From the Kitchen Table

I turned 36 yesterday, so here two reflections I have about March 8th:I lost my grandfather on my birthday in 2012. When I was sitting down earlier, it was the first time I’d realized it had been 14 years. That feels like a long time, and it is. I was lucky enough to have seen him early in the day before he took his last breath. And he had been struggling for a awhile, so it’s not like it wasn’t expected. But, like most weekends (I think it was a weekend), I had come up to Rensselaer from West Lafayette to eat breakfast with my mom and grandma. After eating we went to my grandparents house so I could see him. It was emotional, and both my mom and grandma told me to go enjoy “my day.” So I gave my grandpa a kiss and said I’d see him later and drove back to West Lafayette. If I’m being honest, I didn’t really think that would be the last time I’d see him alive.About an hour after I got back, I got the text: he’s gone.I lost all control of my emotions. I was at a friend’s house and told them through tears that I had to go. I got in my car and floored it back to Rensselaer. What is normally an hour drive took me all of 30 minutes. I was screaming at the world, at god, at the ether. I was screaming at myself, furious for having left, feeling like I’d abandoned him. Even tho there really was nothing I could do, I still felt like I shouldn’t have left.I had a song on repeat during that journey: Soul 4 My Soul, a song from my favorite artist about a relationship. I’m not sure why I chose that song, but it was the one that played, over and over. And I felt like I needed to give my soul up, too. I was broken; “my day” was forever changed.The next four years I never celebrated my birthday. It was a day of mourning. I’d go see my grandma and my parents, but March 8th became something different. It wasn’t until I met Emily that I really felt like I could celebrate again. And even still, when I think about what March 8th means, I can’t help but feel the weight of his absence.Miss you, grandpa.Some of you probably know this, but I had the opportunity to “potentially” reconnect with my birth mother a roughly two years ago. Well, one and a half. Anyways, I didn’t do that and so the true truth of my origins remains elusive. This is (one of the many) problem(s) with adoption.Here’s my maybe unpopular opinion: even if an adoptee is lucky enough to reunite with their biological family, or get some semblance of information that helps clarify their relinquishment, how can we ever know that to really be the truth?This is not meant to invalidate anyone who has had that experience. I probably hold this opinion because I carry a lot of guilt for the way I’ve handled my own situation (which I stand by and will always stand by). But for me, even if I were to reunite with my birth mother, or father, and they told me everything about why I was relinquished, I don’t know that I could fully, 100% believe them. One question rings throughout my brain whenever I think about this:how do I know they aren’t just telling me what I want to hear?This is very selfish of me, because they’ve gone on their own journey and have their own reasons and traumas and triumphs and everything. But I can’t get it out of my head.Even knowing all that I know now about the system of adoption and the systematic ways they force people into relinquishing their children, and knowing that my own family probably experienced some level of these systemic issues that forced their hand, I still find myself struggling to believe I could fully accept it.That sucks.Also, what the fuck does it have to do with my birthday?Well, despite the fact that I have, basically, all the documents that the adoption agency has (I verified this myself in Korea in 2024), too much of my soul harbors this uneasy feeling that most of what’s on there is not true. I think a lot of that stems from my name, given to me, not by my birth family, but by the agency itself.Yung Jin KimBright star, according to my (adoptive) parents and some of the paperwork that was sent with me. Eternal or precious according to google.About a year into my identity journey I started using that name, or the hangul of it, in my bio. It was part of my reclamation. But the more I learned and the more I listened, the less I felt like it was mine. And the less I felt like it was mine, the more I felt like I was truly alone in my ancestry, my history, my origin. The more alone I felt in this way, the more I began to question the accuracy of my information.This was somewhat lessened by my trip to the agency in the aforementioned 2024 trip to Korea. All the files I had, they had, save for one that was about the foster family whom I was with prior to my adoption. Everything else was word-for-word the same. Since then, though, Korea’s government called a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate their adoption program. So far, the investigation has only turned up severe human rights violations. That knowledge has only exacerbated my anxiety around whether my information is real. And, even though the agency went behind my back to contact my birth mother and she apparently did reach back to them and then I did not, I did have a brief glimmer of an opportunity to potentially ask these questions. And it’s gone now, at least for right now.Which brings me back to my birthday: was I actually born on March 8th? Am I really 36 right now, or maybe not for a few months? Maybe a few months ago? Maybe I’m 34?Maybe I’m 40?If you listen to the Janchi Show, then you know I’m not aegist. And while I’ve probably been experiencing what most people call a “mid-life crisis", age really doesn’t mean shit to me because I feel like there’s a lot in my control that can help me live a healthy, happy life.But there will always be this: the unknown, the uncertainty, the lack.So, in addition to this lack of certainty about my true date of birth, I also lost one of my closest family members on the day that I’ve always believed to be that date, therefore it will always be inextricably linked to me in that way whether I want it to be or not.Then what was the point of all this?Well, I recently saw a clip of an interview Prince did a while ago where someone asked him about his birthday and he said he doesn’t really believe in them. When asked why, he said something to the effect of you’re only born once and that’s your birthday; you don’t get born again each consecutive year. You’re just growing, evolving, becoming.I don’t know how much of that definition I just said is what he said, but that’s how I’m remembering it and I am currently too lazy to look for the clip and link it here. Just trust that he said something like that.And whatever it was that he said, it really resonated with me.A lot happens in a day. My birthday is my grandpa’s death date. It’s also International Women’s Day. It’s also three other people I knows “birthdays.” So what’s a birthday if not just another day to live?And for as much as I am personally struggling with stuff right now, at the end of the day I just want to live. So I’m gonna do that.If you’re in Indy, my next live Conversation Piece Podcast is Tuesday, March 24th. Get your tickets before they’re gone.Check out Hayes' work with DRAWL.This space will be changing a little going forward. Less personal, more political. But there will be a space for my personal stuff like what you just read. If you want to be part of that, comment PERSONAL on this post and I’ll make sure you’re tapped in EARLY. Love y’all 💙 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

No words other than the recorded ones. Appreciate y’all. And hit me if you’re interested in guest hosting. P This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

