Ep. 15 - Casey Springer - Founder of We Walk Indy
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Intro
I went on my first We Walk Indy walk on July 8th. It’s a bit odd walking into a group of people for the first time. You never know what to expect and, even in this case, where I was invited there is a worry of feeling like an outsider.
That never happened though. When I walked in Casey Springer immediately made sure I felt welcome and introduced me to at least one person to make sure I was set up to talk even with people constantly walking in to the Firehouse Tinker for her walk.
The talent of making people feel recognized and welcome immediately upon arrival, especially total strangers, is a a super power not many people have. Casey Springer certainly has it. If you ever get the opporunity or inkling to go on a We Walk Indy walk, I would take it and have a great few hours walkin’ and talkin’.
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Links of references from the show
Production learnings
Story Time
Episode Summary
Episode Transcript
Third Space Indy is supported by Arrows.
Important links and mentions
Casey Springer
Production learnings from the episode
I really need to figure out how to stop my microphone bleed. This means the overlap of audio between the microphones I’m using. It’s increasing the amount of time it takes me to edit my podcast substantially because I spend a lot of time manually editing out the audio of each person from the other person’s audio track.
This is something I should probably experiment with in the interim between recordings but it’s not top of mind. Glad I’m writing this out just to have it noted though.
Other than this I am really happy with the way the video looks, it’s certainly one of the better looking episodes by far. Really happy with it. Looking forward to getting a new phone soon to really help elevate the look of the photography even though the vast majority of people only listen to audio. It’s for me.
The other thing here is that the transcript is going to look extra wonky. Descript is really weird about having multiple audio tracks and I try to be good about fixing the transcript up as best I can, but I edited this episode fully on my laptop so the time investment didn’t seem worth it. Apologies there.
There Is a Reason for Small Moments and Small Talk.
I have found that your late 20s are for relearning all of the things you already know. For me, over the past couple of years I have learned a number of things. Sandwiches are quite cheap, easy, excellent and fast lunches. Conversation with a friend or stranger can be more fulfilling than any singular work activity. And of course, going on a simple walk any time of day alone or with a friend can be extremely refreshing, mentally freeing, and pleasant.
Soon, I plan to read A Philosophy of Walking by Frédéric Gros. This book explores the general concept of walking and how fulfilling it can truly be through the lense of famous people. It’s really interesting to see how through history people all often land on similar or same conclusions. That is one of the great joys of reading, how people share ideas about similar revelations.
I have also personally come to the understanding that true human creativity occurs when you are bored and certainly there are few things more mundane and boring than a walk. Boring, in this sense, meanings less that it weighs dully on your mind and more that the activity is a bit tedious and slow. In this day and age it is so easy to not be bored. Our minds are constantly seeking the next bit of dopamine whether that is through Netflix, Tiktok, Youtube or some other source of constant scrolling.
Walking Silence or In Conversation
It is in the true freedom found in boredom that our minds wander and true creativity thrives. I partially attribute the recent lack of unique ideas in film, television and other media to this stifled curiousity created in the digital age. Obviously the true market forces behind this likely weigh in a bit more heavily, but if fewer folks are having unique ideas or making creative revelations then certainly the products that sprout forth will also be less original.
The two other acts you can partake in while walking primarily are being in silence or being in conversation. Both of these have merit and value but for different reasons.
When walking in silence you begin to observe so much more about your surroundings. There is no greater way to learn about your city or other living place than walking around, so much detail is lost while driving and even to an extent on the bus. But when you walk you begin to notice the inconveniences, the empty lots, the potential and broken promises of governments laid bare. But also the simple beauties, front yards, simple joys and friendly head nods shared with other walkers. In silence, you also free your mind to think, not only to be creative, but to reconfigure, deal with trauma and remember happy things.
When walking with one person or a group of people (or a calling someone on the cell phone) you can walk with conversation. Here is where real community building happens. When you speak to others, you can share all of the things listed above. Free flowing ideas about the way that a garden is laid out, the way you wish you “had a fire pit like that,” or how walking somewhere is so much more pleasant than driving (a common one for me). And as the conversation flows further you can begin to get into deeper topics. “I don’t make enough money at work,” “I am struggling with my health,” “I think the roads should be better and housing should be cheaper.” And so it is in these moments of shared joy and shared annoyance you find true community. When community is formed, empathy follows; with empathy comes organization; with organization comes change. This is the power of walking and talking.
We Walk Indy has captured this in essence. The simplicity of my late 20s learnings into regular free community events. So I say to you go walking whether in silence or with Casey Springer in a group for your first or 50th time.
Third Space Indy is supported by Arrows.
Episode Summary
Building Community One Step at a Time: A Conversation with Casey Springer
In this episode of Third Space Indy, host Michael Zarick talks with Casey Springer, the founder of We Walk Indy and an events marketing manager at Salesforce. The conversation delves into Casey's motivations for starting We Walk Indy, a local walking group aimed at building a sense of community in Indianapolis. They discuss the insecurities and fears Casey faced, such as the fear of no one showing up and how her therapist helped her overcome them. The episode also highlights Casey's background, her passion for connecting people, and various experiences, including her time working for the Super Bowl and Exact Target. They touch upon the importance of food and shared experiences as means to foster connection. The episode also teases future collaborative events and discusses the concept of a third space, stressing the importance of consistent and low-barrier community engagements. The script is filled with lighthearted moments and shared personal stories that showcase the importance of community and connection.
00:00 Cold Open
00:49 Introduction to Third Space Indy
01:01 Meet Casey Springer: Community Builder
01:45 Breaking Bread and Building Connections
04:53 The Concept and Impact of We Walk Indy
06:26 Personal Stories and Community Impact
14:06 Challenges and Legal Hurdles
18:17 The Importance of Local Support and Collaboration
28:20 Future Plans and Personal Reflections
31:45 The Backyard Broad Ripple Club
35:17 Low-Stress Gatherings and Nathan's Role
35:33 Living in Moab: A Unique Communal Experience
36:36 Dreams of Community Living
37:19 The Sunday Stroll Concept
38:04 Embracing Imperfection in Events
38:44 Balancing Community Involvement and Personal Time
44:12 The Concept of Third Spaces
46:52 Overcoming the Fear of Putting Yourself Out There
49:29 The Dance Walk Collaboration
56:49 Reflecting on Personal Identity and Community
01:01:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Episode Transcript
Casey Springer
===
Casey Springer: [00:00:00] I didn't wanna start something without knowing. I could like fully see that through many seasons. And for me, like building community, I knew how much work that is. Mm-hmm. And so I was like really just holding on that and wasn't putting anything into motion.
Went to therapy and my therapist was like, well what are you afraid of? And I think deep down my fear was, what if no one shows up? Like what if I'm walking alone? And she was like, well what if one person shows up? Would that be a success? And I was like, yeah, actually that would be like one person to walk with.
\
Michael Zarick: Hello. My name is Michael Zarick and this is Third Space Indy. This is a podcast where we talk to community builders, leaders and organizers all across Indianapolis who are doing their [00:01:00] best to make Indianapolis better.
Today I am joined by Ms. Casey Springer. Casey is a, sorry.
Uh
Casey is a events marketing manager That's right. At Salesforce. Yep. I think we talked about that. Yeah. And more importantly, in my opinion, you are the founder and
CEO... I
don't know what title you have of We Founder. Yeah. Founder of We Walk
Indy
which is a local group.
Casey Springer: mm-hmm.
Michael Zarick: That it work does primarily free, but sometimes paid primarily free walks in various places around Indianapolis and the donut counties. Yep. That's right. And I am also an active participant in that. Hello Casey. How are you doing?
Casey Springer: Good, how are you?
Michael Zarick: Good. I'm doing so well. We got coffee.
Casey Springer: Yes.
Michael Zarick: Cheers.
Casey Springer: Cheers.
Michael Zarick: And
uh,
we have been excited or you've been excited? I'm also excited 'cause I know what's in here.
Um,
Casey Springer: Oh boy.
Michael Zarick: So I stopped by Renee's
Casey Springer: Oh, Renee's. Yeah.
IMG_8718: Um,
Michael Zarick: And this is something I've actually wanted to do for a [00:02:00] while, not necessarily with you, but any guest is just to quite literally break bread.
So I got three things and you get to pick one, maybe two if we're feeling
crazy. is it like
Casey Springer: the show where you have to choose
Michael Zarick: which a cake No, I'll tell you it in here. I've got a normal butter croissant. I've got an almond croissant. And then I've got
Kouign Amann
Casey Springer: I don't know what that is.
Michael Zarick: you know what?
Clean them all is. It's
uh,
it's like my favorite thing.
Casey Springer: Well, if it's your favorite thing, I can't choose it.
Michael Zarick: No,
no. We can share it. Oh,
that's
point of it. Okay. Yeah. Yeah.
Casey Springer: Break bread together. Share. Got
Michael Zarick: Let me,
do that here.
Casey Springer: I think.
Michael Zarick: Oh, no.
Casey Springer: Oh, shoot. We have a situation. A terrible start. It's a great start. Ooh, that's okay. Are you okay?
Michael Zarick: It's not hot. That's the important thing.
Oh yeah.
have to take keys outta my pocket. It smells nice. That's important.
Casey Springer: here,
Michael Zarick: for those who are just listening, I spilled coffee on myself as I pulled the pastry outta the bag.
Casey Springer: Maybe
we'll do this. That's,
Michael Zarick: let's do that.
