A conversation with 2024 NEA Heritage Fellow Bril Barrett, a Chicago tap dancer and educator. Barrett discusses his early exposure to the arts through his grandmother’s encouragement, which led him to fall in love with tap dance at a young age. He recounts his journey from learning under Carlton Smith at a community center to meeting his mentor Ayrie “Mr. Taps” King, who introduced him to the improvisational and jazz aspects of tap and the rich history of the art form.

Barrett talks about his evolution from dancer to dancer/educator and his commitment to passing on tap’s history, particularly its roots in Black resilience and resistance.  We discuss the mission of M.A.D.D. Rhythms, the tap collective Barrett co-founded in 2001, which now serves as a leading force in providing arts education and mentorship to youth in Chicago. He shares how he incorporates tap’s cultural and historical context into his teaching, using what he calls "taptivism" to empower his students to use tap as a means of expression and social justice, and how M.A.D.D. Rhythms has created a "studio-to-stage" pipeline that offers young dancers a pathway to professional careers.

Barrett also discusses the significance of receiving the 2024 NEA National Heritage Fellowship, highlighting how this recognition reaffirms his commitment to his community and gives him renewed energy to continue his work. This episode is a deep dive into the world of tap dance, exploring its past, present, and future through the eyes of one of its most passionate advocates.

Today, we revisit my 2023 conversation with Dr. David Fakunle, a storyteller, scholar, and public health expert whose work embodies the healing potential of the arts. Dr. Fakunle’ s  own story from a boy in Baltimore to a leader in public health and cultural advocacy is deeply rooted in his belief that storytelling and creativity are essential to individual and community well-being. Dr. Fakunle discusses his various roles, including his faculty positions at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Morgan State University, and the University of Florida Center for Arts and Medicine. As the president of the Association of  Black Storytellers and the executive director of WombWork Productions, he emphasizes the importance of storytelling in public health, highlighting how it can address complex issues like HIV, violence, and trauma in ways that traditional approaches often cannot. Dr. Fakunle’ s work is a testament to the capacity of creativity in transforming lives and communities. Recorded at WEAA at Morgan State University, this episode is illustrates the enduring power of storytelling and its vital—if underutilized-- role in public health.

An interview with renowned jazz pianist, composer, innovator, and MacArthur Fellow Vijay Iyer.

 In this podcast, Vijay Iyer discusses his debut orchestral album "Vijay Iyer: Trouble," his classical music roots, and his dynamic journey through various musical genres. From his early violin lessons to his groundbreaking work in jazz and contemporary classical music, Iyer shares insights into his creative process and the collaborations that have shaped his illustrious career.

Iyer discusses the profound importance of jazz and Black music in his development as a musician, how the rich legacy of Black music has been a backbone of American culture and how it has significantly influenced his artistic journey. Reflecting on his collaborations with jazz legends--like NEA Jazz Master Roscoe Mitchell-- and his deep respect for the contributions of Black artists, Iyer highlights the ongoing impact of these traditions on his work.

Iyer also discusses the creation of "Trouble," recorded with the Boston Modern Orchestra Project. He reflects on the challenges and joys of composing for an orchestra, and the process of merging classical and jazz elements in his compositions.

We’re marking Disability Pride Month by revisiting my 2022 interview with Dr. Joel Snyder, a pioneering force in the field of audio description. Dr. Snyder delves into the origins and evolution of audio description, a crucial service that makes visual media accessible to those who are blind or have low vision. He shares his journey from theater and voice work to becoming a key advocate and innovator in the field, highlighting the importance of audio description in theaters, museums, television, film, and streaming services.

Dr. Snyder explains the meticulous process of creating audio description, emphasizing the need for vivid, imaginative, and succinct language that complements the original artwork without overshadowing it. He discusses the growing acceptance and implementation of audio description across various art forms, including dance and opera, and the significant role that technology and advocacy play in its expansion.  Today’s podcast offers a profound look at how audio description enriches the cultural landscape for all and underscores the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in the arts.

Bonnie Jo Campbell discusses her novel, "The Waters," its fictional setting in Southwest Michigan, and the focus on the intricate dynamics within a family of women living in a swamp:  Hermine, the herbalist grandmother; her restless daughter, Rose Thorn; and Rosie’s mathematically gifted daughter, Dorothy.  Campbell discusses how the landscape shapes the characters' identities and lives, reflecting the struggles and changes in rural American communities. The women are outsiders in their own town, facing suspicion and blame from the men who feel displaced and troubled by the changing times.

