Episode 50

Remembering Joe Kernan

Published on: 14th March, 2026

Joe Kernan’s name is deeply woven into the story of South Bend. A Navy pilot and former prisoner of war, Kernan returned home and dedicated his life to serving the community he loved. From his early role as the city’s controller, to nearly a decade as mayor of South Bend, and later as Indiana’s lieutenant governor and governor, Joe believed deeply in public service. But beyond the titles and headlines was a man who cared deeply about his city and the people who called it home.

In this episode, I sit down with Dick Nussbaum, Kernan’s longtime friend and city attorney. Dick shares personal memories and stories that offer a rare glimpse into Joe’s leadership, his character, and the political instincts that helped shape South Bend during an important chapter in the city’s history.

And as it turns out, this is the 50th episode of Round the Bend Now and Then and what better way to mark that milestone than by reflecting on the life and legacy of Joe Kernan!

A special thanks to Dick Nussbaum for generously sharing his time and memories of someone who meant so much to him.

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Thank you to the Portage Township Trustee's Office for sponsoring this episode! Thank you to Jason Critchlow and his team for ALL that you do in our community!

Check out their website and Facebook below and discover ALL that the Portage Township Trustee's Office does to meet our community's needs!

https://portage-township.com/

https://www.facebook.com/share/1786tvftXK/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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Thank you to M/T Box Computers for sponsoring this episode! Check out their website below to learn more about what they can do to fit your small business's technological needs! Did I mention that they're local?

https://www.mtboxcomputers.com/

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ALL of our audio podcast episodes are also on YouTube! Check out our channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Link below!

You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574

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To contact the show, you can email at roundthebend574@gmail.com or message on Twitter or Facebook.

For current & historical pictures and commentary on the South Bend & Mishawaka area, follow @roundthebend574 on Twitter.

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About the Podcast

Round the Bend Now and Then
Local history nerd Matt Emery strives to tell the story of South Bend and Mishawaka through interviews with local leaders, business owners and community members. Learn how intertwined the South Bend and Mishawaka area's past is to our present.
 
Our episodes are available on all popular podcast apps (Apple, Spotify, etc.).

I'm dabbling into visual content as well! Be sure to like and subscribe to our YouTube channel! Link below:
https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/roundthebendpod

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthen

Reach out via email at: roundthebend574@gmail.com or instant message on Twitter or Facebook.

For current and historic pictures and commentary on the South Bend and Mishawaka area, also follow https://twitter.com/roundthebend574 on Twitter!

About your host

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Matt Emery