Podcasts about creative ideas

In this episode of The Truth In This Art, the guest is Dr. David O. Fakunle II!About Dr. David O. Fakunle II: Dr. David Fakunle II is a Baltimore native, academic, and self-described mercenary for change and celestial body for change who has spent 25 years using art and storytelling for liberation. He is an assistant professor at Morgan State University in the School of Community Health and Policy and associate faculty at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. He serves as director of the TEACH Division (Transforming Equity through Arts, Culture and Health) at the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum, working intentionally at the intersection of arts, culture, and health.We talk about his evolution as a mercenary and celestial body for change, his role in developing the Urban Cipher game (originally called the Game of Appreciation) during his postdoc at Morgan State University —a Monopoly-style game that models how inequities are built into systems. He discusses his contribution to the paper "Life as We Tell It: A Revolution Through Narratives and Creative Expression," which explores narrative as a determinant of health, and his framework for understanding data: stories are qualitative data that answer "how" and "why," while quantitative data answers "who, what, where, when."Fakunle shares insights from his recent work at the National Academy of Medicine in DC on a national initiative to build trust between communities and health science. He reflects on teaching his 16-person qualitative research class and helping students understand that AI cannot replicate context—only humans can bring meaning and circumstances to statistics. He introduces his concept of the "existential determinants of health"—five universal virtues all humans want: to be acknowledged, appreciated, respected, understood, and loved. He emphasizes the need to embrace stories, not just tolerate them, because "in the stories are your answers," and discusses how storytellers preserve and uplift context in ways that institutions and policy makers need to understand.We also talk about what this work has taught him, the importance of time as the greatest teacher, showing up in person, trusting others to tell his story, and why physical presence still matters in an increasingly digital world.Photo courtesy of subject.  The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

This week Andrew talks with international magician & escape artist Matt Johnson. In 2018, Matt stunned the world with his death-defying escape from a locked & chained water-filled tank on Britain's Got Talent. That moment, which has now been viewed over 500 million times, was the result of decades of hard work and catapulted Matt's career to new heights. Matt has appeared on numerous TV shows, toured with The Illusionists, performed on Broadway, & headlines on both Celebrity & Royal Caribbean cruise ships. In this conversation, Matt shares some of the most powerful ideas he's learned on his journey. This episode is about so much more than magic — it's filled with actionable lessons on developing creative ideas, differentiating yourself authentically, bouncing back when adversity strikes, & so much more. ** Follow Andrew **Instagram: @AndrewMoses123X: @andrewhmosesSign up for e-mails to keep up with the podcast at everybodypullsthetarp.com/newsletterDISCLAIMER: This podcast is solely for educational & entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional. Additionally, the performance elements discussed in this episode are EXTREMELY DANGEROUS and should not be tried at home. Listener discretion is advised. 

In this episode of The Truth In This Art, the guest is Amir Browder and Maxwell Young!About the guests: Amir Browder is the curator, creative director, and founder of Homme Gallery in DC. Maxwell Young is the founder of the Art Shopping Network, a writer, and works on projects that socialize art buying and support living artists, nonprofit institutions, and galleries.We talk about Acquired Taste and what it does: a catalog and platform that socializes art buying through Polaroids from the host's personal archive, prints, editorial interviews and essays, and curated first‑access opportunities that prioritize context and history over speculation. Acquired Taste also runs a virtual component — online catalog materials, digital/3D renderings, and remote programming that operate alongside in‑person activations. Browder and Young explain how conversational, low‑barrier events help people connect with artists as humans, not just names on a wall.They compare running physical programming with online initiatives. Young stresses repurposing existing tools and trying imperfect, practical approaches instead of waiting for something polished; Browder centers collaboration and working together toward shared goals. The roster features alumni from The Truth In This Art, including Xenia Gray, Maurice James, and Esteban Whiteside. They discuss how Acquired Taste and the Art Shopping Network aim to support living artists, artist‑run spaces, and nonprofit institutions, and how local markets and gatherings can strengthen the broader art ecosystem.We also talk about why in‑person gatherings matter and how to make room for artists whose work challenges and expands community conversation.Acquired Taste is a two‑day live auction and exhibition presented by @artshoppingnetwork, arriving at @HOMMEDC on May 29–30. Free RSVP! Join us in DC or tune in live at artshoppingnetwork.com.Photo courtesy of subject. The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of The Truth In This Art, the guest is Sarah B. McCann!About Sarah B. McCann: Sarah is an artist, curator, and founder of SBM Gallery in Baltimore's Highlandtown Arts District. Her text-based mosaics, prints, and multimedia work has been shown nationally. She spent 15 years curating exhibitions nomadically before opening her own space this year.We talk about launching SBM Gallery and what it means to her to support artists working with love and justice—artists using their work to push for change and move us closer to where we could be. She walks through the gallery's programming: an Artists in Conversation speaker series, collector coffees, and events around Highlandtown's First Friday Art Walks. Sarah also shares how she builds real community among her artists—she hosts dinners before group shows so people actually connect as humans, not just as names hanging on the same walls.Sarah talks about shifting from nomadic curating to having her own space. She remembers unwrapping the first painting during COVID in 2021—the color, texture, and smell of that moment reminded her why we still need to show up in person. We get into how running an independent gallery lets her support artists who might not get institutional backing, upcoming shows like "All My Errors Are Human" about making mistakes in an AI world, and her own return to painting and clay after years of focusing on everyone else's work.We also talk about what it takes to build an art space with intention, why physical gatherings still matter, and how to make room for artists whose work pushes us to be better.Visit sbmgallery.com to explore the full exhibition lineup and programming through July.Photo courtesy of subject. The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of The Truth In The Art, I sit down with Sam Furnish—founder of Bemo's Clothing and the guy behind Baltimore's "born in Baltimore" premium civvies movement.About Sam Furnish: Sam launched Bemo's Clothing in 2025 after years in the outdoor industry learning product development and manufacturing. The brand name comes from his father's childhood nickname—"Bemo"—given by Sam's grandpa in 1950s Midwest America alongside nicknames like "Peavy" and "Muley." When Sam moved to Baltimore and locals said "B-more," it sounded just like his dad's name. Bemo's Clothing is his homage to both the man and the city that raised him.We talk about that origin story and why it matters—how family legacy and Baltimore identity aren't just branding, they're the foundation of everything he makes. Sam's creating what he calls "premium civvies" and "born in Baltimore" pieces: clothing that reminds you of that perfect shirt or jacket you found in your parents' attic that suddenly became your go-to. Vintage-inspired but made with modern materials and finishes.We get into his design philosophy: he'd rather make a few story-driven pieces than chase endless inventory. We discuss the realities of sourcing and manufacturing as an independent brand, how he's building community through collaborations with BMore Flea and Broadway Market, and why his clothing is meant to spark conversations and serve as wearable representations of Baltimore itself.We also dig into what it means to build a brand with intention in an industry obsessed with scale and constant drops, how he thinks about creating pieces meant to last generations, and why quality and meaning trump volume.Sam's mission: make clothing that carries real stories, celebrate what makes Baltimore unique, and build a brand that brings people together—not just fills closets.Follow along at https://www.instagram.com/bemosclothing/ or check out https://bemosclothing.com/.Listeners can use code THETRUTHINITSART for 30% off. The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of The Truth In This Art, Rachel Mijares-Fick returns to the program.About: Rachel Mijares-Fick is the co-founder of Future Fair, an art fair in New York. She co-founded it in 2020 during the pandemic with Rebeca Laliberte. Future Fair is a trade show where art galleries, artist collectives, and independent curators from all over the world come and set up exhibitions. The fair focuses on emerging and under-recognized voices in the art world. Future Fair has launched careers of artists and art dealers over six years and is a fabric of the New York art world.The conversation covers the fair's sixth edition at Chelsea Industrial, a ground floor venue on the corner of 28th and 11th in Chelsea, New York City. Exhibitors include Wondering People (London, UK), under the pale blue (Ridgewood, NY), and Wishbone Gallery (Montreal, Canada). Mijares-Fick discusses Future Talks, a new conversations program supported by ArtLogic, a business management platform for galleries, artists, and collectors. Future Talks features rising thought leaders in the art world—artists, collectors, curators, dealers, and funders—having conversations about topics like "The Future Economy of the Artist Studio," which examines how artists are sustaining their practices today as traditional models of patronage, institutional support, and market driven income continue to shift.The discussion also touches on the physicality of art and why people want to see the hand that painted a piece or feel the physicality of objects that artists create. There's the magic that happens when people are physically in space together at art exhibitions. Future Fair creates a warm, welcoming, and open environment with intentionality, intimacy, and accessibility that makes the contemporary art experience conversational.Future Fair runs May 13-16, 2026 (Wednesday through Saturday) at Chelsea Industrial, corner of 28th and 11th in Chelsea — FutureFairs.com---If you're in New York this May, check out Future Fair, the forward-thinking contemporary art fair returning to Chelsea for its sixth edition, May 13 to 16, 2026. This year's fair brings together 68 exhibitors from around the world, with a strong focus on curatorial vision, emerging and under-recognized voices, and a community-driven approach. The Truth in This Art listeners can get 30% off tickets with the code TITA2026 at futurefairs.com.  The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the Shaping Our World podcast, Chris Tompkins speaks with inventor, writer and speaker Andini Makosinski about how creativity grows through curiosity, empathy and persistence. She shares the story behind the Hollow Flashlight and reflects on how failure can become helpful information for learning. Andini also encourages parents and leaders to create space for imagination so young people can grow confidence and begin shaping their world with purpose.  

