People at the Core

• Low Life by Lucy Sante
• Tender Data by Monica McClure
• "The Small Press World is About to Fall Apart." On the Collapse of Small Press Distribution by Adam Morgan
• Six to Eight Black Men by David Sedaris
• Who's Afraid of Gender by Judith Butler
• Dan Savage
• Seattle's The Stranger 

Follow us on Instagram! People at the Core Podcast 
Email us! [email protected] 

Have you ever wondered what life would be like as a therapist with an enticing voice or imagined the hilarious possibilities of stripper names based on your first pet and street name? Rita and Marisa kick off this lively conversation at Greenpoint Palace Bar in Brooklyn, sharing uproarious stories about phone sex operations and navigating the dark web. Joined by our special guest, Rich Piepho, we take you through a decade of his teaching adventures in New York's diverse boroughs, filled with humor and heartfelt tales. Rich’s passion for writing jokes and his involvement in the Palace Reading Series adds a unique twist, making this discussion both entertaining and insightful.

We take a nostalgic journey through early encounters with adult content, iconic movie scenes that stirred our first feelings of attraction, and the whimsical realization of the biblical reference behind the term "Adam's apple." Rich's adventurous move from LA, where he wrote for an animation studio, to New York for a teaching career, embodies the balance between following one's passion and seeking stability. Listen as we explore the ups and downs of freelancing in the entertainment industry and the irresistible draw of returning to the East Coast, all while reflecting on identity, history, and connection.

From the rewards and challenges of teaching to existential musings on midlife, our conversation covers a broad spectrum of life experiences. Rich shares how creating a safe and hospitable classroom environment can transform students' lives, engaging them with texts like "The Outsiders" and addressing their emotional and mental health needs. We delve into the significance of diverse storytelling in cinema and the lasting impact of literature, all while balancing deep reflections with a handful of jokes. Join us for an episode filled with laughter, heartfelt stories, and the transformative power of education and literature.

Mentions
The Outsiders

Follow us on Instagram! People at the Core Podcast 
Email us! [email protected] 

Books by Dolan Morgan
That's When the Knives Come Down 

Follow us on Instagram! People at the Core Podcast 
Email us! [email protected] 

Ever wondered how childhood dreams and unexpected career paths intersect? Join us as we sit down with Dolan Morgan, a gifted writer and illustrator from Greenpoint, Brooklyn, who takes us on a nostalgic journey from dictating stories to his grandmother, to immersing himself in the vibrant life of New York City. Dolan opens up about their move from Connecticut to NYC for college and his studies at NYU, where they balanced an education degree with a burning passion for writing. You'll hear heartwarming and humorous anecdotes, like working with newly arrived immigrants at Port Authority and laughing about cultural crazes like Ninja Turtles and Crocs.

Education is at the heart of Dolan's story. For nearly twenty years, they have dedicated themselves to supporting immigrant multilingual learners, creating transformative learning experiences and organizing conferences for educators. Dolan shares the joys and struggles of this work, especially during the pandemic's shift to remote learning. Marisa also gives a heartfelt account of her NYU thesis project, which documented the experiences of immigrant youth, shedding light on the unique challenges they face in their quest to graduate high school.

But Dolan's journey doesn't stop at education. He delves into his creative evolution, from discovering a love for art in junior college to blending his skills in writing and illustration. We talk about the therapeutic benefits of art, the impact of formal training, and the influence of community involvement. Our conversation also touches on deeper existential themes, exploring fears, desires, and the pursuit of living fully. Wrapping up with playful banter and a celebration of community, this episode is a heartfelt and inspiring celebration of Dolan's multifaceted life and the creative journey.

**Dolan Morgan bonus episode reading excerpt will be available June 21, 2024!**

Dolan Morgan Links
Website
Instagram
Linktr.ee

Books by Dolan Morgan
That's When the Knives Come Down

Mentions
Imagine Wanting Only This by Kristin Radtke

Follow us on Instagram! People at the Core Podcast 
Email us! [email protected] 

Ever wondered how you can balance the worlds of painting, film, and performance art while living in the heart of New York City? Leigha Mason, a multi-talented artist, takes us through her incredible journey from Phoenix to San Francisco and finally to the bustling streets of NYC. From working to save for her big moves to navigating the challenges of various neighborhoods, Leigha’s story is one of resilience and passion. She shares her experience bartending at Greenpoint Palace Bar and even discusses her role in designing their latest merchandise.

Is art school worth it? What's the real value of a fine arts degree? Leah reflects on her time at prestigious institutions like Parsons and the San Francisco Art Institute, offering candid insights into the often conceptual focus of art education. She compares this with more utilitarian degrees, sparking a thought-provoking discussion on the cultural and subjective valuation of art. We also delve into Leigha's unique transition from painting to film, driven by a desire to avoid commodification and influenced by political movements like Occupy Wall Street.

Finally, get ready for a thrilling story of adventure and perseverance. Leigha recounts her experiences traveling solo through Europe after an art show in London and working as a clown in Berlin. The tale takes a shocking turn in Athens, where she survived an unexpected stabbing. Through all these ups and downs, Leigha's spirit remains unbroken, and she continues to create meaningful art, from her upcoming body of paintings to her insightful newsletter, "Gut Flora." Join us for this captivating episode filled with creativity, resilience, and a touch of whimsy.

Leigha Mason Links
Instagram
Gut Flora Newsletter

Follow us on Instagram! People at the Core Podcast 
Email us! [email protected] 

Can the vibrancy of Brooklyn, the warmth of family ties, and the dynamism of the advertising world all come together in one fascinating conversation? *

Absolutely, and Lourdes, a senior integrated producer in advertising, is here to share her incredible journey. From her roots in the Bronx to her cherished life in Brooklyn, Lourdes recounts the importance of family, friendship, and community, diving into touching stories including a memorable visit with her 96-year-old aunt in Puerto Rico. Tune in for a heartwarming dialogue that brings the essence of home and belonging to life.

