Made In Indy

The Made in Indy podcast welcomes Victoria Beaty, owner of The Botanical Bar. In this special New Year's episode, we reflect on 2024, exploring the highlights and challenges that shaped The Botanical Bar's success. We delve into Victoria's exciting plans for the future, including potential expansions, innovative offerings, and her vision for further enhancing the unique experience that The Botanic...

The Made in Indy podcast welcomes Deputy Mayor of Neighborhood Engagement for the city of Indianapolis; Judith B. Thomas. Deputy Mayor Thomas reflects on her lived experiences growing up in Gary, Indiana . We explore the diverse community that nurtured her and led her to treasure the wealth that lies in connecting your neighbors and investing in your neighborhood. We unpack the concept of "communi...

The Made in Indy podcast welcomes Community Advocate & Justice Involved Program Director at Ivy Tech Community College; Michael Martin Drain. Michael shares with us the series of events that sparked his tenure working to advocate for those impacted by our justice system. He also offers advice to individuals who are supporting family members & loved ones who have been impacted by the justice system...

The Made in Indy podcast welcomes Interim CEO for the Indianapolis Public Library & President of the Black Caucus of the American Library Association; Nichelle M. Hayes. We discuss the importance of individuals being able to access information, and illuminate why libraries an integral part of our society more now than ever. Nichelle gives us insight on her journey with literature & who inspired he...

The Made in Indy podcast welcomes Entrepreneur, Writer, Restaurateur, and Educator Derrick Slack ; Cofounder of Black Leaf Vegan. Black Leaf Vegan is owned by Taria & Derrick Slack whose intention is health for all communities so that they may live happy, healthy, and wealthy lives. Their mission is to assist in that goal by providing life-sustaining, plant-based products that heal the mind, body...

The Made in Indy podcast welcomes award-winning journalist & editor of the Indianapolis Recorder, Oseye Boyd. As editor , Oseye has launched a new engagement strategy that has attracted more readers as well as created a deeper rapport with local businesses and organizations which has raised the profile of the iconic publication in our community. Oseye recalls the events in her life that prompted h...

The Made in Indy podcast welcomes MacArthur Young Innovator award winner & Founder of Carbon Neutral Indiana; Daniel Poynter. Carbon Neutral Indiana is a startup nonprofit social enterprise. They help households & businesses measure and clean up their carbon footprints by increasing awareness of carbon neutrality, translating that awareness into action, and creating space for that action to become...

The Made in Indy podcast welcomes Creative, Connector, & Managing Partner at McCord & Cargile Marketing Resources; Aisha Cargile, MBA. Aisha shares with us what it was like growing up in New York, relocating to the midwest, and then ultimately Indianapolis. She shares the amazing story behind her Halloween themed wedding ceremony, and how it was a dream come true. We dive into the topic of marketi...

The Made in Indy podcast welcomes Visionary-leader, Relationship-builder, & President of the Madam Walker Legacy Center; Kristian Little Stricklen. Kristian shares what it was like growing up in the Butler-Tarkington area, and how attending college at the HBCU; Jackson State University helped to shape her perspective & goals. We explore the importance of building relationships in your community, a...

On November 4th, 2021 the Hub for Black Affairs and Community Engagement invited Paralympic Gold and Silver Medalist Noah Malone to sit down for a candid conversation with Made in Indy. Together we discover Noah's Process of Becoming that allowed him to evolve into a champion at the Tokyo Paralympic games, and become one of the fastest sprinters in the world. As we enter a new year that's filled w...

The Made in Indy podcast welcomes Creator & Founder of SHE. Xperience and SHE. Event Indy; Katina Washington. The SHE. Event Indy provides venues for Black-owned businesses to increase their customers & revenue, learn sound business practices, build relationships, and circulate their dollars within the Black community. Katina shares with us the inspiration behind SHE. Event , and how it began as a...

We dive into Keshia's background, and she shares what it's been like transitioning from an executive director role in a suburban Chicago library to an executive director role in Indy at cultural landmark. Keshia shares her insight on how the City Market has always served as diverse gathering place for residents of the Circle City , and how its rich history has inspired its merchants to remain dete...

In a very special simulcast episode; Made in Indy welcomes Tanorria Askew & Candace Boyd of the Black Girls Eating podcast. Tanorria is best known as a personal chef, food creative, public speaker, podcast co-host, and a racial injustice change-maker. Candace is known for the Chief Foodie & also as the Creative Director behind The FoodLoveTog. In this special holiday episode dedicated to Thanksgiv...