My favorite State Senator is back again to give us another update on some important legislation that is moving through our statehouse as we near the end of this legislative session. Here’s what we cover:1. House Bill 1423 – Indianapolis Public Schools Governance ReformWhat it’s about:Restructuring the governance of Indianapolis Public Schools by creating a new appointed “super board” with mayoral appointees that would sit above the currently elected IPS board. It also aims to align charter and traditional public schools on transportation, facilities standards, and academic expectations.What we discussed:Senator Hunley breaks down the tension between standardizing school systems (transportation guarantees, consistent standards) and removing local democratic control. She explains concerns about replacing a fully elected, majority-Black women school board with a mayor-appointed body, raising questions of representation, race, and who gets to make decisions for public education. While implementation wouldn’t begin until 2027–2028, she emphasizes that governance decisions made now shape long-term equity and authority within the district.2. House Bill 1359 – Early Voting Period ReductionWhat it’s about:Originally related to ballot scanning procedures, the bill includes an amendment that would reduce Indiana’s early in-person voting period from 28 days to 14 days.What We Discussed:Senator Hunley talks about how shortening the early voting window impacts working-class voters, rural communities, elderly residents, and people who rely on flexible voting access. She questions why lawmakers would reduce opportunities to vote when broader participation should be the goal. She also connects this proposal to the larger 2026 election cycle, noting that for the first time in over 40 years, all 25 Indiana State Senate seats up for election will have Democratic challengers.3. Senate Bill 76 – Immigration Enforcement MandatesWhat it’s about:An immigration enforcement bill requiring state and local agencies—including law enforcement and schools—to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement operations. The House amended the bill to strengthen enforcement provisions before sending it back to the Senate for concurrence.What We Discussed:Senator Hunley shares how the bill could create fear within immigrant communities and force local law enforcement to collaborate with minimally trained federal actors. She raises concerns about racial profiling, confusion in schools, and the chilling effect on families—particularly around civic participation and trust in institutions. She also situates the bill within a broader pattern of legislation that divides communities while distracting from urgent policy issues like childcare affordability and medical debt.🖱️Click Throughs…Learn more about the bills still on the table (and the ones that have already passed) this session: https://iga.in.gov/legislativeCheck your voter registration status: https://www.in.gov/idr/hoosiers-vote/update-or-confirm-registration/We also discussed the significant number of Democratic Party filings being challenged by THE MARION DEMOCRATIC PARTY. Follow Senator Hunley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/senatorhunley/?hl=enLearn more about Senator Hunley’s work (and volunteer for whatever might be coming next): https://andreahunley.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

No words to add today. Just this.Let me know what y’all think! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

Hi y’all 👋🏼This is coming later in the day than I would like. But arrive it has, and everything I want to say is already in there. So tap in and let me know what you think.I will say this: I recorded the episode before the Super Bowl. While the game was meh, the halftime show was incredible. And as much as I talk about my fears (and hopes) for my community and my family, I left Bad Bunny’s halftime show feeling more hopeful than I have in awhile.We will overcome. Maybe not in my lifetime, but we will. the only thing more powerful than hate is love.🪴 Mentioned in this Episode* Contact your state legislator* Learn more about how to get involved* Learn more about SB76* Come build community at the next Conversation Piece Live Show featuring Bryson Davis-Johnson This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

🎙️Today’s Conversation$3 BILLION?! I sat down with IN House Rep. Carey Hamilton to talk about what she learned about herself on the Appalachian Trail, navigating legislation in a super-majority, and the real costs of projects like the Mid States Corridor.Insta: @repcareyhamiltonforin TikTok: @careyhamilton2 Facebook: Rep Carey Hamilton for Indy Northside This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

🎙️ Today’s ConversationGOODBYE! Just kidding, I’ll still be here every Monday and whenever I decide to write stuff. Seriously tho, as much as I love to do this particular show, doing a thing Tuesday through Friday in addition to Monday’s episode and this new full-time job and being a parent to a *checks notes again* two-year old and being a partner is not currently tenable. Especially for the version of me that I want to be: a fully present parent, partner, and community member. Because the universe knows we need all of those things and especially that last one right now.Also, one of my three priorities for 2026 is letting go. Letting go of what, I hear from the ether. “Great question, ether".” I don’t really know yet. But right now it’s letting go of the Morning Show. And that’s okay.Again, I’ll be out here on Mondays with From the Kitchen Table. And I’ll be outside once a month for the Conversation Piece Podcast live shows (tickets for the next one on sale now and the giveaway is insane).And.I’ll be with my community more, with my partner more, with my kid more. Not just in time,in presence.See y’all soon 👋🏼🗣️ One more thought….If you’re in Indiana, please call your senators and representatives about, well, all the legislation right now.If there were two pieces I could highlight that we DO NOT NEED, SB76 is anti-immigrant legislation that will harm a lot of people. And the ILEA one. And the private military for the governor one.It sucks that we have to do this, but it’s also part of the work. Specifically folks who have the most privilege: it’s time to USE IT. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

🎙️ Today’s ConversationI’M BACK! The last 14 days have taken it out of me y’all, so I had to take a little break. I also owe it to the people from Naptown to the Twin Cities to keep yapping about the world. Anyways, I sat down with Congressman André Carson for an in-depth conversation on the recent actions of the Department of Homeland Security, specifically Border Patrol and Immigration Enforcement. Congressman Carson breaks down where and how these agencies are failing, who needs to be held accountable, and what needs to happen right now.🪴 Mentioned in this episode* DHS funding, ICE, and federal immigration enforcement* The murder of Alex Pretti* Dilley Detention Center* The legacy of Julia Carson* Redistricting in Indiana This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

