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
Wednesday Apr 21, 2021
Wednesday Apr 21, 2021
Aaron Dante sits down with Ryan Wagner The Guinness Brewery Ambassador. We talk about Guinness Open Gate Brewery 1 million dollar fund focusing on Baltimore Black Community. We discuss the Allyship beer series, a monthly collaboration with Baltimoreans and Guinness employee on a specialty beer. All proceeds from these collaborations go to Job Opportunities Task Force. This is part 1 of 3 part series, Nopixafterdark X Guinness Brewery Series
https://www.guinnessbrewerybaltimore.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8q6_-YamR4
Monday Apr 19, 2021
Monday Apr 19, 2021
EP 117 Women’s History Month Continues ft Allie Curtis.
Aaron and Allie discuss Syracuse University , Ted Talks she has done, standing up for Women rights. How she loves being in the Army and how she was Miss Rhode Island in 2015.
Contributors Ivan Martin and M.A.I
Alexandra Curtis served as Miss Rhode Island 2015 and was named a Quality of Life award finalist at Miss America 2016 for her platform “Leading Ladies: Equipping Young Women With the Skills to Lead.”In 2019 she represented Rhode Island at Miss Earth USA, focusing her advocacy on environmental sustainability through plant-based living. She represented Rhode Island again at Miss Earth USA 2020 and won the title of Miss Earth USA Eco.
Curtis has been a featured speaker at several major conferences and events including Running Start’s Young Women’s Political Leadership Summit and the New England Women's Policy Conference. For her work with "Leading Ladies" she was honored at the 10th annual Young Women to Watch Awards, was named on Rare’s 2016 Under 40 List, and Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England's 2018 Leading Women of Distinction. She continues her platform work as a speaker at local schools and universities. Curtis is a two time TEDxSpeaker, with talks titled “Leading Ladies: Why Representation Matters" and "Daring Daily: The Power of Practicing Courage."
Curtis holds a B.A. in Political Science and Public Relations from Syracuse University, a Master of Public Affairs from Brown University, a Master of Science in Administration of Justice and Homeland Security from Salve Regina University, and an A.A. focused on Emergency Management from Community College of Rhode Island. She is currently pursuing a certificate in Plant Based Nutrition from Cornell University.
In March 2017 Alexandra enlisted in the Rhode Island Army National Guard as a Human Resources Specialist. In fall 2019 she commissioned into the Field Artillery as a Second Lieutenant after completing Officer Candidate School. She currently serves full-time in Public Affairs.
Through her advocacy, she remains dedicated to bringing young women into fields where women have been historically underrepresented.
Sponsors: Zeke's Coffee www.zekescoffee.com
Indu Wellness www.induwellness.com
Maggies Farm www.maggiesfarm.com
FoundStudio Shop www.foundstudioshop.com
Charm Craft City Mafia www.charmcitycraftmafia.com
Siena Leigh https://www.sienaleigh.com
Fishnet. www.eatfishnet.com
Thursday Apr 15, 2021
Thursday Apr 15, 2021
Thomas James is a visual arts curator and content creator based in Maryland. An appreciator and collector of fine arts, he highlights working artists and facilitates spaces for creatives to refine and develop their craft.
Thomas James is the Visual Arts Curator at Creative Alliance in Baltimore, Maryland and a blogger for Urban Walls World.
He studied Business Administration at Frostburg State University where he first dove seriously into the world of art. His first exhibition was at Mountain City Center for the Arts, where he was interning. After graduation, Thomas took an opportunity to independently curate another exhibition, Darkest Before the Dawn at the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, and was eventually able to get the show to travel to the ArtReach Gallery in Washington, DC.
Thomas then went on to join the team at The Phillips Collection in Washington, DC and conduct a fellowship at The Maryland Federation of Art in Annapolis, Maryland before joining the Baltimore anchor institution, Creative Alliance, in 2018. Today, Thomas continues to curate beyond Creative Alliance at institutions like the Eubie Blake Cultural Center in Baltimore, Maryland and Anne Arundel Community College.
