Conversation Piece Podcast

Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed by: Mike Lee Productions + Apicem Studios

(00:00) - – Meet Lillian Barkes: Founder of Listen to Our Future
(00:33) - – What makes Indianapolis special
(00:48) - – Building bridges between communities
(01:40) - – The need for more third spaces
(02:21) - – Misconceptions about downtown Indy
(03:06) - – Exploring Indy’s Cultural Trail
(03:24) - – Favorite local spot: La Parada
(04:04) - – Lillian’s idea: “Battle of the Corners”
(04:43) - – About Listen to Our Future and how to support

I literally spoke this into existence | Joosi Got Bars | Artists On Chreece

Patrick Armstrong — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Hip hop artist Joosi Got Bars reflects on her journey performing at Chreece—from early features to headlining her own set—sharing gratitude, growth, and her drive to keep “pushing limits until something happens.”

Connect with Joosi: https://instagram.com/joosi_got_bars/
Check out DRAMATIC (The Mixtape): https://joosigotbars.bandcamp.com/album/dramatic

Subscribe to the newsletter (out Mondays): https://patrickintheworld.substack.com/

Full archives: https://conversationpiecepod.com/
Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpiecepod/

Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions + Apicem Studios

(00:00) - – Introductions from the West Side
(00:36) - – Growing from Features to Full Sets
(01:09) - – First Solo Set and the Power of the Crowd
(01:42) - – Where to Catch Joosi at Chreece
(02:01) - – Speaking Success into Existence
(02:50) - – Pushing Limits Until Something Happens

People are deeply invested in the success of this city | Michael Zarick | People's Perspectives on Indy

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 12:07:01 -0400

In this episode of the People's Perspectives on Indy, local podcaster Michael Zarick shares his love for Indy’s community spirit, a vision for walkable, transit-first growth, and a tagline for downtown: “massive potential, incredible opportunity.”

Connect with Michael + Third Space Indy: https://thirdspaceindy.com/

The People's Perspectives on Indy is a series of short interviews with people around the city about their perspectives on Indianapolis.

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed by: Mike Lee Productions + Apicem Studios

(00:00) - – Introducing Michael Zarick
(00:36) - – What He Loves About Indianapolis
(01:30) - – A City Built by People Who Care
(02:11) - – The Case for Transit, Density, Walkability
(03:21) - – Three Words for Downtown
(03:46) - – First Time on the Circle: “I’m in a city now”
(04:17) - – Current Favorites & Restaurant List
(04:50) - – Downtown Tagline: “Massive Potential, Incredible Opportunity”
(05:13) - – Where to Follow & Support Michael

Chreece is a place that gives people confidence | Rhetoryk | Artists On Chreece

Patrick Armstrong — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0400

On this episode of Artists On Chreece, Rhetoryk reflects on performing at Chreece, the importance of platforms that uplift local hip-hop in Indianapolis, and the community that inspires his artistry.

Check out Rhetoryk's latest work!

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions + Apicem Studios

(00:00) - – Introductions & Roots on the West Side
(00:29) - – First Chreece Memories and Confidence Boost
(01:10) - – Why Chreece Matters to Indy Hip-Hop
(01:31) - – The Song to Know: Wisdom
(02:16) - – Wildfire Performance & The Supergroup
(02:53) - – Where to Find Rhetoryk and What’s Next

Every neighborhood has its own identity | Zina Kumok | People's Perspectives on Indy

Patrick Armstrong — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the People's Perspectives on Indy, Zina Kumok—an Indy-based financial advisor—shares her pride in neighborhood identity, love for Irvington’s historic charm, and her hopes for better parks and more locally inviting downtown spaces in Indianapolis.

Connect with Zina: https://www.instagram.com/advisorzina/

The People's Perspectives on Indy is a series of short interviews with people around the city about their perspectives on Indianapolis.

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed by: Mike Lee Productions + Apicem Studios

(00:00) - – Meet Zina: Financial Advisor & Irvington Resident
(00:36) - – What She Loves About Indianapolis Neighborhoods
(01:19) - – Irvington’s History and Community Pride
(02:00) - – Why the City Needs Better Parks
(02:59) - – Thoughts on Downtown Infrastructure
(03:46) - – Three Words for Downtown
(04:08) - – Misconceptions About Downtown Indy
(04:49) - – A Tagline for Downtown Indianapolis
(05:09) - – Authentic Voices, Honest Opinions

The After Hours, Producer Hour, Hour | Patrick Armstrong & John Overton | Bonus

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0400

In this bonus “after hours” episode, Patrick and John reflect on running, community, and the evolving energy of The Podcast Lab—where creative conversations have spawned some really cool opportunities.

Connect with Patrick: https://instagram.com/patrickintheworld/
Connect with John: https://instagram.com/johnoverton/

Shout out to the Indy Arts Council for sponsoring this episode. Did you know October is National Arts and Humanities Month? Well Indy Arts Council and Indiana Humanities are coming together to celebrate and raise awareness of their collective impact on the region’s culture, economy, and quality of life. They're shining a spotlight on the meaningful arts and humanities programming that happens across the Indianapolis region and in Indiana’s 92 counties — not just this month, but all year long. Learn more at indyarts.org.

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Francis Nwosu / Prxper Standards

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

(00:00) - – Warming Up & Behind the Scenes
(02:00) - – Finding Joy in Running
(03:20) - – Track & Field Memories
(05:15) - – Building the Podcast Lab
(06:40) - – Creating Community & Audience Energy
(07:20) - – Upcoming “In Conversation With” Events
(08:30) - – Closing Thoughts: After Hours Vibes

A festival like Chreece helps people see what the city has to offer | DisTinct | Artists On Chreece

Patrick Armstrong — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0400

On this episode of Artists On Chreece, DisTinct drops by to share his pride in Indy’s music scene, his passion for discovery through Chreece, and invites fans to catch his high-energy set packed with surprises and signature sounds.

Connect with DisTinct: https://www.instagram.com/distinct3rd/

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions + Apicem Studios

(00:00) - — Introductions
(00:37) - — Why Chreece Matters
(01:21) - — Venue & Lineup
(01:38) - — Distinct’s Catalog & Sound
(02:18) - — Why You Should Pull Up
(02:56) - — Where to Find Distinct

Indianapolis is where I really learned what it means to be part of a community | Jacob Chaves | The Open Door 8

Patrick Armstrong — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Open Door, Jacob Chaves stops by to talk about creativity, food, and how Indianapolis helped him find both his artistic voice and his community.

Learn more about Jake's work with Pattern Indy: https://patternindy.com/

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Ziad Hefni / Apicem Studios

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

(00:00) - – Welcome to The Open Door
(01:10) - – From McCordsville to Indy
(02:35) - – The Beauty of Rural Indiana
(03:40) - – Falling in Love with Food & Design
(05:08) - – The Craft of Italian Cooking
(06:19) - – Ribs and Roots
(07:33) - – Balancing Art and Work
(09:18) - – Making Time for Creativity
(13:04) - – Finding Community in Indianapolis
(15:05) - – Ways to Support

You start to feel like you’re part of something super dope | Stretch Thalley | People's Perspectives on Indy

Patrick Armstrong — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Duane "Stretch" Thalley reflects on the spirit of Indianapolis, urging deeper collaboration between creatives and city leaders while reminding us that true community means always doing more than what’s expected.

Connect with Follow D$ Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/followdmoneypod/

The People's Perspectives on Indy is a series of short interviews with people around the city about their perspectives on Indianapolis.

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed by: Mike Lee Productions + Apicem Studios

(00:00) - - Meet Stretch
(00:50) - - What He Loves About the City
(01:20) - - Defining Indianapolis Culture
(02:07) - - Collaboration and Liberation
(02:30) - - Describing Downtown Indy
(03:11) - - Favorite Downtown Spot
(03:34) - - Hidden Gem: The Saint Shack
(04:04) - - Misconceptions About Downtown
(04:22) - - The Stretch Tagline for the City
(04:52) - - How to Support Stretch and His Work

Without the Sutherland Collective, there is no ME | Casper Merci | Artists On Chreece

Patrick Armstrong — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0400

“If you’re a fan of really quality music with jazz, R&B, soul, and hip hop—pull up.”

On this episode of Artists on Chreece, Casper Merci shares his journey from attending Chreece as a teenager to performing with a full band, celebrating community, collaboration, and the creative force of The Sutherland Collective that helped shape his sound.

Connect with Casper Merci: https://www.instagram.com/caspermerci/
Connect with The Sutherland Collective: https://www.instagram.com/thesutherlandcollective/

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions + Apicem Studios

(00:00) - – Introduction: Tomorrow Bookstore Sponsor
(00:23) - – Meet Casper Merci
(00:47) - – First Chreece Memories
(01:13) - – The Early Days and Indy’s Hip-Hop Scene
(01:32) - – Performing with a Full Band at White Rabbit
(01:47) - – About His Album Civilian
(02:23) - – Why You Should Pull Up to His Show
(03:02) - – Shoutout to The Sutherland Collective

What It Takes to Build a Business with Heart | Ash & Elm’s Andréa Homoya

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Ash & Elm Cider founder Andréa Homoya stops by the studio to explore identity, risk-taking, leadership, and self-care—uncovering how community, courage, and creativity fuel her life and business.

Learn more about Ash & Elm Cider: https://ashandelmcider.com/
Follow Amanda in Indy: https://www.instagram.com/amandainindy/

This episode is sponsored by Tomorrow Bookstore. Do you like good books? How about good people? Or both? If that’s you, then make sure you check out Tomorrow Bookstore, a general interest shop in the heart of downtown Indy, focused on global and immigrant stories, independent publishers, and works in translation. Tomorrow hosts book clubs, author events, small business pop ups, and more. Go see for yourself at 882 Mass Ave, or follow along on social media at @tomorrowbookstore.

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Amanda Gibson!

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Francis Nwosu / Prxper Standards

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

(00:01) - — Intro & Welcome
(00:02) - — Growing Up Overseas
(00:05) - — Finding Identity & Outsider Perspective
(00:11) - — Taking Big Swings and Not Fearing Failure
(00:16) - — Building Ash & Elm
(00:22) - — Balancing Business and Parenthood
(00:28) - — Leadership Lessons from COVID
(00:33) - — The Hardest Parts of Running a Business
(00:39) - — Community and Autumn Tidings Festival
(00:50) - — Skincare, Self-Care, and Self-Worth
(00:52) - — Looking Ahead: Writing, Reflection, and Renewal

In Conversation With Taelor Carmine | July 2025 (Live Recording)

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 07:00:58 -0400

On this episode of In Conversation With, Taelor Carmine, owner of BODHI Thai Bistro, discusses her family’s journey from Thailand to Indianapolis, the roots of BODHI, and how tradition, patience, and resilience built one of the country’s most celebrated restaurants. From July 2025.

Check out BODHI: https://www.bodhi-indy.com/

In Conversation With is our monthly live show where we bring our conversations about Indianapolis out of the studio and into the street. For the rest of 2025, we'll be partnering with Tinker Street restaurant to provide incredible meals to accompany our conversations and with draft creative space to host us (except for October, more on that later!). If you're interested in supporting these events, please email Patrick Armstrong: patrick@conversationpiecepod.com

Get tickets to our next In Conversation With, featuring Indy Reads CEO Ruba Marshood: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-conversation-with-ruba-marshood-tickets-1628949564999

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mikey Levine

(01:00) - — The Beginning of a Dream
(06:30) - — Finding Home in Indiana
(09:00) - — Food as Family
(14:00) - — Defining Thai Cuisine
(20:00) - — The Balance of Spice
(22:00) - — Building Bodhi During COVID
(26:00) - — Cooking with Generations
(32:00) - — The Story Behind Every Dish
(36:00) - — Recognition and Reflection
(41:00) - — Staying Grounded in Success
(45:00) - — Lessons in Patience and Humility
(51:00) - — What Rest Looks Like
(54:00) - — How to Support Bodhi

It creates a space for us to all come together and celebrate hip hop | PINKY | Artists On Chreece

Patrick Armstrong — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 05:37:23 -0400

“We’re a juggernaut, and then we come together—it’s just pure pandemonium.”

On this episode of Artists on Chreece, Naptown duo PINKY (Kid + Courtland Tunstill), reflect on their journey, the importance of hip hop in Indianapolis, and the energy they bring to the community through their music and performances.

Connect with Kid: https://www.instagram.com/kidsofthesky/
Connect with Courtland Tunstill: https://www.instagram.com/yungscobaby/

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions + Apicem Studios

(00:00) - – Introductions & Origins
(00:48) - – First Year as Pinky
(01:32) - – Why Chreece Matters to the City
(02:39) - – The Essence of Family & Community
(03:15) - – Upcoming Show at Atomic
(03:35) - – New Music & First Single
(04:15) - – The Power of Pandemonium
(05:12) - – A Homecoming Performance
(05:48) - – Where to Find & Support Them

If you don’t see the space, you have to step in and create it | Destiny Taylor | The Open Door 8

Patrick Armstrong — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Open Door, Destiny Taylor stops by the studio to explore her journey of blending wellness, culture, and community, and how she’s creating affirming spaces for black and brown folks in Indianapolis.

Connect with Destiny: https://www.instagram.com/themamagreen/

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Ziad Hefni / Apicem Studios

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

(00:00) - – Welcome & Open Door Series intro
(01:00) - – Meet Destiny Taylor: background & The Mama Green
(03:10) - – Affirmations, self-love, and creating wellness tools
(05:00) - – Balancing business mode with wellness mode
(07:00) - – Representation in wellness & creating affirming spaces
(09:40) - – What Indianapolis means to Destiny
(12:10) - – The future of wellness spaces: beyond the activity
(14:10) - – Collaboration, community, and creating vibes
(15:10) - – Ways to connect with Destiny

There's joy everywhere you look | Olivia Snyder | People's Perspectives on Indy

Patrick Armstrong — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Olivia Snyder shares her love for downtown Indianapolis’ hidden vibrancy, reflects on challenges the city faces, and reminds us that “there’s joy everywhere you look.”

The People's Perspectives on Indy is a series of short interviews with people around the city about their perspectives on Indianapolis.

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed by: Mike Lee Productions + Apicem Studios

(00:00) - – Introductions & Living Downtown
(00:16) - – Why Indy Has More Going On Than People Realize
(01:29) - – Concerns About Homelessness & Safety
(03:11) - – Misconceptions About Downtown
(03:47) - – Rapid Fire: Favorites & Tagline

It’s the most electric, most live performance that you’re ever going to see | Faded | Artists on Chreece

Patrick Armstrong — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0400

“It just brings a spotlight to all of the local talent here for sure.”

On this episode of Artists on Chreece, Faded shares his journey as a veteran performer, why Chreece matters to Indianapolis, and why his White Rabbit set promises to be the most electric performance of the night.

Connect with Faded: https://www.instagram.com/fadedintheyo/

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions + Apicem Studios

(00:00) - – Introductions & History
(00:35) - – Favorite Chreece Memory
(01:07) - – Performing at White Rabbit (7:10 PM)
(01:20) - – Songs to Listen To (“Wish You Well”)
(01:33) - – Why Chreece Matters to the City
(02:14) - – Why You Need to Pull Up to Faded’s Set
(02:44) - – Where to Follow Faded

It’s the most electric, most live performance that you’re ever going to see | Faded | Artists on Chreece

Patrick Armstrong — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0400

“It just brings a spotlight to all of the local talent here for sure.”

Connect with Faded: https://www.instagram.com/fadedintheyo/

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Leave a review.

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions + Apicem Studios

(00:00) - – Introductions & History
(00:35) - – Favorite Chreece Memory
(01:07) - – Performing at White Rabbit (7:10 PM)
(01:20) - – Songs to Listen To (“Wish You Well”)
(01:33) - – Why Chreece Matters to the City
(02:14) - – Why You Need to Pull Up to Faded’s Set
(02:44) - – Where to Follow Faded

I really think Indianapolis is in a renaissance | Fred Miller | The Open Door: BUTTER

Patrick Armstrong — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0400

"If you don't give the artist that money from the work they're doing, you're not being real."

On this special edition of The Open Door, Fred Miller shares how Butter embodies equity, realness, and community while fueling Indianapolis’ artistic renaissance.

Connect with Fred: https://www.instagram.com/mffred/

Shout out to Ash & Elm Cider for sponsoring the show. Based on Indy’s east side, Ash & Elm have been making cider with real, regionally sourced ingredients for the past decade. And while they celebrate cider all year, they turn it all the way up at their annual Fall Festival, Autumntidings, happening this year on October 18th. Grab your ticket, grab a cider, and discover why so many people love Ash & Elm. Rooted in tradition, crafted for today. Learn more at https://ashandelmcider.com/.

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Silver Foxx Media

Music by: Mandog

(00:00) - – Introduction & shoutouts
(01:47) - – Meet Fred Miller (musician, filmmaker, artist)
(03:04) - – Fred’s board: Why Butter?
(05:21) - – Butter as more than art: music, food, community
(07:02) - – Indianapolis as a renaissance city
(08:19) - – Patrick’s first experience at Butter
(12:42) - – Theme of remembrance & reflections
(15:50) - – How to support Fred (MF Fred / Quantum Cavern)

I love the people here | André Guima | People's Perspectives on Indy

Patrick Armstrong — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0400

André Guima, local community advocate, shares why Indy’s people and culture inspire him, calls out government barriers to growth, and imagines a downtown full of art, music, and purpose.

Learn more about Patchwork Indy: https://www.patchworkindy.org/

The People's Perspectives on Indy is a series of short interviews with people around the city about their perspectives on Indianapolis.

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed by: Mike Lee Productions + Apicem Studios

(00:00) - – Introductions
(00:22) - – What Andre Loves About Indy
(01:18) - – Artists & Breathing Room in Indy
(02:16) - – Liveliness of the City
(03:05) - – Government Holding Indy Back
(03:25) - – Hot Take: Monon Should Be a Commuter Rail
(04:09) - – Favorite Downtown Restaurant
(04:34) - – Three Words for Downtown Indy
(05:04) - – Chatterbox Jazz Club Memories
(05:27) - – Andre’s Tagline for Downtown Indy
(05:47) - – Where to Find Andre

You're gonna leave transformed | Rome Herbert | Artists on Chreece

Patrick Armstrong — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0400

On this episode of Artists on Chreece, Rome Herbert reflects on the growth of the Indianapolis music scene, shares why Chreece is vital for the city, and previews his transformative live set and upcoming project.

0:00 – Getting to Know Rome Herbert
0:41 – First Memories of Chreece
1:12 – Why Chreece Matters for Indianapolis
2:02 – Rome’s Music & Song Recommendation ("Make Me Weak")
2:37 – What to Expect from Rome’s Live Set
3:13 – Where to Find Rome & Upcoming Release Party

Learn more about Rome: https://www.romeherbert.com/
Connect with Rome Herbert on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rome.herbert/

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions + Apicem Studios

No matter what you do or who you are, your life has value | Tirus Duncan | The Open Door: BUTTER

Patrick Armstrong — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0400

“Sometimes that mask has to come off and Peter Parker has to come out.”

On this special edition of The Open Door, Tirus Duncan pops into the BUTTER BUS to explore how embracing vulnerability, honoring remembrance, and answering the call to serve others shapes a life of purpose and community.

Connect with Tirus: https://www.instagram.com/thegreattpd/

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Silver Foxx Media

Music by: Mandog

(00:00) - – Welcome & Introduction
(01:18) - – Tirus on Everybody Somebody & The Journey Up
(03:11) - – Answering the Call Through Low Moments
(05:18) - – Inspiration from Father & Grandfather
(09:17) - – Lessons on Leadership & Actions Over Words
(11:21) - – Remembrance, Memories & Wisdom
(15:06) - – Indianapolis as Fertile Ground
(16:01) - – Ways to Support Tirus

Shut it down and make it a space for people | Bo Turner | People's Perspectives on Indy

Patrick Armstrong — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Bo Turner, local expert on all things "experience" and founder of FIND Indianapolis, shares her love for the city, from the unique character of its neighborhoods to her vision for more community “third spaces” and a more people-friendly downtown.

Connect with FIND Indianapolis: https://instagram.com/findindianapolis/

The People's Perspectives on Indy is a series of short interviews with people around the city about their perspectives on Indianapolis.

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed by: Mike Lee Productions + Apicem Studios

(00:00) - – Meet Bo & His Work
(00:15) - – The Charm of Indy’s Neighborhoods
(00:53) - – Why We Need More Third Spaces
(01:40) - – Rethinking Downtown Infrastructure
(02:12) - – Three Words for Downtown
(02:58) - – Local Businesses vs. Chains
(03:16) - – Misconceptions About Downtown
(03:50) - – Favorite Restaurant & Tagline
(04:40) - – How to Connect with Bo

There's No Such Thing as a Guy Like Me | MACCOLADES

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Conversation Piece, MACCOLADES stops by the studio to open up about his journey from comic book nerd to producer and rapper, reflecting on the inspirations, creative process, and personal growth that shaped his new project Off the Pavement.

Connect with MACCOLADES
Instagram: https://instagram.com/maccolades
X: https://x.com/macclades

Listen to Off the Pavement: https://on.soundcloud.com/AjdXiVnEvRf04Eqb1W

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Eli G, Numbah 3, Kasey, Slum Baby Family, Myia Jenay, 2 Tuft Rugs

Shout out to Amanda in Indy for sponsoring this episode. Amanda Gibson, a local food lover, is highlighting three hidden gems from Indy’s food scene: Macizo, serving bold Mexican-Peruvian flavors, Sun Bean Roastery, your coffee roaster’s favorite roaster, and Santiago’s Seafood Market for the perfect seafood boil. Support these small businesses and follow Amanda in Indy on Instagram and TikTok for more delicious finds.