Casey Springer: Huge and amazing
Michael Zarick: That's why we're splitting it.
Casey Springer: Wow. Okay. [00:03:00] Is this the one that's your favorite? It be,
Michael Zarick: yes. So I,
it's,
it's French, so it's,
queen. Amann.
I am never saying it. Correct. I know for sure. But effectively it's just like a, people do like,
uh,
you know how like they do like cronuts, which are Yeah. Croissant donuts.
It's basically like a croissant muffin. Oh.
Oh,
Uh, but it's more than that and better. I think it's
sort of
like the, normally it has
like a,
like a,
like a crusty bottom. Okay. Like a crusty sugar bottom, that type of thing.
Delicious. I think we have
so just grab a piece.
Casey Springer: I think we have to choose this one. Do you mind if I put these back in the bag? Yeah. Yeah. Okay.
fine.
Love it. Well, thank you for sharing this with me
Michael Zarick: Anyways. I
Casey Springer: Essentially that crunch, first of all,
Michael Zarick: I don't know if it's gonna pick up, but I hope
Casey Springer: Oh yeah. Oh yeah.
IMG_8718: Oh yeah.
Casey Springer: It's like a cross between like an elephant ear. Mm-hmm. I'm probably not doing it justice. An elephant ear that's so low brow. And the,
Michael Zarick: the, so Renee's had two flavors. I
don't normally, this is not a [00:04:00] food podcast, but that's okay.
Casey Springer: It's turning into one. But
Michael Zarick: a good way to first of all start because I think, and
uh
eventually I'll get to talk to someone with a restaurant or sort of a restaurant background or restaurant adjacent, but food is so important to the human experience.
Mm-hmm. And I think it's a great way to break the ice.
Casey Springer: It, it is. And I think like, just to connect with one another, like not to hop right into what we walk does, but we walk and it's so important for us to then socialize either before or after. Because I feel like that's where the magic is. Like you're connecting with someone, sharing food, sharing experiences.
Michael Zarick: Yeah.
the very,
well,
why don't you tell me and the people what We Walk does and then I'll tell about my first experience with you. Yeah. And then my perception of the whole thing.
Okay. And then
I'd love
we'll go from
there.
Love
Casey Springer: it. So We Walk Indy walking club. Pretty simple. Get together, walk around different parts of the city.[00:05:00]
And donut counties. But for me, it's really important to find accessible locations that are free and that are really for anyone that's on any level of walking age life, wherever you're at. So where we are right now, art Spark in Broad Ripple. Mm-hmm.
Michael Zarick: Mm-hmm.
Casey Springer: Um, It's a little rustic. It's not like your flat paved path, but, or in nature.
So, love to choose locations that have some scenery to it. Uh, the White River downtown with a canal, uh, here along the Monan and Carmel all over. So essentially it's just a way for people to get together, get some steps in, meet new people. Mm-hmm. And it never ceases to amaze me the number of people where I ask any first timers, and yes, they're first timers, but they just moved here literally that week.
I'm like, that is so
How
Michael Zarick: did you find they're like. On the average, like how do they find you? Just Instagram or
like [00:06:00]
Casey Springer: Eventbrite I think. Yeah. Or Instagram. But I think Eventbrite, it's just like places or things to do also do 3 1 7. A lot of people seem to find us from there, so I usually post all of our walks there.
Yeah. But like, I don't think I would be brave enough to go to a new city move. Like literally I've had people that are like, yeah, I haven't even like moved into my new place. Like, I have boxes and I just wanna like hop right into community, which I'm like, that's amazing.
Michael Zarick: so my first experience with you, so you reached out to me through Bo, kind kind of mm-hmm.
Bo Turner,
and you were like, Hey, you seem
kind of
cool.
Like,
come on a walk or
whatever.
I did, did I
Casey Springer: do that?
Michael Zarick: I
don't know what
said.
Wait,
What What do you think you did? Um,
Casey Springer: Um, I think I reached out to you and was like, I would love to be a guest on your podcast. And maybe from and
Michael Zarick: then I ignored you for
months.
Casey Springer: Probably
Michael Zarick: that's why you're here
now.
Casey Springer: Love that. Yeah, it was like springtime and now it's Christmas. No
Michael Zarick: but you reached out to me.
Mm-hmm.
And
I was, I am [00:07:00] still actually hesitant of people who reached out to me asking me to be on the podcast.
That's why I came to a walk first.
'cause
you know,
this podcast is not about advertising for your stuff, it's about community building and things like that.
Totally.
But I went to a walk, the first walk I attended was the one near Butler. We started at the Tinker, which, and Firehouse. Yep. Tinker Firehouse.
Yep.
And this walk was actually really cool for me, I think.
So I was still unemployed at that
time. Mm-hmm.
And the primary person you worked with to do that event was Charlotte? Yeah. And Charlotte and I who is the events coordinator for Tinker.
Mm-hmm
I hope that's
her job. Yep.
And I was still unemployed and I talked to Charlotte just about being unemployed and like, stuff like that.
And Charlotte used to be a teacher, all of those things. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm And the end she was like, oh, come by, Tinker tomorrow, I'll give you free coffee and something to eat. Although, I don't know, I think I maybe paid for the biscuit.
it
doesn't matter. We wanna [00:08:00] be fun. But just that moment of
kindness
mm-hmm.
Of
like,
I see the situation you're in. I wanted to help you, was so kind and I don't, would not have, I don't think, experienced that without your walk as a vehicle. And then beyond that, just witnessing, like you said, all these
first time
people
show up, myself
included
be intentional for showing up to a place
and
then being like, okay, if
I'm here alone, I'm
now
forced to talk to
somebody.
Mm-hmm. Uh,
and just
making a connection
even though for myself it's not,
long
term with anyone necessarily, although I
consider us
friends
this point. Yeah,
Yeah, sure. Um,
Um,
And maybe someone
will come
along
uh
on a walk that I meet.
I'm like,
oh, you'd be a cool person to
hang out with. Not that
there aren't people I
have already
done that with, but I have
witnessed on
multiple
walks that
people have connected.
Mm-hmm.
And probably
had follow ups afterwards, like
getting
lunch or even
going
further
beyond in
some
way
just to
like hang out.
and I think [00:09:00] to me, on the topic of accessibility, this, it's so simple Mm-hmm of like, we show up at a place and we go on a walk. Yeah. So simple And the only thing you can do on a walk is be silent or talk.
Yeah.
Casey Springer: Yeah.
Michael Zarick: Uh, and and It's okay
silent,
Casey Springer: that's totally fine.
Michael Zarick: But
Casey Springer: I'm a yapper. It's probably
Michael Zarick: Why we're
Casey Springer: friends.
friends Oh, we, we yapped on that first walk too. And I will not tell the people what oh God what we
Michael Zarick: yapped about.
But.
Okay.
That was like really powerful for me. And I, that's why I've continued to come 'cause I really enjoy the simplicity.
Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm But also through that simplicity, the beauty of the
walk. Yeah. Well thank you. That's so sweet. And um, I think it's free therapy for me. Like I definitely get a lot out of it. I love connecting with new people and just seeing where they live and what their hobbies are and whenever people show up to my walks, you'll either be greeted by myself. I'm at 98% of them.
Casey Springer: Love that. And then [00:10:00] my walk leads, which are amazing dear, dear friends that I've made through this walk club. And we will make name tags for everyone. Simple. I'm a very visual person where if I write it, I'll remember it. So that's why I don't think I know your last name 'cause I haven't written it fully.
But if I had written it once, I'll remember it. And then there's two other things that we put on the name tag and it's either your neighborhood or area that you live in. And then a number one, if you're a first timer. And I think that just like cuts the ice immediately where I'm like, oh, Mike, you also live over here in Warley. Like, you should be friends with Casey or Bo or whomever.
Michael Zarick: You do a really good job
of that where you go, oh, you,
it's,
it's not even like necessarily something
people identify heavily with, although I do think people identify heavily with their neighborhoods here in Indianapolis. But I think in the moment it's
not
like,
I don't necessarily feel that.
Mm-hmm.
But because
you are just like being like, here's a random connection.
Yes. Talk about something else. literally.
And [00:11:00] then,
uh,
I think a lot of times it leads into
like a, true icebreaker in that way. Yeah.
Casey Springer: And I also think, like first timers, I know for me, if I'm ever a first timer at event, I'm just like, oh, I don't really wanna connect with anyone.
I'm like, I'm, I may seem extroverted. I'm very introverted. And having that number one is like a Bel speech. Like, oh, you have a star in your belly too. Like, we're both first timers, you know, and I always say this cheesy line of like, you're only a first timer once, live it up. But it's true, like you're only a first timer.
Like, I don't know, I also look at people and I'm like, you're a stranger, but you could be a future friend of mine. And so like that's, I mean, we're all just like living this life on this little, we're tiny specks on this huge rock in the middle of, uh, the universe. And it's like you only live for a a certain amount of time and like life is short.
Not to get like woohoo on you, but it's true.
Michael Zarick: The other thing I remember from the very first walk, I don't know if you remember this.
at the,
at the end after we were done,
it felt like people were leaving, but they weren't leaving. They [00:12:00] were going
across the street to graders.
Casey Springer: They were lingering, which I love.
Michael Zarick: they,
IMG_8718: Yeah, no,
Michael Zarick: good to linger.
