TuneTheFork Podcast

Nina Ligon is a poet, Air Force veteran, and Director of Culture at Eaton Workshop & Hotel. that hails from Wichita, KS. During this episode we discuss family, sexuality, religion, managing fear, and the many challenges associated with "starting over".

This segment welcomes DC hip hop pioneer, and legend Priest Da Nomad. During the episode we discuss Priest's recently completed documentary about the art scene in DC, his musical journey, and what he feels his lasting legacy will be. Priest Da Nomad is one of the pioneers of independent DC Hip Hop and the re-emergence of the U street arts scene in the 1990s. He first started publicly performing and rocking college parties in 1992 in DC clubs such as the Ritz, Kilimanjaro, and the Mirage, when DJs recognizing his skills started putting him on the mic in DJ booths at the height of parties! Priest Da Nomad was one of the first indie artists from DC to press up and release his own 12inch vinyl singles and receive mainstream mix show radio air play, without being signed to a major record label at that time. Priest made a lot of noise as a solo artist and as a member of the Freestyle Union arts organization, dedicated to elevating the art of freestyle and improvisational rhyming up and down the east coast. He was also at the forefront of the hip hop theatre movement as a member of the hip hop theatre play “Rhyme Deferred” along with posthumous legendary actor Chadwick Boseman and Apollo Theatre Director Kamilah Forbes. Priest released a number of singles and projects throughout the span of 3 decades with numerous accolades in local press, hip hop magazines and blogs. He has been written up in publications such as The Source, Billboard magazine, Sister to Sister, Rap Pages, Blaze, Washington Post, Washington Times, and numerous Washington City Paper articles, including a cover story by now national best selling author Ta-Nehisi Coates. Priest was also the subject of a book “Hip Hop as Performance and Ritual” by ethnomusicologist Dr. William E. Smith, which dealt with jazz and hip hop improvisation links to Africa.

A conversation about politics, cultural cohesion, and the estranged relationship many blacks have with the Unites States. ***This episode was filmed towards the end of the summer in 2024 before the presidential election in November.

Wes is a Haitian sommelier from Brooklyn New York. Leveraging his roots, he fuses culture with wine to create experiences that educate, elevate, and enrich. During our episode we discuss finding purpose, the challenges with divorce, and all things wine, and Champagne. Please follow the link below to learn more about Wes.

Cecily (pronounced Ses-Suh-Lee) is a DC based singer, songwriter, and vocalist known for her agile soprano and honest lyrics. During our episode, we discuss her latest album Awakening Pt II, and how Bell Hooks, Thich Nhat Hanh, and her father inspired much of the work which is centered around love.

Episode 102 welcomes celebrity bodyguard Tony Paulk (Big Tony). During our segment we discuss what it was like growing up as an only child, managing the need to have parental validation, and what it looks like to find your purpose.

Terrence Cunningham Is a father, singer, songwriter, author, and musician from Washington DC, and was a finalist on season 14 of The Voice. During our segment we discuss fatherhood, music, managing doubt, and his journey to success and beyond.

Episode 100 was honored to host friend, and sister Dr. Ianessa Humbert. During our discussion we discuss personal triggers, race, relationships, and our thoughts on Amanda Seales and her Club Shay Shay interview

In Episode 99, we welcome Sharron Rouse, founder of Kindness For Kidneys, and her sister Shonté Simpson. In this segment, we discuss Sharron's diagnosis of kidney disease and how this challenge deepened her faith and relationship with God. Additionally, Shonté shares how Sharron's illness came at one of her lowest points and how donating a kidney gave her a renewed sense of purpose, helping her overcome depression and suicidal ideation. This is a story of triumph, love, and faith. These women are warriors who have transformed some of life's most unfortunate circumstances into a testament to the power of the Creator. Thank you both for your courage and perseverance. Kindness for Kidneys is an international, voluntary nonprofit health organization dedicated to raising awareness and public health education of kidney disease. Our mission is to educate, encourage, and empower kidney warriors and their families.

LaDora is a Kansas City, Mo native, author, mother, mental health advocate, and someone I've known since I was 5 years old. During our episode, LaDora shares what it was like growing up the daughter of a prominent episcopalian pastor, and how her childhood shaped her. In addition, she talks about how she became a mental health advocate through her sons diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia.

Judah is a DC born music producer, studio owner/operator, horology appreciator, and businessman. During our episode we discuss his views on success, work ethic, and the importance of seeing things through.

Episode 96 welcomes channel family Brocky McKnight, and Joe Sampson. During this segment we discuss monumental life events in 2023 from losing close friends to gaining spiritual and marital insight. It is always a pleasure to host these brothers.

