Starting this season, I wanted to lean into gratitude for someone who was a catalyst in helping me get started as well as behind the scenes several on site events around MA. Madison Niles, aka the Side Quest Queen, is a model, actress, all around creative and soon to be nurse in the Boston area. 

Madison is someone who has major aura and you can’t help but shine in her presence. Thank you again Madison! 

Where to Find Our Guest-------------------------------------------------

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madsnls/

Mentions----------------------------------------------------------

Art Plug Boston https://www.instagram.com/artplug.bos/

Don Noir Models https://www.instagram.com/d.n.models/

Support the Pod--------------------------------------------------------
 
Rate, Review, Subscribe!

Local Threads Podcast on all audio platforms https://local-threads.transistor.fm/

Local Threads is produced, edited, and hosted by Molly Rae

[email protected] for inquiries

Music by: Moby Gratis

This week, Thomas Drury-Wang, Founder and President of the Audeville Society, talks about how his nonprofit is centering performing arts in New England. The Audeville Society provides grants to those looking to build their portfolio and provides an accessible way to enrich the community through encouraging performers to follow their dreams. 

Each year the Audeville Society raises funds for these grants through the Revelry Ball, which is held on February 28th, 2026, at the Royale in Boston, MA. Ticket prices as well as additional donations are used to fund the grant programs, truly making it a by New England for New England affair. This year, Revelry will provide a three-act variety featuring local performers from acrobatics to trombonists, allowing patrons to start the year with a bang. 

--------------------------------------------Where to Find Our Guest-------------------------------------------------

To find out more about tickets, how to volunteer at the ball or with Audville, and when grant applications open check the websites below. 

Website: https://www.audevillesociety.com/

Tickets: https://www.audevillesociety.com/events

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/audevillesociety

Revelry Ball Instagram: 

Revelry Ball Website: https://www.therevelryball.com/

Performers! https://www.therevelryball.com/entertainment

---------------------------------------------------Mentions--------------------------------------------------------------

Lady LaRouge & Joey March producers of Worcester Draglesque https://www.instagram.com/worcesterdraglesquefestival

Delta Miles producer of DIVA! https://www.instagram.com/thedeltamiles/

Boston Circus Guild https://www.bostoncircusguild.com/

Circus 617 https://www.circus617.com/

---------------------------------------------------Support the Pod----------------------------------------------------
 
Follow Local Threads Podcast on all platforms https://local-threads.transistor.fm/ Leave a review if you like what you hear! 

Local Threads is hosted & produced by: Molly Amatangelo

Music by: Moby Gratis

This week Olivia Harvey breaks down how her very niche upcycled sweatshirt designs almost got her sued by you know who, how she pivoted, and the unexpected commission she received in the wake of it all. We talk about her journey into fashion, her time at Emerson, and her one and only market she ever does Wicked Women Makers Market coming up on November 29th tickets available via the event page below.

Follow Olivia's brand Oh_Pleeze on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_pleeze/?hl=en
The infamous substack article: https://substack.com/@ohpleeze/note/p-173153781?utm_source=notes-share-action&utm_medium=web
Wicked Women Makers Market Tickets: https://www.facebook.com/wickedwomenmakersmarket/
Learn to Sew: https://www.northriverarts.org/event-6395349?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnBD3SOeP6yPUrAdwDLcZGS5G08gBivStluEsJeTEXOMSK6lTAo5LYamPU5S0_aem_dvH8RHI-rE2DKxtNioAxHw
Boston.com article https://www.boston.com/news/arts/2025/07/15/lobsters-cigarettes-and-dunkin-south-shore-artist-aims-to-capture-the-mass-vibe
Linktr.ee https://linktr.ee/ohpleeze
TikTok: https://tr.ee/NklTvEPvUZ

Mentions:
Southern New England Fibershed: https://fibershed.org/affiliate/se-new-england-fibershed/

Follow Local Threads Podcast on all platforms https://local-threads.transistor.fm/

Episode 13: Mill Forge Makerspace: Revival of the maker movement with owner William Brooks

In the heart of the maker movement, Mill Forge stands out as a hub for creativity, collaboration, and community engagement. Opened just two months ago, this innovative space is not only hosting classes and events but also actively participating in initiatives that promote sustainability and the right to repair. Join us as we explore the exciting projects and opportunities that Mill Forge is bringing to the community.

Be sure to check out Mill Forge Makerspace here and check for upcoming events like open hack night on December 10th, membership costs or day passes, and workspace rentals.

Take that dream project and turn it into a reality with your bare hands. Or with gloves, you know what I mean.