Curious about the fast-paced world of advertising and how one can thrive within it? Lourdes’s career story is nothing short of inspiring. Learn about her unique transition from fashion production and bartending to a flourishing role in advertising. She sheds light on the importance of inclusivity and diversity in the industry and reveals how managing creative projects across various mediums can drive innovation. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to break into or excel in the advertising world.

Lastly, Lourdes’s musical adventures and love for playing bass and drums also take center stage, adding another layer to her multifaceted persona. Join us for a fun, eclectic discussion that blends professional wisdom, personal reflection, and a pinch of humor.

*Please be patient with us as we improve our recording and editing techniques and equipment. Every conversation we have had with our guests have been too rich and wonderful to not share. We appreciate you all hanging in there as we continue to learn and grow.

Lourdes Vasquez' Links
Website

Mentions:
Bunny Rat

Follow us on Instagram! People at the Core Podcast 
Email us! [email protected] 

Books by K. Hank Jost
Deselections
MadStone

Follow us on Instagram! People at the Core Podcast 
Email us! [email protected] 

Ever wondered what magic brews when the lives of literary soulmates intertwine?*

Hank and Bonnie, the literary power couple who've journeyed from the Deep South to the vibrant streets of Brooklyn, sit down with us to unravel their story. They share their voyage through life and literature, offering glimpses into their existence as a couple that breathes words and wisdom. We peel back the layers of our podcast's creation, a tale of neighbors turned co-creators, transforming casual discussions into a symphony of storytelling and camaraderie.

Through our discourse, we confront the emotional whirlwinds and the risks of desensitization that tales of intensity can stir within us. We discuss the delicate art of balancing the shocking with the sublime, digging into works like "My Little Life,"  "Hogg," and Flannery O'Connor's unflinching exploration of humanity's dark side. Prepare to be enveloped in a conversation that probes the heart of storytelling, where the power of the pen is revealed in its capacity to both disturb and captivate.

Our chat follows Bonnie's experience working at a dairy farm and Hank's quest for truth as he deconstructed biblical texts and argued with church figureheads. Bonnie and Hank were both raised in religions that left them desiring a different relationship to faith; here in New York, they found what they were looking for at the Brooklyn Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, a Quaker form of worship that is centered on gathering as a community without a formal service.

*Please be patient with us as we improve our recording and editing techniques and equipment. Every conversation we have had with our guests have been too rich and wonderful to not share. We appreciate you all hanging in there as we continue to learn and grow.
 
**Bonnie Hall and K. Hank Jost bonus episode reading excerpt will be available  May 31st.*

K. Hank Jost Links:
Website
Instagram

Bonnie Hall Links:
Instagram

Books by K. Hank Jost 
Deselections
MadStone

Mentions:

• A Common Well Journal
• Brooklyn Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends 
• Flannery O'Conner's A Good Man is Hard to Find and Other Stories
• Sam Delany's Hogg: A Novel
• John McPhee
• Harry Crews

Follow us on Instagram! People at the Core Podcast 
Email us! [email protected] 

We do not have a guest this week, it's just us!*

Flipping the page, we muse over the scribbles and chords that charted our course to becoming writers. From childhood musings to the raucous challenges of adulthood, every word we've penned pulses with life's rich tapestry. Listen as we unfold the layers of our creative evolution, from piano keys and letters to Santa, to the vibrant tales that now dance upon the pages of our lives. It's a reflection ripe with nostalgia and an earnest discussion of how persistence in our passions keeps the ink flowing, even amidst life's relentless pace.

Our stories both began in the MidWest but took many different twists and turns to bring us to the backroom of The Palace in Brooklyn, where we record this podcast. In this episode, we don't hold back as we talk travel, imposter syndrome, mental health struggles and friendships with brutal honesty.

*Please be patient with us as we improve our recording and editing techniques and equipment. We appreciate you all hanging in there as we continue to learn and grow.
 
Palace Reading Series

Follow us on Instagram! People at the Core Podcast 
Email us! [email protected] 

When you meet someone who embodies the spirit of New York, you can't help but be drawn into their world.*  A.J. Springer isn't just an artist; she's a living, breathing part of the city that never sleeps. This vibrant conversation takes you on an explorations of what it truly means to be a New Yorker.

Venture into the art industry's labyrinth with A.J.'s guidance, discovering the intricate dance between creativity and commerce. We tackle the hurdles artists face with galleries, the influence of social media on their independence, and how art fairs are redefining success. From the chaotic life of touring musicians to the importance of relationships, A.J. opens up about the sacrifices and sheer determination needed to thrive in the world of art without losing one's soul.

 A.J. shares how her experiences in Latin America have deeply colored her work, reflecting on themes of death and mourning through a fresh lens. We examine how personal mythology and grief find a voice in her creations, offering a cathartic space for all. This episode isn't just about art; it's also a conversation about destigmatizing mental illness and finding balance with proper diagnosis, as each of us openly discusses our experiences.

*Please be patient with us as we improve our recording and editing techniques and equipment. Every conversation we have had with our guests have been too rich and wonderful to not share. We appreciate you all hanging in there as we continue to learn and grow. Huge thanks to Tim Gideon for salvaging this episode!

***** 
A.J. Springer Links:
Website 
Instagram 
Babes of the Abyss book

Mentions:
Urban Studio Unbound
The Other Art Fair

Follow us on Instagram! People at the Core Podcast 
Email us! [email protected]