Follow Amanda on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandainindy/
Follow Amanda on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandainindy

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

(00:00) - – Welcome Back
(01:00) - – Meet Maccolades
(02:30) - – Comic Books & Games
(04:00) - – Movie Scores
(06:30) - – From Drawing to Songwriting
(08:15) - – Secret SoundCloud Success
(10:00) - – Producing During COVID
(13:30) - – Process & Simplicity
(17:15) - – Sampling Philosophy
(21:00) - – The Mashup Process
(26:00) - – Technical Secrets
(30:00) - – Off the Pavement Project
(39:00) - – Singing & Melody
(44:00) - – “No Such Thing”
(49:00) - – Learning to Let Go
(51:00) - – Give Em Their Flowers
(55:00) - – Building Indy’s Creative Scene

In Conversation With Tasha Jun | May 2025 (Live Recording)

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Tasha Jun joins the first In Conversation With, the live edition of the podcast, to reflect on her writing journey, the weight of identity in publishing, and how rest, community, and curiosity fuel her creative process (from May 2025).

Learn more about Tasha: https://tashajun.com/
Check out Tasha's first appearance on the show: https://youtu.be/0fjx74juG7g
Shout out to Tomorrow Bookstore for hosting us. Learn more: https://tomorrowbookstore.com/home

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Chreece is the melting pot of Indy’s art | Fazle | Artists On Chreece

Patrick Armstrong — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Artists on Chreece, Fazle shares his love for Chreece, reflecting on past memories, the importance of Indy’s diverse music scene, and his upcoming all-live, seven-piece performance at White Rabbit (from Chreece Media Day 2025).

Check out Fazle on IG: https://www.instagram.com/fazlerockshalos/
Learn more about Chreece: https://www.chreeceaf.com/

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions + Apicem Studios

If Malcom X can do it, I can do it. If I can do it, you can do it | Brother Jamaal Shabazz | The Open Door: Butter

Patrick Armstrong — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0400

On this special edition of The Open Door, Brother Jamaal Shabazz pops into the BUTTER BUS to reflect on community, the importance of remembrance, and how unity and storytelling fuel Black liberation and collective progress.

Connect with Brother Jamaal: https://www.instagram.com/maal317/

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Silver Foxx Media

Music by: Mandog

Every side of Indianapolis is its own world | B Swift | People's Perspectives on Indy

Patrick Armstrong — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 10:00:00 -0400

B Swift, the “voice of Indiana,” shares his love for Indianapolis, his vision for stronger community resources, and why supporting him means uplifting the entire city.

Tap in with B Swift: https://www.instagram.com/bswift317/

The People's Perspectives on Indy is a series of short interviews with people around the city about their perspectives on Indianapolis.

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed by: Mike Lee Productions + Apicem Studios

(00:00) - – Getting Started & Introductions
(00:00) - Chapter 2
(00:40) - – Being the Voice of Indiana (Radio + Pacers/Fever)
(00:00) - Chapter 4
(01:03) - – What Makes Indy Special
(00:00) - Chapter 6
(02:09) - – Housing, Homelessness, and Resources
(00:00) - Chapter 8
(03:16) - – Describing Downtown
(00:00) - Chapter 10
(04:39) - – Favorite Downtown Spots & Memories
(00:00) - Chapter 12
(06:03) - – Misconceptions About Downtown
(00:00) - Chapter 14
(06:48) - – Tagline for Downtown Indy
(00:00) - Chapter 16
(07:02) - – How to Support Bswift

Get outside and get your steps up | Sampson Levingston | People's Perspectives on Indy

Patrick Armstrong — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Samsung Livingston shares how his love for Indianapolis, its neighborhoods, and its history shape his mission to show people the city’s true identity—one step at a time.

Get to a Walk and Talk: https://www.through2eyes.com/walk-talk

The People's Perspectives on Indy is a series of short interviews with people around the city about their perspectives on Indianapolis.

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed by: Mike Lee Productions + Apicem Studios

(00:00) - – Introductions & Neighborhood Identity
(01:00) - – Love for Indianapolis & Opportunities in the City
(03:40) - – Safety, Misconceptions & Walking Downtown
(06:00) - – History, Monuments & What We Can Learn
(08:30) - – Rapid Fire: Restaurants, Words for Indy & Tagline

Downtown Indy IS for You | Sen. Andrea Hunley | People's Perspectives on Indy

Patrick Armstrong — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Senator Andrea Hunley shares her love for Indianapolis, highlighting the city’s creativity, placemaking, and community connections while breaking down misconceptions about downtown and celebrating its vibrant identity.

Learn more about Senator Hunley: https://andreahunley.com/

The People's Perspectives on Indy is a series of short interviews with people around the city about their perspectives on Indianapolis.

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed by: Mike Lee Productions + Apicem Studios

There’s Space for EVERYONE at the Indiana Blind Children's Foundation | Laura Alvarado | The Open Door 8

Patrick Armstrong — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Open Door, Laura Alvarado, CEO of the Indiana Blind Children’s Foundation, drops by the studio to discuss empowering students with vision impairments, the foundation’s evolving programs, and how the community can step up to support their mission.

Learn more about the Indiana Blind Children's Foundation: https://indianabcf.org/

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Ziad Hefni / Apicem Studios

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

This is not a takedown. This is a process of healing. This is tough f*cking love. | Elise Shrock

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0400

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, Elise Shrock shares how radical curiosity, recovery, and community-centered leadership have shaped her life and work as an advocate, political strategist, and truth-teller fighting to foster a political culture in Indianapolis that is rooted in service and accountability.

Learn more about Elise: https://www.eliseshrock.com/
Connect with Elise on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eliseshrock

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: United Food and Commercial Workers Local 700

Shout out to Ash & Elm Cider for sponsoring this episode. Based on Indy’s east side, Ash & Elm have been making cider with real, regionally sourced ingredients for the past decade. And while they celebrate cider all year, they turn it all the way up at their annual Fall Festival, Autumntidings, happening this year on October 18th. Grab your ticket, grab a cider, and discover why so many people love Ash & Elm. Rooted in tradition, crafted for today. Learn more at https://ashandelmcider.com/.

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

(00:00) - – Welcome Back: 2025, Year of Community
(01:55) - – Meet Elise Shrock
(04:06) - – Travel, Curiosity & Seeing Beyond Indy
(10:13) - – Recovery, Immigrant Roots & Finding Joy
(13:43) - – Life of Service & Living for Self
(16:15) - – Boundaries, Reflection & Doing Hard Things
(18:57) - – Statehouse Culture & Abuse of Power
(23:14) - – Myth of the Common Good
(28:53) - – Party Politics & Democratic Gatekeeping
(30:38) - – Grief, Discernment & Tough Love
(34:54) - – We Are the Majority
(36:53) - – Question the Narrative
(38:01) - – Rebuilding Community & Learning from Survivors
(44:10) - – Solidarity > Fear
(48:21) - – Give Em Their Flowers: Tayto the Horse + UFCW 700
(54:13) - – Clarity, Joy & What’s Next
(57:04) - – Teaching Advocacy at IU
(59:06) - – Holding Joy and Grief at the Same Time
(01:00:15) - – How to Support Elise

Indianapolis isn’t amazing because of what it is—it’s amazing because of who lives here. | Michael Zarick | The Open Door 7

Patrick Armstrong — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 03:00:00 -0400

On this episode of The Open Door, Michael Zarick, creator of Third Space Indy, shares how riding the bus, podcasting on the street, and embracing serendipity has helped him build community, connect to his Lebanese roots, and fall in love with Indianapolis.

Connect with Michael + Third Space Indy: https://thirdspaceindy.com/

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

(00:00) - – Meet Michael Zarick & Third Space Indy
(02:30) - – Finding Serendipity in the City
(04:45) - – A Murals-Inspired Origin Story
(07:00) - – Falling in Love with Indy Through Art
(08:45) - – Podcasting as Networking & Community Work
(11:00) - – Shifting Perceptions of Indiana
(13:15) - – Vibes, Setbacks & Sustainable Community
(15:30) - – Radical Investment in the City
(17:30) - – How to Connect with Michael

Escapism Doesn't Mean Ignoring Reality | Chris Aragon | The Open Door 7

Patrick Armstrong — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 06:49:13 -0400

On this episode of The Open Door, creative and pop culture critic Chris Aragon drops by the studio to explore how film, TV, and music offer both an escape and a mirror to our reality, while diving into the year’s standout media and the growing indie film scene in Indianapolis.

Connect with Chris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_chrisaragon
Connect with Chris on Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/zUun

0:00 – Welcome & The Open Door Series

1:01 – Meet Chris Aragon

2:24 – Pop Culture as Escapism

3:07 – Best TV of the Year

4:05 – Best Films of the Year

5:18 – Why Escapism Matters

7:34 – Mixing Politics & Pop Culture

8:55 – Early Pop Culture Influences

10:04 – The Film That Changed Everything

12:04 – Pop Culture Preparing Us for Reality

12:29 – Building a Film Scene in Indy

14:37 – How to Support Chris

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Creating the Community You've Been Searching For | Emily Mellentine | The Open Door 7

Patrick Armstrong — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 07:13:19 -0400

On this episode of The Open Door, Emily Mellentine shares how building spaces like Writings From Her Corner and (the exclusively announced on this show!) The Haute Spot helps cultivate connection, vulnerability, and joy within Indianapolis’ queer and creative communities.

Connect with Emily on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/em.mellentine/
Check out Writings From Her Corner: https://www.writingsfromhercorner.org/
Reach out to The Haute Spot to learn more: hello.thehautespot@gmail.com

0:00 – Meet Emily Melentine

1:40 – The Power of Writings From Her Corner

4:10 – Introducing The Haute Spot with Michaela Emanual

7:50 – Why Creating Safe Space Matters

11:30 – Building Community Without Perfection

14:10 – What Indianapolis Means to Emily

17:00 – How to Support Emily & The Haute Spot

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

How Am I Going to Teach Our Kids to Be Asian? | Patrick Armstrong

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 03:00:00 -0400

In this deeply personal episode, guest-host Madeline Mackinnon turns the mic toward regular host Patrick Armstrong to explore his identity journey as a Korean American adoptee, his reflections on community, parenthood, and healing through storytelling. With rare vulnerability, Patrick opens up about burnout, transformation, and his vision for a more collaborative, accountable, and whole world.

Connect with Patrick on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrickintheworld/
Subscribe to the Substack: https://patrickintheworld.substack.com/
Subscribe to the YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@patrickintheworld

0:00 – Intro by Madeline

3:12 – Who is Patrick Armstrong?

6:20 – “How are you really?”

11:45 – Tired and inspired

15:30 – Six-year-old Patrick

18:50 – 80-year-old Patrick

22:00 – Entering adoptee consciousness

30:10 – Rejection, race, and rediscovery

35:20 – What do I love about Korea?

38:10 – Healing vs. context

42:00 – Basketball and therapy

45:30 – Embodiment and blood pressure

50:40 – Parenting, presence, and Van

58:20 – Internal worlds and imagination

1:03:00 – Letting go of shame

1:06:10 – Patrick’s theme song

1:07:40 – Give Em Their Flowers

1:10:00 – How to support Patrick

Check out Hip Hop Medley by BEATPELLA HOUSE: https://youtu.be/IPKmlZPjZ-0?si=d5UwE16bGqTkCB1e

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: MADELINE HERSELF!

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Building a brand with grit and heart with TRUE DIRTBAG (Lionel Hardin + Eli Fooliano)

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 03:00:00 -0400

On this week's episode, Lionel Hardin and Eli Fooliano of True Dirtbag stop by to share the raw, resilient journey behind their lifestyle and fashion brand, born from music, friendship, and creative hustle. From makeshift studios to community building in Indianapolis, the heads of TDB open up about brotherhood, grief, gatekeeping, and staying authentic in the face of it all.

Check out True Def Brand: https://truedirtbag.com/
Follow Lionel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truedirtbag_tdb/
Follow Eli on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tdb6ix/

0:00 – Welcome to 2025 & Intro to TDB

1:03 – Meet Lionel & Eli

2:33 – Art, Imagination & Origins

3:32 – How Music Bonded Them

8:08 – Creating True Dirt Bag

10:03 – Grief, Growth & Tears of Joy

15:21 – From Brand Joke to Movement

20:10 – Moving to Indy & Rebuilding

25:56 – Paying It Forward & Supporting Creatives

31:17 – First Pop-Up & Wave One Realizations

38:41 – Fashion, Frequency & Believing in Each Other

43:05 – Building a Creative Community

45:14 – Gatekeeping, Ego, and Staying Authentic

47:36 – Accessibility, Aura, and Taking the Leap

52:07 – Real Community vs Just Sharing Space

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: T2 Performance (https://www.instagram.com/t2sportsperformance/)

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Creating with intention and giving out flowers with Amiah Mims (sponsored by Indy Arts Council)

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 03:00:00 -0400

On this week's episode, Amiah Mims, designer, muralist, and founder of Works by Mimsy, stops by the show to talk about her art, which is featured across Indianapolis and now center stage for WNBA All-Star 2025. From "The Gymnast' to graphic designer to full-time creative, Amiah shares how she blends art and design, navigates identity and intention, and creates meaningful work that honors her community. She also teases what we can expect to see this year at the Indianapolis Arts Garden celebrating women's basketball, in partnership with the Indy Arts Council.

Learn more about Works by Mimsy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worksbymimsy/

This episode is brought to you by the Indy Arts Council. Indy Arts Council is central Indiana’s leading arts advocacy and services agency. They believe every resident of Indianapolis should experience arts and culture in a way that nourishes and inspires them. This vision is central to the work they do to support artists, arts organizations and the community. Learn more about their work, including what they have going on during AT&T WNBA All-Star 2025, here: https://indyarts.org/all-star-2025/

0:00 - Intro & WNBA All-Star Weekend
1:30 - Meet Amiah Mims
4:30 - From gymnast to artist
7:00 - Early artistic influences
10:00 - Graphic design vs. art
14:00 - Navigating creativity with intention
20:00 - Saying yes to the right projects
23:30 - Murals and meaning: BLM and Recorder projects
31:00 - Generational impact & family collaborations
36:00 - Amiah and sports fandom
39:00 - WNBA All-Star art: "For You"
45:00 - Give Em Their Flowers segment
50:00 - Local artists to follow
53:00 - Ways to support Amiah
56:00 - Closing remarks

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Madeline!!!

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Riley Van Buskirk

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Real talk and radical joy with Jenny Boyts

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 03:00:00 -0400

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, Jenny Boyts, the powerhouse CEO of Forty5 Presents, stops by to unpack how sports, identity, and community shaped her life’s mission to convene inclusive, joyful experiences in Indianapolis. Jenny dives deep into her own story, from queer identity formation to the emotional work of building safe, intentional spaces in a divided world. With heart, humor, and hard truths, Jenny and Patrick show that real community starts with courageous curiosity and radical care.

Connect with Jenny on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jboyts/
Learn more about Forty5 Presents: https://www.forty5.com/

0:00 – Welcome Back

1:00 – Jenny Boyd Joins the Show

3:00 – First Impressions of Indy

6:00 – Sports, City, and Belonging

8:00 – Roots in Community

10:00 – Communal Care as Self-Care

13:00 – Finding Your People

16:00 – Growing Up Queer in Texas

18:00 – Colorblindness and Identity

21:00 – The Text That Changed Everything

25:00 – Healing Isn’t Linear

28:00 – Breaking Generational Patterns

31:00 – Safe Spaces Aren’t for Everyone

33:00 – Lessons from Indy Pride

36:00 – Leadership with Care

40:00 – Leading Without Compromise

43:00 – Fearless Community Building

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Phyllis Boyd

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Durham Visuals

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Creating art among like-minded misfits with Michael Herrick

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 03:00:00 -0400

On this episode of Conversation Piece, Michael Herrick, a prolific music video director, stops by the studio to talk about some of his favorite things he's ever done. Michael shares how his career has evolved, his love for community-driven art, balancing the challenges of fatherhood, and his aspirations to elevate the Indianapolis creative scene. He also shares insights into collaboration, the value of staying local, and the power of creating meaningful art.

Learn more about Michael: https://michaelherrick.co/
Follow Michael on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelherrick_/
And on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michaelherrick_

00:00: Intro to Conversation Piece

00:24: Welcoming Michael Herrick

01:08: "The Jake Huber of Emo Music Videos"

02:52: Practicality in Filmmaking

03:38: Starting Out in Midwest Emo Scenes

08:22: Turning Passion into a Career

12:36: Full Circle Moments and Creative Freedom

16:05: Collaborating with Major Names

22:04: Navigating Challenges with First-Time Bands

25:08: Balancing Artist and Label Expectations

27:06: Supporting Creativity in Indianapolis

31:18: Building Community in a Non-Union Industry

33:09: Fatherhood and Its Impact on Creativity

37:55: Creative Aspirations for His Daughter

41:03: Dream Collaborations and Artistic Goals

47:03: Balancing Vision and Responsibility as a Creator

51:06: Closing Thoughts and How to Support Michael

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: JAKE HUBER

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Forging identity on the court and in the studio with Mikey Levine (The Open Door Sessions)

Patrick Armstrong — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 06:07:52 -0400

On this episode of The Open Door, Mikey Levine, a creative and musician from Indianapolis, to discuss identity, culture, and the transformative power of humility in personal and professional growth. From navigating the complexities of being an adoptee to finding connection through basketball and music, Mikey shares his journey of self-discovery and community impact.

Connect with Mikey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikey.levine/
Follow Mikey's music on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeyy.mp3/

0:00: Welcome and Introduction

2:15: Meet Mikey Levine

5:40: Unpacking Identity and Adoption

12:25: Navigating Culture and Community

18:50: Humility and Growth Through Basketball

26:30: Finding Connection in Indianapolis

32:15: Asian Representation in Sports

39:00: Supporting Mikey and Closing Thoughts

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Durham Visuals

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Creating radically inclusive spaces for the disabled community with Connor Edwards (The Open Door Sessions)

Patrick Armstrong — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 05:58:45 -0400

On this episode of The Open Door, Connor Edwards, CEO of Limitless Ability, stops by to discuss his mission of fostering inclusivity for people with disabilities through grassroots events like inclusive concerts and adaptive activities in Indianapolis. Connor emphasizes the importance of creating spaces where everyone can participate equally, promoting "radical inclusion" in everyday experiences.

Learn more about Limitless Ability: https://limitlessabilityindiana.org/
Connect with LA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/limitless_ability_indiana/

0:00: Welcome to The Open Door

1:30: Meet Connor Edwards

3:45: The Vision for Radical Inclusion

7:20: Small Changes, Big Impacts on Accessibility

10:50: Why Inclusion Can Feel Challenging

14:30: Creating Inclusive Concert Experiences

18:15: Impact and Feedback from the Community

22:40: Normalizing Disability Representation

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Durham Visuals

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Propagating green spaces and discovering our stories with Natalie Harris (The Open Door Sessions)

Patrick Armstrong — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 05:54:07 -0400

On this episode of The Open Door, Natalie Harris, B2B operations and events manager at Grounded Floral Co., stops by to share her journey of returning to Indianapolis and her passion for plants. Natalie explores the connection between plants, community, and storytelling, offering insights into the transformative impact of greenery on spaces and lives.

Connect with Grounded on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/groundedplantfloralco/
Reach out to Natalie: natalie@groundedindy.com

00:00: Welcome to The Open Door
01:30: Introducing Natalie Harris
03:15: Returning to Indianapolis
05:45: Grounded’s Mission and Green Spaces
08:10: The Emotional Connection to Plants
11:25: Helping New Plant Owners
14:00: Plants and Community Building
16:45: Storytelling Through Plants
20:15: What Indianapolis Means to Natalie
23:30: Ways to Support Natalie and Grounded

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Durham Visuals

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Embracing wholeness and leading the way with Mali Bacon

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 03:00:00 -0400

On this week's episode of Conversation Piece, cultural entrepreneur and creative executive Mali Bacon drops by the studio to reflect on her journey of introspection, healing, and leadership in Indianapolis' creative community. Mali shares what personal storytelling means to her, how she learned to lean into vulnerability, and the impact that she has had on the community and culture of Indianapolis -- and vice versa.

Connect with Mali (and write a love letter): https://www.instagram.com/malinasimone/
Learn more about GANGGANG: https://ganggangculture.com/
Volunteer for BUTTER Fine Art Fair: https://butterartfair.com/

Don't forget to pray and be kind.

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Judi, Mali's mom!

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Durham Visuals

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

(00:00) - – Intro and Welcome
(02:15) - – Meeting Mali Bacon
(04:30) - – The State of Being
(10:20) - – Personal Storytelling and Vulnerability
(16:05) - – Life Phases and Identity
(24:45) - – Creative Beginnings
(31:00) - – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
(37:20) - – Indianapolis as Home
(42:10) - – Give Them Their Flowers
(47:50) - – Creative Aspirations for Indianapolis
(51:30) - – Supporting Mali and GANGGANG
(54:00) - – Closing Remarks

Pacers Over Everything and the Long Way Around with Hannah Roeschlein

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 03:00:00 -0400

On this week's episode of Conversation Piece, hilarious comedian and Indianapolis native Hannah Roeschlein stops by the studio to discuss her journey from Indiana to Chicago, the cultural influences of her upbringing, and the complexities of identity and community in the Midwest. We also have to talk about the Pacers because, duh.

Follow Hannah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handerpumprules/
Check out Asian American Psycho: https://800poundgorillamedia.com/blogs/the-laugh-button/hannah-roeschlein-asian-american-psycho-comedy-album-deep-dive

Follow Red Flag Comedy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redflagcomedy/

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: JOHN OVERTON THE PODFATHER HIMSELF!

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Durham Visuals

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Building Inclusive Creative Community with AIGA Indianapolis

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 03:00:00 -0400

On this week's episode of Conversation Piece, board members of AIGA Indianapolis - Justin Muse, Genevieve Gardner, Leah Brinkman, Maximino Eslava, and Gail Godwin - stop by the studio to discuss how they're reimagining design community as "creative connectors" who welcome all forms of creativity, not just traditional graphic design. They explore their impactful Creatives in Color speaker series, upcoming events including a Juneteenth special edition and art show, and their mission to build authentic, inclusive community through intentional partnerships and programming that empowers underrepresented creatives in Indianapolis.

