Third Space Indy

Exploring Culinary Connections at Macizo with Amanda in Indy

In this episode of Third Space Indy, host Michael Zarick sits down with Amanda Gibson, a notable Indianapolis food content creator known online as Amanda in Indy. The conversation kicks off with a heartfelt appreciation for Luz and Omar at Macizo, a Peruvian-Mexican fusion restaurant where the recording takes place. Amanda shares her journey from working at Maple Street Biscuit Company in Florida to creating the popular Indy Dough and eventually working as a social marketing coordinator for Ash & Elm Cider and Pots & Pans Pie Company. They discuss the importance of local food scenes, the impact of content creators on small businesses, and the authentic connections made through food. The episode also features an in-depth exploration of the dishes at Macizo, highlighting the unique cultural fusion and craftsmanship behind each plate. Amanda reflects on her experiences and the significance of community, both online and offline. The episode wraps up with insightful questions about the comforts of food and the places that evoke a sense of belonging.

Third Space Indy is supported by City Rising

00:00 Introduction and Shoutout

00:38 Defining the Third Place

01:20 Meet Amanda Gibson

01:58 Exploring Macizo's Menu

03:45 Thanksgiving Reflections

04:43 The Importance of Local Food Stories

13:00 Amanda's Journey in the Food Industry

31:00 Meeting and First Impressions

32:27 Dealing with Haters and Internet Trolls

32:56 Content Creation and Influencer Ethics

36:41 Supporting Local Businesses

42:05 The Concept of a Third Space

47:05 Food and Cultural Connections

54:46 Discussing the Food

01:01:29 Understanding Mole Sauce

01:01:57 Sopa Criolla: A Peruvian Comfort Food

01:03:08 Mexican Meatballs and Tiradito

01:05:07 Taco Norteno and Sourdough Bread

01:07:13 Salsa Macha and Sourdough Journey

01:15:06 The Meaning Behind Macizo

01:18:37 Final Thoughts and Community Impact

Addressing Food Apartheid and Food Sovereignty with Sierra Nuckols

In this episode of Third Space Indy, host Michael Zarick interviews Sierra Nuckols, founder of Community Food Box Project. They discuss the concept of food apartheid, coined by Karen Washington, and how systemic issues like redlining and white flight have contributed to food deserts in Indianapolis. Sierra highlights the importance of food sovereignty, empowering local black farmers, grassroots organizations, and working-class communities. She shares her personal journey growing up with food insecurity, founding the Community Food Box Project in 2016, and its mission to provide small pantries throughout the city. They also talk about the impact of the government shutdown, the role of mutual aid, and the need for local food hubs. Sierra emphasizes supporting local farmers and avoiding the traditional non-profit industrial complex. Finally, they touch upon the significance of community-supported efforts and third spaces, like gardens and local eateries, in building and maintaining vibrant communities.

Third Space Indy is supported by City Rising

00:00 Understanding Food Apartheid and Food Sovereignty

01:24 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

01:55 Sierra Nuckols and the Community Food Box Project

04:54 Impact of Government Shutdown on Food Insecurity

09:45 The Concept of Food Sovereignty

13:59 Challenges and Realities of Food Insecurity

20:09 Community Efforts and Mutual Aid

21:59 Critique of Corporate Charity and Non-Profit Industrial Complex

28:57 Geographical Focus and Community Gardens

30:28 Introduction to Grassroots Organizations

30:54 Focus Families and Community Gardening

32:05 Third Space Indy Sponsorship

32:21 Unexpected Guests and Conversations

33:44 Defining Third Spaces

34:42 Personal Third Spaces and Sobriety

40:41 Community Building Through Food

41:43 Working at Tinker Street

43:01 Shoutouts and Restaurant Experiences

45:32 Final Thoughts and Farewells

Creating Artistic Third Spaces in Indianapolis

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

Alexa Adamson, owner of Alley Cat Ceramics and Patina Art Gallery, and

Alyssa Ream, owner of Groovy Greenhouse Studio. They explore the concept

of third spaces as welcoming havens for the creative and quirky souls

of Indianapolis. The discussion covers the personal journeys of Alexa

and Alyssa, their unique art businesses, and their mission to foster a

supportive and inclusive art community. They highlight the significance

of small business collaborations, the evolving art scene in

Indianapolis, and the importance of maintaining spaces that feel like an

extension of home. The episode wraps up with the upcoming Dime District

Drive event, showcasing the vibrant small business community on 10th

Street.

