Best Creative Voices Baltimore Podcasts (2025)

1
#34 Hae Won Sohn – Sculpting Process, Memory & Material Integrity 1:11:37

9h ago1:11:37

1:11:37

Artist and educator Hae Won Sohn returns for a reflective conversation on process, adaptability, and making art that holds up—materially and conceptually. Now based in Queens, Hae Won shares what’s evolved since her 2021 Sondheim Prize win and how her process-first approach has deepened through teaching, repurposing materials, and balancing art wit…

1
#33 – How Shaolin Jazz Redefines Film & Sound | DJ 2-Tone Jones 1:15:31

5d ago1:15:31

1:15:31

Shaolin Jazz co-founder DJ 2-Tone Jones—one half of the duo behind the genre-bending brand—returns to reflect on growth, alignment, and his continued love for blending film and music through Can I Kick It? Finding purpose through Shaolin Jazz: how re-scoring films with hip-hop and jazz gave his DJ career renewed meaning Can I Kick It?: building a n…

1
#32 – Joe Tropea – How Do You Choose Stories Worth Telling? 49:31

7d ago49:31

49:31

Baltimore’s award-winning documentary filmmaker, public historian, and Baltimore City Hall curator Joe Tropea returns to share how personal connection guides his project choices, why he embraces “ums” and raw moments in the edit, and what it takes to build strong creative partnerships — from abandoned true-crime concepts to a new mayoral portrait g…

1
#31 – Joseph W. Ritsch – Why ‘Irma Vep’ Is a Wild, Campy Celebration at Everyman Theatre 46:47

9d ago46:47

46:47

Get ready for a behind-the-scenes look at The Mystery of Irma Vep – A Penny Dreadful at Everyman Theatre, where director, choreographer, and arts educator Joseph Ritsch brings gothic farce, drag, and campy spectacle together in a production bursting with sharp humor and political edge. In this episode, Joseph joins Rob Lee to unpack why Charles Lud…

1
#30 – How Do You Blend Archive and Activism in Your Art? | Isaiah Winters 1:11:40

12d ago1:11:40

1:11:40

You know those moments when a photograph or film clip feels like it’s speaking hidden truths? New School professor and interdisciplinary artist Isaiah Winters returns to share how rigorous archival research fuels his photography, film, and mixed-media practice. From earning his MFA at Parsons to documenting pro-Palestinian campus protests and expos…

1
#29 – How to Bring Portraits to Life on Canvas | Monica Ikegwu 48:31

15d ago48:31

48:31

You know that moment when a painting feels so real you swear the subject might blink? Hyper-realist portraitist Monica Ikegwu returns to reveal the behind-the-scenes rigor—hours of glazing, precise lighting choices, and minimalist backgrounds—that turn a single photograph into a living, breathing canvas. Join Monica as she unpacks her journey from …

1
#28 – How Do You Bring Art to the People? | Ky Vassor 1:02:39

22d ago1:02:39

1:02:39

You’ve probably admired one of Ky Vassor’s murals without even knowing it—now she’s back to pull back the curtain on how those vibrant public artworks, pop-up workshops, and neighborhood installations all began with a passion for community and a sprinkle of hustle. In this episode, Baltimore’s interdisciplinary artist and Galerie Myrtis Assistant D…

1
#27 – How to Master Moving People Through Music | DJ James Nasty 1:16:26

26d ago1:16:26

1:16:26

Baltimore’s own DJ and producer James Nasty returns to share how stepping away from substances sparked new clarity, how he built Ecstatic Dance Baltimore into an inclusive, sober dance movement, and why guiding crowds through music remains his driving passion—from late-night club sets to substance-free floors. Finding clarity through sobriety: how …

1
#26 - How Does Art Turn Pain Into Power? | Ayiana Viviana 58:35

28d ago58:35

58:35

Abstract neurographic artist Ayiana Viviana shares how reconnecting with Puerto Rico, battling inner struggles, and choosing self-trust transformed her art—and her life—with new courage, clarity, and creative depth. How a return to Puerto Rico—and a visit to an Indigenous site—recharged her spirit and creativity Neurographic art as emotional releas…

1
#25 - Can Paintings Voice the Feelings We Never Say? | Xenia Gray 1:01:26

1M ago1:01:26

1:01:26

Contemporary figurative painter Xenia Gray unpacks how post-Soviet Siberia, spiritual retreats, and life in D.C. converge in canvases that pulse with raw feeling. Growing up in 1990s Siberia—creating a protective “shell” and turning to art for what words couldn’t say Finding her visual voice later in life: mixed media, unseen faces, and the recent …

