Empowering Community: A Conversation with Imani Lehté 🧶

In this episode of Third Space Indy, host Michael Zarick talks to Imani

Lehté, a passionate community member and advocate in Indianapolis. They

discuss the importance of value-based community building, Imani's

journey from a restrictive upbringing to an open and liberated mindset,

and the role of spaces like Indy Community Yoga in fostering

inclusivity. Imani also shares their personal connection to their name,

their experiences growing up, and their involvement in various community

initiatives and rallies. Join the conversation as they explore how to

create supportive, inclusive spaces and the significance of being true

to oneself.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Beliefs

00:46 Meet the Guest: Imani Lehté

01:38 Crocheting and Personal Interests

01:57 The Significance of Names

03:02 Podcast Philosophy and Guest Criteria

04:06 Imani's Background and Radicalization

06:03 Community and Personal Growth

17:21 Indy Community Yoga and Its Impact

28:15 Third Spaces and Nature Connection

32:12 Unexpected Friendships in the Beer World

34:43 The Importance of Vice in Community Building

36:38 Reflecting on Lost Third Spaces

37:04 The Struggles and Evolution of Religious Spaces

43:28 Favorite Ice Cream and Hometown Memories

49:39 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

54:30 Wrapping Up and Contact Information

Exploring the Essence of Indy Community Yoga with Tony Wiederhold

In this episode of Third Space Indy, host Michael Zarick engages in a profound conversation with Tony Wiederhold of Indianapolis Community Yoga (ICY). They discuss the origins, philosophy, and unique practices of ICY, emphasizing the importance of creating a non-hierarchical, inclusive space where individuals can truly be themselves. The episode covers topics like the significance of free and accessible wellness practices, the benefits of silent meditation retreats, and the personal journey of Tony as a community leader and caregiver. The discussion also touches on broader themes like the essence of religion, cooperative living, and the power dynamics in our daily lives.

00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts on ICY

00:54 Meet the Host and Guest

01:27 Tony's Journey with ICY

02:44 Understanding ICY Practices

06:10 Personal Reflections and Experiences

09:02 The Concept of Practice and Leadership

13:39 The Evolution of ICY

19:45 Silent Practice and Retreats

27:53 Defining the Third Space

29:36 Exploring the Concept of Third Spaces

30:02 The Role of Anger in Personal Growth

30:40 The Importance of Expressing Displeasure

31:15 Reflecting on Childhood Third Spaces

31:55 Revisiting the Initial Conversation

32:05 Defining Religion and Spirituality

34:29 The Dialogue of Zhàozhou and Nánquán

37:52 Personal Interpretation of Religion

39:27 The Influence of Upbringing on Beliefs

41:57 The Natural Inclination Towards Cooperation

43:31 Tyler Childers and the Concept of Dharma

44:26 Love Island: A Study in Surveillance

49:18 The Need for Cooperative Living

52:45 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Building Community One Step at a Time: A Conversation with Casey

Springer

In this episode of Third Space Indy, host Michael Zarick talks with

Casey Springer, the founder of We Walk Indy and an events marketing

manager at Salesforce. The conversation delves into Casey's motivations

for starting We Walk Indy, a local walking group aimed at building a

sense of community in Indianapolis. They discuss the insecurities and

fears Casey faced, such as the fear of no one showing up and how her

therapist helped her overcome them. The episode also highlights Casey's

background, her passion for connecting people, and various experiences,

including her time working for the Super Bowl and Exact Target. They

touch upon the importance of food and shared experiences as means to

foster connection. The episode also teases future collaborative events

and discusses the concept of a third space, stressing the importance of

consistent and low-barrier community engagements. The script is filled

with lighthearted moments and shared personal stories that showcase the

importance of community and connection.

00:00 Cold Open

00:49 Introduction to Third Space Indy

01:01 Meet Casey Springer: Community Builder

01:45 Breaking Bread and Building Connections

04:53 The Concept and Impact of We Walk Indy

06:26 Personal Stories and Community Impact

14:06 Challenges and Legal Hurdles

18:17 The Importance of Local Support and Collaboration

28:20 Future Plans and Personal Reflections

31:45 The Backyard Broad Ripple Club

35:17 Low-Stress Gatherings and Nathan's Role

35:33 Living in Moab: A Unique Communal Experience

36:36 Dreams of Community Living

37:19 The Sunday Stroll Concept

38:04 Embracing Imperfection in Events

38:44 Balancing Community Involvement and Personal Time

44:12 The Concept of Third Spaces

46:52 Overcoming the Fear of Putting Yourself Out There

49:29 The Dance Walk Collaboration

56:49 Reflecting on Personal Identity and Community

01:01:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Preserving Local History: A Conversation with Ed, the Local Historian

