The Interludes Podcast: Entrepreneurs and DJ Culture

House music has always been more than a sound — it’s a movement that unites, heals, and sets every dance floor free.

In this episode, Interludes host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson talks with spoken word recording artist, journalist, and entrepreneur Danie Sanders, known to many as Black Widow. Together, they explore her latest collaboration with DJ Emmaculate, the soulful and empowering track “Love Manifesto.”

Danie shares how creativity, adaptability, and self-expression have guided her through the challenges of performing and producing music in the COVID era. It’s a conversation about rhythm, resilience, and the power of art to keep us connected — even when the world stands still.

Interludes host Valarie Johnson and producer partner Michael Wamble recap the crazy that continues to be the 2020 Election.

Every four years, we add a new chapter to the ongoing story of our nation. But when does that story truly begin — and who gets to decide what happened?

In this episode, Val “The Voice” Johnson speaks with historian, educator, and playwright Ted Williams III, who suggests that America’s story doesn’t start in 1776, but in 1619. Through his powerful storytelling and scholarship, Williams challenges listeners to look deeper into the nation’s origins and reckon with the truths that shaped its foundation.

🎧 Tune in for an enlightening and timely discussion that blends history, art, and civic reflection — inviting us all to reconsider the narrative of who we are as a country.

How would you rate the state of Black women’s lives in America today? In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, Interludes host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson continues an essential conversation on identity, progress, and purpose.

Val brings together insights from a panel of remarkable women — philanthropist and attorney Ericka Hardin-Gibson, life coach, therapist, and author Cresenda Jones, and Chicago Public School coordinator and youth mentor Lysandra Barnett — each offering a unique perspective on the challenges, triumphs, and resilience of Black women in today’s America.

🎧 Tune in for an honest and inspiring discussion about empowerment, equity, and the ongoing journey toward wholeness and representation.

How would you rate the state of Black Women Lives in America today? Interludes host Valarie Johnson posses that question and many others to a trailblazer and one of few women working as a New York City firefighter, Regina Wilson. Wilson is also one of the many featured women in an upcoming PBS Makers documentary called, "NOT DONE: Women Remaking America."

The 56th annual Chicago International Film Festival will look & feel very different on this year due to the pandemic.  Interludes host Valarie Johnson speaks with filmmaker Luchina Fisher about her award-winning documentary film called, "Mama Gloria".  Fisher’s film is a story about self-discovery, aging with grace and the history of the South Side of Chicago. 

Learning to swim as an adult can be intimidating yet a rewarding skill to develop.  Interludes host Valarie Johnson examines the strained history of African Americans and swimming and also, a "swim" discussion with lawyer, philanthropist and swimming student, Ericka Hardin-Gibson.

What does it feel like to have a cultural and spiritual awakening? For one young woman, it feels like being singled out. Interludes host Valarie Johnson remembers the time TV opened eyes and an interview self-published author April L. Osuji.

How can we best defend our body’s immune system against illnesses and pandemics as they pop up?   Interludes host Valarie Johnson speaks on two American icons who fought for their health, one publicly and another privately and also an interview with a well-being strategist & professor, author Patti O’Brien Richardson.

What is it like to have an "entrepreneur spirit" as a small business owner in the wine industry?  Interludes host Valarie Johnson speaks with Chicago entrepreneur Chrishon Lampley on how her company, "Love Cork Screw" has emerged stronger during these ever-changing times.