Learn more about AIGA Indy: https://indianapolis.aiga.org/
Follow AIGA Indy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aigaindy/

Register: She is Art: Creatives in Color Juneteenth Edition - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/she-is-art-exploring-how-black-women-influence-art-culture-tickets-1388498048039?aff=oddtdtcreator

Register: Creatives in Color Art Show - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/creatives-in-color-art-show-tickets-1388507987769?aff=oddtdtcreator

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: JUSTIN MUSE!

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Cultivating Global Mindsets in the Midwest with Ephraim Palmero

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 03:00:00 -0400

On this week's episode of Conversation Piece, Ephraim Palmeiro, a dedicated community advocate with a global upbringing, drops by the studio to discuss his journey from international roots to becoming a transformative force in Indianapolis through civic engagement, leadership development, and fostering meaningful connections.

Connect with Ephraim on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theoriginalthirdy/
Learn more about LISC: https://www.lisc.org/

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Malala Kennedy

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Stepping Into Your Power with Sonal Sheth Zawarhi

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 27 May 2025 03:00:00 -0400

On this week's episode of Conversation Piece, award-winning leadership and lifestyle coach Sonal Sheth Zawarhi stops by the studio to talk about her family's journey from India to Brooklyn to Oxford, Ohio, and how those experiences shaped her expertise in emotional intelligence. Sonal shares her STRETCH process for goal achievement, discusses the importance of authentic community building, and reveals how her early experiences as an immigrant child and later as a high school teacher laid the foundation for her current work empowering individuals and organizations to step into their power and thrive.

Learn more about Sonal and her work: https://www.sonalshethzawahri.com/
Connect with Sonal on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonalshethzawahri
Connect with Sonal on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonalshethzawahri/

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Aisha Cargile, Linky Ugeh, Erin Sanford, Faith McKinney, and Tiffany Green

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Building Indianapolis's First Direct Care Gynecology Practice with Dr. Taylor Hahn (The Open Door Sessions)

Patrick Armstrong — Thu, 22 May 2025 03:00:00 -0400

On this episode of The Open Door, board-certified OBGYN Dr. Taylor Hahn stops by the studio to talk about pioneering Indianapolis's first direct care gynecology practice that operates outside the insurance system to provide personalized, accessible women's healthcare in the city and the state. Welcome to Via.

Learn more about Via: https://www.viawomenshealth.com/
Connect with Via on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viawomenshealth/
Connect with Dr. Hahn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorhahn.md/

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

The Formula for Demystifying Mixology with Katie Slonim (The Open Door Sessions)

Patrick Armstrong — Thu, 22 May 2025 03:00:00 -0400

On this episode of The Open Door, Katie Slonim, founder of Mixo Indy, stops by the studio to discuss how she transformed her passion for cocktails into a successful business teaching mixology workshops throughout Indianapolis using her innovative "formula method" approach.

Learn more about Mixo Indy: https://www.mixoindy.com/
Connect with Mixo Indy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mixoindy/

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Creating Safe and Affirming Spaces for LGBTQ+ Hoosiers with Bryggs Krater (The Open Door Sessions)

Patrick Armstrong — Thu, 22 May 2025 03:00:00 -0400

On this episode of The Open Door, Bryggs Krater stops by the studio to talk about the work they do at their queer nonprofit organization, Y'all, a mutual aid organization that supports Indiana's trans and gender diverse community through microgrants and events like "Fill All My Bowls," to discuss how personal need transformed into statewide community care and the power of mutual aid in creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ Hoosiers.

Learn more about Y'all for All: https://www.yallforall.org/
Connect with Y'all on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yallforall/
Email: info@yallforall.org

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Cookie-fying Filipino Flavors with Salamat Cookies!

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 20 May 2025 03:00:00 -0400

On this week's episode of Conversation Piece, Mike Francis Williams II and Mama Odie, the mother-son duo behind Salamat Cookies!, stop by the studio to talk about the first nationwide Filipino-inspired cookie pop-up and delivery service that has baked over 200,000 cookies since launching in 2020, based right here in Indianapolis. They discuss their journey from COVID-era beginnings to shipping cookies to nearly every state and five countries, sharing how they "cookie-fied" Filipino flavors like ube, pandan, and mango to introduce American audiences to their heritage through familiar treats. They also talk about family legacy, mental health in communities of color, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and their mission to celebrate Filipino-American culture one cookie at a time.

Learn more about Salamat Cookies: https://www.salamatcookies.com/
Connect with them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salamatcookies/

Check them out at these farmer's markets: Garfield Park, Fishers, and Monument Circle

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: EACH OTHER!

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Chasing What's Worthwhile with Hang Doan

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 13 May 2025 03:00:00 -0400

On this week's episode of Conversation Piece, Hang Doan, a Gen Z digital native, artist, filmmaker, and creator, stops by the studio for the second time to expand on our conversation from February's Open Door! Hang discusses leaving home at 16, accelerating their education, earning an associate's degree in 11 months and nearly completing their bachelor's by 19, and being driven by determination to model perseverance for their younger siblings. They also talk about embracing their Vietnamese heritage and queer/trans identity in their work while building authentic community through consistent, honest content creation.

Follow Hang on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hanghmai
Connect with Hang on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanghoamai/

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Free Mom Hugs: https://freemomhugs.org/

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Building Authentic Relationships with FrancesMary Loughead

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 06 May 2025 03:00:00 -0400

On this week's episode of Conversation Piece, FrancesMary Loughead, founder of BFF Indy, stops by the studio to talk about the power and importance of building authentic relationships. FrancesMary, or FM, shares about growing up in Chicago, navigating city and suburban life, and going from public trans-super user to full-time driver after moving to Indy during the pandemic. She also gives us the backstory on how BFF Indy came to be, as well as answers the age old question: why is it so hard to make friends as adults?

Learn more about BFF Indy: https://bffndianapolis.com/
Connect with BFF Indy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bff.indy/

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: FM's mom!

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

The Original Gary Gee on Building with Clay and Living with Purpose

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0400

On this week's episode of Conversation Piece, Naptown's very own Gary Gee welcomes us to his studio to talk about his creative journey and personal growth within the Indianapolis arts community. Gary breaks down how his unique hand-built ceramic works and mentorship provides a platform for him to connect deeply with the community and encourages young people to embrace their creativity using whatever resources are available. He also gets into perseverance, self-discovery, and the transformative power of art in shaping lives and communities.

Learn more about Gary Gee: https://artbygarygee.com/
Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/originalgarygee/

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Collaboration Over Competition with Sarah Harker (The Open Door Sessions)

Patrick Armstrong — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0400

On this episode of The Open Door, Sarah Harker, former nurse turned business consultant, stops by the studio to talk about her work supporting female founders of small businesses in Indianapolis, helping them navigate growth and funding challenges. Sarah talks about the power of collaboration over competition and highlights the importance of community and mentorship in the entrepreneurial journey.

Connect with Sarah on Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahjessicaharker

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

30 Years of Indy Pride with Jose Castillo Jimenez (The Open Door Sessions)

Patrick Armstrong — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0400

On this episode of The Open Door, Jose Castillo Jimenez, President of Indy Pride, drops by the studio to share about the organization's journey over its 30-year history, emphasizing its commitment to inclusivity and community-building. From navigating COVID-19 to rebranding and expanding events like the two-day Pride festival, Indy Pride is harnessing joy and representing diverse voices.

Learn more about Indy Pride: https://indypride.org/

Connect with Indy Pride: https://instagram.com/indypride/

The Open Door is a series where once a month we literally open the studio door and invite folks from the community to sit down with us and talk about whatever is on their hearts. To learn more go to https://bit.ly/opendoor2024.

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

From Stage to Strategy with Kelsee B. Hankins (The Open Door Sessions)

Patrick Armstrong — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0400

On this episode of The Open Door, Kelsee B. Hankins, actor and arts marketer in Indianapolis, stops by the studio to highlight the city's vibrant but often overlooked performing arts scene. Kelsee discusses long-standing organizations like the Indianapolis Opera and Fringe Fest, emphasizing the need for better outreach to diversify audiences beyond tight-knit artistic circles. She also shares her journey from performer to marketer, aiming to bridge gaps between artists and the broader community.

Connect with KBH Arts & Media: https://www.kbhartsmedia.com/

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

The Art of Affirming Creative Expression and Curiosity with Jingo M. de la Rosa

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0400

On this week's episode of Conversation Piece, prolific Indianapolis-based artists Jingo M. de la Rosa joins the show to talk about his journey as an artist, educator, and father. Jingo shares how creativity, community, and personal identity intertwine, from his early days drawing during blackouts in the Philippines to his current work fostering artistic expression in Indianapolis. Jingo also dives into grief, belonging, and the importance of affirming others, culminating in some heartfelt reflections on family and legacy.

Connect with Jingo on IG: https://www.instagram.com/jingoillo/

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Madeline(!) and Erin, his wife!

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

The Work of Words with Chantel Massey

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0400

On this episode of Conversation Piece, award-winning poet, educator, and founder of Unlearn Arts Chantel Massey stops by the studio to discuss her transformative MFA experience, the power of writing in community, and her passion for uplifting Black women and non-binary writers. Chantel reflects on the mentors and moments that shaped her creative journey, from her professor Leslie Wingard at Wooster to the magical environment of Randolph College’s MFA program. She also shares her vision for Indianapolis’ literary scene, emphasizing collaboration, sustainability, and the importance of valuing the "work of words."

Purchase Chantel’s book Bursting at the Seams from VK Press: https://www.vkpresses.com/shop/p/bursting-at-the-seams
Follow her on Instagram (when active) for updates on events and work: https://www.instagram.com/_chantel.massey/
Support local literary arts organizations and Indy’s open mic scene to uplift the broader creative community.

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: friend and former guest Korie Griggs, Eric Saunders

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Authenticity on the Menu with Youssef Boudarine & Ariel Hendrickson

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0400

On this episode of Conversation Piece, Youssef Boudarine and Ariel Hendrickson, two dynamic forces in Indianapolis' culinary scene, join Conversation Piece to discuss their community-driven hospitality work, including events like Epicurean Indy and the upcoming MOkAO festival, which celebrates African coffee and chocolate. Youssef and Ariel delve into the essence of hospitality, emphasizing authenticity, collaboration over competition, and the importance of supporting local artisans and immigrants. Their passion for fostering genuine connections and uplifting underrepresented voices shines through as they share their journey and vision for Indianapolis's culinary future.

Follow J'Adore on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jadorepastry/
Follow MOkAO on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mokao_indy/
Follow Epicurean Indy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicureanindy/

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Amelia's and Bluebeard

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

The Fight for Indianapolis' Public Schools with Tina Ahlgren & Ronak Shah

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0400

On this episode of Conversation Piece, middle school teachers and advocates for public education Tina Ahlgren and Ronak Shah stop by to discuss the complexities and challenges facing Indianapolis' public schools, including the impact of charter schools, vouchers, and historical segregation. Tina and Ronak highlight the importance of stability, equitable resources, and community collaboration to ensure all students receive the education they deserve. They also talk about the need for systemic change and the role of teachers in fostering meaningful relationships with students despite the turbulent landscape of education policy.

Connect with Tina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinacahlgren/
Email Tina: tinaahlgren@gmail.com

Learn more from Chalkbeat Indiana: https://www.chalkbeat.org/indiana/

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: THE IPS SCHOOL BOARD + ADMIN

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

For the Love of Music with Parish Butler (The Open Door Sessions)

Patrick Armstrong — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 06:54:48 -0400

On this episode of The Open Door, Parish Butler stops by to talk about his deep love of music. Parish shares his journey from Limewire baby, his first experience with Kanye West's music (Through the Wire), and the difference between appreciation for music then versus the lack of appreciate for it now.

Connect with Parish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parish_butler/

Shout out to Life in Indy for sponsoring this initiative! Life in Indy is your comprehensive guide to the Indianapolis region. This site gives you a full virtual tour experience, so you can explore our community and discover where in Indy is the best place for your new home. Learn more at https://www.lifeinindy.com/

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Closing Out Loud with Leslie Bailey (The Open Door Sessions)

Patrick Armstrong — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 06:51:04 -0400

On this episode of The Open Door, Leslie Bailey stops by to discuss the heaviness that is closing her business, Maven Space. Leslie shares how she came to this decision, the process of winding down those operations over the last few weeks of March, and what it means to model "closing out loud" for others, particularly women small business owners.

Follow Indy Maven on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indymaven/
Connect with Leslie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesalina/

Learn more about Indy Maven: https://indymaven.com/
Register for the Free Press Indiana fundraiser: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XEIhcIbzePioxa7GuTBQ6WEz3BSFuS0A/view?usp=sharing

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

The Value of Relationships with Matt Hadley (The Open Door Sessions)

Patrick Armstrong — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 06:43:35 -0400

On this episode of The Open Door, Matt Hadley stops by to talk about why relationships are our most valuable asset. Matt shares how he was first inspired to start building relationships, where we can start building them ourselves, and how it all led him to start his own show, Circle City Success Podcast.

Follow Circle City Success on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/circlecitysuccess317/
Connect with Matt on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmatthadleyindy/

Learn more about Circle City Success: https://www.circlecitysuccess.com/

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Connected Through May with Lindsay Labas (500 Festival)

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0400

On this episode of Conversation Piece, Lindsay Labas, Vice President of Marketing Communications at the 500 Festival, stops by the studio to talk all things 500 Festival. First, Lindsay shares her journey from her early days in marketing with the Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation Department to how she ended up in her current role at the Festival, highlighting her passion for community building, storytelling, and running. She also gets into the 500 Festival's mission, its impact on the community, and her personal experiences with running and advocacy for inclusivity.

Learn more about the 500 Festival: https://500festival.com/
Follow the 500 Festival on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/500festival/
Follow Lindsay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irun4mirra/
Connect with Lindsay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaylabas

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: the VOLUNTEERS who support the 500 Festival

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Mastering the Work with Lateva Woolfork & Starla Kay Mathis (Create. Connect. Collab.)

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0400

On this week's episode of Conversation Piece, Starla Kay Mathis and Lateva Woolfolk, founders of Create. Connect. Collab. (CCC), an organization dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs, stop by the studio to discuss their journeys into entrepreneurship, the importance of community, and how CCC provides a safe space for women to overcome barriers, build confidence, and grow their businesses. They also share how deeply intertwined their personal and entrepreneurial stories are, the challenges they’ve faced, and the impact of their work in Indianapolis and beyond.

Learn more about CCC: https://www.createconnectcollab.com/
Connect with CCC: https://www.instagram.com/createconnectcollab/

Check out Mathis Media: https://www.mathis-media.com/
Connect with Lateva: https://www.instagram.com/latevawoolfork/

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: the families and the CCC family!

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Emergency Episode: Advocating for IPS with Allissa Impink

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Attacks on public education have seen an exponential increase as of this most recent presidential election. In Indiana, a flurry of bills aimed at stripping (and ultimately dissolving) resource from Indianapolis Public Schools are still being heard as we approach the end of the legislative session. People are fighting, though, and on this Emergency Episode of Conversation Piece, recently elected IPS Commissioner of District 4 Allissa Impink stops by to discuss the challenges facing Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), including the potential impact of SB518, which could divert funding from IPS to charter schools, and the importance of community advocacy and intersectionality in public education. Allissa shares her journey from child welfare to education, her passion for serving the community, and the critical role of parents, teachers, and students in fighting for equitable and well-funded public schools.

Attend an IPS school board meeting: https://myips.org/blog/district/march-2025-board-meetings/
Join the IPS Parent Council: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1srv0nQZRU6ozsaZHAvI7FV5M6Co0rmkNBevZTteIzxM/viewform?edit_requested=true

Connect with IPS: https://www.instagram.com/ipsschools/
Connect with Allissa: https://www.instagram.com/allissamimpink/ | https://www.instagram.com/commissioner_impinkforips/

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Dr. Aleesia Johnson

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Daily Rituals of the Wild Heart with Sirius Blvck & Scott Matelic

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0400

On this week's episode of Conversation Piece, Sirius Blvck and Scott Matelic drop by the studio to talk about their recent album, Daily Rituals of the Wild Heart (available now!). The duo delves into the creative process behind the project, exploring themes of rebirth, reflection, and the importance of daily rituals. We also discuss their personal journeys, the communal nature of the album, and how they hope listeners will feel rejuvenated and inspired by their work, as well as Naptown's vibrant and top tier hip hop scene.

Get Daily Rituals of the Wild Heart: https://siriusblvck.bandcamp.com/album/daily-rituals-of-the-wild-heart

Follow Sirius on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siriusblvck/
Follow Scott on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottmatelic/

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Scott, Sirius, DJ Top Speed

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Building Community Through Books with Tomorrow Bookstore

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0500

On this week's episode of Conversation Piece, we're on location at Tomorrow Bookstore with owners Jake Budler and Julia Breakey! Jake and Julia talk about their journey from South Africa to Indiana, the importance of global literature, and how their bookstore has become a hub for community and conversation. They delve into the challenges of immigration, the political nature of curation, and the impact of their events, including the Indy Indie Book Crawl, which brings together local bookstores and readers. We also highlight their commitment to creating a space where people can discover unexpected experiences, engage in meaningful dialogue, and find representation in literature.

Connect with Tomorrow Bookstore: https://tomorrowbookstore.com/
Follow the team on Instagram: https://instagram.com/tomorrowbookstore
Visit them in person: 882 Mass Ave.
Author? Artist? Trying to do something cool at a bookstore? Hit up Jake: jake@tomorrowbookstore.com

Learn more about the Indy Indie Book Crawl: https://bit.ly/indyindiebookcrawl2025

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Megan Telligman of the Indiana Humanities!

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Find (Love in) Indianapolis with Bo Turner (The Open Door Sessions)

Patrick Armstrong — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 03:00:00 -0500

On this episode of The Open Door, Bo Turner stops by for a last-minute conversation about her latest entrepreneurial venture, Find Indianapolis. Bo shares why she started Find Indianapolis, how Indianapolis is a "big small town" with big city amenities AND small town community support, and explains how her love for experiences ties it all together.

Follow Find Indianapolis on Instagram: https://instagram.com/findindianapolis
Connect with Bo on Instagram: https://instagram.com/itsjustbo

Learn more about Find Indianapolis: https://www.findindianapolis.com/

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Existence is Resistance with Hang Doan (The Open Door Sessions)

Patrick Armstrong — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 03:00:00 -0500

On this episode of The Open Door, Hang Doan, a 19-year-old gender fluid film student at IUPUI, stops by the studio to discuss their experience practicing advocacy through casual existence, the pressure to be exceptional as a trans person, and the power of cities like Indianapolis to create change. Hang also shares what they feel is the biggest misconception about the trans community.

Connect with Hang on Instagram (business): https://instagram.com/hanghoamai
Connect with Hang on Instagram (personal): https://instagram.com/thuhangdoan

Subscribe to Hang's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hanghmai

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Normalizing Grief with Katresha Taylor (The Open Door Sessions)

Patrick Armstrong — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 03:00:00 -0500

On this episode of The Open Door, Katresha Taylor, a hospice worker with over 20 years of experience, stops by the studio to talk about normalizing grief, redefining it as "love in action," and exploring communal grieving processes. Katresha shares insights from both her professional experience and personal journey, highlighting that the biggest misconception about grief is thinking we need to fix others rather than simply sitting with them in their discomfort.

Connect with Katresha on Instagram: https://instagram.com/a_heart_full_of_whimsy

Learn more about Brighton Hospice: https://brightonhospice.com/

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Jackson State, Journalism, and the Road to "Dirty Dirty" with King Dierre (with special guest 4200Kory)

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 03:00:00 -0500

On this week's episode of Conversation Piece, King Dierre stops by our new studio* to talk about his latest album, Dirty Dirty, an ode to his time at Jackson State University that bridges his experiences between Indianapolis and Jackson, Mississippi. Dierre breaks down the creative process for the album, from the intentionality of his choices in song structure to who he's collaborating with and why. He also shares about his recent journalism work and what it means to lean into uncertainty as graduation approaches. Oh yeah, 4200Kory is here!

*this conversation was recorded in mid-December, hence our previous tagline and our as of yet dialing in of the space. Shout out to Pattern Indy for working with us.

Tap in with King Dierre: https://solo.to/kxngdierre
Tap in with 4200Kory: https://linktr.ee/4200kory
Tap in with Slum Baby Family: https://linktr.ee/slumbabyfamily

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: King Dierre himself from the man, 4200Kory!

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Emergency Conversation: Breaking Down Legislative Barriers with Moms For Indiana

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 03:00:00 -0500

A wave of bills targeting people from all walks of life in Indiana are being heard right now during Indiana's 2025 legislative session. Some bills have already passed, others have fizzled out, and the onslaught of news and information coming out (or not) can feel impossible to keep up with. That's what groups like Moms for Indiana. On this Emergency Episode of Conversation Piece, co-founders Ellen FitzGerald and Chelsea McDonough stop by to discuss their work making complex state legislation accessible to busy parents and caregivers through social media education and advocacy. Ellen and Chelsea break down critical bills affecting Indiana schools and voting rights, including SB1 (property tax cuts impacting school funding), SB518 (charter school funding), and bills aiming to restrict primary voting and early voting periods (SB287 + HB1230). They also emphasize the importance of local engagement and making political information digestible for their audience, particularly focusing on public education, voting rights, and local elections.

Follow and amplify Moms For Indiana on Instagram: https://instagram.com/momsforindiana

Follow Ellen on Instagram: https://instagram.com/ellenbobellen
Follow Chelsea on Instagram: https://instagram.com/twotwentyone

Subscribe to Ellen's Substack, Choreographed Chaos: https://ellenfitzgerald.substack.com/

People + Resources mentioned in this episode:
Corrine Straight: https://www.tiktok.com/@corinnestraight
MAD Voters: https://www.madvoters.org/
Emily in Your Phone: https://emilyinyourphone.substack.com/
Howdy Politics: https://howdypolitics.substack.com/
Motherhood for Good: https://www.motherhoodforgood.com/
Awakening Through Parenthood: https://awakeningthroughparenthood.com/
Americans for Democracy: https://adaction.org/
Mrs. Frazzled: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrs.frazzled?lang=en
Indiana House Dems: https://www.instagram.com/inhousedemocrats/
Indiana Senate Dems: https://www.instagram.com/insendems/
Senator Hunley: https://andreahunley.com/

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Senators Shelli Yoder and Andrea Hunley, Emily Amick (@emilyinyourphone)

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Falling in Love With Indy with The Most Precious Jewel

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 03:00:00 -0500

On this episode of Conversation Piece, Precious Jewel, your Number One Source for Indy's Hood Happenings, drops by the studio to talk about her journey: from soap-making during quarantine to sculpting said soap to becoming a multidimensional artist and content creator who highlights the vibrant culture of Indianapolis. She shares how overcoming anxiety and fear-based perceptions of the city helped her discover a supportive community, fall in love with Indianapolis, and embrace her full identity as Precious Jewel.

