Join Amber for her interview with Kimberly Crafton who is the Oral Histories Project Coordinator at Crafton Cultural Management and Julie Schumacher Cohen who is Project Director at the University of Scranton.

For the past two years, a community-wide project Scranton’s Story: Our Nation’s Story, has explored themes of history, belonging and identity through a series of programs funded in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities. These events launch the project’s final phase, an oral history initiative called “Scranton Stories.” The exhibit features portraits taken by photographer Byron Maldonado of each interviewee with personal statements excerpted from their evocative interviews which give voice to a broad array of Scranton experiences. These stories connect them, and our city, to the nation’s ongoing story.

SCRANTON STORIES (PANEL DISCUSSION):

University of Scranton, Brennan Hall 228. 5:00-6:00 p.m.

ORAL HISTORIES PREMIERE AND PHOTO EXHIBIT

(PUBLIC RECEPTION):

University of Scranton, Hyland Hall 407. 6:00-8:00 p.m.

The exhibit runs from October 27–November 17.

This event is free and open to the public.

For event information, RSVP at:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/scranton-stories

This week Amber interviewed Rapper Layul! This was her first musical artist to be interviewed. Check out her bio below. Hailing from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Layul is an emo rap artist whose journey in music began during her teenage years, although she only fully embraced it later in life. In 2020, she made a life-changing decision to use music as her means of self-expression and as a catalyst for personal growth. Inspired by the poignant lyrics of artists like Cute Is What We Aim For and Juice WRLD, Layul found a powerful avenue to convey her inner fire.

Over time, Layul released a series of singles, each contributing to her evolution as an artist. Her diverse influences of hip hop, indie, emo and pop punk has shaped a style that is uniquely her own. In April 2023, Layul made the decision to quit her job and focus exclusively on music, marking a significant milestone in her music career. Since then, she has consistently graced the stage, captivating audiences with her talent, while performing to sold out audiences at festivals and opening for national touring artists. 

Through her music, Layul aspires to ignite change in the lives of others, encouraging them to pursue their dreams, just as she has. She is gearing up for the release of her first EP, Scene One, scheduled for November 2023. This EP promises to be a reflection of her growth and a testament to the power of music in driving personal transformation and positive change. https://instagram.com/layulofficial?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

This week Amber had the pleasure of interviewing Krupa Tailor. Check out her bio! Krupa Tailor is a seasoned professional known for her expertise in fostering team connectivity, personal growth, and human-centered design. Her unique approach integrates highly effective communication techniques and mindfulness practices into her facilitation methods. With an MBA from Columbia Business School, Krupa has demonstrated her proficiency by conducting workshops for renowned organizations such as AmEx, Tidal, and Capital One. Additionally, she has served as a mentor to over 25 change-makers, guiding them in the pursuit of establishing more inclusive, collaborative, and engaged workplace cultures and environments. Krupa's commitment to personal and professional development extends beyond her workshops. She is the creative force behind an empowering newsletter, characterized by its unapologetic honesty, which inspires subscribers to embrace self-love and purposefully manifest positive change in their lives, both personally and within the workplace.

https://krupatailor.substack.com/?fbclid=PAAabPkR7YVYwgzeUooWcmQS9PHvbPWbKb_VI1fBabzz5QgVVXs0afrFQaGtw_aem_ASCpwpasbaoZFo9EskWL27AIHPZAhDaZcCGsQYYqV2o5AtIfhS14xB-5kyRjg0EG92E

This week I had the pleasure of interviewing Jacob Kelley! Please check out their bio:

Jacob Kelley is a multi-talented entrepreneur, author, and queer-inclusive sex educator. They are the founder of Mx. Kelley Queer Education LLC, with a Master's degree in Human Sexuality Education and currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Human Sexuality Philosophy. Jacob has received awards like the Pride Championship Award of NEPA 2023 and LGBT Leader and Advocate of the Susquehanna Region in 2023.