Over the weekend, border patrol + immigration enforcement officers in Minneapolis executed Alex Pretti, a 37-year ICU nurse with the VA. Alex was on the scene of a protest, helping to wave through vehicles and document what was going on. Officers showed up and shoved another woman, prompting Alex to step in to help. Officers then began assaulting Alex, pepper spraying him in the face and then beating him with fists, feet, and pistols after he hit the ground.After about 10 or so seconds of this beating, you can hear an officer yell “gun!’ which prompts another officer to unholster his weapon and fire 10+ shots into Alex, killing him instantly.Alex was carrying a weapon, as is his right as an American citizen under the second amendment. And just a few hours after the execution, the leaders of this administration were already labeling Alex a “domestic terrorist” and saying he was there to “assassinate law enforcement.” In the multiple videos showing multiple angles of this execution, you can see an agent unholster Alex’s gun and run away with it BEFORE they open fire on him.Videos confirm that Alex never once touched his weapon, that he only ever had one open hand and a phone in his other hand. They executed him anyways. They’re lying about it now.If you’re reading this feeling sick to your stomach and you also happen to live in Indianapolis, I have some bad news: our statehouse is currently moving legislation that will allow bp and immigration enforcement to operate the same way they are in Minneapolis:* legalized racial profiling* local law enforcement required to cooperate + enforce* indefinite detainmentThere have already been a number of reports of cold winds rolling through downtown restaurants + the far east side, as well as agents and officers beginning to convene in Bloomington. These bigoted, racist tactics are meant to create fear in Black and Brown folks. Public executions like Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti are meant to create fear in while folks. Because fear is a useful tool when trying to control.Which means that, even tho we have every right and reason to be afraid, right now is the time to push through the fear and be about your business anyways. And by “your business” I mean being on the side of humanity.Call your elected officials.Create a plan with your friends and neighbors.Track and educate yourself on your local politics.Follow folks who have been doing the work on the ground.Write a letter.Build a whistle kit.Be ready to offer your assistance.and last but not least, understand this: by engaging in this work, you are risking your life. There are no two ways around it. The only way is through. And Black and Brown folks have been putting their lives on the line for their rights in this country — shit in this fucking WORLD — for the last, well, forever. They continue to do so today; look no further than Minneapolis to see it in action in real time, right now.Now is the time.🎙️ Today’s ConversationIt’s a real privilege to be able to do this work. Like sitting down with people who help to shape the places I know and love. People like Jenn Schimmelpfennig, founder of Pivot, champion of branding and the impact it can create, someone who honors the past by being ahead of her time (it runs in the family). In this conversation, Jenn and I about ethical decision-making in business, why branding is never neutral, and how shaping culture can be a form of civic engagement. We also talk about legacy and what it means to intentionally invest in people and place over profit alone.🪴 Mentioned in this Episode* Pivot Brands* Pivot’s Work* South Korean adoption, Korea’s economy, and the 1988 Olympics* Indy Welcomes All This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

🎙️ Today’s ConversationI AM IN A GLASS CASE OF EMOTIONS! Seriously though, on top of being a parent to a kid that rocks and is experiencing a lot of growth as we approach checks calendar of life TWO YEARS OLD (OMFGLOLZ!), I am disgusted with the actions and double down defense of the people leading our government right now, who are delighting in the abduction and removal of a five-year old boy, Liam Ramos.I am absolutely disgusted.📚 Mentioned in this Episode* The detention of five-year-old Liam Ramos and the broader implications of ICE enforcement* PIVOT Brands This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

🎙️ Today’s ConversationWHAT IN THE ACTUAL F*CK?! What justifiable reason does immigration enforcement have for detaining children? Can anyone answer that? No. Because there is no answer other than there isn’t. Why am I talking about this? Well, I just read about a five-year-old who was taken from his Minneapolis school and transferred out of state without his family’s knowledge. That’s one of four kids from THAT ONE SCHOOL who are currently in immigration enforcement custody. I reflect on the trauma of child separation, the cruelty captured on video, and what it means to witness this as a parent.🪴 Mentioned in this Episode* A five-year-old child taken from school and transported to Texas without family contact* Videos showing children being separated from parents by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers* The historical through-line from slavery, the 13th Amendment, and the modern prison system* Are Prisons Obsolete? by Angela Davis* How much do incarcerated people make? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

🎙️ Today’s ConversationOH GOD WE’RE STILL TALKING ABOUT IU……..I unpack the Mark Fletcher Jr. postgame incident to show how quickly racist narratives take hold when context and humanity are ignored (or erased all together). I also break down why this moment demands more from those who have the most and why I’m demanding it.🪴 Mentioned in This Episode* IU’s national championship and the public attention it brings to Indiana* The World Economic Forum and recent viral clips from global leaders* Mark Fletcher Jr. and the postgame altercation narrative* The Model Minority Myth* Wait, how many kids did the send out of South Korea??* ESPN 30 for 30 documentaries on Miami football* Episode 012 of From the Kitchen Table with Karla López Owens This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

🎙️ Today’s ConversationGood God IU won the freaking national championship. In football. Before Purdue won one in basketball. WHAT DID I DO TO DESERVE THIS HELL?@!?@??@??@?!??!?!??!?!?!?!On a serious note, though, congrats to all of Bloomington and the nearly 900,000 living IU graduates that dot this world. Y’all did the thing. Fernando did his thing. Miami did not do any tackling. And now I have to wait four months for Purdue to finally do the same thing, but in basketball. Because we’re due. WE. ARE. DUE.On another serious note, I don’t have to renounce my Purdue fandom and become an IU fan because Fernando did not fulfil his end of my thread I posted Monday morning:🪴 Mentioned in This Episode* Indiana winning the College Football National Championship This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

🎙️ Today’s ConversationSHOWING UP IS UNCOMFORTABLE! But when you’ve fought for the privileges you have, how could you not show up? Karla López Owens dig into that and a whole lot more in this wide-ranging conversation about immigration, public service, and what it really means to be part of a community.We also talk about why people feel disconnected from politics, how confusing systems are often designed to keep people out, and why showing up locally still matters. Karla shares what motivates her continued organizing, her recently announced run for Marion County Clerk, and how responsibility, privilege, and community care guide her work.🪴 Mentioned in this Episode* NAFTA and its long-term economic impact* Redistricting in Indiana* Marion County Clerk’s office and countywide elections* Follow Karla📌 About KLOKarla López Owens is a public servant, organizer, and advocate based in Indianapolis. She has worked in immigration defense, grassroots organizing, and civic engagement, and is currently running for Marion County Clerk. Her work centers on demystifying systems, expanding access, and helping people see themselves as active participants in democracy. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

🎙️ Today’s ConversationI’M TIRED, Y’ALL! Today, I’m breaking down two big Indiana stories: the Governor’s State of the State address and the baffling idea of relocating the Chicago Bears to Northwest Indiana. I dig into why stadium politics almost always hurt local communities, what history teaches us about public-funded sports deals, and why this proposal feels unnecessary, risky, and frustrating—especially for Hoosiers.I also share some thoughts about a recent opinion column in the Indianapolis Star about former City-County Council president Vop Osili running for mayor. I share what stood out to me, what deeply concerned me about leadership under pressure, and why moments of crisis—not credentials—are what matter most when choosing who should lead a city.🪴 Mentioned in This Episode* Indiana Governor’s 2026 State of the State address* The Los Angeles Rams move from St. Louis and its long-term community costs* An Indy Star opinion column by James Briggs* A past Conversation Piece episode with Elise Schrock on Indiana Democratic Party culture This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