Connect with Precious Jewel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themostpreciousjewel/

Connect with Precious Jewel's art on IG, too: https://www.instagram.com/preciousjewelart/

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Jared Thompson, Tiara (her girlfriend!), her parents (Keisha and Randy!)

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Emergency Conversation: Immigration Policy Changes and Their Impact on Indy with Cole Varga

Patrick Armstrong — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 03:00:00 -0500

Recent executive orders from the Trump administration have effectively halted refugee resettlement and severely impacted humanitarian immigration programs, forcing organizations like Exodus Refugee in Indianapolis to adapt their operations and temporarily close their doors for safety of the people they serve. On this Emergency Episode of Conversation Piece, Cole Varga, Executive Director of Exodus Refugee Immigration, comes by the studio to discuss how these policy changes are affecting local immigrant communities. We also talk about the work Exodus has done for the past four decades to provide legal assistance, employment services, and other support while advocating against anti-immigrant legislation at both state and federal levels, the significant economic and cultural contributions immigrants make to Indianapolis and America as a whole, and how those with the privilege of citizenship can help.

Learn more about Exodus Refugee Immigration: https://www.exodusrefugee.org/
Connect with Exodus on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExodusRefugee/
Contact your state legislators: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ioPv1bMjpMaFpaMnmyHsJWfDeNjbzvF2

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Documenting Crises and Communal Joy with Wildstyle Paschall

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 03:00:00 -0500

On this episode of Conversation Piece, multifaceted community advocate, graphic artist, hip-hop producer, and roller skater Wildstyle Paschall stops by the studio to talk about a whole bunch of stuff -- from the housing crisis in Indianapolis and the evolution of the local hip-hop scene to the importance of communal joy, particularly through roller skating. Wildstyle shares his insights on systemic issues related to the city's housing issues, the need for accountability in local government, and how creativity and community intersect in his work.

Connect with Wildstyle on social media:
Threads / Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildstyledaproducer/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mrwildstyle.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mr.Wildstyle/

Check out Wildstyle's housing crisis coverage in New America: http://newamerica.org/our-people/wildstyle-paschall/

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Black Liberation and Elevated Education with Brother Jamaal Shabazz

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 03:00:00 -0500

On this week's episode, Brother Jamal Nelson, a neighborhood revolutionary and creator of the first-ever combined Black culture and Black history board game and trivia app, stops by the studio to share his journey from military service to community leadership.Brother Jamaal talks his transformative experiences with Black liberation literature and his commitment to creating educational opportunities for youth in Indianapolis. Through his various initiatives and collaborations, Brother Jamaal demonstrates how building genuine relationships and showing up for community can create lasting positive change.

Learn more about Brother Jamaal: https://www.brotherjamaalnelson.com/
Connect with Brother Jamaal on IG: https://www.instagram.com/maal317/

Shout out to Kenny Mason, whose art is featured in this episode! Kenny is a 2-dimensional mixed media artist inspired by graffiti, portraiture, and vibrant color. Using both dry and wet mediums, he creates expressive portraits that reflect the street-style aesthetic of contemporary art today.

About the art

"Kelly" (the smaller one) is a portrait of Jim Kelly. A 70s martial artist and actor. Famously known for his role as ‘William’ in the film Enter the Dragon. A Bruce Lee film. Jim Kelly was a professional fighter and influential actor in the blaxploitation film era. I just wanted to reintroduce him.

"sit n wait" (the cardboard piece) is a piece on patience. I wanted to flex my best stoic pose as well. This piece was made with many different mediums so making it requires patience.

Connect + contact Kenny on IG: https://www.instagram.com/kennymason/

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: https://fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Ujamma Bookstore, Flanner House, Anthony Murdock ii (ep 80), Wildstyle (ep 114), Olivia West (ep 71), Cozy Visuals

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

The Academy of Chaos with Jean Lee (The Open Door Sessions)

Patrick Armstrong — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 15:59:00 -0500

On this episode of The Open Door, Jean Lee, founder of the Academy of Chaos and director of the Midwest Homeschool Expo, stops by the studio to talk about her journey into homeschooling during COVID and her work creating community-based educational resources. Jean discusses how she developed hands-on engineering, geography, and economics classes at the Westfield library, while also organizing a comprehensive homeschool community calendar for the Indianapolis metro area. She also talks about the success of the Midwest Homeschool Expo, which attracted nearly 600 attendees in its first year.

Learn more about the Academy of Chaos + the Midwest Homeschool Expo: https://www.theacademyofchaos.com/

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Nate Redd Clothing with Ron Williams (The Open Door Sessions)

Patrick Armstrong — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 09:55:32 -0500

On this episode of The Open Door, Ron Williams stops by the studio to talk about his brand Nate Redd Clothing, to talk about his journey from drawing clothes he couldn't afford as a child to building his Indianapolis-based fashion brand over the past 11 years. Ron shares how his mother's influence shaped his brand - from teaching him to draw to inspiring the name "Nate" (from Nathaniel, her favorite part of his name) and the color red (her favorite color), as well as his Cardinal logo which stems from childhood memories of his mother using Cardinal sightings to distract him during long walks. We also discuss a pivotal moment that took him from "ready to quit" to a new storefront.

Shop Nate Redd: https://www.indydesignweek.com/
Follow Nate Redd on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanielreddclothing/

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Indy Design Week with Tori Witter (The Open Door Sessions)

Patrick Armstrong — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 08:06:06 -0500

On this episode of The Open Door, Tori Witter stops by the studio to talk about Indy Design Week, a volunteer-run nonprofit that celebrates and elevates design across all disciplines in Indianapolis. Tori discusses how the organization brings together different design communities through their annual week-long festival in April, featuring local speakers, partnerships with design organizations, and events hosted at various locations throughout the city. She also shares details about their upcoming 2025 festival themed around "Hues," which explores both color in design and metaphorical interpretations of diversity and inclusion in the design community.

Learn more about Indy Design Week: https://www.indydesignweek.com/
Follow Indy Design Week on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indydesignweek/

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Nap or Nothing with Maxie

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 03:00:00 -0500

On this week's episode, Antonio Maxie (formerly Yung Tone) discusses his journey from north side battle rapper to establishing himself as an Indianapolis music and business icon, or as Drayco put it, "a real Naptown celebrity." Maxie shares insights about the impact of early mentors and venues like The Ugly Monkey on his development as an artist, his commitment to Indianapolis, and his role in building infrastructure for local artists. We also talk his latest album, "Maxie for Mayor" and what the hell we mean when we say Nap or Nothing.

Connect with Maxie: https://www.instagram.com/maxiefromnaptown/
Stream "Maxie for Mayor" on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/ca/album/maxie-for-mayor/1782106469
Stream "Maxie for Mayor" on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/56l4ALyaJrwC394EKXDddz

Shop Nap or Nothing: 872 Virginia Ave (Fountain Square)!!! OR https://www.napornothing.net/

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Ms. Vicky Ayers

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Sharpening the Sword with Drayco McCoy

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 03:00:00 -0500

On this week's episode, Drayco McCoy, a prolific Indianapolis-based rapper, producer, and multi-disciplinary artist, joins us to talk about his journey from Fort Wayne to becoming an integral part of the Indianapolis music scene. Drayco discusses his creative process 33 projects in, his recent sobriety journey, and vision for Indianapolis' creative future. We also explore themes of artistic authenticity, community building, and the importance of supporting local artists while maintaining one's unique creative vision.

Learn more about and connect with Drayco: https://www.babyguillotine.com/

Shout out to , whose art is featured in this episode! Shout out to Juan the Artist, whose art is featured in this episode! Juan is an Indianapolis-based artist who recently hosted his first solo show in December. You can find out more about his work and contact him about business inquiries at https://linktr.ee/juantheartist

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Sirius Blvck

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

Hip-Hop, Politics, and Loving Indianapolis with Congressman André Carson

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 03:00:00 -0500

On this week's episode of Conversation Piece, Congressman André Carson joins us to talk about his journey from growing up in Indianapolis's Dodge City neighborhood to becoming a representative of Indiana's 7th Congressional District in Washington D.C. We talk about his early life as a hip-hop artist and activist, and how these experiences shaped his approach to politics and community service. The conversation explores themes of collaboration over competition in politics, the importance of building bridges between urban and rural communities, and strategies for sustainable political change in Indiana.

Learn more about Congressman Carson: https://andrecarson.com/
Call the Indy office: 317-226-9400
Learn more about his federal work: http://carson.house.gov/
Call the D.C. office: 317-283-6516
Contact

Shout out to Juan the Artist, whose art is featured in this episode! Juan is an Indianapolis-based artist who recently hosted his first solo show in December. You can find out more about his work and contact him about business inquiries at https://linktr.ee/juantheartist

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Julia Carson (his grandmother)

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Instagram: https://instagram.com/patrickintheworld
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/patrickintheworld/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patrickintheworld

Produced and hosted by Patrick Armstrong
Engineered and mastered by Popular Rapture
Filmed and edited by Mike Lee Productions
Music by: original_soundtrack

Finding Hope & Building Community with Senator Andrea Hunley

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 03:00:00 -0500

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, Senator Andrea Hunley kicks off 2025 by sharing her path from elementary school principal to state legislator, rooted in a childhood where books became her sanctuary after personal tragedy. As one of only two Black women in the Indiana Senate, she discusses bridging divides through authentic connection and proximity to different communities. Her perspective as both educator and legislator illuminates the challenges and opportunities in creating systemic change in Indiana politics.

Learn more about Senator Hunley: https://andreahunley.com/
Follow Senator Hunley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AndreaHunley_IN/

Shout out to B.Steele aka ill.creations, whose art is featured in this episode! Brandon is a digital artist with a deep appreciation for music. His artwork revolves around music artists that he enjoys and inspire him in some way. The two pieces featured are his creative representation of two of his favorite albums: The Sun's Tirade by Isaiah Rashad (behind Patrick) and Madvillainy by MF DOOM & Madlib (behind Andrea). Both albums help him tap into his creative zone and maneuver through the hard times of life. Inquire about purchasing either piece (or both! or more!) directly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ill.creations/

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Ryan Hunley

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

THE HOLIDAY WRAP UP AND BEST OF 2024 EPISODE!

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 03:00:00 -0500

On this special BONUS episode, it's the holidays! Patrick, John, and Mike take a minute to talk about the past year of the show and what it's been like working together. We also reveal YOUR top three episodes of 2024, as voted on by YOU, the audience!

Thanks to everyone who has been a part of the show in any way this year! You make it worth doing! See y'all in 2025!

Connect with Patrick
Instagram: https://instagram.com/patrickintheworld
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/patrickintheworld/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patrickintheworld

Produced and hosted by Patrick Armstrong
Engineered and mastered by Popular Rapture
Filmed and edited by Mike Lee Productions
Music by: original_soundtrack

Healing Out Loud with Korie Griggs

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 03:00:00 -0500

On this week's episode of Conversation Piece, Korie Griggs, a multi-hyphenate creator and healer, joins the show to talk about using creativity as a pathway to healing from grief and loss. Korie discusses how her early experiences with journaling and creative expression evolved into various forms of artistic practice, including metalwork, poetry, and community care. We also get into collective healing, the importance of collaboration over competition, and how personal grief can transform into tools for helping others.

Learn more about Happy First Sip: https//happyfirstsip.com
Connect with Korie: on Instagram: https://instagram.com/korieismyname

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Foxd'legnd, Vince

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: original_soundtrack

The Keys to Community with Kyndl

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 03:00:00 -0500

On this week's episode of Conversation Piece, multi-faceted artist and all-around awesome human being Kyndl joins the show to talk about her evolution from aspiring rapper to established hip hop artist (and beyond). Kyndl shares insights about her journey through faith, music, and community-building, including her time in Atlanta and return to the Indianapolis hip-hop scene. She also explores themes of authenticity, artistic growth, and the importance of showing up for your local creative community.

This episode was recorded the day after the election, and I (Patrick) share a quick message at the top. Be safe, y'all. And you are not alone.

Learn more about Kyndl and check out the Keys & Seeds Podcast: https://keysxseeds.com/
Support Kyndl's music on Bandcamp: https://kyndlmusic.bandcamp.com/track/affirmations
Follow Kyndl on Instagram: https://instagram.com/rekyndl/

Shout out to Mandog, whose art is featured in this episode! Nick Smith, better known as Mandog, is a producer, visual artist, and DJ in Indianapolis. His most recent project, Zoom Baby, is a collaboration between longtime creative partners Double A and Yop. Check out Mandog’s work at https://linktr.ee/Mandoghandpaw

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: fëi ford, Drayco McCoy, Yop, the people pushing the culture forward in Indianapolis

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: original_soundtrack

Art, Community, and Creating Change with Art By Fitz

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 03:00:00 -0500

On this week's episode of Conversation Piece, Shane Young bka Art By Fitz comes through to talk about his journey from basketball player to renowned Indianapolis artist and how his lived experiences and emotions inform his community-centered artwork. Fitz shares insights about the evolution of Indianapolis' art scene and the importance of building genuine offline communities. He also emphasizes the need for artists to understand their purpose, create platforms for themselves, and lead positive change in their communities.

Learn more about Fitz: https://www.artbyfitz.org/
Connect with Fitz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbyfitz

Shout out to Dai, whose art is featured in this episode! Dai (pronounced like 'Day') is a local abstract artist here in Indianapolis. Their pieces "All These Feelings" & "I Trusted You" are from their series "A Story Like Mine." Both pieces are for sale and available for purchase via their website: https://daigallerie.square.site

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: the City of Indianapolis, including but not limited to: Maxie, Amaya Mims, by Michaelangelo, and GangGang

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: original_soundtrack

Finding Light Through Music with FOXD'LEGND

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 03:00:00 -0500

On this week's episode, the most legendary himself, FOXD'LEGND joins the show to talk about his journey from basketball player to musician, and how he intentionally shifted from making music from a dark place to creating feel-good songs on his latest album "33". Fox shares insights about performing with a live band, the untapped potential of Indianapolis hip-hop, and the importance of creating authentically without diluting your vision. We also tackle themes of vulnerability, artistic growth, and the need for more opportunities to showcase Indianapolis talent on a national scale.

Connect with Fox + Stream "33": https://linktr.ee/foxdlegnd0

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Maxie, Jet Santiago, TGIFree, Oreo Jones, Jay Brookinz

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: original_soundtrack

Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone with Stretch Thalley

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 03:00:00 -0500

On this week's episode, Duane Thalley, know universally as Stretch, joins the show to share his journey from Los Angeles to Indianapolis, where he discovered his passion for building authentic connections across cultural and racial divides. A near-fatal motorcycle accident in 2019 became the catalyst for launching the Follow D$ Podcast and finding his true purpose in community building. Through vulnerable storytelling and intentional relationship building, Stretch demonstrates how showing up for others and fostering genuine connections can transform both individual lives and entire communities.

Check out the Follow D$ Podcast: https://followdmoney.com/
Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/followdmoneypod/
Follow Stretch on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thalleyboy/

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: our very own John Overton!!

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: original_soundtrack

Building Relationships & Maximizing Community Impact with Al Carroll

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 03:00:00 -0500

On this week's episode of Conversation Piece, Al Carroll, President and CEO of IndyHub, joins the show to talk about how relationship-building has been key to shaping his career and community impact. Al discusses what brought his from Florida to Indiana, what he learned working at TechPoint, and how it all led him to what he's doing now at IndyHub, spearheading an evolution from a "young professionals" organization to a more inclusive "young people" organization that still serves 20 and 30-somethings across Indianapolis. He also emphasizes the importance of civic engagement, authenticity in relationships, and creating meaningful connections beyond traditional professional networking.

Learn more about and connect with Al: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alcarroll1
Learn more about IndyHub: https://indyhub.org/

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Ms. Shivel, Al's former SGA advisor from Astronaut High School in Titusville, Florida

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: original_soundtrack

Community in Conversation: Chicken & Beer Fest Indy

Patrick Armstrong — Sat, 02 Nov 2024 12:00:00 -0400

On the final installment of Community in Conversation for 2024, the team popped out to University Park downtown for the fourth Chicken & Beer Festival, hosted by Eat Here Indy! Chicken & Beer Fest has been a staple in the city for the past four years. It connects people to the tastiest local restaurants and chefs featuring delicious food, great music, and the highly anticipated “Hot Wing Challenge” competition. In this episode, you'll see and hear from a plethora of vendors and businesses who showed out this year! We also break it down with master of ceremonies Markiss Stone aka The Traveling Foodie Guyde and the founder of this whole thing, Bradley Houser. Tap in with us!

Learn more about Chicken & Beer Fest Indy: https://www.chickenandbeerindy.com/
Learn more about Eat Here Indy: https://eathere.co/

Connect with Traveling Foodie Guyde: https://www.instagram.com/travelingfoodieguyde/?hl=en

Support the show
Subscribe to the newsletter: https://patrickintheworld.substack.com/
Leave a review: https://bit.ly/48DgMfT
Check out our website: https://conversationpiecepod.com/
Connect with us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpiecepod/

Connect with Patrick
Instagram: https://instagram.com/patrickintheworld
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/patrickintheworld/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patrickintheworld

Produced, edited, and hosted by Patrick Armstrong
Engineered by John Overton / Popular Rapture
Filmed by Mike Lee Productions
Music by: original_soundtrack

Finding Your Purpose Through Rest and Community with Lena Pringle

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 03:00:00 -0400

On this episode of Conversation Piece, Lena Pringle, former anchor of Daybreak on Wish TV, shares her journey from traditional journalism to becoming an art-trepreneur in Indianapolis. After taking a transformative break from her career, she discusses how prioritizing wellness, building community, and embracing creativity led to unexpected opportunities including walking in New York and Paris Fashion Week. Through her story, she emphasizes the importance of taking inspired action while giving yourself grace to rest and redefine success on your own terms.

Learn more about Lena: https://thelenapringle.com
Follow Lena on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lenapringle_

Tap in with the CITY
Clothing/Fashion:

MELI (and Monty, the owner)
Ajani Sportswear
Street Dream Apparel
GangGang
Be Nimble
G4 Unlimited

Wellness/Fitness:

Paradigm by Ajani
OmniFitness
MORE FIT BOXING
City Yoga
Rhythm and Flow
BU Wellness
Step Up

Food/Dining Post-Workout Spots:

22 Juicer
Slapfish (for lobster rolls)
Fuji (sushi)
Jamaica Style Jerk
Boathouse (salads)

Creative Services/Other:

Sarah Price Photography
Prime Connects (networking events)
Murdock

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: original_soundtrack

Jake Huber (Total Fun Productions, Music in Transit, Not Jake Moran)

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 03:00:00 -0400

On this week's episode, Emmy Award-winning director, producer, and camera operator Jake Huber joins the show to discuss his journey in the film and video industry — from starting out filming local shows to creating custom set builds for music videos, and shares insights on storytelling, community building in Indianapolis' creative scene, and his transition to documentary-style work. He also shares some advice for aspiring creatives and talks about his upcoming projects, including the latest season of Music in Transit.

Learn more about Jake + Total Fun Productions: https://totalfunproductions.com/

Check out Music in Transit: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUuzjedFZDb7QQkJHuVG1gz-Vfz8hZGDP

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: original_soundtrack

Community in Conversation: Epicurean Indy

Patrick Armstrong — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 03:00:00 -0400

On this installment of Community in Conversation, we take a look inside Epicurean Indy, a brand new international food and art festival specifically centering and highlighting the immigrant / international communities that exist here in Indianapolis. In this episode, we sit down with five folks from various industries with different stories to find out why Indianapolis is a PERFECT place for events like this.

Inspired by international markets and open-air food festivals abroad, Epicurean Indy is a celebration of Indianapolis’ international food, beverages, art, and music.

Featured in this episode:
Chef Samir Mohammed (of 9th Street Bistro)
Salma Taman
Chef Tyler Shortt (of Tinker Street)
Ash Barrett
Youssef Boudarine

Community in Conversation is a bonus series of Conversation Piece that explores and highlights the people behind the scenes of events happening across Indianapolis.

Learn more about Epicurean Indy: https://www.epicureanindy.com/
Learn more about 9th Street Bistro: https://9thstbistro.com/
Learn more about Salma Taman: https://www.salmataman.com/
Learn more about Tinker Street: https://tinkerstreetrestaurant.com/
Learn more about Pushin' Posies: https://www.pushinposies.com/
Connect with J'Adore Pastry: https://www.instagram.com/jadorepastry/

Connect with Patrick
Instagram: https://instagram.com/patrickintheworld
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/patrickintheworld/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patrickintheworld

Produced, edited, and hosted by Patrick Armstrong
Engineered by John Overton / Popular Rapture
Filmed by Mike Lee Productions
Music by: original_soundtrack

Community in Conversation: PROOF, A Midwest Lit Fest

Patrick Armstrong — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 06:55:17 -0400

On this installment of Community in Conversation, we explore Proof: A Midwest Literary Festival in Indianapolis 📚 The episode highlights the often-overlooked members of the literary community, including volunteers, staff, and booksellers, who contribute to making such events possible, while aiming to elevate and center voices that are typically underrepresented.

Community in Conversation is a bonus series of Conversation Piece that explores and highlights the people behind the scenes of events happening across Indianapolis.