Thomas James and I discuss his love for the arts and how a mentor gave him some amazing advice in the Art world. We talk about the new show "Organic Destruction" that starts April 17th and runs through the end of May.
https://www.creativealliance.org/category/exhibitions
IG: ThomasJames.DC
Sponsor: www.zekescoffee.com
Monday Apr 12, 2021
Monday Apr 12, 2021
EP 115: CHOP SHOP ft Lisa Hawks
Contributors: Comedian Ivan Martin, Lawyer Legal Expert Natasha Axelrod, Author Podcaster Charmyra Fleming AKA M.I.A
Lisa Hawks the owner of Chop Shop sits down with Aaron Dante and talks about all things Baltimore. She talks about her love for the Lauraville Hamilton neighborhood she lives in and the support she has received for her business since 2007. Lisa tells her entrepreneurial story, and the trials and tribulations, you don't want miss this episode. Northeast Baltimore Community
The Chop Shop, you will find an intimate, unique and welcoming environment where we take great pride in providing a personalized look for each individual. Opened in 2007, in the heart of Lauraville, the Chop Shop offers exceptional services and is eager to make you feel at home.
http://www.bmorechopshop.com/home.html
IG: bmorechopshop
FB: The Chop Shop
www.nopixafterdark.com
Sponsors: Zeke's Coffee www.zekescoffee.com
Indu Wellness www.induwellness.com
Maggies Farm www.maggiesfarm.com
FoundStudio Shop www.foundstudioshop.com
Charm Craft City Mafia www.charmcitycraftmafia.com
Siena Leigh https://www.sienaleigh.com
Fishnet. www.eatfishnet.com
Tuesday Apr 06, 2021
Tuesday Apr 06, 2021
EP 114: Part 2 :LLS Mid-Atlantic Region ft.Heather Burneson, Corinne Mayers and JillianJoseph
This episode I speak with Corinne Mayers, Heather Burneson and Jillan Joseph about the Mid Atlantic Region for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
We discuss about Myeloma Link, personal stories that brought them to LLS and where does the money go that you donate. Thank you to everyone that has participated in these episodes.
CORINNE MAYERS | Campaign Development Director, Mid-Atlantic The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
HEATHER BURNESON | Senior Manager, Patient & Community Outreach, Mid-Atlantic Region The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Jillian Joseph - Campaign Development Manager - The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Monday Apr 05, 2021
Monday Apr 05, 2021
EP 113: "A Chance to Make a Difference" Part 1 ft Jade-Addon Hall
Contributors: Comedian Ivan Martin and Lawyer/ Legal Contribitor Natasha Axelrod
Like many of you, this past year has been eye-opening for me. The overwhelming inequities and systemic racism that continues to plague our nation left me wondering, “What I can do to help?” One area that became abundantly clear was the healthcare gap. In 2019, for example, we lost 73,000 Black Americans to cancer; the highest rate of any racial or ethnic group. Because of the exorbitant costs of cancer treatment, even with Medicaid, the gaps in healthcare are significant.
My friend Jade-Addon Hall was nominated for the 2021 Man & Woman of the Year Campaign, to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). I’m proud to announce that I have joined Team Cure Excellence in an effort to raise funds and awareness for ending blood cancers and providing equitable care for those who need it most.
We discuss why he asked me to join in the effort for raising money to LLS. We talk about how I was hesitant at first and why this is so important to me. This is part 1 of 2 episodes about LLS. Part 2 comes out on Tuesday April 4.6.21 with a local Baltimore Cancer Survivor that was helped by LLS.
If you would like to donate this is the link
Thank You
https://pages.lls.org/mwoy/calso/los21/adante
www.LLS.org for more information
Monday Mar 29, 2021
Monday Mar 29, 2021
EP 112: Epsilon Omega Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc®. ft Dr Tonja L. Ringgold
Contributors this week: Garry O'Neal See.Plan.Do.Show & Life Coach, Natasha Axelrod Lawyer, Legal Expert, Nick Burr CEO M.P.O, Comedian Ivan Martin
Dr. Tonja L. Ringgold is an experienced senior higher education administrator. She brings a wealth of skills and accomplishments which span over 26 years in higher education. During her tenure, she has served as Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Student Affairs, Assistant Secretary for Higher Education at the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MEHC), Campus Dean, Department Chair, Dean of Student Development, Honors Program Director, and Professor ofPsychology. Shealsoservedaspart-timefacultyinMorganStateUniversity’s Community College Leadership Doctoral Program.
Within Alpha Kappa Alpha, Dr. Ringgold was initiated on November 15, 1982 at Morgan State University in the Alpha Delta Chapter. She is proud to share that her Golden Gem Mother, was also initiated into Alpha Delta in 1959, as well as her daughter in 2011. Dr. Ringgold is a 39-year Silver Star and Life member.
