All Episodes

Displaying 101 - 120 of 226 in total

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

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 Support the show Subscribe to the newsletter. Leave a review. Check out our website. Connect with us on Instagram. Connect with Patrick Instagram LinkedIn TikTok Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture Music by: Mandog
#113

Black Liberation and Elevated Education with Brother Jamaal Shabazz

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 Support the show Subscribe to the newsletter. Leave a review. Check out our website. Connect with us on Instagram. Connect with Patrick Instagram LinkedIn TikTok 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)

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/ 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 show Subscribe to the newsletter. Leave a review. Check out our website. Connect with us on Instagram. Connect with Patrick Instagram LinkedIn TikTok 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)

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/ 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 show Subscribe to the newsletter. Leave a review. Check out our website. Connect with us on Instagram. Connect with Patrick Instagram LinkedIn TikTok 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)

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/ 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 show Subscribe to the newsletter. Leave a review. Check out our website. Connect with us on Instagram. Connect with Patrick Instagram LinkedIn TikTok Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture Music by: Mandog
#111

Sharpening the Sword with Drayco McCoy

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 Support the show Subscribe to the newsletter. Leave a review. Check out our website. Connect with us on Instagram. Connect with Patrick Instagram LinkedIn TikTok Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture Music by: Mandog
#110

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

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)  Support the show Leave a review: https://bit.ly/48DgMfT Check out the website: https://conversationpiecepod.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpiecepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@conversationpiecepod 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
#109

Finding Hope & Building Community with Senator Andrea Hunley

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/ Sign up for The Open Door Sessions: https://bit.ly/opendoor2024 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 Support the show Subscribe to the newsletter. Leave a review. Check out our website. Connect with us on Instagram. Connect with Patrick Instagram LinkedIn TikTok Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture Music by: Mandog
#107

The Keys to Community with Kyndl

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 Support the show Subscribe to the newsletter. Leave a review. Check out our website. Connect with us on Instagram. Connect with Patrick Instagram LinkedIn TikTok Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture Music by: original_soundtrack
#106

Art, Community, and Creating Change with Art By Fitz

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 Support the show Subscribe to the newsletter. Leave a review. Check out our website. Connect with us on Instagram. Connect with Patrick Instagram LinkedIn TikTok Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture Music by: original_soundtrack
#103

Building Relationships & Maximizing Community Impact with Al Carroll

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 Support the show Subscribe to the newsletter. Leave a review. Check out our website. Connect with us on Instagram. Connect with Patrick Instagram LinkedIn TikTok 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

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
#102

Finding Your Purpose Through Rest and Community with Lena Pringle

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  Support the show Subscribe to the newsletter. Leave a review. Check out our website. Connect with us on Instagram. Connect with Patrick Instagram LinkedIn TikTok Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture Music by: original_soundtrack
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