Learn more about Proof: https://indianahumanities.org/program/proof-a-midwest-lit-fest/

Learn more about the Indiana Humanities: https://indianahumanities.org/

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: JD Groh Visuals

Music by: original_soundtrack

Community in Conversation: Visual Aural

Patrick Armstrong — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 03:00:00 -0400

On this special bonus episode of Conversation Piece, we head to the historic Naptown Thrift in South Broad Ripple for the next installment of Community in Conversation, celebrating six years of the shop and the release of Visual Aural, a mixtape and photo book combination showcasing some of the best hip hop artists in Indianapolis from local photographer and hip hop head Jake Moran.

We got the chance to go talk to Jake, Aaron Marshall (Double A), and a few of the artists about the project, their perspectives on the hip hop community in the city, and what it means to be a part of a something like this in the Nap.

Tap in!

Listen to VISUAL AURAL wherever you get music!
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/visual-aural/pl.u-KVXBxr3CZ2Wayoq
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2DzdPcdykLZqXRrdLBTjj6?si=G8D_CjriTuqgcsuhcJLKqQ&pi=u-xYB_IkCwTCuT

Learn more about NAPTOWN THRIFT: https://naptownthrift.com/

Connect with our interviewees
Jake Moran: https://instagram.com/jakewiththeshot/
Aaron Marshall: https://instagram.com/doubleanaptown/
T.G.I.FREE: https://instagram.com/iamtgifree/
Joosi Got Bars: https://instagram.com/joosi_got_bars/
DisTinct: https://instagram.com/distinct3rd/
kyndl: https://instagram.com/rekyndl/
Keyze AriZona: https://instagram.com/keyzearizona/

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Mike Lee Productions

Music by: original_soundtrack

Community in Conversation: BUTTER

Patrick Armstrong — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 12:22:40 -0400

On this special bonus episode of Conversation Piece, we launch our newest series Community in Conversation, focused on highlighting the people behind the scenes of the organizations who bring events like BUTTER and CHREECE to life every year.

In this episode, we head to the historic Stutz in downtown Indy for the fourth annual BUTTER FINE ART FAIR. Held on Labor Day Weekend, this multi-day event centers Black artists from across the state and the globe and has seen over 30,000 people walk through its exhibits and over $750,000 in art sold over the first three years. That continued in 2024: another $137,000 worth of art was sold this past weekend. The best part? 100% of the proceeds go back to the artists.

We got the chance to go behind the scenes to chat with volunteers, staff members, and artists about their thoughts on the impact of BUTTER, what it means to be part of this particular event, and how all of it effects the city we call home: Indianapolis (well, at least all of us who live here!).

Tap in!

Learn more about BUTTER ART FAIR: https://butterartfair.com/
Learn more about GANGGANG: https://ganggangculture.com/

Connect with our interviewees
Parish Butler: https://instagram.com/parish_butler
Katheryn Maxwell: https://instagram.com/ukittenme27
Gregory Rose: https://instagram.com/hay_kidd
Aimee Zoeller: https://instagram.com/aimeezoeller
Cornelius Tulloch: https://instagram.com/corneliustulloch
Mary Harris: https://instagram.com/artmusicmaryjane
Allyson Horton: https://instagram.com/allyson.horton
Mary Reed: https://instagram.com/rose_balloon_decor
Marc Bessiake: https://instagram.com/marcbessiake

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Mike Lee Productions

Music by: original_soundtrack

Live @ Chreece with Slum Baby Family (4200Kory, MACCOLADES, Des Lamar, Pfeif)

Patrick Armstrong — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0400

On this special bonus episode of Conversation Piece, with sit down with Naptown hip-hop collective Slum Baby Family (SBF) at the Chreece festival in Fountain Square. The group discusses their evolution, recent album release "Family First, Volume One," and the importance of Chreece in showcasing local talent. Members 4200Kory, MACCOLADES, DJ Des, and Pfeif (4/5 of the collective — shout our Kxng Dierre!) share insights on their formation, creative process, and future plans. Come see SBF's family-like culture and their impact on Indianapolis' hip-hop scene for yourself, then go bump Family First RIGHT NOW.

Listen to Family First, Volume One: https://tr.ee/gwrg-MDgHj

Follow Slum Baby Family: https://instagram.com/slumbabyfamily

Follow 4200Kory: https://instagram.com/4200kory

Follow MACCOLADES: https://instagram.com/maccolades

Follow Kxng Dierre: https://instagram.com/kxngdierre

Follow Des Lamar: https://instagram.com/desional.lamar

Follow Pfeif: https://instagram.com/tcp.filmz

Learn more about Chreece (https://chreeceaf.com) in our convo with co-founder Sean “Oreo” Jones: https://youtu.be/VjitwaqCkxQ

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Mike Lee Productions

Music by: original_soundtrack

100 (Patrick Armstrong, Mike Lee, John Overton, Madeline MacKinnon)

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0400

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, we celebrated 100 episodes of the show with a live recording on August 19th at Tinker House Events in Indianapolis. In front of a live audience of friends, family, and community members, Patrick, along with the CP team of Mike Lee, John Overton, and Madeline MacKinnon, reflects on the growth of the show, why we made the pivot to Indianapolis, and how stories shape the way we navigate the world. We also discuss the future, including community events and expanding their range of guests, while committing to accountability and uplifting diverse voices in Indianapolis.

And Madeline asks folks to share about their experience and they do not disappoint. Much love y’all.

Buy a Year of the Nap 100th Celebration Tee: https://forms.gle/1VRoHgrxHHHskzsj7

Follow Patrick on IG: https://instagram.com/patrickintheworld

Folllow Mike on IG: https://instagram.com/mikelee_productions

Follow John on IG: https://instagram.com/johnoverton

Follow Madeline on IG: https://instagram.com/_fridasflwrs_

Shout out to everyone who made the event possible!

Keeping Up Strategic Comms: https://instagram.com/keepingupcomms

Popular Rapture: https://instagram.com/popularrapture

Tinker House Events: https://www.tinkerhouseevents.com/

Frida’s Flowers: https://fridasflowersindy.com/

Dj Grapevine: https://soundoffnaptown.com/grapevine

Styled by Fēi: https://linktr.ee/styledbyfei

Ujamma Bookstore: https://www.flannerhouse.org/coming-soon-02

Saint Avenue: https://saintavenue.co

Best Chocolate in Town: https://newfangledconfections.com/

Shout out the video and photo team:

Video: Ziad Hefni / Apicem Studios

Photo: David Durham / Durham Visuals

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Apicem Studios

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: original_soundtrack

Kelsey Jones (Keeping Up Strategic Communications, Silent Book Club Indy)

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0400

On this week's episode of Conversation Piece, Kelsey Jones, a strategic communications expert and entrepreneur, joins the show to discuss her transition from corporate work to launching her own consulting business and running Silent Book Club Indy. She offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and communications professionals in Indianapolis, emphasizing networking and community involvement. And, we preview upcoming plans for Conversation Piece events.

Follow Silent Book Club Indy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silentbookclubindy/

Follow Keeping Up Strategic Communications on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepingupcomms/

Shout out to TopView for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to check out their blog to see our guests featured over the next few months 🎉 TopView: helping rising artists break through the noise: https://topview0.com/

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: https://fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Kelsey’s Grandma 🫶🏼

This week’s apparel: 1587 x AAJA

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: original_soundtrack

fēi ford (Future Friends HMC, evolving as an artist, becoming a connector)

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0400

On this week's episode of Conversation Piece, interdisciplinary artist and curator Fēi Ford comes by to discuss her journey with Future Friends Holographic Magic Club, her evolution as an artist, and the importance of community in her work. She also reflects on her recent solo show, the challenges of gentrification, and her role as a connector in Indianapolis' arts scene, offering listeners insight into the city's vibrant creative community.

Follow Fēi on Instagram: https://instagram.com/styledbyfei

Shout out to today’s sponsor: The Inclusion Initiative

The Inclusion Initiative is a company that advocates for more inclusion and belonging of lived experience in workplaces, and is the first of its kind platform providing support, resources, and a professional network of Adoptees of Color and Foster Care Alumni. They are currently seeking selection for SXSW’s 2025 to talk about the Invisible Employee at Work, which explores how adoption and foster care experiences impact professional lives, and how increased visibility can build stronger, more connected teams. Voting is open through Sunday, August 18th — help us bring visibility to the over 13 million Adoptees of Color and Former Foster Youth in the workplace today!

Vote: https://panelpicker.sxsw.com/vote/153877

Learn more about the Inclusion Initiative: https://theinclusioninitiative.com

Shout out to today’s sponsor: Frida’s Flowers! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: https://fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Carrie Cosby aka The Glow Queen!

Shout out to today’s sponsor: Top View! Be sure to check out their blog to see our guests featured over the next few months 🎉 TopView: helping rising artists break through the noise: https://topview0.com/

This week’s apparel: MELI

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: original_soundtrack

Sean "Oreo" Jones (CHREECE, perseverance in pursuit of creating, continual artistic growth)

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0400

On this week's episode of Conversation Piece, Oreo Jones, a pioneering figure in the Indianapolis hip-hop scene, joins the show to discuss his musical journey from punk rock roots to becoming a hip-hop artist, his experiences navigating the Indianapolis music landscape, and the creation of CHREECE, an all-day hip-hop festival in Fountain Square. Jones shares insights on artistic growth, community building, and the importance of perseverance in pursuing creative passions. He also drops an exclusive announcement 👀👀👀

Learn more about Oreo: https://oreojones.com

Follow Oreo on Instagram: https://instagram.com/oreojones

Learn more about Chreece: https://chreeceaf.com

Follow Chreece on Instagram: https://instagram.com/chreeceaf

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: https://fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Chef Oya

This week’s apparel: Chreece!

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: original_soundtrack

Sarah Myer (Indiana Sports Corp, event planning and execution, Indianapolis pride)

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0400

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, Sarah Myer, Chief of Staff & Strategy at Indiana Sports Corp and one of the city’s biggest ambassadors, joins the show to discuss her journey from working in arts and media to leading major sports events in Indianapolis. She shares insights on event planning, community impact, and the importance of volunteering. Sarah also breaks down Indianapolis' unique strengths in hosting large-scale events and offers advice for those looking to enter the sports and events industry. Oh, and we also find out her favorite Don Pablo’s meal. Don’t miss it!

Follow Sarah on Instagram: https://instagram.com/smyerinthecity

Learn more about Indiana Sports Corp: https://www.indianasportscorp.org

Follow Indiana Sports Corp on Instagram: https://instagram.com/indsportscorp

Shout out to TopView for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to check out their blog to see our guests featured over the next few months 🎉 TopView: helping rising artists break through the noise: https://topview0.com/

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: https://fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Ashleigh Newbold

This week’s apparel: The Shop

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: original_soundtrack

Jake Moran (@jakewiththeshot, Visual Aural, Naptown Hip Hop)

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0400

On this week's episode of Conversation Piece, Jake Moran, a fashion, streetwear, and editorial photographer based in Indianapolis, joins the show to discuss his upcoming project "Visual Aural," a dual-medium art piece combining black and white photography with original hip-hop tracks from local artists. Jake talks about how he got into photography, finding his creative voice, and how black and white photography became the method for his creative expression. He also shares his love for local hip hop here in Indianapolis, and how his fandom and photography have culminated in his last two projects.

We conclude with a first for the show: debuting the lead single from Visual Aural, Juice by Double A. LFG!

Follow Jake on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jakewiththeshot

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: https://fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Naptown All Pro

This week’s apparel: Naptown Thrift

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: original_soundtrack

Dierre Hartman (KXNG DIERRE, God's Child, the art of storytelling)

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0400

On this week's episode of Conversation Piece, Dierre Hartman, a rising hip-hop artist known as Kxng Dierre and a journalism student at Jackson State University, joins the show to talk about his journey from Indianapolis to Jackson, Mississippi and how his HBCU experience has shaped both his music and his brand, God's Child. Dierre shares his early influences, his participation in NPR's Next Generation Radio program, and his thoughts on the evolving hip-hop scene. He also offers insights into balancing his artistic pursuits with academic life, the importance of intentionality in his work, and teases his upcoming project "Dirty Dirty."

Follow Dierre on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kxngdierre/
Learn more about God's Child: https://godschilddierre.com/

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: https://fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Dierre's family!, Jackson State U, Slumbaby Family, Outspoken Arts Collective

This week’s apparel: Keep Your Cool

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: original_soundtrack

Aaron Marshall (Double A from Naptown, Naptown Thrift, intersecting fashion, music, and community)

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0400

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, host Patrick Armstrong sits down with Aaron Marshall, better known as Double A, a rising star in Indianapolis's hip-hop scene and the owner of Naptown Thrift. The conversation explores Marshall's journey from aspiring artist to successful entrepreneur, delving into his passion for vintage fashion, his evolution as a rapper, and his perspectives on the local music scene. Listeners get an inside look at the origins of Naptown Thrift, Marshall's approach to creating music, and his thoughts on the unique character of Indianapolis's hip-hop community. This episode offers a fascinating blend of music, fashion, and local culture, showcasing the multifaceted talents of one of Naptown's most intriguing figures.

Shot on location at Naptown Thrift in Broad Ripple.

Learn more about Double A: https://album.link/i/1703111855
Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doubleafromnaptown/

Learn more about Naptown Thrift: https://naptownthrift.com/
Follow Naptown Thrift on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naptownthrift/

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: https://fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Anthony Murdock ii (ep 80)

This week’s apparel: Keep Your Cool x We Don't Run From Adversity

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: original_soundtrack

David Gibson (Elevation is a Must, emotional investment, faith as a foundational quality)

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0400

On this week's episode of Conversation Piece, David Gibson, storyteller, filmmaker, and founder of Elevation Is A Must, shares about the vision that sparked his entrepreneurial journey, why changing our mindset is the first step to changing the world, and how that same world needs more people to "come alive" right now. David also shares the three things within our control that can drastically change the way we navigate the world. The last one is not what you think!

Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-gibson-1976934b

Follow David on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d1gibson/

Learn more about Elevation Is A Must: https://www.elevationisamust.com/

Learn more about The Quest: https://www.thequestseries.org/

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: https://fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Darren Gibson, Nigel Bryant, the rest of the Elevation is a Must team!

This week’s apparel: No Logo

Madeline Mirelez-Perez Mackinnon (Frida's Flowers, creative activism, telling a healing story)

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 03:00:00 -0400

On today’s episode of Conversation Piece, Madeline Mirelez-Perez Mackinnon joins the show to talk about tapping into play when creating and how that (and so much more) sits at the heart of her work with Frida’s Flowers. Madeline talks about the privilege of getting to spend some formative years in Mexico City, the role her experiences with Lark Song and the Orr Fellowship had in the launching of Frida’s, and balancing part-time entrepreneurship with full-time work. She also breaks down creative activism and how an intentional connection to our roots fuels the healing story we tell and inspire others to tell.

Learn more about Frida's Flowers: https://www.fridasflowersindy.com/
Follow Frida's on Instagram: https://instagram.com/_fridasflowersindy_

Learn more about Lark's Song: https://www.larkssong.com/
Learn more about the Orr Fellowship: https://orrfellowship.org/

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: https://fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Lark's Song, Casey Harrison (ep 78)

This week’s apparel: Meg Emiko Art

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: original_soundtrack

Shay McCoy (City of Shay, Socials of Shay, from unemployment to self-employed)

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 03:00:00 -0400

On today’s episode of Conversation Piece, digital curator, creator, and entrepreneur Shay McCoy joins the show to talk about leaving full-time corporate and going full-time small business owner. Shay shares about laying the groundwork for such a transition with City of Shay, how creating content has created community, and why Indy is the place she’s doing it all! She also talks about what brought her to the city (school), what kept her here (work, people, it’s dope!), and what’s on the horizon. We also build Shay’s Definitive List of Indianapolis Things for 2024, Part 1. Don’t miss it!

Learn more about Shay: cityofshay.com

Follow City of Shay on Instagram: instagram.com/cityofshay

Follow Socials of Shay on Instagram: instagram.com/socialsofshay

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: https://fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Jacob Nobbe

This week’s apparel: Native Language Co.

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: original_soundtrack

LaStar Jackson (Saint Avenue, intentionality in art, progress towards purpose)

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 03:00:00 -0400

On this week's episode of Conversation Piece, LaStar Jackson, entrepreneur and founder of luxury fashion brand Saint Avenue, joins the show to talk about intentionality and purpose in art. LaStar shares about his upbringing and how his mother's interest in fashion influenced him from a young age. He also discusses the journey of starting his brand, including the challenges he faced with previous brands like Leonardo and Royce and Sovereign Concept, as well as the intentionality behind Saint Avenue's designs and his desire to create thought-provoking pieces. He also delves into his experience collaborating with other brands during the NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis, the local design community, and his advice for up-and-coming artists and creators.

Shop Saint Avenue: saintavenue.co/
Follow Saint Avenue on Instagram: instagram.com/saintavenue

Shout out to TopView for sponsoring the show! Be sure to check out their blog to see our guests featured over the next few months 🎉 TopView: helping rising artists break through the noise: topview0.com/

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: LaStar's mom and kids, Michael Angelo Washington (By Michael Angelo)

This week’s apparel: Saint Avenue x Art by Fitz x We Don’t Run From Adversity

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: original_soundtrack

Brandon Lee Buckley aka B.Lee (Melanin House Brandz, the power of branding, building others up)

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 03:00:00 -0400

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, CEO of Melanin House Brandz Brandon Lee Buckley, also known as B.Lee, joins the show to talk about building brands and businesses as a creator and influencer. B.Lee talks about the roots of his creative and entrepreneurial passions, networking as early as seventh grade, and getting involved in the Indianapolis events scene. He also shares how he got into creating content, recognizing the power of branding, and applying his knowledge to help manage and build up others looking to do the same. We ALSO get into Naptown culture — you already know!

Connect with B.Lee on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@youbetterb.leeveit

Connect with B.Lee on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamtheofficialb.lee/

Learn more about Melanin House Brandz: https://www.melaninhousebrandz.com/

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: B. Swift, Greg Buck

This week’s apparel: We Don’t Run From Adversity

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: original_soundtrack

Nicha Stapanukul (Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, making classical music accessible, reckoning with identity)

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 28 May 2024 03:00:00 -0400

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, Nicha Stapanukul joins the show to talk about navigating the classical music scene as a performer, teacher, and community facilitator. Nicha shares her origins as a pianist, immigrating to the U.S. from Thailand by herself as a teenager, and the shift from performance to education coinciding with a shift from comfort to survival. She also talks about her work as the Director of Education and Community Engagement at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and her recent navigation of her racial identity as an Asian woman in classical music.

Learn more about Nicha: www.nichastapanukul.com

Follow Nicha on Instagram: instagram.com/nichastap

Learn more about the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra: www.indianapolissymphony.org

Follow the Symphony on Instagram: instagram.com/indysymphony

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Krystle Ford

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: original_soundtrack

Carrie Abbott (Newfangled Confections, pursuing innovation, the power of affirmation)

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 21 May 2024 03:00:00 -0400

On today’s episode of Conversation Piece, Newfangled Confections CEO Carrie Abbott joins the show to talk about bringing innovation to the small business community. Carrie shares how she got into candy making, her love for the process of what you do, and the power of affirming others chasing their small business dreams. She also discusses the necessity of understanding folks’ “why" and how that why can change.

Buy some candy: newfangledconfections.com/

Connect with Carrie on LinkedIn

Follow Carrie on Instagram

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

Apparel this episode: Nap or Nothin'

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: original_soundtrack

Mike Lee (Mike Lee Productions, delivering moments, building your own brand)

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 14 May 2024 03:00:00 -0400

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, Mike Lee steps out from behind the camera to talk about his journey from Chicago to Indy to entrepreneurship. Mike shares about the first time he picked up a camera, his love for the post-production process, and when he knew it was time to pivot towards being a full-time creator and entrepreneur. He also discusses what it means to "deliver moments" for his clients.

Learn more about Mike: mikeleeproductions.com
Connect with Mike on Instagram: instagram.com/mikelee_productions
Learn more about the June PHOTOWALK!

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: original_soundtrack

Tasha Jun (Tell Me the Dream Again, writing honestly, 'Asian enough')

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 07 May 2024 03:00:00 -0400

On this week’s episode, Tasha Jun joins the show to talk about what it means to write honestly about the most intimate parts of ourselves. Tasha shares her childhood of significant moves, from the U.S. to Tokyo to California to Indiana, the rejection and reclamation of her ethnic identity, and how she captured it all in her debut memoir Tell Me the Dream Again. She also discusses what it means to show up as we are and how we can model these things for future generations.

Learn more about Tasha: https://tashajun.com/
Buy Tell Me the Dream Again: https://www.tyndale.com/p/tell-me-the-dream-again/9781496459572/
Follow Tasha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tashajunb
Subscribe to Shalomsick Notes: https://shalomsick.substack.com/

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: original_soundtrack

Jennifer Magley (The Basketball League, asking for what you need, a place where everybody knows your name)

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 03:00:00 -0400

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, Chief Brand Officer for The Basketball League (TBL) Jennifer Magley joins the show to talk about going after what you want and how we all want a place where everyone knows their name. She shares her journey from pro tennis player to coach to corporate, going viral after being laid off, and how community is key to breaking through oppressive systems. Jennifer also discusses her work with TBL and watching her mother flourish as the first and only Black woman to own and operate a professional sports league.

Learn more about Jennifer + book her to speak: magleyjennifer.com/
Follow Jennifer on Instagram
Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: original_soundtrack

Demel Bolden (The DRVN Way, finding your passion, overcoming adversity)

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 03:00:00 -0400

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, Demel Bolden, a multifaceted creator and founder of DRVN LLC, joins the show to talk about overcoming adversity and taking life head on. Demel shares about the traumatic experience that shaped his early life, the origins of his passion for visual storytelling, and his first viral moment. He also breaks down how he continues to find new ways to grow, the importance of mental health, and what part of Virginia he carries with him as he navigates the big stage of Indianapolis.

