The Made in Indy podcast welcomes Visionary-leader, Relationship-builder, & President of the Madam Walker Legacy Center; Kristian Little Stricklen. Kristian shares what it was like growing up in the Butler-Tarkington area, and how attending college at the HBCU; Jackson State University helped to shape her perspective & goals. We explore the importance of building relationships in your community, and how that can guide the trajectory of your lived experiences. We also dive into the topic of using your resources, and how always doing your best can lead you to the next level in your life. Later, we discuss the legacy and impact of the Madame Walker Legacy Center. Kristian reveals how Walker’s legacy of community-building has driven her to carve a unique path as the President of the Center. Plus we get an inside perspective of the $15million dollar renovation that the Center has undergone. Listen to our full conversation below + Learn more about the Madame Walker Legacy Center here

Made In Indy

Kristian Little Stricklen

On November 4th, 2021 the Hub for Black Affairs and Community Engagement invited Paralympic Gold and Silver Medalist Noah Malone to sit down for a candid conversation with Made in Indy. Together we discover Noah's Process of Becoming that allowed him to evolve into a champion at the Tokyo Paralympic games, and become one of the fastest sprinters in the world. As we enter a new year that's filled with ongoing struggles along with unlimited possibilities and hope; We invite you to join us in exploring the process of becoming the best version of ourselves. Consider how each obstacle we face is an invitation to go beyond what we believe is possible. Listen to our full conversation below + Click here to follow Noah’s journey. We are so grateful to Dr. Terri Jett for creating such a sacred space in the ongoing Black Intellectual Series. Learn more about the Hub for Black Affairs and Community Engagement, and how you can contribute by clicking here.

Noah Malone

The Made in Indy podcast welcomes Creator & Founder of SHE. Xperience and SHE. Event Indy; Katina Washington. The SHE. Event Indy provides venues for Black-owned businesses to increase their customers & revenue, learn sound business practices, build relationships, and circulate their dollars within the Black community. Katina shares with us the inspiration behind SHE. Event, and how it began as a project to support Black women as a platform to showcase their goods and services. We dive into why she believes her entire suite of SHE. offerings has become a phenomenon, and resonated with with so many people. Later Katina shares her insight on the importance of networking, and gives advice on how to genuinely connect with creators in your circle. Listen to our full conversation below + Learn more about SHE. Experience here

Katina Washington

We dive into Keshia’s background, and she shares what it’s been like transitioning from an executive director role in a suburban Chicago library to an executive director role in Indy at cultural landmark. Keshia shares her insight on how the City Market has always served as diverse gathering place for residents of the Circle City, and how its rich history has inspired its merchants to remain determined throughout the covid pandemic. Later, we explore some of City Market’s eclectic and refreshing merchants & the experiences that make the space truly one of a kind. Listen to our full conversation below + Click here to learn more about Indianapolis City Market, and grab your gift cards just in time for the holiday season.

Indianapolis City Market

In a very special simulcast episode; Made in Indy welcomes Tanorria Askew & Candace Boyd of the Black Girls Eating podcast. Tanorria is best known as a personal chef, food creative, public speaker, podcast co-host, and a racial injustice change-maker. Candace is known for the Chief Foodie & also as the Creative Director behind The FoodLoveTog. In this special holiday episode dedicated to Thanksgiving, gratitude, family and more you’ll definitely come back for seconds!

Black Girls Eating

The Made in Indy podcast welcomes Blake Johnson; President at IndyHub & Indiana State Representative. Blake recounts his experiences growing up in Danville, Indiana, and how his family’s history of community service in politics has guided the trajectory of his life. We learn about how the lessons his grandparents taught him, led to him being conscious of the “doors” he could open for others in any position he has held. We explore the importance of surrounding yourself with individuals that will hold you accountable, and how honest feedback can be used as a tool for organic self-growth. Later, we unpack the importance of having a sense of “belonging” & how that concept serves as the driving force behind IndyHub.  

