Renée sits down with David Highbaugh, U.S. Navy veteran and founder of HyBall Entertainment, for a high-energy conversation about Indiana’s rich music legacy—and why today’s independent artists deserve real protection, education, and opportunity. David breaks down the purpose behind HyBall Records, the importance of understanding contracts, and how HyBall helps artists avoid industry scams while building sustainable careers. Plus: highlights from Sounds of Indiana’s Legacy supporting Brewster’s Place, and a preview of upcoming events like Indiana Turbo Music (Apr 11) and the 7th Annual Grassroots Music Seminar & Concert Tour Series (Sept 12).

Writer/director Thomas Peek and lead actor/author/publisher Brian K. Morris stop by to talk A Rose Town Christmas: Lights, Camera, Chaos and the FREE movie premiere in Muncie on Friday, Dec 5 (doors 6pm / film 7pm). They share how a radio interview turned into a creative partnership, what it takes to pull off micro-budget filmmaking that doesn’t look micro-budget, and how the premiere supports Cruzin for Autism. Plus: behind-the-scenes laughs, a look at the trailer, Brian’s book “Santa Stein” (available on Amazon), and a few teases about what they’re making next.

In this in-studio conversation, IN the Loop host Renée Michelle Merrifield switches seats and becomes the guest as Jason Aaron catches viewers up on the whirlwind of opportunities Renée has stepped into over the past year.

From hosting the 19th Anniversary Midwest Fashion Week at the Indianapolis Artsgarden, to appearing as herself in a major Amazon Prime film shot at Lucas Oil Stadium alongside Peyton Manning, to appearances on Hallmark, Lifetime, BET’s Ms. Pat Settles It, and feature film The Leader with Vera Farmiga, Tim Blake Nelson, and Jim Parsons — Renée shares behind-the-scenes stories, laughs at her own on-camera moments, and reflects on the surreal experience of watching herself on the big screen.

The segment highlights how Renée’s work on IN the Loop connects to her expanding presence in film, television, music, and live events, showing viewers the many places they might recognize her from — and where they might see her next.

This is a fun, self-aware, high-energy recap that blends humor, gratitude, and local pride while showcasing how Indiana talent is reaching national platforms.

Renée Michelle Merrifield welcomes back multimedia artist Emmy for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation about her evolution as an artist and the upcoming “Metamorphosis” Art Show — happening November 8th at 7 PM at Elevated Image Suites in Fishers, Indiana.

Emmy opens up about her artistic process, emotional growth, and how grief, joy, and everyday beauty influence her expressive portraiture. She shares details about her live painting performance, a raffle for a full-size painting ($5 per ticket), and the more than 25 original pieces that explore transformation through bold color, texture, and emotion.

From live wedding paintings to custom commissions and community connections, Emmy proves that art isn’t just something you hang on a wall — it’s something you feel.

✨ Proudly supported by our sponsors:

Mystic Images Tattoo, Mandra Dee’s Beauty 2U (Indy Skin Diva), Melody’s Pretties, and indycsz (ComedySportz Indianapolis).

Renée Michelle Merrifield welcomes entertainer and gondolier extraordinaire Jeff Hutson—from Las Vegas stages to Indy’s canal. Jeff spotlights Illumiyachti (gondolas lighting up after dark), Trail & Treat on Oct 18 (free registration), and boats open daily until Oct 23. He previews Dressed To The Nines (Nov 9, The Composers Room), A Touch of Vegas (Nov 24, Notoriety), and a Valentine’s Day 2026 concert at NYC’s Green Room 42. Stories, laughs, music, and a reminder: when you love what you do, you never work.

In this heartfelt in-studio conversation, Renée welcomes Jared Hiner, founder of Kammy’s Kause, the nation’s largest fundraiser for 4P- (Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome) awareness. For 21 years, Jared and the Fortville community have rallied together through music, family activities, and local support to raise over $850,000 for research, awareness, and resources for families navigating this rare genetic disorder. What started in 2001 with a few families searching for answers has grown into a two-day event featuring 14 local bands, food trucks, kids’ activities, vendors, and Fortville’s signature small-town spirit. Jared shares how the event began as a tribute to his daughter Kammy, how the community embraced the cause, and how every single dollar raised goes directly to the 4P- Support Group. From humble beginnings raising just over $1,000 in its first year to more than $126,000 last year, Kammy’s Kause has become a beacon of hope, connection, and progress for families worldwide.

https://KammysKause.org

In this deeply emotional IN the Loop TV Show segment, host Renée Michelle Merrifield opens her heart to honor her dear friend Jim Irsay — the heartbeat of Indianapolis. She shares personal stories of touring the world with the Jim Irsay Band alongside music legends like John Mellencamp, Billy Gibbons, Vince Gill, Ann Wilson, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and more. From sold-out stadiums to intimate moments of kindness, Renée reflects on Jim’s generosity, his dedication to mental health advocacy through Kicking the Stigma, and his passion for music history. The tribute also features behind-the-scenes moments from the Hollywood film Off the Record, in which Renée plays herself — a role made possible by Jim’s belief in her talent. This is more than a memorial — it’s a celebration of a man whose impact will resonate forever. 💙🏈🎸

https://KickingTheStigma.org

Singer-songwriter Don Elbreg joins us in studio to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his original project The Groundwork for my Going On. Don shares heartfelt performances of two moving tracks—“I Can’t Break These Chains” and “Ripples on the Water”—with visuals woven from decades of family film. With a rich legacy of writing, recording, and performing music inspired by his family and life experiences, Don takes us behind the music and the memories. Don also shares free downloads of his tribute songs and reflects on the roots of his creativity, from childhood influence to present-day performances.Learn more and download tracks at DonElbreg.com/buy#free-downloads