La Segunda

Christian Martinez, also known as “Poeta Galactico,” is an educator, artist, and innovator. He is also the founder of The Swim Good Brand and the cofounder of Latitude High School. He is from the deep East Oakland area of California. Christian paints his story for us of what it was like growing up in deep east Oakland, yearning for a sense of belonging but never quite feeling like he fit in. He knew he thrived as a creator and enjoyed dancing; however, his dreams were cut short when he was shot in middle school. Working through one setback after another, Christian found success and fulfillment. Today Christian uses his lifes experience to connect with others who, as he likes to say, “come from the mud," and know about the hustle and struggle. In this episode, Christians delves into his relentless journey of giving back to his community by becoming an educator and teaching outside of the bounds of a traditional education experience. Christian also shares with us his take on the art of being a cofounder and tapping into his creative process. “No matter where you are in this ocean called life, you are going to be okay if you Swim Good. Never give up on yourself." The music for this episode was composed by Humans Win, and the podcast editing was done by Bill Fires.

Osaze Akil Stigler is a painter and Urban Planner. He is based in Atlanta, Georgia. Osaze delves into his experience growing up and enjoying art but being unable to relate to it. This drove the motivation for him to create art representative of his culture, background, and experiences, which ultimately led to him being a featured artist on Beyonce's "Black Parade Route," A directory of black-owned businesses in 2020. "Art doesn't always have to feel good; sometimes it makes you upset. Sometimes it makes you think, question systems, and question our governments or our societies in general [..] and I think art and creativity are about pushing us forward. " Osazes art embodies the power of black subjects and women of color. Often depicting them in regality and positions of power. Scenery seldom seen in prior and even contemporary art. In this episode, we also explore the intersectionality between painting and Urban Planning. A way in which Osaze has been able to use his passion for art into a career that allows him to impact his community by using creative ideas to allow society to take pride in their surroundings by providing access. Osaze reminds us that acknowledging oneself as an artist does not come from having a following, notoriety, or publicity. Rather, it comes from the continuous action of creating. Find Osaze and his art on www.osazeakil.com and Instagram at osaze_Akil Featured Painting: “June in Atlanta” Oil on Canvas, 24 x 36. Music for this episode is composed by Humans Win and podcast editing is by Bill Fires.    

Kimiesha Jones is an entrepreneuer and recording artist She is based in Atlanta, Georgia. “ You can't do this for anyone else, but you. I feel that all creatives have this fire in their heart that just burns, it doesn't matter what you do. You can't stop doing what you love to do. You can't stop. ” In this episode we explore the intersection between secular and gospel music and the self fulfillment that is found in pursuing our creative talents. Kimiesha lends us insight into what is was like growing up in a family of musicians and the role that the church played in finding her voice. Kimiesha reminds us to be confident in the mastery of our craft and to use faith as an avenue to connect deeper with our art. Find Kimieshas' music, films and other content on her linktree. Music for this episode is composed by Humans Win and podcast editing is by Bill Fires.

Cold Medina is a musician, poet, teacher and rapper. He is also Senior Communications Manager at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, California. “ Music has this power - this vehicle for social change, to make waves, to have conversations that maybe people aren't having. And if they are having them, it's not really having a broad reach. But if you put it into the music, if you put it into that format it can travel a lot further. Once I saw the impact of that, the power of that […] I realized we can really take these political conversations and bring them to the masses in a way that maybe isn't necessarily - it's not that you are sneaking it in. It's like putting a little cheese on the broccoli so people can eat their vegetables and get that good nourishment. Nourish their mind, nourish their soul.” Medina explains the power that music has for social change and as a medium to communicate to the masses. In this episode he shares with us how his experiences growing up in a Mexican and Nicaragüense household shaped his early interest in art. His parents shared with him varied music genres such as soul, rock and latin hip hop. Later through highschool art classes and sharing time with friends and family who had an interest in music his passion was ignited. Cold Medina reminds us to show the love to our craft that it deserves. Listen and view Medinas work on his LinkTree and album Knights in Tropicana wherever you listen to music. Music for this episode is composed by Humans Win and podcast editing is by Bill Fires.

Bsidez is a Visual Artist and Sound Designer from the Oakland, California. He is also a member of the rap group Barbaydose. “ You have to be vulnerable because you're basically telling people your story, through; rhythm and rhymes, sounds and frequencies. To be authentic is the smartest way to go about it […] If you don't it's going to be hard for people to resonate with your music if its not true to who you are. Things can all change, but you have to be on that path […] Music is a lifelong journey, and there is no point in which I think you can quit […]” Bsidez shares with us his passion for authenticity & vulnerability in music, film and pictures as he walks us through his own journey of finding his artistic passion. From loving record artwork as a child, being in the rap battle scene as a teenager and growing up as a young adult spending quality time in the studio Bsidez continues to hone his craft. He reminds us how important community is for creators as well as mental and physical health during the creative process. Music for this episode is composed by Humans Win and podcast editing is by Bill Fires.  