Indiana State Rep. Blake Johnson

The Made in Indy podcast welcomes YouTube sensation & Digital Content Creator, Gabrielle Flowers-Rader. Gabe creates captivating content alongside her husband Chad Rader via their family vlogging channel GabeBabeTV on YouTube. Gabe shares with us what it was like growing up in northwest Indianapolis, and what inspired her to attend the HBCU, Tennessee State University. We discuss how Indianapolis is changing, and why she uses the word “blooming” to describe our hometown. We dive into how she began creating digital content as a creative outlet, and as a way to share her daily life. We discuss the synchronistic events the led to her meeting her partner Chad, and how her faith is the foundation of her life. Later, we take an introspective look at the year 2020, and how the #GabeBabeTV tribe used that time to slow down, and get closer as a family. Also, the media maven shares her insight on how to create your own brand and maximize your potential by being authentically you.

Gabrielle Flowers-Rader

The Made in Indy podcast welcomes Senior Director of Motor, Justin Sufan. Motor is a start-up incubated out of The AES Corporation that aims to accelerate consumer EV adoption. He has been with AES his entire career, serving in various roles since joining the team in 2005. He is passionate about moving Indy toward a progressive city where young people want to live, work, play, and plant roots. Justin shares with us why Motor was created, and how its mission is rooted in sustainability and community. We discuss how he uses his role to reduce the barriers to driving electric vehicles, and educate the public on the benefits of driving electric. Later we explore how Justin uses the power of curiosity when approaching a new task, and how he has learned to contribute where he can in any role that he has held. Together we discover how important it is to be conscious of one’s carbon footprint, and how driving an electric vehicle can help to reduce carbon emissions on a large scale. Justin also gives his insight on what makes Indy a great place to live. You can listen to our full conversation below + Learn more Motor here

Justin Sufan

The Made in Indy podcast welcomes entrepreneur, community-builder, & farmer; Elizabeth O’Connor of Willowfield Lavender Farm, in Mooresville, Indiana. We chat about the joy of grandchildren, and children in general, that invites us all to use our imaginations to embrace change & live in the moment. Elizabeth reveals how that type of intention to focus on joy, evolved into becoming a creator using many different mediums. We dive into the history of Willowfield, and how the idea of starting a lavender farm came to her through meditation, following life’s stage directions, and the unyielding support from her late partner, Kieran. We unpack the importance of listening to the small still voice that speaks to us, and how by doing that can lead to life’s big adventure. Later, Elizabeth shares her keen insight on growing lavender in Indiana, and the challenges that her farm has faced due to the terrain & weather of the midwest. We also learn how the “Sanctuary” area of the farm came to be, and how it serves as a continuous source of serenity to its many visitors.

Willowfield Lavender Farm

The Made in Indy podcast welcomes Ujamaa Community Bookstore Manager; Rohini Townsend & Executive Director at Flanner House of Indianapolis; Brandon Cosby. We discuss the origins of Flanner House, and how its creation aided Black Americans whom had moved to Indianapolis during the great migration in search of more opportunities & a better life. We dive into the legacy of Xpression’s Bookstore, and how it serves as a constant source of inspiration for Ujamaa. Rohini shares with us her experiences of opening the bookstore, and the many different aspects of community she is weaving into its fabric. Later, we explore the significance of Ujamaa opening its doors to the community on Juneteenth + We dive into Brandon & Rohini’s background and learn how each of their lived experiences are rich with community-building & equity. Also, we discuss the Black authors that have inspired them on their paths & they share how they have been impacted by Black literature. You can listen to our full conversation below + Visit Ujamaa & Flanner House here.

Ujamaa Community Bookstore

The Made in Indy podcast welcomes Aric Geesaman; creator of the boutique smithing shop, Ash Blæds. Located in McCordsville, Indiana, Aric masterfully crafts custom-designed artisan knives & other offerings. Aric shares how his love for working with his hands evolved from a curiosity of how things are constructed. We learn how his time spent at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana as a biology major, allowed him to explore his passion for creating things from scratch. We dive into the journey of how a gift he received, lead Aric to departing from the corporate space to dive into entrepreneurship. Aric reveals how his family’s work-life balance prompted him to create a schedule that allowed him to support his partner in her career, while continuing to peruse his own passion. Later, we discuss the history of knives as a tool that has evolved, as civilization has evolved + The many different purposes knives can serve. Together we also explore his focus on community & sustainability; concepts he cherishes by using tools & knives that were passed down to him from his grandparents.   You can listen to our full conversation below + Follow visit Ash Blaeds here.

