a mix of established founders, as well as determined young entrepreneurs. The second episode was recorded live during IDEA Week at a session titled “Recent Raises: Hear from Founders Who Just Completed Their Rounds.” The panel included high-growth entrepreneurs Ray Fraser, formerly of Vital View Technologies, heARsight’s Riley Ellingsen, Joshua Rodgers of Mili Llama, and Pivt’s Lynn Greenberg, along with moderator Cat Edmonds from the University of Notre Dame discussing fundraising in today’s startup climate and what motivates them to keep going in the face of uncertainty.

Other guests in Season Two included regional leaders such as Len Morris of Viewrail, author Mike Brown of Soulstir, Tae’Lor Lake, Founder of Trophy Details, and Richard Worsham, co-founder of Janus Motorcycles – each bringing a unique perspective on how personal purpose fuels business decisions.

“I tried to figure out what I could do,” said Brown in his episode. “What I learned through that process is that I’m an invigorating force. I bring a lot of energy to any room that I enter. I inspire people. I motivate people. So, I decided to take what that meant, and it became something that stirs your soul.”

Listeners can access the podcast audio on Captivate or watch the episodes on YouTube. It is produced by Truth Work Media, whose founder, Michael Yoder, was a guest on Season One.

“The South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership has long championed the power of entrepreneurship as a driver of economic development and industry diversification,” said Hartley. “Rooted & Reaching is a natural extension of that work – serving as both a digital archive and a motivational platform for the region’s evolving innovation landscape. These are stories of grit, generosity, sacrifice, and vision. In an era where people crave deeper connection and meaning, Rooted & Reaching delivers that – one authentic conversation at a time.”

As Season Three kicks off, the podcast is poised to become more than just a regional gem – it’s a model for how communities across the country can document, support, and elevate the voices of their homegrown entrepreneurs. And for every listener who tunes in, the message is clear: your story matters, your vision counts, and this region is ready to hear what you have to say.