Third Space Indy

Michael Zarick

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. 12/15/2025

    Discussing Disability within Community with Karly Keiper

    Exploring Disability Advocacy with Karly Keiper In this episode of Third Space Indy, host Michael Zarick interviews Karly Keiper, Professor of Disability Advocacy at Butler University. They discuss the concept of Third Places as outlined by Ray Oldenburg and explore Karly’s work in disability advocacy. The conversation delves into the importance of recognizing and advocating for people with disabilities, even those with invisible or less apparent disabilities such as anxiety or depression. Karly shares insights on teaching students about the history and ongoing fight for disability rights, including significant events like the section 504 sit-in. The episode highlights everyday actions listeners can take to support accessibility and references Karly’s personal journey in embracing her own disabilities. This thoughtful discussion emphasizes the need for community, accessibility, and breaking down stigmas associated with disabilities. 00:00 Introduction to Third Space Indy 00:43 Meet Karly Keiper: Disability Advocacy at Butler University 02:05 The Importance of Disability Advocacy 04:12 Teaching Disability History: The Fight for ADA 04:38 The 504 Sit-In: A Historic Protest 10:19 Personal Stories and Classroom Experiences 15:39 Understanding Invisible Disabilities 36:08 The Impact of Trauma and Disability 38:49 Challenges of Navigating the World with Disabilities 39:28 The Importance of Accessibility in Daily Life 40:32 Reed Davenport's Documentaries on Disability 41:36 Campus Accessibility Issues 44:14 The Concept of Third Spaces 45:22 Personal Stories and Reflections on Accessibility 49:01 Community and Social Impact 01:01:54 Practical Tips for Supporting Accessibility 01:11:02 Final Thoughts and Outro

    1h 12m
  2. 12/01/2025

    Local Restaurants have Stories to Tell with Amanda Gibson at Macizo

    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. 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

    1h 27m
  3. 11/24/2025

    A Little Thanksgiving Food Sovereignty with Sierra Nuckols

    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. 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

    50 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 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.

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