The Raindrop Corner Podcast

Happy Holidays! We're back, like for real for real. I catch y'all up to speed on where I've been and what the future of RCP looks like. I missed everyone and it's so good to be behind the mic again!

It's been about ten months since I've uploaded, so let's talk! I reflect a little on life, the direction of the podcast, and what's been going on with me. I missed everyone!

This episode was such a treat! Joining the Raindrop Corner Podcast this week is practitioner, pole dancer, and photographer, Olivia Graves. Also known as The Witch of Wonderlust, Olivia gave us a deep dive into something that few spiritualist's focus on- boundary setting for witches and the spiritually inclined. We fawn over the art of pole dancing and examine what working with Death truly looks like. The Witch of Wonderlust's Connects: Instagram: Facebook: Website: Youtube: Music by Bensound and freestockmusic.com

Joining The Raindrop Corner Podcast this week is beloved RCP alum, cosplayer, bomb creative, and founder of The Cosgala, Tranquil Ashes! This was a refreshing conversation centered around the common misconceptions and stigmas placed on cosplayers, the pressure for creatives to do it all, and a glimpse into the Cosgala- an event that brings creatives and cosplayers together in an affirming space! Tranquil Ashes' Connects: Facebook: @tranquilashes Instagram: @tranquil_ashes Music by free-stock-music.come and Chosic.com

We may have been fighting back the urge to squeal the entire time… Chef Nyesha Arrington, who has cooked in numerous Michelin star restaurants, was a finalist in Bocuse d'Or (the world renowned chef championship), and owns and operates a full-service Chef consulting/catering business, joined the Raindrop Corner Podcast this week. We dove into her personal journey in and outside the culinary industry, setting boundaries, centering women of color, and embracing the self. This was such a treat! Nyesha's Connects: - Website: www.nyeshaarrington.com - Instagram: @nyeshajoyce Music provided by free-stock-music.com and chosic.com

Hey y'all hey! Joining the Raindrop Corner this week is journalist, writer, host of Bold City Civics, and the co-founder of Bold City Records, Shelton Hull! Low-key, Shelton has got to be one of the smartest people we know. For real though, he took us to school! From the robust history of Jacksonville to the nuances of the music industry and Shelton's love of writing, we take a refreshing deep dive! Shelton's Connects: - Instagram: @SheltonHull - Facebook: @SheltonHull - Twitter: @SheltonHull Music by Bensound and Freestockmusic.com

Duke Lott joins the Raindrop Corner Podcast this week! He takes us through his journey as an author and motivational speaker, speaks on how he navigated childhood abuse, addiction, his thoughts on healthy interracial relationships, and becoming comfortable in his own skin.

Joining the Raindrop Corner Podcast is screenwriter, best selling author of the novel Black Boy Out of Time, and writer of many mediums, Hari Ziyad. This was a refreshingly needed conversation around navigating family dynamics, embracing change in friendships, growing up black and queer, and honoring all stages of your journey. Hari's Connects: - Website: https://www.hariziyad.com - Instagram: @hariziyad - Facebook: @hariziyad Music by Bensound and free-stock-music.com

Reena Friedman Watts, host of the Better Call Daddy Podcast and multi-faceted entrepreneur, joins the Raindrop Corner Podcast this week! Y'all she was dropping all kinds of wisdom! We bond over our mutual joy for storytelling, reminisce on Reena's time working for the Jerry Springer show and court tv, and reflect on taking risks among opposition. Reena's Socials: Website: bettercalldaddy.com Facebook: @bettercalldaddypodcast Instagram: @reenafriedmanwatts Music by free-stock-music.com

Ahhh, this was such a fun episode! #1 bestselling author and Youtuber, Jenna Moreci, joins the Raindrop Corner Podcast this week. This was a refreshing conversation around navigating the negative voices around you (be it external or internal ones), dispelling misconceptions around writing, and daring to make choices that feed your soul. Catch it at kaylareneehuggins.com/podcast-1 and all standard podcast streaming platforms! Jenna's socials: Instagram: @jennamoreci FB: @jennamoreci Twitter: @jennamoreci Website: www.jennamoreci.com Music by Free-Stock-Music.com