1
#24 - What Makes FilmFest DC Survive 39 Years? | Tony Gittens 46:08

1M ago46:08

46:08

Founder and director Tony Gittens returns with the inside story of steering the Washington DC International Film Festival—now in its 39th year—through last-minute venue shake-ups, budget poker with distributors, and a mission that never changes: bring global cinema to everyone in the nation’s capital. Losing a flagship theater six weeks out—and the…

1
#23 – How Do Bold Colors Carry Heritage? | Alexi Abi 44:03

1M ago44:03

44:03

Visual artist Alexi Abi returns to talk new work, new influences, and what it takes to stay visible in Washington’s competitive arts scene. How her Lebanese heritage and years in the Caribbean shape today’s bold color fields Building momentum since her last visit—grants, gallery shows, and a pivot toward larger canvases Balancing three lanes: studi…

1
#22 – How Do 90s Pop Aesthetics Shape Modern Headwear? | Jerrill Sankey 52:53

1M ago52:53

52:53

Designer Jerrill Sankey (formerly “Creative King”) returns to talk evolution—name change, sharper focus, and bigger ambitions. 90s music videos and Vogue tear‑outs that still shape his color and form Turning a one‑man label into Jerrill Sankey Headwear—process, pricing, perseverance Artistry × craft: why materials and fit matter as much as concept …

1
#21 – Can CultureWorks Philly Turn Shared Resources Into Creative Power? | Ariel Shelton 50:44

1M ago50:44

50:44

Co‑Executive Director Ariel Shelton returns to map out how CultureWorks Greater Philadelphia functions as a co‑op for creatives—and why that matters right now. From co‑founding Arts Administrators of Color Network to leading CultureWorks Turning fiscal sponsorship, shared services, and workspace into real‑world leverage for artists Lessons Philly c…

1
#20 – Can Enoch Pratt Free Library Become Baltimore’s Town Square? | Chad Helton 48:23

1M ago48:23

48:23

President & CEO Chad Helton lays out how Baltimore’s flagship public‑library system is reinventing itself for a 21st‑century city. Small‑town roots to big‑city stacks—what shaped his collaborative leadership style Building a “library for everyone”: equity, free access, and programs that change lives Community engagement that goes beyond books—tech …

1
#19 – How Does The Vibe Room Spotlight DMV Creatives? | Natasha Magino 46:45

2M ago46:45

46:45

Founder & editor-in-chief Natasha Magino is back to break down how The Vibe Room spotlights under-represented DMV talent—and why the new art-book series is her biggest swing yet. From frustration to platform: launching The Vibe Room in 2017 on a $35K salary and a lot of grit Bouncing back after the pandemic valley—re-growing the team and pulling 20…

1
#18 – What Happens When House Beats Fuel Vivid Paintings? | Terry Thompson 55:40

2M ago55:40

55:40

Chicago-raised, Baltimore-based Terry Thompson returns to chart the evolution from his “Alien Conversations” dreamscapes to a bold new series of vein-laced canvases—while still dropping four-hour house sets on Europe’s airwaves. Mixing oils, collage, and heavy black “veins” that pump energy through his latest figures How military structure (and DJ …

1
#17 – Can Stone Carving Capture Modern Stories? | Sebastian Martorana 1:05:18

2M ago1:05:18

1:05:18

In this episode of The Truth in This Art, I welcome back Baltimore-based sculptor Sebastian Martorana. We discuss the evolution of his career over the past few years, including his work on notable projects like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in DC and carvings at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. Sebastian shares how these experiences h…

1
#16 - Can Art Fix Our Divides? | Philippa Pham Hughes 1:00:02

2M ago1:00:02

1:00:02

On this episode of The Truth In This Art, I'm excited to share my conversation with Philippa Pham Hughes, a social sculptor, educator, speaker, and writer who designs spaces for honest conversations across political, social, and cultural differences. We explore Philippa's work and her approach to fostering meaningful connections, drawing from the a…

1
#15 – How Does Sugarcane Magazine Capture Global Black Culture? | Melissa Hunter Davis 1:07:06

2M ago1:07:06

1:07:06

In this episode of The Truth in This Art, I welcome back creative entrepreneur Melissa Hunter Davis to the podcast. Melissa is the founder of Sugarcane magazine, a Black art and culture media company known for its commitment to recognizing Black culture's global influence and the rise of Black visual art, music, dance, design, and literature. We ex…

1
#14 – Can Reclaimed Materials Tell Diaspora Stories? | Lex Marie 46:36

2M ago46:36

46:36

On this episode of The Truth In This Art, I'm excited to share my conversation with Lex Marie, a DC-based multidisciplinary artist whose powerful work I've been eager to explore for years. Lex creates compelling paintings, sculptures, and installations that reflect personal experiences and deeply resonate with the African diaspora, often using ever…

