Words of the Wise

For more than 15 years, Ted Baker has helped entrepreneurs, dreamers, and business owners turn ideas into reality. As the Executive Director of the Innovation Connector, his fingerprints are on countless businesses and success stories across Indiana. But as you'll hear in this episode, Ted's story is about much more than business. From growing up in small-town Indiana, to building and selling...

In this special birthday release of Words of the Wise, Lexie sits down with Karen Delaney to reflect on a life shaped by faith, resilience, music, family, and the quiet strength of knowing who you are. Karen shares what it was like growing up on a farm in Hershey, Pennsylvania, where feeding 32,000 chickens was just part of daily life, and where her parents instilled the values of integrity, e...

In this hope-filled conversation, Jenifer Foxworthy shares how faith, family, and community have carried her through unimaginable loss—her husband, step daughter, brother, father, and most recently her son, James (“Foxy”). Recorded at the Fore Foxy Memorial golf outing, Jen reflects on raising her family, the dinner-table values that shaped them, and the ways God met her in the very moments of ...

In this heartfelt and joy-filled episode, Lexie sits down with Steveann Devoe-Granger — the mother of one of her greatest mentors and closest friends, Aunt Danielle. This episode is a birthday surprise for Danielle, airing on the day she and Lexie share their special day. Steveann reflects on her childhood in Albany, raising her family, walking through seasons of deep loss, and learning to liv...

Happy Birthday, JJ Lynch! My cousin, JJ Lynch turns 18 the day this episode airs — and honestly, he’s one of the wisest “young adults” I know. He’s a coach’s kid and the oldest of six, which explains a lot about his servant heart. JJ’s an old soul who loves deep talks, random t-shirts, and tennis, but more than anything, he loves Jesus. His life reflects a maturity that can only come from walk...

In this Words of the Wise episode, Lexie sits down with Larry Delaney, an 83-year-old lifelong Christian minister whose calling began at 15 watching a pastor pray over his stepfather in the hospital. Larry shares how early influences—radio sermons at his family’s Sunday table, jail visitation during college, migrant-camp outreach, and work at the Muncie Mission—formed a ministry defined by comp...

In this kickoff to the Practicing Proverbs mini-series—rooted in Proverbs 3:6 and the broader Words of the Wise theme that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”—Lexie sits down with her childhood best friend, Stella Anderson, to talk about identity in Christ, getting married young, and learning to lead and be led in marriage. Stella shares about moving to Kentucky, finding church co...

Former Butler player, head coach, and longtime administrator Ken LaRose reflects on the three pillars that shaped his life: faith, family, and football. He shares tender memories of growing up in Cincinnati, the impact of his parents and siblings—especially his deaf brother Michael who taught him eye contact and empathy—and the coaches who became second fathers (Gerry Faust, Bill Sylvester). K...

Episode 48 of Words of the Wise features one of the most decorated and respected leaders in American high school sports and education: Coach J.T. Curtis. At 78 years old, J.T. is not only the winningest football coach in the nation with over 600 victories and 28 state championships, but also serves as Head of Schools at John Curtis Christian School—the very school his parents founded. Througho...

Hey friends! In this special solo episode (with some very sweet guest voices), I’m exploring what it really means to have childlike faith. We’ve all heard Jesus say to become like children, but recently, through study, conversations, and even music, I’ve started to see His words in a new way. Before I dive in, I want to give a special shoutout to my cousin Max Lynch, the talented designer behi...

Episode 46 of Words of the Wise features longtime coach, mentor, and family friend, Coach Bob Bartolomeo—known to most as Coach Bart. From his childhood in Gary, Indiana, to his years as a player at Butler, and decades on the sidelines shaping college football programs, Coach Bart’s story is one of consistency and a passion for people. Throughout our conversation, he reflects on the values pas...

In Episode 45 of Words of the Wise, host Lexie Manor revisits a conversation with Marilyn Culler. Marilyn’s life story is one of unexpected turns, deep faith, and steady kindness. She recalls her idyllic childhood exploring the mountains and streams of eastern Pennsylvania, often saying: “Growing up in nature and being surrounded by such beauty has really stuck with me my whole life.” Her car...

In Episode 44 of Words of the Wise, host Lexie Manor sits down with Max Newlin, an 84-year-old lifelong Plainfield, Indiana resident, farmer, husband, and man of deep faith. From a playful kiss on the playground in first grade to nearly 64 years of marriage, Max’s love story with his wife Beverly is as enduring as it is inspiring. He reflects on their simple but powerful marriage advice: “Two ...

In episode 43 of Words of the Wise, host Lexie Manor shares a deeply personal and faith-filled reflection of her grandpa, Jon Manor "Papa Jon," and the enduring spiritual legacy he left behind. Growing up in a broken home, once known as the small-town rebel, and later transformed by his faith in Christ, Papa Jon became the foundation of a multi-generational blessing by choosing to put "Jesus F...

In this episode, Larry Abed—mentor, teacher, and the heartbeat behind DePauw’s TV operations—shares his journey from growing up in Detroit to becoming a beloved professor and mentor to countless students. Larry’s story is full of lessons about resilience, self-belief, and carving your own path. From standing up to a childhood bully to discovering his passion for television later in life, Larry...

Cathie Miller, Lexie’s beloved godmother, has lived a life full of adventure, love, and unwavering faith. In this conversation, she shares stories from her childhood in a big family, lessons from 50 years of marriage, raising four sons, and her legendary cross-country cycling trips. Her wisdom is as refreshing as it is timeless: “Work hard, talk less,” “Walk in a room and smile,” and “You never...

In this spirit-filled episode of Words of the Wise, Cathy Campbell shares the journey behind the smile. Cathy's story is one of profound faith, quiet resilience, and radiant hope. She shares how the Lord met her in the depths, and how she continues to find joy on the other side of pain. Her story is a reminder that the legacy we leave isn’t built in one moment—but in the small, faithful steps ...

Lexie Manor reflects on the moment that started it all: recording her very first episode with her Great Grandpa Lux. Six years later, she revisits that porch conversation, the quote that stuck with her, "Be a good homebody," and why preserving voices and stories is more important than ever. This solo episode explores legacy, identity, and what it really means to come home.