Essential Culture Podcast Network

An interview co-creator, Tim Driscoll did for the Jacksonville Film Festival. He was joined by local filmmaker, Franklin Ritch who was there to promote his debut feature film, Teardrop Goodbye with Mandatory Directorial Commentary from Remy Von Trout. The festival runs November 15th-17th with special presentations on the 18th-20th. Franklin's film is one of those special presentations on November 18th. Tickets to all events can be purchased at the door at the San Marco Theater.

Before announcing her candidacy for Jacksonville Mayor, Anna Lopez Brosche sat down with our Toni Hernandez to talk about what makes up her E-code. Anne delves into how her children have taught her to be present, her desire to become a 'Fearless' girl who will make an impact and how and why service sets her soul on fire.

Herbalist, yogi, doula, and owner/operator of Wild Taproot, LIBBY JENNISON joins Rachel in this episode of The Y Factor. Libby finds her creative flow by starting the day with self talk, or as she says, 'balancing the books' which includes affirmations about herself. She's most creative when shes' feeling grateful and recognizes that failures and set backs are part of the creative process. And she finds inspiration in curating the mundane (i.e. selecting her outfit in the morning).

Rapper, singer, songwriter, DJ, and activist Geexella stops by the studio to talk about her EP, Geethings. Geexella is the creator of Duval Folks, a dance party and safe space for people of color and lqbtq bodies. Or as she said, "In the words of Pharrell, 'the other'." She dishes on her early 90s hip-hop influences, how to elevate Pride in Jacksonville and the intimate inspirations of her music. You can find follow Geexella on Soundcloud - soundcloud.com/geella or on IG and Twitter @Geexella.

"It was the most amazing play I've seen in a long time" "I thought it was really refreshing, imaginative and creative" "I think the writer very cleverly depicted how the survivors suffered" These are the reactions from the opening night of Phase 8 Theater Company's production of MASS, written by Adam Groff. MASS has two remaining shows - Saturday 12.22 at 1p and Thursday, 12.27 at 7p at MOCA Theatre. ECPN Producer, Tim Driscoll sits down with Adam to discuss his latest play, Mass, a story about survivors of a mass shooting, writing tragedy without first hand experience and the roll of mental health in mass shooting attacks.

This episode was recorded on location at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL. Neuroscientist and surgeon, Dr. Q (Quinones-Hinojosa)took time out of his very busy schedule to sit with Toni to discuss his strategy to change the world. Quick tips, it doesn't come from deep financial pockets, or expert know-how. Dr. Q challenges us to change the world through a will and desire to do good for others. Dr. Q goes on to explain his philosophy of using hope to overcome fear and in turn to use that hope to change the world. Don't miss this incredible episode with one of the world's leading thinkers and doers.

In today's special episode Allison invites nine year olds, Joaquin and Rylah into the studio to talk about their experience with art. Joaquin focuses on how sometimes making the wrong fold, cut or mark can lead to more interesting art while Rylah takes time to talk about the haters and how their hate is their problem. They both love to express themselves through dance and hate when the PE gets scheduled over art/dance classes. All of that and some much more in this episode of Purple Crayon. You can see Rylah's mentioned commerical here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOrmLS0lIY4&feature=youtu.be&app=desktop

Fashion designer Whitney Kerney sits with Dustin and dishes on her fashion inspirations, love for 60s style rompers and how Cardi B is motivating her.

The multi-hyphenate Josue A. Cruz joins The Y Factor to discuss early memories, identifying talent and how being caught between two places shaped his identity and groomed him to become an expert code switcher.

In 2017, Deana Haggag became President and CEO of United States Artists in Chicago, which provides $50,000 "fellowships to artists working in architecture and design, crafts, dance, literature, media, music, theater and performance, traditional arts, and visual arts." Toni and Deanna discuss the importance of collaboration over competition, how to use art to bridge communities, artists, prejudice and fear and her role as CEO of United States Artists. Deana Haggag, curator of connection.

Host, Allison Galloway-Gonzales profiles the director of Arts Education at National Endowment of the Arts, Ayanna Hudson.

Visual artist Curtis Santiago covers his transition from full time musician to full time visual artist, balancing the duality of escapism and resistance within his work, the bad advice of misguided teachers, and the needed boldness to make your own way.

In her inaugural episode, host Rachel Roberts sits with acclaimed photographer and abstract painter, Tiffany Manning, to discuss her philosophy of creating from a place of joy and how a firing changed her art career.

Toni sits with Renaissance woman, Yvette Angelique Hyater-Adams to discuss Yvette's history as a corporate executive and her transformation to inspirational storyteller. Yvette challenges the audience to write a 'shitty' draft and to tell your truth story.

