Join host Frank Sentwali for a compelling conversation with the inimitable Queen Sheba—a spoken word powerhouse, Grammy-nominated artist, and cultural changemaker. From her roots in Detroit to her creative journey through the South, Queen Sheba shares her insights on the transformative power of art, the intersection of poetry and politics, and the role creativity plays in addressing societal challenges.

Discover her latest album, Civil Rights: The South Got Something to Say, an exploration of identity, resilience, and healing. Whether it's mentoring young artists, advocating for the arts, or breaking barriers on stage, Queen Sheba's story is a testament to the enduring impact of creativity. Don’t miss this vibrant episode filled with wisdom, humor, and inspiration!

🌟 Listen now and get inspired by her journey and message of empowerment through art.

About Creativity on Tap and COMPAS
Creativity on Tap is produced by COMPAS, a nonprofit that makes creativity accessible to all Minnesotans by providing participatory creative experiences. In each episode, Creativity on Tap brings together educators, entrepreneurs, elected officials, parents, and other community leaders to discuss creativity and answer the question: What is creativity, and how can it solve the unique challenges facing today's world?

You'll find Creativity on Tap anywhere you get your podcasts, in addition to its webpage.

Creativity On Tap is part of Creativity Saves the World, a year-long initiative led by COMPAS to explore, celebrate, and emphasize the pivotal role creativity can and must play in shaping a world that prioritizes equity, justice, and inclusivity.

Theme music, "Krank It," was produced by COMPAS Teaching Artist Bionik.

#COMPASCreates #CreativitySavesTheWorld #CreativityIsForEveryone

In this inspiring episode, Coach Larry McKenzie chats with host Frank Sentwali about his remarkable journey as a Hall of Fame basketball coach, author, and educator. From leading Minneapolis schools to historic state championships to founding impactful youth programs, Larry highlights the transformative role of creativity in sports, education, and life. He discusses his innovative approaches to team building, motivation, and leadership, emphasizing the importance of discipline, imagination, and being "different to make a difference." Tune in to hear how creativity fuels champions—on and off the court.

About Larry McKenzie
Author, Certified Speaker, Trainer, and Six-Time H.S. Championship Basketball Coach Dedicated to Inspiring Champions

Coach, author, and educator Larry McKenzie is the first coach to win four straight state titles in the 100-year history of the Minnesota State Boys Basketball. In 2017, Coach McKenzie became the first coach in Minnesota High School Basketball history to lead two separate schools to multiple titles, both Minneapolis Patrick Henry and Minneapolis North.

Larry is a long-time community and youth advocate with 20-plus years of experience working with urban youth. His service to young people has earned him numerous awards and recognition, including KARE 11’s Eleven Who Care, KTCA’s Everyday Hero, the Minneapolis Park Board’s Volunteer of the Year, and Positive Image Father of the Year.

In 2014, Larry McKenzie became the first African-American coach selected to the Minnesota Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame. His commitment to the community is further reflected through his membership in Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Alumni Chapter, his service on the Metropolitan Council Minority Issues Advisory Committee, and his role as a board member for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Greater Minneapolis, the North Community YMCA, the Northside Development Council, and other nonprofit organizations.

Larry’s professional background includes 25 years of business experience in management, sales, and marketing—including 10 years in the nonprofit sector. His experience includes serving as Executive Director of Hospitality House Youth Directions, an urban youth ministry; Urban Director at Youth Frontiers, which provides character education to Minnesota schools; and Executive Director and Charter School Liaison for Pillsbury United Communities. He is also the co-founder of the Above The Rim Youth Sports Foundation along with his wife, Pamela Wilkins-McKenzie.

HONORS / AWARDS

• NCAA Living Legend Award (2019)
• Guardian of the Game Award, National Basketball Coaches Association (2019)
• Miami Beach H.S. Hall of Fame (2018)
• Bush Fellowship Recipient (2018)
• First African-American Coach in the MN Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame (2014)
• First coach to win four straight state titles in 100-year history of the MN State Boys Basketball tournament
• Only coach to lead two teams to multiple state titles in Minnesota high school basketball (2017)
• KARE-11’s 11 Who Care
• KTCA’s Everyday Hero
• Volunteer of the Year, Minneapolis Park Board
• Father of the Year, Positive Image

About Creativity on Tap and COMPAS
Creativity on Tap is produced by COMPAS, a nonprofit that makes creativity accessible to all Minnesotans by providing participatory creative experiences. In each episode, Creativity on Tap brings together educators, entrepreneurs, elected officials, parents, and other community leaders to discuss creativity and answer the question: What is creativity, and how can it solve the unique challenges facing today's world?