Yeah. It's like very Midwest. Midwest. Goodbye. I've been really bad at that recently, actually, where
I'll say goodbye
someone and then talk to them for 30 minutes.
It's,
it's,
uh
um, it's something, yeah. But it just
shows
that you
have
like
a good connection in a lot of
ways. And
what, but do you remember that there
was
that random guy who
walked
up
with
the
cat in
his bag?
Oh yeah.
Casey Springer: I was
hoping he would come back with his cat and he hasn't yet.
Did
Michael Zarick: you tell
him who you were?
Casey Springer: No.
Michael Zarick: That
I, I don't know if
you
would
ever
find out that
Casey Springer: I thought you were doing my bidding for me? no,
no.
Michael Zarick: no. That's not
IMG_8718: my job.
Michael Zarick: So why
did
you start
We Walk Indy?
Casey Springer: Yeah. So I started for a couple reasons. It was like right on the outskirts of the pandemic where there were walking clubs popping up. And I saw a colleague of mine who lives in Grand Rapids and she was doing a whole season of walks and [00:13:00] getting 50, 60 girlies together, walking, and I'm like, I feel like Indy could really benefit from something like that.
So I like sat on the idea and. I don't know. I just, I didn't wanna start something without knowing. I could like fully see that through many seasons. And for me, like building community, I knew how much work that is. Mm-hmm. And so I was like really just holding on that and wasn't putting anything into motion.
Went to therapy and my therapist was like, well what are you afraid of? And I think deep down my fear was, what if no one shows up? Like what if I'm walking alone? And she was like, well what if one person shows up? Would that be a success? And I was like, yeah, actually that would be like one person to walk with.
And so I started it spring of 2023, right here in Broad Ripple Bull and I think 20. And it was like cold people were in
Michael Zarick: like the first time.
Casey Springer: Yeah. 2020 people. What the heck?
I
know. That's more
than
Michael Zarick: show up. It showed up to
[00:14:00] the one. Yeah.
Casey Springer: Yeah.
So that was, and it was so cold that day too. It was like beginning of April.
Mm-hmm. Um, and yeah, it's just evolved. We've had three names, you know, since we started,
which if anyone knows and has followed, we walk, they know the struggle that it's been, which never in a million years would I have ever thought that I'd have to get into legal stuff with just starting a walk club, you know? So, started that because I was filling a bit of a, a void for myself where I had been very heavily involved in a nonprofit and like that just wasn't the right fit for me. And so I was looking to support local, like, that's huge for me. And kind of showcase like how amazing Indy is, and especially since there's so many people that are moving here for the first time.
Like they don't know that this exists. They don't know that you can like hop up to Carmel, which I know like a lot of your, which podcast guests. Kind of like Carmel seems to be a topic, but they have really good trails.
Okay. I way
Michael Zarick: the
only person I've
talked
to with [00:15:00] Bow, the
only one
you watch is
with Bow.
IMG_8718: Yeah.
Michael Zarick: But
that's okay.
It is. Okay. a.
IMG_8718: a,
Michael Zarick: a,
I'm not a caramel hater. Shout out to Carmel. I think they're doing good things and they continue. If they continue
to do good things, it'll be a good place to
live.
Casey Springer: Yeah. Fishers is also popping off too.
I
Michael Zarick: actually don't
mind Fishers. So we actually, on the way over here, we talked about this, going to my
brother-in-law's
wedding.
I said 2022. It could have been 2023.
I time is an illusion to me.
But I just remember the little downtown area.
Mm-hmm.
Mm-hmm It was like so pleasant Yeah. To be around.
And
that's like what sticks out to me. And then recently there's
a,
a
a
Mediterranean, I don't know what they identify as. The guy who runs it is Syrian,
so whatever,
uh,
region you
want
to use.
But Mediterranean grocery store up there,
it's called
Al
Bacha. Mm
And
on
the
weekends they do,
and all you
can eat buffet
Oh. For like 20 bucks. So if you like
Mediterranean.
food Wow. Check that
out and you can do a
shopping on
the
side.
Love [00:16:00] that.
Casey Springer: Okay. I'm gonna
Michael Zarick: do
that. So shout out,
Casey Springer: a trail
nearby we could do a collab.
Michael Zarick: That's a good
question. I'll
look. it up. It's, it's like on
the,
off
the
side of a
big
old road,
so,
all right.
But
yes, the beauty of Indianapolis and
I, you
know,
I think I got down there before
I went
with
you,
but
the canal downtown mm-hmm. Was like so pleasant
to
walk
down.
I love it. Is it White River State
Park is, yeah. So actually
Casey Springer: like the downtown canal, I didn't know this until I started
my
walk club, but it's half owned by the cultural trail. Like the trail around that is half cultural trail, and then the other half is White River State Park. So like Right. But the
Michael Zarick: cultural
trail goes
through it.
It does,
It's
so
confusing.
I know,
I know.
Casey Springer: But yeah, the cultural trail has public spaces that we activate on. So like, we're either on the north end of the canal mm-hmm. Or the Vermont Street. That's the walk that you came to, which is like, kind of the halfway point, but it's still the cultural trail.
Yeah. It's one of my favorite walks. We do that once a month. Mm-hmm. So it's regular.
Michael Zarick: So what's kept you going?[00:17:00]
Casey Springer: Good question.
Because
why are we still
Michael Zarick: walking?
Casey Springer: I mean, honestly, when I was going through like, the hardest part of legal issues with this walk club, people would ask me like, well, don't you just quit? And I, I, there was never really a moment where I was like, yeah, for sure I'm gonna like not do this. And every walk that I host, we've always had a first timer, always. We've never had a walk where it's just like,
Michael Zarick: that
is a really impressive
stat,
to
to be honest.
Casey Springer: It is. we're a hundred and like five walks too.
Michael Zarick: Can
you believe that? How
do you do? Like three
a
month?
Casey Springer: Typically are you Only at 105? I feel like it should be more.
Yeah. The rain, I don't, I don't count the ones that are canceled. It was a very rainy season for sure.
Michael Zarick: true.
Casey Springer: Wait, what was your question?
Michael Zarick: Why are you still
walking? Oh yeah. I mean it really is just so amazing to see the connections from people.
Casey Springer: I got tagged on a post this week actually. Um, Stacy who met her, she's a beautiful, beautiful human and she posted a picture of her and her two friends that they met at We Walk and they were [00:18:00] at like some function, I don't even think in the city. Like they traveled somewhere together. And I get tagged on those posts probably every couple of months where it's like people that have met.
And so I don't know if I can be that vehicle of just connecting people and also like supporting local. I love being able to have connections. I just got a text from Create Art Indy saying, Hey, can we catch up? Would love to collab on an upcoming thing. But just having those connections, like that's really what like fills my cup.
Michael Zarick: Do you think there's
like something,
are
you from Indianapolis?
Casey Springer: would say southern Indiana. Like Columbus, Indiana is my hometown. Okay. Yeah. So, I've been around many years. I look younger than I am.
Michael Zarick: That's what I
said.
IMG_8718: Yeah,
Michael Zarick: No.
Um, It doesn't,
it doesn't, it is not important to the
question
that I'm
gonna ask
if you're
from
Indianapolis
necessarily, but
what,
like,
is there something from your earlier life, you said,
you know,
you're really passionate about community and you're really
passionate about connecting people. [00:19:00]
Is
there
something from
earlier
in your
life that you think maybe
influenced that?
Casey Springer: Mm-hmm. I do. Two things. One, whenever I was in high school, I always tended to navi, uh, not navigate, gravitate toward new people that were new to the school. I have a heart for like, helping people get oriented and Have you
Michael Zarick: seen Napoleon
Dynamite?
Casey Springer: Yes. Yes.
Michael Zarick: Even they're
like
Napoleon. This is
Pedro. He's the new kid. Do you wanna show?
Casey Springer: Is he the
Michael Zarick: the
Casey Springer: new kid? It's several years. Okay. But literally me. Is that you? Yes, it's me. Yeah. And I don't know, I just wish that, for me, I think a lot of times growing up I was the new kid a lot. Like I moved around from different schools.
And so later when I was a little bit more established and wasn't moving around so much, I wanted to like give that back and help people. The other thing is, gosh, like several years ago, a colleague of mine did this exercise, I don't even know what it was, but he essentially asked me, what was your earliest [00:20:00] memory?
And I'd love to like, flip the script and ask you what was your earliest memory? And I was like, probably like, caring for kittens in this chicken coop and like just feeding them and playing with them. And so out of that, like I've volunteered several, several hours with the Humane Society Animal Control in fostering cats and kittens.
And so. I don't know, there's just something tied to like, whatever your earliest memory is, like that's deeply ingrained in you.
Michael Zarick: That's
so funny.
Casey Springer: Yeah. Do you have an earliest
Michael Zarick: I.
I don't know if this is the earliest memory, but is
the memory
that I
think
about
as being a young
person the most. And it is in like the nineties, having a game boy color
at
my brother's
soccer game.
This
is
playing
Pokemon Yellow.
Oh
yeah,
yeah,
Shout of the Pokemon. And not knowing how to catch Pokemon,
like, '
cause
kids
are
stupid. I
was stupid. And
Pokemon's
a
very simple
game,
but
I didn't
know how to
play it. But
like,
not knowing how to catch Pokemon and someone there at the game
teaching
me
[00:21:00] how
to
catch
Pokemon
in
on
the Game
Boy.