Filmmaker, producer, and the coolest adventurer we know, Keagan Anfuso, chats it up with the Raindrop Corner Podcast! This was one for the books, we dive into what it means to be successful as a creator, the metamorphosis of the film industry, navigating bullying in high school, and Keagan's journey as an artist. Catch it at kaylareneehuggins.com/podcast and all standard podcast streaming platforms! Keep Up with Keagan: -Website: https://keagananfuso.com -Instagram: @keagananfuso Music by free stock music and bensound

Bebe Deluxe blesses the Raindrop Corner Podcast with one of the realest conversations we've ever had! We delve into the Trans experience, breaking away from the stigmas of being a once well-known Drag Queen, why Cyndi Lauper is awesome, and her lifetime passion for music. This is one for the books! Bebe's Connects: Instagram: @bebe.deluxe Bebe's Website: Bebe-Deluxe.com Music by Bensound and Free Stock Music

Joining the Raindrop Corner Podcast this week is Drag Queen, producer, and delectable delight Sweet Tea! She reflects on feeling like she was always destined to be an entertainer, breaking the stigma around Drag Queen Story Hour, and navigating the scene as a person of color. Music via free-stock-music.com Sweet Tea Socials: Instagram: @sweettea.thedragqueen Facebook: @thedragsweettea

Beloved friends and RCP alumni, Angel Russel, Tango Jordan, and Mindy Stamulis join the Raindrop Corner Podcast for our first roundtable. We focus on Dave Chappelle's controversial comments in his newest comedy special “The Closer.” This is an intellectual deep dive from LGBT+ allies and community members.

Medium, spiritual teacher, healer, and psychic witch, Jessica Tanselle joins the Raindrop Corner Podcast this week! From life-changing otherworldly experiences to breaking down the nuances of what energy work really is, we dive into her passion for guiding individuals in their healing journey. Jessica's Socials: - Instagram: @TheJessicaTanselle - Facebook: @TheJessicaTanselle - Website: https://www.thejessicatanselle.com Music via Free Stock Music

Joining the Raindrop Corner Podcast is certified sex educator and majesty of many talents, Professor Sex a.k.a. Angel Russell. We delve into growing up in a devout Christian household, how selling sex toys led to them becoming a sex educator, inclusive versus affirming spaces, and their work at PFLAG of Jacksonville. Professor Sex's Socials: Website- ProfessorSex.com Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/SexPositiveEd Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/sexeducator/ Twitter- https://twitter.com/SexPositiveEd PFLAG- https://pflagjax.org Tickle.Life- https://www.tickle.life Music via Free stock music

Joining the RC podcast is cosplayer, makeup artist, and bomb creator, Tranquil Ashes. She chats it up about the beauty of creating for fun, being a plus size woman in a space that isn't always obliging, and mermaids! Music by Puurple Cat via Free Stock Music Tranquil Connects: - Facebook: @TranquilAshes - Twitter: TranquilAshes - Instagram: @tranquil_ashes

CW: Mentions of Sexual Assault and R*** Model, artist, and co-founder of the Every 68 Seconds Project nonprofit, Sam Dallet, joins the RC Podcast to talk about breaking the stigma around sexual assault. This was without a doubt one of the most important conversations we've ever had on this podcast. We dive into the weight of shame and opposition placed on survivors of sexual assault, and what support looks like after trauma. Our cats make a special guest appearance. Sam Dallett Connects: Instagram: @sam_dallet Every68SecondsProject: @every68secondsproject Music by Purrple Cat and Free Stock Music

Visual artist and muralist, Elena Øhlander, joins the RC podcast this week! We dive into how she used art to navigate trauma, the Asian American diaspora, and how to process growth against the pressure of being a “sellout.” Elena Øhlander Connects: -Website: http://www.elenaohlander.com -Instagram: @elena_ohlander Music By: Purple Cat via Free Stock Music

