All Episodes

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

On this week’s episode, screenwriter and personal essayist Mindy Stern joins us to talk about her experience as a domestic, same-race adoptee. Mindy shares about her early thoughts and feelings about adoption, how those feelings evolved very quickly, and the written journals that would come about because of it all. She also expands upon her journey with reunion, leading to a really important discussion about why it matters that we know our history and our stories. Learn more about Mindy at her website: themindystern.comConnect with Mindy on Instagram: @minster12Follow + support Mindy on Medium: mindystern.medium.comRead Mindy's latest piece, My Dead Mother and MeSupport the showSubscribe to the newsletter.Leave a review.Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Check out our website.Connect with us on Instagram.Connect with PatrickInstagramLinkedInTikTokProduced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongMusic by: original_soundtrack

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, comics artist and author Sarah Myer joins the show to talk about their graphic novel Monstrous: A Transracial Adoption Story! We talk about the process of crafting such an intimate, imaginative telling of their early journey, from their love of The Little Mermaid and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as a child to their experiences with racism (both external and internal) during their adolescent years and navigating their multiple intersecting identities in between it all. We also talk comics, cartoons, and so much more!Meet SarahSarah is a comic artist, writer, and colorist from White Hall, MD, best known for their graphic novel Monstrous A Transracial Adoption Story and their work as an artist on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Saturday Morning Adventures comic series. They have attended anime and comic conventions since 1999 and love to cosplay, lift weights, and cook. Follow Sarah on InstagramGet Monstrous: A Transracial Adoption StoryCheck out Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American ImaginationCheck out Doctor Ramani on YouTubeSupport 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

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

On this week’s episode, Patrick rings in the new year with a solo conversation about the adoptee experience, specifically, our comfort — and discomfort — with the conversations around adoption. He talks about the inherent discomfort that permeates the act of adoption and the dynamic between the stories we, as adoptees, want to tell and the stories people want to hear. Super fun!Resources mentioned:You Should Be Grateful by Angela TuckerWhen We Become Ours by Various AuthorsAll You Can Ever Know by Nicole ChungBlack Adoptee Identities (Podcast)Adoptees On (Podcast)The Janchi Show (Podcast)Learn more about the Adoptee Consciousness Model.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

On this week’s episode, it’s the Holiday Spectacular + Best of 2023 Special with my (Patrick’s) very dear friends Leah Burns and Erik Kemp ✨ Leah and Erik join the show to close out 2023 the right way: by talking about the difference between basements and storm shelters! They also answer some get-to-know-you questions and help Patrick celebrate the Top 5 Conversation Piece episodes as voted on by you, our audience — it’s a lot of fun!Mentioned in this episode:The Janchi ShowTaylor SwiftLeenalchiTigerboomAngela TuckerCam Lee SmallMeet LeahLeah Burns is a Chinese American Transracial Adoptee based in Arkansas. When she’s not traveling, you can find her on IG, @lee_uhh or if you’re into the sporadic book recommendation, @leahreadz for book related thingz.  Meet ErikErik Kemp is a transracial intercountry Korean Adoptee. He loves all forms of art and entertainment and currently lives in Los Angeles. Connect with Erik on Instagram and follow his new podcast, It's Just Erik Talking. YOUR Top 5 Episodes of 2023:5. Lucy Sheen - The BIPOC Adoptee Conversations4. Lillian Barkes - National Adoptee Awareness Month3. Mindfulness and mental health in the workplace with Jamie Holland2. The burden of responsibility + the end of November1. The privilege of storytelling with Joon ParkSupport 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

On this week’s episode, we’re joined by a very special guest, Patrick’s wife Emily Armstrong! Emily comes on the show to talk about Emily + Patrick’s origin story, their NYC baby-moon, and talk about their upcoming (or ongoing?!) parenthood journey. They also answer some get-to-know-you questions and dive into some questions from you, the audience — all recorded in the comfort of their living room!Check out Patrick's music: https://soundcloud.com/patrickisntrealSupport the showSubscribe to the newsletter: https://patrickintheworld.substack.com/Leave a review: https://bit.ly/48DgMfTCheck out our website: https://conversationpiecepod.com/Connect with us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpodpiece/Connect with PatrickInstagram: https://instagram.com/patrickintheworldLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/patrickintheworld/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patrickintheworldProduced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongMusic by: original_soundtrack

