North Indy Podcast

World Food Championships CEO Mike McCloud is a marketing entrepreneur focused on making food competitions a long-term, fun-filled legacy for the culinary industry. In this episode, we talk to Mike about the upcoming World Food Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana.

In this episode, we sit with Jessica and Lyle of Ra Opticians inside their beautiful eyewear store in the Factory Arts District on Indy’s Near Eastside. We learn about their extensive optical careers and what led them to put down roots in the city.

Michael & John sit down with fellow Indy-based podcaster Patrick Armstrong at 8th Day Distillery and talk all things podcasting. Learn more about Patrick’s journey and current ventures, and make sure to check him out on the May cover of North Indy Magazine!

John interviews Michael & Stretch from the Follow D$ Podcast for Life In Indy’s “I’m Not Done Yet” campaign. Learn more about their Indy origin stories and how they’ve made Indianapolis home.

Carrie Black is the Chief Public Affairs Officer for IndyGo. You might recognize her. She's also a four-time Emmy award-winning TV reporter. At IndyGo, she leads the agency’s strategic communications, including a focus on education, awareness, and advocacy surrounding the agency’s main initiatives. It was fascinating to sit down for this interview in her office and learn more about how IndyGo serves our local communities.

Rocky Walls is an Indiana-based filmmaker and Cofounder of 12 Stars Media, as well as Hoodox, which we deep dive into in this episode. We also learn more about the impact Rocky hopes to have in the community during this stage of his career. Special thanks to Heartland Film for hosting us in their space!

Cindy Hawkins sits with us at The Amp at 16 Tech, home of her pastry business Circle City Sweets. We talk about how she turned baking into a career and her recent success as 2025 World Dessert Champion.

Eddie Sahm is an Indianapolis restaurateur making an impact in the local community under the umbrella of his family's Sahms Hospitality Group. In this episode, we learn about his time in the family business and what fuels him to create new ventures.

Meet Indy Food King Shaun Hughes. On this episode, Shaun joins us on Michael’s porch to talk all things North Indy. We also each enjoy a delicious bowl of Circles Ice Cream. Cheers!

Jenny Boyts is the CEO of Forty5, a locally owned live music production company based in Indianapolis and dedicated to creating unforgettable live entertainment experiences in the city’s most beautiful and unique spaces. Their venues include The Vogue, Turntable, Rock the Ruins, and more.