🎙️ Today’s ConversationTHIS HAS TO STOP! What specifically? The use of immigration enforcement as a political weapon and the fear it creates. I break down the lawsuit filed by Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita against Indianapolis Public Schools, stemming from IPS refusing to allow ICE to remove a student from school without a judicial warrant.I share how IPS’s newly proposed policy—protecting student data and guaranteeing equal access to education regardless of immigration status—effectively exposes the lawsuit as a political stunt rather than a legal necessity. Ultimately, my point is that actions like this aren’t about public safety or the law, but about manufacturing fear in families, students, and educators, with ripple effects that harm public education, local communities, and democratic participation itself.🪴 Mentioned in This Episode* IPS rescinds resolutions about undocumented students and floats new policy after Rokita ICE lawsuit* Indiana attorney general’s lawsuit alleges Indianapolis Public Schools hindered ICE This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

🎙️ Today’s ConversationOn Monday, I attended The People’s Panel, a fairly comprehensive bill review hosted by Whispering Shelf at draft. Today, I’m sharing a bit of what I learned about five 2026 pieces of legislation moving through the Indiana General Assembly. I also reflect on what it meant to be in a room full of people trying to figure out how to engage more deeply in our activism.🪴 The Bills* SB 152 (Utilities & Affordability)Limits what utility companies can pass on to customers, allows assistance programs for ratepayers, creates right of first refusal for municipalities, and requires itemized utility bills.* HB 1423 (Education Governance / IPS)The Indianapolis Local Education Alliance recommendations and the proposed creation of a mayor-appointed Indianapolis Public Education Corporation overseeing IPS—raising concerns about home rule, democratic control, and charter influence.* HB 1039 & SB 122 (Immigration Enforcement)Twin bills discussed with insights from ACLU Indiana, expanding ICE cooperation, mandating E-Verify, and requiring reporting by hospitals and FSSA—measures Patrick describes as urgent and dangerous.* SB 125 (Evictions in Marion County)Would move most eviction cases out of Superior Court and back into township courts, lowering barriers and intimidation for tenants navigating eviction proceedings.* SB 78 & HB 1034 (Cell Phone Bans in Schools)A proposed expansion of phone restrictions in schools, with discussion on safety, distractions, and improved student engagement. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

🎙️ Today’s ConversationWe live at a time when the federal government is so afraid of your voice, they’ll take it from you. Literally. Figuratively. In every way, they are trying to force us into a fear-based existence. This past weekend, though, I saw people, not just across the country, but across this freaking state, show up in response to the murder of Renee Nicole Good. And that gives me hope.I also break down two Indiana bills moving through the Statehouse that could have major consequences for public education and immigration enforcement.🪴 Mentioned in This Episode* The killing of René Nicole Goode and the protests that followed across Indiana* Nationwide demonstrations and solidarity actions, including large-scale protests in Minneapolis* Indiana House Bill HB 1423 and its potential impact on Indianapolis Public Schools governance* Indiana Senate Bill SB 76 and expanded local enforcement of federal immigration laws* MADVoters📌 Looking AheadI’ll be spending more time this week tracking the Indiana General Assembly, following committee hearings, and breaking down what these bills could mean for everyday Hoosiers. As always, I’ll keep connecting the dots between policy, people, and the power of showing up. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

🎙️ Today’s ConversationHOLY CROSSOVER, BATMAN! JUST KIDDING, KIND OF?! I’m joined by longtime friends and fellow adoptees Katie Gagel and Laura Summers for a wide-ranging, deeply honest conversation about friendship, community, and what we’re actually looking for from each in 2026. Rooted in five years of shared laughter and tears, this conversation moves from lighthearted rituals to heavy truths about trust, boundaries, healing, and belonging.That ritual part, specifically breakfast, is one to watch. Seriously. Watch it.🪴 Mentioned in This Episode* Adopting Wellness Podcast* KAD Resource Hub🎧 About the GuestsKatien Gagel and Laura Summers are longtime friends, adoptees, and co-hosts of a podcast focused on wellness, healing, and lived experience. Their work centers honesty, reflection, and the ongoing process of learning how to live well—together. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

🎙️ Today’s ConversationGenry Ruiz Guillén, 29Miguel Ángel García Medina, 31Serawit Gezahegn Dejene, 45Huabing Xie, 29Maksym Chernyak, 44Leo Cruz-Silva, 34Juan Alexis Tineo-Martinez, 44Hasan Ali Moh’D Saleh, 67Brayan Garzón-Rayo, 27Josué Castro Rivera, 25Nhon Ngoc Nguyen, 55Gabriel Garcia Aviles, 54Marie Ange Blaise, 44Kai Yin Wong, 63Abelardo Avellaneda Delgado, 68Francisco Gaspar-Andrés, 48Jesus Molina-Veya, 45Pete Sumalo Montejo, 72Johnny Noviello, 49Shiraz Fatehali Sachwani, 48Isidro Pérez, 75Jean Wilson Brutus, 41Tien Xuan Phan, 55Fouad Saeed Abdulkadir, 46Chaofeng Ge, 32Delvin Francisco Rodriguez, 39Lorenzo Antonio Batrez Vargas, 32Nenko Stanev Gantchev, 56Oscar Rascon Duarte, 58Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez, 44Santos Banegas Reyes, 42Roberto Carlos Montoya Valdez, 52Ismael Ayala-Uribe, 39Jaime Alanis, 57Norlan Guzman-Fuentes, 37Keith Porter Jr, 43Renee Nicole Good, 37Sources* 2025 was ICE’s deadliest year in two decades. Here are the 32 people who died in custody | Maanvi Singh, Coral Murphy Marcos, and Charlotte Simmonds, The Guardian* Driver shot in Minneapolis is at least the fifth person killed in US immigration crackdown | Russ Bynum, AP News* Emotional vigil held for man killed by off-duty ICE agent on New Year’s Eve | Christopher Buchannon, LA Times🪴 Mentioned in This Episode* Who was Renee Nicole Good, the woman killed by ICE?* Nationwide protests in response to ICE violence* George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tamir Rice, Sandra Bland, and others killed by state violence* Deadly Failures: Preventable Deaths in U.S. Immigrant Detention* Dreasjon Reed, Mchale Rose* The Green Lantern Corps (DC Comics)✊ Carry It With YouThe only way through any of this is together. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