Fashion designer and owner and operator of Momni Boutique, Joy Lee, talks with Dustin about starting the company with her mother, leaving her teaching career and always preparing herself for the next opportunity.

Shawn talks with Allison about the reduction of arts funding in Duval county despite the positive evidence that art education has on students. He argues arts should be on the priority scale with STEM.

A self described 'dopey formalist', visual artist, Mark Creegan sits with Madeleine Peck Wagner to discuss his return to painting, the importance of failing publicly, his draw toward art that repels him and how not worrying about the end product is a relief to both the artist and the audience.

Joining us in the Salon today is Renaissance woman and all around inspiration, Yvette Angelique Hyater-Adams. She challenges the audience to find identity within your name, to tell your truth story and embrace all the aspects that make up who you are. It's a powerful conversation.

Michelle Cook has served in law enforcement for over 25 years. She started with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office in 1992 and retired from JSO in 2017 in order to become the Police Chief for Atlantic Beach, FL. She's the parent of four adopted foster children and she's never let anyone dictate what kind of person she would become. There are badasses, and then there is Michelle Cook.

Dustin Harewood sits down with brothers, Jamal and Corey Bell

PURPLE CRAYON - ep7 - Laurie Brown, Kelly DeSousa and Sarah Beaman by ECPN

In this special edition episode, ECPN producer, Tim Driscoll, talks with filmmaker, Vilan Trub, about his feature film, The Dirty Kind which will screen at the Jacksonville Film Festival on Saturday night at 4:30p. Vilan deep dives into the history of cinema pulling from Raymond Chandler, Stanley Kubrick and the French New Wave for inspiration for his films. He is honest and candid about the difficulties of making a feature length film in nine days and the joys of pursuing the thing you're most passionate about. His passion is infectious and his knowledge deep. Jacksonville Film Festival will be held at the Main Library in down town Jacksonville September 14th-15th. For more information visit www.jacksonvillefilmfestival.com

Hailing from Ireland, Amanda Coogan is an accomplished performance artist, sometimes performing live for 8 straight hours. She sits down with Madeleine to discus her thoughts on the body as fundamental for art and politics - bodies are the filters through which we see the world. In November she will perform her first solo American project, Project Atreum - The Latter is Always There' at MoCA in down town Jacksonville.

In this special edition episode, ECPN producer, Tim Driscoll, talks with filmmaker, Demetrius Wren, about his newest feature film, Rehabilitation of the Hill which will have it's world premiere at the Jacksonville Film Festival on Friday night at 8:00p. Demetrius discusses the tensions and balance of making something that entertains, but also advocates and educates. and what drives him to tell stories about the outsiders looking for a place to belong. Jacksonville Film Festival will be held at the Main Library in down town Jacksonville September 14th-15th. For more information visit www.jacksonvillefilmfestival.com

In this special edition episode, ECPN producer, Tim Driscoll, talks with filmmaker, Chris McInroy, about his short film, We Summoned A Demon which will screen at the Jacksonville Film Festival on Saturday night at 8:15p. Chris explains the origins of the film, what films had the strongest influence on him and what he wish he knew before he made his first films. Jacksonville Film Festival will be held at the Main Library in down town Jacksonville September 14th-15th. For more information visit www.jacksonvillefilmfestival.com

She's been a guest on TEDx Jacksonville. She has her doctorate in sociology and she's shrugging off hater and being her authentic self. JeffriAnne Wilder salon's with Shawana about focusing on your purpose over your rising star.

This week Dustin sits down with record composer, Cory Driscoll to discuss his up coming album release, 'Tropical Depression'. Dustin and Cory deep dive into the motivations, ideas and experiences that shaped this concept album. Impacted by Hurricane Matthew in 2016, Driscoll began writing an album that focused on his experience of young fatherhood in Florida; a tropical place known for its beaches, sun, and storms. As Hurricane Irma crashed into the Florida coastline 11 months later, he again found himself without power and determined to finish the album in the state it began. “Tropical Depression” is bookended by Hurricanes Matthew and Irma and reflect Driscoll’s relationship with the beauty, power, and, at times, the devastation of living in Florida. The album release event will occur on Friday, September 14th at the Cummer Art Museum. For more information and tickets please visit avantcurious.org/tropicaldepression

From humble beginnings to receiving her doctorate, Dr. Maira Martelo has overcome every obstacle and now leads the charge for marginalize communities. She is a champion of education and a champion of the environment. And her story is today's 30 minute dose of inspiration. Come. Join our village.

Artist, Educator, and arts education advocate Marq Mervin discusses the video games that influenced his art, his journey to be more inclusive, and why creative outlets are important for everyone.