In this episode of The Truth In The Art, the guest is Omri D. Cohen!Who is Omri D. Cohen: Author of Questions to Humanity — a collection born from five months backpacking South America — Omri has spent six years asking one question to 700 people across 50+ nationalities, documenting stories and street/landscape photography that reached millions.Omri D. Cohen talks about his journey leaving home to backpack South America, the process of gathering perspectives for his book Questions to Humanity, building a video series from those encounters, and how storytelling and photography can foster curiosity and connection across cultures. We also dig into the logistics of long-form travel projects, publishing the book, and bringing strangers' wisdom into public conversation.His aim throughout: to inspire curiosity, celebrate diverse voices, and create moments of belonging through questions and stories.For updates, follow https://www.instagram.com/qtohumanity/ and check out QuestionsToHumanity.com. The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, Dr. Chad and Ricky delve into their recent hobby experiences, including eBay bidding blunders, card collecting strategies, and upcoming card shows. They share personal stories, industry updates, and tips for collectors to navigate the hobby more effectively. Chapters 00:00 NFL Draft Picks and Team Needs 03:57 DMV Adventures and Life Updates 08:55 Show Announcements and eBay Insights 13:49 Card Collecting Highlights and Purchases 18:58 Randomizer and Contest Details 21:44 The Excitement of Sunday Night Main Event 24:02 Engaging with the Audience: Prizes and Giveaways 27:33 Updates and Personal Experiences 34:06 Wrestling as a Form of Entertainment 38:07 Defining Sports: A Debate on Wrestling 38:57 Community and Care Packages: A Personal Touch 41:17 Tim's Tales: The Rollercoaster of Card Collecting 45:53 Creative Ideas for a New Project 47:11 Exciting Updates in the Hobby World 48:25 Upcoming Card Shows and Events 51:09 Unboxing and Card Reveals 53:44 Navigating eBay and Fanatics for Cards 59:56 The Mega Bid Blunder 01:09:35 Lessons Learned from Mistakes  Check Out Our Other Content:  New Product Releases with Mrs. Doc - Every Wednesday Pack to the Future Podcast - Flagship - Livestream YouTube Thursday, Podcast Saturday PTTF Presents Sunday Night's Main Event - A Wrestling Card Podcast - Every Sunday