The Made in Indy podcast welcomes Blake Johnson; President at IndyHub & Indiana State Representative. Blake recounts his experiences growing up in Danville, Indiana , and how his family's history of community service in politics has guided the trajectory of his life. We learn about how the lessons his grandparents taught him, led to him being conscious of the "doors" he could open for others in an...

The Made in Indy podcast welcomes YouTube sensation & Digital Content Creator, Gabrielle Flowers-Rader. Gabe creates captivating content alongside her husband Chad Rader via their family vlogging channel GabeBabeTV on YouTube. Gabe shares with us what it was like growing up in northwest Indianapolis , and what inspired her to attend the HBCU, Tennessee State University. We discuss how Indianapolis...

The Made in Indy podcast welcomes Senior Director of Motor, Justin Sufan. Motor is a start-up incubated out of The AES Corporation that aims to accelerate consumer EV adoption . He has been with AES his entire career, serving in various roles since joining the team in 2005. He is passionate about moving Indy toward a progressive city where young people want to live, work, play, and plant roots. Ju...

The Made in Indy podcast welcomes  entrepreneur, community-builder, & farmer ; Elizabeth O'Connor of Willowfield Lavender Farm, in Mooresville, Indiana. We chat about the joy of grandchildren, and children in general, that invites us all to use our imaginations to embrace change & live in the moment. Elizabeth reveals how that type of intention to focus on joy, evolved into becoming a creator usin...

The Made in Indy podcast welcomes Ujamaa Community Bookstore Manager; Rohini Townsend & Executive Director at Flanner House of Indianapolis; Brandon Cosby. We discuss the origins of Flanner House , and how its creation aided Black Americans whom had moved to Indianapolis during the great migration in search of more opportunities & a better life. We dive into the legacy of Xpression's Bookstore , a...

The Made in Indy podcast welcomes Aric Geesaman ; creator of the boutique smithing shop, Ash Blæds . Located in McCordsville, Indiana, Aric masterfully crafts custom-designed artisan knives & other offerings. Aric shares how his love for working with his hands evolved from a curiosity of how things are constructed. We learn how his time spent at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana as a biol...

The Made in Indy podcast welcomes the Bloom Project, Inc . We are joined by Executive Director & Founder Arnetta Scruggs, Bloom Project's Royal MENtality Director, Ron Gilbert & Royal MENtality Coordinator, Tevin Byers. The trio shares a bit about their backgrounds, and what has inspired them to become community-builders. Arnetta reveals the inspiration behind the name of the Bloom Project, and ho...

The Made in Indy podcast celebrates Hotelier & Entrepreneur; Andrew Foster. We welcome C.F. Jolivette; Foster's grandson who is a curator & creative. Jolivette is the creator of Andrew Foster Legacy, a digital database that chronicles the impact Andrew Foster made in his community & the city of Indianapolis. Jolivette shares the inspiration behind what made him begin to share his grandfather's sto...

The Made in Indy podcast welcomes Business and Government Attorney, Indiana State Senator, & Indiana State Senate Minority Leader; Greg Taylor. Senator Taylor shares the experiences that lead him to enrolling in law school + The aha moment that let him know that he was on the right path. We discuss the events that introduced him to a career of politics after completing law school, and how he becam...

The Made in Indy podcast welcomes Acupuncturist, Esthetician, Skincare Educator, & creator of Project Gorgeous; Marianne Talkovski. We learn about her unique journey, and how attending school in New York City during the September 11th attacks, changed the trajectory of her life. She shares what brought her to Indiana , & what inspired her to lay roots & create a foundation in the Circle City. Mari...

The Made in Indy podcast is elated to have Lifestyle Blogger and founder of interior design & photography studio, Drea & Co ., Martina Drea join us to chat. We discuss her latest project, After Hours: Craft Cocktail Exploration for the Curious Homebody . She shares the inspiration behind the project + Together we craft a recipe from the book; a strawberry margarita. Martina recounts the time she s...

The Made in Indy podcast welcomes the creative & bold Marketing and Culture Manager of Circle Bev, Komal Sheth. Komal shares her experiences growing up in Ohio as an Indiana-American, in a predominately white community. We dive into the story of her "coming out" as a lesbian + The different dynamics of family, friends, & community that impacted her journey. We also discuss the process of her reloc...