Campbell also explores the novel’s use of fairytale tropes to deepen the storytelling, the importance of place in Campbell’s writing,  and the role of animals like donkeys and rattlesnakes. Campbell shares insights into her writing process, emphasizing the authenticity and depth she strives to achieve, and the challenges she has in portraying female characters because of their layers of complexities. This episode offers a look into Campbell’s creative journey and the themes that make "The Waters" a compelling read. My thanks to Recorded Books for allowing us to use an excerpt from the audiobook The Waters, narrated by Lili Taylor.

A conversation with Lissa Frenkel, the CEO of the Gaillard Center in Charleston, South Carolina. Lissa shares the story of the Gaillard Center, a multidisciplinary cultural hub--whose renovation was completed in 2015 under the guidance of National Medal of Arts recipient  Mayor Joe Riley-- that has since become a cornerstone of the Charleston arts community.  Lissa discusses center's mission to present diverse cultural programming, its state-of-the-art acoustics, and its commitment to serving as a platform for essential dialogue on historical and contemporary issues.

Lissa Frenkel also reflects on her role in steering the center’s initiatives, highlighting key projects such as the Denmark Vesey Bicentenary and the production of "Finding Freedom: The Journey of Robert Smalls." She emphasizes the importance of partnerships with local institutions and the impact of community-focused programming. She also discusses the center's educational outreach, which reaches thousands of students annually,  the upcoming "Fall for Democracy" series-- which aims to foster conversations around democracy and inclusion through the arts, and  how the Gaillard Center is not just a venue but a vital part of Charleston's cultural and social fabric, working to present art that is accessible and relevant to all members of the community. 

An in-depth interview with 2021 National Heritage Fellow Joanie Madden, the legendary Irish musician and leader of Cherish the Ladies.  In this podcast, Joanie recounts her early life in the Bronx, New York, where she was born to Irish immigrant parents from County Galway and County Clare and shares how her father, an All-Ireland Champion accordion player, profoundly influenced her musical journey. She discusses her initial struggles with the fiddle and piano gave way to a passionate love for the tin whistle at age 12, guided by National Heritage Fellow Jack Coen. She also recounts how her determination led her to become an All-Ireland Champion herself, despite initial resistance from her father about pursuing music full-time.

Joanie also discusses the formation and evolution of Cherish the Ladies, an all-female Irish music band that has faced and overcome numerous challenges in a male-dominated field. She highlights the band's notable collaborations, including performances with the Boston Pops, and her dedication to composing music true to traditional Irish roots.  We talk about her commitment to mentoring the next generation of musicians (which has seen three of her students achieve All-Ireland Championship success.) Finally, Joanie  reflects on her numerous awards, including the National Heritage Fellowship, and expresses deep gratitude for the recognition and support from the Irish music community. Throughout the episode, Joanie Madden's joy in performing and her impact on audiences worldwide shine through.

A conversation with Adriana Pierce, a trailblazing dancer, choreographer, and director, who is reshaping the ballet world through her initiative, Queer the Ballet. Pierce discusses her early dance experiences and how her passion for dance led her to notable positions at the New York City Ballet and Miami City Ballet, where she spent seven years honing her craft.   But at the same time, there was much to negotiate: Pierce discusses the challenges of navigating gender and sexual identity in the ballet community. She reflects on the rigid gender-specific roles taught in partnering classes and her desire to break down these traditional dynamics through her choreography. This led, during the pandemic, to the creation of Queer the Ballet, a pioneering initiative aimed at creating inclusive spaces, work, and choreography for queer artists. Pierce talks about some of the work she’s created, including the evening-length piece “Dream of a Common Language” which she directed, and the positive reception from the ballet community and audiences. She also shares her vision for the future of Queer the Ballet, emphasizing the need for ongoing support from the ballet community and inclusive training. 

Community Activist, Organizer and 2024 National Heritage Fellow Pat Johnson, a pillar of the Pocahontas, Arkansas community, shares her work preserving local history and fostering community fellowship through the Eddie Mae Herron Center. She founded the Center in the very building where she once attended a segregated one-room school, transforming it into a cornerstone for celebrating Black culture and heritage. Named in honor of her beloved teacher, Miss Eddie Mae Herron, the Center stands as a testament to the enduring impact of education and community memory and solidarity.  She is a dedicated and tireless advocate of remembering, researching, and highlighting Black history and material culture in Randolph County. 

Throughout the episode, Johnson discusses the rich history of the Eddie Mae Herron Center, her personal experiences growing up and living in Pocahontas, and the impact of her efforts on the community. She highlights the significance of Juneteenth celebrations at the Center, the restoration of historical Black cemeteries,  and her outreach to the Marshallese community.   Johnson shares her vision, challenges, and triumphs in preserving African American history and fostering a sense of unity and pride within the community.