Learn more about Demel and DRVN: demelbolden.com
Follow Demel on Instagram: demelbolden
Follow DRVN on Instagram: madebydrvn
Follow The DRVN Way on Instagram: thedrvnway

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: original_soundtrack

Ella Ashwill (the ERA, equity for artists, building bridges)

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 03:00:00 -0400

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, Ella Ashwill, CEO and founder of the ERA, joins the show to talk about equitable artist representation, how to get it, and where we're at now. Ella shares her journey from Indiana to California and back and how the numerous roles she's played throughout her career have helped inform her approach to her work consulting for artists. She also talks about getting involved with the Indianapolis creative community and why it's so important we're building bridges between artist and organization. Come for the random, small world friend group stuff, stay for the conversation.

Follow the ERA on Instagram: instagram.com/weretheera/
Learn more about the ERA: weretheera.com/

Some individuals and organizations in Indianapolis to know
GangGang

18 Art Collective

Maxie

Saint Avenue

Mike G

Sampson.

One Drop

1000 Words Gallery

Michael O'Brien Gallery

Wildstyle Pascall

Fred Miller
Alec Ganesha

Mandog

CreateWhatYouCrave

Rand Ewing

Andre Parnel

Borage

Angell Restoration
thanksTheodore
Dailyn Eades
art by Fitz
Gallery 42

Nabil of Seaux Chill

Paula of The Archivist

Dana Powell Smith

Salma Taman

Taylor and Isaac Bamgbose

Amiah Mims

Sheth Strategies

Gretchen of Mama Ochre

Sara of Lux and Ivy

Mariah of Boss Babe Network

Sara Boutwell

Shelly The Wall Muse

Braydee of Companion

Israel Solomon

Draft

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: original_soundtrack

Anthony Murdock II (Storytelling as Liberation, Systemic Disruption, Self Healing)

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 03:00:00 -0400

On this week’s episode, the one and only Anthony Murdock II joins the show to talk about the journey of finding wholeness within ourselves. Murdock talks about resisting whiteness through discovering identity, the way language helps us give life to our experiences, and how liberation is at the root of all our stories. He also shares how the lives of folks like Assata Shakur and Dr. James Cone inform his work and why systems can only be dismantled with other systems.

Follow Murdock on Instagram: @amurdock_ii
Watch Murdock’s Tedx Talk: YouTube
Learn more about Murdock LLC: murdockllc.org
Get on that Close Friends list

Learn more about Assata Shakur
Learn more about Dr. James Cone

Learn more about Conversation Piece: conversationpiecepod.com

Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: original_soundtrack

Greg Buck (Push Prep, Community for Indianapolis creators, Building together)

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 03:00:00 -0400

On this week’s episode, multimedia mastermind and CEO of Push Prep Greg Buck joins the show to talk about the work he’s been doing in the city and the things we can achieve when we come together as a creative community. Greg shares growing up in the city after moving from Michigan, his basketball career, and how he got started in photography. He also talks about when he knew he could pursue multimedia as a business and why it’s important to have spaces for people to come in and figure out who they are.

Learn more about Push Prep: instagram.com/pushprep
Follow Greg on Instagram: instagram.com/madebuck
Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gregory-ash-buck

Some people and organizations mentioned in this episode
Greg Foster, City Leagues (Thatcher Park)

Vincent Ash

Gary Bracket (Stacked Pickles)

The Big 3 League

Jay Goldz

Franky Nitty

Mike Andre

Miss E-Class

Ganggang

Be Nimble

Tevin Studdard

Visit Indy

Downtown Indy

Yelp

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: original_soundtrack

Casey Harrison (Polished Communications, Entrepreneurship, Equity)

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0400

On this week’s episode, Polished Communications CEO and President Casey Harrison joins the show to talk all things entrepreneurship! Casey shares about when she first fell in love with communications, her journey into the small business world, and how her core values permeate both her personal and professional lives. We also discuss the unknown accessibility points for entrepreneurs just starting out, the need for ecosystem navigators, Casey’s severe passion for all things equity and inclusion, and how that all intersects in the work she does at Polished.

Learn more about Polished Communications @ www.polishedcomms.com/
Follow Casey on Instagram.
Check out See Yourself IN: www.cicpindiana.com/syi/

Learn more about Pattern: www.patternindy.com/

Small Business Resources
Learn more about the Indiana Small Business Development Corporation: https://www.isbdc.org/
Learn more about the Great Lakes Women's Business Council: https://www.greatlakeswbc.org/
Learn more about Mid-States + the Accelerate 100 Program: https://www.midstatesmsdc.org/programs-events/accelerate-100/
Learn more about the Indy Chamber's Business Ownership Initiative: https://indychamber.com/entrepreneur-services/

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: original_soundtrack

317 Day with 4200Kory presented by Nap or Nothing

Patrick Armstrong — Sun, 17 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0400

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, we're dropping a little bit early for the holiday! That's right, it's 317 Day here in Indianapolis and we are joined by the young legend himself, Mr. How You What, 4200Kory. Kory talks about growing up on the far east side of Indianapolis, what led him to music in the first place, and the love he saw from the city after his first project dropped. He also shares what else the Naptown hip hop scene is missing (or isn't) right now, why his latest project 4 Naptown to da World is a love letter to the Nap, and what's coming up next.

Shout out to Nap or Nothing for sponsoring this episode. Nap or Nothing is a dope, homegrown brand highlighting and pushing Naptown culture through fashion design. All threads in the shop are produced locally by Circle City Prints featuring local Indianapolis brands like Slumhaus. Check them out 7 days a week at 525 Mass Ave, shop online at napornothing.net, and follow them on Instagram @nap_or_nothing_shop.

Follow 4200Kory on Instagram.
Check out 4 Naptown to da World wherever you get music!
Follow Slumbaby Family on Instagram.

Check out these other artists from the city
MACCOLADES
King Dierre
Sirius Blvck
Skypp
Maxie
Baby Ebony
Foxd'legnd
Jet Santiago
Flacoisbored
DOUBLE A

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: original_soundtrack

Adoption Unfiltered (Sara Easterly, Kelsey Vander Vliet Ranyard, and Lori Holden)

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0400

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, Sara Easterly, Kelsey Vander Vliet Ranyard, and Lori Holden join the show to talk about their new book Adoption Unfiltered: Revelations from Adoptees, Birth Parents, Adoptive Parents and Allies. They share about their respective relationships with adoption, how they all came together, and what it means to navigate the power dynamics of adoptee, birth parent, and adoptive parent while also co-authoring a book that features each of these perspectives, the first of its kind! We also talk about the book tour they've been on, including their final stop in Indianapolis, what they're walking away with, and what's next.

Buy the book: https://adoptionunfiltered.com/book/
Listen to the podcast: https://www.adoptionunfiltered.com/podcast/

Follow Adoption Unfiltered on Instagram
Follow Sara on Instagram
Follow Kelsey on Instagram
Follow Lori on Instagram

Check out Kelsey's podcast, Twisted Sisterhood: https://www.twistedsisterhoodpodcast.com/

Check out Lori's podcast, Adoption: The Long View: https://lavenderluz.com/podcast-2/

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: original_soundtrack

Leah Burns (It's an honor just to be Asian, Navigating Faith and Identity)

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0500

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, former guest and good friend Leah Burns joins the show to laugh it up while diving deep into a whole mess of things. Leah shares more of her personal journey growing up in Central Arkansas, the ongoing navigation of her faith, and questioning if it really is an honor to be Asian (spoiler alert: it is!). Leah also asks Patrick some questions. Again, lots of laughs in this one!

Follow Leah on Instagram.
Follow Leah's Bookstagram.

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Produced, engineered, mixed, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Edited by: Torin Messer

Music by: original_soundtrack

Jason Poon & Jeff Wu (NO CLOUDS IN MY SUMMER, Asian American filmmaking)

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 03:00:00 -0500

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, film directors Jason Poon and Jeff Wu join the show to talk about their latest project, NO CLOUDS IN MY SUMMER, a surreal romantic drama that non-linearly explores a young man’s introspection after a breakup. Jason and Jeff share their experience working together, their origins in filmmaking, and how they came to this particular endeavor. They also discuss navigating Asian identity within the film industry and what they believe is missing from the conversations around our community and creating.

Check out NO CLOUDS IN MY SUMMER.

Follow Jason on Instagram.
Follow Jeff on Instagram.

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Produced, engineered, mixed, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Edited by: Torin Messer

Music by: original_soundtrack

Highighting Indianapolis’ Culinary Community with EatHere (LIVE @ All Star Weekend)

Patrick Armstrong — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 03:00:00 -0500

IT'S A BONUS EPISODE! On this very special episode of Conversation Piece, Patrick posts up at the Circle Centre Mall in downtown Indianapolis at The Intersection, part of the NBA All Star weekend where food and fashion come together in a showcase of who's who and what's what in Naptown, curated by EatHere and Cargo Streetwear. First, Patrick talks with Bradley Houser, co-founder of Eat Here Indy, about how EatHere got started, how The Intersection came together, and what he thinks is missing from the culinary conversation in Indianapolis right now. Then, Patrick does a rapid fire sit and chat with some of the chefs and food entrepreneurs that were in the building.

It's a bunch of All Star conversations, right here, right now ⭐️

Learn more about EatHere.
Follow Eat Here Indy on Instagram.

Follow and frequent these local Indy eateries + entrepreneurs:
Mochi Joy Donuts
T'Days Jerk
ClusterTruck
Howdy Homemade Ice Cream
Gip Got Tips
Lou Malnati's
The Bull Grill
Leo's Alkaline Water
Gordons Milkshake Bar
Upland Brewing Co.
The Live Project
Gomez BBQ

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: original_soundtrack

Skypp (Sorry 4 My Trauma, Naptown Hiphop, Therapy)

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 03:00:00 -0500

It’s NBA All Star Month in Indianapolis! On this week’s episode, one of Naptown’s hiphop staples Skypp joins the show to educate us on Indianapolis’ past and present hiphop scene and where we could go from here. Skypp shares his early beginnings, from writing rhymes in middle school to standing on set with legends in high school to continually rising up the iTunes rap + hiphop album charts with each of his successive releases. We talk about his latest album Sorry 4 My Trauma, the power of therapy, and the importance of consistency and stability to truly grow. Skypp also shares about what All-Star weekend means for hiphop artists, what was done right, and what can be done better next time.

Check out Sorry 4 My Trauma

Learn more about Skypp

Connect with Skypp on Instagram

Get the music wherever you get music!

Get familiar with Indianapolis hiphop
Maxie from Naptown
Baby Ebony
4200Kory
Drayco McCoy
Sirius Blvck
Oreo Jones

Get familiar with Chreece
Get familiar with GangGang

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: original_soundtrack

Sampson Levingston (Through2Eyes Walk & Talk Tours, Black History, Indiana History)

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 03:00:00 -0500

It’s NBA All Star Week in Indianapolis! On this week’s episode, the Walk and Talk legend himself Sampson Levingston joins the show to school us on how you can’t find a moment in Indiana’s history without Black people in it. Sampson talks about his journey from playing football at Indiana State to starting his Through2Eyes blog where he could share our city’s history with the masses and how writing became leading in the form of his first Walk and Talk tour in June of 2020 (he’s led over 500(!) tours since). He also shares what All-Star weekend means for the community here, what he hopes people walk away with, and why being proud of where you’re from is so important — because if you don’t tell people where you’re from, how will we know good people are from there?

All Star Walk and Talks!

Feb 16-18: Register here

Connect with Sampson on Instagram

Check out Through2Eyes

Follow Through2Eyes on Instagram

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: original_soundtrack

Olivia West (NBA All-Star, Indianapolis, You're the Real All Star)

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 03:00:00 -0500

It’s NBA All Star Month in Indianapolis! On this week’s episode, the best host in the game Olivia West joins the show to get us hyped for everything going on in the city these next few weeks. Olivia talks about her upbringing in LaPorte running the 4H circuit and hooping, the pivotal moment at Purdue that set her on her current path, and becoming one of the voices of our hometown teams, the Indiana Pacers and the Indiana Fever. She also shares the importance of finding belonging and purpose, receiving that affirmation from the people around her, and why YOU are the real All-Star.

All-Star Events!

NBA Crossover Conversations (@ the Convention Center)

2024 Rising Stars Game

Connect with Olivia on Instagram (and hire her!)

Check out The Speaking Company

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong
Engineered by: John Overton / Popular Rapture
Filmed by: Mike Lee Productions
Music by: original_soundtrack

Out of Place: The Lives of Korean Adoptee Immigrants with SunAh Laybourn

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0500

On this week's episode, good friend Dr. SunAh Laybourn joins the show to talk about her new book Out of Place: The Lives of Korean Adoptee Immigrants. Dr. Laybourn shares how the book developed over the past seven years, what it means to challenge our own identities as Korean adoptees and as immigrants, and the importance of building upon the scholarship that has come before.

You may have also heard this episode last week on Let's Grab Coffee with SunAh Laybourn! It's a crossover!

Get Out of Place: The Lives of Korean Adoptee Immigrants (Novel Memphis)

Learn more about SunAh.
Connect with her on Instagram.
Check out Let's Grab Coffee on 97.1FM WYXR Memphis.

Learn more about Adoption Links DC.

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: original_soundtrack

Becoming the authors of our own stories with Mindy Stern

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0500

On this week’s episode, screenwriter and personal essayist Mindy Stern joins us to talk about her experience as a domestic, same-race adoptee. Mindy shares about her early thoughts and feelings about adoption, how those feelings evolved very quickly, and the written journals that would come about because of it all. She also expands upon her journey with reunion, leading to a really important discussion about why it matters that we know our history and our stories.

Learn more about Mindy at her website: themindystern.com
Connect with Mindy on Instagram: @minster12
Follow + support Mindy on Medium: mindystern.medium.com

Read Mindy's latest piece, My Dead Mother and Me

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: original_soundtrack

Monstrous: A Transracial Adoption Story with Sarah Myer

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0500

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, comics artist and author Sarah Myer joins the show to talk about their graphic novel Monstrous: A Transracial Adoption Story! We talk about the process of crafting such an intimate, imaginative telling of their early journey, from their love of The Little Mermaid and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as a child to their experiences with racism (both external and internal) during their adolescent years and navigating their multiple intersecting identities in between it all. We also talk comics, cartoons, and so much more!

Meet Sarah
Sarah is a comic artist, writer, and colorist from White Hall, MD, best known for their graphic novel Monstrous A Transracial Adoption Story and their work as an artist on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Saturday Morning Adventures comic series. They have attended anime and comic conventions since 1999 and love to cosplay, lift weights, and cook.

Follow Sarah on Instagram
Get Monstrous: A Transracial Adoption Story

Check out Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination
Check out Doctor Ramani on YouTube

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: original_soundtrack

Three core moments of my journey as an Asian American adoptee

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0500

On this week’s episode, Patrick takes a deep dive into three core memories of his journey: one great, two not so great. He talks about how these things became foundational in how he understands himself today and how he understands + contextualizes his past experience. He also discusses how these things tie together to form the sacred timeline of his life, while reiterating the benefits of sharing personally (if one is able to do so).

Stop AAPI Hate footage via Reuters.

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: original_soundtrack

The act of adoption is inherently uncomfortable and other stuff

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0500

On this week’s episode, Patrick rings in the new year with a solo conversation about the adoptee experience, specifically, our comfort — and discomfort — with the conversations around adoption. He talks about the inherent discomfort that permeates the act of adoption and the dynamic between the stories we, as adoptees, want to tell and the stories people want to hear. Super fun!

Resources mentioned:
You Should Be Grateful by Angela Tucker
When We Become Ours by Various Authors
All You Can Ever Know by Nicole Chung
Black Adoptee Identities (Podcast)
Adoptees On (Podcast)
The Janchi Show (Podcast)

Learn more about the Adoptee Consciousness Model.

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Angela Tucker
Cam Lee Small

Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: original_soundtrack

Holiday Spectacular + Best of 2023 Special!

Patrick Armstrong — Wed, 27 Dec 2023 03:00:00 -0500

On this week’s episode, it’s the Holiday Spectacular + Best of 2023 Special with my (Patrick’s) very dear friends Leah Burns and Erik Kemp ✨ Leah and Erik join the show to close out 2023 the right way: by talking about the difference between basements and storm shelters! They also answer some get-to-know-you questions and help Patrick celebrate the Top 5 Conversation Piece episodes as voted on by you, our audience — it’s a lot of fun!

Mentioned in this episode:
The Janchi Show

Taylor Swift

Leenalchi

Tigerboom

Meet Leah
Leah Burns is a Chinese American Transracial Adoptee based in Arkansas. When she’s not traveling, you can find her on IG, @lee_uhh or if you’re into the sporadic book recommendation, @leahreadz for book related thingz.

Meet Erik
Erik Kemp is a transracial intercountry Korean Adoptee. He loves all forms of art and entertainment and currently lives in Los Angeles. Connect with Erik on Instagram and follow his new podcast, It's Just Erik Talking.

YOUR Top 5 Episodes of 2023:
5. Lucy Sheen - The BIPOC Adoptee Conversations
4. Lillian Barkes - National Adoptee Awareness Month
3. Mindfulness and mental health in the workplace with Jamie Holland
2. The burden of responsibility + the end of November
1. The privilege of storytelling with Joon Park

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: original_soundtrack

Origins, parenthood, and everything in-between with Emily Armstrong

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 03:00:00 -0500

On this week’s episode, we’re joined by a very special guest, Patrick’s wife Emily Armstrong! Emily comes on the show to talk about Emily + Patrick’s origin story, their NYC baby-moon, and talk about their upcoming (or ongoing?!) parenthood journey. They also answer some get-to-know-you questions and dive into some questions from you, the audience — all recorded in the comfort of their living room!

Check out Patrick's music: https://soundcloud.com/patrickisntreal

Support the show

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Check out our website: https://conversationpiecepod.com/

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: original_soundtrack

The systemic issues at the root of our stories with Brittany Means

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 03:00:00 -0500

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, author Brittany Means joins the show to talk about resisting dominant narratives and the ways systemic issues influence our stories, particularly their origins. Brittany shares her ongoing journey to stay present, how dominant narratives like resiliency can lead us down the wrong paths, and how these different things show up in her debut memoir, Hell if We Don't Change Our Ways (my favorite book of 2023!!!).

Buy Hell if We Don't Change Our Ways: https://www.brittanymeans.com/book

Learn more about Brittany: https://www.brittanymeans.com/home
Connect with Brittany: https://instagram.com/brittanymeansit

Consider supporting any of the following Albuquerque organizations:
ABQ Mutual Aid: http://www.ffol.org/
John Brown Breakfast Club: https://www.instagram.com/john_brown_breakfast_club
S.A.F.E House: https://www.safehousenm.org/
casaq: https://www.casaq.org/

Learn more about Sarah Rose Cavanagh: https://www.sarahrosecav.com/
Learn more about Ashley C. Ford: http://www.ashleycford.net/
Learn more about Hanif Abdurraqib: http://www.abdurraqib.com/

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Connect with Patrick

Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: original_soundtrack

Three things to think about regarding adoptee identity: a solo episode

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 03:00:00 -0500

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, Patrick does a deep dive into three things we should all consider regarding the adoptee identity: some people claim it and some don't, adoption + our experiences affect us every single day, and 'adoptee' as an identity is still not validated by the general public. Then, he talks about what you can expect from the show the rest of this month!

Also: we’re doing our yearly review round-up! If you’ve been listening to the show, I would greatly appreciate if you could leave a rating and review wherever it is that you listen. These things help the show grow by showing other people why you listen and why they should to!

Hit up Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or our website to leave one (and thank you for your support!) ✨

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: original_soundtrack

The burden of responsibility + the end of November

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0500

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, Patrick closes National Adoptee Awareness Month with a solo conversation about the burden of responsibility we feel regarding managing other people's feelings at the expense of our own. (Hint, hint: it's an illusion!) He also gives a recap of the November episode slate and talks about what to expect for December and early 2024.

Catch up on November
Amy Plocharczyk: https://www.conversationpiecepod.com/amy-plocharczyk-national-adoptee-awareness-month/
Lauren Rees: https://www.conversationpiecepod.com/lauren-rees-national-adoptee-awareness-month/
Lillian Barkes: https://www.conversationpiecepod.com/lillian-barkes-national-adoptee-awareness-month/

Support the show

Subscribe to Conversation Piece: The Newsletter: https://patrickintheworld.substack.com/

Leave a review: https://bit.ly/48DgMfT

Check out our website: https://conversationpiecepod.com/

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: original_soundtrack

Lillian Barkes: National Adoptee Awareness Month

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0500

November is National Adoption / Adoptee Awareness Month. For too long, adoptee voices have not been centered in conversations about adoption and that has led to a one-sided narrative dominated by adoptive parents and adoption agencies. That’s been changing, and this month, we’re joining the chorus of adoptees who have been sharing their stories by highlighting Asian American adoptees right here in Indiana.

On this week’s episode, co-founder and CEO of Listen To Our Future Lillian Barkes joins Patrick to talk about navigating loss as adoptees, from adoptive parents to first parents and more. Lillian shares about working through grief after losing her adoptive mother early in college, what it means to honor our ancestors, and why it's important for us to understand the traumas related to attachment and abandonment. She also discusses the amazing work Listen To Our Future is doing in the city.

Connect with Lillian: https://www.instagram.com/lillybarkes/

Learn more about Listen To Our Future: https://www.listentoourfuture.com/
Connect to Listen To Our Future: https://www.instagram.com/listentoourfuture/

Learn more about the Adoptee Consciousness Model: https://redthreadbroken.wordpress.com/2022/06/23/out-of-the-fog-and-into-consciousness-a-model-of-adoptee-awareness/

Check out some other podcasts Lauren recommends:
Psych Talk: Episode 132, Internal Family Systems with Rachel Forbes, LCSW: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4p5xhZWNdhvqIlHGabDB1o?si=MnsC3IuMQMu2YqUkKJFdsw
We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle: Episode 130, Breaking Cycles & Reparenting Yourself with Dr. Becky Kennedy: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/we-can-do-hard-things-with-glennon-doyle/id1564530722?i=1000579281486

Support the show

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Check out our website: https://conversationpiecepod.com/

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Connect with Patrick

Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: original_soundtrack

Lauren Rees: National Adoptee Awareness Month

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0500

On this week’s episode, Lauren Rees joins Patrick to talk about navigating parenthood as a transracial adoptee. Lauren shares her journey as a parent, the importance of disrupting the dominant narratives that exist, and finding the balance in all things. She also talks about why combatting racial injustice and inequity is a necessary part of her personal journey both as an adoptee and as a parent.

