TUNE IN TO WATCH EPISODE 1:
MILE MARKER ONE:
FEATURING MAYOR SHARON TUCKER
From party wisdom to City Hall—Mayor Sharon Tucker shares her inspiring journey to becoming Fort Wayne’s first Black woman mayor. In this heartfelt conversation, we talk leadership, community, and staying grounded while making history. Tune in for real talk, relatable insights, and a bold vision for Fort Wayne’s future.
TUNE IN TO WATCH EPISODE 2:
MILE MARKER TWO:
FEATURING AUSTIN MACK, DARRION WHITE, DARONTE POWERS
Three Fathers. Three Leaders. One Powerful Conversation.
In this special Miles Ahead episode, I sit down with three powerhouse guests — Austin Mack, Darrion White, and Daronte Powers — to talk about fatherhood, football, and forging legacy. These men represent what it means to lead both on and off the field. From Darrion’s transition into head coach at Wayne High School and raising three sons who all went to state…To Austin’s journey from Ohio State to the NFL and now playing professionally in Canada while raising two daughters… To Daronte’s rise as a an entrepreneur and father who continues to inspire through creative expression…We unpack the power of Midwest grit, the beauty of fatherhood, and the mindset it takes to build greatness.
TUNE IN TO WATCH EPISODE 3:
MILE MARKER THREE:
FEATURING CJ MCCARTER & ZACH LATHAM
Game Changers in The Midwest
In this episode, we're talking all things sports with two Fort Wayne natives who are redefining athletic performance in the Midwest. CJ McCarter and Zach Latham—trainers, mentors, and all-around game changers—join Miles Ahead to drop knowledge on what it really takes to train like a pro. We dive into their journeys growing up in Fort Wayne, how they’ve built a name in the regional sports scene, and what they’ve learned about the grind behind greatness. From college ball to the big leagues, they’re sharing hot takes on today’s sports culture and debunking some of the biggest myths in sports performance. If you're an athlete, coach, parent, or just love a good sports convo—this one’s for you.
Tap in. Let's go the distance.
TUNE IN TO WATCH EPISODE 4:
MILE MARKER FOUR:
FEATURING DESTINY LEE
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"Skincare is Healthcare" — with Destiny Lee of Desi Esthetics!
She’s 23, faith-filled, and the face behind one of Fort Wayne’s rising beauty brands. This week on Miles Ahead, we’re talking all things skincare, self-worth, and entrepreneurship with esthetician and business owner Destiny Lee — the powerhouse behind Desi Esthetics.
From busting skincare myths to explaining why your products might be doing more harm than good, Destiny gives us the real on what healthy skin looks like — inside and out. We also dig deep into how her faith fuels her business, the truth about viral skincare hacks, and what confidence really means when you're facing breakouts, setbacks, or self-doubt.
Whether you're a skincare junkie or building a business from the ground up, this conversation will inspire you to show up — with purpose, on purpose.
TUNE IN TO WATCH EPISODE 5:
MILE MARKER FIVE:
FEATURING ALEC PENA
No Filter, No Fear, Just Alec
Hold onto your seatbelts—this Mile Marker is taking off! ✈️ I sat down with my dear friend Alec Pena, and trust me, this episode is as wild, honest, and hilarious as he is. We unpack the crazy story of how we met, his powerful (and personal) “coming out” journey, and what life is really like traveling the world as a flight attendant. From globe-trotting adventures to Midwest mischief, Alec brings his unfiltered energy and bold spirit to the mic. He's unapologetically himself—authentic, chaotic in the best way, and the kind of person who keeps you laughing even when you don’t see it coming. This is a convo about friendship, freedom, and the fearless joy of living out loud.
🎧 Buckle up—this one’s a ride.
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TUNE IN TO WATCH EPISODE 6:
MILE MARKER SIX:
FEATURING ANGEL SUTTLE
Legacy in the Making 🎙️✨
Angel Suttle is that woman. A Fort Wayne native, a powerhouse in media, and a fearless Black woman who has done it all — from marketing and TV to radio, nonprofit leadership, and beyond. She’s a proud mom of two, deeply rooted in her purpose, and fiercely committed to building a legacy for her children, her parents, and herself.
In this episode, the girl talk gets real. We dive into relationships, navigating the ever-changing media industry, and the bold moves she’s making now — including her return to the radio mic with a show that’s all her own. Angel is wise, raw, and wildly inspiring.