Dr. Ringgold currently serves as the North Atlantic Regional Representative to the International Program Committee, the North Atlantic Region Program Chair, and immediate past President of the Award-Winning Centennial Epsilon Omega Chapter and immediate past President of Ivy & Pearls for Excellence, Inc.
Dr. Ringgold holds five academic degrees which include a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Master of Science in Applied Psychology; a Master of Science in Management, a MBA; and a Doctorate in Education with an emphasis on Social Policy Analysis and Education Administration.
Dr. Ringgold has been recognized numerous times in the community for her volunteerism, and mentorship. Most recently, she has been a recipient of the Daily Record’s Maryland’s Top 100 Women three times which now places her in the prestigious “Circle of Excellence.” The Daily Record also recognized Dr. Ringgold as an “Innovator of the Year” in the education category. The Coalition of 100 Black Women has also recognized Soror Tonja Excellence in Educational Leadership as well as the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club (Baltimore Chapter).
This past March 6, 2021, Dr. Ringgold was awarded the coveted, President of the Year Award for Large Chapters during the sorority 2021 North Atlantic Regional Conference. She obtained a perfect score in her rating.
Dr. Ringgold is a servant leader and is proud and humbled to have the opportunity to serve others through Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®
Website: http://www.epsilonomega.org
FB: https://www.facebook.com/AKAEpsilonOmega1921/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/akaepsilonomega/?hl=en
www.nopixafterdark.com
Sponsors: Zeke's Coffee www.zekescoffee.com
Indu Wellness www.induwellness.com
Maggies Farm www.maggiesfarm.com
FoundStudio Shop www.foundstudioshop.com
Charm Craft City Mafia www.charmcitycraftmafia.com
Siena Leigh https://www.sienaleigh.com
Fishnet. www.eatfishnet.com
Wednesday Mar 24, 2021
Wednesday Mar 24, 2021
EP 111:E3 Digital ft Founder & CEO Mariah Phillips
Mariah Phillip is an online fundraising strategist, digital sales, and founder of E3 Digital, a Baltimore, Maryland-based digital marketing agency.
E3 is a fun-size digital marketing agency helping companies and nonprofits that value education and wellness change the way the world gets things done.
Our specialty: Organic Marketing with an emphasis on SEO
It was once unimaginable to be a marketing agency led by POC who are deeply engrossed in the workings of SEO
Women’s History Month with amazing Women!
www.nopixafterdark.com
Sponsors: Zeke's Coffee www.zekescoffee.com
Indu Wellness www.induwellness.com
Maggies Farm www.maggiesfarm.com
FoundStudio Shop www.foundstudioshop.com
Charm Craft City Mafia www.charmcitycraftmafia.com
Siena Leigh https://www.sienaleigh.com
Fishnet. www.eatfishnet.com
Monday Mar 22, 2021
Monday Mar 22, 2021
EP 110: POD.DRALAND ft. Alexandra Cohl
Alexandra Cohl is a writer, editor, educator, podcast producer & host of The Pod Broads, and a podcast social media growth and PR strategist.
Alexandra grew up in Maryland and moved to New York City in 2014. We talk about Baltimore, being a writer and helping support women in the podcasting
POD.DRALAND is a space dedicated to the voices of women in podcasting. Here, she writes in-depth women-hosted podcast episode recommendations and quick podcast lists, as well as feature interviews on independent women podcasters. Alexandra's intention with this website and the community have cultivated specifically on Instagram is to amplify women’s voices, encourage everyone to listen to women, and increase these podcasters’ subscribers and streams.
