Episode 143: In Conversation with Ruba Marshood Recorded live at Indy Reads in Fountain Square (October 2025)In this live episode of Conversation Piece, host Patrick Armstrong sits down with Ruba Marshood, CEO of Indy Reads, for a wide-ranging conversation about literacy, identity, community, and what it truly means to be seen.Ruba shares her personal journey as a first-generation Palestinian American, her path from global community development work to local impact in Indianapolis, and how literacy extends far beyond reading and writing into confidence, agency, and belonging. Together, Patrick and Ruba unpack literacy as a relational practice—one that can either reinforce systems of oppression or open doors to liberation, understanding, and shared humanity.Recorded in the Indy Reads bookstore, this conversation highlights the power of place, storytelling, and community-centered learning—and why creating space for people to tell their own stories matters now more than ever.Learn more about Indy Reads: https://indyreads.org/Subscribe to the newsletter: https://patrickintheworld.substack.com/Full archives: https://conversationpiecepod.com/Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpiecepod/Produced and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongFilmed and edited by: Ziad HefniEngineered and mixed by: Popular RaptureFilmed at: Indy ReadsMusic by: Mandog

On this episode of In Conversation With, Chef Tyler Shortt, Executive Chef of Tinker Street, takes the mic and explores how food becomes a vehicle for memory, culture, and community. From family chicken fries and New York kitchens to sourcing locally and leading collaboratively, Chef Tyler reflects on putting “himself on the plate” and building something intentional—both inside the kitchen and beyond it.Learn more about Tinker Street Restaurant: https://tinkerstreetrestaurant.com/🍽️ Featured Dish Chef Tyler’s Signature Fried Chicken A deeply personal dish rooted in family recipes, Southern soul food traditions, and years of refinement—served alongside collard greens, mashed potatoes, and gravy.🌸 Give Them Their FlowersChef Tyler gives flowers to Chef Youssef Boudarine for his commitment to uplifting diverse cuisines, supporting small businesses, and expanding the culinary imagination of Indianapolis through Epicurean Indy.🪴 Mentioned in This EpisodeEleven Madison Park (NYC): https://www.elevenmadisonpark.com/Epicurean Indy: https://www.epicureanindy.com/Junior Chef Academy Indianapolis: https://www.jcaindy.com/Subscribe to the newsletter (out Mondays): https://patrickintheworld.substack.com/Full archives: https://conversationpiecepod.com/Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpiecepod/Produced and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongFilmed and edited by: Mike Lee ProductionsEngineered and mixed by: Popular RaptureFilmed at: draft creative spaceMusic by: Mandog

🕯️ This Week’s Conversation: Mid-Cycle Map Rigging with Sen. Andrea HunleyIn this urgent conversation, Indiana State Senator Andrea Hunley breaks down the push to redraw Indiana’s congressional maps mid-cycle. We unpack what triggered this attempt, why it has more to do with DC politics than Hoosier interests, how gerrymandering works in practice, and what constituents can do right now to protect fair representation.A clear, accessible, and empowering explainer for anyone trying to understand the stakes of Indiana’s redistricting fight.Learn more about Andrea’s work here.🌸 Mentioned in this EpisodeIndiana General Assembly (IGA) websiteIndiana Voters websiteLearn more about redistricting💭 Question of the WeekWhat musician/musical act do people NEED to hear before they leave this mortal plane?My next guest is real cool. Stay tuned 👀*This is a special presentation of episode 005 of From the Kitchen Table, host Patrick Armstrong's audio-only, Substack exclusive show. Listen and subscribe for free.*

On this episode of The Open Door, Amber Gyselinck-Snyder, founder of Lapis Lily Market and Trinket Club Indy, stops by the studio to talk about trinkets, creativity, community building, and the joy of tiny cute things. Amber shares her journey from vintage seller and wholesaler to opening her first storefront and cultivating a growing community of makers, collectors, and curious creatives.Learn more about Lapis Lily Market: https://lapislilymarket.com/Connect with Trinket Club Indy: https://www.instagram.com/trinketclubindy/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/Subscribe to the newsletter (out Mondays): https://patrickintheworld.substack.com/Full archives: https://conversationpiecepod.com/Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpiecepod/Produced and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongFilmed and edited by: Mike Lee ProductionsEngineered and mixed by: Popular RaptureMusic by: Mandog

Recorded August 2025 -- For the third installment of In Conversation With, Patrick sits down with Chreece Festival Director and multidisciplinary creative Jane Sun Kim for a vulnerable, energizing conversation about community, creativity, curation, identity, and the decade-long evolution of Indianapolis’ premier independent hip-hop festival. Together they explore affirmation, failure, representation, and what it truly takes to build spaces where artists can grow and thrive.Connect with Jane: https://www.instagram.com/vulturesonly/Learn more about Chreece: https://www.chreeceaf.com/Subscribe to the newsletter (out Mondays): https://patrickintheworld.substack.com/Full archives: https://conversationpiecepod.com/Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationpiecepod/Produced and hosted by: Patrick ArmstrongFilmed and edited by: Apicem StudiosEngineered by: Popular Rapture