Connect with Lauren: https://instagram.com/ravelrees

Learn more about the Adoptee Consciousness Model: https://redthreadbroken.wordpress.com/2022/06/23/out-of-the-fog-and-into-consciousness-a-model-of-adoptee-awareness/

Support the show

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Connect with Patrick

Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: original_soundtrack

Amy Plocharczyk: National Adoptee Awareness Month

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0500

On this week’s episode, Amy Plocharczyk joins Patrick to talk about her experience navigating both Asian American and adoptee communities in Indianapolis. Amy shares what she feels like is currently missing from our conversations around adoption, the struggles (and triumphs) she's had connecting with the Filipino/a/x community in Indy, and how encouragement has played a big role in stepping into the wider adoptee community.

Connect with Amy: https://instagram.com/amyplo

Learn more about the Adoptee Consciousness Model: https://redthreadbroken.wordpress.com/2022/06/23/out-of-the-fog-and-into-consciousness-a-model-of-adoptee-awareness/

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: original_soundtrack

New Place, Same Face: End of October Solo

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0400

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, I (Patrick) am coming to you from a brand new place with the same old face! That's right, I'm previewing a new spot for recording that you'll be seeing at least through November. I'm also recapping what happened in October on the show and the newsletter, what's going down in November, and what else you can expect from here going forward! It's a fun time and the fun times will keep on rolling (I hope!)!

Sign up for our November 9th storytelling workshop: https://bit.ly/3RWFbah
Hire me! https://bit.ly/workwithpatrick

Listen to last month's episodes
Joon Park: https://www.conversationpiecepod.com/the-privilege-of-storytelling-with-joon-park/
Jason Chu: https://www.conversationpiecepod.com/we-were-the-seeds-with-jason-chu/

Support the show
Subscribe to the newsletter: https://patrickintheworld.substack.com/
Leave a review: https://bit.ly/48DgMfT

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Connect with Patrick

Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: original_soundtrack

we were the seeds with Jason Chu

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0400

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, Patrick sits down with rapper Jason Chu to discuss his new album we were the seeds (available wherever you get music!). Jason discusses how hip hop resonated with him at an early age, the way he marries his creative art with his advocacy and education, and what it really means to be in community. He also shares his inspirations for the album, some myths of the music industry, and what conversations he hopes folks are having after listening.

Outro song: Moves by Jason Chu

Listen to we were the seeds
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/we-were-the-seeds/1702918344
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6sISvbWmnygc4cuiLEJksy
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/jasonchumusic/sets/we-were-the-seeds
YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nK3ZZTCFtRhxecPHkkS-LAy7dwPyn8Pto&si=M6IX40E_cXWLN3MP

Connect with Jason
Website: https://www.jasonchumusic.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonchumusic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jasonchumusic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonchumusic/

Learn more about API Rise: https://www.api-rise.org/

Watch PBS' Asian Americans: https://www.pbs.org/show/asian-americans/
Read Erika Lee's The Making of Asian America: http://www.erikalee.org/the-making-of-asian-america/

Check out our website: https://conversationpiecepod.com/

Connect with us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpodpiece/

Support the show

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: original_soundtrack

The privilege of storytelling with Joon Park

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0400

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, Patrick sits down with Joon Park to discuss the privilege of telling our stories and being on the receiving end of other's. Joon talks about the roots of his love for storytelling, what he's learned about of the power + privilege of our stories in his role as a hospital chaplain, and how silence can be a powerful tool for uplifting and elevating the stories of other people, particularly folks from historically marginalized communities + identities. They also get into a compliment-off -- it's a lot of fun!

Learn more about Joon: https://jsparkblog.com/
Connect 👇🏼
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jspark3000/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jsparkblog

Purchase a copy of The Voices We Carry: https://jsparkblog.com/my-book-the-voices-we-carry/

Learn more about Liz Kleinrock: https://www.teachandtransform.org/
Learn more about Cameron Lee Small: https://therapyredeemed.wordpress.com/
Learn more about Danté Stewart: https://www.dantecstewart.com/

Get tickets to Conversation Piece: The Workshop (Adoptees ONLY) Edition (11/9): https://bit.ly/3RWFbah

Check out our website: https://conversationpiecepod.com/

Connect with us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpodpiece/

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: original_soundtrack

Things They Are A-Changin'

Patrick Armstrong — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0400

On this week’s (special) episode of Conversation Piece, I get back in the saddle — aka my kitchen — to make one final plea for your Signal Award votes (today’s the LAST DAY!). Before all that, I give an in-depth recap of THE BIPOC ADOPTEE CONVERSATIONS: how the series went, the conversations we had, and the big takeaways of it all.

To wrap it all up, I chat about the decision to evolve the newsletter from free to paid. I get into the motivations behind it, what y’all can expect from it, and what’s coming up (more on that Monday)!

Lots of fun stuff on the way — make sure you subscribe to the pod, subscribe to the newsletter, and let me know what your thoughts!

CAST YOUR VOTES: https://bit.ly/44TyNU1
Subscribe to the newsletter: https://patrickintheworld.substack.com/
Work with Patrick: https://bit.ly/workwithpatrick

Check out our website: https://conversationpiecepod.com/

Connect with us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpodpiece/

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Subscribe to the newsletter: https://patrickintheworld.substack.com/

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: original_soundtrack

REPLAY | Natasha Jung: The APAHM Conversations

Patrick Armstrong — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0400

We're thrilled to announce that our series, THE APAHM CONVERSATIONS, has been named a finalist for the 2023 Signal Awards, and we're taking a trip down memory lane to relive the magic! To celebrate, for the next ten days we're re-airing the episodes that got us here 🎙️✨

Join the conversation and don’t forget to cast your vote: https://bit.ly/44TyNU1

The APAHM Conversations concludes with Natasha Jung! Natasha and Patrick discuss the partnership between Cold Tea Collective and Conversation Piece and how they first came together, why storytelling is so important in uncovering hidden lived experiences within our communities, the difficulty of doing the work AND the power in taking care of yourself while doing it.

Meet Natasha

Natasha is a multi-disciplinary creative, community builder, and public speaker. She has a background in marketing, broadcast television, live event production and education. In 2021, she was named a finalist in BC Business Magazine’s Women of the Year Awards as a finalist in the Community Builder category. She has also been recognized by Deloitte Canada, Chinese Womens’ Association of Canada and the City of Richmond as a Top 30 Under 30. In 2019, Natasha delivered a TEDx talk about navigating cultural expectations in a cup of tea and why she started Cold Tea Collective.

Connect with Natasha

Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter

Thanks to Cold Tea Collective for helping amplify this series all throughout May.

Cold Tea Collective is a media outlet, sharing the stories of the next generation of the Asian diaspora. Their mission is to inspire the AAPI community through storytelling that will empower them to live their most authentic and fulfilled lives. To learn more, visit https://coldteacollective.com or visit them on Instagram: https://instagram.com/coldteacollective.

Check out our website: https://patrickintheworld.me

Connect with Patrick

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/patrickintheworld

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@patrickintheworld

Support the show

Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://patrickintheworld.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/patricknthworld

Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

REPLAY | Bianca Mabute-Louie: The APAHM Conversations

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Join the conversation and don’t forget to cast your vote: https://bit.ly/44TyNU1

The APAHM Conversations continue with Bianca Mabute-Louie! Bianca and Patrick discuss the costs of representation, the types of liberation we want to invest in, and the importance of knowing we're not doing this work alone.

Meet Bianca

Bianca Mabute-Louie, MA is a Sociology doctoral student, author, and educator. Her research examines how religious socialization shapes the racial attitudes and political engagement of Asian Americans. Previous to Rice, Bianca served Asian American youth in community-based organizations and taught Asian American Studies at San Francisco State University, Laney College, City College of San Francisco, and Oakland Unified School District. Her visual storytelling and public scholarship have been featured on CNN, TIME, Elle, ABC7, LA Times, Cheddar News, USA Today, and Mic. She is working on her first book, UNASSIMILABLE, with Harper Collins.

Connect with Bianca on Instagram and Twitter.

Check out Care Work: Dreaming Disability Justice by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha.

Thanks to our media partners, Cold Tea Collective, for helping amplify this series.

Cold Tea Collective is a media outlet, sharing the stories of the next generation of the Asian diaspora. Their mission is to inspire the AAPI community through storytelling that will empower them to live their most authentic and fulfilled lives. To learn more, visit coldteacollective.com or visit them on Instagram @coldteacollective.

Check out our website!

Connect with Patrick

Subscribe to the Newsletter | Buy Me a Coffee

Support the show

Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

REPLAY | Sho Dewan: The APAHM Conversations

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Join the conversation and don’t forget to cast your vote: https://bit.ly/44TyNU1

The APAHM Conversations concludes with Sho Dewan! Sho and Patrick discuss how Asians and Asian Americans can advocate for themselves in their careers, the cultural context for understanding our self-worth when it comes to our professional lives, and recognizing our self-limiting beliefs.

Meet Sho

Sho Dewan is the lead Career Coach & founder of Workhap ,and has helped thousands get hired & paid in careers they love. He’s a LinkedIn Top Voice with his work featured on Wall Street Journal, Business Insider, and LinkedIn News. With 1M+ followers across social media, you can follow Sho on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Learn more about Workhap: www.workhap.com

Thanks to our media partners, Cold Tea Collective, for helping amplify this series.

Check out Patrick’s website!

Connect with Patrick

Subscribe to the Newsletter | Buy Me a Coffee

Support Patrick

Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

REPLAY | Rick Allen: The APAHM Conversations

Patrick Armstrong — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Join the conversation and don’t forget to cast your vote: https://bit.ly/44TyNU1

The APAHM Conversations continue with Rick Allen! Rick and Patrick discuss folks with certain identities left out of the conversation, how that affects us as Asian adoptees, and how we can get outside of the echo chamber and bring these conversations to other places.

Meet Rick

Rick is half Black, half Korean, adopted, a husband, a father, and learning more about himself as he goes.

Connect with Rick on Instagram.

Check out Hidden Hangukin: www.youtube.com/channel/UCgWKz0-f4cKFukdV_Y7B4hg

Thanks to our media partners, Cold Tea Collective, for helping amplify this series.

Check out my website!

Connect with Patrick

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Support Patrick

Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

REPLAY | August Rocha: The APAHM Conversations

Patrick Armstrong — Sat, 30 Sep 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Join the conversation and don’t forget to cast your vote: https://bit.ly/44TyNU1

The APAHM Conversations continue with August Rocha! August and Patrick discuss support + representation (or the lack of) for Queer and Disabled Asian Americans, navigating the intersection of multiple identities and communities, and the importance of these two things: you can ask for help and you are not alone.

Meet August

August (they/them) is an adopted, Chinese-American, disabled, non-binary advocate, speaker and writer with over 100K followers on TikTok. Soon to be traveling the U.S., August plans to spread joy wherever they go.

Connect with August on TikTok and Instagram.

Thanks to our media partners, Cold Tea Collective, for helping amplify this series.

Check out my website!

Connect with Patrick

Subscribe to the Newsletter | Buy Me a Coffee

Support Patrick

Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

REPLAY | Rohan Zhou-Lee: The APAHM Conversations

Patrick Armstrong — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Join the conversation and don’t forget to cast your vote: https://bit.ly/44TyNU1

The APAHM Conversations continue with Rohan Zhou-Lee! Rohan and Patrick discuss how erasure by white society contributes to internalized self-hatred in the Asian American community, the deep history of cross-community solidarity between Asian America and others, and the idea of Asian American identity as transcendent.

Meet Rohan

Rohan Zhou-Lee, pronouns They/Siya/祂/Elle, is a dancer, writer, and public speaker. They are also known for founding The Blasian March, a Black-Asian solidarity initiative through education and celebration. At CUNY's first ever LGBT-themed conference, Queeribbean Crossings (Caribbean Equality Project,) the Blasian March received a certificate from The Public Advocate For the City of New York in affirmation of the “work to unite diverse Brooklyn communities in love, fellowship, and support.”

Learn more about Rohan on his website: www.diaryofafirebird.com

Connect with Rohan on Instagram.

Check out the fantasy series we referenced!

The Dandelion Dynasty by Ken Liu

The Bruising of the Qilwa by Naseem Jamnia

Thanks to our media partners, Cold Tea Collective, for helping amplify this series.

Check out our website!

Connect with Patrick

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

REPLAY | Simi Shah: The APAHM Conversations

Patrick Armstrong — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Join the conversation and don’t forget to cast your vote: https://bit.ly/44TyNU1

The APAHM Conversations continue with Simi Shah! Simi and Patrick discuss why data-driven approaches are so important when it comes to understanding the nuances and complexities of our communities, how Asian Americans can push for data in the spaces they occupy, and the ways we can bring our voices together to reach new heights.

Meet Simi

Simi Shah is a mission-driven entrepreneur, investor, media strategist, and speaker. Simi is the Founder and CEO of Trailblazers, a media platform that elevates the stories of leading South Asians and convenes them. Simi holds a B.A. in Economics from Harvard University and is originally from Atlanta, Georgia. Visit simishah.com to learn more.

Check out South Asian Trailblazers: www.southasiantrailblazers.com

Thanks to our media partners, Cold Tea Collective, for helping amplify this series.

Check out our website

Connect with Patrick

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

REPLAY | Tony DelaRosa: The APAHM Conversations

Patrick Armstrong — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Join the conversation and don’t forget to cast your vote: https://bit.ly/44TyNU1

The APAHM Conversations continue with Tony DelaRosa! Tony and Patrick discuss uncovering our histories through the oral narratives of our families, developing mindful, expansive Asian American education policy + curriculum, and how, with our lived experience, we can do this work right now.

Meet Tony

Tony DelaRosa is a Filipino American anti-bias, anti-racist educator, ethnic studies researcher, motivational speaker, and cross-racial coalition builder. He is currently a PhD student in the Education Leadership & Policy Analysis program at UW-Madison focusing on Ethnic Studies Policies and how they translate into practices. Lastly, he is the author of Teaching the Invisible Race: Embodying a Pro-Asian American Lens in Schools with Jossey-Bass / WILEY Publishing.

Learn more about Tony: www.tonyrosaspeaks.com

Pre-order Teaching the Invisible Race: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/teaching-the-invisible-race-tony-delarosa/1143179043

Learn more about Dr. Nolan Cabrera: https://coe.arizona.edu/person/nolan-l-cabrera

Thanks to our media partners, Cold Tea Collective, for helping amplify this series.

Check out our website

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

REPLAY | Liz Kleinrock: The APAHM Conversations

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 02:00:00 -0400

Join the conversation and don’t forget to cast your vote: https://bit.ly/44TyNU1

The APAHM Conversations kick off with Liz Kleinrock! Liz and Patrick discuss the significance of developing relationships beyond the work, the importance of knowing our underlying why, and how we can build coalitions and relationships across communities.

Meet Liz

Liz Kleinrock (she/her) is a Korean-American transracial adoptee, queer, Jewish, antibias and antiracist educator, facilitator, and author. In 2018, Liz received the Teaching Tolerance Award for Excellence in Teaching, and in 2019 delivered her TED Talk, “How to teach kids to talk about taboo topics." In the spring of 2021, Liz released her first book, Start Here, Start Now: A Guide to Antibias and Antiracist Work in Your School Community with Heinemann Publishing, and is excited to announce the publication of four upcoming children's books with HarperCollins. She currently resides in Washington DC with her partner, two bunnies, and cat.

Connect with Liz on Instagram.

Learn more about Liz (and preorder Come and Join Us!): www.teachandtransform.org

Learn more about Ellen Oh and We Need Diverse Books: www.weneeddiversebooks.org

Check out my website!

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

Liana Soifer - The BIPOC Adoptee Conversations

Patrick Armstrong — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 03:00:00 -0400

The BIPOC Adoptee Conversations conclude with BIPOC Adoptees founder Liana Soifer! Liana and Patrick wrap up this series with a discussion about where our community goes next. Liana shares her how entering into parenthood set her down the path of identity, why we need to de-center adoptive parents and agencies from narratives about adoptee experiences, and the importance of celebrating each other. She also shares how BIPOC Adoptees got started and why the mission to include all BIPOC adoptee experiences matters.

Connect with Liana (and BIPOC Adoptees) on Instagram: https://instagram.com/bipocadoptees

Learn more about BIPOC Adoptees: https://www.bipocadoptees.com/

About The BIPOC Adoptee Conversations
For too long, Adoptees have not been the authors of our own stories. That’s changing, and this month we’re joining the discourse to be part of that change. Together with BIPOC Adoptees, we are reclaiming our narratives by honing in on specific areas of the BIPOC Adoptee experience that need to be amplified right now through this five-part series. This is a brave space for Adoptees to share with the world what we know is needed both inside and outside our community. These are THE BIPOC ADOPTEE CONVERSATIONS.

Check out our website: https://conversationpiecepod.com/

Connect with us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpodpiece/

Support the show

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

Lucy Sheen - The BIPOC Adoptee Conversations

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 03:00:00 -0400

The BIPOC Adoptee Conversations continue with Lucy Sheen! Lucy joins Patrick from across the pond to talk about being one of 106 Hong Kong foundlings, the importance of adoptees being able to voice their own lived experiences themselves, and why filmmakers and creatives have to do more than just "rely on the experts they know" when telling transracial adoptee stories.

Connect with Lucy on Instagram: https://instagram.com/lucysheen

Check out Michael Holding's book, Why We Kneel, How We Rise: https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/books/Why-We-Kneel-How-We-Rise/Michael-Holding/9781398503267

Learn more about BIPOC Adoptees: https://www.bipocadoptees.com/

Check out our website: https://conversationpiecepod.com/

Connect with us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpodpiece/

Support the show

Subscribe to the newsletter: https://patrickintheworld.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/patricknthworld

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

AJ Cho - The BIPOC Adoptee Conversations

Patrick Armstrong — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 03:00:00 -0400

The BIPOC Adoptee Conversations continue with AJ Cho! AJ and Patrick talk about the impact of Nicole Chung's memoir, All You Can Ever Know, entering and exiting online adoptee community spaces, and why the "gratitude" narrative is the worst narrative. AJ also shares his experience divorcing his adoptive family.

Connect with AJ on Instagram: https://instagram.com/_choaj_

Learn more about Boston Korean Adoptees (BKA): https://www.bkadoptee.org/

Check out Nicole Chung's memoir, All You Can Ever Know: https://nicolechung.net/all-you-can-ever-know/
Check out Sarah Myer's graphic novel, Monstrous: A Transracial Adoption Story: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250268792/monstrous

Learn more about BIPOC Adoptees: https://www.bipocadoptees.com/

Check out our website: https://conversationpiecepod.com/

Connect with us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpodpiece/

Support the show

Subscribe to the newsletter: https://patrickintheworld.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/patricknthworld

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

Lisa MacLellan - The BIPOC Adoptee Conversations

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 03:00:00 -0400

The BIPOC Adoptee Conversations continue with Lisa MacLellan! Lisa and Patrick discuss her experience as a biracial Black, transracial adoptee, navigating reunion, and the importance of validating adoptees' lived experiences.

Connect with Lisa on Instagram: https://instagram.com/lisermac

Check out Nicole Chung's first memoir All You Can Ever Know: https://nicolechung.net/all-you-can-ever-know/
Check out Rebecca Carroll's memoir Surviving the White Gaze: https://www.rebeccasimonecarroll.com/surviving-the-white-gaze-rebecca-carroll
Check out Lisa Wool-Rim Sjöblom's graphic memoir, Palimpsest: https://academic.macmillan.com/academictrade/9781770463301/palimpsest
Connect with Jill Mann: https://instagram.com/pandamonium25

Learn more about BIPOC Adoptees: https://www.bipocadoptees.com/

Check out our website: https://conversationpiecepod.com/

Connect with us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpodpiece/

Support the show

Subscribe to the newsletter: https://patrickintheworld.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/patricknthworld

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

Danni Mar - The BIPOC Adoptee Conversations

Patrick Armstrong — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 03:00:00 -0400

The BIPOC Adoptee Conversations kicks off with Danni Mar! Danni and Patrick sit down to discuss their experience as a BIPOC Adoptee and their journey through reunion, the importance of validating and amplifying trans, nonbinary, and LGBTQ+ community members, and how we can use our platforms to be leaders in this space.

Connect with Danni on Instagram: https://instagram.com/dannimarvibes
Check out Danni's photography: https://www.dannimar.com/

Learn more about Adoption Mosaic: https://adoptionmosaic.com/
Learn more about Adoptees Unite: https://adopteesunite.carrd.co/

Learn more about BIPOC Adoptees: https://www.bipocadoptees.com/

Check out our website: https://conversationpiecepod.com/

Connect with us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpodpiece/

Support the show

Subscribe to the newsletter: https://patrickintheworld.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/patricknthworld

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

September Solo! AKA: What's missing from my conversation?

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 03:00:00 -0400

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, Patrick kicks off September with a solo episode! We're doing a few things: recapping our incredible month of August, setting up our even more incredible September (THESE ANNOUNCEMENTS THO!), and going deep on the missing piece of the conversation in his own life: truly giving empathy + grace to young P (or not giving it to him). You don't want to miss this.

Also, this is definitely the most fun and involved solo episode yet from both an audio and video standpoint. Make sure you check out both versions, FOR REAL.

Oh yeah, and sign up for the newsletter: https://forms.gle/MpbF11MAYjZ9da7w7

Catch up on August!
Kira Omans: https://www.conversationpiecepod.com/the-responsibility-of-representation-with-kira-omans/
Bernice Chao: https://www.conversationpiecepod.com/the-path-to-visibility-with-bernice-chao/
Taylor Shennett: https://www.conversationpiecepod.com/influencing-and-educating-on-the-adoptee-experience-with-taylor-shennett/
Alice Tsui: https://www.conversationpiecepod.com/the-intersection-of-activism-and-education-with-alice-tsui/
B-b-b-b-booooonus episode Live @ Purdue: https://www.conversationpiecepod.com/conversation-piece-presents-live-from-express-fest-2023/

Shout out to our media partners, Cold Tea Collective!