Only one-third of hosts on major networks are women, and that needs to change. Beyond that, she noticed that often men are still looked to as the main experts in certain fields like business, film, medical practices, and more. This, too, must change because it is simply not true, and one way this can be done is through podcasting. So, this space is for deep listening and learning, as well as entertainment, for people of all genders
https://www.instagram.com/pod.draland/?hl=en
Sponsors: Zeke's Coffee www.zekescoffee.com
Indu Wellness www.induwellness.com
Maggies Farm www.maggiesfarm.com
FoundStudio Shop www.foundstudioshop.com
Charm Craft City Mafia www.charmcitycraftmafia.com
Siena Leigh https://www.sienaleigh.com
Fishnet. www.eatfishnet.com
Monday Mar 15, 2021
Monday Mar 15, 2021
EP 109: BmoreArt ft Cara Ober Founding Editor and Publisher
contributors: Comedian Ivan Martin, Lawyer Natasha Axelrod, CEO of VBS Tax & Accounting Trevor White
Cara Ober is an artist, arts writer, curator, and the founding editor and publisher at BmoreArt, Baltimore's art and culture magazine. She writes regularly about artist, museum, and material culture, with emphasis on context and subtext in the art world. In 2019, she was awarded a Rabkin Art Writers Grant and was commissioned by the Warhol Foundation to write "Artspeak and Audience" for Common Field's Field Perspectives Series. In addition to her regular writing and editing for BmoreArt, Ober has published articles in Vulture: New York Magazine, Hyperallergic, Burnaway, Art Papers, ARTnews, and The Baltimore Sun. Cara has taught classes and lectured at MICA, Johns Hopkins, American University, UMBC, and Goucher College. She holds an MFA in painting from MICA and a degree in fine arts from American University
BmoreArt is an independent, Baltimore-based magazine that reflects the art and culture of our city and the surrounding region, including Maryland, Washington, DC, and Northern Virginia. We provide creative and critical coverage of the cultural landscape and work with a diverse team of local writers, editors, and artists.
Our thematic print journal is released twice a year in fall and spring, and our online site is updated daily. To encourage participation and inclusion in the region, BmoreArt publishes a weekly event “Picks” post every Tuesday, a curated list of the best upcoming exhibits and events. The site also includes a calendar of cultural events, a gallery and resource guide, a weekly e-newsletter, and opportunities to participate, share, and comment. In addition to our online and print publications, we engage through social media and events, including magazine launch parties in Baltimore’s most iconic locations and speaker series for artists, collectors, and arts professionals.
Monday Mar 08, 2021
Monday Mar 08, 2021
EP 108: The Notorious Stoop Storytelling Series ft Jessica Henkin and Laura Wexler
The Stoop Storytelling Series is a Baltimore-based live show and podcast that features “ordinary” people sharing the extraordinary, true tales of their lives.
The mission of The Stoop is to build community through the sharing of personal stories.
Stoop stories are not memorized, performed, or read. They’re shared.
Stoop shows are intimate and surprising, wonderful and weird, hilarious and heartbreaking.
Since its founding in 2006, The Stoop has featured the tales of more than 2,500 people onstage — including notable citizens such as the late Congressman Elijah Cummings, “Wire” creator David Simon, activist DeRay Mckesson, and Senator Barbara Mikulski.
The Stoop has been featured in The Washington Post and The New York Times.
https://www.facebook.com/stoop.series
https://twitter.com/thestoop
Comedian Ivan Martin has produced over 200 Comedy Shows in the City of Baltimore. He was featured on Comedy Central's- Kevin Hart Hart of the City (Baltimore) and in 2020 he was named Baltimore's Best Comedian - Baltimore Sun. Also the Founder of the Baltimore Comedy Festival which is in it's 5th year and Co-Founder of the DC Comedy Festival IG: @comedianivanmartin
Natasha Axelrod: A lawyer since 2010 with a passion for civic and legal education, Natasha Axelrod will serve as our legal contributor, informing and educating on general government and legal system basics as well as current events. You can find Natasha on Instagram at @natasha_axelrod and on YouTube at The Legal Blonde - Natasha Axelrod.
Trevor White CEO of Valuable Business Solutions, Trevor is responsible for cultivating an environment that makes Valuable Business Solutions the most attractive destination for individuals and businesses seeking consulting services. Prior to becoming the CEO of Valuable Business Solutions, Trevor spent seven years at some of the regions’ largest CPA and Management Consulting Firms. That was followed by five years as the Director of Operations and Finance for two Maryland based companies. Trevor began his career with a “Big Four” accounting firm in New York City, where he gained experience in business advisory and tax compliance. @mrtaxpro
www.nopixafterdark.com IG: Nopixafterdark. Twitter: Nopixafterdark Facebook: Nopixafterdarkpodcast
Sponsors: Zeke's Coffee www.zekescoffee.com
Indu Wellness www.induwellness.com
Maggies Farm www.maggiesfarm.com
FoundStudio Shop www.foundstudioshop.com
Charm Craft City Mafia www.charmcitycraftmafia.com
Siena Leigh https://www.sienaleigh.com
Intro Track Produced by: Raph
Intro Track Vocals: Nick Burroughs Motivational Purposes Only
Track mixer: Tenelven