In this episode, Michael interviews Ed, an attorney by profession and a passionate local historian. Ed shares his journey from being born in Boulder, Colorado, to moving to Greenwood, Indiana, and later attending IU Bloomington. His love for history manifests in his website, Class 900 Indy, and his book 'Vanished Indianapolis'. The discussion covers various aspects of Indianapolis history, including the preservation efforts for School 86, its significance in local history, and Ed's deep connection to the neighborhood. Additionally, they touch on personal anecdotes and memorable college experiences, underscoring the importance of preserving historical sites for their cultural and architectural value.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

01:20 Early Life and Education

01:38 Life in Butler-Tarkington

01:52 Pizza and Vanished Indianapolis

03:01 Personal Life and College Memories

05:34 Little 500 Experiences

06:45 Indianapolis History and School 86

09:46 Preserving Historical Places

14:13 Interest in History and Family Influence

15:27 Memorable College Classes

17:55 Fishing and Patience

Discovering Community Spaces in Indianapolis with Wildstyle Paschall

In this episode of Third Space Indy, host Michael Zarick talks with

Wildstyle Paschall, a music producer and community advocate from

Indianapolis. Wildstyle discusses his role as a Roving Illustrator at

The Learning Tree, an asset-based community development organization.

They explore The Learning Tree's mission to highlight community talents

and discuss art projects that empower local residents. Additionally,

Wildstyle shares his insights on the importance of third spaces like

roller rinks in fostering community ties and preventing youth violence.

They also delve into the local hip hop scene, its significance in the

community, and Wildstyle's journey in music production. Finally, the

conversation touches on the political landscape in Indianapolis,

emphasizing the need for informed and engaged citizens.

00:00 Introduction and Capturing Community Stories

00:57 Meet Michael Zarick and Wildstyle Paschall

01:19 Wildstyle's Background and Community Involvement

02:23 Asset-Based Community Development

04:28 The Learning Tree and Community Art Projects

13:00 Roller Skating Culture and Personal Impact

20:31 The Importance of Third Spaces

27:46 Indianapolis Hip Hop Scene

28:37 Camera Encounters and Local Artists

28:46 The Reality of Atlanta's Music Scene

29:30 Community and Hip Hop

29:55 Getting Started in Music Production

32:14 Chreece Hip Hop Festival

33:42 Indianapolis: A City of Community

34:48 Challenges and Changes in Indianapolis

37:03 Political Landscape and Local Governance

42:22 The Importance of Local Elections

45:52 The Black Briefing and Community Engagement

50:27 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Building Connections in Indy: Bo Turner on FIND Indianapolis and Third

Spaces

In this episode of Third Space Indy, host Michael Zarick interviews Bo

Turner, a serial entrepreneur known for her work with FIND Indianapolis.

Bo discusses the objectives of FIND, which include hosting speed dating

and singles events designed to foster connections and community in

Indianapolis. The conversation covers the importance of third spaces in

fostering community, the impact of American hustle culture versus more

community-focused cultures like those in Copenhagen, and how Bo's events

aim to help people forge meaningful relationships in person. Bo shares

insights on dating dynamics, the challenges of maintaining third spaces

in a capitalist society, and her passion for creating non-transactional,

community-driven events. They also touch upon the potential for

transforming underutilized spaces into community hubs and the importance

of balancing work with personal time. The episode concludes with

thoughts on the unique character of Indianapolis and the need for more

organic, community-focused spaces.

00:00 Introduction to Copenhagen's Happiness

01:04 Meet Bo Turner: Serial Entrepreneur

02:59 FIND Indianapolis: Speed Dating and More

04:55 The Process of Speed Dating

08:21 Breaking Stereotypes and Finding Love

14:35 Bo Turner's Personal Journey and Identity

19:03 The Importance of Third Spaces

30:15 Future Neighbors: A Plan for Community Living

30:56 Apartment Living and Community Building

32:15 Innovative Urban Planning in Chicago

33:37 The Importance of Front Porches and Community Interaction

35:30 House Parties and Social Gatherings

36:23 Exploring Indianapolis Neighborhoods

43:11 Public Transportation and Reading on the Bus

45:16 Creating Third Spaces in Indianapolis

47:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Flags for Good: Community Building through Symbolism with Michael Green

In this episode of Third Space Indy, host Michael Zarick interviews Michael Green, founder of Flags For Good. They discuss the power of flags as symbols for unification, identity, and community building. Green shares the origins of his company, which started as a pandemic project, inspired by a need for positive, inclusive symbols amidst a market of indifferent merchandise sellers. The conversation dives into the design principles of flags, the history of the Indianapolis flag, and the impact of flags on marginalized communities, particularly the LGBTQ+ community. Green talks about his personal journey, the role of flags in providing visible support to communities, and his ongoing efforts to contribute to a vibrant, inclusive Indianapolis. The episode also explores potential business ideas and the importance of maintaining a positive vision for the city's future.