In this episode of The Truth In This Art, the guest is Alex Jennings!Who is Alex Jennings: Author, poet, and former standup comedian who lived in New Orleans for nearly 20 years—now working on his second novel from Chicago. You might remember Alex from my New Orleans series where we discussed his book, The Ballad of Perilous Graves, here. In our conversation, Jennings talks through his new book Dead End Boys—set in an alternate New Orleans where communicating with the dead is the main industry. He connects the project to comedy and digs into how moving from Louisiana to Chicago reshaped his rhythm. As he puts it, the book is "a chance to say something about blackness, about the pandemic and about the creep of fascism."He recalls discovering Henry Dumas and heading back to New Orleans for the Tolodano Comedy Festival. We get into living in one place longer than anywhere else, balancing graduate degrees with novel writing, and how that shift shaped his voice.Be sure to follow Alex Jennings to keep up with his work and future projects.Photo courtesy of subject The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of The Truth In The Art, the guest is Barry Wright III!Who is Barry Wright III: Baltimore-based improviser, teacher, technology professional, and co-founder (and current board president) of Highwire Improv, launched in 2020. You might remember Barry from his first appearance on The Truth In The Art here.In our conversation, Wright talks about Highwire's origin during the 2020 lockdown, building an improv community in Highlandtown, and making improv financially accessible and sustainable. As he puts it, improv "can be done with absolutely no materials. You truly only need other human beings and space. Chairs are optional."He recalls launching 55 teams from across the world and running shows seven nights a week, all online. We dig into experimenting with programming like dinner-and-a-show, drop-in nights, worker-owned cooperative values, and how collaboration and feedback shape the evolving theater—all rooted in creating inclusive, community-driven arts programming that supports practitioners and connects audiences.For updates, visit https://highwireimprov.com/  Shows at Highwire Improv, 400 South Conklin Street, Baltimore.Photo courtesy of subject The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of The Truth In This Art, the guest is Cecilia M. McCormick!Who is Cecilia M. McCormick: President of MICA (Maryland Institute College of Art) with 33 years in higher education, an art collector who raised three sons now working in the creative field.In our conversation, McCormick talks through MICA's bicentennial year and the vision she's building as the school hits 200. She connects the programming to three themes—illumination, innovation, and entrepreneurship—and digs into new degrees shaped by workforce demand. As she puts it, creativity is "the commodity that cannot be automated, outsourced, or depleted."She recalls the "Set of Lights" event where students recreated colonial life through costume—everything from lanterns to candlelight soldiers. We get into AI's role in the classroom, how MICA is teaching students to use it as a tool while emphasizing "the human mark," and the best lesson she's learned: "know when to pivot." Looking ahead, her focus is on experiential learning and driving Baltimore's creative economy.Be sure to follow Cecilia M. McCormick and MICA to keep up with bicentennial programming and future projects. Join MICA in Celebrating 200 Years of Creative ImpactPhoto courtesy of subject The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of The Truth In This Art, the guest is Jess Owens-Young!Who is Jess Owens-Young: Maryland-based collage and mixed media artist and professor who creates work informed by her experiences as a Black woman, mother, and former athlete, using vintage magazines (Ebony, Jet, Essence) to explore the joy and melancholy of Black life in the United States.In our conversation, Owens-Young talks about her transition from semi-pro soccer player to artist in 2018 and her two favorite series: Oak Bluffs Golf Club (exploring Black leisure and the hidden history of golf) and Hoop Dreams Never Die. As she puts it, "I use sports and our everyday experiences as storytelling vehicles to share our stories about joy, hopes and dreams."She recalls creating in her laundry room studio—"If I am waiting for a load of laundry to finish, like it has five more minutes, I might take out some paint and make papers"—preparing materials in 20-minute sessions so she's ready when inspiration strikes. We get into how motherhood has made her practice more focused, how teaching public health feeds her art, why her initials spelling JOY matter now, working with vintage magazines as time capsules, and why she invites viewers to interpret their own stories within her work.For updates, follow @truthofstrength on Instagram and Threads, and visit jessowensyoung.com.Photo courtesy of subject The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of The Truth In This Art, the guest is Chandler Chavez.Who is Chandler Chavez: A Los Angeles–based filmmaker, editor, story analyst, and writer originally from Arizona, drawn to complicated characters and stories that test our empathy—especially when they're filtered through the strange mechanics of online attention.In our conversation, Chandler unpacks his feature debut: a dark-comedy “screenlife” film told entirely through a computer desktop, set inside the “hellscape” of live streaming—where the real-time chat isn't set dressing, it actively drives the story forward. He talks about arriving at the format out of pure practicality (making something possible with very little money), then spending years refining the cut to make the digital world feel specific and true—not “movie internet,” but the kind of online authenticity you recognize immediately.We also get into the long road from early festival submissions with unfinished materials to a stronger re-approach—new poster, press kit, and a tighter final version—leading to the project's selection for the 2026 Maryland Film Festival.Catch Chandler Chavez's feature debut at the Maryland Film Festival, April 8–12, screening at the SNF Parkway Theatre and venues across Baltimore. The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of The Truth In This Art, the guest is Kenny Riches!Who is Kenny Riches: A Miami and Salt Lake City-based filmmaker born in Toyota City, Japan, whose award-winning features explore loneliness, identity, and human connection through intimate, character-driven narratives. With a BFA in Painting and Drawing and a filmography that includes The Strongest Man (Sundance premiere, 2015) and A Name Without A Place (2019), Kenny has received support from Sundance Institute, Knight Foundation, and PBS—and is co-founder of The Davey Foundation, a grant-giving organization for filmmakers.In our conversation, Kenny traces his journey from wanting to make films in the early 2000s when 16mm was still too expensive for a broke college student, to making skateboard videos with camcorders that evolved into short films alongside childhood friend and actor Patrick Fugit. He breaks down how Mouse—his fourth feature screening at Maryland Film Festival April 8–12 at the SNF Parkway Theatre and venues across Baltimore—emerged from pandemic isolation as a meditation on loneliness in the pre-social media early 2000s and a thriller about a lonesome first-generation person in ultra-white, ultra-religious Utah who gets tangled up in pen pal scams and petty theft. Kenny shares the bizarre real-life origin behind the film's scam storyline: a mysterious filmmaker friend he talked to for years without ever seeing his face, whose very existence his girlfriend suspected was an elaborate con—paranoia that bled straight into Mouse. He talks about directing his Japanese mother after convincing her a week before production (his pitch: we'll save money), the difference between Miami's endless weirdness through fresh eyes versus Utah's invisibility after a lifetime there, why he believes 90% of directing is casting, and running relaxed sets where everyone's cracking jokes instead of stressing out. We also dig into why pre-production and script feedback from actual filmmakers—not just your friends—will save your life, the collaborative magic of bringing all your people together to make something, and his advice to forget arbitrary deadlines because nobody cares if you made your first feature at 25.Don't miss Kenny Riches' Mouse regional premiere at Maryland Film Festival—a thriller that's funny, a little thrilling, and quietly cuts to the bone about what it means to look for connection when the world keeps you lonesome. The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of The Truth In This Art, the guests are Ben Baker-Lee and Rasaan Hammond!Who are Ben and Rasaan: Ben Baker-Lee and Rasaan Hammond are Baltimore-born filmmakers and co-directors of A Life in Art through the eye of Dr. Leslie King Hammond. Ben, founder of TrueView Film, has been documenting life through a lens since high school, drawn to film's power to capture truthful emotion and lived experience. Rasaan, who grew up immersed in the art world as the son of Dr. Leslie King Hammond (former dean at MICA), gravitated toward audio-visual storytelling early on, working in production, weddings, music videos, and now documentary film.Ben and Rasaan talk about their early influences—from 2001: A Space Odyssey at the Senator Theater to sci-fi classics like Star Wars and E.T.—and how their filmmaking journeys began with video cameras in hand. We dive into the origins of their documentary: what started as a casual request from Leslie to film one of her students evolved into a years-long portrait of a cultural architect and "way maker" for artists of color. They share stories of Dr. Hammond's warmth, humor, and fierce conviction, the challenges of shaping a lifetime of material into a cohesive narrative, and the intimate family perspective Rasaan brings as her son. The conversation also touches on the film's observational approach, the significance of Joyce J. Scott's relationship with Leslie, and what they hope audiences take away from the film.For updates and screening information, follow @Leslie_King_Hammond on Instagram, visit ALifeInArt.net, and catch the film at the Maryland Film Festival in Baltimore, April 2026, where Joyce J. Scott will present the opening night screening. The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of The Truth In This Art, returning guest Esteban Whiteside is back!Who is Esteban Whiteside: A Durham, North Carolina-based artist, Esteban Whiteside creates bold social commentary through what he calls "concrete oppressionism"—work that confronts American cultural absurdities with childlike aesthetics, parody, and irreverent humor. Working across canvas, wood, and sculpture, his art is both therapy and truth-telling, making heavy subjects digestible through wit and visual directness inspired by artists like Jacob Lawrence.Esteban talks about his creative evolution since our last conversation, including his new clock series exploring history and revolutions, and how he balances tackling heavy subject matter with abstract work that lets him breathe. We dive into why he uses humor to shame oppression, the colors that make him happy (brilliant blue, yellow, and emerald green), and how his art reflects his personality—chill in person, but uncompromising when it comes to speaking truth. He shares stories about drawing daily lunchbox notes for his daughter that sparked the clock series, unconventional painting techniques (like writing text upside down or left-handed), and why Jacob Lawrence's Migration Series opened the door for him to become an artist.He reflects on the importance of making art accessible at every price point and staying true to his voice no matter what may come with that.For updates, follow @estebanwhiteside on Instagram and visit estebanwhiteside.com.Revisit Esteban's first interview on The Truth In This Art here. Image courtesy of Esteban Whiteside The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

Nicole Kelner shares how a Substack post about finding quiet in NYC became a Rizzoli book deal called Quietest Places in New York City. You will learn more about the book and the ideas in it, in this episode. You will also learn about Nicole built a habit-tracking app called Free Time recently too. She is taking action on her ideas and you can too!