🎙️ Today’s ConversationToday I’m on campus at the University of Indianapolis to chat with Dr. Douglas Woodwell about just what the f*ck is going on in Venezuela. Dr. Woodwell walks me through the historical context—from Hugo Chávez to Nicolás Maduro—before we start digging into oil, immigration, China’s role, and what this moment could mean for U.S. foreign policy moving forward.I wanted to have this conversation to slow me down, to better understand the timeline, and to ask what the real risks and stakes are, especially for everyday Hoosiers trying to make sense of global headlines that might feel really unimportant because WHY IS MY HEALTH INSURANCE AND CHILD CARE SO EXPENSIVE?!🪴 Mentioned in This Episode* The rise of Hugo Chávez and long-term impacts of oil nationalization in Venezuela* China’s relationship with Venezuela and broader U.S.–China tensions* Greenland, climate change, and emerging strategic interests in the Arctic🔎 Why This MattersEven when global conflicts feel far removed from daily life in Indiana, they shape immigration, energy prices, trade, and long-term security. This episode is a reminder that paying attention isn’t about panic—it’s about perspective, ethics, and understanding the role the U.S. chooses to play in the world. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

🎙️ Today’s ConversationSoooooooo. That’s why my roads suck! Today I break down new reporting on INDOT canceling and postponing even more road projects across Indiana while fast-tracking the $1 billion Mid-State Corridor. I unpack what these funding “constraints” actually reveal about political priorities, transparency gaps, and how all of it connects to affordability, infrastructure, and who our systems are really built to serve.🪴 Mentioned in This Episode* INDOT canceling and postponing 300+ road projects statewide (from 2025)* Indiana Capitol Chronicle reporting by Leslie Bonilla Muñiz* INDOT Priority Initiatives* The Mid-State Corridor project (SR 66 to I-69)* Affordability pressures: healthcare, childcare, housing, and transportation* Episode 010📣 Call for VoicesIf you work in or study childcare, housing, education, transportation, or affordability—and want to be part of this conversation—reach out. I’m actively looking to bring experts and community voices into upcoming episodes. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

🎙️ Today’s ConversationOn the fifth anniversary of January 6th, I reflect on where I was that day, what it felt like to witness an attempted overthrow of the U.S. government in real time, and how naïve I was to think things couldn’t get worse. Spoiler alert: it can and it will, specifically the U.S. military escalation in Venezuela, the capture of Nicolás Maduro, and why oil (not drugs) is the real story underneath the rhetoric.I also zoom back home to Indiana to preview the 2026 legislative session, what a shortened session means for policy, and the three issue areas I’m watching most closely in the months ahead.🪴 Mentioned in This Episode* The January 6th, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol* U.S. military action in Venezuela and the extradition of Nicolás Maduro* Indiana’s 2026 legislative session and the failed December redistricting effort* Indianapolis Local Education Alliance (ILEA) recommendations* Affordability policy in Indiana, including child care* Proposed data centers in Martindale-Brightwood and their impact on utilities and water* Hank Green on Data Center Water Usage* Wildstyle Paschall on threads🧭 What I’m Watching in the 2026 Indiana Legislative Session* Public EducationEspecially how ILEA’s recommendations move through the Statehouse and what they mean for IPS and public schools across Indiana.* AffordabilityWhat lawmakers actually propose around cost of living, child care, and everyday expenses—and whether those proposals match the rhetoric.* Utilities & Data CentersHow proposed data centers could drive up utility costs, strain municipal water supplies, and reshape neighborhoods like Martindale-Brightwood. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

🎙️ Today’s ConversationTo open 2026, I step back from the headlines and into something more personal. After multiple false starts recording this episode, I landed on the three internal priorities I want to center this year: letting go, being accountable, and asking for help—and how each one is reshaping the way I move through my work, relationships, and community.🧭 The Three Priorities I’m Carrying Into 2026* Letting go — Learning the difference between reflection and dwelling, and releasing shame, guilt, and self-limiting narratives that no longer serve me* Being accountable — Moving past recognition into repair, listening more than reacting, and doing the work without centering myself* Asking for help — Unlearning “fake it till you make it” as a default and choosing authenticity, curiosity, and collaboration instead🪴 Mentioned in This Episode* Follow D$ Money podcast — Conversation with Anthony Murdock II (on dwelling vs. reflection)* Episode 004* Episode 009 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

🎙️ Today’s ConversationIS THIS REAL LIFE?!?! As a Purdue fan, it pains me to say that Indiana sports history was made last night, but not by my Boilers. The Indiana Hoosiers checks notes football team(?!) dominated the Crimson Tide of Alabama 38–3 in the Rose Bowl, moving one step closer to a national championship. What does it mean!? I get into it.I also wrap up part four of my conversation with Tina Ahlgren, digging into what comes next as the ILEA recommendations head to the statehouse, what gives her hope heading into 2026, and why public engagement matters—especially when it comes to education, democracy, and showing up.🪴 Mentioned in This Episode* Indiana Hoosiers’ Rose Bowl win over Alabama (38–3)* ILEA recommendations head to the statehouse* Part 1, Part 2, Part 3📣 Final ThoughtsThis conversation isn’t over. Whether it’s education, redistricting, or who shows up to vote, the throughline is the same: participation matters. If we want better outcomes for our communities—and especially for our kids—we can’t afford to check out.Let me know your thoughts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

🎙️ Today’s ConversationHAPPY NEW YEAR TO YA! It’s the first Morning Show of 2026, and I have way too much to say already about a thing I’m trying to do more of (spoiler alert: it’s asking for help). It’s also Part Three of my conversation with IPS parent, educator, and ILEA Parent Advocate Tina Ahlgren. Today we’re focusing on how messaging around public education, charter schools, and “the data” shaped the ILEA recommendations now headed to the Statehouse.This episode digs into how long-standing narratives—some dating back more than a decade—continue to influence decisions about Indianapolis Public Schools, often without full transparency or accountability.🪴 Mentioned in This Episode* Indianapolis Local Education Alliance (ILEA)* Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS)* 2011 Mind Trust report outlining governance and enrollment proposals* Wildstyle Paschall’s recent op-ed responding to the ILEA recommendations🔍 Why This MattersThe recommendations coming out of ILEA aren’t new ideas—they’re the latest chapter in a much longer fight over public education in Indianapolis. This episode connects the dots between history, messaging, data, and power, and asks listeners to think critically about who benefits from the changes being proposed—and who gets left out of the decision-making process.📣 Join the ConversationAre you an IPS parent, student, educator, or have thoughts about charter expansion?I want to hear from you. Drop a comment, send a DM, or join the discussion—because this is a conversation we’re not done having in 2026. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

