BXN Radio

It started with a Facebook meme that became a debate no one expected because of three words, “because we deserve.” BXN hosts Kayla Smith and Tiffany Green have a colorful conversation with guests Decota Letman and Duane Johnson (Famous Duanus Podcast) about the different opinions surrounding the Black woman in luxury movement, whether there's a double standard around women's v. men's pursuit of luxury etc. The Black Women in Luxury movement is growing but does black women's recent promotion of the finer things in life stem from entitlement or is it another level of self-worth?

The latest episode of BXN radio wraps up Women’s History Month with Ashlee Wisdom, creator of Health in Her Hue, an up-and-coming healthcare app designed to provide women of color access to culturally competent and reliable healthcare professionals. Ashlee has Jamaican and Bahamian roots and represents the Bronx, her childhood home. Health in Her Hue was inspired by Ashlee’s own experiences with seeking healthcare as a Black woman, as well as insights from her career in public health policy. During the podcast, she shares one of the most startling statistics: Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy related complications. Health in Her Hue aims to shed light on this and other disparities disproportionately affecting women of color, but more importantly offer a solution. With recent funding from a grant provided by Serena Williams, a viral post that contributed to 34,000 people signing up for the app and growing media coverage Health in Her Hue is proving that there is a need for a medical network that prioritizes healthcare for Black women and women of color. Ashlee and her team are using the power of tech to make it happen.

This episode of BXN Radio is jam packed with heavy-hitter designers and creatives that have been leaving their mark in and beyond the borough. @Jaetips, @MugzyMcfly, @jjgrantnyc, @noelbronson, @citoblanko and @robbie_digital88 drop in to talk about The Savior World Wide Tour; their multi-state pop-up shop which made rounds in L.A and Atlanta before coming back home to the Bronx. They discuss traveling during the pandemic, why they cancelled the Chicago pop-up, their favorite moments on the road (Slutty Vegan, how about the sponsor?) and more. Listen to our hosts Kayla Smith and Brandon Chacon talk with the crew about their full circle experiences on tour, their personal sources of inspiration, the importance of finding your ‘why’, what's coming in the new year and the future of the Bronx in this episode that wraps up 2020 for BXN Radio! BTW: We’ve been social distancing and interviewing guests from home so you will hear some connection interference.

BXN Radio hosts Kayla and Brandon discuss Netflix's recent release, Vampires Vs. the Bronx, a comedy-horror written by NYC transplant, Osmany Rodriguez. They discuss the movie's theme of gentrification, delving into the complexities of the controversial process, and the character's reactions to changes in their community. The two also weigh in on what they view as stereotypical urban tropes running through the film. They conclude the episode discussing their favorite moments, sharing how they would survive facing "Vampires Vs. the Bronx" and giving the film their personal ratings. Bronx Picks for this episode are Dark Notes by Signz The Trap Poet and Take My Time by Josh DWH.

BXN radio talks with Ethelyn Daley about recent episodes of police brutality, the immense social media response, and Ethelyn’s experience and tips for organizing a rally in the Bronx.

Here is part two of We're in This Together which was recorded earlier during the pandemic and may not reflect current news and developments.

What does it mean to date in the Bronx? BXN Radio hosts Kayla Smith and Brandon Chacon dive into the uptown dating scene. Getting started with “The Grade”, Kayla discusses a failed app that evaluated people with a one line question and gave The Bronx an F grade! In no way a true reflection of the values of the Bronx community, we hear from a group of friends, known as Relationship Insurance for their hot take. This group holds one another accountable, honest and consists of Curt Saunders, Drew White, and Dondre “Bigheart” Green. They join in to discuss relationships, how the group started, and their points of view on dating. This episode covers who should be paying for the first date, and what it says about intention. Kayla and Brandon ask the Relationship Insurance crew to give their thoughts on cuffing season, when people start looking for those short-term partnerships to help pass the time for colder months. The group debates on when someone should be a valentine, and how much do you commit to someone when you first start off. By the end, everyone agrees on one thing however - that before all, self care is the real truth before committing to any relationship. “Our presence in a present”. Investing in ourselves and always being honest, will help us to prepare for investing in someone else.

With Covid-19 bringing everyone to a still, we decided to do a two-part special podcast with the team. Like what you heard? Consider leaving a short review on Spotify/iTunes, and sign up for Bronx Narrative’s newsletter for podcast notifications and other information on what Bronx Narratives is up to.