Mermaid Chè Monique is the founder of the Society of Fat Mermaids based in the DC/VA/MD area. She was featured in the 2023 Netflix Documentary "MerPeople", and encourages you to find your inner merbabe and embrace a joyous wholehearted life. Her aim is to diversify the image of merfolk and remind the world that FAT PEOPLE and FAT MERMAIDS are sexy, powerful, intelligent, capable, beautiful, free spirited, fun loving and worthy. Please follow the link below for more information, and to purchase her merchandise.

Joevan Palmer is a healing coach, and therapist based in Atlanta, Ga. who specializes in helping people work through their traumas. During our segment we discuss surviving SA as a child, exploring sexual orientation, and his overall journey to find freedom. Yes, he's had some horrific things occur in his life, and many complex questions that he's worked to answer. As unfortunate as many parts of his life may be, Joevan doesn't consider himself a victim. He is determined to be defined by the freedom he has attained through his life path, and embrace the fullness of who he is as a man.

The old saying "to get to, you must go through" is real. Therapy is a tool that many use to make sense of their behavior patterns to help discover the pieces that contribute to life's blocked path. In many cases, this process includes confronting elements of your life that you've avoided by being in "autopilot" mode. An area impacted most by autopilot is our relationships. During this episode, K.S. lewis and I discuss the importance of communication when it comes to intimacy, and how the health of your relationship with others is directly related to the relationship you have with yourself. Kay Lewis is a certified relationship coach, and psychotherapy intern scheduled to graduate in 2024 with a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University. Her clinical focus is sex therapy, sexual functioning/issues, anxiety, life transitions, exploration, PTSD, trauma, sexual mindfulness, somatic practices, and culinary therapy. Kay holds memberships in both the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT), and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).

William is a singer/songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. During our episode, we discuss his creative process, and how he found his purpose through music. Strong vocals woven between melodic chords, and harmonies immediately informs the listener of William's dedication to not only the craft, but his commitment to self expression.

Tamara Wellons is a singer/songwriter based in the DMV. During our segment, we discuss Tamara's musical journey, family, and the power of growing,

Episode 89 welcomes non monogamous husband & wife duo Billy, and Sheba. Billy is a storyteller, visual artist, philosopher, and overall curious man. Sheba is a lawyer, comedian, and host of Sheba Sunday. During the segment, we discuss the origins of their relationship style, and the importance of acceptance. Please see below to learn more about Billy & Sheba https://linktr.ee/Shebabeba https://linktr.ee/bbuntin

Miko Reed is a poet, mother, author, mentor, and Army veteran with 25 years of service. During our segment we discuss childhood trauma, overcoming adversity, the power of embracing your pain, and the value of finding and using your voice.

Episode 87 welcomes Hamani Wilson, Program Director with Manhood Training. During this segment we discuss Hamani's upbringing in the church, the constraints of patriarchy, and the need for expanding the rigid frameworks of modern masculinity. Read below to learn more about Manhood Training. Manhood Training Rites of Passage program is designed to nurture, develop, and empower the spirit, mind, and body of young men of the African Diaspora. It is also designed to prepare young men to assume responsibility as tomorrow's Husbands, Fathers, Leaders, Warriors, Role Models, Entrepreneurs, and Mentors. The objective is to prepare young men for the challenges to come both internally and externally. It is their mission to guide, love, equip, and train young men to carry the torch and continue a legacy for future generations. Visit the link below to learn more about Manhood Training, and to support - https://www.manhoodtraininginc.com

Since black people are not a monolith, there are many voices permeating the digital ethos that claim to "Speak For" the community. What is the purpose of these voices? is the chaos produced justified if the messages are sparching change? Are their intentions pure, or a simple attempt to gain notoriety? Can leaders be for the people and AND self? Are leaders even necessary. During episode 86, I welcome Sensai RIp from ForgottenKingztv2.0. During the segment, we discuss Hassan Campbell, Charleston White, Dr. Umar Johnson, and others to determine what these characters say about the communities they supposedly "speak for".

The subject of race/white supremacy is a topic that often divides. Many of us find ourselves asking similar questions, and arriving at different answers such as: What is race/racism? Does it still exist? How does it show up? What is the solution, and who's responsible? What actions are constructive versus non constructive? Episode 85 welcomes father, husband, son, and owner of Onustees (onustees.com), Dre Taylor. During the segment we share our answers to questions many of us struggle to agree on. IN addition we discuss the future time where we've created a new value system that isn't based on color/class, and we exist as what is know as Universal Man, Universal Woman, and Universal They. Dre Taylor is owner/founder of onustees (www.onustees.com) ön.us.tees (pronounced Honest Tees) is a clothing brand that aims to promote Honest Propaganda through walking billboards of positivity. Each message, each theme, each design is something we stand for and behind wholeheartedly. Our mission is to evoke emotion from both ön.us.folks who proudly wear the brand and of those who encounter it, spreading our message and motto: "...because honestly, the onus is on us."