Follow Mill Forge on socials
https://www.instagram.com/millforge

Episode 12

In this episode of Local Threads, Molly sits down with gothic jeweler and artist Julian the 2nd, whose darkly beautiful work blends brutalist architecture, mourning, and the occult into wearable art. Julian shares his journey from art school to running his own thriving brand rooted in the historic jewelry capital of Providence, Rhode Island.

We talk about:

• Falling down stairs and starting chaotic mornings
• Growing up with an opera singer dad and seamstress mom
• How brutalist architecture and grief shaped Julian’s gothic style
• His time working at Tiffany & Co. and what it taught him
• Creating jewelry that heals, honors loss, and pushes artistic boundaries
• The energy of Salem’s maker markets and teaching at The Bench RI

Follow Julian and all the creatives below on where to find his jewelry as well as the markets hosted by Witch City Wicks coming up in December. 

Follow Julian the 2nd:
Instagram → @julianthe2nd
TikTok → @julianthe2ndjewelry
Website →https://julianthe2nd.com/
YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@julianthe2ndjewelry
Mentions:
The Bench RI → https://thebenchri.com/
Nocturne Salem → https://nocturnesalem.com
The Adventurer's Supply → https://www.theadventurerssupply.com/
Witch City Wicks → https://www.witchcitywicks.com/

Follow Local Threads:
Instagram → @local.threads.podcast
YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@Local-Threads-Podcast
TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@local.threads.podcast
 
Do the show a solid and leave us a review, follow if you aren't already, and most importantly let us know if you found your new favorite artist!

Show inquiries: [email protected]

Episode 11: Diversity Consignment X Project Reworked Runway with Luis Cepeda

Guest: Luis Cepeda, Assistant Manager at Diversity Consignment
Host: Molly — Local Threads Podcast
Location: Jamaica Plain, Boston MA

🧵 Summary

In this episode, Molly sits down with Luis Cepeda, the Assistant Manager at Diversity Consignment, one of Boston’s most beloved shopping spots for the secondhand and vintage markets. We talk about Project Rework Runway, the brand’s mission to challenge social norms and inspire creativity, and how a small team built a community hub rooted in sustainability, imagination, and style.
There's a reason Diversity Consignment is one of Boston Globe’s “Best of the Best 2025”

🎧 Chapters

00:00 Welcome & Intro — Project Rework Runway
02:00 Upcycling Challenge: Designers Creating from Thrift
04:30 Community Events & Local Artist Support
07:00 The Meaning Behind “Diversity”
09:00 Open Streets JP & Growing the Runway
11:00 Behind-the-Scenes Chaos & Creative Calm
14:00 Theme Spotlight — “Revised War Torn”
16:00 Luis’s Journey from Barista to Assistant Manager

18:00 Finding Personal Style & Rejecting Fast Fashion
21:00 Volunteers, Collaboration & Community Spirit
25:00 Consignment 101 & Artist Contracts
29:00 Redefining Sustainability in Boston Fashion
33:00 Five Years Strong — Boston as a Style Capital
35:00 Going Viral — Diversity’s Social Media Magic
38:00 Art, Selling & Staying Authentic
42:00 Final Message — Built for the Community

“We literally built this store not for us, but for you." — Luis Cepeda, Diversity Consignment

🔗 Connect
📍 Follow Diversity on Instagram
💌 [email protected]
🌐 Check out their website!

🌐 Linktr.ee

 YouTube: 2024 Project Reworked Runway

🧵 Episode Description

What happens when you stop creating to sell and start making for the joy of it? In this episode, I sit down with my friend and creative soulmate Erin Odell Bradley AKA Platinum Rebellion. Erin is an artist, designer, photographer, vintage icon, and the person who helped inspire this podcast in the first place.

We talk about growing up weird, going to FIT in the ‘80s, early fashion gigs, moving cross-country, and raising a family where everyone dresses like walking artistic expression. We also get into the magic of the Queer AF fashion show, the joy of 3D-printed clothes, sewing machine rage, and why aging out loud is the move. This one’s about failing forward, making cool sh*t, and dressing for the body you have now — not the one you're waiting for.

Platinum Rebellion
Designer | Photographer | Stylist | 3D Print Fashion Artist
📲 @platinumrebellion
on Instagram, TikTok, & YouTube

📣 Support the Show

→ Follow Platinum Rebellion for handmade fashion & creative process
→ Subscribe to Local Threads @local-threads-podcast on YouTube & where ever you get your podcasts
→ Leave a review if this episode made you feel something (it helps more than you know)

🎭 Lauren Carter Riley (Glamour Possum) on Acting, Writing, TikTok, and Indie Filmmaking

Description:
This week on Local Threads, Molly sits down with Lauren Carter Reilly, better known as Glamour Possum — actress, writer, content creator, and indie filmmaker.

