Third Space Indy

Michael Zarick
  • 5.0 (4)
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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. 4D AGO

    Providing a Space for People to Move Their Bodies with Michael McReynolds aka Sweater Disco

    In this episode of the Third Space Indy podcast, host Michael Zarick reconnects with old friend and DJ, Michael McReynolds, also known as Sweater Disco. They discuss the evolution of Michael's music journey, from his high school days of experimenting with electronic music to becoming a well-known DJ in Indianapolis. Michael elaborates on the unique experiences of DJing, the importance of finding inspiration, and how his music serves as a diary reflecting different phases of his life. They also delve into the concept of 'Third Place' as coined by Ray Oldenberg, the challenges and community aspects of the local DJ scene, and share personal anecdotes about creating meaningful and accessible community spaces through music. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections 00:48 The Concept of the Third Place 01:17 Reconnecting with Michael McReynolds 02:59 The Origin of Sweater Disco 04:10 High School Memories and Early DJ Days 06:10 The Art and Craft of DJing 09:06 Challenges and Evolution in DJing 20:46 The Importance of Community and House Parties 26:10 Current Nightlife and Future Aspirations 32:55 Shoutouts to Local Talents 33:40 Discovering the Indianapolis Music Scene 35:55 The DJ Life and Music Production 40:00 Exploring Third Spaces 49:53 Reflecting on Past Third Spaces 52:51 Fun and Thought-Provoking Questions 58:26 Wrapping Up and Upcoming Events

    1h 1m

  2. 12/22/2025

    Creating Space for Kids with Lillian Barkes

    In this episode of Third Space Indy, host Michael Zarick interviews Lillian Barkes, CEO and Co-founder of Listen to Our Future. They discuss the systemic issues leading to youth violence, the importance of addressing root causes, and the significance of providing safe, supportive community spaces. Lillian shares her experiences growing up in Indianapolis, her journey into youth work, and the challenges faced during her teaching career, especially under COVID-19 conditions. They explore the concept of 'third places' and the impact of positive and negative influences on young people. Both emphasize the need for community support, grassroots initiatives, and systemic change to better the lives of youth in Indianapolis. 00:00 Early Childhood Reflections 01:47 The Concept of Third Place 02:17 Meeting Lillian Barkes 03:30 Introduction to Listen to Our Future 04:19 Personal Journey and Challenges in Education 09:59 Impact of COVID on Teaching 13:14 Addressing Systemic Issues in Education 24:43 Creating Safe Spaces for Youth 34:21 The Decline of Circle Center Mall 35:26 Rising Rent and Housing Challenges 36:22 Supporting Parents and Reducing Youth Crime 38:43 Introducing Third Space Indy 39:35 Defining a Third Space 42:24 Personal Reflections on Church and Community 46:03 Final Thoughts and Future Guests 46:16 Accessibility and Infrastructure

    57 min

  3. 12/16/2025

    Bonus Episode: Windi Hornsby on the Fight for Public Schools

    In this episode of Third Space Indy, host Michael Zarick speaks with Windi Hornsby, a local IPS parent, about the upcoming Indiana Leadership Education Alliance (ILEA) meeting that will play a crucial role in determining the future of Indiana Public Schools (IPS). They explore the structure and mandate of the ILEA, the involvement of Mayor Joe Hogsett, and the implications of the proposed changes, particularly the potential removal of democratic control over the IPS school board. Windi shares her positive experiences with IPS, contrasting it with charter schools, while highlighting the importance of community voices in shaping educational policies. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to attend the ILEA meeting to support the future of public education in Indianapolis. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:57 Meet Windi Hornsby: An IPS Parent's Perspective 01:56 Understanding ILEA: What It Means for IPS 05:56 The Role of Charter Schools and The Mind Trust 14:18 Upcoming ILEA Meeting and Its Implications 28:08 Visual Presentation Issues 28:32 Introducing the Parent's Perspective 29:07 Choosing IPS: A Personal Journey 29:57 Challenges and Achievements in Education 34:53 The Impact of Spanish Immersion 38:28 IPS Family by Choice 50:13 Rebuilding Stronger and Charter Schools 56:40 Call to Action: ILEA Meeting

    1 hr

  4. 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

  5. 12/10/2025

    Bonus Episode: Michael and Kayle Bledsoe Talk IndyGo on the 10

    In this special episode of Third Space Indy, host Michael Zarick sits down with Kayla from IndyGo to discuss recent developments and personal stories related to Indianapolis' public transportation system. They delve into updates on the Blue Line construction, the impact of increased fares, and the IndyGo Cares initiatives including Music in Transit, Food in Transit, and Wellness in Transit. Kayla shares her journey with IndyGo, from being a rider to becoming a ridership experience and outreach manager. The episode also highlights the importance of supporting public transportation, the role of the Transit Ambassador Program, and the benefits of using the MyKey card. They end with practical advice on holiday shopping via bus routes and encourage listeners to give public transit a try. 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement 01:20 Blue Line Construction Updates 05:26 IndyGo Cares Program Overview 08:11 Kayla's Journey with IndyGo 15:25 Fare Increase and MyKey Transition 17:30 Favorite Bus Routes and Personal Stories 19:32 Exploring Bus Routes 37 and 38 20:09 Discovering the 19 Bus Line 21:25 The Purple Line Experience 24:41 IndyGo Merchandise and Promotions 27:17 Community Connections on the Bus 29:10 Supporting Public Transportation 36:21 Final Thoughts and Holiday Shopping Tips

    39 min

  6. 12/08/2025

    Catching Up with The Mayor of 46th Street Anderson York, The Indy Bench Mench

    In this episode, Anderson and I ride the 8 bus out to the east side of the city and back and talk about whatever comes to our minds. We talk about how Anderson got his start and inspiration for being the Bench Mench, some visions of a better Indianapoli,s and overall just spend an hour talking about random stuff. I am really thankful to have had Anderson on the show and I hope you enjoy. 00:00 Introduction: The Vision for a Better City 01:46 Highlighting Community Builders: The Third Place 02:51 Meet the Indy Bench Mench: Anderson York 04:44 Gifts and Foraging: Anderson's Unique Contributions 05:07 The Origin of Indy Bench Mench 08:24 Building Community: Benches and Beyond 20:05 Inspiration and Collaboration in Indianapolis 23:57 Challenges and Opportunities in the City 32:10 The Importance of Third Spaces 34:13 Parking Dilemma in Indianapolis 36:25 Heat Sink Effect on Snowfall 37:41 Third Spaces and Community Building 40:50 Libraries and Childhood Memories 42:28 The Decline of Third Spaces 43:45 Engaging the Youth 46:25 Public Safety and Transportation 48:18 Favorite Local Spots 53:12 Indianapolis vs. Other Cities 57:36 Vision for Indianapolis' Future 01:00:48 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

    1h 5m

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Zarick
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Michael Zarick
  • Show Website
    Third Space Indy

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