Cold Tea Collective is a media outlet, sharing the stories of the next generation of the Asian diaspora. Their mission is to inspire the AAPI community through storytelling that will empower them to live their most authentic and fulfilled lives. To learn more, visit coldteacollective.com or visit them on Instagram @coldteacollective.

Get ready for THE BIPOC ADOPTEE CONVERSATIONS SERIES!
Learn more about BIPOC Adoptees: https://bipocadoptees.com/

Don't miss a thing -- sign up for the newsletter!!!!: https://forms.gle/MpbF11MAYjZ9da7w7

Check out our website: https://conversationpiecepod.com/

Connect with us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpodpiece/

Support the show

Subscribe to the newsletter: https://forms.gle/MpbF11MAYjZ9da7w7

Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/patricknthworld

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

The intersection of activism and education with Alice Tsui

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 03:00:00 -0400

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, activist and music educator Alice Tsui joins Patrick to discuss the intersections and overlaps of education and activism. Alice talks about her journey as a pianist, how her love of music became intertwined with her passion for education, and the way her Brooklyn roots inform so much of the work she does in her community. She also shares four pieces missing from these intersecting conversations today: recognizing the work happening behind the scenes, acknowledging the joy in our communities, the importance of affirmations, and the necessity of amplifying the youth in all of this.

Connect with Alice:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/musicwithmissalice

Who we're learning from:

Dr. Bettina Love: https://bettinalove.com/

Dr. Jenny Wang: https://www.jennywangphd.com/

Listen to the song Powerful from Empire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gbejk8nd1jE

Learn more about Yuri Kochiyama: https://www.zinnedproject.org/news/tdih/yuri-kochiyama-was-born/

Learn more about Grace Lee Boggs: https://americanswhotellthetruth.org/portraits/grace-lee-boggs/

Check out Jason Chu + Alan Z’s album Face Value: https://www.facevalue.world/

Support the WGA and SAG-AFTRA: https://www.sagaftra.org/get-involved/solidarity-wga

Check out our website: https://conversationpiecepod.com/

Connect with us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpodpiece/

Support the show

Subscribe to the newsletter: https://patrickintheworld.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/patricknthworld

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

Conversation Piece Presents: Live from Express Fest 2023!

Patrick Armstrong — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 03:00:00 -0400

On a special b-b-b-b-b-boooooonus episode of Conversation Piece, we're coming to you live from Purdue University to celebrate Express Fest 2023! In partnership with the Asian American and Asian Resource and Cultural Center, Patrick sits down for a different type of show - a radio style broadcast featuring interviews and songs (due to copyright and licensing laws we can't play the actual songs on the recording, but you can check out what we did play below!)! Patrick shares a little bit about his journey, including his time at Purdue, and speaks with faculty, staff, and students about their experiences navigating campus life as well as their Asian + Asian American identities. We also learn more about the AAARCC and a few of the student clubs, too!

About the AAARCC
The Asian American and Asian Resource and Cultural Center (AAARCC) provides dynamic educational resources for the Purdue community and the Lafayette-West Lafayette community. Since joining Purdue in April 2015 under the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, the AAARCC has opened its doors to all and seeks to remain as a source of education, integration, and support. Programs and events will be constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of the campus community. Our space is committed to preserving, advancing, and connecting the rich diversity here at Purdue to offer an exciting global experience for all.

Learn more about the AAARCC: https://www.purdue.edu/aaarcc/index.php
Connect with AAARCC on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purdueaaarcc/

Connect with Dr. Pam Sari: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-k-sari-a5a92067

Make sure to check out these student clubs!
Asian Student Union Board: https://www.instagram.com/purdueasub/?hl=en
Vietnamese Student Association: https://www.instagram.com/vsapurdue/
South Indian Association: https://www.instagram.com/purduesia/
Asian American and Asian Vocal Ensemble: I don't have links but reach out to Sunjana to learn more: https://instagram.com/pumpkinindisguise/

Featured Songs
New Jeans - Cool With You: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsYSSVoQnP4
Danakadan - This Song is about Self Love: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ayjeQd60oQ4
AJ Rafael - We Could Happen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgselUm89YA
Katherine Ho - 405: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZdRJOIaGsI

Check out our website: https://conversationpiecepod.com/

Connect with us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpodpiece/

Support the show

Subscribe to the newsletter: https://patrickintheworld.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/patricknthworld

Connect with Patrick

Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

Influencing and educating on the Adoptee experience with Taylor Shennett

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 03:00:00 -0400

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, Adoptee educator and influencer Taylor Shennett joins Patrick to talk about the importance of empathy and understanding when it comes to learning about experiences that are not our own. Taylor discusses sharing her story publicly way back in 2011, the viral moment that launched her into social media advocacy, and how she protects both herself and her circle as she navigates these conversations.

Connect with Taylor:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorshennett/
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@taylorruipingshen
Twitter: https://twitter.com/taylorshennett

Who we're learning from:
Liliana Fletch: https://www.tiktok.com/@lilianafletch87
Viorica | Boobless Adoptee: https://www.tiktok.com/@viorica_boobless_adoptee
Melissa Guida-Richards: https://tiktok.com/@adoptee_thoughts

Check out our website: https://conversationpiecepod.com/

Connect with us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpodpiece/

Support the show

Subscribe to the newsletter: https://patrickintheworld.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/patricknthworld

Connect with Patrick

Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

The path to visibility with Bernice Chao

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 03:00:00 -0400

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, author, speaker, and co-founder of Asians in Advertising Bernice Chao joins Patrick to discuss the importance of visibility and unity within the broader Asian diaspora. Bernice shares about her journey in the advertising industry, the moments that helped her realize the importance of creating visibility for our community both inside and outside that space, and how unity in broader AAPI spaces will help us overcome scarcity mindset and reach abundance. We also talk about how she and co-founder Jessalin Lam literally wrote a book about this very thing!

Learn more about Bernice: http://www.bernicechao.com/

Connect with Bernice:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/hellobernice
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernicechao/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bernicechao

Get the The Visibility Mindset: https://www.visibilitymindset.com/

Learn more about Asians in Advertising: https://www.asiansinadvertising.com/

Check out our website: https://conversationpiecepod.com/

Connect with us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpodpiece/

Support the show

Subscribe to the newsletter: https://patrickintheworld.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/patricknthworld

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

The responsibility of representation with Kira Omans

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 03:00:00 -0400

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, actor and advocate Kira Omans joins Patrick to talk about the responsibility creators have when it comes to representation. Kira shares her journey from acting to advocacy, identifying and dismantling the 'orphan' trope in media, and how the film, television, and creative industries can step up for underrepresented communities. They also discuss Joy Ride and navigating the discourse around the film as both Asian Americans and Adoptees.

Learn more about Kira: https://www.kiraomans.com

Connect with Kira:
Instagram: http://instagram.com/kiraomans
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kiraomans
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KiraEmilyOmans

Learn more about Hate is a Virus: https://hateisavirus.org/
Learn more about Adoptees for Justice: https://www.adopteesforjustice.org/
Learn more about AdopteeBridge: https://www.adopteebridge.org/

Get Nicole Chung's latest memoir, A Living Remedy: https://bookshop.org/p/books/a-living-remedy-a-memoir-nicole-chung/18738892?ean=9780063031616

Check out our website: https://conversationpiecepod.com/

Connect with us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpodpiece/

Support the show

Subscribe to the newsletter: https://patrickintheworld.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/patricknthworld

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

The Mailbag #1

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 03:00:00 -0400

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, we dive into a new segment: The Mailbag! Patrick answers questions from you, our audience, about whatever you ask. We also give a brief recap of July and look ahead to what’s coming in August, including an exciting partnership announcement!

Catch up on July!
Jamie Holland: https://www.conversationpiecepod.com/mindfulness-and-mental-health-in-the-workplace-with-jamie-holland/
Darius Phelps: https://www.conversationpiecepod.com/from-excavation-to-emancipation-with-darius-phelps/
Caroline Sumlin: https://www.conversationpiecepod.com/well-all-be-free-with-caroline-sumlin/

Learn more about Cold Tea Collective: https://www.coldteacollective.com/

Check out our website: https://conversationpiecepod.com/

Connect with us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpodpiece/

Support the show

Subscribe to the newsletter: https://patrickintheworld.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/patricknthworld

Connect with Patrick

Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

We'll All Be Free with Caroline Sumlin

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 03:00:00 -0400

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, author and fellow Adoptee Caroline Sumlin joins Patrick to discuss her new book We'll All Be Free: How a Culture of White Supremacy Devalues Us and How We Can Reclaim Our True Worth (out Tuesday, July 25th!). Caroline shares how this particular book came to be, the ways in which we can identify and resist white supremacy culture, and some of the tools we can use to dismantle white supremacy within ourselves and reclaim our sense of self-worth.

Pre-order We’ll All Be Free: https://www.carolinejsumlin.com/book

Learn more about Caroline: https://www.carolinejsumlin.com/

Connect with Caroline:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/carolinejsumlin/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/carolinejsumlin/

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@carolinejsumlin/

Folks we’re learning from:

Terence Lester - The Humanity Archive

Matthew Desmond - Poverty by America

Danté Stewart

Ibram X Kendi

Nikole Hannah Jones

Chrissy King

Camilla Hernandez

Check out our website: https://conversationpiecepod.com/

Connect with us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpodpiece/

Support the show

Subscribe to the newsletter: https://patrickintheworld.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/patricknthworld

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

From excavation to emancipation with Darius Phelps

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 03:00:00 -0400

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, poet and educator Darius Phelps joins Patrick to discuss how men of color can uncover their own vulnerability and lean into it. Darius talks about discovering his own vulnerability during his journey, the role grief has played, and how excavation leads to emancipation. They also talk about the difference between ‘safe spaces’ and ‘brave spaces.’

Connect with Darius:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dphelps1113

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mr.dphelps

Check out his TedxTalk: https://youtu.be/9De8J2bfYoU

Learn more about Kyle Liang: https://kyleliang.com/
Learn more about Bing Chen and Gold House: https://goldhouse.org/

Check out our website: https://conversationpiecepod.com/

Connect with us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpodpiece/

Support the show

Subscribe to the newsletter: https://patrickintheworld.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/patricknthworld

Connect with Patrick

Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

Mindfulness and mental health in the workplace with Jamie Holland

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 03:00:00 -0400

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, author and lifestyle guide Jamie Holland joins Patrick to discuss how we can be more mindful of our mental health in the workplace. Jamie shares about her journey with mindfulness and addressing her own mental health, why workplaces should invest in their employees’ well being, and how addressing our own mental health helps us help others.

Connect with Jamie on Instagram

Learn more about ShoLux Lifestyle Centre: https://sholux-lifestyle-centre.square.site/

Buy a copy of Mindful Moments: A Guided Workbook: https://sholux-lifestyle-centre.square.site/bookcentre

Check out our website: https://conversationpiecepod.com/

Connect with us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpodpiece/

Support the show

Subscribe to the newsletter: https://patrickintheworld.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/patricknthworld

Connect with Patrick

Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

The Backyard Series 2: Back Inside

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 03:00:00 -0400

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, The Backyard Series is back with part two: Back Inside. We’re back in the original office to recap our June conversations and the launch of our new website, give final thoughts on Joy Ride, elaborate more on ‘Adoptee’ as an identity, and to set the stage for July.

Oh yeah, I’m in Korea!

Check out our episode with Paul Lapido: https://www.conversationpiecepod.com/a-better-understanding-of-oppression-with-paul-lapido/

Check out our episode with Grace Foster: https://www.conversationpiecepod.com/creating-opportunities-for-adoptees-and-former-foster-youth-with-grace-foster/

Check out our episode with Esha Pathak: https://www.conversationpiecepod.com/the-power-of-specificity-with-esha-pathak/

Learn more about Dr. Kim McKee: https://mckeekimberly.com/

Check out our website: https://conversationpiecepod.com/

Connect with us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpodpiece/

Support the show

Subscribe to the newsletter: https://patrickintheworld.beehiiv.com/subscribe

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Connect with Patrick

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/turn-off-the-ringer/id1630853999

Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

The power of specificity with Esha Pathak

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 03:00:00 -0400

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, consultant, podcaster, and content creator Esha Pathak joins Patrick to discuss the diversity of the South Asian experience and the power of specificity. Esha shares the importance of building a personal brand as a means of understanding your identity, the necessity of acknowledging the many cultural divisions within the South Asian diaspora, and why we have to let our love for things be greater than our fear.

Connect with Esha

Instagram: https://instagram.com/_eshapathak

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@ep-15

Learn more about Help Me Help You: https://eshapathak5.wixsite.com/hmhy

Follow Turn Off the Ringer

Instagram: https://instagram.com/turnofftheringerpodcast/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1LK6odd9CwCaj1NWve59JS?si=616a89edd6e645cc

Learn more about Jay Shetty: https://jayshetty.me/

Learn more about Derek Severs: https://sive.rs/

Check out our website: https://conversationpiecepod.com/

Connect with us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpodpiece/

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

Creating opportunities for adoptees and former foster youth with Grace Foster

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 03:00:00 -0400

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, fellow Korean adoptee Grace Foster joins Patrick to discuss creating opportunities for adoptees and former foster youth that haven’t always been available or accessible. Grace shares a bit of her personal journey, the lack of professional networks available to adoptees and former foster youth, and the work she’s doing to address this via The Inclusion Initiative.

Connect with Grace

Learn more about The Inclusion Initiative

Graceyungfoster.com

FACT CHECK: Just 0.20% of philanthropy dollars go to AAPI community (https://aapip.org/resources/seeking-to-soar-foundation-funding-for-asian-american-and-pacific-islander-communities/)

Check out our website!

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

A better understanding of oppression with Paul Lapido

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 03:00:00 -0400

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, DEI consultant and antiracism advocate Paul Lapido joins Patrick to develop a better oppression. Paul and Patrick discuss its definition and white folks' gross misunderstanding of the concept, as well as the collective power of historically marginalized communities (or lack thereof), and how we are not alone in this work.

Connect with Paul

Learn more from these incredible folks:

Elizabeth Leiba

Madison Butler

Check out our website!

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

The Backyard Series: Patrick Armstrong

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Patrick kicks off June with a brand new series in his backyard! Okay, it's not a new series, but it IS the first time he's recorded outside (the first of many, maybe?). He runs down THE APAHM CONVERSATIONS series and how May went for the show, what to look forward to in June, and addresses 'adoptee' as an identity -- the missing piece of this week's conversation.

Join us!

Check out our website!

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

Natasha Jung: The APAHM Conversations

Patrick Armstrong — Wed, 31 May 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Meet Natasha

Connect with Natasha

Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter

Thanks to Cold Tea Collective for helping amplify this series all throughout May.

Check out our website: https://patrickintheworld.me

Connect with Patrick

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/patrickintheworld

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@patrickintheworld

Support the show

Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://patrickintheworld.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/patricknthworld

Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

Bianca Mabute-Louie: The APAHM Conversations

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 29 May 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Meet Bianca

Connect with Bianca on Instagram and Twitter.

Check out Care Work: Dreaming Disability Justice by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha.

Thanks to our media partners, Cold Tea Collective, for helping amplify this series.

Check out our website!

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

Sho Dewan: The APAHM Conversations

Patrick Armstrong — Wed, 24 May 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Meet Sho

Learn more about Workhap: www.workhap.com

Thanks to our media partners, Cold Tea Collective, for helping amplify this series.

Check out Patrick’s website!

Connect with Patrick

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

Rick Allen: The APAHM Conversations

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 22 May 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Meet Rick

Rick is half Black, half Korean, adopted, a husband, a father, and learning more about himself as he goes.

Connect with Rick on Instagram.

Check out Hidden Hangukin: www.youtube.com/channel/UCgWKz0-f4cKFukdV_Y7B4hg

Thanks to our media partners, Cold Tea Collective, for helping amplify this series.

Check out my website!

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

August Rocha: The APAHM Conversations

Patrick Armstrong — Wed, 17 May 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Meet August

Connect with August on TikTok and Instagram.

Thanks to our media partners, Cold Tea Collective, for helping amplify this series.

Check out my website!

Connect with Patrick

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

Rohan Zhou-Lee: The APAHM Conversations

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 15 May 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Meet Rohan

Learn more about Rohan on his website: www.diaryofafirebird.com

Connect with Rohan on Instagram.

Check out the fantasy series we referenced!

The Dandelion Dynasty by Ken Liu

The Bruising of the Qilwa by Naseem Jamnia

Thanks to our media partners, Cold Tea Collective, for helping amplify this series.

Check out our website!

Connect with Patrick

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

Simi Shah: The APAHM Conversations

Patrick Armstrong — Wed, 10 May 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Meet Simi

Check out South Asian Trailblazers: www.southasiantrailblazers.com

Thanks to our media partners, Cold Tea Collective, for helping amplify this series.

Check out our website

Connect with Patrick

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

Tony DelaRosa: The APAHM Conversations

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 08 May 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Meet Tony

Learn more about Tony: www.tonyrosaspeaks.com

Pre-order Teaching the Invisible Race: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/teaching-the-invisible-race-tony-delarosa/1143179043

Learn more about Dr. Nolan Cabrera: https://coe.arizona.edu/person/nolan-l-cabrera

Thanks to our media partners, Cold Tea Collective, for helping amplify this series.

Check out our website

Connect with Patrick

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

Liz Kleinrock: The APAHM Conversations

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 01 May 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Meet Liz

Connect with Liz on Instagram.

Learn more about Liz (and preorder Come and Join Us!): www.teachandtransform.org

Learn more about Ellen Oh and We Need Diverse Books: www.weneeddiversebooks.org

Check out my website!

Connect with Patrick

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: tavamusic

The Invisible Lines with Hanna Lee

Patrick Armstrong — Sat, 15 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Patrick sits down with author and fellow Korean adoptee Hanna Lee to talk about her new book, The Invisible Lines. Patrick and Hanna discuss how she got into writing, the process of writing her second book, and what influences she had while writing these characters into this story.

Things we talked about this episode:

Janchi Show Episode 043

A Living Remedy by Nicole Chung

BIPOC Adoptees

Pre-order The Invisible Lines here!

Connect with Hanna

Instagram | LinkedIn

Check out my website!

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: Chad Wells

Compassion, acceptance, and bravery with Kyunghee Kim

Patrick Armstrong — Sat, 01 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Patrick welcomes author, poet, and educator Kyunghee Kim to the show to talk about her new book, See Us Bloom. Patrick and Kyunghee discuss finding time to write a book while also being a teacher, crafting something for more than just children, and the importance -- and necessity -- of community care.

Connect with Kyunghee

Buy the book: kimkyunghee.com

Check out my website!

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: Chad Wells

A busy first few weeks

Patrick Armstrong — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Patrick talks about the first few weeks of March, recaps his time in Austin, and talks about what's coming in April.

PS: this is also the last .5 episode that will feature a number in the title. I've decided it looks dumb and I hate it!*
*also other reasons that I will share about next month!

The post I referenced in the episode: LinkedIn

Check out my website!

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: Chad Wells

#giveusthekeys: a reunion

Patrick Armstrong — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0500

It's a reunion show! Patrick is joined by friends and fellow adoptees Jess Mori, Makayla Gessford, Ailie Steel, Charlotte Carbone, and Katie Gagel to catch up with each other and talk about how they all came together for the first time. They discuss each of their journeys to connecting via Clubhouse, creating a safe space for Asian adoptees at a time when we were all finding our respective voices, and how this bond has shaped us moving beyond the app. We also define our group name, #giveusthekeys, and dive into the importance of representation for our community.

Connect with the group!
Jess: Instagram
Katie: Instagram
Charlotte: Instagram
Makayla: Instagram
Ailie: Instagram

Check out the Asian Adoptee Club on Instagram!

Check out my website!

Connect with Patrick

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: Chad Wells

A good week

Patrick Armstrong — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Patrick talks about the week he's been having (spoiler alert: it's been good), the importance of community, and what's coming up in March.

Check out my website!
patrickintheworld.me

Connect with Patrick

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: Chad Wells

Black History Month, why I do the show, and what's next!

Patrick Armstrong — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 03:00:00 -0500

Patrick talks about not having a guest for the second episode in a row, celebrating Black History Month, why he started this show, and where we're actually going to go from here. It's totally fine!

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: Chad Wells

Monterey Park + the importance of community

Patrick Armstrong — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 09:40:29 -0500

Patrick talks about the recent shooting in Monterey Park, California, the importance of community, and the 2023 Dear Asian Americans Makers Market events.

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: Chad Wells

Some thoughts on failure and looking ahead

Patrick Armstrong — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Patrick finally releases this episode four days late, without a guest, and talking about failure. Welcome to 2023!

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: Chad Wells

A recap of L.A. and other things!

Patrick Armstrong — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 10:08:54 -0500

Patrick talks about his recent professional decisions, what happened in L.A., and what's coming up in 2023.

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: Chad Wells

Lots of laughs and some Luna with Katie Gagel

Patrick Armstrong — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0500

Katie Gagel joins Patrick to talk about their friendship, National Adoptee Awareness Month, and lots of other things. Luna also makes an appearance or five.

Connect with Katie
Instagram | LinkedIn | Website

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: Chad Wells

NAAM catch-up and live stream (so fun!)

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 09:16:16 -0500

Patrick catches up with NAAM, what he's been doing, the privilege of hearing AND sharing stories, and so much more!

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Produced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Music by: Chad Wells

Imposter syndrome as an adoptee with Laura Summers

Patrick Armstrong — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0400

Laura Summers joins Patrick to talk about NAAM (National Adoptee Awareness Month), how adoptees experience imposter syndrome, and how we can overcome it. They also talk about Katie Gagel for a quick second. It's fine. And fun!

Topics

Imposter syndrome
NAAM
Dismantling systems of white supremacy
Katie Gagel

Connect with Laura
Instagram

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