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
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
Aaron interviewed Kelly Schuit Owner, Managing Partner and Associate Broker The W Home Group of Next Step Realty in this episode. We spoke about how she got into the real estate game. She talked about how she learned marketing, advertising & sales strategies while working for a media company. She transferred those skills into the Real Estate game. You can see her companies signage in gyms, highways and all over social media. The W Group is one of the top producers in the state of Maryland. Kelly drops and lot of jewels and gems in this interview.
Kelly prides herself on not only being an active agent in the Maryland real estate market, but also on being able to share her insights, experience, and advice with agents looking to grow their own real estate careers With years of experience in Maryland's dynamic real estate industry, Kelly has built a reputation for putting her client's needs first, which she believes is at the heart of her success. As a native Marylander, she knows the ins and outs of the many unique neighborhoods and cities Maryland has to offer and is adept at navigating her clients to the ideal neighborhood and home for their family.
Kelly has a reputation for putting her client’s needs first, which she believes is at the heart of her success. As a native Marylander, she has experience in many unique neighborhoods and cities Maryland offers. She is adept at navigating her clients to the ideal neighborhood and home for their family. Kelly’s strong background in advertising translates to solid negotiation abilities, attention to detail, and marketing expertise. Kelly prides herself on her responsiveness, exceptional customer service, and follow-through.
Tuesday Nov 14, 2023
Tuesday Nov 14, 2023
Aaron interviewed Sonja Thorsvik, CEO and Host of Gigging for Gold. Sonja Thorsvik, is an entrepreneur and podcast host with a dynamic blend of expertise as a marketer, writer, and seasoned traveler. We discussed her journey as entrepenuer and working all across the world. Gigging For Gold podcast is crafted with a singular vision: to provide actionable insights, real-world wisdom, and practical strategies
At Gigging For Gold, our mission transcends the typical business advisory platform. We are dedicated to being the catalyst that propels self-employed entrepreneurs not just to meet but to exceed their aspirations, specifically in achieving that coveted first six-figure year. Our approach is holistic, understanding that success in the freelance world is not just about hard skills, but also about the nuanced interplay of finance, innovative tools, and, crucially, the right mindset
Ultimately, Gigging For Gold isn't just a podcast; it's a community and a movement. We are committed to empowering self-employed entrepreneurs, helping them unlock their full potential, and guiding them towards a future where financial independence isn't just a dream, but a well-earned reality. Sonja Thorsvik stands at the forefront of innovative marketing and entrepreneurial coaching. With her dynamic blend of expertise as a marketer, podcast host, writer, and seasoned traveler, Sonja is a true purveyor of fabulous lives. Her professional journey is marked by a dedication to excellence and a passion for empowering others to achieve their full potential.
As the visionary founder of Monkey Fist Co., Sonja has established herself as a leading figure in the marketing world, particularly in the luxury sector. Beyond her marketing prowess, she is the spirited host of Gigging For Gold, a podcast that has become a beacon of inspiration and practical guidance for self-employed entrepreneurs. Drawing from her impressive 11-year journey of working remotely, she offers invaluable insights into scaling income and achieving financial independence. Her podcast and articles go beyond mere tips, providing a holistic view of entrepreneurship that encompasses finance, the right tools, and a mindset geared towards growth and abundance.
Sonja’s ability to connect her experiences as a world traveler with her professional endeavors by bringing global insights and diverse perspectives to her work makes her a relatable and inspiring figure for her audience and clients.
WSI Marylandhttps://www.wsiworld.com/katheryne-womack?utm_campaign=gmb
Baltimore Peninsula
https://baltimorepeninsula.com/
Transcript
Tuesday Nov 07, 2023
Tuesday Nov 07, 2023
Aaron Dante interviewed Angela Schaffer - Executive Director, The Fund for Education Abroad. We discussed how she went abroad during High School and college (she was the first person from her family to travel overseas). Going on those trips shaped who she is now and as the Executive Director, The Fund for Education Abroad she helps raise funds for college kids to see the world.
Angela (Angie) Schaffer is an international educator, grants professional, and entrepreneur. Angie grew up in Baltimore City and was a first-generation college graduate. At Goucher College, where Angie earned a B.A. in International Relations, she served as Director of Sponsored Research and Corporate & Foundation Relations and Assistant Director of International Studies. Between her positions with Goucher, Angie served as Senior Director of Program Development at Cultural Vistas. Angie also served as ARO and Program Officer with TPG Cultural Exchange, a J-1 Teacher Visitor sponsor. She started her career in education abroad at the University of Maryland, and holds a Master of Arts degree in International Education Policy.
Throughout her studies and career, Angela has focused on underrepresented students and issues that affect people in or from primarily urban areas. She has convinced many friends and colleagues to support efforts to establish scholarships and funding for young people to study abroad. She has written several articles about the value of experiential learning and exchange, and has led education abroad programs and workshops in Japan, India, and South Africa. In Summer 2019, Angie co-led a Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad for Baltimore-area educators to Rwanda and Mauritius. Bio from website Fund for Education Abroad
Tuesday Oct 31, 2023
Tuesday Oct 31, 2023
Aaron interviewed Kari Dern the CEO of Become Spellbound. We talked about her journey from corporate America to entrepreneur selling jewelry! She worked in the beverage industry and was one of top reps but decided she needed a change. Kari was making jewelry as a hobby living in Manhattan and she decided to start to sell some of her jewelry on instagram. From there the demand went up and and she has not looked back! She now resides in Baltimore
Kari has been featured in magazines from Los Angeles to Baltimore. You don’t want to miss this episode!
Sponsors of the Show
United Way of Central Maryland
Zekes Coffee
For All Seasons Inc.