Gisselle Loera is the Writer and Director of the award winning film: It's not a Big Deal she is also a Digital Production Coordinator for TVGla. She is based in Phoenix, Arizona. “ Representation in entertainment is something that we desperately need, I was told when I wanted to study Film that being a woman and being Mexican was my disadvantage - I disagree, it is my advantage because you will never see me coming […] Hollywood is very late in updating with the times. Being creative and having stories to tell has the potential to bridge the gap in bringing in new perspectives and voices to the table of change.” Gisselle recounts how she discovered Directing as a career and how her experiences as a first-generation Mexican paved the way to produce films that would bring visibility and resonate on a personal level with first-generation immigrants. Music for this episode is composed by Humans Win and podcast editing is by Bill Fires.

Nick Tabron  is a Musician and Songwriter based out of Nashville Tennessee. Nick walks us through his journey of falling in love with music and recounts how growing up in a home with religious values created friction in pursuing secular music as a career. In his journey of self discovery he took a leap of faith and moved on his own to Tennessee in his 20s facing financial hardships and homelessness yet found his way through perseverance. Nick encourages us to be vulnerable, to love ourselves and be unique. "I have had my fair share of deterrents - im not going to put a limit on myself. Weather I go on to be the biggest artist in the world or a local artist who has my scene and does my thing - I am always going to do to music. Its like breathing, It's what I do. It's what I was put on this earth to do."     

Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, bilingual Emcee/Rapper Deuce Eclipse and co-founder/vocalist of Bang Data, draws influence from both his Nicaraguan heritage as well as the culture of Hip-Hop he grew up with in the United States. At nine, he began rapping with a middle school friend, the two adopting the names Ace Moon and Deuce Eclipse, which he carries with respect to this day. He toured the world alongside one of his best friends the late Zumbi as an accompanying voice to Zion I Crew and also acquired an extensive international and local list of collaborations including Mega Banton, Eva Ayllon, Pep Love, Louie Culture, Chico Trujillo, Asdru of Ozomatli, The Grouch & Eli, and more. He has released a variety of albums some of which have been featured on TV shows, commercials, and movies most notably the song ‘Bang Data' on AMC's show Breaking Bad.  Deuce's true talent will continue to be his ability to paint a vivid picture of where we are as a society by weaving compelling personal stories into his rhymes.  The music for this episode is by Simon Sharp and the podcast editing is by @100firesmusic_ 

Michelle Miller better known as DJ Shellheart is as an International DJ producing events all over the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. She grew up in Richmond, California and was introduced to music when her father bought her turntables in high school (3:10). During the same time she was working with youth, she taught herself how to DJ and surrounded herself with friends that pushed her to work in the music industry and build out her DJ career (5:34). In each performance, DJ Shellheart transmits her self-confidence to the audience. "I'm giving the people what they want, and that's me. It's authentic to me. Everything that I've come up with is from me." Music for this episode is produced by Humans Win and the podcast editing is by 100fires. Listen to the full episode on our website.

In this episode, we have a conversation with Bomani Mintz, Founder & CEO of Crave It based in Los Angeles, California. The driving force of Mintz's business is to ensure that food creators and food lovers have a space where people can easily find and share the best places to eat based on recommendations. Since college Mintz wanted to build a business and make an impact on his surrounding community, leading him to take on many risks before starting an app for foodie lovers (11:56). “I want to make sure that food creators and food businesses truly have a home. I want to break down cultural barriers and I think the best way to do that is by breaking it literally with food, dishes, and understanding who we are as a people,” Mintz said (02:04). Mintz's passion started as a side hustle, taking photos and videos for restaurants, and event companies. Later on, he started looking into how to get to Silicon Valley eventually landing a job at LinkedIn. Working as a Mid-Market Enterprise Customer Success Manager at LinkedIn, Mintz acquired the skills necessary to create a successful business focused on tech and food (6:24). For Mintz, consistency has become a key factor in creating innovative, disruptive ideas for a business at the intersection of food and tech (29:15). Music for this episode is produced by Boris Skalsky and the podcast editing is by 100fires. Listen to the full episode on our website.

Paula Dewart is an Award-winning dancer and choreographer, Co-Director of DAYP Co. based in North Oakland. With over 25 years of professional performance experience and 15 years of mentoring, developing, and teaching the arts to youth throughout Oakland and the Bay Area . Born and Raised in the Bay area, growing up she split her time between Oakland and San Francisco. Paula uses her background in ballet, modern, and hip-hop to create dynamic experiences for her students. Paula has been teaching dance since 2004.

Edreece Arghandiwal is the Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer for The Oakland Roots SC, a soccer club seeking to harness the magic of Oakland and the game of soccer as a force for social good. In this episode, Edreece discusses how his parents left Afghanistan to come to America. Out of college, he landed internships in New York that shaped his perception of the world and built his interest in marketing. Later in life, he found a co-founder group with diverse experiences and perspectives which had the recipe for success for the city of Oakland. When Edreece discovered his North Star— celebrating the diversity of Oakland and his passion for soccer— he started working on the creative process and investing his most important assets in life: time and energy. The song in this episode titled "Lofi Chill Funk" is produced by Gushito and the podcast editing for this episode is by @100firesmusic_ Listen to the full episode on our website.

Momo Chang is a Freelance Journalist, Editor, and Co-Director of Oakland Voices based in the San Francisco East Bay. Born in Taiwan, and raised in the United States, her work has a special focus on healthcare, immigration, education, Asian American communities, food, and culture. Growing up with not enough Asian-American journalists to look up to, she aimed to create a more diverse media by working with the alumni network of Oakland Voices. Momo's writing journey began with writing short stories and poetry which led her to receive journalism awards from the Society of Professional Journalists for investigative reporting and the Asian American Journalists Association, among others. Momo's portfolio:  www.momochang.com The podcast editing for this episode is by @100firesmusic_ Listen to the full episode on our website.

Oscar Quiroz-Medrano is a multifaceted community activist located in San Jose, CA. He works as Political Education Coordinator for Somos Mayfair addressing systematic inequalities in the community. Oscar uses the voice of the community to create maps of anti-displacement policies caused by gentrification that will work as a role model for future generations. Oscar also performs as a Venture Capital Scout for Rebel One looking for ways to create a more sustainable future around the world solving water scarcity and renewable energy solutions. In addition to his work with Rebel One and Somos Mayfair, Oscar is a mentor at the Bronco Venture Accelerator for Santa Clara University. Through this mentorship, startups receive resources that help create incubators empowering them to obtain funding and execute projects. In our conversation, Oscar reflects on the motivations behind his passion and actions to create a better world. The song "Lofi in Coffee Shop" for this episode is composed by Simon Sharp and podcast editing is by 100fires. Listen to the full episode on our website.

Heli Cienfuegos, stage name 100fires, is a Music Producer and DJ located in Houston, Texas. The Houston native creates hip-hop music heavily influenced by the East and West coasts. After completing his degree and working as a software engineer in San Francisco, 100fuegos decided to move back to Houston and transition into his passion as a music producer, DJ, beatmaker, businessman, and sound designer. Making a career change is not easy, but for 100fires not following his musician career felt like it would kill his passion. The song "Still Great" used in this episode is produced by 100fires and the podcast editing is also by 100fires. Listen to the full episode on the website.

Shawndeez (they/them) is a Ph.D. of Gender Studies, an independent scholar, educator, public speaker, and spiritual guide based in Colorado. We recently hopped on a call and discussed their decision to step away from higher education to focus on helping Queer and Trans communities find spiritual meaning through Islam as a form of resilience and overcoming.

Melecio Estrella (he/him) is a director, dance artist and educator based in Oakland, CA. Committed to advancing equity, access, environmental and social justice, Melecio believes dance and art-making play a vital role in the health of individuals, communities and societies. Melecio has been dancing with BANDALOOP since 2003. In 2011 he became the company's Education Director and in 2015, the Associate Artistic Director. His BANDALOOP artistic milestones include making dances on the cliffs of Tienmen Mountain in the Hunan province of China; Art and About in Sydney, Australia; The Africa Cup in Libreville, Gabon; The Barents Spektacle in Kirkenes, Norway; and the JFK Centennial at The Kennedy Center, Washington, DC. In addition to his work with BANDALOOP, he co-directs the dance theater company Fog Beast and is a longtime member of the Joe Goode Performance Group. His choreographies have been commissioned by Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, the San Francisco Opera Center, Dancers' Group, Headlands Center for the Arts and numerous universities around the US. He is a 2018-2019 recipient of the Gerbode Special Award in the Arts, and a 2017/18 Leadership Fellow with the Association for Performing Arts Professionals (APAP).

Eric Merrill is the Music Director, Singer, and Songwriter at The Eric Merrill Project. In this interview, Eric tells us how music has become a tool to tell beautiful stories and have a closer relationship with God. Eric's foundation for songwriting began with a refreshing and unique style and melodies accompanied by poetic words. In addition to becoming a fantastic singer and songwriter, Eric went on to obtain a Bachelor's of Science degree, became a Chemist, successfully matriculated through medical school, became a Medical Officer in the US Navy, a Flight Surgeon in the Air Force, and a Neurosurgery Resident Physician. The music for this episode is composed by Oleksii Abramovych and editing is provided by Bill Fires. Listen to the full episode on our website.

Michael Salaam is Chaplain at the California Dept. of Corrections & Rehabilitation in Hanford, CA. We recently hopped on a call where we discussed how he found purpose in becoming a Muslim Chaplain, what it was to gain access to vulnerability in the face of adversity, and how poetry become an outlet for him to reconnect with his self-awareness. Music for this episode is composed by Humans Win and editing for this episode by Bill Fires.

Mark Abrams is a Producer, Mixer, and Co-Founder of EchoPunch based out of Columbus, Ohio. We recently hopped on a call where we discussed the origins of his passion for music mixing and production, also about what is being a mentor at pureMix sharing his experience producing with intention and letting creativity flow, this combination takes him to collaborate with some of the biggest names in the music industry and big-name brands. The song "Chillenium" for this episode is composed by Jon Presstone and the podcast editing is by Bill Fires.

Tracy Cruz is an award-winning musical artist, songwriter, and vocal coach at Tracy Cruz Vocal Studio located in the Bay Area. We recently hopped on a call where she explained to me that you must channel vulnerability in order to pour your heart out on stage.  Music for this episode by biggrez, editing for this episode is provided by Bill Fires. Listen to the full episode on our website.

Zachary Pitt-Smith is the Music Director at Edna Brewer Middle School . We recently hopped on a call where we discussed his passion for music and his students, what it was like to refocus teaching methods amidst a pandemic and  OEASE - Oakland Eastside All Star Ensemble  a youth based ensemble focused on music, mentorship & leadership within their community. Music for this episode is composed by Mason Taylor and editing for this episode by Bill Fires.

Charlese Banks is a Bay Area native and Founder & Owner of The Town Experience. We recently hopped on a call where we discussed her love for Oakland and her community and how they became the driving force behind The Town Experience. Music for this episode is composed by Mason Taylor and editing for this episode by Bill Fires.

Rafael Bustamante Sarria is a Musician, Activist, and Bandleader of La Gente SF. We recently hopped on a call where we discussed his passion for music, love for his audience and the driving force behind his activism. Music for this episode is composed by Mason Taylor and editing for this episode by Bill Fires.

DJ Francesca Cavallo is a San Francisco-based DJ, music producer, and record label owner. We recently hopped on a call where we discussed her beginnings as a DJ, the adversities she faced in the industry, and the road to becoming a music producer and owning her own label. Music for this episode is composed by Mason Taylor and editing for this episode by Bill Fires.

Baghead is a San Francisco-based music producer. We recently hopped on a call where we discussed the origins of his passion for music production, the impact that gentrification in San Francisco has had on his creative process, and the importance of pursuing what you love for yourself. Music for this episode is produced by Baghead— find more of his work at https://www.audiovandals.com/baghead

Lauren Cox is a Jazz Lecturer at The University of Massachusetts Amherst. We recently hopped on a call where we discussed the origins of her passion as an artist, storyteller, teacher, and traveler, and how she uses dance as a vessel to her storytelling. Music for this episode is composed by Ray Aley and editing for this episode by Bill Fires.

Chris Herrera is a skateboarder and musician from the San Gabriel Valley in California. Chris and I recently hopped on a call where we discussed the origins of his passion as a skateboarder, his creative process as a musician, and the embracement of failure to land success. Music for this episode is composed by Johnny Starburst and editing for this episode by Bill Fires.

Nelda Nichole Kerr is a musician and an educator at Edna Brewer Middle School in Oakland, CA. Nelda and I recently hopped on a call where we discussed the origins of her passion as an educator, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on teaching, and the drive to stay in education despite the obstacles. Music for this episode is composed by Day Ghost and editing for this episode by Bill Fires.  

Tyla Jones is a DJ and the Co Director of Fundraising Events at Join the Movement Coalition. Check out her work on Instagram.  Tyla and I recently hopped on a call where we discussed the origins of Join the Movement Coalition, how from a young age her family taught her the importance of activism, and how her organization fundraises for radical social change, resistance education, and mutual aid initiatives for QTBIPOC communities. 

Bazz Valencia is an Elizabeth, NJ based musical artist, vocalist, and songwriter. Check out his work on Instagram.  Bazz and I recently hopped on a call where we discussed his visions of music in childhood, how music served as an escape during the passing of his mother, and how vulnerability deepens the creative connection to yourself and the greater community.

Up on the rack is Penelope Douglas, the Chief Strategy and Revenue Officer at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, CA. Penelope is a founding partner of CultureBank and has spent the past twenty-five years as a social entrepreneur and pioneer in community development investment. We recently hopped on a on a call where we discussed the impact of art in her childhood, her journey working in studio art, her transition to the corporate world, and how her extensive work in social entrepreneurship set her up for her current role at YBCA.

Up on the rack is Oakland-based artist/designer, creative director, & consultant Asaad Bruno also known as AB. You can check out his work on his Instagram and his website Asaadbruno.pro AB is one of the the founders of FYE collective, a creative coalition and collaborative platform based in Oakland, CA. The FYE collective are the current art residents at ProArts Gallery— go check them out in the heart of downtown Oakland and follow them on Instagram. AB and I recently hopped on a call where we discussed the impact that moving around had on his childhood, the origins of his passion for up-cycled fashion, and what his creative flow feels like when he is tailoring clothing.

Up on the rack is San Francisco native and femmetón composer and singer-songwriter, Cecilia Cassandra Peña-Govea aka La Doña. Make sure to check out her work on her Instagram at @ladona415 Cecilia and I recently hopped on a call where we discussed her musical origins, the importance of collective joy in her musical expression, the impact of the pandemic on her musical journey, and the value of expressive accessibility in arts education.

Shogun Shido is an Oakland-based multidisciplinary artist and creator. Shido and I originally met at The Omni Commons located in the Temescal Neighborhood of North Oakland. We recently hopped on a call where we discussed how he came to be an artist, his journey from New Orleans to the Bay Area, and how community has been a cornerstone in his creative process.   Check out his work on his Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/artbyshido   Follow La Segunda on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lasegundastories

Sarah Irene Mendoza aka DJ La Madrina is a Senior Production Specialist at Pandora. Sarah and I hopped on a call where we discussed the beginnings of her Djing journey, the workings of her artistic process, and the relationship between creativity and motherhood.    Follow La Segunda on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lasegundastories   Check out Sarah's Instagram and website: https://lasegunda.libsyn.com/sarah-final http://www.hiphopsloveletter.com/

Sirron Norris is a San Francisco-based illustrator, muralist, and arts educator. He is known for his work on the FOX animated television show Bob's Burgers and for numerous cartoon-style public murals around San Francisco, CA. Sign up for the La Segunda newsletter on our website: https://www.lasegunda.org/

Kaley Berlin is a social worker, clinical supervisor, and therapist in Oakland, California.  Sign up for the La Segunda newsletter on our website.

Flygerian Jeff is an international DJ and the founder & CEO of United Tribes of Africa. Before the pandemic, Flygerian Jeff hosted a weekly afrobeats party called No Wahala Wesdesdays which was held at Parliament Bar in Oakland, California. You can catch one of his recent mixes on Soundcloud and can stay tuned to upcoming United Tribes of Africa events on Eventbrite. Sign up for the La Segunda newsletter for a chance to join our exclusive virtual launch party in February 2021: https://www.lasegunda.org/

Stoney Creation is an Oakland vocalist, DJ, and graphic designer. You can listen to her music on Soundcloud and can catch her hosting an episode of The Hip Hop Show on Bandcamp Sign up for the La Segunda newsletter for a chance to join our exclusive virtual launch party in February 2021: https://www.lasegunda.org/

Andre Jones aka Natty Rebel an artist, community organizer, and the Executive Director of the Bay Area Mural Program. He was recently featured on NBC Bay Area— make sure to support his organization by donating to BAMP here. Sign up for the La Segunda newsletter for a chance to join our exclusive virtual launch party in February 2021: https://www.lasegunda.org/

La Segunda is a podcast interview series examining the motivation behind creative passion. Story by story, conversation by conversation, we aim to repurpose the creative passion of others, to inspire our listeners to find what they love to do. Through poetry, conversations, and musical vibrations, join host Richie Nunez as he provides his interpretations to bring you inspiration. Sign up for the La Segunda newsletter for a chance to join our exclusive virtual launch party in February 2021: https://www.lasegunda.org/