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, author Brittany Means joins the show to talk about resisting dominant narratives and the ways systemic issues influence our stories, particularly their origins. Brittany shares her ongoing journey to stay present, how dominant narratives like resiliency can lead us down the wrong paths, and how these different things show up in her debut memoir, Hell if We Don't Change Our Ways (my favorite book of 2023!!!).Buy Hell if We Don't Change Our Ways: https://www.brittanymeans.com/book Learn more about Brittany: https://www.brittanymeans.com/homeConnect with Brittany: https://instagram.com/brittanymeansitConsider supporting any of the following Albuquerque organizations:ABQ Mutual Aid: http://www.ffol.org/ John Brown Breakfast Club: https://www.instagram.com/john_brown_breakfast_clubS.A.F.E House: https://www.safehousenm.org/casaq: https://www.casaq.org/ Learn more about Sarah Rose Cavanagh: https://www.sarahrosecav.com/Learn more about Ashley C. Ford: http://www.ashleycford.net/Learn more about Hanif Abdurraqib: http://www.abdurraqib.com/Support the showSubscribe to the newsletter: https://patrickintheworld.substack.com/Leave a review: https://bit.ly/48DgMfTCheck out our website: https://conversationpiecepod.com/Connect with us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpodpiece/Connect with PatrickInstagram: https://instagram.com/patrickintheworldLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/patrickintheworld/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patrickintheworldProduced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongMusic by: original_soundtrack

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, Patrick does a deep dive into three things we should all consider regarding the adoptee identity: some people claim it and some don't, adoption + our experiences affect us every single day, and 'adoptee' as an identity is still not validated by the general public. Then, he talks about what you can expect from the show the rest of this month!Also: we’re doing our yearly review round-up! If you’ve been listening to the show, I would greatly appreciate if you could leave a rating and review wherever it is that you listen. These things help the show grow by showing other people why you listen and why they should to! Hit up Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or our website to leave one (and thank you for your support!) ✨Support the showSubscribe to the newsletter: https://patrickintheworld.substack.com/Leave a review: https://bit.ly/48DgMfTCheck out our website: https://conversationpiecepod.com/Connect with us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpodpiece/Connect with PatrickInstagram: https://instagram.com/patrickintheworldLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/patrickintheworld/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patrickintheworldProduced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongMusic by: original_soundtrack

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, Patrick closes National Adoptee Awareness Month with a solo conversation about the burden of responsibility we feel regarding managing other people's feelings at the expense of our own. (Hint, hint: it's an illusion!) He also gives a recap of the November episode slate and talks about what to expect for December and early 2024.Catch up on NovemberAmy Plocharczyk: https://www.conversationpiecepod.com/amy-plocharczyk-national-adoptee-awareness-month/Lauren Rees: https://www.conversationpiecepod.com/lauren-rees-national-adoptee-awareness-month/Lillian Barkes: https://www.conversationpiecepod.com/lillian-barkes-national-adoptee-awareness-month/Support the showSubscribe to Conversation Piece: The Newsletter: https://patrickintheworld.substack.com/Leave a review: https://bit.ly/48DgMfTCheck out our website: https://conversationpiecepod.com/Connect with us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpodpiece/Connect with PatrickInstagram: https://instagram.com/patrickintheworldLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/patrickintheworld/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patrickintheworldProduced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongMusic by: original_soundtrack

November is National Adoption / Adoptee Awareness Month. For too long, adoptee voices have not been centered in conversations about adoption and that has led to a one-sided narrative dominated by adoptive parents and adoption agencies. That’s been changing, and this month, we’re joining the chorus of adoptees who have been sharing their stories by highlighting Asian American adoptees right here in Indiana. On this week’s episode, co-founder and CEO of Listen To Our Future Lillian Barkes joins Patrick to talk about navigating loss as adoptees, from adoptive parents to first parents and more. Lillian shares about working through grief after losing her adoptive mother early in college, what it means to honor our ancestors, and why it's important for us to understand the traumas related to attachment and abandonment. She also discusses the amazing work Listen To Our Future is doing in the city.Connect with Lillian: https://www.instagram.com/lillybarkes/Learn more about Listen To Our Future: https://www.listentoourfuture.com/ Connect to Listen To Our Future: https://www.instagram.com/listentoourfuture/ Learn more about the Adoptee Consciousness Model: https://redthreadbroken.wordpress.com/2022/06/23/out-of-the-fog-and-into-consciousness-a-model-of-adoptee-awareness/Check out some other podcasts Lauren recommends:Psych Talk: Episode 132, Internal Family Systems with Rachel Forbes, LCSW: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4p5xhZWNdhvqIlHGabDB1o?si=MnsC3IuMQMu2YqUkKJFdswWe Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle: Episode 130, Breaking Cycles & Reparenting Yourself with Dr. Becky Kennedy: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/we-can-do-hard-things-with-glennon-doyle/id1564530722?i=1000579281486Support the showSubscribe to the newsletter: https://patrickintheworld.substack.com/Leave a review: https://bit.ly/48DgMfTCheck out our website: https://conversationpiecepod.com/Connect with us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpodpiece/Connect with PatrickInstagram: https://instagram.com/patrickintheworldLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/patrickintheworld/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patrickintheworldProduced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongMusic by: original_soundtrack

