All Episodes

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/_chrisaragonConnect with Chris on Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/zUun0:00 – Welcome & The Open Door Series1:01 – Meet Chris Aragon2:24 – Pop Culture as Escapism3:07 – Best TV of the Year4:05 – Best Films of the Year5:18 – Why Escapism Matters7:34 – Mixing Politics & Pop Culture8:55 – Early Pop Culture Influences10:04 – The Film That Changed Everything12:04 – Pop Culture Preparing Us for Reality12:29 – Building a Film Scene in Indy14:37 – How to Support ChrisThe 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.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/Support the showSubscribe to the newsletter.Leave a review.Check out our website.Connect with us on Instagram.Connect with PatrickInstagramLinkedInTikTokProduced and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongFilmed and edited by: Mike Lee ProductionsEngineered and mixed by: Popular RaptureMusic by: Mandog

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.com0:00 – Meet Emily Melentine1:40 – The Power of Writings From Her Corner4:10 – Introducing The Haute Spot with Michaela Emanual7:50 – Why Creating Safe Space Matters11:30 – Building Community Without Perfection14:10 – What Indianapolis Means to Emily17:00 – How to Support Emily & The Haute SpotSupport the showSubscribe to the newsletter.Leave a review.Check out our website.Connect with us on Instagram.Connect with PatrickInstagramLinkedInTikTokProduced and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongFilmed and edited by: Mike Lee ProductionsEngineered and mixed by: Popular RaptureMusic by: Mandog

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/@patrickintheworld0:00 – Intro by Madeline3:12 – Who is Patrick Armstrong?6:20 – “How are you really?”11:45 – Tired and inspired15:30 – Six-year-old Patrick18:50 – 80-year-old Patrick22:00 – Entering adoptee consciousness30:10 – Rejection, race, and rediscovery35:20 – What do I love about Korea?38:10 – Healing vs. context42:00 – Basketball and therapy45:30 – Embodiment and blood pressure50:40 – Parenting, presence, and Van58:20 – Internal worlds and imagination1:03:00 – Letting go of shame1:06:10 – Patrick’s theme song1:07:40 – Give Em Their Flowers1:10:00 – How to support PatrickCheck out Hip Hop Medley by BEATPELLA HOUSE: https://youtu.be/IPKmlZPjZ-0?si=d5UwE16bGqTkCB1eShout 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!Support the showSubscribe to the newsletter.Leave a review.Check out our website.Connect with us on Instagram.Connect with PatrickInstagramLinkedInTikTokProduced and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongFilmed and edited by: Mike Lee ProductionsEngineered and mixed by: Popular RaptureMusic by: Mandog

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 TDB1:03 – Meet Lionel & Eli2:33 – Art, Imagination & Origins3:32 – How Music Bonded Them8:08 – Creating True Dirt Bag10:03 – Grief, Growth & Tears of Joy15:21 – From Brand Joke to Movement20:10 – Moving to Indy & Rebuilding25:56 – Paying It Forward & Supporting Creatives31:17 – First Pop-Up & Wave One Realizations38:41 – Fashion, Frequency & Believing in Each Other43:05 – Building a Creative Community45:14 – Gatekeeping, Ego, and Staying Authentic47:36 – Accessibility, Aura, and Taking the Leap52:07 – Real Community vs Just Sharing SpaceShout 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/)Support the showSubscribe to the newsletter.Leave a review.Check out our website.Connect with us on Instagram.Connect with PatrickInstagramLinkedInTikTokProduced and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongFilmed and edited by: Mike Lee ProductionsEngineered and mixed by: Popular RaptureMusic by: Mandog

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 remarksShout 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!!!Support the showSubscribe to the newsletter.Leave a review.Check out our website.Connect with us on Instagram.Connect with PatrickInstagramLinkedInTikTokProduced and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongFilmed and edited by: Riley Van BuskirkEngineered and mixed by: Popular RaptureMusic by: Mandog

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 Back1:00 – Jenny Boyd Joins the Show3:00 – First Impressions of Indy6:00 – Sports, City, and Belonging8:00 – Roots in Community10:00 – Communal Care as Self-Care13:00 – Finding Your People16:00 – Growing Up Queer in Texas18:00 – Colorblindness and Identity21:00 – The Text That Changed Everything25:00 – Healing Isn’t Linear28:00 – Breaking Generational Patterns31:00 – Safe Spaces Aren’t for Everyone33:00 – Lessons from Indy Pride36:00 – Leadership with Care40:00 – Leading Without Compromise43:00 – Fearless Community BuildingShout 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 BoydSupport the showSubscribe to the newsletter.Leave a review.Check out our website.Connect with us on Instagram.Connect with PatrickInstagramLinkedInTikTokProduced and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongFilmed and edited by: Durham VisualsEngineered and mixed by: Popular RaptureMusic by: Mandog