If you need motivation, perspective, or just a reminder of the power of resilience and reinvention — this one’s for you.
🎧 Tune in. You won’t forget her name.
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TUNE IN TO WATCH EPISODE 7:
MILE MARKER SEVEN:
FEATURING ALFREDO PEREZ & DEREK VITATOE
In this episode of Miles Ahead, I sit down with two inspiring leaders, Alfredo Pérez and Derek Vitatoe, to talk about what it really takes to climb the professional ladder in today’s world. From their early career challenges to leading in their respective organizations, they share honest insights about perseverance, adaptability, and the power of relationships.
Whether you’re just starting your career or looking for your next big move, this conversation will leave you motivated to take the next step on your journey.
🎧 Every mile has a story worth telling—and this one is all about growth, grit, and guidance.
TUNE IN TO WATCH EPISODE 8:
MILE MARKER EIGHT:
FEATURING MATT LEACH
Forecasting More Than Weather – A Conversation with Matt Leach
In this episode of Miles Ahead, I sat down with the one and only Matt Leach, Chief Meteorologist at 21Alive News in Fort Wayne. Known for his on-air charisma, Matt brings the same energy to the mic as we uncover the story behind the green screen. We dive into why he became a meteorologist, how his journey led him into teaching communications, and his honest take on where the media industry is headed. He shares what brings him joy outside of the newsroom — and yes, there’s even a tease about a book he’s writing.
Matt is equal parts brilliant and hilarious, and this conversation is the perfect opportunity to get to know the person behind the forecast. If you think you know Matt Leach, think again. Tune in and tap in.
TUNE IN TO WATCH EPISODE 9:
MILE MARKER NINE:
FEATURING DEREK TAYLOR
From Soap to Scents – A Conversation with Derek Taylor
In this episode of Miles Ahead, I sat down with Derek Taylor, owner of Simple Nature Candles in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Kindhearted, community-minded, and just the right amount of witty, Derek has built a candle business that’s as unique as the scents he creates. We talk about how his journey started with soap, why candles became his calling, and how one tongue-in-cheek “Ohio” candle unexpectedly caught national attention — landing features in outlets like the New York Times and the Washington Post.
Derek shares the story behind Fort Wayne’s signature Apple, Maple, and Bourbon candle, his passion for giving back during natural disasters, and the gratitude he feels for the city that’s supported his dream.
This conversation is equal parts inspiring and entertaining, and it’s proof that sometimes the simplest ideas can spark the biggest opportunities. Tune in and tap in.
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TUNE IN TO WATCH EPISODE 10:
MILE MARKER TEN:
FEATURING KAYLA MALEY
From News to New Chapters – A Conversation with Kayla Maley
In this episode of Miles Ahead, I sat down with Kayla Maley, a familiar face in Fort Wayne who many came to know as a morning anchor on 21Alive News. In October of 2024, Kayla made the courageous decision to step away from the newsroom to focus on her greatest calling — raising her three kids.
But before her broadcasting career, Kayla was on a path that might surprise you — one few would expect given where she ultimately landed. We dive into that unexpected beginning, her journey into the world of news, and what it meant to walk away from the career she built.
I also asked Kayla the question many of you might be wondering: Would she ever return to the news industry? Her answer just might shock you.
This conversation is heartfelt, honest, and full of perspective for anyone navigating change, redefining success, or embracing life’s next chapter. Tune in and tap in.
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I’m Emilia Miles—a proud Fort Wayne native who’s always had a passion for stories and the people behind them. For five years, I had the chance to live out a dream as a reporter and anchor at 21Alive News, covering everything from breaking news and politics to community wins and fun features. It was fast-paced, rewarding, and taught me how powerful it is to share someone’s story the right way.
In October 2024, I stepped away from the news desk—not because I stopped loving storytelling, but because I wanted to tell stories differently. That’s where Miles Ahead was born. This podcast is my way of staying behind the mic while connecting more deeply with the place I call home: the Midwest. From Fort Wayne to Chicago, Indy to Columbus—this region has heart, grit, and voices that deserve to be heard.
I’m still all about highlighting purpose, people, and progress. Just doing it in my own way, at my own pace, and on a platform that gives space to slow down and really listen. Welcome to the journey—we’re just getting started.
MEET YOUR HOST
EMILIA MILES