A culture & community podcast created by Aaron Dante to record the fascinating life stories of his friends, family and people that have stories that need to be told! Come along on this journey with Human Interest Stories
Episodes
Monday Jul 11, 2022
Monday Jul 11, 2022
Thank you to all the listeners, supporters, friends and family. This episode Aaron has a conversation with M.A.I from the Creative Charm Experience. They discussed Aaron winning Baltimore Sun Readers Choice Best Podcast of 2022. This was Aaron’s 3rd year in a row! 3 Peat. We talk about the challenges, the future of the show and the new merchandise that he is dropping today only for a limited time.
Thursday Jul 07, 2022
Thursday Jul 07, 2022
Aaron interviewed Comptroller Candidate Brooke Lierman at Union Craft Brewery in front of a live audience. We discussed the million dollar questions - What is a Comptroller, and What does a Comptroller do? We also discussed Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and how this can be a fair playing ground. Brooke discusses what she would do as Comptroller and why it is important that the Comptroller is from Baltimore. We also discuss the triple AAA bond rating Maryland has with 12 other states. Thank you Brooke Lierman for coming on the show.
IG. nopixafterdark
production acutevisions
Thank you Union Craft Brewing
Monday Jun 27, 2022
Monday Jun 27, 2022
EP 187: Aaron interviewed Baltimore County Executive John “Johnny O” Olszewski, Jr. The Baltimore County Executive talked about his career, love for Baltimore County, being a teacher and would he wants for Baltimore County going forward. We discuss the relationship between Baltimore County and Baltimore City. I ask him what he would do if re-elected. Thank you Baltimore County Executive John “Johnny O” Olszewski Jr. for coming on the NoPixAfterDark Podcast.
Youtube Video. https://youtu.be/ydx1j7PVp3s
IG: nopixafterdark
Sponsors of NoPixAfterDarkPodcast
Zeke's Coffee www.zekescoffee.com
Maggies Farm www.maggiesfarm.com
FoundStudio Shop www.foundstudioshop.com
Charm Craft City Mafia www.charmcitycraftmafia.com
Siena Leigh https://www.sienaleigh.com
Open Works https://www.openworksbmore.org
Snug Books Baltimore https://www.snugbooks.com
Baltimore Fiscal https://www.baltimorefiscal.com
Monday Jun 20, 2022
Monday Jun 20, 2022
The Special Juneteenth Episode
Aaron Dante interviewed the Executive Chef Scott Bacon of Magdalena A MARYLAND BISTRO at THE IVY HOTEL. Scott discusses about his career path into the culinary industry. He tells the story of how both of his grandmothers had a huge cooking influence on him growing up. We discuss the Magdalena A MARYLAND BISTRO, and how he became the Executive Chef. Enjoy this interview and when your done reserve a night for dinner at this amazing restaurant.
Chef Scott Bacon, a contemporary and classically trained chef, unites culture, tradition and sophistication to create dishes full of character. Chef Bacon’s culinary repertoire stems from both his southern Black and British roots underscored by classic French finesse. Honoring his own culture and upbringing, he is inspired by the comfort, depth and deliciousness that is ever-present around the table. “When I was growing up, dinner was always the time when things slowed down, if only for a moment, giving us a chance to come together as a family and share in the happiness ignited by beautiful food. That is the feeling I want to share with our guests.” from the Magdalena website
https://www.theivybaltimore.com/dine/restaurant/
Youtube Video. https://youtu.be/8iaa0W2Oq3Q
G: nopixafterdark
Sponsors of NoPixAfterDarkPodcast
Zeke's Coffee www.zekescoffee.com
Maggies Farm www.maggiesfarm.com
FoundStudio Shop www.foundstudioshop.com
Charm Craft City Mafia www.charmcitycraftmafia.com
Siena Leigh https://www.sienaleigh.com
Open Works https://www.openworksbmore.org
Snug Books Baltimore https://www.snugbooks.com
Baltimore Fiscal https://www.baltimorefiscal.com
Monday Jun 13, 2022
Monday Jun 13, 2022
Unique M. Robinson is a writer/performer, professor, & proud Baltimore native. She received her MFA in English from Mills College, and a BA in Creative Writing/Black Studies from Hampshire College. As an artist, has performed poetry since her teens individually and with collectives throughout the US. As an educator, she has served in Teaching Artist and administrative roles for Baltimore nonprofits, and received the Emerging Teaching Artist award from Arts Every Day in 2017. Later, she received the Grit Fund Grant in 2019.