You'll find Creativity on Tap anywhere you get your podcasts, in addition to

In this episode of Creativity on Tap, host Frank Sentwali sits down with Alexei "Crescent Moon" Casselle, a musician and educator born and raised in Minneapolis. Alexei discusses his roots in the Twin Cities hip-hop scene and his journey as a performer, world traveler, and now educator. Known for his work with groups like Kill the Vultures, Roma di Luna, Big Trouble, and Mixed Blood Majority, Alexei reflects on how creativity has shaped his life. Now a secondary English teacher, he shares how his experiences in music influence his approach to education, blending art and learning to inspire the next generation. Don’t miss this deep dive into the intersection of hip-hop, community, and teaching.

About Alexei
Alexei Moon Casselle AKACrescent Moon is a musician and educator born and raised in Minneapolis. Casselle came up in the Twin Cities hip hop community in the mid-1990s inspiring him to join bands, record music, and play shows around the world. With over twenty albums in his discography of affiliated groups ranging from hip hop to Americana/roots music, Crescent Moon has always kept a core foundation of lyrics and rhythm in his creative DNA. He is currently a secondary English Language Arts teacher in the Twin Cities metro area.

About Creativity on Tap and COMPAS
Creativity on Tap is produced by COMPAS, a nonprofit that makes creativity accessible to all Minnesotans by providing participatory creative experiences. In each episode, Creativity on Tap brings together educators, entrepreneurs, elected officials, parents, and other community leaders to discuss creativity and answer the question: What is creativity, and how can it solve the unique challenges facing today's world?

You'll find Creativity on Tap anywhere you get your podcasts, in addition to its webpage.

Creativity On Tap is part of Creativity Saves the World, a year-long initiative led by COMPAS to explore, celebrate, and emphasize the pivotal role creativity can and must play in shaping a world that prioritizes equity, justice, and inclusivity.

Theme music, "Krank It," was produced by COMPAS Teaching Artist Bionik.

#COMPASCreates #CreativitySavesTheWorld #CreativityIsForEveryone

Our guest this week is T. Mychael Rambo, 3-time Regional Emmy Award winning actor, vocalist, arts educator, author, and community organizer. T. Mychael and host Frank Sentwali discuss a wide range of topics ranging from T. Mychael's journey as an artist, to what inspires him about helping others tap into their creativity, the importance of self-expression, and so much more.

About T. Mychael Rambo
T. Mychael Rambo has made an indelible mark here in the Twin Cities performing principal roles at such theaters as: Penumbra, the Guthrie,New Dawn Theatre, Ordway Theatre, Illusion Theatre, Mixed Blood, Park Square Theatre, 10,000 Things, Theater Latte Da, Children’s Theatre and Minnesota Opera to name but a few.  Nationally and internationally his stage credits include Carnegie Hall and performances abroad across Africa, Europe, and South America. He has appeared in local and national television commercials, feature films, HBO mini-series, and other television programming.

T. Mychael is an accomplished residency artist and an affiliate professor in the College of Liberal Arts, Theatre Arts and Dance at the University of Minnesota.  As a recording artist, T. Mychael has released two popular CD's: “Simply” - a collection of jazz standards; and "The Gift; A Christmas With Love” - a selection of original and holiday classics. 

T. Mychael had the great honor of singing the National Anthem for both President Barak Obama and former President Jimmy Carter.  Mr. Rambo is also the proud recipient of the 2010 Sally Award in Arts Educator - presented by the Ordway Theatre, and the 2010 Minnesota Black Music Award. His other honors and awards include Young Audience Artist of the Year, McKnight Theatre Artist Fellowship, Minnesota State Arts Board Artist Fellowship, Bush Finalist and both the University of Minnesota Century Council Community Award and Outstanding Community Service Award among others. 

As a public speaker Mr. Rambo shares his motivational skill set by lacing together his many other talents with spirited anecdotal storytelling, insightful observations, levity and song that makes for a thought-provoking, transformative and truly enriching interactive presentation. Some of his clients include: Target, Ameriprise, St. Paul and Minnesota Foundation, Bush Foundation, University of Minnesota and some of Minnesota’s other top philanthropic, academic and corporate leaders.