Third Space Indy is supported by City Rising

00:00 Introduction to Third Space Indy

00:58 Meet the Artistic Creators

02:30 Alexa's Journey with Ceramics

03:10 Alyssa's Stained Glass Story

04:23 The Community and Business Dynamics

06:15 The Importance of Shared Spaces

07:57 Challenges and Rewards of Running a Business

10:34 The Art Community in Indianapolis

22:20 Advocacy and Personal Beliefs in Business

28:01 Friendship and Support Systems

35:14 Adjusting Sleep Schedules

35:44 Small Business Saturday Plans

36:23 The Dime District Drive

38:38 Exciting Shuttle Rides

39:39 Community and Collaboration

41:43 Reflecting on Third Spaces

52:40 Favorite Asian Food in Indianapolis

55:46 Changes in Indianapolis Over 10 Years

59:45 Future Visions for Indianapolis

01:01:33 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

Discovering Community Through Nature with Anna Darling

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

his wife, Anna Darling, a Fox 59 reporter, to reflect on their shared

experiences in various communities from West Lafayette to Fayetteville

and back to Indianapolis. They discuss the significance of nature as a

third space, recount vibrant memories of college dorm life, and the

transition into adulthood making friends in new cities. Anna shares her

favorite third spaces, including the parks and local businesses in each

city, and reflects on cherished memories of camping with her family. The

episode highlights the importance of human connection and discovering

community wherever you are.

Third Space Indy is supported by City Rising

00:00 Finding Peace in Nature

01:38 Introduction to Third Space Indy

02:14 Meet Anna Darling

04:28 College Memories and Community

14:53 Life in West Lafayette

21:06 Moving to Fayetteville, Arkansas

31:47 Discovering City Park

32:25 Exploring the Monon Trail

33:38 Moving Back to Indianapolis

34:06 Perceptions of Indianapolis

35:55 Rediscovering Local Areas

38:09 The Charm of Garfield Park

42:12 The Power of Third Spaces

46:34 Reflecting on Family Camping

48:51 Nostalgia for Old Malls

51:45 Closing Thoughts and Questions

Self-Advocacy and Community Building: A Conversation with Nora Elder

In this episode of Third Space Indy, host Michael Zarick interviews Nora Elder, a self-advocacy strategist and founder of Marble, LLC. They discuss the importance of knowing oneself to better engage with and build meaningful communities. Nora shares her personal journey from a corporate job to starting her own business, spurred by the sudden loss of her pet and a desire for meaningful work. She explains the concept of 'getting selfish'—belonging to oneself—and its crucial role in self-advocacy. They also touch upon the connection between self-advocacy and third spaces, emphasizing the value of internal work in forming strong community ties. Lastly, they discuss Nora's current projects, including her workshops and part-time jobs that enrich her sense of community in Indianapolis.

Third Space Indy is supported by City Rising

00:00 Introduction to Self-Advocacy and Third Spaces

01:19 Meet the Host: Michael Zarick

01:47 Podcast Overview and Announcements

02:27 Introducing Today's Guest: Nora Elder

03:28 Nora's Journey to Self-Advocacy

04:14 The Birth of Marble, LLC

06:22 Navigating Career Changes and Personal Loss

13:44 Balancing Multiple Roles and Community Building

22:10 The Concept of 'Getting Selfish'

36:09 Sustaining a Business with Flexible Pricing

36:32 The Value of Community Workshops

38:04 Exploring Third Spaces and Their Importance

38:22 Sponsorship and Community Impact

39:24 Defining and Reflecting on Third Spaces

43:09 Memorable Third Spaces from the Past

47:13 Fun and Thought-Provoking Questions

50:33 Books That Shaped Us

55:52 Winter Reflections and Community Building

01:00:06 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Us

This episode was thrown together quickly out of a desire to do SOMETHING.

There are over 40 million people nationwide, and 100k people on SNAP here in Indianapolis, and these folks are losing their benefits tomorrow. This puts a major strain on our local not-for-profit food systems, and people need help.

Nick Selm and I sat down to talk about this a bit this morning.

Patrick Armstrong on Community, Identity, and the Indianapolis Creative

Scene

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

Patrick Armstrong, local podcaster and creative community advocate.

Armstrong discusses various themes such as the challenges and support

systems within the Indianapolis creative scene, his personal journey as

an Asian American adoptee, and his efforts to support local artists.

Armstrong speaks about his live shows, the importance of authenticity in

supporting local talent, and the concept of 'third spaces' where people

can engage and feel safe. The conversation highlights the

transformative power of community and the need for spaces where people

can genuinely connect and express themselves.