🎙️ Today’s ConversationIT’S NEW YEARS EVE!! I continue our week-long breakdown of the Indianapolis Local Education Alliance (ILEA) and its final recommendations to the Indiana Statehouse. Today’s focus centers on why IPS Educator, Parent, and appointed ILEA Parent Advocate Tina Ahlgren cast the lone “no” vote and why that public dissent mattered. We dig into power, governance, representation, and what it means to truly listen to parents, students, and communities most impacted by education policy.Be safe out there y’all!🔍 Why This MattersThis episode underscores a deeper question about education policy in Indiana: who holds power, who gets heard, and who ultimately bears the consequences of decisions made behind closed doors. As the state heads into 2026, these conversations—and the resistance to rushed solutions—will shape what public education looks like for years to come.📣 Join the ConversationDid you watch the final ILEA meeting or attend any of the previous sessions? How do these recommendations affect you or your family? Join the discussion on Substack, drop a comment, or reach out on Threads @patrickintheworld.▶️ What’s NextTomorrow, Tina and I dig into the messaging around charter schools—how we got here, the long arc of policy decisions dating back to 2011, and what history tells us about where this is heading next. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

🎙️ Today’s ConversationDID I NOT TELL YOU FRIDAY?! 😅 All this week we’ll be covering the fallout from the final Indianapolis Local Education Alliance (ILEA) meeting. Today’s episode features the first part of my conversation with IPS parent, educator, friend, and ILEA Parent Advocate Tina Ahlgren, focusing on what the ILEA is, how it was formed, and how its rushed timeline shaped the recommendations now headed to the Statehouse.This episode is the first of a four-part series unpacking how we even got here to begin with.🗓️ This Week’s ILEA Series* Tuesday: What the ILEA is, why it was formed, and how the process unfolded (today)* Wednesday: Why Tina cast the lone “no” vote* Thursday: The messaging around “education reform,” charter schools, and school choice* Friday: What happens next when the recommendations reach the Statehouse—and how redistricting affects the timeline🪴 Mentioned in This Episode* Indianapolis Local Education Alliance (ILEA)* Senate Enrolled Act 1* Episode 009 with Rep. Mitch Gore (House District 89)Cover photo credit: Lauren Chapman | IPB News | via WFYI.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

🎙️ Today’s ConversationI sit down at the table with Indiana State Representative Mitch Gore for a wide-ranging conversation about what government is supposed to be—and what happens when it loses touch with the people it serves. We talk about Mitch’s path from running a family bar to flipping one of Indiana’s most competitive districts, why listening to constituents still matters, and how recent redistricting fights revealed both the fragility and the power of public trust in government.Learn more about Rep. Gore📚 Mentioned in this Episode* Redistricting, duh.* Indiana General Assembly* ILEA fallout continues this week! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

🎙️ Today’s ConversationI couldn’t help but react to two stories that happened this week: South Korea’s announcement that it plans to end international adoption, and a viral holiday post from Indiana State Senator Chris Garten that says more about our political moment than it probably intended to. Featuring reflections on the power and importance of adoptee voices, the necessity of political accountability, and why staying engaged—especially in Indiana—still matters deeply.🪴 Mentioned in This Episode* South Korea’s plan to phase out international adoption by 2029* The Truth and Reconciliation Commission report on human rights violations in Korean international adoption* Episode 004 (Truth & Reconciliation Commission deep dive)📅 Coming Up Next* Monday: Episode 009 with Representative Mitch Gore (HD-89)* Next Week on the Morning Show:* Continued breakdown of the ILEA (Indianapolis Local Education Alliance) vote* Reactions to a forthcoming op-ed from Wildstyle Paschall* Clips and insight from a recent conversation with IPS, parent, educator and ILEA Parent Advocate Tina Ahlgren This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

🎙️ Today’s ConversationThree weeks?! Somehow, we returned to right here. And today, I’m revisiting my conversation with Sarah Silcox, specifically thinking through how AI, creativity, and the idea of a “frictionless” life shape culture and creative work. I”m also digging into Indiana being named the Washington Post’s inaugural “State of the Year” for rejecting mid-decade redistricting, questioning who really deserves credit for that moment and what Hoosiers should do with the attention now on our state.🪴 Mentioned in This Episode* Episode 008 of From the Kitchen Table with Sarah Silcox* Connection Club Indy and Sarah’s consulting work* Indianapolis Star coverage reacting to a Washington Post editorial🧠 One Idea to Carry ForwardPolitical momentum doesn’t start in editorial boards or headlines—it starts with people. Indiana’s redistricting fight showed that Hoosiers, across ideology, can push back when they believe outside forces are threatening how decisions are made at home. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

🎙️ Today’s ConversationI sit down with Sarah Silcox to talk about creativity, identity, and the whether or not artificial intelligence is taking over our lives. We cover a lot: from tea rituals and British TV to event-building, entrepreneurship, AI ethics, attention spans, and what it means to resist optimization culture while still trying to live a full, intentional life.📚 Sarah’s Book RecomendationsEmpire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Altman’s OpenAI by Karen HaoThe Quiet Damage by Jesselyn CookTrick Mirror by Jia TolentinoFilterworld: How Algorithms Flattened Culture by Kyle ChaykaDoppelgänger by Naomi Klein🪴 Mentioned in This EpisodeConnection Club IndyFleabag (TV Series) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

🎙️ Today’s ConversationToday I’m joined by FTKT Morning Show correspondent Michael “Jerry” Zarick for a first-person follow-up on the final Indianapolis Local Education Alliance (ILEA) meeting and its controversial recommendations for the future of public education in Indianapolis. We unpack what happened inside the room, how public comment was handled, what the proposed governance changes could mean for IPS, and why this fight is far from over.🪴 Mentioned in This Episode* Indianapolis Local Education Alliance (ILEA)* Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS)* The Mind Trust🔑 Stay Connected* Mirror Indy* Chalkbeat Indiana* Third Space Indy* Central Indiana DSA* Indy Liberation Center🔜 What’s NextThis conversation doesn’t end here. As these recommendations head to the Statehouse, the fight over public education in Indiana enters a new phase. Stay tuned in here for more insights, breakdowns, and coverage of the ongoing battle over public education in Indiana.And let me know your thoughts in the comments! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