Hmm
And like that. It's funny that you say that. 'cause
like,
first of all, I love video games. Still a, still a huge gamer, but also
like,
I love, I always say I do other people's homework.
Mm-hmm.
Which is, I don't like doing things for myself. I really enjoy teaching other people. So maybe that is like a, maybe that's a core part of that.
I've never reframed it that way.
Right Now
I'm, now I'm lost.
Casey Springer: Oh yeah. We're kind of all over place here. When did
you
Michael Zarick: move to Indianapolis?
Casey Springer: I moved to Indy. Gosh, now this is gonna date me. I moved in 2005. We'll say it went to IUPY.
Michael Zarick: No one is judging.
Casey Springer: Oh, if they are, whatever. I'm an open
book.
It's fine not to be judged. I'm just like, well, I'm old. 2005 went to IUPY. Now IU Indy I think it is.
Michael Zarick: Well,
they're split.
There's also
IU Purdue.
I
don't know
if
you
could,
if
you went
to
I-U-P-U-Y, I
call it EY Pey. You [00:22:00] went to EY Pey.
Casey Springer: I was
the IU part. We'll just say that. So studied marketing and event. And then moved back to my hometown Uhhuh for just a couple years. And then I came back to work on the Super Bowl that we hosted in 2012.
Michael Zarick: Did,
Did do
you
work for like in the NFL or something?
Casey Springer: So what happens is whenever Indianapolis hosts an event, we're essentially the liaison between the city and whatever, like the NFL mm-hmm.
For the Super Bowl. So I worked for, it was a, I don't know, a pop-up what do they even call that? Just like an organization nonprofit, essentially. Mm-hmm. And we had bid for hosting the Super Bowl. I wasn't a part of that, but as soon as we won the bid, then they said, okay, we need all of these different divisions and we have to hire these folks.
And so I had put in my resume to be an unpaid intern for like three seasons.
Michael Zarick: Would you love it?
Casey Springer: Uh, yeah.
Unpaid
at the time. I think now there's laws again dating myself. Now there's [00:23:00] laws we have to pay these interns. Go figure they need money to live.
Yeah.
So I had saved up all my pennies and I finally got the unpaid position and I was living on my sister's essentially couch at the time.
And was hoping that I would get the paid position at the end. But when I tell you that they probably got thousands, maybe like tens of thousands of resumes. And here I am, like little girl, just out of college, like I'll do anything. But because I had put in the time and done the internship, in fact, one intern left kind of early.
So I was doing two people's jobs, which is also like very synonymous with who I am. Just like always finding the opportunity, working really, really hard. I got the paid position and so that set me up for success in connecting with different organizations in the city.
And so by way of being, I was part of that organization.
I had my eye on Exact Target, love their culture. They had free Snap. Oh, that's email
Michael Zarick: marketing.
Casey Springer: Email marketing. And then we got acquired by Salesforce a year later. [00:24:00] So that's how that all
Michael Zarick: came
Casey Springer: together. Oh,
Michael Zarick: so you so you never applied directly to Salesforce? Correct. You got I
don't think I would've
been hired.
Casey Springer: I'm gonna be real honest. Like it's hard to get in there.
Michael Zarick: I will say when I was first unemployed earlier in the year, I was like, oh, I might work at Salesforce. And then I saw Workday and I was like, I'm not applying this.
Yeah. Workday for Michael.
Casey Springer: Oh man. Yeah. Do you have a thing against Workday?
Michael Zarick: I just, all that like super corporate, uh, application process stuff is really offputting to me. I get it. It's like. I don't necessarily have anything against working for a corporation. It's more like I don't want to go through all the paperwork. I know I know That's a lot. I'm anti paperwork. Like my current job, my boss was like, we, I talked to her on a Monday and she hired me on Friday. No application. Really. Just sort of, I was, I'm very lucky not to hide myself up or anything, but just she was
like,
the
Casey Springer: vibes are there, you're higher. No,
Michael Zarick: literally
it's, I
was
like, this
is perfect. This
is
exactly
what
I
desire
and this
is
how it should be.
Mm-hmm.
Casey Springer: know all the overhead and stuff
Michael Zarick: is totally, I feel that deeply in my soul. [00:25:00] Like, this is why the community building is so important for me because I need that avenue of like, I'm doing good in the world. I'm not just like on my computer the Mm-hmm.
So,
the walk leads.
Casey Springer: Mm-hmm.
Michael Zarick: This is a mystery to me.
Casey Springer: Okay. How do you become one?
No, I,
IMG_8718: I, I don't,
there's no paper
Casey Springer: I hire on vibes and you get $0.
Michael Zarick: You asked me to
be
a
walk lead on the
first one. I did not. Yes, you did. I think
Casey Springer: I forced you and I was like, you gotta lead us. But it
IMG_8718: it wasn't a formal position.
But welcome to be one if you'd like. don't know if I have the,
Michael Zarick: the,
the chops. It's Okay. Like
your other walk. Are all of your walk leads women?
Casey Springer: They are Or female identify? Yes. Yes. I would say. I'm trying to think if, yeah, they are.
Michael Zarick: Let
me
rephrase.
Are
they
are,
do
you
have
any
men
or
Don't,
Casey Springer: I mean, there's my like fiance who comes and like,
Michael Zarick: does he have a name tag?
Casey Springer: He doesn't have an official name tag. So he's not a walk. He's not, you're
right. But I mean, shout out to Brittany, my walk lead who [00:26:00] created those like very nice name tags. And I think Bo actually reached out to me and was like, what's the info on this? So now she, yeah, so a small of just like.
Michael Zarick: It makes it feel really official.
Casey Springer: I know. And I oftentimes forget mine. I'm Like, let me just fly under the radar. I, I'm a nobody here.
Michael Zarick: So Were
your walk
leads a
well, why,
do they exist?
Casey Springer: Yeah. Well, at, at first I was like, there's no way I'm gonna be able to go to all these walks. I'm gonna have to like, you know, have the help. But I have been at 90,
even everyone
Michael Zarick: that I've gone to, I
Casey Springer: know, but I will say like, we're starting up a weekly walk on Wednesdays on the south side.
I will not be able to go to all of those.
That's pretty far.
It's, pretty far. Um, And also, yeah, shout out to the sweet, sweet person that was like, I want to be a walk lead and I want to like, just reach out
Michael Zarick: Yeah. There was the person actually at the walk. You did a, maybe we'll talk about that actually. The combo with the book club. Oh gosh. But there was someone there who was like, I live in southport. Yeah. Uh, which [00:27:00] means they drove, they actually couldn't drive. They took an uber
like,
or something like that all the way up. So something like
that. More again, to the idea of accessibility, like they're just to be closer or something. yeah,
Casey Springer: it's definitely one of the, like if I host a tabling event, I always ask people to vote. Like, what side of the city would you like to walk? South Side, inevitably. Yeah. Just the trails down there. I didn't know this either, but like above, like downtown Indy, all of the trails that are like the Monon and the nickel plate all used to be obviously train tracks.
Mm-hmm. South side, they're still functioning, so
can't walk on those because they're still trains on 'em. So
yeah,
Michael Zarick: don't get started on trains.
I know. Transportation.
Casey Springer: little bugaboo.
Michael Zarick: So how,
well,
you said you wanted assistance, but now you
really used them as assistance necessarily. So now it's just a, a title of just like your closest advisors? No, they
Casey Springer: do help. I mean, like, I
would say the intent was for them to fully lead and own the walk. But I mean, [00:28:00] I definitely need their support to make the name tags feel that everyone's welcome.
I love to have someone at the front, middle, back of the pack, look for the newbies, make sure that they have someone to walk with.
So they're a hundred percent needed. Yeah. It's just in my thoughts, I was like, oh, I can like not go to everyone, but I'm gonna go to everyone if that I can.
Michael Zarick: So you've lived in Indianapolis
20 plus years, since 2005, you said?
You're giving me a face. No.
Have you ever wanted to go somewhere else
Um, to live?
Casey Springer: To live? To live? I know you travel,
Michael Zarick: I think, I do travel a lot. Yeah. Like there was a time where pre pandemic, I thought about going somewhere south, like ocean vibes. Maybe the keys. Mm-hmm. Just gonna live off grid, but remotely for a corporation. Yeah. But I don't, but I have the key in. Yeah, I know I do.
Casey Springer: No, now that I have like a fiance and he's got kiddos, like I'm very established here and whenever I moved to [00:29:00] Broad Ripple, I literally thought I was just gonna live here a year, flip the house and like bye. But I don't know, like this is home now Mm-hmm. so
Michael Zarick: yeah, I
Casey Springer: think So
Michael Zarick: What is your reason for having lived here
for 20 years? Like, oh, I guess
you even brought up broad ripple,
Mm-hmm Like what about this is drawing you in.
Casey Springer: Yeah. To remain here.
You
IMG_8718: you
Casey Springer: know, India
IMG_8718: is like, what do
Casey Springer: say the. Smallest
Big town. The biggest small town. Biggest small, Biggest
Michael Zarick: small, town in
America that, yeah, common
turn of freeze.
Casey Springer: I
guess I kind of like being a big fish in a little pond in a way. And I'm not like a big fish. No one really knows who I am, which that's great. Let's keep it that way. But I just love how easily I can be. Like, I'm gonna go to one of it and then I'm immediately connected to like three or four people that then I go to the next thing and I see them again.