Unique has two book releases: the chapbook, flicked/forgotten/FREED (2014), and a full-length poetic memoir, Four Wings & A Prayer: A Charm City Churn (2014). She later expanded into music, releasing blkottonkandy's debut EP, vesica piscis (2019), Tha 27th Letter, Vol. I & II in 2019 & 2020 respectively, and 2021’s GETCHA LIFE! EP (with MRDJXZ). Unique currently serves as a member of the Writers Advisory Council of Hampshire College. She is Humanistic Studies Faculty at MICA, a Poetry & Performance Teaching Artist with K-12 Baltimore City School students, as well as the Chairperson for 2021 Baltimore Black Pride, and 2022 Baltimore Pride.
Kenneth Morrison is an established spoken word artist, author, organizer and educator.
Kenneth has over 10 years of experience working to improve the quality of life for some of Baltimore's most marginalized residents. Kenneth has worked to create change in classrooms, prisons and community centers across the country. Kenneth describes himself as an "artivist" and seeks opportunities to use art as a social justice tool as he works to improve the overall human condition.
Wednesday Jun 08, 2022
Wednesday Jun 08, 2022
EP 184: Aaron interviewed Laura Bankey Vice President of Conservation Programs at the National Aquarium. I asked Laura what is her definition of Conservation? Laura explained the Conservations Programs that the National Aquarium offers. She also discussed the programs they have for Baltimore City students and summer camps. We discussed Science Based Education, Hands-On Field Initiatives , Award winning exhibits and the Enoch Pratt Library book partnership. Thank you Laura Bankey and the National Aquarium Team for having me as a guest at the Aquarium.
As vice president of conservation programs at the National Aquarium, Laura Bankey provides strategic vision and leadership to impact both ecosystems and communities, focusing on the National Aquarium's unique contributions to conservation, consistent with its mission and values, and working in close collaboration with the senior leadership to advance the National Aquarium's conservation priorities. She has been with the Aquarium since 2002
IG: nopixafterdark
Sponsors of NoPixAfterDarkPodcast
Zeke's Coffee www.zekescoffee.com
Maggies Farm www.maggiesfarm.com
FoundStudio Shop www.foundstudioshop.com
Charm Craft City Mafia www.charmcitycraftmafia.com
Siena Leigh https://www.sienaleigh.com
Open Works https://www.openworksbmore.org
Snug Books Baltimore https://www.snugbooks.com
Baltimore Fiscal https://www.baltimorefiscal.com
Tuesday May 31, 2022
Tuesday May 31, 2022
NoPixAfterDark EP 183: Staci Wolfson Founder of The Baltimore Flow and Cramped Style Blog, I’m excited for you to listen to Staci’s story on the next NoPixAfterDarkPodcast. We talk about Endometriosis and how it took over 15 years to be diagnosed. We talk about the group The Baltimore Flow and Cramped Style Blog. You don’t want to miss this episode. Thank you Staci for telling your story.
IG: crampedstyleblog
IG: thebaltimoreflow
IG: nopixafterdark
Sponsors of NoPixAfterDarkPodcast
Zeke's Coffee www.zekescoffee.com
Maggies Farm www.maggiesfarm.com
FoundStudio Shop www.foundstudioshop.com
Charm Craft City Mafia www.charmcitycraftmafia.com
Siena Leigh https://www.sienaleigh.com
Open Works https://www.openworksbmore.org
Snug Books Baltimore https://www.snugbooks.com
Baltimore Fiscal https://www.baltimorefiscal.com
Monday May 23, 2022
Monday May 23, 2022
EP 182: Justin Fenton. Author of "We Own This City" and Investigative Reporter for the Baltimore Banner. Justin discussed how working for The Baltimore Sun was his dream job. When he was offered a job out of college he knew Baltimore was where he wanted to be a reporter. We discuss his journey from The Baltimore Sun to now the Baltimore Banner. We talk about why he left and what he hopes happens next. We also discuss his book"We Own This City" . This book is now a hit HBO Show. We talk about his trials and tribulations while writing this book and participating with the TV show. We also learn more about the Baltimore Banner and being a reporter is his first love.