In this episode of The Truth In This Art, the guest is Veronica Jackson!Who is Veronica Jackson: A Washington, D.C.-bred and Virginia-based visual artist whose foundation is rooted in architecture and museum exhibit design. She critically examines the lives of Black women through innovative visual art, exploring themes of invisibility, hypervisibility, and devaluation—bringing powerful narratives to life using familiar objects, archival texts, and data.In our conversation, Veronica traces her late-in-life arrival to visual art—graduating from grad school in 2016 with plans to teach, then attending a Santa Fe residency where "art just started pouring out of me." She breaks down her seminal piece That's Pop's Money, a data portrait memorializing her grandmother's devalued domestic labor through 813 hand-cranked time cards printed in blue ink on black paper—chronicling 72 years of marriage, nine children, and invisible work. Veronica explains how she pulls from established archives like the Library of Congress, Sojourner Truth's carte de visite statement "I Sell the Shadow to Support the Substance," Jefferson's farm book (which listed enslaved workers alongside cattle), and poets like Lucille Clifton ("every day something has tried to kill me and has failed") to tell stories rooted in truth. She discusses her Blacksist series spotlighting 13 understudied Black women from the 1850s, including Anna Julia Cooper—the only woman quoted in every U.S. passport—and reflects on how visual culture shapes perceptions, why Black land ownership matters, and what it means for Black women to mark, claim, and take up space.Don't miss Veronica Jackson's work—her archive-driven, text-based pieces make the invisible visible and challenge how we see history, labor, and value. The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of The Truth In The Art, the returning guest is Lanise Howard!Who is Lanise Howard: A Los Angeles-based multidisciplinary artist, Lanise Howard creates work centered around a reimagining of different histories, especially within the black experience. She pulls from the past and from the future, which she often sees in her dreams. Working across paintings, drawings, sculpture, and soon textiles, Howard is a world-builder whose portraiture depicts Black bodies and paints often untold stories.Lanise talks about the three bodies of work she's currently developing: her main project, a sci-fi world based in the future but with a story that started in the 1970s; a more personal body of work featuring herself traversing different landscapes; and an ancestral series honoring different ancestors from the past. We dive into her world-building practice, how she merges the "future past" or "past future" to create parallel universes and new dimensions, and her approach of asking which medium best conveys each story she wants to tell.She reflects on recent museum shows—particularly at the California African American Museum in partnership with Art and Practice—where she witnessed diverse audiences getting emotional while viewing her work. Lanise shares details about her Miami solo show, where she experimented with cultural elements like feathers and architectural details. She opens up about becoming more unapologetic in her work, navigating the art world as a Black woman who has to demand respect, and why her work is always uplifting—even when melancholic—to give people hope.For updates, follow @lanise_howard_studio on Instagram and Twitter, and visit lanisehowardart.com.This is Lanise's second appearance on The Truth In This Art—it's been a little over two years since her first episode.  The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of The Truth In The Art, the guest is Ruut!Who is Ruut: A Finnish-born, Maryland-based singer, songwriter, composer, and writer, Ruut is a multidisciplinary artist and creative leader known for her evocative music and dedication to uplifting women artists. She's the founder of the Making Her Mark Foundation, a young nonprofit born from personal loss that connects, mentors, and amplifies women artists in Baltimore and beyond.Ruut talks about discovering music as a child at the piano, moving to the United States as a teen, and the moment creativity became her calling. We dive into how Making Her Mark grew out of honoring a mentor's legacy, the early challenges and surprising community response to a “baby” organization, and stories of mentorship—like helping a hesitant student find her voice and confidence through creative projects. Ruut also shares practical details about her music journey: a new record partnership with ECR Meridian, forthcoming shows, and where she'll be sharing new work this year.She reflects on creative routines (5:30 a.m. writing sessions with her dog as an alarm), the emotional work of returning to past recordings like the Steinway sessions, and what the phrase “art saves us” means to her now—how art can honor memory, foster resilience, and create spaces of belonging.For updates, follow @ruutartist, visit https://www.ruutartist.com, and if you're a woman artist seeking connection and mentorship, check out makinghermark.org.Image courtesy of Steven Parke The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of The Truth In The Art, the guest is Barbara Perez Marquez!Who is Barbara Perez Marquez: Baltimore-based, Dominican Republic–born writer and creator working in comics and prose, focused on middle grade and young adult readers.Barbara Perez Marquez talks about her path into writing and why she centers younger readers and her own lived experience. She shares insights from The Cardboard Kingdom and previews upcoming projects: The Library of Memories, The Curious Society: A Game of Code, To All the Boys I've Loved Before, and To Dance the Moon and Star. We also dig into collaboration, mentorship, and community—how creative peers shape the work and sustain the process.Her aim throughout: representation, strong storytelling, and a sense of belonging for young readers.For updates, visit www.mustachebabs.comPhoto by Jason Gitlin. The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

Back by Bodacious Demand. Let's Watch It Again is back!Rob Lee and Isaiah Winters revisit the 1991 childhood classic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze for its 35th anniversary.Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze (1991) drops the turtles back into a messy, fun, 90s adventure: reconnecting with April and Splinter, fighting Tokka and Rahzar, and chasing the mysterious ooze that created them.  It's loud, goofy, full of practical effects, puppetry, and pure kid‑movie energy.In this episode, Rob and Isaiah mix straight-up nostalgia with clear-eyed takes. No fluff — just the moments we loved, the parts that aged weirdly, and why this movie still matters to us.Topics include:Pizza PropagandaWhy the sequel went full kid-friendly and how that shapes the filmTokka, Rahzar, and Keno: what works and what doesn'tVanilla Ice's “Go Ninja Go Ninja Go” set piece and the Super Shredder finalePractical effects, puppetry, and 90s slime — what still landsIsaiah's NYC Rat StoryVHS memories, the 35th anniversary screening vibe (Georgetown), and where it fit in 1991 pop cultureRob and Isaiah's favorite scenes and quick takesWanna listen to Rob make another funny? Check out the review of the original 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles review — give it a listen and relive the nostalgia. Cowabunga. The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

In this bonus episode of the pod, we have a go at pitching ideas to the management teams of wrestling promotions around the world with ideas for new match types, ranking systems, title concepts, tournaments and related elements of the on-screen presentation of pro wrestling.  The Random Wrestling Review is brought to you this week by Alex, Dan and Tinky. 

In this episode of The Truth In The Art, the guest is Juan Morales!Who is Juan Morales: Maryland native, writer and director whose films explore immigration, racism, and community; currently developing the feature Abhaile about a small town overtaken by a white supremacist group.Juan talks about his path from nearly attending medical school to filmmaking, why he wrote Abhaile from the perspective of a Latina protagonist, and the challenges of telling a large story with a small cast. We also dig into research, collaboration, mentorship, and how community shapes and sustains creative work.His aim throughout: to tell timely stories that provoke conversation about belonging, identity, and justice.For updates, follow https://www.instagram.com/j.mor_95/ The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

Life gets busy—especially with kids, work, and everyday stress. But research shows that couples who consistently make time for each other are significantly happier  in their marriages. This week, we're talking about why date nights matter more than you think. We'll tackle common obstacles couples face, like exhaustion, busy schedules, lack of childcare, and awkward conversations. Plus, you'll hear simple and practical tips to help you reconnect with your spouse—even in the busiest of seasons. Guests: Dr. Greg & Erin Smalley   Check out our newest Hot Topic Kit: Healthy Dating & Boundaries.    Follow-up Resources: Take the Date Night Challenge: 52 Creative Ideas to Make Your Marriage Fun by Greg & Erin Smalley Date Night Conversation Starters from Greg & Erin Smalley Q&A: How often is "normal" for having sex in marriage? (video)

In this episode of The Truth In This Art, the guest is Jamilla Okubo!Who is Jamilla Okubo: A Washington, D.C.-based multidisciplinary artist whose work spans painting, collage, illustration, and print design. Her work centers the Black silhouette, using pattern, ornament, and saturated color to explore identity, self-possession, and cultural memory—drawing from African textile traditions, fashion, and Black feminist thought.In our conversation, Jamilla traces her journey from Duke Ellington School of the Arts to Parsons, where she initially planned to focus on painting but discovered her multidisciplinary approach after making a dress from magazine paper. She breaks down how she developed her signature use of the Black silhouette—blacking out white models in fashion magazines with Sharpie, then tracing and painting them in bold colors to represent Black people in a positive light. Jamilla talks through the tension between her illustration work and fine art practice, explaining how client deadlines can feel like "being a machine" while her studio work requires patience and time to let ideas fully develop. She shares her creative breakthrough ritual: boxing at the gym followed by steam room sessions where she works through mental blockages. We also dig into community, the importance of trusting your gut ("if it's not a hell yes, it's a hell no"), and what it means to be in this for the long haul—creating meaningful work instead of chasing fleeting fame.Don't miss Jamilla Okubo's work—her bold, layered silhouettes tell stories of identity, heritage, and belonging you won't want to overlook. The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