You know, I just, I love not feeling lost in a big city of like, Chicago, nothing against them or you know, Austin. I don't know, like Indy is just so small, [00:30:00] connected, collaborative. Like that's huge to me to be able to collaborate and Broad ripple. Yeah, like it's just kind of right in the center of all of the things.
So it 20 minutes to get to pretty much anything.
Michael Zarick: Mm-hmm.
Casey Springer: Which need to talk about. The Backyard Broad Ripple
IMG_8718: bull.
Well, but I'm gonna
Casey Springer: off.
Michael Zarick: Oh, okay. So like, it could be the, okay, let Lemme talk about it then.
Yeah.
Well, let me actually respond to what you said, which I also have noticed on Monday.
Mm-hmm.
It's probably because of who I hang out with. Uh, but I just, that consistency of people and like bouncing,
I call it the spider web, the web of connection. Uh, but like that consistency of like, Hey, I met you here.
Mm-hmm. And then I'm going to your thing here. Mm-hmm. And then I see another person that I've seen on Instagram there, and I'm gonna go to their thing. And then I've seen another person on Instagram that like
so on
Monday I went to patrick armstrong's he did a conversation with Jane Sun Kim, who
is
the event coordinator [00:31:00] event. I am not gonna get the title right. I feel bad. But Chreece, is the hip hop festival lovely event but there was like the people who run Epicure Indy were
Mm-hmm
The people who run Tinker Street, the restaurant were there. A guy named brother Jamaal Shabazz was there,
he's a local teacher, but is also like a a high key, low key influencer like
mm-hmm
that i've been really interested to meet. So I loved meeting him. So just people that I've been aware of and really interested in meeting because I just arrive in places. Just they of course are there because why else? Right.
Right
Why else? Not just, I know. And that, that small town feel of
like,
oh, we're at the town hall meeting.
You're,
you're
Let's meet
everything. Yeah.
Casey Springer: I love that.
Michael Zarick: It's been really enjoyable. Okay.
So its the
backyard,
Casey Springer: I'm gonna call it Backyard Broad Bowl Club, because that's where we live. But I mean, this concept of breaking bread With your neighbors. And inviting them to your spaces that you can host [00:32:00] doesn't have to be inside your house, where you have to feel like everything has to be clean and perfect, like your backyard.
Yeah. And like during the pandemic, I used to host so many backyard functions and
I don't anymore.
Michael Zarick: So,
uh.
W this sort of,
well,
I, it had already been ruminating in my brain,
but it
sort of, uh,
came
the forefront
last
week.
That
was last week.
The walk
with
Casey Springer: Oh
Michael Zarick: book club. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
And Nathan,
Casey Springer: oh,
which
logistics?
That was
half of
the park was
closed.
I didn't know that. Oh my god.
Sorry. I
hope though
Michael Zarick: a concert went well.
Yeah,
it
Casey Springer: did not actually, it got rained
at the end.
Michael Zarick: Oh no.
Rest
in peace
Rocked
the
ruins.
Casey Springer: shouldn't on rock the great vibes for them.
Not for us.
Michael Zarick: Yeah.
Well
IMG_8718: we had
a
good
time.
We had a good
Casey Springer: had a good
IMG_8718: time
So
Casey Springer: around
those gates. Anyway, continue
on.
IMG_8718: on.
Michael Zarick: So Nathan
was like, I really
wish
Casey Springer: Nathan of
Michael Zarick: Nathan
of Nathan
of schizophrenic reads. Yeah. Is that I
can't say his
last
name.
I
don't like
saying
schizophrenic
reads.
It
feels wrong,
It's
Casey Springer: I
think
that's just
Michael Zarick: just
who he
is.
Casey Springer: Yeah,
for
sure.
Michael Zarick: I don't know that
[00:33:00] he's schizophrenic.
I dunno. Whatever he is. Oh, he is? Yes. He talks about it sometimes. He has a huge TikTok following. I'm not on TikTok, so I don't know, but like he focuses on non-profit books. Non non-fiction. Non-fiction books. Yes. Non-profit books. And runs the book club with Tomorrow Bookstore. Yes. But yes, he does talk about
and
we,
I
say
we
as
if I'm
with
you,
but we walk, Indy
partnered
with schizophrenia Reads
to
do a book club and then a walk.
And
we talked
about the
Service
Barry
by Robin
Wall
Kimer,
which
I
had
read
recently
enough
that I was like,
oh,
I
wanna
go.
And
in
that
book
they talk
about community
building and
this idea
of
reciprocity
and
just
sort
of
how
we
can
exist
outside
of
the,
the
capitalist
system,
although
never
uses
the
word
capitalism.
And Nathan was like, I really want to. Just he's like, I don't like to
cook. I love the, he
goes, I don't like to cook, but I love to do dishes, love dishes.
So I was like, why aren't we hosting dinner parties? So this idea of the Broad River [00:34:00] Backyard, broader club
Casey Springer: Yeah.
Michael Zarick: Is
that
you just get
together?
Uh,
it's
just
a
dinner club.
Casey Springer: It is, but for your
backyard. Um,
Michael Zarick: So
I'm
gonna
invite
you
in
this moment. Mm-hmm.
For my birthday, which is October 1st. Oh, okay. But it won't, we're probably gonna gonna do it a little after. I'm
a
IMG_8718: gonna
host
a dinner
party
Michael Zarick: at my house. fun?
Yeah. You're invited.
Casey Springer: Is it a backyard?
Michael Zarick: Uh,
my, I
live
in a duplex and my
duplex
neighbors kick
them out,
take
it
Well,
we
kind
of like
take
the
front
yard and they use backyard. Mm.
there's nothing stopping us
from
using the backyard.
except for
the
dog
poop. we
will,
I'm
not
coming
to
the birthday
party
now.
We'll
look into that. and we'll
just communicate
with
them
that
it's
happening
and
then
IMG_8718: because
it would
Michael Zarick: nice
to
have
like
a
little
backyard
shindi it.
nice
And
I
want
to
host
people
and
I also would
love to
make
it
monthly.
And
I
hope
this
for
people
listening
to
like
get together
with.
The
reason
I wanna do this
is 'cause
I
have
met
through
this
podcast.
Mm-hmm.
So
many amazing
people.
And
if
you're
not
invited, I
am so sorry. They
start
their
own.
You can start
your
Casey Springer: own.
That's the beauty
[00:35:00] of this.
Michael Zarick: And
I probably will invite
too
many
people and my wife, I will stress my
wife
out.
Casey Springer: Maybe
should just
have
it
here,
a pop off. have
Michael Zarick: here. I
think they
Casey Springer: charge for that, but I'm gonna set
Michael Zarick: a date.
Invite
people.
If
you can't
come,
no
big deal. There'll be
another
one.
Yeah.
If
you can
come.
Great.
Casey Springer: Yeah, I love
that.
Michael Zarick: And
then
that's
the idea.
Just
don't.
It
should be as low stress, low barrier
to entry as possible.
And like,
Casey Springer: so make
sure you invite Nathan so he can do the
dishes. Nathan's on.
Michael Zarick: Yeah.
Nathan
is
invited
purely to do
the
And, but
this,
so when I lived, I, something I brought up during that book club is that when I lived in Moab, I lived in a 1600 ish square foot house, which is not a large house. Mm-hmm. With 16 people. So like a hundred square feet per
people. Right.
And
we would do four days a week, we would do dinner groups. So like, one person, one group would take dinner one night a week, So three nights of the week during the weekday, and Friday was like, whatever, go off, do whatever. 'cause the, the week [00:36:00] is over. Three
nights of the week,
I worked a
construction
job
coming
home
and not having to cook. Mm-hmm.
It
was
like
amazing.
Yes.
And
there
was this
culture
of
like,
trying
to
one up each other.
It
It was,
it wasn't mean.
It
was like,
oh,
they
did
great.
I
want to do
better. Sure.
So
you
just constantly
ate
creative
and
continually
better
food every time
and
you
have to
cook
most
of
it.
Casey Springer: Amazing.
Ever.
Michael Zarick: So
that
is
what
I desire for myself
in
this
moment.
Mm-hmm. and for
so
many other people
Casey Springer: I know.
Yeah,
it's a nice way to live. And I know Bo is on your podcast and she was talking about how she wants to create this like friendship community where they all buy houses in like a cul-de-sac or whatever. And like, I don't know, I do dream of like Shady Pines days. Golden Girls let me retire already down in the keys. I eating cheesecake. So I think there is something to be said about that. I don't know. Setup, essentially we're, we're [00:37:00] all bringing our. The thing that we're really good at, Nathan, the dishes. Somebody else was cooking, not me. I can like, not decorate, that's not the vibe, but like I'll string the lights and I'll set the table.
Like I really good at setting the table growing up.
Michael Zarick: Event organizer.
Yeah, like I'll
Casey Springer: set the scene. Y'all just bring your, your favorite things. So Priya Parker, she is a great author of The Art of Gathering and she brings up this concept of like the backyard parties or she did some series called like the Sunday Stroll.
And I talked to Sarah Silcox of Sarah Silcox Studios of hosting a day where we pick a neighborhood and we just walk and it's like a three hour event where you have no agenda and you're just walking meeting neighbors and it feels like very much your vibe. You would love that. We never got it across the finish line, but maybe next year's year
Michael Zarick: Um,
Um, oh gosh.
Casey Springer: The Sunday stroll.
