In this episode of The Jim Dedelow Podcast, Jim Dedelow sits down with emergency preparedness and infrastructure expert Geary Sikich to take a closer look at the massive August 11 derecho that devastated Northwest Indiana and left hundreds of thousands of residents without power.

Jim and Geary discuss the storm's widespread impact, the challenges residents and communities faced in the aftermath, and the importance of communication when traditional systems such as internet and cellular service fail. They also examine concerns surrounding aging infrastructure, utility reliability, cybersecurity threats to critical systems, and the vulnerabilities facing Northwest Indiana's electric, gas, water, healthcare, steel, and transportation infrastructure.

The conversation goes beyond the storm itself, asking an important question: What happens the next time a major disaster strikes—and will Northwest Indiana be better prepared?

Geary shares lessons from decades of emergency preparedness and critical infrastructure consulting, including his experience working with utilities, government agencies, and major organizations. He also explains how Chicago's ChicagoFIRST initiative brings government and critical private-sector industries together to prepare for large-scale emergencies—and why a similar model could benefit Northwest Indiana.

Karen Korellis Reuther grew up in Hammond as part of a roofing family. She went to Purdue, worked at Inland Steel and then Wang Computers, Nike, Reebok and other other stops along the way. Karen is one of the foremost industrial designers of products in America. In Man-Made: How We Designed a World That Leaves Women Out, and How We Can Make It Right:, Karen talks about how how products designed for men range from inconvenient and insulting to dangerous and deadly for women.

Is local radio making a comeback? Can podcasts and digital content save community journalism? In this episode of The Jim Dedelow Podcast, Jim Dedelow sits down with longtime broadcaster and media strategist Chuck Pullen for an in-depth conversation about the evolution of local media, the rise of podcasting, streaming television, artificial intelligence, and why authentic storytelling still matters.

Chuck reflects on how a chance meeting with Jim in 2009 helped shape WJOB's digital transformation—from traditional AM radio to streaming, video, podcasts, and the Heartland Sports Network. Together, they discuss why newspapers declined while local radio continues to thrive, the importance of community conversations over one-sided commentary, and how niche podcasts are creating meaningful connections for audiences.

The discussion also explores the future of content creation, the challenges of monetizing podcasts, AI's growing role in broadcasting, and why trusted local voices remain more valuable than ever in an increasingly crowded digital world.

Whether you're a broadcaster, podcaster, journalist, content creator, or simply passionate about local news, this episode offers valuable insights into where media is headed—and why community storytelling will always have a place.