00:00 Introduction to Third Space Indy

00:19 Meeting Michael Green of Flags For Good

01:04 The Story Behind Flags For Good

03:24 The Power of Flags in Community Building

06:13 Roman Mars and the Influence on Flag Design

14:57 The Indianapolis Flag and Its History

23:48 The Importance of Flags in the LGBTQ+ Community

30:38 Challenges and Future of Flag Manufacturing

34:21 Small Mini Cooper Aside

35:10 The Story Behind the Mini Cooper

35:44 Creating a Unique Store Experience

36:35 The Charm and Challenges of Indianapolis

38:04 The Importance of Community and Inclusivity

40:07 Ideas for Improving Indianapolis

44:09 The Role of Public Transit

52:20 Supporting Small Businesses

57:45 Future Plans and Aspirations

59:55 Conclusion and Contact Information

Exploring Literacy and Community: A Conversation with Ruba Marshood of Indy Reads

In the 10th episode of the Third Space Indy podcast, host Michael Zarick interviews Ruba Marshood, the CEO of Indy Reads, an organization in Indianapolis dedicated to advancing literacy for all. Ruba shares insights into her background, her role at Indy Reads, and the increasing demand for their programs. The conversation delves into the broader meanings of literacy, the interconnectedness of communities, and the importance of writing and reading in shaping society. Ruba also reflects on the influential stories of her grandmothers and the cultural significance of food within Middle Eastern and Palestinian heritage. The episode concludes with a discussion on the power of books and ideas to create and unite communities.

00:00 Introduction and Dedication

00:52 Meet Ruba Marshood: CEO of Indy Reads

02:01 Ruba's Background and Journey

03:18 Defining Literacy and Indy Reads' Mission

06:30 Indy Reads' Programs and Community Impact

21:56 Personal Reflections on Reading

36:01 Cultural Heritage and Family Ties

37:47 Influence of Grandparents

39:08 Historical Context and Family Stories

48:18 Palestinian and Lebanese Cuisine

51:52 Arab American Identity and College Experience

54:04 Indy Reads and Literacy Initiatives

56:59 The Power of the Written Word

01:02:02 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Building Community: An Interview with Urban Times’ Bill Brooks

In this episode of Third Space Indy, host Michael Zarick interviews Bill Brooks, a seasoned journalist who manages the Urban Times, a downtown Indianapolis-focused newspaper. Brooks shares his extensive experience in journalism, detailing his roles at various newspapers and his move to downtown Indianapolis over three decades ago. He talks about the evolution and revitalization of neighborhoods like Lockerbie, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and continuous effort to maintain thriving communities. They also discuss the significance of local third spaces like the Red Door Cafe and the Chatterbox for fostering community connections. Furthermore, Brooks provides insights into the complexities of urban planning and neighborhood improvements, sharing inspirational stories of collective neighborhood efforts. The episode concludes with a reflection on the enduring value of community engagement and the essential role of personal effort in building and maintaining meaningful relationships.

00:00 Introduction to Lockerbie and Community Building

01:17 Meet Bill Brooks: The Man Behind Urban Times

02:59 Bill's Journey in Journalism

06:00 The Birth and Growth of Urban Times

08:32 The Vibrant Neighborhoods of Indianapolis

11:26 Challenges and Triumphs of Urban Living

15:58 Community Engagement and Social Dynamics

34:18 The Paradox of Connection

34:35 A Welcoming Community at Red Door Cafe

35:59 Making Friends Through Boldness

37:27 Reflections on Indianapolis

38:44 The Evolution of Mass Ave

42:12 Personal Stories and Local History

44:43 Favorite Third Spaces in Indianapolis

47:31 Hidden Gems and Local Secrets

56:22 Final Thoughts and Outro

Building a Community Around Public Transit with Will Hazen

In this episode of 'Third Space Indy,' host Michael Zarick interviews Will Hazen, a third-generation transit operator who has dedicated his career to improving public transit in Indianapolis. Will shares his journey from working at a railroad museum in Michigan to becoming a coach operator for IndyGo, reflecting on how his family history has influenced his passion for public transit. They discuss the unique challenges and joys of being a bus operator, including how interactions with riders inspire him daily. The conversation also delves into the benefits of public transit for the community, the versatility of buses, and Will’s intriguing hobby of collecting and transforming old buses. This episode sheds light on the impact of public transportation on community building and offers a glimpse into the personal experiences of someone deeply involved in the transit world.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:10 Will Hazen's Background and Career

02:51 Experiences and Stories from the Bus

06:00 The Importance of Public Transit

24:55 Will Hazen's Personal Life and Interests

36:52 Favorite Coffee Shops and Appetizers

37:37 Cycling in Indianapolis

38:07 Bike Accidents and Helmet Debate

40:03 Gravel Bikes and Biking Infrastructure

46:06 Owning and Driving Buses

54:26 Creative Uses for Old Buses

58:57 Inspiration from Bus Riders

01:06:31 Final Thoughts and Farewell