A bout of self-hatred drove Lala Abaddon to pursue a dream she had not thought possible. Now her photographic-weaves are recognized throughout the world. She sat down with Madeleine to discuss her motivation, getting screwed by galleries and being mindful of how accessible audiences have become. http://www.lalaabaddon.com/

Shawana profiles abstract artist Princess Rashid covering her ever evolving career, making art that is personal to her, and how she uses abstraction as visual poetry.

Carlos Rolon's work has been shown at the Bass Museum of Art, Marta Herford Museum, Museo de Arte de Ponce, and in dozens of other museums and exhibitions internationally. Today he talks with Dustin about his life as a young artist, his experience working with the Cummer Museum, and his advice for aspiring fine artists.

Toni profiles the man behind the policies - Tallahassee Mayor and Florida gubernatorial candidate, Andrew Gillum.

Hope McMath delivers a passionate response to the importance of arts education and it's effect on young people. She, in detail, outlines how the arts helps to develop empathy, reduce the probability of negative behavior and gives individuals a better, fuller understanding of the world in which they exist. This episode is not to be missed.

How is value applied to art? In the case of Mic Fuentes, he takes what has been discarded - defeated materials - and gives them new life through new creation. Thereby making what was once worthless valuable again.

Shawana brings in guests Ebony Payne-English and Cherub 'Chop' Stewart to discuss the most ganster of hoods - Motherhood. These women dive deep into the need for tribe, personal expression and the difficulties of being a woman, a mother and an artist.

Toni sits down with Donna Deegan to discuss her life philosophy, 'Love over fear'. Through their conversation we discover how Donna's world view shifted after surviving cancer not once, not twice, but three times. Donna delves into the motivations to start '26.2 with Donna' (the first marathon to support breast cancer), and her moving encounters with those also diagnosed with cancer.

Music Producer, Recording Artist, and Graphic Designer, Countach discusses his musical influences in 80’s movies, the art scene in Jacksonville, and his favorite working artists while mixing in a sample from his new album.

Allison and student Emily Mitchell explore identity and self expression though visual art.

Host Madeleine Peck Wagner dissects the process of visual artist and guest, Brandon Coley Cox. Their conversation ranges from blackness under pressure, how he builds his own materials by first destroying them and how he's related to King Ramsses II

The journalist shares her unique upbringing and how those experiences shaped her desire to tell stories. Carla has worked with a variety of local and national news affiliates. She’s also created her own company, Carla Michele Media. The yogi is inspired to support the narrative of black culture through media and wellness. Salonees will certainly be empowered by the message of this weeks guests. W’d like to recognize: I’m a Star Foundation. I’m a Star is a youth led organization that supports other young people in need. Do to the closing of several grocery stores food deserts are occurring in a variety of areas in our city. If you are moved to support please click the donate link below.

Here's your daily dose of inspiration! Today Toni talks with Taylor Richardson, a 14 year old science phenom who is and will be changing the world. She's met Oprah and Beyonce. She's raised money to take young girls across the country to see A Wrinkle In Time and Hidden Figures. She's an advocate for STEM girls. She's a mentor. She's an inspiration. And she's well on her way to becoming an astronaut.

Dustin Harewood interviews Jacksonville local fashion designer Bobby Kelley. Bobby dropped some gems this week both laying down the gauntlet and giving advice to aspiring artists. They also discussed the challenges of running a boutique, what to do when you butt heads with local government, and Hollywood from Mannequin. You can follow Bobby on Instagram @bobbykdesign, and find his creations at shopbobbyk.com or at the BOBBYK Boutique in Murray Hill.

Allison talks with a family of classically trained musicians and their work in bringing classical music back into schools (Back to Bach Project).

Madeleine sits down with renowned choreographer and media artist, Jonah Bokaer to discuss scalable collaboration and how to move from peer to peer partnerships to country to country collaborations. Jonah can be found on vimeo and twitter @jonahbokaer.

Welcome to the Salon with your host, Shawana Brooks. This is a place for musing, spit-balling and saloning! This week Shawana talks about making your mark with Dania Frank

Dustin brings in the eclectic and enigmatic Bonsoir Boys to talk about their most recent pop-up event, branding and fashion design.

Be Inspired! Toni talks to Kellie Smirnoff about her epic win at Epic Man - a 421.8 mile race (equivalent to three Iron Man races) and her ventures such as The Laughing Freckle.

Allison talks with award winning teacher, Terry Woodlief about her career and advocacy art to be taught at the elementary school levels.

Madeleine talks with Aaron about his groundbreaking Long Roads Project Artist Residency and Limited Edition Print House as well as what it means and takes to be a successful studio artist.

Welcome to the Salon with your host, Shawana Brooks. This is a place for musing, spit-balling and saloning! In this episode Shawana discusses curating exhibitions of black art and not asking for permission with artist and curator, Kandice Necole Clark.