Michael Zarick: No,
[00:38:00] I was just gonna say
that I'm really
excited.
I
think
that you know,
the
first
one
might
be a
disaster.
Casey Springer: Oh yeah, for sure.
Michael Zarick: But that
is
all good
and
I think, it'll
be
a good time
no matter what.
Yeah.
Casey Springer: But like, define disaster. Like, are we expecting perfection here? We should.
not. Oh,
Michael Zarick: disaster.
As
in
oh,
maybe the food
gets,
uh,
takes
too
long to
come out. Or
like,
who cares?
Yeah. No one
cares together.
Exactly.
Because anyone
Casey Springer: sitting there like, oh, it's 6
37. I think
Michael Zarick: we
are
so,
self-conscious
of and
I
am deaf absolutely. This
just a self-conscious
of
failure
that,
uh,
we
define
for
ourselves
Mm-hmm
no
one
else
is
defining
for us. No,
absolutely.
That there's no
reason
to
be concerned
about that
it's
more
so
just
you
have
to.
E in
space.
Like I,
the
other
day I
was thinking about
how
next
next, week we're going
outta town. And I was like, I'm gonna miss
so many things.
And
that's
a
failure of me
who's
like really interested in community,
but
it's okay, but if I miss those things
or if I go to
those things, then I'm gonna miss something else.
Mm-hmm. So like, who's
defining
failure here other
than
me.
Casey Springer: Wait, so you have [00:39:00] like major FOMO then,
Michael Zarick: No,
I really don't.
Casey Springer: So then what is the fear of like, you're, you just wanna be able to go to everything that is fomo.
Michael Zarick: Yeah.
Like
this Saturday, this is what we were
talking about. Yeah.
There's Chreece,
the Feast of Lanterns,
my D&D
game that
I'm missing
and
Casey Springer: else,
Michael Zarick: what
was the
other thing?
Oh,
Bo's,
oh yeah.
Pitch Your Friend, which she
asked me
to attend.
Michael Zarick: which is really
a
fun
event. Yeah, I
know.
But like all these things come into once and I have picked one. I'm going to the Feast of Lanterns. I've picked it months ago. And.
that.
It's not
that
I
have fomo, it's
more like
I
wish they were on different days,
I know. which
I
guess
is
fomo,
that I wish
they were on different days.
That
Casey Springer: is kind of
thing though in Indy. Like if you have an, if I were to have a walk on that day, it'd be like, well, no one's coming to a box.
They're gonna go to all these other things. Like that is kind of, I guess like a downfall of living in a big small town. Wait, what is it a small, small, no, small, big, small town. A big small town. Because then if there is BUTTER, for example, like [00:40:00] I'm probably not gonna host a walk that day. Everyone's there.
Yeah.
Michael Zarick: Or they're going with Sampson.
Casey Springer: Yeah.
Michael Zarick: That's, that's the
walk
for the day.
Casey Springer: yeah. I don't probably need to
IMG_8718: to do a collab
Casey Springer: Sampson That'd be fun.
Michael Zarick: He,
believe it or not, he walks
and
on
your walks
you
walk
and So there's a col, clear collab.
There is.
Casey Springer: When I had to change my name, I think I reached out and I was like,
Michael Zarick: Be walked talk.
Casey Springer: No,
I didn't. I was
just like,
Michael Zarick: he's
like, shut
up
Casey Springer: spitballing names. And I think it was too similar. I don't know. Or maybe he reached out giving me. Virtual hugs. I don't, it was a blur at time.
Michael Zarick: That's
so funny.
Casey Springer: Anyway, we digress. Where were we?
Michael Zarick: So, I, this
I
think
may
end up being a longer question, which I'm happy
to talk about '
cause
I think you'll have a great answer.
So,
Ed Fujawa
who
who
is my
previous
guest
Okay.
He
asked
you a
question.
Okay.
And
the question
is,
you're
so you ready?
You're
so in he said,
is something
in
Indianapolis
that
no longer exists
Casey Springer: Oh.
Michael Zarick: that
you miss or wish would return?
[00:41:00] Oh
Casey Springer: man. man, I need a minute to think about this. I've been around as we have done the math.
I've been around
Michael Zarick: been around
Casey Springer: 20 years. I know. I don't look that old. Something that, oh, I mean, the sinking ship was like,
Michael Zarick: what
is that?
Casey Springer: I'm, I'm,
aging myself.
I've lived
Michael Zarick: here
for less than
a year. I I need, oh, this is
Casey Springer: true. Well, it was on college in like, what is it? 46, 40 ninth, 50 something. And it was a hockey bar, I think like Chicago Hockey bar, but it had the best corn fritters of my life.
They were vegan. I don't know. It was just amazing.
Michael Zarick: Are
you're not vegan?
Casey Springer: No, I'm not. But
you're,
Michael Zarick: this
is definitely
not vegan.
Casey Springer: What if I said I'm vegan and I'm also gluten free? Well, I'm I said, Sorry. Sinking ship was just like maybe a third space for folks that were, I don't know of a different scene.
Like anyone was welcome there, you know, like, even though it was playing really loud, like metallic music. Is [00:42:00] that what it's metallic music or Like metal? Metal, yeah. Metal music. Yeah, I don't know. Like, it was just kind of my hangout and then they stopped existing.
Michael Zarick: When
you,
this
is
like a
Broad Ripple thing.
You said
four, six in
college.
Yeah.
Casey Springer: Like, SoBro.
Michael Zarick: Yeah. Does that,
I mean, so did
you live around
here or
did you drive over to like, hang out with your friends?
Casey Springer: Uh, I think I lived near Butler at the time. Okay, so not too far. Yeah, not too far. think there's like the classic cleaners that's on that block where pots and pies and pans and Triple PI,
Michael Zarick: I
just, it should be called three P 'cause I
can
never remember
three.
Casey Springer: It's like right there. I think there's maybe, I don't know. Uh, is
it
the Indian restaurant that's in there now? Maybe Indian. Well, there's Roma, that's the new name. And then there's something, I don't know
I don't know
Michael Zarick: All these
things.
Listen,
Casey Springer: or, or another was ta Please.
Michael Zarick: I
know,
You're
gonna have more than one.
Casey Springer: So many. It's all food related taste. That was like where? Next to the Red Key on College. Red Key Tavern. Oh,
I know The red key. Yeah.
Yeah. There's also the coffee shop there that has like the storage, shipping containers. Mm-hmm. But taste was like this amazing [00:43:00] brunch spot. It was like the
IMG_8718: the place to be.
Casey Springer: The Pomme
frites were
ah, magnifique.
Michael Zarick: Can you tell me, is.
it,
Why are these places? so, mean, they're both food establishments and back to like food as connection
And mm-hmm. And third place. Mm-hmm. that type of thing. Mm-hmm. Is
that
sort
of why they linger on you or they have specific memories there?
It
Casey Springer: was the
vibe. It was like, that's where my friends are, like, after a night of dancing downtown would go to taste hungover af
Casey Springer: those pomme frites. I think there was something miraculous hangover cure for sure. But like, that was just the kind of the known, like, this is where we're going on Friday night.
This the sinking shed. This is where we're going. Sunday morning taste. That was the vibe.
Michael Zarick: I'm
about to sneeze.
Casey Springer: Oh no, don't look at the sun.
Michael Zarick: I
thought the sun was. What stops you from s sneezing?
Casey Springer: I think I look at the sun and I sneeze. So just get outta your system.
Oh, I think I'm good. I do this too. What [00:44:00] that stops you from sneezing. Hold your, holding your wrist. Yeah.
Michael Zarick: I've
never seen such a thing.
Casey Springer: I'm giving you all the tricks.
Michael Zarick: Why did you actually here, this is a question from my mother who I'm supposed to ask every guest,
what
is a third space to
you?
or
a third place? Whatever term you
wanna
Casey Springer: use. Third space, third place
to me, not
even
Michael Zarick: necessarily
answer
this in any way You can define
it, you can talk about your specific places that you'd go now you can just tell me what
you think.
Casey Springer: Well,
I think of, we walk as kind of a roaming third if you will. Like, we're
not,
Michael Zarick: that's
why I
Casey Springer: I
Michael Zarick: use, actually, I'm glad you said that. Okay. that's why I use
the word Mm-hmm place.
'cause I think
the
word '
cause
third place is the proper
coined term.
Yeah.
the
Casey Springer: bowling alley was like
Michael Zarick: the
Casey Springer: origin.
Michael Zarick: Yeah.
I
think bowling alone is the book a lot of people reference.
Mm-hmm. But the
reason I specifically use the word space is 'cause I
think
the word place implies
singular.
Right.
Location
space
implies
potential
of
mobility.
Totally.
And
it's a little more [00:45:00] ethereal in nature. Mm-hmm.
this, like you and me in this moment, like this is, we're having. We're holding court as, as, someone would say, we're just having a third space of own Just,
in this moment.
Although.
Um, I
think the requirement
of third,
spaces is
consistency, but you
have given consistency through We walk.
Casey Springer: I try to, I have a very high expectation for myself, like,
Michael Zarick: don't we all?
Casey Springer: I feel like,
yeah, you and I are like definitely talking on some themes of like perfection and failure and that was my entire fear of like, what if I fail? I don't want like one person to show up to my walk, who cares? I think I'm just getting, like, once I hit a certain age, I'm just like, f it, whatever. Put yourself out there, you know? And that's just I think so hard for people to do. But anyway, back to your question, third space is really like, I don't know, just connecting with it couldn't be just one other person, like you're saying right here, right now.
