On this week's episode, Lionel Hardin and Eli Fooliano of True Dirtbag stop by to share the raw, resilient journey behind their lifestyle and fashion brand, born from music, friendship, and creative hustle. From makeshift studios to community building in Indianapolis, the heads of TDB open up about brotherhood, grief, gatekeeping, and staying authentic in the face of it all. Check out True Def Brand: https://truedirtbag.com/ Follow Lionel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truedirtbag_tdb/ ...
Jul 22, 2025•1 hr 8 min
On this week's episode, Amiah Mims , designer, muralist, and founder of Works by Mimsy, stops by the show to talk about her art, which is featured across Indianapolis and now center stage for WNBA All-Star 2025. From "The Gymnast' to graphic designer to full-time creative, Amiah shares how she blends art and design, navigates identity and intention, and creates meaningful work that honors her community. She also teases what we can expect to see this year at the Indianapolis Arts Garden celebrati...
Jul 15, 2025•54 min
On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece , Jenny Boyts, the powerhouse CEO of Forty5 Presents, stops by to unpack how sports, identity, and community shaped her life’s mission to convene inclusive, joyful experiences in Indianapolis. Jenny dives deep into her own story, from queer identity formation to the emotional work of building safe, intentional spaces in a divided world. With heart, humor, and hard truths, Jenny and Patrick show that real community starts with courageous curiosity and ...
Jul 08, 2025•1 hr 6 min
On this episode of Conversation Piece , Michael Herrick, a prolific music video director, stops by the studio to talk about some of his favorite things he's ever done. Michael shares how his career has evolved, his love for community-driven art, balancing the challenges of fatherhood, and his aspirations to elevate the Indianapolis creative scene. He also shares insights into collaboration, the value of staying local, and the power of creating meaningful art. Learn more about Michael: https://mi...
Jul 01, 2025•53 min
On this episode of The Open Door , Mikey Levine, a creative and musician from Indianapolis, to discuss identity, culture, and the transformative power of humility in personal and professional growth. From navigating the complexities of being an adoptee to finding connection through basketball and music, Mikey shares his journey of self-discovery and community impact. Connect with Mikey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikey.levine/ Follow Mikey's music on Instagram: https://www.instagram....
Jun 26, 2025•21 min
On this episode of The Open Door , Connor Edwards, CEO of Limitless Ability, stops by to discuss his mission of fostering inclusivity for people with disabilities through grassroots events like inclusive concerts and adaptive activities in Indianapolis. Connor emphasizes the importance of creating spaces where everyone can participate equally, promoting "radical inclusion" in everyday experiences. Learn more about Limitless Ability: https://limitlessabilityindiana.org/ Connect with LA on Instagr...
Jun 26, 2025•19 min
On this episode of The Open Door , Natalie Harris, B2B operations and events manager at Grounded Floral Co., stops by to share her journey of returning to Indianapolis and her passion for plants. Natalie explores the connection between plants, community, and storytelling, offering insights into the transformative impact of greenery on spaces and lives. Connect with Grounded on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/groundedplantfloralco/ Reach out to Natalie: natalie@groundedindy.com 00:00: Welcom...
Jun 26, 2025•17 min
On this week's episode of Conversation Piece, cultural entrepreneur and creative executive Mali Bacon drops by the studio to reflect on her journey of introspection, healing, and leadership in Indianapolis' creative community. Mali shares what personal storytelling means to her, how she learned to lean into vulnerability, and the impact that she has had on the community and culture of Indianapolis -- and vice versa. Connect with Mali (and write a love letter): https://www.instagram.com/malinasim...
Jun 24, 2025•42 min
On this week's episode of Conversation Piece , hilarious comedian and Indianapolis native Hannah Roeschlein stops by the studio to discuss her journey from Indiana to Chicago, the cultural influences of her upbringing, and the complexities of identity and community in the Midwest. We also have to talk about the Pacers because, duh. Follow Hannah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handerpumprules/ Check out Asian American Psycho: https://800poundgorillamedia.com/blogs/the-laugh-button/hannah...