Is hiring a wedding planner right for YOUR wedding budget and vision?   We'll outline five pros and five cons of having a wedding planner.   We encourage couples to choose the level of support that fits their vision, budget, and desired wedding-day experience (full service, partial, month-of/day-of coordination, or DIY)   Stress-free Wedding Planning Podcast #191: Unlocking Wedding Planner Secrets Every Engaged Couple Should Know! Host: Sal & Sam Music: "Sam's Tune" by Rick Anthony   TIMESTAMP 00:00 Introduction to Unlocking Wedding Planner Secrets Every Engaged Couple Should Know! 01:00 Podcast Overview and Goals 02:00 Quick Preview: 5 Reasons to Hire 03:00 Pro #1: Reduced Stress & Decision Fatigue 04:00 Pro #2: Trusted Vendor Network & Better Value 04:15 Pro #3: Budget Management That Keeps You on Track 04:30 Pro #4: Timeline and Logistics Expertise 05:00 Pro #5: Design Cohesion and Creative Ideas  07:00 Wedding Tip Wednesday: Communicate  07:40 Back to the Episode: Top 5 Cons of Hiring a Planner 08:00 Cons #1: Added Cost  08:30 Cons #2: Less Hands-On Control 08:45 Cons #3: Mismatch Risk 09:00 Cons #4: Over-Complicating  09:30 Cons #5: Not Always Needed 10:00 How to Decide: What Support Fits Your Wedding? 11:00 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement 12:00 Closing Remarks and Farewell   Join us in the Stress-free Wedding Planning Facebook group  https://urlgeni.us/facebook/Stress-Free-CT-Wedding-Advice Recognized as one of the Best 10 US Wedding Podcasts by Millionpodcasts.com https://www.millionpodcasts.com/us-wedding-podcasts/ Copyright © 2026 Atmosphere Productions LLC. All Rights Reserved. Produced by Atmosphere Productions in association with After Hours Events of New England https://atmosphere-productions.com https://www.afterhourseventsofne.com #2028Bride #2026Bride #2027Bride #WeddingPlanning #WeddingCeremony #weddinganxiety #NewEnglandWedding #WeddingPreparations #WeddingChecklist #WeddingProTips #weddingexperts #WeddingInspo #WeddingIdeas #WeddingPlanner #WeddingGoals #WeddingWisdom #WeddingTips #DreamWedding #WalkDownTheAisle #StressFreeWedding #StressFreeWeddingPlanning #StressFreeWeddingPlanningPodcast #WeddingPodcast #WeddingTipWednesday #WeddingAdvice #WeddingMusic #WeddingDay #CTweddingdj #WeddingDJ #AtmosphereProductions #AfterHoursEventsOfNE 

In this episode of The Truth In This Art, the guest is Currie Lee!Who is Currie Lee: Filmmaker and artist with a photography background, focused on visual stories about complicated relationships.In our conversation, Currie talks through her short film The Haze—a psychological horror about a toxic relationship. She connects the project to personal moments that pulled her back into making art and digs into choices that shaped the film's edit and camera language. As she puts it, “you're upset and unhappy because you're not the one making the art.”She recalls a Q&A after a screening where she realized she was speaking before she'd decided to—steadying herself by looking to friends in the front row. We get into collaboration and making adjustments when feedback or funding reshapes a plan, and how staying connected keeps the work moving.Be sure to follow Currie Lee to keep up with her films and future projects. The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of The Truth In This Art, the guest is Nicole Clark!Who is Nicole Clark: Chicago-born, Baltimore-based artist and writer. Nicole works across paint, prose, and collage, often pulling from personal paper trails to build layered, funny, and pointed reflections on women's lives.In our conversation, Nicole talks about moving from “Chicago proper” to Baltimore, why she leans on blinders to avoid comparison, and how running her own race keeps the work honest. She walks through mixing mediums—abstract and figurative painting with text and collage—and how revisiting old artifacts lets her thread humor, memory, and critique into a single piece. We also get into the art-and-business overlap: accidental entrepreneurship becoming intentional, and finding voice and community in Baltimore's scene.Explore Nicole's work and writing at https://tilqueendomcome.com/ and on Instagram at @til_queendom_come. The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of The Truth In This Art, artist Santos Shelton returns!Who is Santos Shelton: Bay Area–based artist and storyteller. Santos blends science fiction and fantasy with vibrant color and dynamic texture, using his work to explore vulnerability, healing, and lived experience through a lens shaped by being biracial—Black and Mexican.In our conversation, Santos talks about using art to translate personal and societal trauma into visual stories, and how making the work can be a way to express what's hard to say out loud. He reflects on a deeply personal solo show shaped by difficult experiences at home and how those experiences can linger, influencing identity and self-perception. We also discuss his upcoming mini solo show at Gallery Ergo in Seattle, where he's focusing on death and grief after years of family loss—and how cultural context shapes the way he approaches that theme.Catch Santos's previous episode here.Follow Santos on Instagram at @santosart and follow the gallery at @gallery.ergo for updates on the March 13 opening.As a first, I have an extended version of this conversation if you want to check it out:  The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of The Truth In This Art, the guest is returning filmmaker Tristian “TrisRex” Johnson!Who is TrisRex: A filmmaker, monster maker, and practical FX artist whose work blends sci-fi and horror with hand-built creatures and DIY craft.In our conversation, TrisRex digs into his latest project, Aliens Resurgence (for the Hive). He talks through post-production—“doing a bid”—and how the edit sets pacing and tension. He breaks down working with real people alongside fabricated characters, including Big Pookie—“the biggest diva”—and what it takes to design, move, and shoot large-scale practical monsters. We get into planning for complex scenes, scrapping or reshooting choices, and staying disciplined so the story holds together while he pushes into unconventional territory.Don't miss Aliens Resurgence (for the Hive) —it's a wild ride you won't want to overlook.  The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of The Truth In This Art, the guest is Jonene Lee!Who is Jonene Lee: Philadelphia-based curator and owner of No Name Gallery, with roots in photography, dance, and deep ties across the city's music and arts community.In our conversation, Jonene lays out how photography—documenting friends, parties, and performances—shaped her curatorial eye. She talks about organizing Philly DJ Day, uniting around 300 Philadelphia DJs for a single group photograph inspired by Gordon Parks. We get into her dance background and how that sense of rhythm and flow shows up in how she builds exhibitions and events. She also breaks down opening No Name Gallery in Chestnut Hill—learning business on the fly, tapping community support, and expanding the gallery's role beyond a white-wall space to include urban, street, pop, abstract, and contemporary work, plus artist-made home furnishings.At the center is connection: photos that turn into relationships, music that anchors the scene, and a gallery that serves both artists and neighborhood.Be sure to check out No Name Gallery and explore the fantastic artists who are shaping the Philadelphia art scene. Visit NoNameGalleryPhilly.com for all the latest updates! The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of The Truth In This Art, the guest is Dr. Lawrence T. Brown!Who is Dr. Lawrence T. Brown: Research scientist at Morgan State University's Center for Urban Health Equity and author of The Black Butterfly: The Harmful Politics of Race and Space in America.In our conversation, Dr. Brown traces a line from West Memphis, Arkansas, to Baltimore's neighborhoods, explaining how a racial dot map led him to say, “that looks like a butterfly,” and name the pattern “The Black Butterfly.” He walks through what he found in local archives—mayors' letters, municipal journals, urban renewal files—and how those records show displacement and segregation written into policy. We talk historical trauma, “urban apartheid,” and institutions that turn one era's rules into the next—“slavery becomes Jim Crow and Jim Crow is the new Jim Crow.” He also shares how board games and comics—Urban Cipher and the Black Butterfly Dream Lab—let people feel these systems in practice, not just read about them.Dr. Brown's point is clear: show the evidence, make it experiential, and give communities tools to see—and change—the structures around them. The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of The Truth In This Art, the guest is Rolando Reid!Who is Rolando Reid: Rolando Reid, a 2016 Morgan graduate, is a member of the 2026 and 2022 Jamaican four-man bobsled team. Reid is the first Morgan athlete to compete in the Winter Olympics. Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics marked the first time in 24 years, Jamaica has a four-man bobsled team competing in the Winter Olympics, and a former Morgan State track and field athlete is a member of the team. In this episode, Rolando shares his story. Reid reflects on his experience as a track athlete at Morgan State University, where he won gold in track and field at the 2015 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championships as a member of the 1,600-meter relay team. He discusses his transition from competing in track to becoming a bobsledder, emphasizing the unique challenges and teamwork required in the sport. Reid shares valuable insights on leadership, highlighting the importance of trust and collaboration within a team, especially as he prepares for the Olympics. He encourages listeners to embrace perseverance and to keep an open mind when facing setbacks on their own journeys.Be sure to check out Rolando Reid and the Jamaican four-man bobsled team at Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of The Truth In This Art, the guest is Gianna Brooke!Who is Gianna Brooke: Gianna Brooke is an entertainment reporter with a fun and friendly vibe. Her natural charm and enthusiasm make every story engaging, turning even the simplest topics into something exciting. When she's not busy covering the latest lifestyle trends, she's flexing her creative muscles as an actor and model. Gianna enjoys diving into new projects and is always looking for fresh ideas to showcase on her social media platforms. Her approach to storytelling is all about genuine connections, celebrating the unique experiences of people she meets.In this episode, Gianna opens up about her journey into the entertainment journalism industry. She shares how a high school project, where she and a friend created funny morning announcements, ignited her love for storytelling. Reflecting on her experiences, Gianna discusses the challenges of merging emotions with facts in journalism, stressing how important it is to prepare well before sharing stories. Believing that every conversation matters, she strives to make people feel comfortable and open during interviews. Throughout our discussion, she emphasizes how vital it is to stay connected with the communities she covers, showing how her own experiences have informed her storytelling in a relatable way.Here's Gianna Brooke's website The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of The Truth In This Art, the guest is Danielle De Jesus!Who is Danielle De Jesus: Danielle De Jesus is a Nuyorican painter and photographer born and raised in Bushwick, Brooklyn, whose works tell the story of growing up in New York City amidst gentrification and displacement. De Jesus draws from her experience growing up in the diaspora as a native of Bushwick, New York to document her home neighborhood while creating narratives that uplift the lives and stories of the multi diverse residents she grew up with. Danielle De Jesus' work pushes us to think critically about the larger economies of urban America, but also about matters of intimacy and the interior lives of local residents. In this episode, Danielle shares her story. In the conversation, De Jesus shares insight on her process, intricate small-scale works, and painting dollar bills to narrate Puerto Rican politics, identity, community, rooted in Bushwick. She discusses how a viral 2016 painting of Lin‑Manuel Miranda as Hamilton on a $10 bill led her to repurpose dollar bills as political archives, inviting viewers to reconsider value through tiny, painstaking details. She reflects on gentrification, the persistence of local culture, and the struggle to remain in New York—even with a Yale degree—so her work stays connected to the people it documents. Be sure to check out Danielle's Paintings on US CurrencyHere's Danielle De Jesus's website  The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