🎙️ Today’s ConversationA sleeping toddler means a whispering podcaster (aka sorry for whispering lol). I drop some more thoughts on the Indianapolis Local Education Alliance’s (ILEA) ahead of their final vote and what its recommendations could mean for the future of Indianapolis Public Schools as they head to the Statehouse (spoiler alert: they voted 8-1 in favor against among other things, a democratically elected IPS board). I’ve also got some words for the IndyStar’s interview with Governor Mike Braun, specifically my takeaways re: his leadership approach, continued focus on Washington, D.C., and what Hoosiers are actually asking for after the redistricting fallout.🪴 Mentioned in This Episode* Indianapolis Local Education Alliance (ILEA) final vote and recommendations* Here are 5 things the mayor and IPS superintendent want in the ILEA recommendations* Q&A: Gov. Mike Braun on redistricting loss and first year as governor🗣️ Listener PromptIf you attended the ILEA meeting or live in Indiana, I want to hear from you. What was it like in the room, and how are you feeling about where things stand right now? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

🎙️ Today’s ConversationToday is all about one thing: the Indianapolis Local Education Alliance (ILEA) and its final meeting taking place tonight. I break down what the ILEA is, why it was created, and how its recommendations could fundamentally reshape public education in Indianapolis—and across Indiana—for years to come.📍 What’s Happening Tonight (December 17)* Location: City-County Building, 200 E. Washington St., Indianapolis (2nd floor)* 5:00 PM – Press conference* 6:00 PM – ILEA committee meeting + public testimony (sign up here)* What to Do: If you can attend, wear RED and submit public comment while there’s still time.* Watch: Livestream the meeting🏫 What’s at StakeThe ILEA is a task force created by the Indiana General Assembly to recommend changes to how Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) shares resources with charter schools. Below are three areas that may be impacted based on the final recommendations made to the IGA:* School Board Governance – A proposal to eliminate the elected IPS school board in favor of a mayor-appointed board, combining IPS governance with charter oversight.* Transportation – Changes to how IPS provides busing for charter students, raising concerns about equity, access, and sustainability for families without transportation resources.* Buildings & Facilities – Uncertainty around ownership, management, and funding of school buildings currently used by charter schools but owned by IPS.📚 Learn MoreThird Space Indy featuring Windi Hornsby - Listen on Apple PodcastsConversation Piece* Alissa Impink* Tina Ahlgren & Ronak Shah* Wildstyle Paschall This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

🎙️ Today’s ConversationI spend this morning reflecting on why this week’s episode (007 with Stretch Thalley!) felt like the kind of conversation I’m always chasing and what it means when dialogue feels honest instead of performative. I also discuss what our collective reactions to Indiana’s redistricting fight and the recent spate of gun violence reveal about power, responsibility, and who we’re choosing to lead us.🪴 Mentioned in This Episode* Follow D$ Podcast (hosted by Stretch Thalley)* Indiana Republicans’ failed mid-cycle redistricting effort* What the data says about gun deaths in the U.S.* Gun Violence Archive🗣️ Call to ActionIf you haven’t listened to Episode 007 yet, go check it out and tell me: What makes someone a good friend? Share your thoughts in the comments, on Instagram, or on Threads @patrickintheworld This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

🕯️ This Week’s Conversation: What makes someone a "good friend?" I sit down with Stretch Thalley for an honest (and often hilarious) conversation about friendship, authenticity, and what it really means to show up for people. Starting with everyday rituals and winding through community, growth, legacy, and listening, the episode centers on one core question: What actually makes someone a good friend? 🌸 Mentioned in this Episode- Follow D$ Podcast- Round Table Recording- Jennifer Magley- Tropicana + calcium pantothenate This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

🎙️ Today’s ConversationHEY D.C., TAKE A HIKE! It’s a glorious Friday and this morning I’m breaking down my state’s STUNNING mid-cycle redistricting defeat in the Senate — a 31–19 vote rejecting the proposed maps. I get into a few different things: the emotional release of the decision, some key moments from the testimony I saw, the online reaction from Hoosiers on Threads, and what this means heading into 2026. This is part celebration, part reality check, and part call to stay engaged as Indiana enters a pivotal election cycle.🪴 Mentioned in This Episode* 31-19: Indiana Senate votes NO on mid-cycle redistricting* Episode 005 with Sen. Andrea Hunley* Follow me on Threads📣 Next EpisodeEpisode 007 drops Monday — a conversation with Stretch Thalley, host of the Follow D$ Podcast, about friendship, purpose, and the stories we share. Tune in on Substack, Apple Podcasts, or anywhere you listen. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

🎙️ Today’s ConversationI break down a disturbing Indianapolis story: nearly 40 immigrants were denied the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony—despite completing every step of the process—reflecting a broader pattern of federal immigration intimidation and policy shifts targeting specific countries. I talk about what this means for immigrant communities here in Indiana, the risks facing undocumented adoptees, and how these actions connect to other disenfranchisement efforts happening nationally and locally.🪴 Mentioned in this Episode* Indy Star: Dozens denied oath of allegiance at Indianapolis naturalization ceremony* USCIS asylum pause for applicants from 20+ countries* Lack of citizenship for international adoptees* Mid-cycle redistricting & voter intimidation efforts in Indiana* IT: Welcome to Derry (TV series) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

🎙️ Today’s ConversationToday I dig deeper into two ongoing political stories in Indiana: the mid-cycle effort by Indiana Republicans to redraw the state’s congressional maps in a way that would dismantle the two remaining Democratic-held districts, and the quiet settlement of a lawsuit brought by Indiana officials seeking to verify the citizenship status of more than 600,000 Hoosier voters. I walk through what happened in the Senate Election Committee, how the bill could become law, and why recent claims of “widespread voter fraud” don’t hold up under the numbers.🪴 Mentioned in this Episode* Rokita & Morales sue federal government over voter verification* Settlement grants access to voter citizenship data* Impact of voter fraud narratives on turnout in Indiana* Indiana Senate Elections Committee passes new maps 6-3☀️ SpotlightMake sure you check out our flagship episodes every Monday! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

🎙️ Today’s ConversationI kick off the first full week of daily episodes with two big Indiana stories: IU’s historic Big Ten Championship win over Ohio State and the ongoing effort by Indiana Republicans to redraw congressional maps mid-cycle. I reflect on the stakes of IU winning a football national championship before Purdue wins one in basketball, as well as the political stakes of redistricting—what’s happening, what it means for voters of color, and what to watch as the Senate takes up the task this week.🪴 Mentioned in this Episode* IU wins the Big Ten Championship* Redistricting moves forward in Indiana🗓️ This Week (12/8)* Monday: Episode 006 with Baby Ebony* Wednesday: Indiana Politics in Plain Language* Thursday: One Idea to Carry Forward* Friday: Question for the Weekend This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

