Episode 2 of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder’s On the Radar podcast features South Minneapolis poet and emcee Se’Anna Johnson.

Hosted by MSR journalist Damenica Ellis, the conversation explores Johnson’s artistic journey and how she blends poetry, hip-hop and storytelling to support community healing and cultural expression.

Johnson is the founder of Beyond Da Mic, a creative initiative that works with schools, nonprofits and youth programs to promote literacy, storytelling and self-expression through hip-hop and spoken word.

In this episode, Johnson shares:

• How she first discovered poetry
 • The inspiration behind Beyond Da Mic
 • The role of art in community healing
 • Why storytelling matters for youth empowerment
 • Her upcoming album No Vacancy, releasing March 23

The On the Radar podcast highlights artists, entrepreneurs and community leaders making an impact across Minnesota.

Learn more at:
https://spokesman-recorder.com/2026/02/20/seanna-johnson-poet-community-leader/

In our inaugural episode, host Damenica Ellis sits down with Michelle Perdue — acclaimed actor, spoken word artist, motivational speaker, educator, and resilience ambassador. Perdue’s artistic journey spans stage and screen, poetry and performance, and a life lived in pursuit of purpose and connection. Together, they explore her creative evolution, the power of storytelling, and how art can transform community and self-expression.  

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, craft, and why creativity always deserves a place on the radar. 🎧