About Creativity on Tap and COMPAS
Creativity on Tap is produced by COMPAS, a nonprofit that makes creativity accessible to all Minnesotans by providing participatory creative experiences. In each episode, Creativity on Tap brings together educators, entrepreneurs, elected officials, parents, and other community leaders to discuss creativity and answer the question: What is creativity, and how can it solve the unique challenges facing today's world?

You'll find Creativity on Tap anywhere you get your podcasts, in addition to its webpage.

Creativity On Tap is part of Creativity Saves the World, a year-long initiative led by COMPAS to explore, celebrate, and emphasize the pivotal role creativity can and must play in shaping a world that prioritizes equity, justice, and inclusivity.

Theme music, "Krank It," was produced by COMPAS Teaching Artist Bionik.

#COMPASCreates #CreativitySavesTheWorld #CreativityIsForEveryone

Our guest this week is the amazing Nancy Lyons, CEO and co-founder of Clockwork, and an all-around extraordinary human being! Nancy spoke with host Frank Sentwali about her creative journey and dropped some seriously amazing knowledge and insights along the way. 

About Nancy
Nancy Lyons, CEO and co-founder of Clockwork, understands that humans are the hardest part of work. She’s been building teams and leading clients through culture change (and evolution) for over 20 years by challenging people to harness the human side of business. With that under her belt, she’s wide-awake in the real world. She’s been there, done that, and now she wants to help everyone activate their inner change-maker by showing up different and controlling the one thing you can: yourself. She is the author of the Amazon bestseller Work Like a Boss: A kick-in-the-pants Guide to Finding (and Using) your Power at Work and a selection of past award titles include Most Admired CEO, 100 People to Know, and Business Owner of the Year.

About Creativity on Tap and COMPAS
Creativity on Tap is produced by COMPAS, a nonprofit that makes creativity accessible to all Minnesotans by providing participatory creative experiences. In each episode, Creativity on Tap brings together educators, entrepreneurs, elected officials, parents, and other community leaders to discuss creativity and answer the question: What is creativity, and how can it solve the unique challenges facing today's world?

You'll find Creativity on Tap anywhere you get your podcasts, in addition to its webpage.

Creativity On Tap is part of Creativity Saves the World, a year-long initiative led by COMPAS to explore, celebrate, and emphasize the pivotal role creativity can and must play in shaping a world that prioritizes equity, justice, and inclusivity.

Theme music, "Krank It," was produced by COMPAS Teaching Artist Bionik.

#COMPASCreates #CreativitySavesTheWorld #CreativityIsForEveryone

Our guest for this episode is Leslie Andrews.

Leslie is a beauty and branding photographer with over 18 years' experience in the industry. Based in Atlanta, GA, Leslie currently owns and operates Midtown Collective Studios, a photography studio and upscale event venue.

In this episode, Leslie and host Frank Sentwali delve into her background and experience and do a deep dive into what it takes to turn your creative aspirations and artistry into a lifestyle. (Spoiler: It takes a lot of patience and resilience.)

More about Leslie
As a Profoto Ambassador of Light, Leslie is passionate about capturing stunning images that showcase the unique styles of a diverse group of subjects with captivating lighting techniques.

Leslie has had the pleasure of working with top brands such as Revlon,
Bravo, Amazon, and Forbes, and her beauty and fashion editorials have
appeared in numerous publications. Her journey with photography
has been a long one, and she enjoys teaching and mentoring other
photographers on how to run a successful business.

Leslie is passionate about capturing stunning images that showcase
unique styles of a diverse group of subjects with captivating lighting
techniques.

About Creativity on Tap and COMPAS
Creativity on Tap is produced by COMPAS, a nonprofit that makes creativity accessible to all Minnesotans by providing participatory creative experiences. In each episode, Creativity on Tap brings together educators, entrepreneurs, elected officials, parents, and other community leaders to discuss creativity and answer the question: What is creativity, and how can it solve the unique challenges facing today's world?

You'll find Creativity on Tap anywhere you get your podcasts, in addition to its webpage.

Creativity On Tap is part of Creativity Saves the World, a year-long initiative led by COMPAS to explore, celebrate, and emphasize the pivotal role creativity can and must play in shaping a world that prioritizes equity, justice, and inclusivity.

Theme music, "Krank It," was produced by COMPAS Teaching Artist Bionik.

#COMPASCreates #CreativitySavesTheWorld #CreativityIsForEveryone

This week, our guest is Jacqui Thompson, who is basically the living embodiment of Creativity. Her experience includes working for musical icon Prince at his Paisley Park facility, where she helped create one of the music industry’s first standalone distribution channels for independent artists.

