INTERFORM Podcast

Through consistency and support, Northwest Arkansas continues to host 1 of the state's biggest Juneteenth celebrations year after year. Join Ro and guest host Anthony Ball as they discuss the importance of Juneteenth and what to expect from this year's Music Moves Freedom Festival.

What does PRIDE look like for 2023? This episode, Ro talks with Director and Festival Manager of NWA Equality, Richard Gathright about the history of PRIDE and what to expect from one of Northwest Arkansas' biggest parades.

INTERFORM's art & fashion biennial in Assembly is right around the corner and bigger than ever! Join Ro and Assembly lead curator Alex Bodishbaugh for glimpse into the making of Assembly and what Northwest Arkansas can expect from this amazing event.

On February 5th, INTERFORM hosted a model workshop with staff members and fashion professionals to share tips and feedback about the fashion industry. Listen as Ro talks with Dana Smith, Kathleen Gonzalez and Zack Ridenoure about the dos and don't's of the fashion world.

In this episode of the INTERFORM podcast, Ro sits down with entrepreneur and US Olympian, Dominique Blake, to give us insights in what it's like to create something from nothing, what good communication means, and how being an athlete has impacted how she runs not just her businesses, but her life as well.

February 5th, INTERFORM hosted a model workshop with staff members and fashion professionals to share tips and feedback about the fashion industry. Listen as Ro talks with Dana Smith, Kathleen Gonzalez, and Zack Ridenoure about the dos and don'ts of the fashion world.

(Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions on SA. Listener discretion is advised. For additional information and resources, please contact the NWACSA or visit www.nwasexualassault.org)April is SA awareness month. On this episode, Ro talks with LMSW and education and prevention specialist Anna Hamaker from NWACSA about SA impact on the community, what resources are available, and how to support a survivor.

Whether it's new infrastructure, Bike Fest or mountain biking, the world of biking has an ever growing presence in Northwest Arkansas. Join Ro and business owner, cyclist and cofounder of BIKE POC at Trailblazers Bea Apple as she talks about her work with building community through biking.

In this episode of INTERFORM podcast, Social Media Etiquette In Relationships: Part 2 gets a different perspective. Join actor and music artist, Jasper Logan as he and Ro share their thoughts and feedback about the expectations and assumptions of social media etiquette.

This episode of INTERFORM podcast, Community Rights Organizer Irvin Comacho talks with Ro about his role working within the Latin community.

What does it mean to be a trans woman? On this episode of INTERFORM podcast, Ro talks with model Angel Divinity about gender identity, how to navigate through societal judgement, as well as the impact of SB43.

The theater scene in Northwest Arkansas is evolving. With productions like "Flex" and "Detroit '67", local play enthusiasts are experiencing more inclusivity, both with inspiring play writers and talented actors. This episode, join professional actress, poet and activist Na'Tosha De'von as she talks with Ro about her experience in the world of theater.

Whether it's with friend's or family, setting boundaries can be difficult. And awkward. In this episode of INTERFORM podcast, Ro talks with social worker, mental health therapist and yoga instructor Shakira Eakins about the importance of setting boundaries and how to communicate them.

Religious abuse is defined as abuse administered under the guise of religion, including harassment or humiliation, which may result in psychological trauma. Religion has been used to justify hate, rooted in white supremacy. Listen as Bxmbi talks with Ro about the implications of religious abuse and white supremacy.

What does it mean to be nonbinary? On this episode of INTERFORM podcast, Ro talks with model and visual artist Seth Caelum about gender identity and how to navigate through the challenges of societal expectations.

With an amazing new theme and a commitment to civic duty, fashion week is defintely THE fall event you don't wanna miss. In this episode, Ro talks with Creative and Communications Director, Zack Ridenoure and CEO Robin Wallis Atkinson as they share the inspo behind the impactful Model Citizen campaign, the partnership with a world renowned museum and what to expect from this season's fall fashion week event.

Join Ro as she speaks with Dr. Lisa Corrigan on what issues are on the upcoming November ballot.

