Third Space Indy

Michael Zarick
  • 5.0 (5)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Third Space Indy is a podcast about the people shaping Indianapolis from the ground up. Host Michael Zarick sits down with community organizers, creatives, and neighborhood leaders to explore how we build connection in an age of disconnection. Each episode highlights the work being done to reimagine a more vibrant, inclusive, and rooted future — one conversation at a time.

  1. 1D AGO

    A Rolling Third Space in Indy with Keith Hutchison

    Host Michael Zarick of Third Space Indy interviews Indianapolis cyclist Keith Hutchison at Highland Park about building community on bikes through Bike Party and bicycle riding groups. Keith, an Indianapolis native who returned in 2011 after 17 years in Colorado partly to ride here, describes Bike Party as a free, monthly, second-Tuesday ride begun in April 2016 that now draws up to nearly 1,000 riders in summer and continues year-round with volunteer, consensus-based planning and route test rides. They discuss Indianapolis’s cycling history and growing infrastructure (bike lanes, Cultural Trail, Monon), the social “yes-and” spontaneity of biking, and exploring alleys and overlooked routes. Keith emphasizes the overlooked middle space between sport cycling and advocacy: riding bikes for fun, freedom, and low-barrier third spaces, and notes the rise of women-centered groups in the local scene. Third Space Indy is support by City Rising (https://cityrising.org/) Third Space Indy is support by Proformus (https://www.proformus.com/) 00:00 Cycling Should Be Fun 01:00 Third Place Concept 01:37 Meet Keith Hutchison 02:30 What Is Bike Party 04:38 Keith’s Bike Roots 05:29 Indy’s Cycling Comeback 08:32 From Full Moon to Bike Party 10:43 Dirt Bags and City Exploring 11:38 How Routes Get Planned 14:01 A Free Rolling Third Space 15:40 Bike Tribes and DIY Groups 19:41 Highland Park Bike Hub 21:47 Etiquette and Street Culture 23:31 Exploration and Presence 28:35 Inclusive Groups Growing 31:56 Bikes as Simple Transport 34:08 We Are Traffic Too 35:16 Defining Third Space 36:59 Third Place vs Space 37:28 Bike Party Vibes 39:29 Routes Distance Starts 42:00 Rules Safety Traffic 42:21 Lost Third Spaces 49:13 World We Want 52:24 Internet Social Media 59:31 Indy Bike Culture 01:03:39 Next Guest Question 01:04:38 Where To Find Keith 01:05:31 Bike Party Links Outro

    1h 7m

  2. MAR 30

    Yearning and Learning in Indianapolis with Auboni Essence

    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

    1h 11m

  3. MAR 23

    Save It For Another Podcast with AJ Carr-Canary

    In this episode of Third Space Indy, host Michael Zarick interviews AJ Carr-Canary, owner of DID Fit Studio, an aerial arts studio in Indianapolis. AJ shares her path from mechanical engineer at Rolls Royce to instructor, then studio owner. They discuss building a welcoming, judgment-free community, open houses, and collaborations with local groups. AJ emphasizes that pole fitness exists because of strippers, advocates sex positivity, and describes how the studio supports and discounts sex workers while educating newcomers without condescension. The conversation also touches on third spaces, personal hobbies, and public transit needs in Indy. Third Space Indy is supported by City Rising 00:00 Sex Work Origins 00:38 Third Place Intro 01:08 Meet DID Fit Studio 02:16 Spring Showcase Plans 04:25 What The Studio Is 07:22 From Engineer To Owner 12:12 Why Community Matters 13:31 Honoring Sex Workers 14:41 Sex Positive Education 16:55 Aerial Apparatuses Tour 18:33 Finding Adult Community 22:03 First Class Nerves 24:17 Defining Sexy Energy 26:33 Heels Show And Tell 28:27 Politics And Small Business 29:29 Canned Questions Bit 30:18 Sponsor Shoutout 30:43 Defining Third Space 32:21 Cats Gym And Reading 34:40 Fantasy Books Deep Dive 36:15 Being A Student Too 36:47 Heels Classes And Workshops 38:38 A Third Space Lost 42:44 What Indy Is Missing 49:22 Small Business Reality 52:17 Fugler Studio Mascots 53:37 Next Guest Question 55:44 Wrap Up And Where To Find 57:10 Final Thanks And Credits

