The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter

Greetings to 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, presented by your host, Rob Lee. Today I chatted with Corey Whidby, a Baltimore native renowned for his captivating animated web series, Charm Street. As an accomplished animator with over a decade of experience, Corey's devotion lies in crafting distinctive and genuine narratives that deeply connect with viewers. With a rich history in animation since 2009, he has honed his skills to become a masterful storyteller, bringing to life the essence of Charm Street and infusing authenticity into every frame.In this talk, we navigate through:How Corey Whidby translates his Baltimore upbringing into the vibrant narratives of Charm Street, delving into the series' local influences and universal themes.Corey's perspective on storytelling authenticity, unpacking his methods for crafting characters that bridge relatability and uniqueness, and how this approach enhances the show's connection with viewers.Take a behind-the-scenes look at Corey's creative journey, from jotting down initial ideas to the spontaneous magic of recording sessions, revealing how his commitment to natural dialogue shapes the show's dynamic energy.Uncover Corey's iterative animation process, uncovering the methods he employs to continuously refine his style, fostering a captivating and visually polished viewing experience.Join the discussion about Corey's visionary aspiration to create an iconic show that stands the test of time, and delve into the factors that contribute to Charm Street's potential for becoming a lasting cultural touchstone.Corey shares his experiences growing up in Baltimore and how they inform his work. He talks about the importance of authenticity in storytelling and how he incorporates his own experiences into the show. Corey also discusses his creative process, from writing to animation, and his goal of creating a show that resonates with audiences for years to come.Check out Charm Street here.🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 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 ★

Join us on "The Truth In This Art" podcast as host Rob Lee sits down with Chelsea Gregoire, a consultant and educator in the hospitality industry. Explore Chelsea's journey and expertise in building successful restaurant and beverage programs, fostering community through cocktails and hospitality, and creating welcoming spaces for all.Chelsea and Rob discussed:Chelsea's background in the hospitality industry and their experience in opening bars, restaurants, and hotels for others, culminating in their own project as an owner with Church in Baltimore.The founding of Drinkable Genius, a consultancy focused on supporting business owners in building and improving restaurant and beverage programs, optimizing profitability and service standards, and navigating challenges, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.The transformative power of cocktails and hospitality in generating community and providing opportunities for others, as well as Chelsea's accolades and recognition in the industry.Chelsea's involvement in industry events and organizations, including Tales of the Cocktail and Bar Convent Brooklyn, and their role as an educator and speaker at conferences and in partnership with brands and publications.The holistic approach to career development, equitable systems, and creating inclusive spaces that Chelsea has developed through their background in building religious communities and their Master of Arts in Theological Studies.Join us for this engaging episode as we dive into the world of hospitality with Chelsea Gregoire and gain insights into their passion for building thriving businesses and fostering community through cocktails and hospitality.🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 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 ★

Welcome to 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, hosted by Rob Lee, engage in this meaningful conversation with Lane Levine, the visionary behind A Friendly Bread, a flourishing LGBT-owned venture known for crafting delectable sourdough snacks. Lane's journey began with a hobby that evolved into a thriving business, where the transformation of real sourdough bread into irresistible elevated treats takes center stage. With a commitment to employee development and a dedication to delivering positivity and friendliness to customers, A Friendly Bread's offerings reflect Lane's artful fusion of taste and community spirit.In this feature, we unravel:How A Friendly Bread's status as an LGBT-owned business intersects with its dedication to fostering employee growth and creating memorable customer experiences.Lane Levine's insights on how practicing compassion and understanding can elevate interactions with customers and collaborators, and how these values shape A Friendly Bread's approach.Uncover the dynamics of Baltimore's food culture, which thrives in supporting new culinary ventures while confronting the bittersweet reality of cherished establishments shutting their doors.Take a closer look at A Friendly Bread's strategic plans for growth, as they aim to penetrate larger grocery markets and tantalize taste buds with inventive grilled cheese variations and frozen sourdough French toast creations.Lane shares their journey of starting a business specializing in sourdough snacks. Lane initially disliked bread but developed a love for it after learning how to make it themselves. They started selling their bread out of their house and eventually decided to turn it into a full-fledged business. A Friendly Bread focuses on creating high-quality products made from scratch and prioritizes employee growth and a positive customer experience. Lane discusses the challenges and lessons they have learned along the way, including the importance of compassion, diligence, and patience in business. They also highlight the unique traits of the food culture in Baltimore, such as the city's ability to support new businesses and the unfortunate trend of beloved establishments closing down. Lane shares their future plans for A Friendly Bread, including expanding into larger grocery stores and introducing new flavors of grilled cheese and frozen sourdough French toast.🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 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 ★