Joining the Raindrop Corner Podcast is Jennifer Wolfe, Executive Director of Jacksonville's chapter for Women Writing for (a) Change. From growing up on her family's sheep farm to leaving the corporate world in search of “work worth doing,” we delve into her passion for helping women of all backgrounds share their story. Women Writing for (a) Change Connects: -Website: https://www.womenwritingjacksonville.org -Facebook: @WomenWritingforaChangeJacksonville -Instagram: @womenwritingjax Music By: Ron Gelinas via free-stock-music.com

Monica Monet, the chef and HBIC(Head Boss in Charge)of Mo V's Vegan Kitchen joins the RC Podcast to talk about navigating health, veganism, and how she made a business out of cooking the type of vegan food that truly she wanted to eat! Monica's Connects: -Instagram: @movsvegankitchen -Facebook: @movsvegankitchen Music By: Free-stock-music.com and Alex Productions

Honoring the RC podcast is the “Goddess Ethereal” herself, Ebony Payne-English! Ebony is an author, performer, playwright, and educator from Duuuuuval County. This conversation is a glorious deep dive into uplifting kids that often get forgotten, navigating the shame often associated with trauma, and planting seeds of change even among opposition. CW: There are mild mentions of suicide, rape, and trauma. Ebony's Connects: -Website: http://www.ebonypayneenglish.com -Instagram: @ebonypayneenglish -Twitter: @EbonyOshun Music By: Purrple Cat and Jay Someday (featured on Free-stock-music.com)

Joining the RC Podcast today is Karen Strong, author of the critically acclaimed middle grade novel Just South of Home. From reminiscing about southern “haint” tales to being a STEM (Science, Technology Engineering, and Mathematics) advocate, Karen gives us a glimpse into letting her inner writer shine. This convo was a gem! Karen Strong Connects: -Website: https://www.karen-strong.com -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenmusings/ -Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarenMusings Music: Keys of Moon and free-stock-music.com

CW: Mentions of sexual assault, addiction, and trauma This week shook us in the most positive way! Founder of Coherently Aware Now Inc., Eric Harazi joins the RC podcast for one of the most poignant conversations we've ever had. From Eric's journey with sexual assault and addiction to finding his way back to himself, we get a glimpse into what birthed his nonprofit. Music by: Bensound Guest Links -Website: https://www.thesafecircle.org -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coherently_aware_now/ -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coherentlyawarenow

Kicking it this week with the RCP Podcast is pop singer and songwriter, Trella. We dive into merit of finding your voice, relinquishing control, and gush about our shared love for Ella Fitzgerald. Trella's Website: https://www.trellamusic.com Trella's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trellatunes/ Music by: Zapsplat

Joining us this week is psychic medium, hypnotist, and healer Paolo Santo. From masonry to the roots of founding the Pillars of Prophecy (a temple and school of spiritualism and ceremonial magick) we delve in the nuances of spirituality and beyond. Music by: Zapsplat -Paolo Santos Website: https://paolosanto.com/elements/pages/psychic/ -Pillars of Prophecy: https://pillarsofprophecy.com -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BoldCityPsychic -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boldcitypsychic/

Tango Jordan, writer, creative, activist, and all around King of many talents joins the RC podcast this week! In a no holes barred discussion, we delve into reparations, racism within the black community itself, the majesty of writing, and the merit of representation in mainstream media. It's that good good!

Devin Siebold, teacher, comedian, and host of "Crying in my Car: A Podcast for Teachers" joins The Raindrop Corner Podcast this week. He dishes about how he utilized humor to advocate for teachers in and outside of the classroom, the healing power of comedy, and navigating his personal craft.

Contemporary, multimedia, and visual artist Carl Joe Williams joins the RC podcast this week! We deep dive into his poignant piece "Making Great Lives Matter," creating work that shifts the world around you, and daring to be authentic in your message in an age were division is rampant. Personal Website: http://www.carljoewilliams.com Making Great Lives Matter Exhibition: https://mocajacksonville.unf.edu/exhibitions/Project-Atrium/Carl-Joe-Williams/ Music brought to you by Bensound and Free Stock Music.