In this new episode of The Truth In This Art, the guest on this episode is me, Rob Lee!Who is Rob Lee: Rob Lee, veteran podcaster, cultural critic and educator, is the host of The Truth In This Art, a podcast rooted in human connection in a world dominated by self-promotion and rankings. Through intimate, authentic, and conversational interviews, Rob invites listeners to connect deeply with the city of Baltimore while gaining insight from a diverse range of professionals—artists, chefs, professors, activists, CEOs, and more.In this episode, I'm interviewed by some of my favorite guests and friends including artists Maurice James Jr. , Zoë Lintzeris and arts administrator Camille Kashaka. The hosts peel back the curtain a bit to reveal who I am. In this episode, I'm interviewed by Maurice James Jr., Zoë Lintzeris, and Camille Kashaka as we uncover the story beneath the work, discuss film experience and its cultural impact, and explore how algorithms, media dynamics, and artist compensation shape creative life and the need to protect one's peace.Get to know me in a whole new way!  Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis. Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcast The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of The Truth In This Art, the guest is Phaan Howng!Who is Phaan Howng: Phaan Howng is a Taiwanese American multidisciplinary artist who lives and works in Baltimore, Maryland. Howng creates lush, vegetal paintings and installations that examine the various historical perplexities within human-plant relationships, particularly humans' desire to control and tame nature. Her work, Big Ass Snakes on a Plane, is currently on view publicly in the Station North Arts and Entertainment District in Baltimore as one of the installations in the public arts initiative Inviting Light. In this episode, Phaan shares her story. Phaan shares her start moving from Florida to North Carolina to settling in her current base of Baltimore all while explore art as a career. Howng discusses what it was like finding her multidisciplinary approach to making art and her curiosity with plants. Howng describes some highlights from 2025 including her work, Big Ass Snakes on a Plane, and her work curating EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS, which features the work of 25 artists of the APIMEDA (Asian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, and Desi American)  diaspora who live and create in the Baltimore and the DMV area.  Be sure to check out Big Ass Snakes on a Plane in the Start North Arts district. Phaan's website is https://www.phaan.com/ Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis. Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcast The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

In this special episode, Leticia Caminero steps into the guest's seat to explore the ideas behind her book Protection for the Inventive Mind. Through an honest and reflective conversation, she shares how creativity, human-centered design, and intellectual property come together to turn fragile ideas into real, sustainable value. This episode is an invitation to think differently about innovation, protection, and the courage to build with intention.Ever had an idea feel bright in the shower and dim by lunchtime? We open the door to a different path: a living, pencil-in-hand guide for taking an idea from spark to market with intellectual property as structure, not handcuffs. Leticia moves from host to guest to share why she wrote Protection for the Inventive Mind and how it helps creators make small daily moves that reduce anxiety, protect originality, and build sustainable income.We walk through the mindset shift that turns books into workspaces and readers into builders. Instead of chasing a finish line like “file the patent,” we reframe protection as a bridge to value—licensing, partnerships, investment, and fair deals. You will hear how to sequence complexity, choose what to cut without losing the soul of the idea, and align patents, utility models, or industrial designs with a clear strategy. The String of Thought method takes center stage: an honest chain that captures fear, sparks, contradictions, and breakthroughs without polishing too soon. That chain becomes both creative x-ray and strategic map, revealing what deserves protection and where the market fit can take root.From user-first thinking to documentation practices that stand up in conflict, we stitch together design thinking, practical IP, and monetization in a humane way. This is about creative justice: giving your idea the structure it needs to breathe, be recognized, and be paid. If you are tired of vague advice and hungry for a process that respects both magic and rigor, this conversation will meet you where you are and move you one concrete step forward today.If this episode helps you see your idea more clearly, share it with a friend who needs a nudge. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us the next small step you will take.Send us a textCheck out "Protection for the Inventive Mind" – available now on Amazon in print and Kindle formats. The views and opinions expressed (by the host and guest(s)) in this podcast are strictly their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the entities with which they may be affiliated. This podcast should in no way be construed as promoting or criticizing any particular government policy, institutional position, private interest or commercial entity. Any content provided is for informational and educational purposes only.