Episode 84 welcomes the good brotha Joe (@thatdudejoey), and Brocky (@Brockydoes) to review "They Cloned Tyrone". During the discussion, we discuss the literal, and metaphorical ways in which the movie highlights the manufacturing of non-constructive culture, and the cloning of its gatekeepers.In addition, we tackle the difficulty around breaking free of social programming, and ways to develop independent thought.

Episode 83 welcomes mixed media artist, Blake Pierre. Blake was born in Shreveport, LA and raised in Prince George's County Maryland. His work is inspired by questions surrounding topics such as self-identity, self-image, and spirituality. During the segment we discuss the discovery of his craft, integrating art with shadow work, and the multifaceted skill sets an artist needs to both gain mastery and profit in art. Click the link to learn more about Blake Pierre, and to see some of his work. https://www.blakepierre.com

Episode 82 welcomes Charlyn Anderson. Charlyn is the Founder, and Executive Director of Starting With Today; a non-profit whose miss is to create, sustain, and enhance professional, mental, and financial wellness by providing customized training and resources to underserved adults. During the segment we discuss the beauty in black communities, the power of perseverance, and how to live in your purpose.

Episode 81 welcomes Dr. Reginald Banks. Dr. Banks is a licensed Psychologist, and founder of Dunbar Wellness Group based in Philadelphia, PA. Their mission is to to provide culturally relevant mental health services to inner city children, and families. During our discussion, Dr. Banks shares his journey from humble beginnings, overcoming trauma, embracing your purpose, and the value of taking a community-centered approach to both problem solving and healing.

Episode 80 welcomes father, community builder, and creative director and owner of ön.us.tees Dre Taylor. As Dre celebrates the 15 year anniversary of his mission, we discuss the value of village, how the message of his mission has changed over the years, aligning with the message of love, and how he's building is idea of the future...today! It was an honor learning about Dre's story. In many respects, his story is my story...it's OUR story.

Episode 78 welcomes father, son, visual storyteller, and artist Corey Thompson. During the segment we talk about overcoming child molestation, acceptance, forgiveness, and LOVE. Corey uniqueness is derived from his ability to convert all things in to love. Although much of his life experience is shared by others, his alchemy is something amazing to witness.

Episode 77 welcomes Jeffrey Johnson. During the segment we discuss therapy, managing fear, the challenges of raising 5 kids, and how his father's suicide two days after his high school graduation impacted his life.

Episode 76 welcomes curator, and found of Art of Noize, Adrian Ferguson. During this segment we discuss the power of building a business, the importance of family when building a business, and the value of demonstrating that process to children in order to be an example.

Billy Buntin is a multimedia artist, thinker, and storyteller based in Baltimore Md. During this segment we discuss the inescapable limitations around language, and how words can only point to truth...and will never be the destination where truth resides. Please visit the links below to learn more about Billy Buntin https://www.billybuntin.com/about https://linktr.ee/bbuntin

Dr. Thomas Stanley is a professor, tonal scientist, and author. During this segment we discuss his book "The Execution of Sun Ra", and explore the concept of Alter Destiny, and the humans capacity to create a future that includes a freedom unimagined.

Episode 73 welcomes the return of TuneTheFork co-founder, father, DJ, and slight connoisseur DJ Life. During the episode we discuss his departure from TuneTheFork as well as the challenges around managing single fatherhood, relationships, and mental/emotional wellness.

Episode 72 highlights co-founder of The Capoeira Spot, Ren Powell (Contra Mestre Morcego). During this segment, we discuss building community through training Capoeira, how the function of "leader" changes as you advance through life, and thoughts on the future of the Afro Brazilian Martial Art. https://www.capoeiradc.com/

Episode 71 welcomes photographer, and DC native Victoria Ford (Sneakshot). Victoria's passion is about visually capturing the intersection created when motion, and music meet. She's been able to document the likes of Maxwell, Gil Scott-Heron, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Jay Z, Nine Inch Nails, And Tyler The Creator to name a few. During our conversation, we talk about where her love for these moments began, how she's working to embrace the confidence of her craft, and mend the matters of life that so many of us struggle to repair. https://www.sneakshot.net https://www.sneakshot.net/shop

Episode 70 welcomes super producer Terrel Wallace (Tall Black Guy). During the segment we discuss his early years growing up in Detroit, fatherhood, relationships, and the future of the Tall Black Guy sound. http://tallblackguyproductions.com/ https://www.instagram.com/sirtallblackguy/

Episode 69 welcomes Sensai Rip of ForgottenKingzTV. During this episode, we discuss Rip's journey to building a successful media content platform, and what it takes to win. In addition we talk about the current state of hip hop, and the challenges within black culture.