Jun 17, 2025•1 hr 16 min
On this week's episode of Conversation Piece, board members of AIGA Indianapolis - Justin Muse, Genevieve Gardner, Leah Brinkman, Maximino Eslava, and Gail Godwin - stop by the studio to discuss how they're reimagining design community as "creative connectors" who welcome all forms of creativity, not just traditional graphic design. They explore their impactful Creatives in Color speaker series, upcoming events including a Juneteenth special edition and art show, and their mission to build authe...
Jun 10, 2025•55 min
On this week's episode of Conversation Piece , Ephraim Palmeiro, a dedicated community advocate with a global upbringing, drops by the studio to discuss his journey from international roots to becoming a transformative force in Indianapolis through civic engagement, leadership development, and fostering meaningful connections. Connect with Ephraim on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theoriginalthirdy/ Learn more about LISC: https://www.lisc.org/ Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring th...
Jun 03, 2025•1 hr 2 min
On this week's episode of Conversation Piece, award-winning leadership and lifestyle coach Sonal Sheth Zawarhi stops by the studio to talk about her family's journey from India to Brooklyn to Oxford, Ohio, and how those experiences shaped her expertise in emotional intelligence. Sonal shares her STRETCH process for goal achievement, discusses the importance of authentic community building, and reveals how her early experiences as an immigrant child and later as a high school teacher laid the fou...
May 27, 2025•1 hr 10 min
On this episode of The Open Door, Bryggs Krater stops by the studio to talk about the work they do at their queer nonprofit organization, Y'all, a mutual aid organization that supports Indiana's trans and gender diverse community through microgrants and events like "Fill All My Bowls," to discuss how personal need transformed into statewide community care and the power of mutual aid in creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ Hoosiers. Learn more about Y'all for All: https://www.yallforall.org/ Connect w...
May 22, 2025•18 min
On this episode of The Open Door, board-certified OBGYN Dr. Taylor Hahn stops by the studio to talk about pioneering Indianapolis's first direct care gynecology practice that operates outside the insurance system to provide personalized, accessible women's healthcare in the city and the state. Welcome to Via. Learn more about Via: https://www.viawomenshealth.com/ Connect with Via on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viawomenshealth/ Connect with Dr. Hahn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.co...
May 22, 2025•19 min
On this episode of The Open Door, Katie Slonim, founder of Mixo Indy, stops by the studio to discuss how she transformed her passion for cocktails into a successful business teaching mixology workshops throughout Indianapolis using her innovative "formula method" approach. Learn more about Mixo Indy: https://www.mixoindy.com/ Connect with Mixo Indy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mixoindy/ Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room)...
May 22, 2025•17 min
On this week's episode of Conversation Piece, Mike Francis Williams II and Mama Odie, the mother-son duo behind Salamat Cookies!, stop by the studio to talk about the first nationwide Filipino-inspired cookie pop-up and delivery service that has baked over 200,000 cookies since launching in 2020, based right here in Indianapolis. They discuss their journey from COVID-era beginnings to shipping cookies to nearly every state and five countries, sharing how they "cookie-fied" Filipino flavors like ...
May 20, 2025•1 hr 12 min
On this week's episode of Conversation Piece, Hang Doan, a Gen Z digital native, artist, filmmaker, and creator, stops by the studio for the second time to expand on our conversation from February's Open Door! Hang discusses leaving home at 16, accelerating their education, earning an associate's degree in 11 months and nearly completing their bachelor's by 19, and being driven by determination to model perseverance for their younger siblings. They also talk about embracing their Vietnamese heri...
May 13, 2025•1 hr 6 min
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 m...
May 06, 2025•49 min
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 p...
Apr 29, 2025•1 hr 13 min
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/sarahjessicaharker The Open Door is a series...
Apr 24, 2025•18 min
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/...
Apr 24, 2025•19 min
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....
Apr 24, 2025•16 min
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 reflec...
Apr 22, 2025•56 min
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 India...
Apr 15, 2025•1 hr 14 min
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 immigran...
Apr 08, 2025•1 hr 7 min
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 cha...
Apr 01, 2025•1 hr 10 min
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 ...
Mar 27, 2025•22 min
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 a...
Mar 27, 2025•25 min
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...
Mar 27, 2025•21 min
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,...
Mar 25, 2025•50 min