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 Piece00:24: Welcoming Michael Herrick01:08: "The Jake Huber of Emo Music Videos"02:52: Practicality in Filmmaking03:38: Starting Out in Midwest Emo Scenes08:22: Turning Passion into a Career12:36: Full Circle Moments and Creative Freedom16:05: Collaborating with Major Names22:04: Navigating Challenges with First-Time Bands25:08: Balancing Artist and Label Expectations27:06: Supporting Creativity in Indianapolis31:18: Building Community in a Non-Union Industry33:09: Fatherhood and Its Impact on Creativity37:55: Creative Aspirations for His Daughter41:03: Dream Collaborations and Artistic Goals47:03: Balancing Vision and Responsibility as a Creator51:06: Closing Thoughts and How to Support MichaelShout 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 HUBERSupport the showSubscribe to the newsletter.Leave a review.Check out our website.Connect with us on Instagram.Connect with PatrickInstagramLinkedInTikTokProduced and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongFilmed and edited by: Mike Lee ProductionsEngineered and mixed by: Popular RaptureMusic by: Mandog

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 Introduction2:15: Meet Mikey Levine5:40: Unpacking Identity and Adoption12:25: Navigating Culture and Community18:50: Humility and Growth Through Basketball26:30: Finding Connection in Indianapolis32:15: Asian Representation in Sports39:00: Supporting Mikey and Closing ThoughtsThe 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.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/Support the showSubscribe to the newsletter.Leave a review.Check out our website.Connect with us on Instagram.Connect with PatrickInstagramLinkedInTikTokProduced and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongFilmed and edited by: Durham VisualsEngineered and mixed by: Popular RaptureMusic by: Mandog

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 Door1:30: Meet Connor Edwards3:45: The Vision for Radical Inclusion7:20: Small Changes, Big Impacts on Accessibility10:50: Why Inclusion Can Feel Challenging14:30: Creating Inclusive Concert Experiences18:15: Impact and Feedback from the Community22:40: Normalizing Disability RepresentationThe 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.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/Support the showSubscribe to the newsletter.Leave a review.Check out our website.Connect with us on Instagram.Connect with PatrickInstagramLinkedInTikTokProduced and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongFilmed and edited by: Durham VisualsEngineered and mixed by: Popular RaptureMusic by: Mandog

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.com00:00: 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 GroundedThe 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.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/Support the showSubscribe to the newsletter.Leave a review.Check out our website.Connect with us on Instagram.Connect with PatrickInstagramLinkedInTikTokProduced and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongFilmed and edited by: Durham VisualsEngineered and mixed by: Popular RaptureMusic by: Mandog

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!Support the showSubscribe to the newsletter.Leave a review.Check out our website.Connect with us on Instagram.Connect with PatrickInstagramLinkedInTikTokProduced and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongFilmed and edited by: Durham VisualsEngineered and mixed by: Popular RaptureMusic by: Mandog

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-diveFollow 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!Support the showSubscribe to the newsletter.Leave a review.Check out our website.Connect with us on Instagram.Connect with PatrickInstagramLinkedInTikTokProduced and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongFilmed and edited by: Durham VisualsEngineered and mixed by: Popular RaptureMusic by: Mandog

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=oddtdtcreatorRegister: Creatives in Color Art Show - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/creatives-in-color-art-show-tickets-1388507987769?aff=oddtdtcreatorShout 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!Support the showSubscribe to the newsletter.Leave a review.Check out our website.Connect with us on Instagram.Connect with PatrickInstagramLinkedInTikTokProduced and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongFilmed and edited by: Mike Lee ProductionsEngineered and mixed by: Popular RaptureMusic by: Mandog

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 KennedySupport the showSubscribe to the newsletter.Leave a review.Check out our website.Connect with us on Instagram.Connect with PatrickInstagramLinkedInTikTokProduced and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongFilmed and edited by: Mike Lee ProductionsEngineered and mixed by: Popular RaptureMusic by: Mandog

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/sonalshethzawahriConnect 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 GreenSupport the showSubscribe to the newsletter.Leave a review.Check out our website.Connect with us on Instagram.Connect with PatrickInstagramLinkedInTikTokProduced and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongFilmed and edited by: Mike Lee ProductionsEngineered and mixed by: Popular RaptureMusic by: Mandog

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.orgShout 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/Support the showSubscribe to the newsletter.Leave a review.Check out our website.Connect with us on Instagram.Connect with PatrickInstagramLinkedInTikTokProduced and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongFilmed and edited by: Mike Lee ProductionsEngineered and mixed by: Popular RaptureMusic by: Mandog

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/Support the showSubscribe to the newsletter.Leave a review.Check out our website.Connect with us on Instagram.Connect with PatrickInstagramLinkedInTikTokProduced and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongFilmed and edited by: Mike Lee ProductionsEngineered and mixed by: Popular RaptureMusic by: Mandog

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/Support the showSubscribe to the newsletter.Leave a review.Check out our website.Connect with us on Instagram.Connect with PatrickInstagramLinkedInTikTokProduced and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongFilmed and edited by: Mike Lee ProductionsEngineered and mixed by: Popular RaptureMusic by: Mandog

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 CircleShout 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!Support the showSubscribe to the newsletter.Leave a review.Check out our website.Connect with us on Instagram.Connect with PatrickInstagramLinkedInTikTokProduced and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongFilmed and edited by: Mike Lee ProductionsEngineered and mixed by: Popular RaptureMusic by: Mandog

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/@hanghmaiConnect 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/Support the showSubscribe to the newsletter.Leave a review.Check out our website.Connect with us on Instagram.Connect with PatrickInstagramLinkedInTikTokProduced and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongFilmed and edited by: Mike Lee ProductionsEngineered and mixed by: Popular RaptureMusic by: Mandog