In the corporate world, Jacob specializes in strategic business planning, workplace culture, and DEI initiatives, focusing on LGBTQIA+ inclusion. They hold a DEI Workplace Certificate from the University of South Florida MUMA College of Business and DEIB Global Strategies from ELVTR along with being a member of the Gamma Eta Rho National Honors Society in Human Sexuality. Jacob has presented at conferences and conducted workshops, related to many colleges and the United States Nav. They also served on executive boards for organizations like NEPA Pride Project and AIRE.

As an accomplished drag performer known as Trixy Valentine, Jacob has entertained audiences for nearly a decade and appeared on NBC's The Weakest Link. They are also the author of "Tipping is a Must, 100 Tips for a Drag Show" available on Amazon. Jacob's impactful work within the LGBTQIA+ community has gained national recognition from CNN, NBC, and Associated Press. Learn more at www.Juicywithjake.com

@politicsbutmakeitfashion

This is week Amber interviews Conor Kelly O’Brien. Check out his bio: Conor Kelly O'Brien is an actor, theatre-maker, educator, and arts advocate. Conor has performed Off-Broadway as well as a few small TV roles. He has performed (or seen his original works performed) on stages across the country and Great Britain. He is the co-founder and Executive Director of the Scranton Fringe Festival as well as a proud member of the New Vintage Ensemble, the

Dramatist Guild of America, and a state-rostered teaching artist as part of the NEIU-19.

He serves as the performing arts manager for the New York DVAA

(Delaware Valley Arts Alliance) and firmly believes in the power the arts have to transform and inspire not only the individual but entire communities. He is currently splitting his life between PA, NY, and wherever in the world his work takes him.

https://scrantonfringe.org

Join Amber as she interviews Navy TW: This episodes contains talk of suicide and medical trauma. Veteran Elaine Boll. While serving Elaine almost lost her life giving birth to her child. Follow our journey through the Navy, traumatic births, PTSD and living with chronic illnesses!

This week Amber interviews lifestyle blogger LaToi Storr! Check out her bio: LaToi Storr is a Philadelphia Lifestyle Blogger and Wellness Content Creator. She started her blog almost 9 years ago after being encouraged by her therapist after suffering from postpartum depression.

Since then she has crafted a social media presence that includes showcasing that having any form of mental health isn’t a reason to not simply life the best life possible. When she’s not blogging or creating content she enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 kids, traveling, or enjoying a great glass of wine.

--

Instagram, Snapchat,Pinterest, Twitter: Toitimeblog

www.toitime.org

YouTube: Toitime Storr

Podcast: Conversations with Toi on all podcast platforms

Join the girls for the last episode of season 2 and also Chelsea’s last episode! The girls discuss Sound of Freedom movie and Chelsea talks about what’s next for her! Come chat with us.

Check out April’s bio below as well as where to find her! Growing up in Jersey, April expressed a love for everything creative ever since she picked up her first crayon. This love for art and creativity eventually inspired her to start making costumes based on her favorite characters from video games and other media. She has been sharing her creations and fostering a community of likeminded people for ten years now.

Over the years, April has appeared at various comic conventions and video game expos across the United States, dabbled in live-streaming gameplay and other projects, and her work has been acknowledged by some of her favorite game studios, cosmetic brands, and individuals she looks up to in the industry.

April has now expanded her art beyond cosplay alone, and into makeup, fashion, outdoorsmanship, and other small projects. She hopes to continue creating for years to come.

https://instagram.com/_aprilgloria?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

This week the girls interview Scranton native John Howe. John is running for Scranton City Council, listen to his story and vision for the City. Check out his bio below:

I can be labeled as many things but what really resonates with who I am is: Father, Husband, Student, Coach, Activist, and Student. Now, I am looking to add the title of City Council Member to that list as well. For too long, Scrantonian's have been burdened with politicians who serve self-interest rather than the public's interest. I am looking to change that and help restore the faith in local politics in Scranton.

John's Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090828030964