We're ringing in mental health awareness month in style with Maryam Archer! Therapist by day and superhero 365 days of the year, Maryam deep dives into navigating mental health during a pandemic, self care, coming to terms with being uncertain, and what ally-ship truly looks like in marginalized spaces. Music: Free Stock Music & Zapsplat

CW: There are brief mentions of abuse. Poet, social justice mage, and model Tionna Seabrook slides on through to chat it up with The Raindrop Corner Podcast. We deep dive into their work with The Jacksonville Community Action Committee from protesting to simply raising awareness in the community, finding their voice as a wordsmith, their journey as a model, and if that wasn't cool enough they bless us with a little surprise at the end! Links Personal Handles - Instagram: @shaktidoespoetry - Facebook:@shaktidoespoetry Slam Duval - Facebook: @slamduval - Instagram: @slamduval Jacksonville Community Action Committee - Website: https://jaxtakesaction.org/?fbclid=IwAR3kHCKvNDQ4a4wPEGDXgGZABaILjkTMnwEYWILd81m9jRSFfk7c9dFoLJM - Facebook: @JAXTAKESACTION Music: - Intro and Outro tunes brought to you by Free Stock Music - Poem music by Free Stock Music

Returning special guest Carrsan T. Morrissey joins us to talk about their upcoming novel Old Wounds, vile villains, making art for the love of it versus getting views, and growth after a hell of a year. Oh and did we mention that Carrsan also gives us a special reading of Old Wounds, you're welcome in advance! Personal Website: www.carrsantmorrissey.com Old Wounds: https://www.amazon.com/Old-Wounds-Carrsan-T-Morrissey City M Productions: www.youtube.com/channel/UCCemynf6sBfOcue4xApBC4Q Music: - Intro and Outro tunes brought to you by Zapsplat - Poem music by Bensound - Reading Music by Bensound

Guess who came by to chat it up, beloved friend, actor, artist, and creative Andres D. Bravo! From his work as a co-writer and star of Phase Eight Theater Company's latest production, The Food of Love, to his growth as an artist we take a deep dive into artistry colored in a little bit of love. Phase Eight Theater Company Website: http://www.phaseeight.org Andres D. Bravo Website: http://www.adbravoart.com Music: - Intro and Outro tunes brought to you by Bensound - Poem music by Bensound Photo Credit: Mark Pariani

Joining us today is Bobby Kelley, a dynamic designer, entrepreneur, and the owner of Bobby K Boutique. From leaving the hustle and bustle of New York to learning how to navigate the politics of building a business in a new place, we chat it up with witty style. Bobby K Boutique Website: https://shopbobbyk.com Music: - Intro and Outro tunes brought to you by Zapsplat - Poem music by Artificial Music brought to you by freestockmusic.com

Ringing in our season premiere is Frank Lewis aka Flew, the artistic dynamo behind Flewology. Through his reflections on growing up, his love of comic books, and his musical talents we are given a glimpse into his stunning iterations of women and exotic works in the key of black and white. Music brought to you by Bensound.com

Drumroll please!!!! The King himself, Spikey Van Dykey, slides on through to dazzle The Raindrop Corner Podcast with some epic realness! From navigating gender identity to growing up in a single parent household, to how he graced the drag world "Spikey," we take a wild deep dive. Follow Spikey's Awesomeness: - IG: @Spikey_Van_Dykey - FB: Spikey Van Dykey

With us today we have the woman, the myth, the legend Love Reigns! From co-founding Jacksonville's longest running open mic, to creating amazing platforms for artists and creatives alike, we take a glimpse into the life of Jacksonville's premiere poet!

The lovely "Labella Layla" a.k.a Shayna Nicole Defulvio graced The Raindrop Corner with her awesomeness this week! Dispelling the stigmas and negative connotations around sex work, we delve into her propensity for artistry, combating self-image, comradeship among her fellow sex workers, and bridging the gap between education and speculation.

Guess who's back!? Myself and special guest Veronica Wilson, the groovy paragon behind OUTJAX Radio Studios! From community outreach to reminiscing over the good ol' days of having toilet paper, we explore "the new normal." Grab some snacks and kick back with us!