She is also a serial entrepreneur who has launched (so far) two alcohol brands. Revel Spirits, which is a new agave-based spirit,  and Las Melodías De La Luna Mezcal.

She is also one of the founders of the PRN Alumni Foundation, a nonprofit comprised of former employees of Paisley Park and Prince. Their mission is to continue his legacy of generosity and charity. 

In this episode, Jacqui shares her origin story, including how Prince taught her to trust her creative abilities.

You'll find Creativity on Tap anywhere you get your podcasts, in addition to:

Its webpage 

On YouTube

#COMPASCreates  #CreativitySavesTheWorld

About Creativity on Tap and COMPAS
Creativity on Tap is produced by COMPAS, a nonprofit that makes creativity accessible to all Minnesotans by providing participatory creative experiences. In each episode, Creativity on Tap brings together educators, entrepreneurs, elected officials, parents, and other community leaders to discuss creativity and answer the question: What is creativity, and how can it solve the unique challenges facing today's world?

Creativity On Tap is part of Creativity Saves the World, a year-long initiative led by COMPAS to explore, celebrate, and emphasize the pivotal role creativity can and must play in shaping a world that prioritizes equity, justice, and inclusivity.

Theme music, "Krank It," was produced by COMPAS Teaching Artist Bionik.

#COMPASCreates #CreativitySavesTheWorld #CreativityIsForEveryone

In this episode, host Frank Sentwali chats with guest Sarah McNally about the role creativity has played in her life and career.

About Sarah McNally
Sarah is the Director of Talent for Endeavor Air, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines. She is responsible for Talent Acquisition, Talent Development, and Organizational Effectiveness.

Prior to joining Endeavor Air in 2021, she spent 13 years helping companies create cultures where people WANT to go to work as an external organization consultant. Some of the companies Sarah has worked with are Delta Air Lines, Thrivent Financial, Disney Imagineering, Amtrak, and Apple Autos Group.

Sarah was the founder of Lady Boss Virtual, an online networking group for women that she passed on to a new Lady Boss in 2021.

About Creativity on Tap and COMPAS
Creativity on Tap is produced by COMPAS, a nonprofit that makes creativity accessible to all Minnesotans by providing participatory creative experiences. In each episode, Creativity on Tap brings together educators, entrepreneurs, elected officials, parents, and other community leaders to discuss creativity and answer the question: What is creativity, and how can it solve the unique challenges facing today's world?
Creativity On Tap is part of Creativity Saves the World, a year-long initiative led by COMPAS to explore, celebrate, and emphasize the pivotal role creativity can and must play in shaping a world that prioritizes equity, justice, and inclusivity.

COMPAS turns 50 this year! That's half a century of putting creativity in the hands of millions of Minnesotans.

Theme music, "Krank It," was produced by COMPAS Teaching Artist Bionik.

#CreativitySavesTheWorld

Creativity on Tap is produced by COMPAS, an arts education nonprofit that makes creativity accessible to all Minnesotans by providing participatory creative experiences.

In each episode, Creativity on Tap brings together educators, entrepreneurs, elected officials, parents, and other community leaders to discuss creativity and answer the question: What is creativity, and how can it solve the unique challenges facing today's world?

In this episode, host Frank Sentwali chats with guests Craig Rice, an award-winning producer and director,  and Jes Reyes, COMPAS Arts Program Manager and interdisciplinary artist, artist organizer,  and teaching artist. They discuss the important role creativity has played in their lives and how they have successfully built lives and careers around their artistry.

Creativity On Tap is part of Creativity Saves the World, a year-long initiative led by COMPAS. Its mission is to explore, celebrate, and emphasize the pivotal role creativity can and must play in shaping a world that prioritizes equity, justice, and inclusivity.

Theme music, "Krank It" was produced by COMPAS Teaching Artist Bionik. 

#CreativitySavesTheWorld

In the inaugural episode of Creativity On Tap, host Frank Sentwali chats with guests Tatiana Greenfield-Smith, the founder and CEO of Wilkii & Co, and Liz Sheets, Chief Marketing Officer at Tunheim and current president of the board for COMPAS, about the important role creativity has played in their lives and careers. The three also discuss creativity's vital role in solving this era's unique challenges.

Theme music, "Krank It" was provided by COMPAS Teaching Artist Bionik.

Creativity On Tap is part of Creativity Saves the World, a year-long initiative led by COMPAS. Its mission is to explore, celebrate, and emphasize the pivotal role creativity can and must play in shaping a world that prioritizes equity, justice, and inclusivity.