November is National Adoption / Adoptee Awareness Month. For too long, adoptee voices have not been centered in conversations about adoption and that has led to a one-sided narrative dominated by adoptive parents and adoption agencies. That’s been changing, and this month, we’re joining the chorus of adoptees who have been sharing their stories by highlighting Asian American adoptees right here in Indiana. On this week’s episode, Lauren Rees joins Patrick to talk about navigating parenthood as a transracial adoptee. Lauren shares her journey as a parent, the importance of disrupting the dominant narratives that exist, and finding the balance in all things. She also talks about why combatting racial injustice and inequity is a necessary part of her personal journey both as an adoptee and as a parent. Connect with Lauren: https://instagram.com/ravelreesLearn more about the Adoptee Consciousness Model: https://redthreadbroken.wordpress.com/2022/06/23/out-of-the-fog-and-into-consciousness-a-model-of-adoptee-awareness/Check out some other podcasts Lauren recommends:Psych Talk: Episode 132, Internal Family Systems with Rachel Forbes, LCSW: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4p5xhZWNdhvqIlHGabDB1o?si=MnsC3IuMQMu2YqUkKJFdswWe Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle: Episode 130, Breaking Cycles & Reparenting Yourself with Dr. Becky Kennedy: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/we-can-do-hard-things-with-glennon-doyle/id1564530722?i=1000579281486Support the showSubscribe to the newsletter: https://patrickintheworld.substack.com/Leave a review: https://bit.ly/48DgMfTCheck out our website: https://conversationpiecepod.com/Connect with us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpodpiece/Connect with PatrickInstagram: https://instagram.com/patrickintheworldLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/patrickintheworld/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patrickintheworldProduced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongMusic by: original_soundtrack

November is National Adoption / Adoptee Awareness Month. For too long, adoptee voices have not been centered in conversations about adoption and that has led to a one-sided narrative dominated by adoptive parents and adoption agencies. That’s been changing, and this month, we’re joining the chorus of adoptees who have been sharing their stories by highlighting Asian American adoptees right here in Indiana. On this week’s episode, Amy Plocharczyk joins Patrick to talk about her experience navigating both Asian American and adoptee communities in Indianapolis. Amy shares what she feels like is currently missing from our conversations around adoption, the struggles (and triumphs) she's had connecting with the Filipino/a/x community in Indy, and how encouragement has played a big role in stepping into the wider adoptee community. Connect with Amy: https://instagram.com/amyploLearn more about the Adoptee Consciousness Model: https://redthreadbroken.wordpress.com/2022/06/23/out-of-the-fog-and-into-consciousness-a-model-of-adoptee-awareness/Support the showSubscribe to the newsletter: https://patrickintheworld.substack.com/Leave a review: https://bit.ly/48DgMfTCheck out our website: https://conversationpiecepod.com/Connect with us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpodpiece/Connect with PatrickInstagram: https://instagram.com/patrickintheworldLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/patrickintheworld/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patrickintheworldProduced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongMusic by: original_soundtrack

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, I (Patrick) am coming to you from a brand new place with the same old face! That's right, I'm previewing a new spot for recording that you'll be seeing at least through November. I'm also recapping what happened in October on the show and the newsletter, what's going down in November, and what else you can expect from here going forward! It's a fun time and the fun times will keep on rolling (I hope!)!Sign up for our November 9th storytelling workshop: https://bit.ly/3RWFbahHire me! https://bit.ly/workwithpatrickListen to last month's episodesJoon Park: https://www.conversationpiecepod.com/the-privilege-of-storytelling-with-joon-park/ Jason Chu: https://www.conversationpiecepod.com/we-were-the-seeds-with-jason-chu/Support the showSubscribe to the newsletter: https://patrickintheworld.substack.com/Leave a review: https://bit.ly/48DgMfTCheck out our website: https://conversationpiecepod.com/Connect with us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpodpiece/Connect with PatrickInstagram: https://instagram.com/patrickintheworldLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/patrickintheworld/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patrickintheworldProduced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongMusic by: original_soundtrack

