Streets Dept Podcast

An Andy Warhol Curatorial Fellow who worked for many years as a curator in the UK, Robert Blackson moved back the U.S. in 2011 to spearhead the Tyler School of Art’s Department of Exhibitions and Public Programs. Now an undeniable force in Philly's art world, today we talk with Robert about how his curatorial instincts have led to a series of bold, thought-provoking exhibitions around the city that work to directly address questions from an advisory council of Philadelphians from a range of backgrounds.

Maori Karmael Holmes is the founder of BlackStar Film Festival, an annual celebration of the visual and storytelling traditions of the African diaspora and of global communities. She's also a world-renowned curator, organizer, and director. Today, we talk with Maori about film, representation vs. authorship, and so much more! 

On November 6th, 2018, Malcolm Kenyatta became the first openly gay person of color elected to statewide office in Pennsylvania. In today's episode, we talk with Rep. Kenyatta about the challenges of the PA State House and about this work to help eliminate poverty in the state. And as an elected Democrat, we end by exploring some of the current 2020 presidential candidates and how he thinks the Dems could take back the White House. 

William Tyrone Toms is on a mission to build a network of creatives across the globe. He's building, in a term, an artists' union of musicians, photographers, visual artists, writers, and more with the goal of lifting and supporting all creatives for the greater good. In today's episode, we chat with Will about starting REC Philly with his partner Dave Silver and how he sees their company growing, his advice for artists to better market themselves, and so much more!  

A Philly-based illustrator whose artwork depicts people of color of varying skin tones and shapes with nuance and individuality, Loveis Wise has had enormous success since graduating college in 2018. Among those achievements: having her artwork on the cover of The New Yorker last summer (becoming only the second black woman artist to ever do so) and just last month being the featured Google Doodle artist. Today we talk with Loveis about art, representation, and manifesting your dreams.

Jon Geeting is the Director of Engagement for Philadelphia 3.0, a political action committee focused on City Council elections and governance reforms in the city of Philadelphia. For the last several years, Jon has played a big role in influencing Philly politics. And in today's episode, we talk about it all! 

The city of Philadelphia's newly elected City Controller, Rebecca Rhynhart has spent her first year in office working to make our city government more transparent and accountable, auditing Philly's 10-year tax abatement, uncovering unfair property tax assessments, and advocating for better sexual harassment prevention policies and procedures. Today we talk with Rebecca about what she's discovered so far, and what her office plans to investigate this year.

The founder of Men's Style Pro, a consulting firm and editorial site, Sabir M. Peele helps men understand, breakdown, and expand their personal style. Today with chat with Sabir about how he's built one of the Philly area's most successful men's lifestyle blogs and social media accounts, and how he regularly works with major style brands around the world to grow his influence. (And yes, he's got some fashion tips too!)

Inga Saffron is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and architecture critic for the Philadelphia Inquirer. Since 1999, she's been thinking and writing about Philadelphia's architecture, design, public space, city planning, and all that goes into making a city worth living in. Today, we talk with Inga about Philly's past, present, and possible future!

Today we chat with interdisciplinary poet, performer, activist, and recording artist Ursula Rucker, whose work reflects the world and our times, as well as her own personal history. Ursula characterizes her work as situated “along the edge of the terrains of poetry.” She’s released five albums and collaborated with a wide range of artists, including King Britt, Josh Wink, and The Roots. In 2017, a recording of her epic poem "Logan Squared: Ode to Philly" became an anthem for the city of Philadelphia!

Morgan Berman is the CEO of MilkCrate, a mission driven tech company that helps other mission driven organizations achieve their impact goals. Named one of the "Top 10 Female Entrepreneurs to Watch” by the UN Foundation, Morgan has presented at Forbes 30 Under 30 and has been a World Economic Forum Global Shaper. In her spare time, Morgan practices Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and she recommends more female founders try it out too!

Marcus Branch is a NYC/PHL-based photographer who is taking the art world by storm. In recent years, Marcus has shot for Afropunk, Marie Claire, i-D Japan, VICE, and Interview Magazine to name a few. His seemingly effortless talent, drive, and eye combined with his passion for documenting queer, black, non-binary communities, and people of all backgrounds, makes his body of work look and feel like the beautiful future we all deserve, where our differences are respected and celebrated.

Just named as the next Poet Laureate of Philadelphia, Raquel Salas Rivera is a bilingual poet, writer, and translator. In this Season One finale, Conrad Benner talks with Raquel about how they plan to use their new influential position to advocate for Puerto Rico and address issues around community and gentrification in Philly. (Season One of the Streets Dept Podcast is brought to you by our sponsors at The Navy Yard and Indy Hall! Episodes are mixed and edited by our Producer Mike Mehalick.)

Chill Moody is a West Philly-based hip-hop artist, a businessman and a beer-maker, and Philadelphia’s official Music Ambassador. Conrad Benner talks with Chill about his many projects both in and outside of his breakthrough music career. (Season One of the Streets Dept Podcast is brought to you by our sponsors at The Navy Yard and Indy Hall! Episodes are mixed and edited by our Producer Mike Mehalick.)

Antoinette Marie Johnson is a writer, a former Army service member, and the CEO of Cohere, an urbanism-focused creative agency on a mission to build better cities. Conrad Benner talks with Antoinette about building Cohere out of her previous company, At Media. (Season One of the Streets Dept Podcast is brought to you by our sponsors at The Navy Yard and Indy Hall! Episodes are mixed and edited by our Producer Mike Mehalick.)