At the top of the new year when so many have already abandoned their resolutions, it’s only right that we talk about falling short. Host Kayla Smith and new co-host Brandon Chacon talk with Tessa Smith, lead organizer of TEDxWakefield, about being intentional and self aware during the process of failing forward. And how bringing a TEDx event to the Bronx can create a space for community, collaboration and sharing some of the best ideas coming out of the borough. Note: At the time of this recording TEDxWakefield was about to start their search for volunteers. They now have their volunteer team ready to go for the March 7th event. Also, the venue is finalized. It’s Mercy College - Bronx Campus. Like what you heard? Consider leaving a short review on Spotify/iTunes, and sign up for Bronx Narrative’s newsletter for podcast notifications and other info. about what BXN is up to.

BXN Radio returns with a year full of surprises, and hot topics. Host Kayla Smith and new co-host Brandon Chacon reflect on what made us start the podcast, what inspires them to be Bronx creatives and if a hotdog is a sandwich.

For our twenty seventh episode, we talked with Lifestyle and Culture Writer, Kadia Blagrove. Visit our website at: www.bronxnarratives.com Comments/suggestions/feedback: info@bronxnarratives.com Kadia Blagrove www.instagram.com/itskadiab http://www.kazzledazz.com/ Kayla Smith instagram.com/kaythecreative Dondre Green www.dondregreen.com instagram.com/dondregreen twitter.com/dondreg

For our twenty sixth episode, we spoke with talented Fashion Designer, Edwin Reyes. Visit our website at: www.bronxnarratives.com Comments/suggestions/feedback: info@bronxnarratives.com Edwin Reyes instagram.com/fineztbyedwinreyes Kayla Smith instagram.com/kaythecreative Dondre Green www.dondregreen.com instagram.com/dondregreen twitter.com/dondreg

For our twenty fourth episode, we talked with Co-Founder of Bronx Native, Amaurys Grullon. Visit our website at: www.bronxnarratives.com Comments/suggestions/feedback: info@bronxnarratives.com Amaurys Grullon www.amaurysgrullon.com instagram.com/amaurysgrullon www.bronxnative.com instagram.com/bronxnative Kayla Smith instagram.com/kaythecreative Hoay Smith twitter.com/hoaysmith Dondre Green www.dondregreen.com instagram.com/dondregreen twitter.com/dondreg

For our twenty third episode, we talked with Environmental Artist and Chef, Daniel Lanzilotta. Visit our website at: www.bronxnarratives.com Comments/suggestions/feedback: info@bronxnarratives.com Daniel Lanzilotta https://daniellanzilotta.com/ instagram.com/daniellanzilotta Kayla Smith instagram.com/kaythecreative Dondre Green www.dondregreen.com instagram.com/dondregreen twitter.com/dondreg

As part of the Citizen X Tour we hosted last month, we teamed up with Alex Rivera of The Bronxer to host a live podcast at El Fogon Center for the Arts. We spoke with two of the most popular culinary artists, Trill Cooker and Jason Alicea, owner of Empanology, who are both paving a way for themselves and their work in the South Bronx. Jason Alicea of Empanology: www.empanology.com/ www.instagram.com/empanology/ Trill Cooker: https://trillcooker.com/ instagram.com/trillcooker The Bronxer www.thebronxer.com instagram.com/thebronxer Kayla Smith: instagram.com/kaythecreative Decota Letman instagram.com/_decota_

Visit our website at: www.bronxnarratives.com Comments/suggestions/feedback: info@bronxnarratives.com After throwing her first successful event at the Bronx Museum based around connectivity with Bronxites, the leader of the pack, Deyla Sabio came by to to discuss her future endeavors, mentoring the youth and some of her experiences from abroad that inspired her to start Blogger from the Bronx Deyla Sabio: https://www.instagram.com/bloggerfromthebronx https://bloggerfromthebronx.com/ Kayla Smith: instagram.com/kaythecreative Dondre Green www.dondregreen.com instagram.com/dondregreen twitter.com/dondreg

For our twentieth episode, we discussed our most recent event at Verde Flowers where we launched our Spring merchandise, titled "Q1" Visit our website at: www.bronxnarratives.com Comments/suggestions/feedback: info@bronxnarratives.com Kayla Smith: instagram.com/kaythecreative Dondre Green www.dondregreen.com instagram.com/dondregreen twitter.com/dondreg

