Host Michael Zarick interviews Indianapolis poet Auboni Hart (Auboni Essence) about performing writing, creating community “third places,” and her evolving pride in Naptown. They discuss how stage performance adds emotion and meaning beyond the page, Auboni’s rehearsal process, and her work with That Peace Open Mic, which she joined in 2017 and says has adapted through COVID with virtual shows and more spacing at in-person events. Auboni shares how she shifted from disliking Indianapolis to intentionally seeing its beauty, highlighting local bookstores, events, and favorite food spots. She describes a third space as somewhere you can show up without an expectation to spend money. Auboni also explains forming a one-off band for her Naptones award-show performance, being named a 2026 Art & Soul artist, and she performs her poem “Let Me Down Easy.”

Third Space Indy is supported by City Rising (cityrising.org)

00:00 What Is Performing

00:40 Intro

01:08 Meeting Auboni

04:47 Why Perform Poetry

07:37 Repping Indianapolis

12:47 Finding Your Community

14:54 Forming A One Off Band

18:34 That Peace Open Mic Origins

20:53 COVID And Open Mic Changes

30:07 Do I Get Art

35:05 Third Space Definition

36:52 Paying For Community

39:04 Values Over Convenience

39:38 Third Space Not Transaction

40:50 Lost Third Spaces

42:42 Childhood Porch Nostalgia

45:22 Ocean Versus Space

47:46 Space Curiosity Not Colonizing

50:20 Art and Soul Spotlight

53:03 Performing Writing Live

56:55 Feedback And Sensitivity

59:48 Poem: Let Me Down Easy

01:04:25 Freedom Reimagined Question

01:07:45 Where To Find Auboni

01:09:23 Final Thanks And Credits