Episode 68 welcomes married couple Joe, and Tiff Sampson. Joe and Tiff are parents (consultants) to 2 young women who have recently left home for college. During the segment, we discuss what it's been like raising daughters, the origins of their relationship, and how this new chapter as empty nesters is helping them rediscover each other, and themselves.

Episode 67 welcomes singer/songwriter Deborah Bond. As an entertainment industry veteran, Deborah shares how her perspective has shifted over the years, and the various ways in which her music reflects that journey. In addition, she talks about growing up in New Haven, Ct., and the family dynamics that have shaped the way she views the world, and everyone in it. https://open.spotify.com/artist/6EVVguHrZvlLiHJgYCO02e?si=50cAsJFaT6qjYrllMKZXFw https://music.apple.com/us/artist/deb%C3%B3rah-bond/14118092 https://www.instagram.com/borabond/ https://www.deborahbond.com/

To "cut someones water off" is an old saying that I remember hearing as a child. It states that you have chosen to end a relationship with someone (for whatever reason), therefore it is no more. In episode 66, we discuss the various ways in which men "end" relationships with their male friends, and if there's an opportunity to be more constructive in how we decide to part ways.

Episode 65 welcomes DC native, mother, lover of life, wife of 17 years, public speaker, and suicide survivor Kristina Gilchrist. During this episode we discuss the process of forgiveness, loving our younger selves, how we manage depression, and the importance of breaking free from the confinement associated with being identified as a victim. Kristina's love for life, and perspective of empowerment is a true example of what taking control of your destiny looks, sounds, and feels like. THANK YOU KRISTINA!

Episode 64 welcomes emcee, producer, creative, and overall dope human yU. During this episode we discuss, yU's path to finding his voice, relationships, love, parenting, mental health, and when the world can expect a new yU project.

Episode 63 welcomes New York born, and Detroit based Trans emcee Chantaneice (Father Venus). During our conversation we discuss the various boxes that society places on human beings, expanding our concept of what it means to be free, and the the ways in which Chantaneice has learned to fill the gaps of life that so many of us struggle with.

Episode 62 welcomes Zo!. He is a multi-instrumentalist, music producer, Musical Director of the Foreign Exchange, and devoted father. During this episode we discuss his baseball career, how he shifted full time to all things music, and the importance of hard work and discipline. As Zo! puts it, his career is a "Slow Burn", and he has no plans of stopping anytime soon. He's excited about the future, and continuing his collaboration efforts to make the good music he wants to hear.

Episode 61 welcomes Patricia Harris (AKA Momma TuneTheFork). During this segment, we turn the lens on the various other roles that Pat has played over the course of her life. Pat is not only a mother, but a substance abuse counselor, fair housing advocate, woman, recording artist, model, and proud recovering alcoholic with over 24 years of sobriety. She is also my hero. I love you Mom....and I love US!!

Tia Danielle is a stylist, author, podcaster, and overall creative. During this episode we discuss the profound impact her grandmother had on her life, spirituality, managing doubt, and learning how to live in our purpose.

Episode 59 welcomes fashionista Chanae Jones. Chanae is a dancer, and owner of Chrysalis76 which is a brand focused on using sustainability to transform how people think about fashion. During episode 59, we discuss relationships, parenting, the stigma around exotic dancing, and the complex world that women navigate that constantly challenges their ability to show up as full people.

Episode 58 welcomes April Nicole. April is an entrepreneur, chef, artist, interior decorator, fashion designer, and consummate hustler. In this segment we discuss, family, forgiveness, and what it means to creates new paths of healing and acceptance in our lives. There are so many layers of April, all of which are beautiful, fragile, and resilient. The time she shared with TuneTheFork was invaluable. We love you April.

Episode 57 welcomes multi DC Wammie award winner Let The Dirt Say Amen (Tim Hicks). During this segment, we discuss growing up in the drug era of DC, his creative process, the importance of lyricism, and his early years as Dimensional Control and The Avant-Garde Violence. Tim also talks about breaking through the barriers of social norms, embracing who you are as a human, and what new music projects are next.

Episode 56 welcomes Reba Corine Thomas, and Ianessa Humbert, the founders of Gaining Understanding About Love Making & Physiology (GULP). In this segment, we discuss the pathways we take to fulfilling our desires, the definition of love, and how the concept of "shadow work" positively impacts relationships.

The lens of a divorced person relative to someone who's yet to embark on such a journey is unique. However, those who've done it twice have an even more distinct perspective. In episode 55, TuneTheFork welcomes #wheresbrunchpodcast hosts and couple Brocky and Trina. During this segment they share what led to their initial marriages, the reason for the divorces, and how their perspective on marriage has changed over the years. #tunethefork is thankful for the example that Brocky and Trina embody through their love, commitment, and faith in each other.