Conversation Piece Podcast

In this deeply personal episode, guest-host Madeline Mackinnon turns the mic toward regular host Patrick Armstrong to explore his identity journey as a Korean American adoptee, his reflections on community, parenthood, and healing through storytelling. With rare vulnerability, Patrick opens up about burnout, transformation, and his vision for a more collaborative, accountable, and whole world. Con...

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 Bra...

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 comm...

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, humo...

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 va...

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 Instagra...

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....

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://w...

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...

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/handerpumpru...

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, u...

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/theorigina...

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 rev...

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 sa...

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/...

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: htt...

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 coo...

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...

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 b...

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 whatev...

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...

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 mo...

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....

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...

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 Wooste...