Made In Indy

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 story + Why he has spent the past decade researching his grandfather's legacy.

We discuss the opening of the iconic Hotel Foster & Pearl's Lounge, and how these were safe spaces for Black people in Indianapolis to flourish. We dive into the topic of financial literacy, and how it is more important now than ever.

Later, Jolivette reveals where he think's Foster's drive & passion came from + What he believes what motivated Foster to carve a unique path for himself.

Listen to our full conversations below. + Learn more about Andrew Foster Legacy here.

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 became the State Senator for Senate District 33; Which encompasses portions of Center, Pike, Washington, and Wayne townships.

We get candid about domestic terrorist that attacked the FedEx facility in Indianapolis, and how a previous bill he submitted would have made it illegal for the terrorist to purchase the weapon used in the attack.

Later Senator Taylor opens up, and shares the importance of finding the comfort in being uncomfortable, and the amazing experiences that could lead to.

Listen to our full conversation below + Learn more about the impact that Senator Taylor is making here.

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.

Marianne explains the health benefits of acupuncture, & how the process naturally stimulates your body's own resources to heal itself. We dive deeper with the healer, as Marianne reveals the importance of focusing on our own inner radiance as a daily spiritual practice. We explore the importance of protecting our heart from the information that it absorbs. + Why it is necessary to digitally detox on a regular basis.

Later, we discover why it is so important to Marianne that Project Gorgeous be a space of sanctuary in a busy world. Marianne gets candid about what it has been like to be an entrepreneur in Indianapolis, and how once she committed the pieces of her practice started to come together. Also, Marianne reveals another reason she has an inner glow. Listen to our full conversation below.

Learn more about Marianne & Project Gorgeous here + Purchase her latest book, 28 Secrets to Glow Up here.

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 spent in Bloomington attending Indiana University & how their budding food scene sparked her interest in innovative cuisines & entrepreneurship. She explains how her background in biology goes hand in hand with her current work of creating projects from scratch.

Later, Drea offers her advice to anyone interested in writing a book, and why it is essential to have a team that you trust on your side. She also reflects on the year 2020 + How she thrived by focusing on the things that really matter.

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 relocating to the city of Indianapolis, and what made her decide to the lay roots in the Circle City.

Later, we learn more about her role at Circle Bev, & how she enjoys making change through creating beverages that promote healthy living. Together we candidly unpack the the civil unrest that erupted across the country last summer & the latest on the Newfields musuem controversy.

The Made in Indy podcast welcomes writer, vegan winemaker, & creator of Sip & Share Wines, Nicole Kearny.

She shares the inspiration behind Sip & Share Artisanal Wines, and how it aligned with her innate desire to create a sacred & safe space for Black people to enjoy wines & wine tasting. We discuss how the wine industry has begun to change as more Black entrepreneurs enter the realm, creating experiences that welcome people from all backgrounds.

We dive into her journey of traveling to meet Black winemakers from across the country, and how that allowed her to make invaluable connections & become an expert in her field.

Later, Nicole shares with how she has pivoted Sip & Share to continue to serve her fellow wine enthusiasts & supporters during the pandemic, by creating virtual wine tastings known as "SipSperiences." We also explore how she overcomes challenges by focusing on legacy, community, & family as a constant source of inspiration.

The Made in Indy podcast welcomes musician, free-thinker, & activist, Nicholas Selm of the political punk band, "Chuck Lofton."

Nicholas shares with us his experiences on growing up in Midtown-Indianapolis during the 80's. We dive into the culture shock he encountered while attending private school, & how that illuminated the different socioeconomic statuses that exist in Indiana.

Nicholas explains how the group "Chuck Lofton" was formed, & how music has been a continuous source of inspiration in his life. He shares how since the inception of the band, its foundation has been one of making an impact locally by being a hyper-political voice.

Later, we dive into the history of Indiana, and how its governing body doesn't always seem to have the best interest for all of its constituents. Also, Nicholas shares his perspective on how the social protests of last summer showed that radical change is possible in our city.

The Made in Indy podcast welcomes artist & creative, Nathaniel Russell. Nathaniel shares with us what initially sparked his interest in creating art, & how his time at Ball State University studying printmaking influenced his process.

We discuss the importance of finding your own tribe, & how connecting with individuals that support you in all your en-devours can build lifelong bonds. Russell elaborates on how living in San Francisco impacted his work, & how constantly creating allowed him to gain experience, exposure, and confidence.

Later, we dive into what has kept him steadfast during the pandemic, & why being in the present moment with his family has become sacred. Also, Nathaniel shares his advice to anyone who is interested in pursuing the path of being an artist, and how being open, taking risks, and connecting to your community are your biggest assets.

The Made in Indy podcast welcomes Indiana State Rep. Renee Pack. The first-term legislator shares with us her perspective on the current assembly cycle. We discuss how recent events have created an interesting atmosphere when drafting bills & passing joint legislation.

The House Rep. gets candid on the recent wave of evictions that some Hoosiers are facing, and the lasting effects of legislators not taking appropriate action will have on our communities. We dive into what inspired her to run for office, and how faith has been a continuous source of strength during all times of her life.

Later, we discover why Rep. Pack believes Indianapolis is unique + We explore her love of theater & its parallels to holding state office.

The Made in Indy podcast welcomes Indiana State Rep. Earl L. Harris Jr. We discuss what it was like growing up in East Chicago, Indiana. + How a family legacy lead him into government affairs.

Rep. Harris Jr. shares with us his focused intentions on education and workforce development. + How he is working to develop urban agriculture in all areas of the state. We explore the role of the Indiana Black Caucus, & why it is so important in legislative affairs. We also discuss his entertainment company, Motivation Media & what sparked his initial interest in production.

Later, Rep. Harris Jr. shares his advice for anyone who is interested in perusing careers in media & government affairs.