Greetings to 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, presented by your host, Rob Lee. Today I chatted with Tony Levero Jr., a dedicated data analyst in the humanitarian non-profit sector and co-owner of the Spark Plug Coffee Truck, which epitomizes Baltimore's adventurous spirit. As a proud Baltimorean, he skillfully juggles his professional role with his entrepreneurial endeavor. Together with his father, Tony's Spark Plug Coffee Truck encapsulates their belief in the vibrant exploration that Baltimore offers, reflected through their vintage Japanese mini-truck that roams the city, delivering a coffee experience unrestricted by traditional confines. With international experiences in Italy and South Korea, Tony's journey is enriched, and his home in Ednor Gardens echoes his commitment to community, further supported by his wife Heeyeon's occasional design contributions to the venture.In this episode, we delve into:The fascinating journey of how Tony and his father's creative vision turned a Japanese K car into the charming Spark Plug Coffee Truck, delving into the process behind its distinctive retro-inspired transformation.Take a sip into the flavorful world of Spark Plug Coffee Truck's menu, as Tony shares the diverse range of coffee concoctions they serve – from classic lattes to seasonal delights like pumpkin spice and the unique Cafe Bonbon.Uncover the heartwarming story of Tony and his team's dedication to cultivating a memorable customer experience, and how their coffee truck becomes an integral part of Baltimore's vibrant tapestry through their participation in various events and local communities.Tony shares his journey from a literature major to a coffee entrepreneur. After exploring different career paths, Tony and his father decided to start a food truck business. They found the perfect vehicle in a Japanese K car, which they transformed into a retro-inspired coffee truck. The truck's design, inspired by Vapor Wave aesthetics, stands out and attracts customers. Tony and his team serve a variety of coffee drinks, including lattes, pumpkin spice, and Cafe Bonbon. They focus on providing a great customer experience and enjoy being a part of different events and communities in Baltimore.Mentioned in this episode:Sparkplug Coffee 🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 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 ★

Join us on this culinary journey as we sit down with Jesse Galdston, Director of Retail Operations at Firefly Farms and General Manager of Firefly Farms Market in Baltimore. From his unexpected career transition to becoming a dedicated cheesemonger, we delve into Jesse's path from law to the world of delicious flavors. Don't miss this episode filled with tales of diverse adventures and a passion for cheese, where food transitions from a hobby to a profession!In this episode, we explore:Into Jesse Galdston's life and experiences as a quintessential Upper West Side liberal Jew from New York City, exploring the influences and perspectives that have shaped him.Into the world of Firefly Farms Market, an artisanal cheese and meat shop nestled within Baltimore's indoor market, and learn about their commitment to cut-to-order excellence.The art of crafting the perfect cheese board with insights into the importance of incorporating diverse textures and milk types, elevating your culinary presentation.Explore the nuanced dynamics of awards and recognition within the business landscape, and delve into the challenges and complexities of personal leadership in the midst of success.Uncover the significance of the performative aspect in business as Jesse shares insights into how demonstrating value to both customers and employees creates an environment of mutual appreciation.Jesse shares his background, the Firefly Farms Market, and the art of being a cheesemonger. Jesse shares his unique upbringing as a quintessential Upper West Side liberal Jew and how he gradually expanded his palate from being a picky eater to becoming a cheese lover. He describes the Firefly Farms Market as a cut-to-order cheese and meat shop located in an indoor market in a redeveloped mill in the Jones Falls Valley. Jesse explains the process of selecting cheeses for a cheese board, emphasizing the importance of diversity in texture and milk type. He also discusses the impact of awards and recognition on the business and the challenges of leadership in the hospitality industry.Mentioned in this episode:Firefly Farms Baltimore 🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 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 ★