    58 min

  4. MAR 16

    Spilling a Secret About Tomorrow with Anna Rhodes-Steckbeck

    Host Michael Zarick talks with Anna Rhodes-Steckbeck about being a connector in Indianapolis through events, relationships, and sharing what’s happening around the city. Anna, a former kindergarten teacher and serial yes-sayer with multiple jobs, describes her goal of making people feel safe and comfortable and explains how she fell into working with Tomorrow Bookstore. She reveals Tomorrow’s “Booked for Tomorrow” project: a mobile book bike that will pop up at farmers markets, parks, local businesses, and private events like weddings, with curated selections based on the occasion. They discuss what Anna is reading, why local bookstores matter as community spaces, and the Indy Indie Book Crawl’s role in supporting bookstores during a tough season. Anna shares why she chose to fall back in love with Indy after the pandemic by intentionally finding and promoting cool, sometimes hard-to-find community happenings. Third Space Indy is supported by City Rising 00:00 Why I Share Indy 00:45 What Is a Third Place 01:12 Meet Anna Rhodes 03:30 Community Instigator 05:55 Infinite Jobs Life 08:56 Reading and Recharge 11:47 Finding Tomorrow Books 13:16 Booked for Tomorrow Bike 17:50 Indy Indie Book Crawl 24:03 Why Bookstores Matter 25:46 Owning Books vs Library 28:20 Loving Indianapolis 30:03 Falling Back for Indy 31:12 Reddit Says Bored 32:28 Going Solo Together 34:04 Sponsor and Third Place 35:11 Why Garfield Park 36:24 Lost Third Space Memory 39:35 What Makes a Third Space 44:43 Book Bike Logistics 49:02 Cartoon Uniform Question 51:19 What Indy Still Needs 52:52 Wrap Up and Plugs 53:52 Final Thanks and Credits

    55 min

  5. MAR 9

    Free Yourself from Consumerism with Carly and Mads (Swap Sesh)

    Host Michael Zarick interviews Mads Gullion and Carly Valentine of Swap Sesh, a free monthly clothing exchange. Started by Carly about two years ago and later co-led with Mads, Swap Sesh now meets at the Garfield Park Arts Center every third Saturday (12:00–2:30), where attendees bring up to 10 items. They discuss how swaps help people experiment with style without the cost and pressure of shopping, and how the project supports anti-consumerism and waste reduction amid large amounts of textile waste. They reflect on community-building through regular attendees, mending and repair workshops, and concerns about enabling overconsumption, emphasizing the community impact. Third Space Indy is supported by City Rising 00:00 Why Swaps Matter 00:54 Third Place Intro 01:40 Meet Swap Sesh Hosts 03:33 How They Met 06:07 What Is Swap Sesh 07:23 Why They Started 09:18 Textile Waste Reality 10:10 Community Closet Idea 12:54 Who Shows Up 14:41 Indy Gay Market Tangent 16:21 Building Friendships 17:34 Finding a New Home 18:52 Mending and Repair 19:46 Reduce Reuse Recycle 21:03 Anti Consumerism Talk 23:33 Are Swaps Enabling 26:43 Invite and Next Swap 28:34 Style Evolution 29:32 Swap Finds and Style Experiments 30:19 Menswear Limits and Pocket Politics 32:36 Gendered Fashion and Wearing What You Want 33:56 Cars, Athleisure, and Fashion Shifts 37:56 Uniform Dreams and Workwear Comfort 39:48 Sponsor Break and Defining Third Space 41:09 College Third Spaces and Lost Hangouts 45:37 Neighborhoods, Libraries, and Childhood Spaces 49:46 Yearly Reflection and Spoon Theory 55:15 Next Guest Questions and Wrap Up

    1 hr

  6. MAR 2

    Unplanned, Unscheduled, Gluten Free with Hayley McGinley Founder of Native Bread

    Native Bread’s Hayley McGinley on Building an Allergen-Free Bakery Michael Zarick hosts Third Space Indy and interviews Hayley McGinley, founder of Native Bread, an Indianapolis bakery that is 100% gluten-free and free of top allergens. Hayley shares how, after discovering a gluten sensitivity in 2015 during a Whole30, she started an artisan gluten-free bakery in 2016, growing from home recipe testing and Facebook sales to scaling production through shared kitchens like ClusterTruck and Duos while working a full-time job. They discuss food restriction and exclusion, local dining favorites, and how Native Bread helps families feel welcomed. Third Space Indy is supported by City Rising 00:00 Food Freedom at Native Bread 01:14 Welcome to Third Space Indy 02:14 Allergen Free Bakery Mission 04:43 Baking Roots and Family 06:38 Discovering Gluten Sensitivity 09:55 Starting the Bakery Idea 12:24 Humble Beginnings and Scaling 20:37 COVID Yeast Shortage Panic 22:07 Living with Food Restrictions 25:42 Favorite Local Spots and Global Eats 32:12 Outspoken Values as a Business 32:40 History Awakening 34:55 From BLM to Gaza 36:41 Anti BDS Laws 41:03 Pushback and Trolls 44:56 Social Media Truths 45:51 Small Actions Matter 46:52 Canned Questions Begin 47:59 North Mass Third Space 51:04 Polyamory and Safety 52:52 Lost Third Spaces 56:02 Procrastination and Decisions 01:01:56 Wrap Up and Where to Find 01:03:07 Final Thanks and Outro

