About Miles Ahead: Every Mile Has a Story Worth Telling
Miles Ahead is a podcast celebrating the power of stories and connections. Through heartfelt conversations with family, friends, community leaders, and everyday individuals, host Emilia Miles dives into the relationships and moments that have shaped their journey and the midwest’s growth. Blending personal reflections with impactful storytelling, each episode aims to inspire listeners to see the value in their own stories and the people around them. Miles Ahead is about fostering connection, embracing growth, and moving forward—one mile and one story at a time.
Mile Marker Eleven w/ Big Brothers Big Sisters of NE Indiana
The Power of Mentorship — Featuring Big Brother Nathan & Little Brother Rovenio
In this episode of Miles Ahead, we sit down with Big Brother of the Year, Nathan, and his Little Brother, Rovenio, to talk about a bond that’s been growing since 2019. When they first met, Rovenio was just nine years old. Now, as a high school junior, he reflects on how their friendship has evolved through laughter, learning, and life lessons.
Together, Nathan and Rovenio share what they love to do when they hang out, how they’ve both grown through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, and why mentorship matters more than ever. Their story is a reminder that the right connection can change the course of someone’s life — and that being a “Big” often means gaining just as much as you give.
Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about mentorship, growth, and the joy of showing up for one another.
31 Aug 2025
Mile Marker Ten w/ 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.
21 Aug 2025
Mile Marker Nine w/ 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.
11 Aug 2025
Mile Marker Eight w/ Matt Leach
Forecasting More Than Weather – A Conversation with Matt LeachIn 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.
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.
20 Jun 2025
Mile Marker Seven w/ Angel Suttle
Angel Suttle shares her experiences as a media powerhouse, discussing relationships and navigating the evolving media industry, while building a legacy for her family in this interview.
10 Jun 2025
Mile Marker Five w/ Alec Pena
Alec Pena shares his unfiltered story with the host, detailing his "coming out" journey and experiences as a flight attendant traveling the world, in this interview.
25 May 2025
Miles Marker Four w/ Destiny Lee
Esthetician Destiny Lee discusses skincare as healthcare, entrepreneurship, and self-worth with the hosts, sharing insights on healthy skin and faith-fueled business practices in this interview.
15 May 2025
Mile Marker Three w/ 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.
https://linktr.ee/milesahea
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.
2 May 2025
Mile Marker One w/ Mayor Sharon Tucker
From graduation party wisdom to leading Indiana’s second-largest city, this episode is full-circle and full of heart. Mayor Sharon Tucker joins me for an inspiring conversation about her journey—from a curious, grounded young girl to becoming Fort Wayne’s first Black woman mayor. We go beyond the headlines to talk about her childhood, her roots in leadership, and what it means to serve a city she calls home.
We unpack what leadership really looks like, how she juggles public service and personal life, and the bold vision she has for Fort Wayne’s future. Plus, Mayor Tucker shares what keeps her grounded, her go-to wing spot, and advice for women ready to lead from wherever they are.
Whether you're a lifelong Hoosier or just love good leadership stories, this episode is packed with real talk, relatable wisdom, and hope for what’s ahead.
Tune in—you’ll leave feeling motivated, connected, and proud to call Fort Wayne home.
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Who has been a guest on Miles Ahead: Every Mile Has a Story Worth Telling
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Angel Suttle
Alec Pena
Destiny Lee
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.7 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 39 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
64
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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