Today, we bring you a different kind of Smart Pill. PBS hosts a documentary series called Independent Lens. The Emerging Leaders Board hosts screenings of these documentaries called Indie Lens Pop-Ups. These pop-ups are a neighborhood series that bring people together for film screenings and community-driven conversations. The screenings draw local residents, leaders and organizations to discuss what matters most, from newsworthy topics and social issues, to family and community relationships.

Though this podcast is a panel discussion in response to the PBS Independent Lens film, Mr. SOUL, the panelists discuss poignant topics in African American history and culture.

About the film: Mr. SOUL!, is the story of the groundbreaking series SOUL! and its creator, back to its public media roots this February. At a time when the nation was in socio-political upheaval over the Vietnam War, racial injustice, and the assassinations of civil rights activists Medgar Evers, Malcolm X, and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., producer Ellis Haizlip saw a lively cultural renaissance in Black communities across the country. This Black Arts Movement provided the source and substance for the series SOUL! at a time when there were few balanced images of African Americans on television. Produced, developed, and hosted by Haizlip, SOUL! was an important chapter in the story of television and public broadcasting. It was the first variety show series of its kind, and it introduced many Black artists, poets, writers, dancers, and musicians to a national audience.

The panel discussing this wonderful documentary includes Jerome Langston, regional arts and culture writer for the Hampton Roads area, Jennifer Chapman, Regional Engagement Coordinator for the Richmond Ballet, and Anthony Stockard, director of the Norfolk State University Theatre Company. The panel is moderated by Tameika Hopkins of the Emerging Leader Board. Mr. SOUL!

Part 3 of the Woman Veterans Series as women veterans share their stories on what it means to be a woman in uniform.

Part 2 of the Woman Veterans Series as women veterans share their stories on what it means to be a woman in uniform.

Three women veterans shared their stories on what it means to be a woman in uniform. This episode was recorded live from the "Emerging Talks: Cloaked in Invisibility" presented by the WHRO Emerging Leaders Board.

The annual NEON Fest celebrates all kinds of art and artists in Norfolk, VA. We talk with three prominent artists in the area about their work, incorporating digital tools in their work, and their reactions to creating art in a Virtual Reality space.

Show notes:

More info on Alison Stinely

More info on Mensah Bey

More info on Richard Nickel

WHRO Emerging Leaders Board Website

After six episodes of Smart Pill, it’s time to meet some of the members of the WHRO Emerging Leaders Board! Using a “speed dating” format, we invited some board members into the studio to share their stories about the board, being a millennial (or not), and why they’re fans of WHRO. Hear from Emily, Luis, Leslie, Ryan, and Keith in this episode.

Show notes:

WHRO Emerging Leaders Board Website

We revisit our conversation about the dangers of Sea Level Rise, and whether we, as individuals, can do anything about it. Joining us are three local experts: Mary-Carson Stiff, Director of Policy at Wetlands Watch; Michael J. Allen, Ph.D., Climate Scientist and Assistant Professor of Geography at Old Dominion University; and Ben McFarlane, Senior Regional Planner at The Hampton Roads Planning District Commission.

Show notes:

Stiff

Info on Michael J. Allen, Ph.D.

Info on Ben

McFarlane

Wetlands Watch

Hampton Roads Planning District Commission

ODU Resilience

Collaborative

In our last episode, Phil Odango told us his “origin story,” the path he took to become a celebrated professional cosplayer.

Since he has such a fascinating profession, we decided to invite him back and learn more. In this episode, he talks about life as a cosplayer, some of the criticism he’s faced, and what keeps him moving forward in this unique career.

Phil’s interview has some frank discussion about race, gender, and body image, so keep that in mind if you have kids listening.

Show notes:

Phil’s website: Canvas Cosplay

Link to Phil Odango’s “origin story”

Link to Isaac Schneider’s “origin story”

Link to Dawn Wilfong’s “origin story”

Emerging Talks Events and the Emerging Leaders Board

This is the third of a three-part series covering the experiences of women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ in geek, gaming, and comics culture. It was recorded at the beautiful Wells Theatre in Downtown Norfolk during a WHRO Emerging Talks live storytelling event called “Origin Stories.” The night featured three young professionals, Dawn, Isaac, and Phil, sharing their stories in celebration of geekery and identity. In part three, we hear from Phil Odango, a professional cosplayer who tours the country competing at conventions like San Diego and New York ComicCon. He talks about his beginnings, the others he finds inspiring, and the difficult times he endured.

Phil’s story has some content that may not be suitable for children, so keep that in mind if you have kids listening.

Phil’s website: Canvas Cosplay

Link to Phil’s “Life as a Pro Cosplayer” Interview: Coming soon!

Link to Isaac Schneider’s story

Link to Dawn Wilfong’s story

Photos of our Origin Story speakers, Dawn, Isaac, and Phil: Coming soon!

Emerging Talks Events and the Emerging Leaders Board

This is the second of a three-part series covering the experiences of women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ in geek, gaming, and comics culture. It was recorded at the beautiful Wells Theatre in Downtown Norfolk during a WHRO Emerging Talks live storytelling event called “Origin Stories.” The night featured three young professionals, Dawn, Isaac, and Phil, sharing their stories in celebration of geekery and identity. In part two, we hear from Isaac Schneider, a technical consultant, musician, artist, and gamer.

Zack has a very open and frank discussion about why he hates labels, why he fought against being thought of as a geek, and why he has hope for the future of gamers in a post-gamergate culture. ***LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED***

Link to Dawn Wilfong’s story

Link to Phil Odango’s story

Photos of our Origin Story speakers, Dawn, Isaac, and Phil: Coming soon!

Emerging Talks Events and the Emerging Leaders Board