1
#13 – How Does Motherhood Ignite a Painting Career? | Roxanne Sauriol Hauenherm 41:40

2M ago41:40

41:40

In this episode of The Truth In This Art, I welcome Roxanne Sauriol Hauenherm, a self-taught Montreal-based artist whose captivating paintings of female figures have garnered international recognition. We explore her journey as a self-made artist and single mother, discovering how the birth of her daughter ignited her passion for painting and becam…

1
#12 – What Makes Audiences Tune In—And Stay? | LaDawn Black 54:27

2M ago54:27

54:27

In this episode of The Truth In This Art, I chat with media personality and author LaDawn Black. We discuss her journey from Baltimore's airwaves to New York's legendary WBLS, highlighting her expertise in building engaged audiences through radio and beyond. LaDawn shares insights into her successful writing career, including her top-selling relati…

1
#11 – Can a Neighborhood Bar Become an Art Hub? | Martha Robichaud of Meander Art Bar 47:09

2M ago47:09

47:09

In this episode of The Truth In This Art, we explore the heart of Baltimore's art community with Martha Robichaud, a passionate art educator and the driving force behind Meander Art Bar, a vital art space Baltimore. Discover how Martha cultivates a thriving creative community Baltimore through accessible art Baltimore and impactful community art pr…

1
#10 – How Does Biophilic Design Bring Nature Indoors? | Alex Madaus 1:12:15

2M ago1:12:15

1:12:15

In this episode of The Truth In This Art, I welcome back Alex Madaus, an entrepreneur and visionary dedicated to bringing the healing power of nature indoors. Alex is a biophilic interior decorator and biophilic designer, and the owner of Cultivated Studios,, a Baltimore-based biophilic design studio located right here in Baltimore. We explore Alex…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Creative Voices Baltimore Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

1
The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter

Rob Lee

1
#34 Hae Won Sohn – Sculpting Process, Memory & Material Integrity 1:11:37

1
#33 – How Shaolin Jazz Redefines Film & Sound | DJ 2-Tone Jones 1:15:31

1
#32 – Joe Tropea – How Do You Choose Stories Worth Telling? 49:31

1
#31 – Joseph W. Ritsch – Why ‘Irma Vep’ Is a Wild, Campy Celebration at Everyman Theatre 46:47

1
#30 – How Do You Blend Archive and Activism in Your Art? | Isaiah Winters 1:11:40

1
#29 – How to Bring Portraits to Life on Canvas | Monica Ikegwu 48:31

1
#28 – How Do You Bring Art to the People? | Ky Vassor 1:02:39

1
#27 – How to Master Moving People Through Music | DJ James Nasty 1:16:26

1
#26 - How Does Art Turn Pain Into Power? | Ayiana Viviana 58:35

1
#25 - Can Paintings Voice the Feelings We Never Say? | Xenia Gray 1:01:26

1
#24 - What Makes FilmFest DC Survive 39 Years? | Tony Gittens 46:08

1
#23 – How Do Bold Colors Carry Heritage? | Alexi Abi 44:03

1
#22 – How Do 90s Pop Aesthetics Shape Modern Headwear? | Jerrill Sankey 52:53

1
#21 – Can CultureWorks Philly Turn Shared Resources Into Creative Power? | Ariel Shelton 50:44

1
#20 – Can Enoch Pratt Free Library Become Baltimore’s Town Square? | Chad Helton 48:23

1
#19 – How Does The Vibe Room Spotlight DMV Creatives? | Natasha Magino 46:45

1
#18 – What Happens When House Beats Fuel Vivid Paintings? | Terry Thompson 55:40

1
#17 – Can Stone Carving Capture Modern Stories? | Sebastian Martorana 1:05:18

1
#16 - Can Art Fix Our Divides? | Philippa Pham Hughes 1:00:02

1
#15 – How Does Sugarcane Magazine Capture Global Black Culture? | Melissa Hunter Davis 1:07:06

1
#14 – Can Reclaimed Materials Tell Diaspora Stories? | Lex Marie 46:36

1
#13 – How Does Motherhood Ignite a Painting Career? | Roxanne Sauriol Hauenherm 41:40

1
#12 – What Makes Audiences Tune In—And Stay? | LaDawn Black 54:27

1
#11 – Can a Neighborhood Bar Become an Art Hub? | Martha Robichaud of Meander Art Bar 47:09

1
#10 – How Does Biophilic Design Bring Nature Indoors? | Alex Madaus 1:12:15