Have you ever felt that quiet whisper — that inner nudge that says, something needs to shift — but you're not exactly sure what comes next? You're not alone. We're talking with Brielle Friedman, business coach, intuitive guide, and professional  dancer, who helps visionary women bring their creative ideas to life through alignment, joy, and sustainable action.Brielle's story is all about learning to listen to those inner nudges and trusting them — even when the path ahead isn't perfectly mapped out. She shares how she's blended all the different parts of herself — strategy, movement, intuition, and soul — into a life that's both grounded and free.In this episode, we're diving into:What it really feels like to be ready for your next chapter — even when you don't have it all figured outHow to listen for your body's “full-body yes” (and why saying “no” is just as powerful)Letting go of the pressure to have a perfect plan before you beginHow creativity, structure, and intuition can actually coexist beautifullyBrielle's favorite practices to help you take aligned action from a place of clarity and confidenceIf you're feeling the pull toward something more — but don't know where to start — this conversation is your permission slip to begin.MORE FROM BRIELLEVisit helloitsbrielle.com to learn more about Brielle and her offerings.Go to helloitsbrielle.com/freegifts for the free resources mentioned in the podcast. Visit seekingcentercommunity.com for more with Robyn + Karen and many of the guides on Seeking Center: The Podcast. You'll get access to live weekly sessions, intuitive guidance, daily inspiration, and a space to share your journey with like-minded people who just get it. You can also follow Seeking Center on Instagram @theseekingcenter.

When I went to a curriculum presentation at my 2nd grader's school, I didn't expect for a podcast episode to come out if it. But here we go! ✨ The full Bright Method™️ program If you're ready for a full time management system that's realistic, sustainable, and dare I say… fun, check out the Bright Method program. It's helped hundreds of professional women take back control of their time—and their peace of mind.

Want your business to feel better than ever in 2026? In today's episode, I'm sharing the one magic bullet that has made all the difference for me personally: white space. I'm diving into the importance of prioritizing white space in your calendar, and why it is truly the best gift that you can give yourself going into the new year. The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it's like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you're trying to find balance in this exciting place you're in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight.This episode is brought to you by Root To Rise, a mastermind and retreat for female photographers where personal development meets business growth. During the four-month experience, students have weekly calls focused on goals, boundaries, money, and marketing. The program also includes incredible guest teachers, a private Facebook community, and weekly Voxer hours with individualized guidance and mentorship. Sign up today to join the waitlist.Review the Show Notes: Your best ideas come when you have space (1:47)You need time to breathe (5:26)What it means to have white space (6:04)You will never just “find” white space (7:38)Creativity is sparked in white space (8:20)White space needs to be a regular thing (9:36)Ways you can utilize white space (11:00)What it looks like to protect your time (12:03)Planning white space for 2026 (13:05)Mentioned in this Episode:Root To Rise Mastermind: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlistConnect with Sabrina:Instagram: instagram.com/sabrinagebhardtphotographyWebsite: sabrinagebhardt.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Evan Marinofsky and Pat Donnelly discuss the upcoming girls prep hockey season, focusing on team rankings and expectations. They delve into potential top contenders for the Elite 8 tournament, highlighting teams such as Loomis Chaffee, Andover, Williston and Cushing. They also discuss key players to watch and provide insights into which teams might surprise this season. The episode concludes with a bit of fun as they tackle hypothetical hockey scenarios in the Overtime segment. NEPSAC, girls prep,  Elite 8, prep hockey Topics 00:40 Girls Prep Hockey Focus 01:12 Team Rankings and Insights 02:55 Top Contenders Analysis 03:51 In-Depth Look at Loomis Chaffee 05:14 Andover's Strengths and Challenges 07:24 Williston Northampton's Potential 08:41 Nobles and Cushing Overview 11:58 Dexter and Deerfield Prospects 13:58 Tabor and Exeter Evaluations 16:28 Rivers and Beyond 18:50 Next-Tier Teams 20:21 Team Analysis: St. Paul's and New Hampton 21:20 Berkshire's New Lineup 22:21 Frederick Gunn and Other Teams to Watch 24:21 MVP Candidates and Top Performers 25:32 Elite 8 Predictions 27:17 Overtime: Would You Rather? 31:46 Winter Classic vs. All-Star Game 35:45 Creative Ideas for Hockey Events 37:13 Conclusion and Season Coverage

Ep. 221 What happens when the kids move out and the silence gets loud?For many single mothers, becoming an empty nester is more than a milestone—it's a full identity shift. In this heartfelt episode of HealingHer Within, host Maryann Rivera-Dannert answers the call from listeners asking: “Who am I now… and what's next for my life?” Drawing from her own journey, Maryann guides single empty nesters through the emotional, mental, and lifestyle transition of stepping into a new season with confidence and joy—not loneliness or regret. She shares real strategies to: ✅ Rediscover passions and interests that took a back seat✅ Build community so the silence doesn't become isolation✅ Protect your peace, identity, and future with updated documents✅ Boost confidence through safety, self-care, and personal transformation✅ Shift your mindset from loss to opportunity, and from obligation to freedom

We're pulling back the curtain on the exact systems we use to stay inspired and creative - week after week - without burning out. You'll learn how to build processes that generate fresh ideas on demand, even when you feel stuck or uninspired.   ============================= Table of Contents: ============================= 0:00 - Intro 01:53 — The Question Every Church Asks  04:38 — System #1: You Need Less Variety Than You Think  06:24 — System #2: Steal Like a Pro (From Other Industries)  10:49 — System #3: Repeat the Best, Forget the Rest, Continue To Test  18:27 — System #4: Repurpose Sermon Content  23:10 — System #5: Build a Vault of Inspiration    IMPORTANT LINKS - ChatGPT: https://chatgpt.com - Free AI Transcription Tool: https://www.descript.com   THE 167 NEWSLETTER

In this episode of the Living Magically Podcast, hosts Shelby and Courtney play a couple rounds of "Blind Rank 5" where they explore various themes including food adventures, creative event planning, and fun games. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences with ramen, baby showers, and the joys of themed events. The conversation also touches on business ideas related to party rentals and the importance of thoughtful planning for memorable occasions. Additionally, they engage in light-hearted discussions about pop culture and personal favorites, making for an entertaining and insightful episode. In this episode, the hosts engage in a lively game covering various topics, including Taylor Swift's musical evolution, ranking Disney World rides, favorites from Dancing with the Stars, and Courtney's top picks for Scrub Daddy products. Shelby got caught in a pickle voting on various preparations of  s'mores!  Takeaways Shelby shares her newfound love for ramen during her trip to New York. Courtney expresses her particular tastes in Asian food and her experiences with authentic Chinese cuisine. The hosts discuss the importance of themes in event planning and how it enhances the experience. Creative ideas for baby shower games, including a unique baby food tasting game, are shared. The conversation highlights the benefits of renting party supplies instead of purchasing them. They discuss the trend of renting items for events and how it can be cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The hosts reflect on their experiences with guest books and meaningful keepsakes at events. They explore the idea of starting a rental business for party supplies and decorations. The episode includes fun games and activities that can be incorporated into events. Pop culture references, including Taylor Swift albums, are used to engage listeners and share personal favorites. Taylor Swift's albums reflect her artistic growth. Disney World rides can be ranked based on personal experiences. Dancing with the Stars has a diverse range of talented professionals. Scrub Daddy products have varying levels of effectiveness. Creative cooking methods can enhance traditional treats like s'mores. Disney restaurants offer unique dining experiences worth exploring. Ranking favorites can lead to fun debates and discussions. Listeners enjoy engaging with the hosts' opinions. The podcast fosters a sense of community among listeners. Humor and relatability are key elements of the podcast's charm.