A third space is anything outside of work and home and yeah. Whenever I like [00:46:00] walk into my
walks.
It's ever changing what the vibe is, who's gonna be there? Are we gonna have construction issues? Like,
Michael Zarick: will
there be
giant fences in
the way
or a
Casey Springer: cat in a backpack? Like you just never know. And I think like each third space for me when I have a walk is always so different.
And the beauty of it is what each of us bring. Like I'm seeing these little ants on the table. Just little guys bring in. Some of this too. Is it take home? Yeah, you're gonna take it. But like, each person dare coming. How dare you, sir. Like walk will bring their own little gift of who they are. And I just love that to our little third space.
So, yeah.
Michael Zarick: That's nice.
Casey Springer: Thanks.
Michael Zarick: Oh,
thinking
on,
sorry,
this
is,
it
doesn't, it sounds negative, but don't
mean it to
be
on,
on failure.
Mm-hmm.
People
have asked me like,
isn't
it
hard to put yourself out there
through
the podcast?
And
I was like,
not
really. '
cause.
I,
I
never
set
expectations
for [00:47:00] this,
is,
that. I didn't think of it until this moment.
Mm-hmm.
I never
set expectations
for
myself
for
the podcast,
ever.
Casey Springer: Hmm.
Michael Zarick: No
listenership goals.
No,
I don't
plan
to make money, that
type
of
thing.
Um, Um The
only
thing
was
for
me
to talk to people like you, who I who I really want to talk to. Yes. sit
down, take some time
and
talk.
And
that was my only goal. And because it was for
me and because there was no expectation
of
myself.
Casey Springer: Yeah.
Michael Zarick: It
became
very easy.
Casey Springer: that's a beautiful thing Yeah. and more people should like you. Well That's the thing though, I was like, this is the only part of my life that I've been able to do that for. I gotta figure out how to transfer that.
So the rest of your life is chaotic. Got it. No, and I'm also like preaching to the choir here. I have, he, I just ever said it like, I have high expectations and I get anxiety because I see someone by themselves at a walk and I'm like, ah, are they making friends? And then I like try to go over and like, talk to them,
Michael Zarick: and like, get away from get away from me. No, no. [00:48:00] So yeah, I get that. Like, on touching, on failure. So if someone asked you, are you, what, what was the question?
Afraid to put myself out there. Afraid to put
Casey Springer: yourself
out there 'cause like, I think
Michael Zarick: I
say a lot of opinions on this podcast. I don't speak in
facts frankly. Yeah.
Casey Springer: Like people are gonna come at you with is what this saying.
Michael Zarick: Well, yeah, I do. I I think a lot of my
mom actually brought this up to me.
She goes,
your
Aunt Cindy goes,
I'm
learning
a
lot
about
Michael's
politics,
which is really
funny.
'cause I don't,
don't
specifically speak on politics through this, but I think. the
nature
of
talking about,
you
know, adjusting
our built environment
to be more conducive
to
connection
Yeah.
Is
inherently political, but many
things
are
political.
You know, don't I don't use local politics as a vehicle, although I think it's important for you. For people to be involved and interested. I
am more interested in the sort
of the,
if,
if you,
consider my politics being, I want
to
have
more friends
and
I [00:49:00] want to
be
able to
walk
to restaurants
and coffee shops,
right? Sure. That's my
politics.
Right. And
have like
a
nice
Casey Springer: cool market
to
go to.
Yeah,
for
Michael Zarick: sure.
So I think when they asked you afraid to put yourself out there?
It
was about like, sharing yourself with the world and like being worried about being judged. It's like they're gonna judge you regardless.
Casey Springer: They're, you know, Mm-hmm. like what? You can't change that. Yeah. So might as well just, or am I allowed to talk about your upcoming event? Yeah. What's my upcoming event? Oh, the dance wall? Yeah. Well, it's not, I
IMG_8718: mean, it's a collab with Bow. What is
your,
when collab,
Michael Zarick: that means you are taking part ownership.
Casey Springer: co-owning this. So when
Michael Zarick: you talk about the.
idea of putting yourself out there There's nothing more putting yourself out there there than walking down the street
dancing
like a fool.
Casey Springer: Well, Or an amazing shuffler or something like, or dancing elegantly like a yeah. Ballroom dancing like a bell and, I dunno.
Michael Zarick: Belle and the Beast.
Casey Springer: Bell and the Beast.
Yeah. Maybe
Michael Zarick: that'll be [00:50:00] me and my wife Belle and the Beast. You, you know, we could, well, I don't know, do costume walk? Uh, maybe. Is that what you're, okay, well pause. that's just going
trick or treating.
Casey Springer: This is true. We're not asking for candy. We're just out dancing. Okay. Side tangent. There used to be a thing in Indy, again, several years ago, probably around the same time of taste and sinking ship, where, uh, they a a zombie be walk.
Michael Zarick: Have you heard of this? you heard of No, no, No, That used to be like a thing. Okay. Like that like happened nationwide. Anyway, I'm thinking there's lot of
those very odd things happen. I
Casey Springer: know. Yes. Yes.
Michael Zarick: I feel like
we've missed out on that. Do you know what I mean?
Casey Springer: What do you mean?
IMG_8718: Like
Michael Zarick: that's actually, it's funny you bring so zombie walks.
Casey Springer: Mm-hmm.
Michael Zarick: Do you remember when people would go do Naruto runs in the Yes.
Or like,
IMG_8718: Flash
mobs. Yeah. That
Michael Zarick: any
of these types of things. I
like
Casey Springer: that.
A flash mob of this dance walk.
Michael Zarick: Well,
but this is,
but
these are things people used to go
like,
I
feel like we haven't had,
I'm gonna call these community
communal trends.
Are [00:51:00]
Mm-hmm.
Like
social media trends that
involve
larger
groups of people.
Casey Springer: Yeah.
Michael Zarick: hasn't Like
the
Casey Springer: mannequin challenge. Sure. Or the planking challenge.
Planking. Was it planking? I feel like we
haven't
Michael Zarick: had
one of these that in
a while.
Yeah. I don't know if
you
can think of one. I'm off.
Casey Springer: Oh. What was the one where it was like. There was a song it like, and you're like,
that
Michael Zarick: was in
2012. I know this because it was at my summer camp.
We
would do,
Casey Springer: there was also Gangnam style and that's a different thing. Yeah.
Michael Zarick: The first song to hit
a
billion
news on YouTube. Uhhuh. Wait, how do you know that?
IMG_8718: I
Michael Zarick: I am too online.
Casey Springer: Oh, okay. I went to trivia at Greeks upstairs Uhhuh a month ago, and that was a question, and I was like, I
Michael Zarick: don't know. I could have gotten
it
for
you.
Casey Springer: Bummer. Anyway, the question was like, collab future event Bo she
loves, well, it's more
Michael Zarick: like
how do you cope with the fear of
putting yourself out there
with
your
dance
walk?
Casey Springer: Okay.
Do
Michael Zarick: you even have the fear?
Casey Springer: Oh, I, I for sure have the fear, but like we talked about Bo a lot on this podcast. Hilarious. But [00:52:00] like when she reached out to me, my initial gut reaction was like, who? I don't know if I wanna do that, but like, I like. That she is trying to bring something different to the city.
So I'm like, yes, girl, I'm there. Let's collab. Yes. And like I'm a girl's girl and so with her at the helm, really truly us both at the helm, I feel like it's gonna be good vibes. And the people have been so supportive and being like, yes, can't wait. I'm so excited. Not one person has like, oh my God, this is gonna be so weird.
And if it's so weird. So what? Whatever.
Michael Zarick: That's the one
thing I've learned
that,
we're in public, but
I
Bo
and
I recorded on
the
Monon. I know
we,
we talk about,
Bo whatever Bo and I
recorded on Monon, it's not
a Bo podcast
but I
also
recorded on Mass Ave
with
another guest. Mm-hmm. Like
being
literally in
public, just like doing
content,
which is so cringe. Like
actually,
but
it doesn't,
no
one
cares.
Like
either, they either
look at you
and go,
huh
or
huh
what
an idiot. Like that type of thing. But [00:53:00]
if
even if they said something,
which
they
often
do not.
IMG_8718: Mm-hmm.
Michael Zarick: Um, Who
cares?
who cares? who cares?
And
the same thing
of
going on your dance walk. and
Casey Springer: you're
Michael Zarick: if, and
Casey Springer: you're gonna be there you're gonna be there.
IMG_8718: be there
Michael Zarick: Because
you're inviting me. I probably will. That's
perfect. You
Casey Springer: can also just like stand to the side and like kind of vibe. It's fine. You have to be full on.
Michael Zarick: But
to
that point though, like,
who
cares?
Like Who
cares?
Casey Springer: cares?
Michael Zarick: Just
exist in your space. Yes.
Who cares Live your life.
I
met Madeline,
I
don't know
her last name, but she owns
Frida's
Flowers. Mm-hmm.
Mm-hmm.
Casey Springer: Mm-hmm.
IMG_8718: Mm-hmm.
Michael Zarick: The
other night
also
on
Monday. And
speaking of Midwest goodbyes, I spent like an hour with her just yapping in a parking lot,
but
her
friend was there who I
don't remember the name of,
but
they
were just
like, were
in the parking lot and recording themselves.
