All Episodes

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!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, 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/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, 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/sarahjessicaharkerThe 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, 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.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, 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/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.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 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!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 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-seamsFollow 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 SaundersSupport 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 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 BluebeardSupport 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 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.comLearn 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 + ADMINSupport 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, 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/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.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, 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=sharingThe 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, 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/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.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 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/lindsaylabasShout 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 FestivalSupport 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, 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!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

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=trueConnect 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 JohnsonSupport 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, 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-heartFollow 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 SpeedSupport 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, 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/tomorrowbookstoreVisit them in person: 882 Mass Ave.Author? Artist? Trying to do something cool at a bookstore? Hit up Jake: jake@tomorrowbookstore.comLearn more about the Indy Indie Book Crawl: https://bit.ly/indyindiebookcrawl2025Shout 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!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, 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/hanghoamaiConnect with Hang on Instagram (personal): https://instagram.com/thuhangdoanSubscribe to Hang's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hanghmaiThe 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, 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_whimsyLearn more about Brighton Hospice: https://brightonhospice.com/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.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, 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/findindianapolisConnect with Bo on Instagram: https://instagram.com/itsjustboLearn more about Find Indianapolis: https://www.findindianapolis.com/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.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