Caroline and Taryn are joined by interior designer Cate Gutter to discuss her innovative approach to creating refined, joyful family living spaces. Drawing from her own upbringing in a family that frequently redesigned homes, Cate blends functionality and sophistication in her designs. The conversation explores her design philosophy, incorporating family-friendly materials, and how to artfully embrace the chaos that family life can bring to a home. Cate shares stories from her personal journey, offers practical tips for functionality without sacrificing aesthetic appeal, and discusses the emotive power of art in living spaces. The episode also includes a listener's query about delineating spaces in an open-concept home, with Cate offering expert advice on creating distinct yet harmonious areas. What You'll Hear This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to How to Decorate Podcast 00:33 Meet Cate Gutter: Blending Functionality with Timeless Design 01:10 Cate's Design Influence: Lessons from a Childhood of Home Flipping 04:17 Standout Design Memories from Cate's Youth 11:16 Cate's Design Philosophy: Prioritizing Function and Client Needs 16:25 Balancing Aesthetic Appeal with Practicality 19:13 Family-Friendly Design Strategies and Material Choices 28:28 Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms for Longevity and Function 35:40 Embracing Creativity and Expressiveness in Kids' Rooms 39:55 Letting Go of Perfection: Organizing Children's Spaces 46:03 Art and Decor: Making Your Home a Personal Gallery 46:47 Cate's Personal Art Collections and Stories 49:15 Creative Ideas for Displaying Art in Varied Spaces 57:32 Exploring Non-Traditional Art Decor for Your Home 01:03:05 Listener's Decorating Dilemma: Creating Defined Spaces in Small Homes 01:09:03 Closing Thoughts and Where to Find More from Cate Gutter Also Mentioned: ⁠⁠⁠ballarddesigns.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Shop New Fall 2025 Items Now! ⁠⁠@cwg.design⁠⁠ | Designer IG ⁠cwg.design⁠ | Designer Website Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast in Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it'll automatically download to your phone. Happy Decorating! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky are the co-creators of the Design Sprint (the famous five-day product innovation process) and authors of the bestselling book Sprint. After decades of working with over 300 startups in the earliest stages, they discovered that most startups fail not because they can't build, but because they build the wrong thing. The very beginning of a startup is your highest-leverage moment, and most teams waste months or years by skipping a few critical early questions. Jake and John developed the Foundation Sprint to help startups validate ideas and compress months of work into just two days.What you'll learn:1. The step-by-step Foundation Sprint process that compresses three or four months of validation into two days—including templates you can use immediately2. Why differentiation is the #1 predictor of startup success (with the 2x2 framework that you can use with your team)3. The three fundamental questions every founder should answer before writing a line of code4. The “note and vote” technique that eliminates groupthink and gets honest answers from your colleagues5. The seven “magic lenses” for choosing between multiple product ideas6. The biggest mistake engineers make when building with AI tools7. The paradox of speed: why “building nothing first” can get you to product-market fit faster—Brought to you by:Brex—The banking solution for startups: https://www.brex.com/product/business-account?ref_code=bmk_dp_brand1H25_ln_new_fsParagon—Ship every SaaS integration your customers want: https://www.useparagon.com/lennyCoda—The all-in-one collaborative workspace: https://coda.io/lenny—Transcript: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/the-foundation-sprint-jake-knapp-and-john-zeratsky—Where to find Jake Knapp:• X: https://twitter.com/jakek• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-knapp/• Website: https://jakeknapp.com/—Where to find John Zeratsky:• X: https://twitter.com/jazer• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnzeratsky/• Website: https://johnzeratsky.com/—In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Introduction to Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky(04:41) Origins of the Design Sprint(11:06) The Foundation Sprint process(14:40) Phase one: The basics(16:57) Case study: Latchet(28:50) Phase two: Differentiation(36:24) The importance of differentiation(40:15) Thoughts on price differentiation(43:37) Case study: Mellow(46:04) Custom differentiators(49:30) The mini manifesto(52:02) Phase three: Approach to the project(54:50) Magic lenses activity(01:02:39) Prototyping and testing(01:10:00) Real-world examples and success stories(01:15:15) Motivation behind The Foundation Sprint(01:17:15) The outcome of the sprint: The founding hypothesis(01:19:28) The Design Sprint(01:28:19) The role of AI in prototyping(01:36:50) Final thoughts and resources—Referenced:• Introducing the Foundation Sprint: From the creators of the Design Sprint: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/introducing-the-foundation-sprint• Making time for what matters | Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky (authors of Sprint and Make Time, co-founders of Character Capital): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/making-time-for-what-matters-jake• Eli Blee-Goldman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eli-blee-goldman/• Character Capital: https://www.character.vc/• Character Labs: https://www.character.vc/labs• Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/• Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/• Naming expert shares the process behind creating billion-dollar brand names like Azure, Vercel, Windsurf, Sonos, Blackberry, and Impossible Burger | David Placek (Lexicon Branding): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/naming-expert-david-placek• Sonos: https://www.sonos.com/• Vercel: https://vercel.com/• Windsurf: https://windsurf.com/• April Dunford on product positioning, segmentation, and optimizing your sales process: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/april-dunford-on-product-positioning• Positioning: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/positioning• 10 things we know to be true: https://about.google/company-info/philosophy/• Gandalf: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gandalf• Frodo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frodo_Baggins• Mordor: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mordor• 35 years of product design wisdom from Apple, Disney, Pinterest, and beyond | Bob Baxley: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/35-years-of-product-design-wisdom-bob-baxley• The Primal Mark: How the Beginning Shapes the End in the Development of Creative Ideas: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/publications/primal-mark-how-beginning-shapes-end-development-creative-ideas• Base44: https://base44.com/• Solo founder, $80M exit, 6 months: The Base44 bootstrapped startup success story | Maor Shlomo: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/the-base44-bootstrapped-startup-success-story-maor-shlomo• Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/• Blue Bottle Coffee: https://bluebottlecoffee.com• Reclaim: https://reclaim.ai/• The official Foundation Sprint + Design Sprint template: https://www.character.vc/miro-template• Rippling: https://www.rippling.com/• Latchet: https://latchet.com/• Mellow: http://getmellow.com/• AxionOrbital: https://axionorbital.space/—Recommended books:• Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days: https://www.amazon.com/Sprint-audiobook/dp/B019R2DQIY• Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day: https://www.amazon.com/Make-Time-Focus-Matters-Every/dp/0525572422• Click: How to Make What People Want: https://www.amazon.com/Click-Make-What-People-Want/dp/1668072114Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email podcast@lennyrachitsky.com.—Lenny may be an investor in the companies discussed. To hear more, visit www.lennysnewsletter.com

Multi-million dollar toy creator Azhelle Wade shares the pricing, pitching, and strategy secrets to turn your weirdest ideas into best-selling products. Thanks for listening! New episodes drop every Tuesday. Make sure you hit the follow button to get notified.