On this week's episode, Lionel Hardin and Eli Fooliano of True Dirtbag stop by to share the raw, resilient journey behind their lifestyle and fashion brand, born from music, friendship, and creative hustle. From makeshift studios to community building in Indianapolis, the heads of TDB open up about brotherhood, grief, gatekeeping, and staying authentic in the face of it all.

Check out True Def Brand: https://truedirtbag.com/
Follow Lionel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truedirtbag_tdb/
Follow Eli on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tdb6ix/

0:00 – Welcome to 2025 & Intro to TDB

1:03 – Meet Lionel & Eli

2:33 – Art, Imagination & Origins

3:32 – How Music Bonded Them

8:08 – Creating True Dirt Bag

10:03 – Grief, Growth & Tears of Joy

15:21 – From Brand Joke to Movement

20:10 – Moving to Indy & Rebuilding

25:56 – Paying It Forward & Supporting Creatives

31:17 – First Pop-Up & Wave One Realizations

38:41 – Fashion, Frequency & Believing in Each Other

43:05 – Building a Creative Community

45:14 – Gatekeeping, Ego, and Staying Authentic

47:36 – Accessibility, Aura, and Taking the Leap

52:07 – Real Community vs Just Sharing Space

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: T2 Performance (https://www.instagram.com/t2sportsperformance/)

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

On this week's episode, Amiah Mims, designer, muralist, and founder of Works by Mimsy, stops by the show to talk about her art, which is featured across Indianapolis and now center stage for WNBA All-Star 2025. From "The Gymnast' to graphic designer to full-time creative, Amiah shares how she blends art and design, navigates identity and intention, and creates meaningful work that honors her community. She also teases what we can expect to see this year at the Indianapolis Arts Garden celebrating women's basketball, in partnership with the Indy Arts Council.

Learn more about Works by Mimsy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worksbymimsy/

This episode is brought to you by the Indy Arts Council. Indy Arts Council is central Indiana’s leading arts advocacy and services agency. They believe every resident of Indianapolis should experience arts and culture in a way that nourishes and inspires them. This vision is central to the work they do to support artists, arts organizations and the community. Learn more about their work, including what they have going on during AT&T WNBA All-Star 2025, here: https://indyarts.org/all-star-2025/

0:00 - Intro & WNBA All-Star Weekend
1:30 - Meet Amiah Mims
4:30 - From gymnast to artist
7:00 - Early artistic influences
10:00 - Graphic design vs. art
14:00 - Navigating creativity with intention
20:00 - Saying yes to the right projects
23:30 - Murals and meaning: BLM and Recorder projects
31:00 - Generational impact & family collaborations
36:00 - Amiah and sports fandom
39:00 - WNBA All-Star art: "For You"
45:00 - Give Em Their Flowers segment
50:00 - Local artists to follow
53:00 - Ways to support Amiah
56:00 - Closing remarks

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Madeline!!!

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Riley Van Buskirk

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

On this week’s episode of Conversation Piece, Jenny Boyts, the powerhouse CEO of Forty5 Presents, stops by to unpack how sports, identity, and community shaped her life’s mission to convene inclusive, joyful experiences in Indianapolis. Jenny dives deep into her own story, from queer identity formation to the emotional work of building safe, intentional spaces in a divided world. With heart, humor, and hard truths, Jenny and Patrick show that real community starts with courageous curiosity and radical care.

Connect with Jenny on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jboyts/
Learn more about Forty5 Presents: https://www.forty5.com/

0:00 – Welcome Back

1:00 – Jenny Boyd Joins the Show

3:00 – First Impressions of Indy

6:00 – Sports, City, and Belonging

8:00 – Roots in Community

10:00 – Communal Care as Self-Care

13:00 – Finding Your People

16:00 – Growing Up Queer in Texas

18:00 – Colorblindness and Identity

21:00 – The Text That Changed Everything

25:00 – Healing Isn’t Linear

28:00 – Breaking Generational Patterns

31:00 – Safe Spaces Aren’t for Everyone

33:00 – Lessons from Indy Pride

36:00 – Leadership with Care

40:00 – Leading Without Compromise

43:00 – Fearless Community Building

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Phyllis Boyd

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Durham Visuals

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

On this episode of Conversation Piece, Michael Herrick, a prolific music video director, stops by the studio to talk about some of his favorite things he's ever done. Michael shares how his career has evolved, his love for community-driven art, balancing the challenges of fatherhood, and his aspirations to elevate the Indianapolis creative scene. He also shares insights into collaboration, the value of staying local, and the power of creating meaningful art.

Learn more about Michael: https://michaelherrick.co/
Follow Michael on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelherrick_/
And on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michaelherrick_

00:00: Intro to Conversation Piece

00:24: Welcoming Michael Herrick

01:08: "The Jake Huber of Emo Music Videos"

02:52: Practicality in Filmmaking

03:38: Starting Out in Midwest Emo Scenes

08:22: Turning Passion into a Career

12:36: Full Circle Moments and Creative Freedom

16:05: Collaborating with Major Names

22:04: Navigating Challenges with First-Time Bands

25:08: Balancing Artist and Label Expectations

27:06: Supporting Creativity in Indianapolis

31:18: Building Community in a Non-Union Industry

33:09: Fatherhood and Its Impact on Creativity

37:55: Creative Aspirations for His Daughter

41:03: Dream Collaborations and Artistic Goals

47:03: Balancing Vision and Responsibility as a Creator

51:06: Closing Thoughts and How to Support Michael

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: JAKE HUBER

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

On this episode of The Open Door, Mikey Levine, a creative and musician from Indianapolis, to discuss identity, culture, and the transformative power of humility in personal and professional growth. From navigating the complexities of being an adoptee to finding connection through basketball and music, Mikey shares his journey of self-discovery and community impact.

