All Episodes

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.leeveitConnect with B.Lee on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamtheofficialb.lee/Learn more about Melanin House Brandz: https://www.melaninhousebrandz.com/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: B. Swift, Greg BuckThis week’s apparel: We Don’t Run From AdversitySupport 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: original_soundtrack

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.comFollow Nicha on Instagram: instagram.com/nichastapLearn more about the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra: www.indianapolissymphony.orgFollow the Symphony on Instagram: instagram.com/indysymphonyShout 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 FordSupport 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: original_soundtrack

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 LinkedInFollow Carrie on InstagramShout 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'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: original_soundtrack

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.comConnect with Mike on Instagram: instagram.com/mikelee_productionsLearn 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/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: original_soundtrack

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/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: original_soundtrack

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 InstagramConnect 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/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: original_soundtrack

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.comFollow Demel on Instagram: demelboldenFollow DRVN on Instagram: madebydrvnFollow The DRVN Way on Instagram: thedrvnwaySupport 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: original_soundtrack

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 knowGangGang18 Art CollectiveMaxieSaint AvenueMike GSampson.One Drop1000 Words GalleryMichael O'Brien GalleryWildstyle PascallFred MillerAlec GaneshaMandogCreateWhatYouCraveRand EwingAndre ParnelBorageAngell RestorationthanksTheodoreDailyn Eadesart by FitzGallery 42Nabil of Seaux ChillPaula of The ArchivistDana Powell SmithSalma TamanTaylor and Isaac BamgboseAmiah MimsSheth StrategiesGretchen of Mama OchreSara of Lux and IvyMariah of Boss Babe NetworkSara BoutwellShelly The Wall MuseBraydee of CompanionIsrael SolomonDraft 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: original_soundtrack

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: YouTubeLearn more about Murdock LLC: murdockllc.orgGet on that Close Friends listLearn more about Assata ShakurLearn more about Dr. James ConeLearn more about Conversation Piece: conversationpiecepod.comProduced and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongFilmed and edited by: Mike Lee ProductionsEngineered and mixed by: Popular RaptureMusic by: original_soundtrack

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/pushprepFollow Greg on Instagram: instagram.com/madebuckConnect with Greg on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gregory-ash-buckSome people and organizations mentioned in this episodeGreg Foster, City Leagues (Thatcher Park)Vincent AshGary Bracket (Stacked Pickles)The Big 3 LeagueJay GoldzFranky NittyMike AndreMiss E-ClassGanggangBe NimbleTevin StuddardVisit IndyDowntown IndyYelpSupport 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: original_soundtrack

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 ResourcesLearn 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/ 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: original_soundtrack

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 cityMACCOLADESKing DierreSirius BlvckSkyppMaxieBaby EbonyFoxd'legndJet SantiagoFlacoisboredDOUBLE ASupport 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: original_soundtrack

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 InstagramFollow Sara on InstagramFollow Kelsey on InstagramFollow Lori on InstagramCheck out Kelsey's podcast, Twisted Sisterhood: https://www.twistedsisterhoodpodcast.com/Check out Lori's podcast, Adoption: The Long View: https://lavenderluz.com/podcast-2/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: original_soundtrack

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.Support the showSubscribe to the newsletter.Leave a review.Check out our website.Connect with us on Instagram.Connect with PatrickInstagramLinkedInTikTokProduced, engineered, mixed, and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongEdited by: Torin MesserMusic by: original_soundtrack

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.Support the showSubscribe to the newsletter.Leave a review.Check out our website.Connect with us on Instagram.Connect with PatrickInstagramLinkedInTikTokProduced, engineered, mixed, and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongEdited by: Torin MesserMusic by: original_soundtrack

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 DonutsT'Days JerkClusterTruckHowdy Homemade Ice CreamGip Got TipsLou Malnati'sThe Bull GrillLeo's Alkaline WaterGordons Milkshake BarUpland Brewing Co.The Live ProjectGomez BBQSupport 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: original_soundtrack

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 TraumaLearn more about SkyppConnect with Skypp on InstagramGet the music wherever you get music!Get familiar with Indianapolis hiphopMaxie from NaptownBaby Ebony4200KoryDrayco McCoySirius BlvckOreo JonesGet familiar with ChreeceGet familiar with GangGangSupport the showSubscribe to the newsletter.Leave a review.Check out our website.Connect with us on Instagram.Connect with PatrickInstagramLinkedInTikTokProduced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongMusic by: original_soundtrack

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 hereConnect with Sampson on InstagramCheck out Through2EyesFollow Through2Eyes on InstagramSupport the showSubscribe to the newsletter.Leave a review.Check out our website.Connect with us on Instagram.Connect with PatrickInstagramLinkedInTikTokProduced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongMusic by: original_soundtrack

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 GameConnect with Olivia on Instagram (and hire her!)Check out The Speaking CompanySupport the showSubscribe to the newsletter.Leave a review.Check out our website.Connect with us on Instagram.Connect with PatrickInstagramLinkedInTikTokProduced and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongEngineered by: John Overton / Popular Rapture Filmed by: Mike Lee ProductionsMusic by: original_soundtrack

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.Support the showSubscribe to the newsletter.Leave a review.Check out our website.Connect with us on Instagram.Connect with PatrickInstagramLinkedInTikTokProduced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongMusic by: original_soundtrack