Lauren shares her journey from being a classically trained actress trying to break into New York, to rediscovering herself during the pandemic, moving to Salem, and creating a life on her own terms. We dive into:

• What it’s really like breaking into the acting world
• How COVID changed her career path
• Using TikTok to build community and grow an audience
• Writing and self-publishing The Wonderful Lady B and In This Fair Chase
• Making an indie film in a 10th-century castle with an all-queer crew
• Pageants, fandom drama, and why BookTok is both a blessing and a curse
• Honest advice for young writers and creatives

Whether you’re a writer, actor, filmmaker, or just love a good creative origin story, this episode is packed with inspiration (and a few hilarious behind-the-scenes stories).

Chapters:
00:00 – Welcome & Intro
02:00 – Moving to Salem & Life During COVID
06:50 – Discovering Writing & TikTok’s Role
10:50 – Reality of Social Media & Virality
15:20 – Filming “In the Better World” in Spain
21:30 – Creativity & Future of Film
25:20 – Returning to Acting & Chaos of Set Life
33:00 – Writing Books & Building an Audience
38:00 – Industry Challenges & Predatory Casting
45:30 – Collaboration & Small-Team Filmmaking
47:00 – Representation & Inclusive Casting
50:00 – BookTok, Fandom & Internet Culture
55:30 – Advice for Writers & Young Creatives
01:02:00 – Singing, Pageants & Personal Secrets
01:10:00 – Reflections on Aging & Creative Legacy

🔗 Links & Resources:
✨ GlamourPossum.com

📚 In This Fair Chase & The Wonderful Lady B – Available now
🎬 The Better World trailer – out now HERE
🎬 The Better World Film - Premiering December 6 check their for updates @thebetterworldfilm
📸 Follow Lauren on TikTok: @GlamourPossum & Instagram: @glamourpossum

Guest: Joshua Croke (they/them) — artist, designer, facilitator & founder of Love Your Labels

Joshua Croke is a queer urbanist and community-centered designer whose work sits at the intersection of equity, creative placemaking, and city life. They are the founder and president of Love Your Labels.

"Love Your Labels builds project-based art, fashion, and design programs for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and creates affirming, loving space for young people to be themselves and find community. Love Your Labels offers a program called Threads.

Threads is a fashion design and identity development program that empowers high school-age LGBTQ+ youth to explore and express their identities through fashion design. Our education team works with these young people to provide the language, tools, and support they need to build resilience and pride on their journey of self-discovery." Loveyourlabels.org
Through the Threads program Joshua and team have developed a highly anticipated annual fundraiser QueerAF, also known as the Queer Met Gala.

QueerAF is a fashion show that promotes designers from the Threads program as well as established designers. This years headline designer is none other than Utica Queen, who is a current contestant on Project Runway, and formerly RuPaul's Drag Race. QueerAF will also include another household name, Raja Gemini. Raja is a drag superstar, makeup artist, and podcaster. Fun fact, Raja and I share the same birthday! Hey twin!

QueerAF will also feature drag performances from local drag artists and will be a night you wont forget.

QueerAF is September 5th 7pm at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, MA and tickets are still available here: https://www.loveyourlabels.org/queer-af

Quick links & resources (mentioned)

• Joshua Croke  - www.joshuacroke.com 
• Queer for Cities - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2343505/follow
• Love Your Labels -  https://www.loveyourlabels.org/ 
• Threads: Youth Fashion & Identity Program - https://www.loveyourlabels.org/threads-youth-fashion-program

If you would like to donate to Love Your Labels: https://www.loveyourlabels.org/sewimpactful
If you would like to get involved reach out to [email protected]

• Host: Molly — Local Threads
• Guest: Joshua Croke (they/them) — creator of Queer for Cities; Founder/President, Love Your Labels. 
• Recorded & Produced By: Molly Amatangelo
• Music: Moby Gratis 

Local Threads started as a sustainable fashion podcast in Boston but it’s grown into something much bigger: a creative community across New England that celebrates the arts, third-space curators, and the threads that connect us all.

In this solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain to share the full story:

• Why I started Local Threads
• My move to Boston and the search for community
• How mental health shaped my work and my new normal
• Why this podcast keeps me accountable and grounded
• The values that guide everything I do — sustainability, inclusivity, creativity, and collaboration

If you’ve ever felt like an outsider searching for your people, or if you’ve thought about building your own community from scratch, this episode is for you.

Links & Resources

• Follow Local Threads on Instagram: @local.threads.podcast
• Learn more about Local Threads: https://local-threads.transistor.fm/
• Share your thoughts or suggest a guest: [email protected]

Tags / Keywords

Local Threads, creative community, New England podcast, Boston podcast, sustainable fashion, third spaces, mental health journey, building community, podcast origin story, personal storytelling