The Future is female. Women owned businesses are more and more common in 2022 and we're here for it. Ro talks with realtor and owner of Omni Branding company, Hayley Franklin about the wins and challenges on her journey to success.

Colorism is identified as discriminatory treatment within the same community based on skin tone. For many black Americans, this continues to be an issue to this current day. Listen as Ro talks with podcast communication strategist and entrepreneur, Randy Wilburn, about the origins of colorism through shared experiences, family dynamics, and navigating through these challenges.

People are unique, there's no blueprint for individual identity. Or at least, there shouldn't be. Ro talks with artist and creative producer Samuel Rivera Lopez about the monolithic social expectations and stereotypes of the Latin culture.

The political landscape can be confusing. Who to vote for, why we should vote and wondering if our vote really counts are common questions that need direct answers. This episode, Ro talks with Founder + Executive Director of For AR People, Gennie Diaz, about the impact of voting and what you can to do to educate yourself about the process.

We all have bad days and situations that lead us to seek help and support from our friends and family. On the other hand, sometimes they don't realize that their feedback could be toxic positivity. We know they mean well, but when you're facing emotional challenges and find it hard to pull yourself out of a dark place, phrases like "You just need to snap out of it, other people have it worse" can do more harm than good. Ro talks with social worker, mental health therapist and yoga instructor Shakira Eakins about the effects of toxic positivity and how to support friends through emotional challenges.

Did you know there are schools that don't allow black students to wear their natural hair? In 2022, the black community is still fighting to wear their hair LITERALLY the way it grows naturally. Whether it's locs or afros, some schools and employers refer to natural black hair as "unprofessional." This episode, Ro and Ashtone unpack the origins of texture discrimination, health risks of chemical relaxers and the stigma of black hair.Guest: Ashtone Dixon (IG - @_ashtone)

Good dates are nice, but it's the bad ones that are the funniest. In this episode of Worst Date Ever Part 2, Ro and Dani dish out their most memorable dating experiences. Names were changed to protect the innocent.

Northwest Arkansas' music scene is constantly evolving and creating space for new talent to share their gifts. Actor and music artist Jasper Logan chats with Ro about his journey and inspiration to pursue Hip hop.

Renowned designer and Director of Small Batch Production, Richard Cotto talks with Ro about EMERGE, the state's first designer in residency program. Listen as Richard discusses the ins and outs of this successful program and what it takes to perfect the designer's craft.

PRIDE is here and sure to make an impact on NWA. So, what does PRIDE mean and why is it important? This episode, Ro talks with Director and Festival Manager of NWA Equality, Richard Gathright about the culture and significance of PRIDE.

The Future is female. Women-owned businesses are more and more common in 2022 and we're here for it. Ro talks with Dani and Blanca, owners of a new local pastry business, Sugar Apple Baking Co about their journey to success.

So, you wanna be a model? If your goal is to be a professional model, the next step is looking for a reputable agency. In part 2 of this series, Ro talks with experienced agency model and mentor, Wendell Scurlock about how to transition into professional modeling and what to expect.

So, you wanna be a model? If your goal is to be a professional model, we've got some tips for you. In part 1 of this series, Ro talks with Olympian, Entrepreneur, motivational speaker and agency model Dominique Blake about how to transition into professional modeling and what to expect.

When it comes to Black music, Northwest Arkansas shouldn't be overlooked. With major concerts like Nelly, Snoop, Ice Cube, and T-Pain, people are seeing this area in a different light. In this episode, Ro talks with radio host and event producer DJ D Sewell about the evolution of black music in Northwest Arkansas.

Last week was full of memes and speculations about Will Smith's surprising actions at the Oscars but was there more to it than what's on the surface? Was it a message to protect black women or misplaced anger stemming from a year of ridicule? In the first episode of Season 4, Ro and Bxmbi unpack the varying opinions and perceptions of Will Smith's decision.

For the first time since 2019, NWA Fashion week is BACK! In this episode, listen as CEO Robin Atkinson and Creative Director Zack Ridenoure share the deets on planning, the inspiration behind the marketing, and what we can expect from the biggest event of the year.