Connect with Mikey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikey.levine/
Follow Mikey's music on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeyy.mp3/

0:00: Welcome and Introduction

2:15: Meet Mikey Levine

5:40: Unpacking Identity and Adoption

12:25: Navigating Culture and Community

18:50: Humility and Growth Through Basketball

26:30: Finding Connection in Indianapolis

32:15: Asian Representation in Sports

39:00: Supporting Mikey and Closing Thoughts

The Open Door is a series where once a month we literally open the studio door and invite folks from the community to sit down with us and talk about whatever is on their hearts. To learn more go to https://bit.ly/opendoor2024.

Shout out to Life in Indy for sponsoring this initiative! Life in Indy is your comprehensive guide to the Indianapolis region. This site gives you a full virtual tour experience, so you can explore our community and discover where in Indy is the best place for your new home. Learn more at https://www.lifeinindy.com/

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Durham Visuals

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

On this episode of The Open Door, Connor Edwards, CEO of Limitless Ability, stops by to discuss his mission of fostering inclusivity for people with disabilities through grassroots events like inclusive concerts and adaptive activities in Indianapolis. Connor emphasizes the importance of creating spaces where everyone can participate equally, promoting "radical inclusion" in everyday experiences.

Learn more about Limitless Ability: https://limitlessabilityindiana.org/
Connect with LA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/limitless_ability_indiana/

0:00: Welcome to The Open Door

1:30: Meet Connor Edwards

3:45: The Vision for Radical Inclusion

7:20: Small Changes, Big Impacts on Accessibility

10:50: Why Inclusion Can Feel Challenging

14:30: Creating Inclusive Concert Experiences

18:15: Impact and Feedback from the Community

22:40: Normalizing Disability Representation

The Open Door is a series where once a month we literally open the studio door and invite folks from the community to sit down with us and talk about whatever is on their hearts. To learn more go to https://bit.ly/opendoor2024.

Shout out to Life in Indy for sponsoring this initiative! Life in Indy is your comprehensive guide to the Indianapolis region. This site gives you a full virtual tour experience, so you can explore our community and discover where in Indy is the best place for your new home. Learn more at https://www.lifeinindy.com/

Support the show

Subscribe to the newsletter.

Leave a review.

Check out our website.

Connect with us on Instagram.

Connect with Patrick

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Durham Visuals

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

On this episode of The Open Door, Natalie Harris, B2B operations and events manager at Grounded Floral Co., stops by to share her journey of returning to Indianapolis and her passion for plants. Natalie explores the connection between plants, community, and storytelling, offering insights into the transformative impact of greenery on spaces and lives.

Connect with Grounded on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/groundedplantfloralco/
Reach out to Natalie: natalie@groundedindy.com

00:00: Welcome to The Open Door
01:30: Introducing Natalie Harris
03:15: Returning to Indianapolis
05:45: Grounded’s Mission and Green Spaces
08:10: The Emotional Connection to Plants
11:25: Helping New Plant Owners
14:00: Plants and Community Building
16:45: Storytelling Through Plants
20:15: What Indianapolis Means to Natalie
23:30: Ways to Support Natalie and Grounded

The Open Door is a series where once a month we literally open the studio door and invite folks from the community to sit down with us and talk about whatever is on their hearts. To learn more go to https://bit.ly/opendoor2024.

Shout out to Life in Indy for sponsoring this initiative! Life in Indy is your comprehensive guide to the Indianapolis region. This site gives you a full virtual tour experience, so you can explore our community and discover where in Indy is the best place for your new home. Learn more at https://www.lifeinindy.com/

Support the show

Subscribe to the newsletter.

Leave a review.

Check out our website.

Connect with us on Instagram.

Connect with Patrick

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Durham Visuals

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

On this week's episode of Conversation Piece, cultural entrepreneur and creative executive Mali Bacon drops by the studio to reflect on her journey of introspection, healing, and leadership in Indianapolis' creative community. Mali shares what personal storytelling means to her, how she learned to lean into vulnerability, and the impact that she has had on the community and culture of Indianapolis -- and vice versa.

Connect with Mali (and write a love letter): https://www.instagram.com/malinasimone/
Learn more about GANGGANG: https://ganggangculture.com/
Volunteer for BUTTER Fine Art Fair: https://butterartfair.com/

Don't forget to pray and be kind.

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: Judi, Mali's mom!

Support the show

Subscribe to the newsletter.

Leave a review.

Check out our website.

Connect with us on Instagram.

Connect with Patrick

Instagram

LinkedIn

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Durham Visuals

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog

• (00:00) - – Intro and Welcome
• (02:15) - – Meeting Mali Bacon
• (04:30) - – The State of Being
• (10:20) - – Personal Storytelling and Vulnerability
• (16:05) - – Life Phases and Identity
• (24:45) - – Creative Beginnings
• (31:00) - – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• (37:20) - – Indianapolis as Home
• (42:10) - – Give Them Their Flowers
• (47:50) - – Creative Aspirations for Indianapolis
• (51:30) - – Supporting Mali and GANGGANG
• (54:00) - – Closing Remarks