    1h 5m

  7. FEB 23

    What is IUYA? with Wendy and Sayra

    Third Space Indy: Sayra and Wendy of the Indiana Undocumented Youth Alliance (IUYA) Host Michael Zarick welcomes listeners to Third Space Indy and interviews Sayra and Wendy from the Indiana Undocumented Youth Alliance (IUYA). Sayra explains IUYA’s origins in 2012 after anti-immigrant legislation and the passage of HB 1402 in 2011, which removed in-state tuition for undocumented students; the group initially fundraised through yard sales to award two $500 scholarships to Ivy Tech students and later incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in 2015. The conversation covers IUYA’s evolution into statewide “know your rights” workshops with attorneys during President Trump’s first presidency, emergency resources, a social justice mentorship program, ongoing scholarships, referrals and resource connections, community safety trainings, and current financial assistance for families impacted by ICE (including utilities, rent, and attorney fees). Wendy and Sayra discuss continuing their work despite being targeted, emphasizing long-standing community roots and the need to keep moving forward. They reflect on organizing history around the Dream Act, civil disobedience at the State House, and how youth organizing pressured the creation of DACA. The episode addresses Indiana’s SB 76 and how IUYA focuses on centering community needs and responding to legislative impacts rather than legislative advocacy itself, while encouraging non-impacted people to get involved through time, skills, or donations. They share how to volunteer via iuya.org and by messaging IUYA on Instagram, and highlight Indy Rapid Response as a local network offering trainings, a community safety training on Monday, February 23 at 7:30 PM, and a hotline (855-589-4639) to report ICE sightings. Find IUYA online: Instagram/Facebook @undocuhoosier and iuya.org. Third Space Indy is supported by City Rising 00:00 Why We Keep Going: ‘Aquí estamos y no nos vamos’ 00:39 Welcome to Third Space Indy + Protecting Guest Identities 01:47 Meet Sayra & Wendy (Indiana Undocumented Youth Alliance) 02:48 How IUYA Started: HB 1402 and the Fight for In‑State Tuition 04:06 From Scholarships to Know‑Your‑Rights: IUYA’s Programs Grow 06:47 Living With a Target: Staying Unafraid and Unapologetic 09:41 Sayra’s Organizing Journey: Dream Act Protests to DACA Pressure 13:25 Wendy’s Perspective: Learning the History Behind DACA 15:14 What SB 76 Could Mean + IUYA’s Community-First Response 18:45 How Allies Can Help: Time, Talent, Treasure + Direct Family Support Fund 22:06 14 Years In: Community & Business Support in Indianapolis 25:30 More Ways to Get Involved: Indy Rapid Response & Safety Trainings 28:07 Rapid Response Hotline & Last Call for Registration 28:54 Sponsor Shout-Out + Defining a “Third Space” 31:13 Third Spaces We’ve Lost: Restaurant Kitchens & School Community 34:17 Teacher & Mentor Shout-Outs (and Service Industry Real Talk) 37:49 What Makes a Business Worth Supporting? Safety Signals & Community Boards 40:48 Policy Reality Check + How to Show Up for Neighbors 43:22 Question for the Next Guest: What Do You Procrastinate Most? 44:32 Where to Find IUYA + Final Thanks and Sign-Off

    47 min

  8. FEB 16

    Locally Grown Bad TV with Alexa Hill

    In this episode of Third Space Indy, host Michael Zarick talks with Alexa Hill, owner of Common Room Indy, a salon in Castleton that she describes as a “weird, gay, funky” safe space designed to feel more like a true community hub than a sterile, typical salon. They discuss the idea of “third places” and why salons naturally fit that definition through consistency, conversation, and trust. Alexa shares her 15-year journey in the hair industry, her business education, and how she ultimately took the leap from working in other salons before opening Common Room Indy. The conversation covers how her unapologetic, values-forward presence online helped the business grow, including a viral Instagram reel that brought in like-minded stylists and clients. Michael and Alexa also talk about being explicit about political and community values, creating visibly safe spaces, supporting businesses aligned with those values, and the importance of clarity when choosing where to spend money. Third Space Indy is supported by City Rising 00:00 Cold Open 01:29 Welcome to Third Space Indy 02:56 Meet Alexa Hill & Common Room Indy 05:45 Designing a Salon That Feels Like Home 07:47 “Therapy” in the Chair 09:17 The Gift of Gab 12:44 Why Hair Matters 17:39 From Cosmetology to Owner 20:59 Building the Team 24:18 Community Support & Local Spots 27:57 Choosing Castleton 29:16 Traffic, Parking, and Convenience 30:31 Serving Everyone 31:44 Why Hair Costs What It Costs 35:10 Hair Color Is Chemistry 36:17 Sponsor Break + Defining a ‘Third Space’ 37:56 The Common Room Book Club 41:01 Indy Book Crawl 44:04 Being a Good Neighbor 46:58 Burlesque Classes at She Shop Fitness 49:31 Question for the Next Guest + Where to Find Alexa & The Common Room (Wrap-Up)

    53 min
See All (50)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Third Space Indy is a podcast about the people shaping Indianapolis from the ground up. Host Michael Zarick sits down with community organizers, creatives, and neighborhood leaders to explore how we build connection in an age of disconnection. Each episode highlights the work being done to reimagine a more vibrant, inclusive, and rooted future — one conversation at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Zarick
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Michael Zarick
  • Show Website
    Third Space Indy

You Might Also Like