Twitter: @Justin_Fenton
IG: @Justin_Fenton
IG: Nopixafterdark
Special Thank you to Snug Books
Sponsors of NoPixAfterDarkPodcast
Zeke's Coffee www.zekescoffee.com
Maggies Farm www.maggiesfarm.com
FoundStudio Shop www.foundstudioshop.com
Charm Craft City Mafia www.charmcitycraftmafia.com
Siena Leigh https://www.sienaleigh.com
Open Works https://www.openworksbmore.org
Snug Books Baltimore https://www.snugbooks.com
Baltimore Fiscal https://www.baltimorefiscal.com
Friday May 20, 2022
Friday May 20, 2022
Nopixafterdark EP 181: Sammy & Maddie of Girl and the Gov, The Podcast come on the show. They have a great podcast that discusses politics, voting rights and anything that a person would like to learn in that field. No question is stupid question for this show. We discuss how they started this podcast during the pandemic. They both live on separate coast Sammy NYC and Maddie in San Francisco but they have figured out how to make the podcast work. You learn a lot about their show and how the concept has them thriving during an election midterm year. This was a fun episode and I hope to get them to Visit Baltimore to tape a live podcast taping in the fall of 2022 before the midterm election.
Available on the airwaves and Youtube every Wednesday, Girl and the Gov, The Podcast is an extension of Girl and the Gov’s® mission to provide a platform for millennials to engage with the evolving political sphere in an approachable, digestible, and accessible way. Co-hosted by Sammy Kanter and Maddie Medved, the podcast provides an inside look at the ins and outs of government and politics as we know it today through engaging interviews with leaders in the field and segments that address the questions everyone wants to ask but never does. In this podcast, there’s no question too stupid, no rock left unturned, and no mysterious jargon that isn’t examined in-depth
https://www.girlandthegov.com/the-podcast
IG : girlandthegovthepodcast
Sponsors of NoPixAfterDarkPodcast
Zeke's Coffee www.zekescoffee.com
Maggies Farm www.maggiesfarm.com
FoundStudio Shop www.foundstudioshop.com
Charm Craft City Mafia www.charmcitycraftmafia.com
Siena Leigh https://www.sienaleigh.com
Open Works https://www.openworksbmore.org
Snug Books Baltimore
Baltimore Fiscal https://www.baltimorefiscal.com
Monday May 16, 2022
Monday May 16, 2022
Nopixafterdark EP 180: Aaron interviews Julie Donaldson the Senior Vice President of The Washington Commanders. We discuss her journey from University of Florida to Washington DC. Julie talks about working hard, learning as much as possible and taking any job that came her way in the beginning of her career. That hard work ethic has prepared her for her job with the Washington Commanders.The first female to be a regular on-air member of an NFL radio broadcast booth. Take a listen to her amazing journey.
Julie Donaldson is the Senior Vice President of Media and Content for the Washington Commanders. A member of Washington's executive leadership team, Julie oversees the entire broadcast and editorial operation in the organization along with being a permanent member of the gameday radio broadcast. The first female to be a regular on-air member of an NFL radio broadcast booth, Julie also adds her input and vision towards all of the club's in-house creative content.
During a decade-long tenure as a reporter, anchor, and host for NBC Sports Washington (NCBSW), Julie has covered nearly every team, athlete and major sports story in the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore region, as well as across national and international sporting events. Julie most recently served as host of NBCSW's Emmy Award-winning NFL pregame and postgame shows and contributed regularly to its other football programs and coverage.
In addition to her work with NBCSW, Julie has also frequently held on-air roles for NBC Sports and NBC Olympics. She has held three Olympic assignments as a News Desk Host during the 2018 (PyeongChang) 2016 (Rio) and 2014 (Sochi) Olympic Games, and often serves as a weekend Sports Desk host for NBC Sports. Before that, Julie hosted NBCSW's live NBA gameday shows, and was an anchor and reporter for several NBCSW news, analysis, and entertainment shows, including SportsNet Central, Training Camp Daily and Football Central.