Third Space Indy is supported by City Rising

00:00 Introduction to Indy and Its People

01:15 Host Introduction and Call for Audience Participation

02:34 Guest Introduction: Patrick Armstrong

07:09 Patrick's Journey and Personal Growth

12:59 Exploring Identity and Culture

24:46 Parenthood and Community Engagement

30:05 Indianapolis Hip Hop Scene

41:37 The Joys of Podcasting

45:45 Unfiltered Moments and Comedy Bang Bang

47:10 Transitioning Topics and Episode Length

47:27 Sponsor Shoutout and Third Space Discussion

50:51 Reflecting on Personal Third Spaces

56:05 Local Artists and Music Scene

01:03:54 Favorite Meals and Restaurant Recommendations

01:15:23 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts

Third Space Indy: Celebrating Community Journalism with Mirror Indy

In this episode of Third Space Indy, host Michael Zarick is joined by Ariana Beedie, Community Journalism Director, and Ebony Chappel, Director of Brand and Community Strategy, both from Mirror Indy. They discuss the importance of local journalism in Indianapolis, Mirror Indy's mission, and its impact on the community. The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of launching a nonprofit newsroom, the significance of community engagement, and the vital role of neighborhood reporters. The guests also share personal stories and reflect on the true essence and resilience of Indianapolis. The episode highlights the importance of creating trust in journalism, the efforts to make news accessible to everyone, and the future goals of Mirror Indy.

Third Space Indy is supported by City Rising

00:00 Introduction and Audio Disclaimer

01:01 Meet the Guests: Ariana Beedie and Ebony Chappel

01:39 The Mission of Mirror Indy

02:07 Community Engagement and Trust Building

05:08 The Role of Free Press Indiana

09:20 Challenges and Opportunities in Local Journalism

22:34 Personal Reflections and Future Goals

27:23 Advice for Aspiring Journalists

36:19 Navigating Legitimacy and Community Building

37:40 The Importance of Consistency in Community Engagement

40:22 The Concept of Third Spaces

42:42 Personal Stories and Community Impact

54:26 Reflections on Indianapolis

01:01:56 Closing Thoughts and Future Questions

Exploring Proof: A Midwest Lit Fest: Conversations with Indianapolis' Literary Community

Michael Zarick, host of Third Space Indy, is invited by Indiana Humanities to Proof: A Midwest Lit Fest at the Harrison Center, Indianapolis. He engages in insightful discussions with various figures from the local literary scene, including bookstore owners, writers, and volunteers. Key conversations highlight the vibrant literary community, the importance of mutual support among local businesses, and the transformative power of literacy. Guests share their experiences and the impact of events like Proof in fostering a literary hub in Indianapolis. The episode underscores the potential for community-building and cultural enrichment through literary engagement.

00:00 Welcome to Third Space Indy

00:51 Introducing Jake Budler

02:00 The Essence of Proof: A Midwest Lit Fest

06:33 Sara from Golden Hour Books

11:25 Elysia from Irvington Books and Vinyl

17:19 Dr. Adam Henze on Indianapolis Literary Scene

21:39 Keauan Michael Brown of Ujaama Books

26:46 The Joy of Storytelling

27:03 Shoutouts and Local Highlights

27:44 Interview with Indiana Humanities

33:15 Paws & Think: Reading to Dogs

36:39 Ray Bradbury Center Insights

43:02 Kid's Ink Books: A New Chapter

47:16 Each Other's Books: A Friendship Story

51:33 Indy Reads: Literacy and Community

56:14 Conclusion

Community Building at Third Space Indy with Teddrick Hardy

In this episode of Third Space Indy, host Michael Zarick is joined by Teddrick Hardy, the president of Friends of Belmont Beach. They delve into the significance of community spaces and how Belmont Beach, a historically significant area for Black residents, has been revitalized through a team effort. They discuss the importance of creating safe, inclusive spaces without heavily relying on financial resources, emphasizing the role of genuine community effort. Teddrick shares insights into his background, his journey from being a promoter to fostering community spaces, and his aspirations for the future. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes, the different communities within Indianapolis, and the value of building inclusive and vibrant public spaces.

Third Space Indy is supported by City Rising

00:00 Introduction to Community Spaces

00:52 Meet Teddrick Hardy: President of Belmont Beach

01:07 The History of Belmont Beach

05:54 Revitalizing Belmont Beach

11:03 Community Events and Activities

14:34 Challenges and Triumphs

23:02 The Role of a Promoter

26:08 Transition to Marketing and Sponsorship

27:11 Introduction to Mark Latta and City Rising

28:54 Understanding the Concept of Third Space

29:55 Personal Reflections on Community Spaces

34:05 The Story of Tiki Bobs

38:17 Belmont Beach and Community Engagement

41:18 Future Aspirations and Personal Growth

43:53 Final Thoughts and Shoutouts