Aw.
And
then like posting it on Instagram.
I was like,
nobody,
no,
no
one I know does this just like
in
the dark,
[00:54:00] in the middle of a parking lot. They were like,
they were like, who needs a club? We've got a parking lot. Aw.
It was
I wish
I, uh,
was willing to be like that.
cause
I think
a
lot
of
times we're,
so
afraid to like,
Casey Springer: yeah,
I
know. Put together, but what's the
fear? Like
Michael Zarick: There
is,
there shouldn't be.
Casey Springer: Who care? I mean, like, we keep saying they're gonna judge you regardless. You know, like they could judge you right now. Like, oh, what a silly hat he's wearing. But you like it. Yeah. You like that hat. Yeah. So who cares? Who cares what they think?
Yeah.
Also, I think all of us walk around and we're so like, focused on ourselves. Like, oh, what do they think? So we're all just individually thinking about like, what do they think? What do they think? You know?
Michael Zarick: I'm
so glad
you
said this.
You,
you don't
have
to
go
immediately,
right? No. Okay. You just
have to
go.
You just have to go tap.
Casey Springer: Don't give my secrets away.
It's
fine.
It's
fine.
The
Michael Zarick: The,
this
idea
of oh,
what did you just say?
Casey Springer: Uh, everyone's individually, going around being like,
Michael Zarick: I
brought this up the
other
day actually,
when, when you were there. [00:55:00] I, personally believe that
a lot of our loneliness is through a shame that we feel. Mm-hmm. It's I
feel so alone,
uh,
and
I don't wanna do anything about it. 'cause I'm
shameful
that
I
feel alone, and because of that
I
don't reach out to
people Yeah. To
hang out
to
talk,
that type of thing.
Yeah.
IMG_8718: Yeah.
Michael Zarick: But
everybody
feels
that
way.
Mm-hmm.
Or I mean, degree, someone,
someone's gonna listen
to
this and be like, I don't feel that way.
Um it's a spectrum. a spectrum.
Yeah. It's a, long uh a a a number line somewhere.
So to that same point don't worry about being weird,
don't worry about talking to someone or reaching out to make connection.
Mm-hmm.
Because more often than not, when you look someone in the eye and say, hello, my name is Michael Zarick. They'll respond to you in kind and go, yeah, hey, that's my name. And then you just ask them, I, my favorite question in the world, I've said this before, is like, who [00:56:00] are you? Cause
no
one ever knows how to answer it
and
everyone
answers
it differently.
Mm-hmm.
IMG_8718: Mm-hmm.
Michael Zarick: Like the
other,
also on Monday,
so
many things happen on Monday.
It was
a big day for you. Um, The,
it
was at the same event, but I looked at so
Tin,
the
Tinker Street
restaurant
was there, and I looked at the
woman
who's
acting
as
sous
chef,
and
I
said,
who
are
you?
And
she goes,
oh,
I, I,
do
like, she thought for a moment,
and
she goes, oh, I do
like all
the
merchant T-shirt
printing for
Tinker
Street, and I,
you
run this business over here, and things
And she
at me and goes I
gonna say, I am the
wife of
the chef over here, but
I was like, I'm so much more than that. And I was like, that's really nice. Yes, girl. Yeah. Love that. not only,
uh.
someone somebody's wife. You're so much more than that.
Casey Springer: Yeah, for sure.
Michael Zarick: Casey, who are you?
IMG_8718: you, girl,
Michael Zarick: girl, we've been
yapping about who
you are this whole time. I know. What do
you
feel?
Casey Springer: Um, I am like, what is the, the literative where you're like the [00:57:00] icebreaker go around and like give an adjective that starts with the first letter of your name. I don't, I think of that often. I'm like, I'm collaborative. Casey, yo. Um, charismatic. I love to collab. I love to be charismatic and like caregiving. But yeah, I am a local supporting girly who loves to walk and create community. Also see names, community building. Casey got a lot of good words in the sea. I know
Michael Zarick: you're lucky.
Casey's not with a k.
I
know. That'd be
Casey Springer: be hard.
Do you know that I was called Kelsey at my high school graduation. I stood there like, who is that? Not That's so good. good. Like no one
clapped. I was like, well, this is great. Who am I? That's, I don't know. That's who I am. I mean, I got my job, which is at Salesforce marketing events. I'm a founder of a walk club. I love to travel.
Michael Zarick: Yeah.
Casey Springer: I love,
cleaning another C word. Cooking. Not so much grilling
You
and
Michael Zarick: Nathan
on the, I know. On
the,
dishes.
Casey Springer: I
can
see
it now.
Okay. Look at this ant. He's got [00:58:00] a big piece. Good for him.
That's,
yeah,
that's
a worker. He is working hard.
Wait, can I ask you, who are you? Who am I? Can I, and maybe do like M word if you can. Oh
Michael Zarick: man, that's, a man.
I am a man. Oh, see, no one's ever asked me this question, so I never really thought about it. That's an interesting question. Thanks for asking me my question.
Casey Springer: No, you actually have a podcast.
Michael Zarick: I
don't know.
I, I, think
I'm just
really
interested in what other
people are doing. That's the thing
that really
motivates
me.
Yes.
motivate.
Casey Springer: Love it.
Michael Zarick: Motivated
to
learn about
Casey Springer: other people.
Michael Zarick: Other
people
and
their
passions.
Yeah.
Because
when,
know,
when I talk to people who do pottery, when I talk to people who run
walks in the city,
when
I talk to
other
podcasters, when I talk to
chefs
and
Artists, all of these things,
when
you take interest in what they're doing and [00:59:00] show. Interest
is the only word I have.
What
is the, what is a good M word for interest?
Casey Springer: Oh, no, I've thrown you off with this M word. I know.
Michael Zarick: But when you look someone in the eye and you connect with them mm-hmm. About what they are doing. Yeah.
That is when you form true, like a real spark.
Mm-hmm.
And then a lot of times they return it in kind talking about reciprocity. Like Like they'll go, oh,
let's, I think that's my superpower is like taking a deep interest in other people and then
making
them like me because I only, because I not pretend that's not the correct word, but I,
I take
a
deep level of interest
in them and
they
flip
it
on
me
and
they
go,
oh,
who's,
who's
this guy who's
really
interested in what I'm doing? Yeah. But more often than not, it's
because
I'm genuinely, like,
I
just am obsessed with
variety
and Um, Man
m is
so
hard.
You've
really
caught me off guard
Casey Springer: I know. I know.
gotta think
on
it.
Michael Zarick: Okay.
Well
let's
wrap
it
up.
Casey Springer: Okay.
Michael Zarick: Casey,
uh,
I
assume you know
this is
coming, but I need you to ask a question mm-hmm.
Of
[01:00:00] next
third space Indy guest.
Casey Springer: Yeah. I would love to know what, and maybe this has already been asked, and if so, I can come up with second question, but what would you like to see in Indy? Like, what's missing? Where have you been? Maybe in other places where you've seen like, that would be awesome to bring to Indy
or have not.
He's never
Michael Zarick: asked that.
Casey Springer: Oh, okay. Great. Well,
Michael Zarick: not in that, those are terms either,
Yeah. So
Casey Springer: Like what is kind of not missing in Indy? 'cause I feel like that's a negative question, but what would
IMG_8718: you
Casey Springer: like
IMG_8718: to see in
Casey Springer: Indy.
So
Michael Zarick: and
Casey Springer: maybe I can collab, with lots of support whatever you want.
Michael Zarick: Please.
let
me throw
my
cloud at you.
Yeah.
Casey,
tell us, tell the people, you can look in the camera if you want. Yeah.
tell the people where they can find you. Where we go to, we walk Indy.com, which takes you to all of our links on Instagram, our group, but most importantly Eventbrite, where all of our free, mostly free, mostly free.
Casey Springer: I I can only think of like one event where I've any money and it was like
a gallon times's event.
So we love TV free, although the ones
Michael Zarick: that you charge, generally [01:01:00] charge for are not necessarily yours?
Casey Springer: Not even, Yeah. And nothing against that. 'cause everyone needs like, you know, yeah, there's a price to everything, walking is free, supporting local, small
cost, big impact.
Michael Zarick: Someone
said that, supporting local businesses Yes. Often has 1.25 to one and a half times the effect of supporting
And also
Casey Springer: I hear that the owners do a little happy dance. You're not getting that from Amazon.
Michael Zarick: Come on. Speaking of dancing anything
else? You wanna plug?
The
dance
walk? the dance
walk,
Casey Springer: coming to you in Broad Ripple
IMG_8718: September and October
Casey Springer: and maybe even inside somewhere. We'll see during the winter months.
Okay,
Michael Zarick: cool.
Yeah,
I think this
should
be
out
before
that
happens.
So
cool.
If
not, no worries.
Anyways, thank you
for
watching or
listening
to Third Space Indy. Thank you Casey Springer for
joining me.
You can find Third Space Indy
at
Third Space Indy on Instagram or third space Indy.com where I write a weekly
blog.
Please give me your email, I'll send it to you.
IMG_8718: The third
Michael Zarick: Indy
IMG_8718: Indie intro music is
Michael Zarick: by the local [01:02:00] artist Jennasen.
Shout out to Jennasen. Uh, she's out here.
And,
uh,
that's all I got.
Have a great day
and I
hope to share the next episode of Third
Space Indy with
you.
Bye.