William a.k.a Thebaldbookgeek drops in for a chat about his upcoming book, the evolution of his dynamic Youtube channel, and a bit of perspective on literature as a whole. From Rowling to growing up we throw it back a bit and look forward to some his projects on the horizon. Take a listen and hang with us! :)

Drew Hunter pops in for a lovely tete a tete, right on the cusp of his enchanting exhibit for the play “Pontypool.” We ruminate over the importance of art, his days working for Ripley's, the motivation behind his masterpieces, designing amusement attractions for Sally Corporation, his love of the Disney film Fantasia, and his days as Bozo the Clown. Have a listen, taking a step into Narnia never felt so good!

Here to ring in the awesomeness that is season 2, is the one and only DJ Alliss a.k.a Veronica Wilson. From starting Jacksonville's first LGBT+ radio station, Out Jax Radio, to her love of mechanical pencils we talk it up about a plethora of topics. We get deep, laugh, and explore the wonder of the community and beyond. Come take a walk with us! ♥️

As season one on this podcast comes to a close, I wanted to take some time to reflect on my experiences, why I started this podcast, and the wonderful wisdom I've received from every guest on this show. From the bottom of my heart thanks for all your support, this journey is only getting started. Much love!

Rapper, Singer/Songwriter, and one of dopest DJ's in Duval rolls through to chat it up. Listen to Geexella flow about her love for music, helping fellow QPOC's (queer people of color)live their dreams, overcoming personal traumas, and the attitude towards the black queer community in Jacksonville versus bigger cities. It's lit y'all! Check her out: Personal Website: www.geexellamusic.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/geexella Insta: www.instagram.com/geexella Twitter: twitter.com/geexella Girls Rock: www.girlsrockcampalliance.org

Adventure alongside the Avatar herself, Janet Varney: the co-creator of SF Sketchfest, Host of the JV Club Podcast, actress in the FX hit show Stan Against Evil, and voiceover of Korra in The Legend of Korra (just to name a few). From the awesomeness of Jodie Foster and Steve Martin to the shift in relatable characters within the film/tv world, we explore the many nuances of the industry.

Go behind the scenes with filmmaker, director, and writer Carrson T. Morrissey, alongside the illustrious actress Shelby Davis, the centrifugal force behind "What-If?" a fan-made film adaptation of the prolific video game "Life is Strange." From the mechanics of being in front of and behind the camera, to the nuances of navigating the film industry, coupled with the stigma's of Hollywood films we explore a little bit of everything. Action!

Podcast Co-Host of Crypt Kids and owner of Wednesday Tarot and Oracle drops in to dive head first into the wonders of horror movies, alongside the mystic verve of tarot. From vampire bats to Vlad the Impaler we delve into a variety of topics, highlighting the versatility of the human psyche. Trăiască o conversație bună!

Step into the versatile world of financial leader and mentor Stephanie Taylor. From living paycheck to paycheck, to actualizing goals into tangible results we explore the zeal of life. Spreading monetary awareness and striving to serve educational needs for youth, she continues to provide a much needed breath of fresh air to her community.

Fresh off of a book tour, author, Kenneth Thomas SR. stops in for delightful conversation centered around his first novel Given Not Taken. We explore the ins and outs of dynamic characters among the backdrop of a truly versatile story. We laugh and reminisce about his days on the runway, growing up in the sixties, the horrors of sex trafficking, and his journey from early beginnings to the present. Come take a walk with us!

Delve into the creative mind of Jacksonville Symphony director, Tony Nickle. From the revitalization of beloved classics to the growing needs of nonprofits as a whole, we tread through a versatile spectrum of reflection. Explore not only the new age integrations of expressive verve embraced by the long standing non-profit itself, but the timeless vision of stirring souls through symphonic music.

Andrea Siracusa of Dreams Come True, a ambitious nonprofit, gives us a glimpse into the inspirational deeds of the organization. From granting a sick child a chance to play with a pro golfer to being able to go to a "dream" destination, we are taken into the myriad of hope that eight dedicated women bring to children from many different walks of life. Links: Website - dreamscometrue.org Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DreamsComeTrueJax/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dctjax/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/DCTJAX