Tom's guest today is an artist who defies categorization and whose creative outlets span an array of genres.

Dessa is a Minneapolis-born rapper, composer, poet, writer, and the host of Deeply Human, a podcast about science. She has given TED talks and speeches about entrepreneurship and art. She’s the author of a memoir in essays called My Own Devices.  Her latest book is a collection of poetry called Tits on the Moon.

Here's a link to a Dessa composition called Velodrome, in a recording of a live performance with the Minnesota Orchestra.

Dessa is spending a few days at Johns Hopkins University here in Baltimore as an artist in residence. She’s giving a concert at the Ottobar at 8pm this Thursday night, sharing the bill with a great local band, Outcalls.

Dessa joins Tom today in Studio A …

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