WSI Marylandhttps://www.wsiworld.com/katheryne-womack?utm_campaign=gmb
Baltimore Peninsula
https://baltimorepeninsula.com/
Tuesday Oct 24, 2023
Tuesday Oct 24, 2023
Aaron interviewed Aaron C. Jones CEO of Bushelers of Baltimore a custom alteration shop. In this interview we learn about Aaron’s journey from an athlete to Savannah College of Art And Design. He talked about how he has worked with people all across the US. You learn about his business and how he takes care of his customers like family. You don’t want to miss this episode!
Busheler (Bushelman) A person who alters or repairs garments. (not to be confused with a 'tailor'; who specializes in the making, mending, and altering of clothes, especially suits)
https://www.bushelersofbmore.com
Tuesday Oct 17, 2023
Tuesday Oct 17, 2023
Aaron and Jaz sat down for a spirited conversation about her journey in the art world!Her murals are all around Baltimore. She talked about Brush-Mural festival that will be happening this week! We also discussed doing Murals at the Enoch Pratt Library and how her work was highlighted in Artscape 2023! You don’t want to miss this episode!
BRUSH Mural Fest is Baltimore's hyper-local mural festival created for artists, by artists. BRUSH is proud to present five of Baltimore’s most talented female and non-binary teams made up of nine Pro muralists and four Rising Stars (emerging artists mentored by the Pros) joining together to paint, educate, and inspire through five murals installed across the city. BRUSH Mural Fest culminates in a day of outdoor festivities at Lexington Market Plaza on Saturday, October 21st from 11 am to 5pm.
AfroLatina artist, Jaz Erenberg painted her first mural in 2017 and immediately knew that if she could find a way to engage the community around her, the mural could be that much more impactful! Over the last 6 years, her practice has grown through collaboration with communities to build creative ways to make them feel seen and heard throughout the process. Using workshops and events, communities have become an integral part of how she creates public artwork. When a community is involved in how their space can be transformed, their sense of ownership and pride is reignited and they become a stronger, more connected community. “I love working in public, my favorite thing to do is pull people off the street and put a brush in their hand. Some are hesitant, but once that mural is finished, there is such a sense of pride and renewed ownership within that community. People who walk past it every day get to say, I did that!” From her website.
Tuesday Oct 10, 2023
Tuesday Oct 10, 2023
Aaron interviewed Sonjie DeCaires the CEO of Sonjè Productions. Her production company has produced for AFRAM, Congressional Black Congress, CIAA to Star Island South Beach Miami. She has a successful business that has been around for 17 years! We discuss how she wanted to be a entertainment lawyer but had a passion for production and event planning. This is an episode you don’t want to miss!
Sonjie DeCaires, CEO of Sonjé Productions. I started my career in Television and Radio before making the transition to entrepreneurship. My first client was the Simmons Lathan Group, which was launching a new channel called "Hip Hop on Demand" , on this new technology called "on demand" with Comcast, and they needed content for their channel. Because I worked in radio, we had access to artists' interviews, so we were able to form a partnership. After working as the on air talent and morning show producer for the #1 morning show in Baltimore, I ventured out on my own and never looked back.
My company, Sonjé Productions, is a full service events, promotions, and marketing company. 15+ years in business and it keeps getting better. www.sonjieproductions.com
Sponsors of the Show
United Way of Central Maryland
Zekes Coffee
For All Seasons Inc.
WSI Maryland
https://www.wsiworld.com/katheryne-womack?
Baltimore Peninsula
https://baltimorepeninsula.com/
Tuesday Sep 26, 2023
Tuesday Sep 26, 2023
Thank you Maryland's Sports Commission for having the NoPixAfterDark podcast live on location at the Maryland Cycling Classic this year. We had an amazing time interviewing stakeholders, cycling enthusiasts, Olympians, fans and families.
Thank you digitalempathstudios team for all the work you did that day recording interviews. Thank you Terry Hasseltine, STS, CTA & Graham Whaples
Wednesday Sep 20, 2023
Wednesday Sep 20, 2023
This year’s MACo Summer Conference featured a live recording of the No Pix After Dark Podcast with host Aaron Dante and US Senator Chris Van Hollen. The interview had an update on federal policy and politics, insight on how counties can make the most of unprecedented federal investments, term limits for senate and Baltimore Redline! We also learned about blue catfish.
Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
Aaron’s first guest for Season 5 of NoPixAfter Dark is MaryAnne Gilmartin. MaryAnne Gilmartin is the Founder and CEO of MAG Partners, the urban real estate company behind the transformation of Baltimore Peninsula into a thriving neighborhood. We discuss the secrets that make Baltimore so special and the keys of building a close-knit community. We also discuss why she loves Baltimore and what is in store for the Baltimore Peninsula. She does a deep dive into why she wanted to work in Baltimore and how important it is to involve the community with this new project. We conclude the interview by talking about the upcoming community events that will take place at the Baltimore Peninsula. Learn more about MaryAnnne in this dynamic first episode of season 5.
Sponsors
Zekes coffee
www.zekes coffee.com
United Way Central Maryland
Four All Seasons
WSI Digital Marketing
https://www.wsiworld.com/katheryne-womack
Wednesday Jun 28, 2023
Wednesday Jun 28, 2023
In this episode, Chris talks with Nick Schauman of The Local Oyster and True Chesapeake as they perform bivalve ASMR, discuss the importance of conservation and the recycling of oyster shells in the Chesapeake Bay, and reminisce about old family recipes that appear on the menu today.
Special thanks to Aaron Dante (@nopixafterdark) for the opportunity and platform!