Episode Details

On today's show I sat down with FOX59 feature reporter and producer Sherman Burdette, creator of the weekly "Where is Sherman?" segment spotlighting Indiana's people, small businesses, and local experiences.

Sherman shares his path from Broad Ripple High School and Ball State into TV, starting as a videotape editor at WISH-TV, then leaving for Los Angeles to pursue acting before returning to journalism through small-market jobs, a breakthrough lifestyle role in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, and finally coming back to Indianapolis in 2009 as his mother battled pancreatic cancer.

He explains how "Where is Sherman?" was branded in a Panera meeting, why he focuses on stories rather than food criticism, and how the segment's visibility has helped over 2,000 businesses while energizing him personally.

If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.

You are going to learn about:
- Sherman Burdette's Media Career
- The Start of "Where is Sherman?" and Its Growth in Popularity
- Businesses and Hidden Gems Featured on "Where is Sherman?"

Thank you to our partners:
NCW

Check out these great clips from the show:
00:00 Small Business Impact
01:16 Guest Introduction: Sherman Burdette, FOX59
02:12 Broad Ripple to Ball State
03:02 Old School Tape Editing
05:02 Acting Dreams and LA
11:21 Back to TV via Small Markets
15:52 Breakthrough and On Air Persona
19:52 Returning to Indy at FOX59
22:12 Birth of "Where is Sherman?"
24:41 Food Focus and On-Camera Eating
27:08 How Segments Get Chosen
30:00 Not a Food Critic Story First
33:03 Beyond Restaurants Experiences
34:21 From Restaurants to Small Biz
34:39 Dog Jobs and Dress Up
35:23 Connection Drives the Show
36:42 How the Segments Work
39:08 Research and Story Criteria
40:32 Handling Pitches and DMs
42:57 Preparing for the Sherman Bump
44:50 Impact Stories and Criticism
46:56 Stickers and Favorite Moments
50:30 Unexpected Gems and Misconceptions
54:17 Travel Highlights and Career Pride
57:00 Indiana Lightning Round
58:57 Storytelling Advice for Media
01:01:48 Food Emporium and Indy Lore
01:03:36 Bucket List and Final Three
01:06:43 Favorite Indiana Memory
01:09:06 Where to Follow

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