Engage your mind with 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, where host Rob Lee guides the way on an enthralling discussion with Chef Neill Howell, an accomplished culinary artist with a journey spanning across continents. Born in England and shaped by his experiences in Northern Ireland, Hong Kong, and Brunei, Neill's passion for cooking led him to refine his skills across esteemed establishments in London, New York City, Los Angeles, and now Baltimore. With an impressive background that includes roles at renowned restaurants like Langan’s Brasserie and The Stanton Social, he brings a wealth of expertise to The Corner Pantry. As the owner and executive chef, Neill's commitment to utilizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients and drawing inspiration from his global experiences defines the modern British cuisine he crafts. Beyond the kitchen, he balances family life and his passion for triathlon competitions, embodying a holistic approach to his journey as a chef.In this feature, we unravel:Chef Neill's culinary origins, beginning with his humble start washing dishes at a Tex-Mex restaurant at 14, and explore how this early experience shaped his culinary path.Chef Neill's journey across continents, from England to New York City, and ultimately to Baltimore in 2011, as he shares the transformative moments that led to his settled culinary identity.Delve into the philosophy behind The Corner Pantry's approach to cuisine, diving into the world of modern British flavors created with locally sourced ingredients, and the intersection of tradition and innovation.Explore Chef Neill's personal ethos as he discusses the core values of commitment and hard work that have guided his culinary career, and how they play a role in the kitchen.Join Chef Neill in a discussion about his deep passion for crafting dishes that celebrate the vibrant flavors of England while utilizing the rich offerings of Baltimore's local farms, weaving a tale of culinary fusion. Chef Neill Howell, owner and executive chef of The Corner Pantry, shares his journey from England to Baltimore and his passion for cooking. He discusses his first job in the kitchen, the challenges of running a restaurant, and the importance of sourcing local ingredients. Chef Neill also talks about the daily grind of working in a kitchen and the satisfaction of creating delicious dishes for his customers. He emphasizes the need for commitment and hard work in the culinary industry and shares his vision for The Corner Pantry.Mentioned in this episode:The Corner Pantry🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 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 ★

It's time to explore creativity on 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, where Rob Lee takes the lead on this meaningful conversation with Hugh Sisson, the visionary founder of Heavy Seas Beer, who embarked on his craft beer journey by championing the legalization of brewpubs in Baltimore City in the 1980s. He transitioned from his pioneering Sisson's Brewpub to the establishment of Clipper City Brewing Company, which later evolved into the renowned Heavy Seas brand. With over 33 years of experience, Hugh's fearless and innovative approach to brewing has pushed craft beer boundaries. As an industry pioneer, he initiated the craft beer movement in Maryland and expanded Heavy Seas' influence nationally, inspiring a bold and independent beer cultureWithin this chat, we shed light on:The key factors driving longevity and success in the craft beer industry, from tenacity to financial acumen, and explore how these elements contribute to a sustainable business.The art of differentiation in a crowded market, and dive deep into the role of branding as a powerful tool in crafting a distinct identity that resonates with consumers.Join a discussion on the entrepreneurial journey, as our guest shares insights into the constant adaptation and risk-taking required to navigate challenges and achieve growth.Explore the art of leadership and team collaboration, as we dissect the importance of assembling a talented team and empowering them to excel in their individual strengths.Take a closer look at Heavy Seas' innovative approach to diversification, as we explore the launch of their canned crafted cocktails and the strategic thinking behind staying competitive in an evolving market.Hugh shares his journey in the craft beer industry and the challenges he has faced along the way. From starting the first brewpub in Maryland to navigating the ever-changing market, Hugh's entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to quality have been the driving forces behind Heavy Seas' success. He discusses the importance of staying true to your brand while also being willing to adapt and evolve. Hugh also introduces Heavy Seas' new line of canned-crafted cocktails and explains the thought process behind this new venture.Mentioned in the episodeHeavy Seas Beer🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 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 ★