It's easy to say "I don't see color" when media representation looks like you. When diversity has no visibility, how do we aspire to be what we don't see? Ro talks with Blaire Hastings about the importance of diversity in media and how personal experience shapes our career goals. 

Northwest Arkansas has quickly become one of the fastest-growing areas in the U.S. and has even been referred to as "the next Austin," according to a November article in the Washington Post. With the growing population of transplants comes an increasing demand for affordable housing. Guest host Monique Pierre, CEO of Partners for Better Housing, talks with Ro about how her organization is doing the work to ensure DEI, equity, and education are at the forefront of homeownership.

To post or not to post, that is the question. Double-tapping drama can affect the structure of a relationship, more than some of us would like to admit. Join Ro and guest host Bxmbi as they share perspectives and personal experiences about the stress of social media in relationships.

The film scene in Northwest Arkansas is on the rise. Local talent and diversity in film are creating a national buzz. Guest host Mike Day discusses his journey to success as a filmmaker and his impactful contributions to the local film community.

Can I touch your hair? A familiar question that for some, immediately prompts an eye roll with a feeling of dread and obligation. Listen as Ro unpacks the stigma, miseducation and personal experiences associated with black hair with professional stylist  and director of hair for NWAFASHIONWEEK, Montinique Davis.

"When are you gonna get married?" "When are you gonna have kids?" "Have you gained weight?' Ahhh, the holidays. Perfect time for family and friends...and for bringing up the same questions they asked you last year. This episode, join Ro and guest host Kacie Alverson as they discuss bringing up old 'ish and dive into the do's and don'ts of family setting family boundaries.

Black music? In Northwest Arkansas? Believe it or not, yes. Big names like Ice Cube and Snoop performed HERE, just in the last few months. It's here and it's growing. Whether it's live music at Soul Night or indie artists performing at open mic events, Northwest Arkansas has a space for black music and black talent. On this episode, join Ro as she talks with guest hosts Anthony Ball of Music moves and music producer Preston aka Bxmbi about the state of black music in Northwest Arkansas.

In this episode, Ro interviews designers Christian Micheal Schuster and Rosie Rose, as well as Vanessa Moates, the hair and makeup department head for INTERFORM latest project, The Collective: a 10 Part Fashion Film.They discuss challenges, inspiration, and what they are excited about when it comes to this new format.

Ro sits down with videographer Jess Whalen and the pair share medical experiences and relate about how their pain is often disregarded simply because of their gender. They discuss how Jess became empowered to speak up and ask for fair treatment by doctors and Ro's experience as a Black woman seeing presumptuous medical professionals. Jess also shares how to advocate for yourself by researching and finding doctors and practices that work for you.

Ro and Robin revisit the Me Too movement four years after it took off in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein case. They discuss the differences in approach to sexual harassment and abuse between generations, how best to deal with unfortunate encounters when you might not be comfortable taking a situation to the police, and how to assert yourself as a woman in a professional environment. These are issues that affect us all and are important to keep in the conversation. You're going to want to hear this. 

Ro keeps it light this week with Blaire Hastings, local media representative from Fayetteville Public Television. They chat about their worst dating experiences, how online dating changes the game and reflect on their own journeys!“You can get your money back, but you can't get your time back”

Ro has a round-table discussion with co-workers Robin Atkinson (CEO), Will Eubanks (Director of Operations), and Zack Ridenoure (Programming Coordinator) about INTERFORM. Listen in to learn how INTERFORM came to be, what are the motivations for what INTERFORM does, and where we are headed from here. This is a fun chat with the team that gives a peek into the daily operations behind your favorite local art, fashion, and culture programming!

Arkansas' abortion ban. Ro and Sunshine discuss what this means for women in NWA.

Toxic relationships

Ro talks with black mental health professional Joi, post-Derek Chauvin's conviction about what's next, how to process emotions, and trusting the justice system.

Judith from Rooted talks with Ro about cultural appropriation in the Latinx community.

Ro and Ross unpack the definition of the two and how they intersect.

Ro talks with Black mental health professional, Shambrhee about the pressures, stigmas, and challenges in the black community regarding mental health.