Patrick sits down with Baby Ebony for a conversation that moves from coconut water and hydration to vulnerability, creativity, healing, and the evolution of Indianapolis music. They talk about artistic process, rebuilding after an Achilles injury, and what it means to create a community built on honesty, care, and raw expression.Check out Baby Ebony🌸 Mentioned in this EpisodeJean Dawson - Glimmer of GodDisTinctRound Table Recording🗓️ This WeekWe’re soft-launching the daily version of the show this week! Here’s what you can expect:Tuesday: What's Happening in IndyWednesday: Indiana Politics in Plain LanguageThursday: One Idea to Carry ForwardFriday: Question for the WeekendEpisodes will release here and on Apple Podcasts. Hope you enjoy and let me know what you think! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

🕯️ 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 Episode* Indiana General Assembly (IGA) website* Indiana Voters website* Learn 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 public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

Out of the many revelations in the recently released report on Human Rights Violations in International Adoption from the Republic of Korea’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, there’s been one I’ve allotted multiple sessions of reflection. Specifically this passage:Last week’s question of the week was: what is something you’ve lost through adoption? One of the things I talked about in this episode is my family’s name. I think that’s a really simple, but really impactful, thing to lose (or never have to begin with). After sitting with the report for a few days more—specifically the above passage—I realized there is another loss I don’t think I’ve really had a long, sit-down discussion with someone else about. That loss?The truth.And I mean the truth, truth.When I last went to Korea, I decided I was going to do a file review at Holt (the agency that facilitated my adoption). Upon doing this, I learned that they had information about my birth mother (that they would not give me) and that in order to contact her I would need to file a petition through the NCRC (National Center for the Rights of the Child) to initiate a 90-day letter writing campaign, during which they would write and send three letters to the address on file and if she responded affirmatively we could go from there. If she responded negatively or not at all, I’d have to wait an entire calendar year to start the process over again.I decided that I was going to wait to start that process until after I’d finished writing the memoir I was working on. This was my way of reclaiming agency over this part of my story, agency I felt I had sorely lacked and, now, felt like I had a (more) firm grasp on. About a month later, I received an email from the social worker at Holt stating they had initiated the letter-writing campaign. I was shocked and confused; I was certain I’d not submitted the form. Instead of responding, though, I chose another route: silence. These things never end up getting responses anyways, I told myself, and decided that this would be the case for me.A week later I received another email from the same social worker who informed me that my birth mother had received their first letter and that she was aware of me but she was hesitant to establish contact because she had a family now that did not know of me. The social worker said they had convinced her to establish contact anyways because it would be good for “a stronger relationship” and so she (with presumed reluctance) said that she’d accept a letter and photos. I never ended up sending those. When I did, a year later, I got an auto-response saying that the social worker assigned to me would receive my message. I haven’t heard back.Apart from having yet to establish contact with my birth mother because I felt like my agency had been wrested away once again and now I have extreme guilt and regret over this, the thing I’ve struggled with the most is that even if we were to reconnect, and even if I were able to hear the story of my relinquishment from her very lips, Korean or not, would I truly be able to believe it?I don’t know that I could (I also can’t say).That is what I’ve lost through adoption. Because of adoption. Via adoption. I’ve lost the ability to know my true origins, 100%, beyond a shadow off a doubt. I’ve gone through the rationalizations, the justifications, the hard conversations. I’ve spent time reflecting on why that even matters, if it’s that important, if it really does mean that much.I think it does. I think it matters. I think it is important. It means A LOT. And the knowing of that loss, understanding that loss, and, for lack of a better phrase, making peace with that loss, is some of the most important work I’ve ever done. Because it is in that knowing and that understanding that I can build. It’s from this foundation that I can grow and move through the world as the most whole version of me. Because, while adoption ensured that I could never be whole, it will not be the barrier that keeps me from being my most whole self.Final Thoughts* If you have thoughts about this report and would like to discuss, I’d love to chat about it. Feel free to send me an email.* I am no longer writing a memoir, but I am currently working on a book that will hopefully come out in 2026.* I’ve recently started Pluribus, a new show from Vince Gilligan (creator of Breaking Bad), and am really enjoying it. Stories about resisting assimilation will always be up my alley. Uh… spoiler alert about the show kind of?* I also recently guested on a podcast based here in Indy: The New Oldheads. Great show. Music-focused, but driven by culture and conversation. Tap in if you’re interested.🕯️ This Week’s Conversation: Human Rights Violations in International AdoptionI dive into the findings and referrals from the Human Rights Violations in International Adoption report released by Korea’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission.Read the report.🌸 Mentioned in this Episode* Lisa Wool-Rim Sjöblom/정울림* Adoptee Film Fest* Leadership Summit for Adoptees, Fosters, and Allies💭 Question of the WeekIf you could choose a fictional character to be your best friend, who would it be (and why??)??????We’re getting fun with the next episode. Send if your thoughts!!!! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

In this episode, I sit down with community advocate and cyclist Jake Budler to dig into the growing pedestrian safety crisis in Indianapolis—starting with the fatality at College & Mass and expanding to the larger systemic issues impacting walkers, bikers, and neighbors across the city. We talk about the city’s limited response, why a grassroots coalition is organizing a Safe Streets protest on November 23rd, and what meaningful short-term and long-term solutions could actually look like.The conversation is about safety, accountability, and what happens when everyday people decide to pushMentioned in This Episode- Safe Streets Indy (data dashboard)- Indianapolis Department of Public Works (DPW)- Indianapolis Cultural Trail- Tomorrow Bookstore- Bike People Indy- Central Indiana Cycling This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com

Patrick sits down in Greenpoint, Brooklyn with Alexandra Mann, founder of the Adoptee Film Festival, to talk about her journey from Hong Kong to Vancouver to New York—and how a letter from her birth mother inspired her to create a space for adoptees to see themselves represented on screen. Together, they discuss identity, ambition, community, and how turning pain into purpose can light the way forward.💬 Key TopicsGrowing up in Hong Kong and moving to Vancouver and New York, Finding community and identity as a transracial adoptee, The power of film and storytelling for representation, The origins and growth of the Adoptee Film Festival, Balancing ambition, burnout, and belonging, Creating sustainable advocacy and finding your people This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit patrickintheworld.substack.com