On this episode of On The Aisle, Tom Alvarez sits down with Indianapolis artist Kyle Ragsdale for a conversation about creativity, community, and building a lasting career in the Midwest. Known for his large-scale, story-driven paintings—including billboard-sized works near the —Ragsdale reflects on more than two decades of making imaginative, theatrical art that invites viewers to dream rather than debate.

A former theater kid, Ragsdale’s roots in performance continue to shape his work. He has designed sets for and , blending visual art with storytelling. His paintings—sometimes seen in homes, businesses, and even on HGTV’s —are known for their whimsical motifs, mysterious scenes, and evolving themes.

Ragsdale credits Indianapolis and the Harrison Center community for giving him space to grow, experiment, and sustain a full-time artistic career. He encourages young collectors to buy what they love and support local artists, emphasizing that art should feel welcoming, personal, and accessible. For Ragsdale, success isn’t about chasing bigger markets—it’s about building meaningful connections through art right at home.

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In this episode of the On The Aisle, Tom sits down with actor and nonprofit leader Jenni White for a powerful conversation about art, identity, and service. Jenni reflects on her journey from growing up in small-town Indiana to building a respected theater career in Indianapolis, performing with companies across the city while balancing family life and arts administration. She shares her love for the rehearsal process, the creative community, and the way theater continues to shape her life.

The conversation turns personal as Jenni discusses parenting her 22-year-old child and the importance of respecting pronouns and evolving understandings of gender identity. She and Tom connect over shared LGBTQ+ experiences and the importance of chosen family, inclusion, and creating welcoming spaces.

Jenni also talks about co-owning a new Indianapolis franchise of The Sports Bra, a bar dedicated exclusively to women’s sports, and her role as Executive Director of Trinity Haven — founded by Trinity Episcopal Church — Indiana’s only transitional housing program for LGBTQ+ young adults experiencing homelessness. Since opening in 2021, Trinity Haven has helped nearly 100 young people move toward independence, offering housing, life-skills training, and hope.

It’s an inspiring conversation about building community — on stage, in sports, and in safe spaces where young people can finally feel at home.

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From Trauma to Triumph: Kevin Steele Opens Up to Tom Alvarez, On the Aisle.

Rock frontman Kevin Steele joins Tom Alvarez on the latest episode of his podcast for a conversation that goes far beyond music. Calling in from St. Petersburg, Florida, Steele discusses his first-ever solo album, One Thing Left to Do, set for release February 27. But what unfolds is more than an album preview — it’s a story of survival, resilience, and rediscovered purpose.

After decades leading Rocks Gang and The Mojo Gurus, Steele is stepping out on his own for the first time. He describes this project as the record he’s always wanted to make. Co-produced with guitarist Billy Summer — whom Steele calls his “Cosmic Twin” — the album reflects his unfiltered creative voice.

There were no label executives weighing in. No producer clashes. No compromises.

The result is a raw blend of rock and roll infused with blues, glam, country, grit, and heart — a sound Steele says represents exactly who he is today.

The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Steele opens up about a life marked by unimaginable trauma. He reveals that he was diagnosed with a brain tumor and suffered a brain bleed before undergoing surgery. Against daunting odds, he made a full recovery and returned to the studio with renewed clarity and determination.

But his story of survival began long before that diagnosis.

At just eight years old, Steele’s mother was murdered. Years later, his father was convicted of orchestrating the crime. Growing up in the shadow of that tragedy shaped him in profound ways. Music, he says, became both refuge and lifeline.

“I wanted to give some other kid the same escape music gave me,” Steele shares during one of the episode’s most powerful moments.

Throughout the podcast, Steele and Alvarez also dive into several tracks from One Thing Left to Do, exploring the stories and emotions behind the songs. Each track reflects a journey — from pain to perseverance, from trauma to triumph.

What emerges is not just the story of a new album, but the portrait of an artist who has endured heartbreak, health scares, and hardship — and chosen to channel it all into creativity.

One Thing Left to Do isn’t simply a solo debut. It’s a declaration: after everything he’s survived, Kevin Steele still has music to make — and a story worth telling.

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