For our eighteenth episode, we talked with Yogi, Low Vision Advocate & Founder of Blind Girls See, Nysha Davis. Visit our website at: www.bronxnarratives.com Comments/suggestions/feedback: info@bronxnarratives.com Nysha Davis instagram.com/yogaloveny http://www.blindgirlssee.com/ Kayla Smith instagram.com/kaythecreative Dondre Green www.dondregreen.com instagram.com/dondregreen twitter.com/dondreg

For our seventeenth episode, we talked with the Founding Pastor of All Saints Church, Eric Hoke. Visit our website at: www.bronxnarratives.com Comments/suggestions/feedback: info@bronxnarratives.com Eric Hoke https://www.instagram.com/erichoke/ https://www.instagram.com/allsaintschurchnyc https://twitter.com/erichoke https://allsaintsnyc.com Kayla Smith instagram.com/kaythecreative Dondre Green www.dondregreen.com instagram.com/dondregreen twitter.com/dondreg

For our sixteenth episode, we talked with Photographer, Hunter Reveur. Visit our website at: www.bronxnarratives.com Comments/suggestions/feedback: info@bronxnarratives.com Hunter Reveur instagram.com/hunterreveur https://overthecherrymoon.com / https://quickeasenow.com Kayla Smith instagram.com/kaythecreative Dondre Green www.dondregreen.com instagram.com/dondregreen twitter.com/dondreg

For our fifteenth episode, we talked with Founder & CEO of BORNjuice, Henry Obispo. Visit our website at: www.bronxnarratives.com Comments/suggestions/feedback: info@bronxnarratives.com Henry Obispo instagram.com/henriquebishop facebook.com/bornjuicebar/ Kayla Smith instagram.com/kaythecreative Dondre Green www.dondregreen.com instagram.com/dondregreen twitter.com/dondreg

For our fourteenth episode, we talked with Bronx Emcee and Fitness Coach, Efrain Opus. Visit our website at: www.bronxnarratives.com Comments/suggestions/feedback: info@bronxnarratives.com Efrain Opus instagram.com/efrainopus soundcloud.com/efrainopus Kayla Smith instagram.com/kaythecreative Dondre Green www.dondregreen.com instagram.com/dondregreen twitter.com/dondreg

For our thirteenth episode, we took a break from our regularly scheduled program and discussed the state of Bronx Narratives, personal projects that we've been working on and injustice around the borough. Visit our website at: www.bronxnarratives.com Comments/suggestions/feedback: info@bronxnarratives.com Kayla Smith instagram.com/kaythecreative Hoay Smith instagram.com/hoaysmith twitter.com/hoaysmith Dondre Green www.dondregreen.com instagram.com/dondregreen twitter.com/dondreg

For our twelfth episode, we talked with Photographer & Visual Artist, J.Shotti and his friends. Visit our website at: www.bronxnarratives.com Comments/suggestions/feedback: info@bronxnarratives.com J.Shotti www.jshotti.com instagram.com/jshotti facebook.com/jshotti Jorge Martorell instagram.com/jorge_martorell Phil Dganski instagram.com/phildganksi Hascan DJ instagram.com/hascandj Hoay Smith instagram.com/hoaysmith twitter.com/hoaysmith Dondre Green www.dondregreen.com instagram.com/dondregreen twitter.com/dondreg Jonathan Cabral instagram.com/joncabral11

For our eleventh episode, we talked with artist, Devon Rodriguez Visit our website at: www.bronxnarratives.com Comments/suggestions/feedback: info@bronxnarratives.com Devon Rodriguez: www.devonrodriguez.com instagram.com/devonrodriguezart Hoay Smith instagram.com/hoaysmith twitter.com/hoaysmith Dondre Green www.dondregreen.com instagram.com/dondregreen twitter.com/dondreg Jonathan Cabral instagram.com/joncabral11

For our tenth episode, we talked with founder, Justin Mashia and co-founder, Pedro Rivera of Bronx Sole. Visit our website at: www.bronxnarratives.com Comments/suggestions/feedback: info@bronxnarratives.com Bronx Sole: instagram.com/bronxsole twitter.com/bronxsole facebook.com/bronxsole meetup.com/Bronx-Sole Kayla Smith instagram.com/kaythecreative Hoay Smith instagram.com/hoaysmith twitter.com/hoaysmith Dondre Green www.dondregreen.com instagram.com/dondregreen twitter.com/dondreg Jonathan Cabral instagram.com/joncabral11