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, Patrick sits down with rapper Jason Chu to discuss his new album we were the seeds (available wherever you get music!). Jason discusses how hip hop resonated with him at an early age, the way he marries his creative art with his advocacy and education, and what it really means to be in community. He also shares his inspirations for the album, some myths of the music industry, and what conversations he hopes folks are having after listening.Outro song: Moves by Jason ChuListen to we were the seedsApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/we-were-the-seeds/1702918344Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6sISvbWmnygc4cuiLEJksySoundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/jasonchumusic/sets/we-were-the-seedsYouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nK3ZZTCFtRhxecPHkkS-LAy7dwPyn8Pto&si=M6IX40E_cXWLN3MPConnect with JasonWebsite: https://www.jasonchumusic.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonchumusic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/jasonchumusicFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonchumusic/Learn more about API Rise: https://www.api-rise.org/Watch PBS' Asian Americans: https://www.pbs.org/show/asian-americans/Read Erika Lee's The Making of Asian America: http://www.erikalee.org/the-making-of-asian-america/Check out our website: https://conversationpiecepod.com/Connect with us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpodpiece/Support the showSubscribe to the newsletter: https://patrickintheworld.substack.com/Leave a review: https://bit.ly/48DgMfTConnect with PatrickInstagram: https://instagram.com/patrickintheworldLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/patrickintheworld/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patrickintheworldProduced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongMusic by: original_soundtrack

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, Patrick sits down with Joon Park to discuss the privilege of telling our stories and being on the receiving end of other's. Joon talks about the roots of his love for storytelling, what he's learned about of the power + privilege of our stories in his role as a hospital chaplain, and how silence can be a powerful tool for uplifting and elevating the stories of other people, particularly folks from historically marginalized communities + identities. They also get into a compliment-off -- it's a lot of fun!Learn more about Joon: https://jsparkblog.com/Connect 👇🏼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jspark3000/Twitter: https://twitter.com/jsparkblogPurchase a copy of The Voices We Carry: https://jsparkblog.com/my-book-the-voices-we-carry/Learn more about Liz Kleinrock: https://www.teachandtransform.org/Learn more about Cameron Lee Small: https://therapyredeemed.wordpress.com/ Learn more about Danté Stewart: https://www.dantecstewart.com/Get tickets to Conversation Piece: The Workshop (Adoptees ONLY) Edition (11/9): https://bit.ly/3RWFbahCheck out our website: https://conversationpiecepod.com/Connect with us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpodpiece/Support the showSubscribe to the newsletter: https://patrickintheworld.substack.com/Leave a review: https://bit.ly/48DgMfTConnect with PatrickInstagram: https://instagram.com/patrickintheworldLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/patrickintheworld/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patrickintheworldProduced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongMusic by: original_soundtrack

On this week’s (special) episode of Conversation Piece, I get back in the saddle — aka my kitchen — to make one final plea for your Signal Award votes (today’s the LAST DAY!). Before all that, I give an in-depth recap of THE BIPOC ADOPTEE CONVERSATIONS: how the series went, the conversations we had, and the big takeaways of it all.To wrap it all up, I chat about the decision to evolve the newsletter from free to paid. I get into the motivations behind it, what y’all can expect from it, and what’s coming up (more on that Monday)!Lots of fun stuff on the way — make sure you subscribe to the pod, subscribe to the newsletter, and let me know what your thoughts!CAST YOUR VOTES: https://bit.ly/44TyNU1Subscribe to the newsletter: https://patrickintheworld.substack.com/Work with Patrick: https://bit.ly/workwithpatrickCheck out our website: https://conversationpiecepod.com/Connect with us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpodpiece/Support the showSubscribe to the newsletter: https://patrickintheworld.substack.com/Leave a review: https://bit.ly/48DgMfTConnect with PatrickInstagram: https://instagram.com/patrickintheworldLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/patrickintheworld/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patrickintheworldProduced, edited, and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongMusic by: original_soundtrack