Get ready for thought-provoking conversations on 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, with your host, Rob Lee, and today’s guest: Deyane Moses, a Baltimore-based veteran, artist, activist, and curator, holds a BFA in Photography and an MFA in Curatorial Practice from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). Her transformative project, The Maryland Institute Black Archives (MIBA), gained international recognition for documenting MICA's Black history and relationship with Black Baltimoreans. This project prompted MICA's President to publicly apologize for the College's racist past. In 2020, Deyane founded Blackives, LLC, assisting Black communities with research and archival mobilization. As a passionate archivist, she's now the Public Access Archivist for Afro Charities Inc, preserving 130 years of Baltimore AFRO American Newspaper Archives. With a commitment to preserving Black history, Deyane also captures the essence of the artistic community through her photography.In this talk, we navigate through:Deyane Moses' initiative, Black Archives LLC, dedicated to aiding research, archival services, and research mobilization.The deficit in resources and representation for conserving Black history within archives, particularly concerning Baltimore.Examine Deyane's mission to document and safeguard the narratives and history of Black communities, including MICA alumni and the artistic realm.Explore the indispensable role of community participation and input in the archival process, ensuring precision in representation and facilitating healing.Dive into Deyane's photographic work centered on capturing the evolution and tales of MICA alumni and the artistic community.Deyane discusses her work with Black Archives LLC and her efforts to document and preserve the history and stories of Black communities in Baltimore. Deyane shares her personal journey and how her experiences as a broadcast journalist in the military and living in different cities inspired her to focus on highlighting Black stories and culture. She talks about the lack of representation and resources for preserving Black history in archives and the importance of community involvement in the archival process. Deyane also discusses her photography work and the aim of capturing the growth and stories of the artistic community and MICA alumni.Mentioned in this episode:Deyane Moses 🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 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 ★

Your adventure begins with 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, presented by your host, Rob Lee. Today we have Juan Webster, a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in hotel management and operations, currently serving as the General Manager of Sagamore Pendry Baltimore. Juan's deep understanding of the Baltimore market is complemented by his role as the Corporate Director of Social Impact at Montage International, where he spearheads programs for community enrichment and diversity. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Juan is committed to driving positive change in Baltimore, evident through his board memberships and philanthropic efforts. With a passion for social impact and a focus on equity, Juan Webster is dedicated to making a meaningful difference in both the hospitality industry and local communities.In this dialogue, we peel back the layers on:The interconnectedness of service in both hospitality and social impact, forging meaningful connections and driving positive change.The universal value of authenticity, examining its role in fostering real connections and expanding influence across personal and professional domains.Uncover the essence of luxury beyond materialism, focusing on the emotional aspect and the profound experiences it offers.Investigate the symbiotic relationship between businesses and communities, essential for mutual prosperity and community-driven development.Examine the pivotal role of attentive listening in effecting tangible change, fostering growth, and opening doors for transformative opportunities.Juan shares his journey in the hospitality industry and the importance of service and authenticity. He discusses the intersection of hospitality and social impact, emphasizing the need for businesses and communities to work together for sustainable success. Juan also talks about the concept of luxury and how it is not just about appearances, but about how people feel. He shares his vision for social impact, which includes bridging the gap between businesses and communities and listening to the needs of the people.Mentioned in this episode:Juan Webster 🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 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 ★

Tune in and be inspired by 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, hosted by the engaging Rob Lee. Together with our guest today, William Jones, a passionate historian, Afrofuturist, author, speaker, and educator. As the visionary behind the Afro-Futurism Network, he champions Afrofuturism—a dynamic cultural genre that blends science fiction, historical fiction, and fantasy to address present-day challenges while reimagining a more empowered future for black individuals. Jones, a dedicated advocate for black creators in science fiction, fantasy, and comics, sparks cultural activism through his multi-faceted work.During this conversation, we go in-depth on:Afrofuturism, a fusion of comic books, sci-fi, fantasy, and historical reverence.Afro-Futurism Network's purpose: uniting black creators, offering a platform for collaboration and exchange.Analyze the lasting influence of Jones's "The Ex-Con, Voodoo Priest Goddess, and the African King," dissecting its impact on black representation in mainstream culture.Investigate the multifaceted essence of Afrofuturism, encompassing creative expression and data-driven projections to envision the future of black communities.William discusses his journey in building a business centered around Afrofuturism. Jones shares how his love for comic books and history led him to create the Afro-Futurism Network, a space for black creators to connect and collaborate. He also talks about his book, "The Ex-Con, Voodoo Priest Goddess, and the African King," and the impact it has had on readers. Jones emphasizes the importance of bringing black voices and representation to the forefront in the world of science fiction and fantasy.Mentioned in this episode:Afrofuturismnet 🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 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 ★