The Exchange | Podcast

Adapted from McConigley’s award-winning collection of short stories and inspired by her personal storytelling, "Cowboys and East Indians" reimagines the American West through the lens of immigration, identity and belonging. This conversation explores adaptation from page to stage, challenging cultural myths, and what the artists hope audiences take away from this timely production.

"Cowboys and East Indians" will play at Denver Center for the Performing Arts Feb. 16 to Mar. 1. Tickets are available at https://denvercenter.org.

Welcome to Front Range Exchange — a radio show aired on KGNU Community Radio's Metro show that blends the in-depth reporting of Front Range Focus with the thought-provoking perspectives of The Exchange. Hosted by award-winning journalist, Ruby Jones.

Artist, educator, and Cherry Creek School Board Director John-Claude "J.C." Futrell (a.k.a. Panama Soweto) joins Ruby Jones to share how creativity, leadership and arts education can transform the next generation and make a difference right now.

A special-edition conversation with Phillip Bailey, legendary lead singer of Earth, Wind & Fire and founder of the Music Is Unity Foundation. We discuss the mission behind Music Is Unity and its work to support young people aging out of foster care, especially ahead of Giving Tuesday on December 2.

Learn more about Music Is Unity at https://musicisunity.org.

A powerful interview with DREION, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and standout from season 26 of The Voice. He shares his artistic journey, his connection to the Music Is Unity Foundation and why he advocates for youth aging out of foster care.

Learn more about Music Is Unity at https://musicisunity.org.

Welcome to Front Range Exchange — a radio show aired on KGNU Community Radio's Metro show that blends the in-depth reporting of Front Range Focus with the thought-provoking perspectives of The Exchange. Hosted by award-winning journalist, Ruby Jones.

In this episode, Grammy-winning flutist Néstor Torres shares his early beginnings in Puerto Rico, the influence of his father, how he developed his signature sound and why performing remains his greatest joy. He also discusses his recent show at Denver’s premier jazz club, Dazzle, on November 19. Tune in for a warm, insightful conversation with one of the most dynamic voices in Latin jazz.

In this episode of The Exchange, host Ruby Jones sits down with the extraordinary Charu Suri – a GRAMMY-nominated pianist and composer who made history as the first Indian-born jazz artist to perform at Carnegie Hall.

From her roots in South India to the global jazz stage, Charu shares how she’s redefining the sound of modern jazz by blending the improvisational flow of jazz with the rhythmic complexity of Indian classical music. She reflects on her creative process, her upcoming performance at Dazzle Denver on November 14, and how music continues to serve as a bridge between cultures and generations.

In this episode, host Ruby Jones sits down with Gilbert Domally, who stars as Simba in Disney’s The Lion King, playing at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts from Oct. 23 through Nov. 16.

Gilbert shares his journey from understudying on Broadway to leading the North American tour of the world’s #1 musical – a production that has won more than 70 international awards, including six Tonys and a Grammy. Together, they explore the show’s artistry and enduring message of courage.

Former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb shares an intimate oral history, reflecting on his love for Wilma Webb, his impact on the City of Denver and his vision for its continued growth through the Vibrant Denver Bond.