Julie joined NBCSW in August 2010 after stops in some of the nation's top markets, including Boston, New York, and Miami. Donaldson served as a sports anchor and reporter for Boston's WHDH-TV (NBC). Prior to WHDH, she was as a reporter for SportsNet New York (SNY) for two years, including the network's inaugural season.
Bio From the Commanders website
Monday May 09, 2022
Monday May 09, 2022
EP 179 Aaron interviewed Dia Simms CEO of LOBOS 1707 Tequila & Mezcal & CO-FOUNDER, PRONGHORN. Dia is Morgan State University Alum, she resides in Columbia MD. We discuss her journey from living in NYC and moving to Baltimore. Dia worked for over 15 years with Sean "Diddy" Combs or P.Diddy with his Ciroc Brand. She discusses how she became the CEO of LOBOS 1707 Tequila & Mezcal that is invested by Lebron James. We talk about being a CO-FOUNDER for PRONGHORN and how the company will help minorities get into the SPIRITS game. I've told you enough go listen to this amazing episode.
Dia Simms is co-founder of PRONGHORN, a stand-alone business established to create a scalable template for diversifying an industry. The initial aim will be to cultivate the next generation of Black entrepreneurs, employees and executive leaders within the spirits industry through sustainable investment, incubation and recruitment. The pronghorn is the fastest North American land mammal and can endure speeds for miles. Inspired by its namesake, Pronghorn believes creating real change is a marathon, not a sprint.
Dia Simms also serves as the CEO of Lobos 1707 Tequila & Mezcal, an independent spirits brand that launched in November 2020. Simms leads Lobos 1707 alongside Founder and Chief Creative Officer Diego Osorio, with early backing by sports and cultural icon, LeBron James. Lobos 1707 Tequila & Mezcal is named after the Spanish word lobos, meaning "wolves", and dedicated to celebrating the strength of the pack. Simms brings an impressive track record of building successful brands, combined with her entrepreneurial spirit and deep expertise in the spirits industry to Lobos 1707.
Simms spent almost fifteen years working alongside Sean “Diddy” Combs at Combs Enterprises, starting in 2005 as his executive assistant. She grew within the company while building multiple brands and businesses under the Combs Enterprises umbrella. In 2017, Simms was named President of Combs Enterprises, making her the first president in the company’s thirty-year history other than Sean Combs himself. In her role as President, she oversaw multi-billion-dollar brands under the Combs empire, including: CÎROC Ultra-Premium Vodka, Blue Flame Agency, AQUAhydrate, Bad Boy Entertainment, Sean John and Revolt TV. Of note, Simms led the transformation of CÎROC Ultra- Premium Vodka taking the previously unprofitable brand to a $2 billion retail value.
Simms was listed as “One of the Most Powerful Executives in the Industry'' by Billboard in both 2017 and 2018, as well as named to the Ebony 'Power 100' list. In April of 2018, she was an honoree of the Matrix Awards from New York Women In Communications (NYWIC), as well as named to the 2018 Ad Age ‘Women to Watch’ list and Variety’s ‘Power of Women New York Impact List’. Simms serves on the board for the Maryland organization THREAD, which provides underprivileged Baltimore-area high-school students resources to help foster their academic advancement and personal growth. She often speaks on the importance of diverse leadership and accelerated brand building.
Simms graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Morgan State University. She obtained a master’s degree in Management from the Florida Institute of Technology. Simms now resides in Maryland where she lives with her husband, daughter and dog.
www.lobos1707.com
Sponsors of NoPixAfterDarkPodcast
Zeke's Coffee www.zekescoffee.com
Maggies Farm www.maggiesfarm.com
FoundStudio Shop @foundstudioshop
Charm Craft City Mafia @charmcitycraftmafia
Siena Leigh https://www.sienaleigh.com
Open Works @open_works_bmore
Baltimore Fiscal @baltimorefiscal
Snug Book. @snugbooksbmore