In this candid and powerful episode, I brought a fellow podcaster friend Patrick Armstrong, a Korean American adoptee from the Midwest, a celebrated co-host of The Janchi Show, and the creator of the intimate new local series of the people in Indianapolis, Conversation Piece.

Patrick shares his deeply personal journey as an adoptee, reflecting on the decades it took to reconcile his upbringing and become more secure and fully embrace his Asian (Korean) American identity.

We also dive into the state of media today, discussing:

• The Podcasting Landscape: How independent creators are navigating a world dominated by major media companies.

• The “Manosphere” Reputation: Patrick and Randy address the widely discussed, often negative reputation that male-hosted podcasts have garnered, and what it means to actively work against that stereotype by hosting conversations focused on community, nuance, and growth.

• Purpose-Driven Podcasting: The essential role of podcasters in pushing complex, much-needed stories that authentically represent their communities, rather than just chasing virality.

• Stories of Place: We explore his latest project, Conversation Piece, which gives an intimate look at the people and untold narratives of his home city, Indianapolis, and why local storytelling matters now more than ever.

This is a conversation about identity, media responsibility, and the power of finding your voice.

Bio:

Patrick Armstrong (he/him) is a storyteller and entrepreneur. He is the host and producer of two award-winning podcasts: Conversation Piece, which explores the city of Indianapolis through the perspectives of its people, and The Janchi Show (pronounced: JohnChee), which amplifies and celebrates the Asian adoptee experience. Through conversation-based media and storytelling in all forms, Patrick works to provide new perspectives on the world – and people – around us and empower both individuals and organizations to meet each other, not with fear and judgement, but with love and affirmation.

Connect with Patrick Armstrong:

• Listen to The Janchi Show:

  https://janchishow.com/

• Listen to Conversation Piece:

  https://conversationpiecepod.com/

• Personal Website:

  http://www.patrickintheworld.me

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/patrickintheworld

  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickintheworld/

  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConversationPiecePodcast