SHOUTBOX

EPISODE 14 - NICOLE CLARKE-SPRINGER & BELIEVING DANCE So. much. has. happened. since our last 'cast. Happy Summer... but dannnng... Fall is running at us fast! On today's show we talk to the amazing and inspirational Dancer/Choreographer Nicole Clarke-Springer about her life spent dancing, teaching and now serving as Artistic Director for the amazing Chicago-based Deeply Rooted Dance Company. We were lucky to catch her In between sessions at the 2020 Summer Dance Intensive, and got to chat about the difference between "performing" and "believing" on stage, the meaning of "loving tough" in the arts world, and the importance of Deeply Rooted's spirit and "space" to artist's all across the globe. Learn more about Deeply Rooted at https://deeplyrooteddancetheater.org Rate today's program, share thoughts, and send us questions at: shoutbox@kaiharding.com. (or visit us at: www.KaiHarding.com/shoutbox) Today’s program was recorded (remotely!) by Sidney Jones at Bam Studios (www.bamstudios.com), edited and mixed by Sven at Blue Box Studio, and our punktastic theme song was written and performed by the iconic Melody Jane Wachtel of This Is A Stick Up! Until next time, Love to all of you, and keep fighting the good fight!

EPISODE 13 - CRAIG V. MILLER & TAKING STOCK So. much. has. happened. since our last 'cast. We proudly stand with our LGBTQ family and vehemently support Black Lives Matter, and are doing our part to listen, learn, and act in ways to support a movement seeking critical social justice, civil liberty, and racial equality for all. This is a critical event 400 years in the making, and it is our responsibility to each take part in reinventing critical system wide change here in America and beyond. On today's show we talk to Dancer/Choreographer Craig V. Miller to discuss his inspirational time in the Chicago dance scene, (including 8 years spent with Chicago's www.danceintheparks.org), how dancers survive and thrive despite systemic issues with support and funding, the lack of resources for artists of color in dance, and how INEQUITY IN THE ARTS hurts us all. Learn more about Craig and his work at: https://www.youtube.com/user/unlibro and www.instagram.com/iamcraigv Rate today's program, share thoughts, and send us questions at: shoutbox@kaiharding.com. (or visit us at: www.KaiHarding.com/shoutbox) Today’s program was recorded (remotely!) by Philip Von During at Bam Studios (www.bamstudios.com), edited and mixed by Sven at Blue Box Studio, and our punktastic theme song was written and performed by the iconic Melody Jane Wachtel of This Is A Stick Up! Until next time, Love to all of you, and keep fighting the good fight!

EPISODE 12 - ANTHONY SIMS & MAKING SPACE Annnnd... We are BACK from our way too long Pandemic Break! On today's show we talk to Performance Artist Anthony Sims to discuss his work. embodying Queer & Black Experience, performing in a post pandemic society, the importance for making and taking space in the world, finding and being true to your own voice, Tableau Vivant, and so many other good things! Learn more about Anthony and his work at www.AnthonyJSims.com! Rate today's program, share thoughts, and send us questions at: shoutbox@kaiharding.com. (or visit us at: www.KaiHarding.com/shoutbox) Today’s program was recorded (remotely!) by Philip Von During at Bam Studios (www.bamstudios.com), edited and mixed by Sven at Blue Box Studio, and our punktastic theme song was written and performed by the iconic Melody Jane Wachtel of This Is A Stick Up!

Welcome to our first episode of 2020, and our new MONTHLY format show! We are back in Chicago based Studio K for our first show of the new season, and we will be talking about presentational gender, persona, and performance with TWO phenomenal Drag performers Starting off we'll go deep into discussion with the Houston based Drag King HUGH DANDY to chat about the sparkle, swagger and excellent manbunnery of performing masculinity, and finish off the show chatting with Chicago based gender performer GirlBoiFriend, who slays in 10 inch heels, and knows how to rock a vinyl bodysuit and custom chain link halter while doing a sensational death drop! Learn more about Hugh: https://www.instagram.com/Hugh_Dandy and follow the Kings of Houston: https://www.instagram.com/kingsofhouston Learn more about Girlboifriend: https://www.instagram.com/girlboifriend Find us on Facebook and Twitter, or send us an email at: shoutbox@kaiharding.com. Today’s program was recorded by Sidney Jones of Bam Studios in Chicago… and edited and mixed by Sven at Blue Box Studio. Our theme music was written and performed by Melody Jane Wachtel of the band This is a Stickup! As always, thank you so much for tuning in, and We’ll see you next Month!

EPISODE 10 - MELODY JANE WACHTEL & PUNK TRANSITION On today's show we talk to TWO guests, with our first being composer/performer and brilliant Trans musician Melody Jane Wachtel of the band This is a Stickup! You've heard her chops kick off each of our shows with her fantastic Shoutbox Theme music this season, and we are so excited she could join us on today's program! Join us to hear about her musical and trans journeys, her coming out experience to her family and friends, the frustrations of dysphoria, and the joyful experiences that can occur when you live your authentic life. OH! But wait there's more!! Adding to the fun of today's Episode is a very special bonus second guest, the always awesome founder of Clock, Inc LGBT+ Community Center Chase Norris, adding his insight into dysphoria, and the importance of community and support systems to remind folks to take care of themselves as we head into the holiday season!! Listen to Melody and her band This is a Stickup on Bandcamp at: https://thisisastickup.bandcamp.com and Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7dhuXeSjgSp139nfGUfOLd And connect to Chase and Clock Inc at: www.clockinc.org Please rate today's program, share your comments, and send us questions, feedback, or your own personal stories at: shoutbox@kaiharding.com. (or visit us at: www.KaiHarding.com/shoutbox) Today’s program was recorded by Philip Von During at Bam Studios (www.bamstudios.com). The program was edited and mixed by Sven at Blue Box Studio, and once again, Thank You Melody for our show's punktastic theme music!! Happy Holidays to all, and we look forwards to seeing you again in the new year on January 23rd, 2020!

On today's special Thanksgiving episode, we chat with Claire Aran, lazer-femme artist, LGBTQ+ rights advocate, and inspiring twitter personality to talk about her gender transition, her path to becoming her fullest self, and the many wonderful things she is thankful for in her life. To connect with Claire and see her latest makeup designs, follow here on twitter @dev_deets! We want to hear from you!! So PLEASE take a moment to rate today's program, or send us your questions and comments at: shoutbox@kaiharding.com. Today’s program was recorded by Dave Leffel at Bam Studios (www.bamstudios.com). The program was edited and mixed by Sven at Blue Box Studio, and our show's theme music was written and performed by Melody Jane Wachtel of the band This is a Stickup! Thank y'all again for tuning in, and have a beautiful Thanksgiving!

EPISODE 8 - JOSHUA L. ISHMON & DANCE LIFE On today's show we chat with Chicago Dancer/Choreographer Joshua L. Ishmon, about his life spent inspired by and in pursuit of dance. Joshua is not only a company member with Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, but also Artistic/Producing Director of Deeply Rooted’s Emerging Choreographer’s Showcase, and was selected as Chicago Reader's Best Choreographer of 2017. Connect with him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JoshuaLIshmon , Follow him via Instagram at www.instagram.com/i_floccinaucinihilipilificate , and see him perform live with Deeply Rooted Dance Theater this Fall: https://deeplyrooteddancetheater.org We want to hear from you!! So PLEASE take a moment to rate today's program, or send us your questions and comments at: shoutbox@kaiharding.com. Today’s program was recorded by Matt Sauro at Bam Studios (www.bamstudios.com). The program was edited and mixed by Sven at Blue Box Studio, and our show's theme music was written and performed by Melody Jane Wachtel of the band This is a Stickup! Thank y'all again for tuning in, and have a beautiful week!

EPISODE 7 - DIETA PEPSI & PIXEL on SAINT LOUIS DRAG On today's show we get to hear from TWO spectacular Queens who hail from the Saint Louis Drag scene! Dieta Pepsi has been active in the St. Louis Drag and LGBT communities for over 25-years, winning numerous accolades and Trophies (including Miss Gay Missouri!), while PIXEL is a brilliant newcomer to the world of Drag, combining years of professional dance artistry, impressive cosplay chops, and some kick ass sass to bring fire to every performance! The two together in studio are ELECTRIC, and this is an episode you REALLY don't want to miss! Connect with DIETA at https://www.facebook.com/dietapepsi and follow PIXEL via Instagram @pixel__8bit We want to hear from you!! So PLEASE take a moment to rate today's program, or send us your questions and comments at: shoutbox@kaiharding.com. Today’s program was recorded by Dane Dickman of Coolfire Studios in St. Louis, Missouri (www.coolfire.com), (with some extra bits recorded by Emmalyn Meyers of Bam Studios (www.bamstudios.com)) Today's program was edited and mixed by Sven at Blue Box Studio, and our theme music was written and performed by Melody Jane Wachtel of the band This is a Stickup! As always, thank you so much for tuning in, and have a beautiful week!

EPISODE 6 - GREG STORMS & GENDER 101 On today's show we talk to Greg Storms, Director of Youth Services at the Center on Halsted in Chicago. Greg has an MA in Social Sciences with a concentration in Gender Studies from the University of Michigan – Flint, and additionally has both an MA and is pursuing their doctorate in Anthropology with a specialization in sociocultural anthropology and LGBTQ Studies from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. Greg joined the Center on Halsted to serve the needs of and help bolster a support network for Chicago’s LGBTQ youth. To learn more about Greg and their work, please visit https://centeronhalsted.org Please rate today's program, share your comments, and send us questions, feedback, or your own personal stories at: shoutbox@kaiharding.com. (or visit us at: www.KaiHarding.com/shoutbox) Today’s program was recorded by Philip Von During at Bam Studios (www.bamstudios.com). The program was edited and mixed by Sven at Blue Box Studio, and our show's theme music was written and performed by Melody Jane Wachtel of the band This is a Stickup!

EPISODE 5 - GILLIAN BRANSTETTER & TRANS EQUALITY On today's show we talk to Gillian Branstetter, Media Relations Manager for the Washington DC based NATIONAL CENTER FOR TRANSGENDER EQUALITY, about a variety of issues facing Trans folks in America, including the pending and critically important "Title VII" civil rights case appearing before the Supreme Court on October 8th 2019, working to uphold protections for Trans persons from being fired, simply for being Trans. For those unaware, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 has traditionally protected #LGBTQ folks nationwide from workplace discrimination, even if they work in states that do not presently offer those protections, and the law is presently under attack from the present administration, and we are thrilled to hear how organizations across the country are working together to help protect and expand #TransRights! Gillian works tirelessly to help share and connect folks to the most current information regarding issues faced by transgender people today, including health care access, employment protections, identification documents, and many more. She additionally works with transgender people from around the country to promote their stories and ensure news coverage of their experiences is both accurate and fair. To learn more about Gillian and the National Center for Trans Equality, please visit https://transequality.org Please rate today's program, share your comments, and send us questions, feedback, or your own personal stories at: shoutbox@kaiharding.com. (or visit us at: www.KaiHarding.com/shoutbox) Today’s program was recorded by Matt Sauro at Bam Studios (www.bamstudios.com). The program was edited and mixed by Sven at Blue Box Studio, and our show's theme music was written and performed by Melody Jane Wachtel of the band This is a Stickup!

EPISODE 4 - WILFREDO RIVERA & AMERICAN CATRACHO On today's show we talk to Wilfredo Rivera, choreographer and co-founder of Chicago's Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre, as he shares his personal story of immigrating to the United States from his native Honduras, and how his own experiences and insights into the immigration and refugee crisis inspired the epic evening length dance performance called "American Catracho". To learn more about Wilfredo and Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre, please visit www.CerquaRivera.org, and checkout their 20th anniversary season live in Chicago in the fall of 2019 (Including performances of "American Catracho", "Root", and "A Place Between Earth and Sky") at these venues: -9/27/19 - American Catracho @ Studio5 (https://bpt.me/4303314) -9/28/19 - ROOT & Place Between Earth & Sky @ Studio5 (https://bpt.me/4303336) -10/4/19 American Catracho @ Auditorium Theatre (https://tickets.auditoriumtheatre.org/production/2492/19-20-ensemble-espanol/) -10/18/19 American Catracho @ Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/america-americans-crdt20th-concert-series-october-18-tickets-65556058937) -10/26/19 Benefit Performance of ROOT & Place Between Earth & Sky @ Reva & David Logan Center for the Arts​ (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/america-americans-crdt20th-concert-series-benefit-performance-tickets-65551435107) (And for General ticket info, visit: https://www.cerquarivera.org/tickets) Have another second? Feel free to add a comment and rate today's program, or send us questions, feedback, or share your stories with us at: shoutbox@kaiharding.com. (and you can always learn more by visiting: www.KaiHarding.com/shoutbox) Today’s program was recorded by Philip Von During (with additional recording by Matt Sauro) at our new home in Bam Studios (www.bamstudios.com). The program was edited and mixed by Sven at Blue Box Studio, and our show's theme music was written and performed by Melody Jane Wachtel of the band This is a Stickup!

EPISODE 3: RYDER LEOPOLD & THE QUIETEST PART On today's show, poet and trans advocate Ryder Leopold gets real about his personal experiences growing up trans, and the beauty and importance of connecting with the quietest parts of yourself. Connect wth Ryder at: https://www.instagram.com/rydersblock After the show, take a minute to comment and rate today's program, or send us questions, feedback, and share your stories with us at: shoutbox@kaiharding.com. Learn more by visiting: www.KaiHarding.com/shoutbox Today’s program is the second of two recorded on location at the Harold Washington Library in Chicago, and was Edited and Mixed by Sven at Blue Box Studio. Our theme music was written and performed by Melody Jane Wachtel of the band This is a Stickup!

EPISODE 2: KATIE L. O'NEILL & INVISIBLE DISABILITY On today's show, Performance Artist Katie L. O'Neill talks about the invisible disability of mental health, shares her story of growing up with Borderline Personality and Schizo-Affective Disorder, the complexities of "passing", and her artistic and educational efforts to advocate for the disabled. You can learn more about Katie and her work by visiting: www.KatieLOneill.com We'd love to hear from you, so please take a minute to comment and rate our program here, or send us questions, comments, feedback, and share your stories with us at shoutbox@kaiharding.com. To learn more about our program, visit us at www.KaiHarding.com/shoutbox . Today’s program was recorded at the Harold Washington Library in Chicago, Edited and Mixed by Sven at Blue Box Studio, and our theme music was written and performed by Melody Jane Wachtel of the band This is a Stickup!

EPISODE 1 - CHASE NORIS & CLOCK INC. In today's inaugural episode, Host Chris Olsen chats with Therapist and Trans Advocate Chase Norris, founder of Clock Inc., an organization that provides support, education, counseling, workshops, community events and a consistent location for LGBT+ individuals of all ages, genders, and cultures in the Quad City area of Illinois. You can learn more about Chase and his work by visiting: www.clockinc.org or by calling 309-558-0956. To learn more about our program, visit KaiHarding.com/shoutbox, or ask us questions, give us feedback, and share your stories with us at shoutbox@kaiharding.com. Today’s program was recorded by Philip Von During at Bam Studios in Chicago. Edited and Mixed by Sven at Blue Box Studio, and our theme music was written and performed by Melody Jane Wachtel of the band This is a Stickup!