Ash Blaeds

The Made in Indy podcast welcomes the Bloom Project, Inc. We are joined by Executive Director & Founder Arnetta Scruggs, Bloom Project's Royal MENtality Director, Ron Gilbert & Royal MENtality Coordinator, Tevin Byers. The trio shares a bit about their backgrounds, and what has inspired them to become community-builders. Arnetta reveals the inspiration behind the name of the Bloom Project, and how she draws inspiration from her family. Ron gives us insight on how he has adopted the mantra “service is the foundation to success.” + The ways he uses that intention to invest in the Bloom Project. Tevin breaks down the importance of higher education & how that aligns significantly with accountability. Later, we explore their response to the covid pandemic, and the various ways that Gen-Z is using this moment in our history to change the world.   Listen to our full conversation below + Learn more about the Bloom Project, Inc., and the ways you can support here.  

The Bloom Project, Inc.

The Made in Indy podcast celebrates Hotelier & Entrepreneur; Andrew Foster. We welcome C.F. Jolivette; Foster’s grandson who is a curator & creative. Jolivette is the creator of Andrew Foster Legacy, a digital database that chronicles the impact Andrew Foster made in his community & the city of Indianapolis. Jolivette shares the inspiration behind what made him begin to share his grandfather’s story + Why he has spent the past decade researching his grandfather’s legacy. We discuss the opening of the iconic Hotel Foster & Pearl’s Lounge, and how these were safe spaces for Black people in Indianapolis to flourish. We dive into the topic of financial literacy, and how it is more important now than ever. Later, Jolivette reveals where he think’s Foster’s drive & passion came from + What he believes what motivated Foster to carve a unique path for himself. Listen to our full conversations below. + Learn more about Andrew Foster Legacy here.

Andrew Foster Legacy

The Made in Indy podcast welcomes Business and Government Attorney, Indiana State Senator, & Indiana State Senate Minority Leader; Greg Taylor. Senator Taylor shares the experiences that lead him to enrolling in law school + The aha moment that let him know that he was on the right path. We discuss the events that introduced him to a career of politics after completing law school, and how he became the State Senator for Senate District 33; Which encompasses portions of Center, Pike, Washington, and Wayne townships. We get candid about domestic terrorist that attacked the FedEx facility in Indianapolis, and how a previous bill he submitted would have made it illegal for the terrorist to purchase the weapon used in the attack. Later Senator Taylor opens up, and shares the importance of finding the comfort in being uncomfortable, and the amazing experiences that could lead to.   Listen to our full conversation below + Learn more about the impact that Senator Taylor is making here.

Indiana State Senator: Greg Taylor

The Made in Indy podcast welcomes Acupuncturist, Esthetician, Skincare Educator, & creator of Project Gorgeous; Marianne Talkovski. We learn about her unique journey, and how attending school in New York City during the September 11th attacks, changed the trajectory of her life. She shares what brought her to Indiana, & what inspired her to lay roots & create a foundation in the Circle City. Marianne explains the health benefits of acupuncture, & how the process naturally stimulates your body’s own resources to heal itself. We dive deeper with the healer, as Marianne reveals the importance of focusing on our own inner radiance as a daily spiritual practice. We explore the importance of protecting our heart from the information that it absorbs. + Why it is necessary to digitally detox on a regular basis. Later, we discover why it is so important to Marianne that Project Gorgeous be a space of sanctuary in a busy world. Marianne gets candid about what it has been like to be an entrepreneur in Indianapolis, and how once she committed the pieces of her practice started to come together. Also, Marianne reveals another reason she has an inner glow. Listen to our full conversation below. Learn more about Marianne & Project Gorgeous here + Purchase her latest book, 28 Secrets to Glow Up here.  

Marianne Talkovski

Listen to artists, entrepreneurs, and creators from the Circle City explore why they love Indianapolis, and discover how they became Made in Indy.