For our ninth episode we talked with Joel Leon, Writer, Musician & Father. Visit our website at: www.bronxnarratives.com Comments/suggestions/feedback: info@bronxnarratives.com Joel Leon: twitter.com/JoelakaMaG www.instagram.com/joelakamag www.mrmag.bandcamp.com/ Kayla Smith instagram.com/kaythecreative Dondre Green www.dondregreen.com instagram.com/dondregreen twitter.com/dondreg

For our eighth episode we talked with Nicole Perrino, Editor and founder of Bronx Mama. Visit our website at: www.bronxnarratives.com Comments/suggestions/feedback: info@bronxnarratives.com Nicole Perrino http://bronxmama.com nicperrino@gmail.com twitter.com/BronxMama_com instagram.com/bronxmama_com Kayla Smith instagram.com/kaythecreative Hoay Smith instagram.com/hoaysmith twitter.com/hoaysmith Dondre Green www.dondregreen.com instagram.com/dondregreen twitter.com/dondreg

For our seventh episode, we talked with Vernicia Colon, Founder of The Mix Pop Up Cafe. Visit our website at: www.bronxnarratives.com Comments/suggestions/feedback: info@bronxnarratives.com The Mix Pop Up Cafe: instagram.com/themixpopup www.facebook.com/themixpopup Kayla Smith instagram.com/kaythecreative Hoay Smith instagram.com/hoaysmith twitter.com/hoaysmith Dondre Green www.dondregreen.com instagram.com/dondregreen twitter.com/dondreg

For our sixth episode, we talked with Nick Mezansky, Marketing Coordinator of the Bronx Brewery. Visit our website at: www.bronxnarratives.com Comments/suggestions/feedback: info@bronxnarratives.com The Bronx Brewery: www.thebronxbrewery.com instagram.com/thebronxbrewery twitter.com/thebronxbrewery Kayla Smith instagram.com/kaythecreative Hoay Smith instagram.com/hoaysmith twitter.com/hoaysmith Dondre Green www.dondregreen.com instagram.com/dondregreen twitter.com/dondreg

For our fifth episode, we talked with Tricia Smith, Founder of ArtSmith. Visit our website at: www.bronxnarratives.com Comments/suggestions/feedback: info@bronxnarratives.com ArtSmith: www.artsmith.org instagram.com/ArtSmithNY twitter.com/ArtSmithNY facebook.com/ArtsmithNY Kayla Smith instagram.com/kaythecreative Hoay Smith instagram.com/hoaysmith twitter.com/hoaysmith Dondre Green www.dondregreen.com instagram.com/dondregreen twitter.com/dondreg

For our fourth episode we talked with Gary Axelbank, TV host of Bronx Talk and The Bronx Buzz on BronxNet. Visit our website at: www.bronxnarratives.com Comments/suggestions/feedback: info@bronxnarratives.com Gary Axelbank gaxinthebronx@gmail.com twitter.com/gaxinthebronx http://www.bronxnet.org/tv/bronxtalk http://www.bronxnet.org/tv/bronx-buzz Kayla Smith instagram.com/kaythecreative Hoay Smith instagram.com/hoaysmith twitter.com/hoaysmith Dondre Green www.dondregreen.com instagram.com/dondregreen twitter.com/dondreg

For our third episode we talked with Andre Trenier, a Bronx-based artist and muralist. Visit our website at: www.bronxnarratives.com Comments/suggestions/feedback: info@bronxnarratives.com Andre Trenier instagram.com/andre_trenier www.tangiblethoughts.com Kayla Smith instagram.com/kaythecreative Hoay Smith instagram.com/hoaysmith twitter.com/hoaysmith Dondre Green www.dondregreen.com instagram.com/dondregreen twitter.com/dondreg

For our second episode we talked with Felicia Forbes, the CEO & Founder of Freckle's Juice Bar, located at 3828 Dyre Ave. Visit our website at: www.bronxnarratives.com Comments/suggestions/feedback: info@bronxnarratives.com Freckle's Juice: www.frecklesjuice.com instagram.com/frecklesjuicee twitter.com/frecklesjuice Kayla Smith instagram.com/kaythecreative Hoay Smith instagram.com/hoaysmith twitter.com/hoaysmith Dondre Green www.dondregreen.com instagram.com/dondregreen twitter.com/dondreg