Unique interviews while giving back to the youth
(BATESVILLE, Ind.) – You’re never too old to try something different and discover a new passion.
Even if you’re 85-years-old and diving into the world of podcasting!
After leaving the military in 1961, Larry Reidy was living in Cincinnati and got married to his wife, Nancy.
Reidy found success in business, working in sectors including insurance and oil, before deciding to go work for himself.
He would eventually own 17 different businesses and had 200 people working for him at one point.
The family moved to Batesville in 1970 and Larry would go on to operate a motorcycle business and tire store.
At one point, a friend of his, who owned a Honda dealership in Greensburg, asked him to get lunch. The friend informed him over a terminal cancer diagnosis and Larry wanted to do something for him.
“So, I offered to buy him out and then moved my business operations from Batesville to Greensburg,” he said.
Having a wife and seven children at home, Larry said his goal as a businessman was to always support and provide for his family.
“People always said you must love riding motorcycles to have a business like that, and while I agreed, I would have opened a rubber duck business if it meant supporting my family,” he said.
Larry says there were many ups and downs that came with owning businesses, but there was one thing he would never do when it came to his family.
“When I walked into the house, no matter what the problem was, I would never talk about business with my wife. We’d have dinner, play with the kids, watch television, but never talk business,” he said.
Nowadays, there is something he doesn’t even try to hide from his wife. Being a podcaster.
I interviewed him at his kitchen table where he joked about now being in the top 25 percent of most-listened to podcasters in the world.
“But, that’s really not that big of a deal because there’s 3 million people doing it,” he laughed.
The idea of starting a podcast began when Larry visited the Batesville Liquor Store for a whiskey tasting event a few years ago. There happened to be a podcast taking place and Larry somehow found himself as a guest.
“It was a great time and they invited me back on the show. I thought to myself, I think I can do this. I don’t know if anyone will listen but this would be fun,” Reidy said.
Larry purchased some podcast equipment and taught himself how to use it. He recalls the amount of time it took to understand what he was doing and also change the settings to make it work for him.
He is now getting close to publishing his 200th edition of ‘Larry Reidy’s America.’ The podcast puts a focus on everyday local people from various walks of life.
The interview might be with a local business owner, military veteran, farmer, non-profit organization or doctor.
Some recent podcast guests he especially is proud of, is Air Force veteran and Oldenburg resident Seth Shields, along with the organizers of Ripley County Youth to Yellowstone.
Reidy also invites friends to review liquor and pizza and recently started sharing positive reviews of local restaurants, encouraging his listeners to stop by and support those businesses.
While he says every podcast is fun, there is a new initiative that holds a deeper meaning for Larry.
It’s when he has the opportunity to interview high school students. He brings on seniors from Batesville High School and Oldenburg Academy and lets them talk about their future plans.
“Boy, they are not kids like those in New York City or anything, these kids really got it together. I used to tell people that you aren’t the smartest person in the room, but some of these kids really are,” he said.
He added, “And these high schools, I think Batesville has a great mix of kids that are 70 percent going to college and 30 percent going into the trades.”
He was also astonished to learn that Oldenburg has close to 99 percent of their students pursuing a college path.
Reidy says these local students show him that the future of the country is in good hands.
He’s even giving back to the students. Reidy donated portable podcast equipment to both schools along with the Batesville Memorial Public Library.
Why is he giving podcast equipment to kids? To ensure they tell their stories now.
Larry lost his mother at the age of 9 and only has photographs to remember her by. These podcasts can ensure the voice of the students, or any of his guests, is something that future family members can listen to 100 years from now.
Larry isn’t looking for advertisers and doesn’t want to monetize his podcast. He just wants to give back. It’s a hobby for the 85-year-old that he hopes spreads some good to others, while highlighting people in the community.
Larry Reidy’s America is available by visiting the website ‘larryreidy.net’ where you can also view two books he has authored.
He is also a big supporter of the schools, hospital, veterans, several non-profits, and remains active in his support.
Larry is aware that other people his age spend their time taking it easy, or on vacation, while counting down their days. But, Larry has much more to give.
“You just got to enjoy life because it’s short. Eternity might be forever, but it is nice to enjoy life while you can,” he said.
One thing that some may not know about Larry, is that he gives back to others in more ways than one. If he finds a non-profit or individual in need, he will support them financially.
“My kids are well off, my grandkids are fine, and I’ll tell you, I’ve never seen a Brinks truck following behind a hearse,” he said.
“I just think everybody should count their blessings. Don’t put yourself into poverty, but if you’ve got some extra cash to give, give it to someone who needs it.”
Reidy says anyone that lives in Southeast Indiana should “count your blessings” to call this area home.
We wrapped up the interview by talking about some recent podcasts he’s conducted, the pride he has in the community, and his grandchildren.
“That’s about it for me, talk to you on the next podcast,” he concluded.
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