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 companies of his own, to nearly 47 years of marriage, Ted shares the people, moments, and lessons that shaped the man he is today. Along the way, we talk about faith, family, leadership, generosity, entrepreneurship, and why helping others succeed has become one of his life's greatest joys.What stood out to me most was Ted's deep gratitude for the life he's been given and his unwavering belief that success is never really about ourselves, it's about how we impact the people around us.In this episode, you'll hear:• Why Ted believes "some things are taught, and some things are caught."• The childhood memory that shaped how he views marriage and family to this day.• What nearly five decades of marriage have taught him about love and commitment.• Why seeing other people succeed brings him more joy than his own accomplishments.• The difference between work-life balance and "work-life choices."• How faith has guided every season of his life.Favorite Quotes:"Just remember, for you to be successful, you have to make everyone around you successful.""Make a difference where you can and when you can.""The door is always open.""If God can get it through you, He'll get it to you."Ted's life is a beautiful reminder that leadership isn't about recognition, it's about service. And sometimes the greatest legacy we leave behind is the impact we've had on others.

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 words: yes ma’am.”Max and Beverly raised three children, including their son Brad, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer at 22 while studying to be a minister at Taylor University. Brad passed away at just 23, and in his honor, the family established a scholarship that continues to bless future ministers. Max’s faith carried him through, as he shared: “I knew where he was.”Throughout the episode, Max reflects on: His childhood lessons in self-reliance: “My parents didn’t give me anything, they gave me everything.” His decades of farming the land he grew up on and the joy of “watching things grow.” His lifelong commitment to serving others: “I hope to be remembered as someone who tried to serve the Lord.” Opening his home and heart to friends who became family. This episode is both tender and timeless—a testimony of a man whose faith shaped his family and his community, and whose legacy of love and service will continue to ripple through generations.

Larry Abed is more than a professor—he’s a life coach, mentor, and lifelong learner who believes in hard work and kindness above all. In this re-released conversation, we talk about: Larry’s childhood growing up in Detroit and the lessons it taught him. How sports and a strong work ethic helped him find his place in the world. His unexpected career path, from newsrooms and ad agencies to a thriving role in academia. The importance of listening to your inner voice and surrounding yourself with mentors who believe in you. What it means to love your work and find purpose in guiding the next generation. Larry has a gift for seeing the best in people, and his advice resonates with everyone—students, professionals, and anyone chasing a dream.Soli Deo Gloria.

Originally recorded in February 2024 as a private interview, this tender and hope-filled conversation with Cathy Campbell is now being shared publicly—thanks to her courageous “yes” and Lexie’s gentle encouragement.In this episode, Cathy shares: Her joyful outlook on life, even after seasons of deep heartache Why she considers raising her children her greatest ministry The grief of losing two husbands—one suddenly, and another to cancer What it was like to walk alongside her grandson, Tyler Trent, during his cancer battle How her faith has sustained her through every high and low Tyler Trent, Cathy’s grandson, became a nationally beloved Purdue superfan and cancer advocate whose story inspired millions before his passing in 2019. Cathy’s quiet, steady faith is part of the legacy Tyler carried forward.Through every chapter, Cathy has continued to choose light. Her warmth, resilience, and trust in the Lord make this one of the most moving and redemptive stories we’ve shared.This episode is about loss, yes—but more than that, it’s about legacy, family, joy, and the faith that anchors us when life takes unexpected turns.Soli Deo Gloria.

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