TuneTheFork Podcast

This episode welcomes DC’s own Tim Hicks AKA Let The Dirt Say Amen. During the conversation we touch on the importance of purpose. We explore what it means to evolve as we age, how relationships shift and deepen over time, and why hip-hops elders must remain visible and active stewards of the culture. We talk openly about vulnerability in hip-hop, the quiet work of staying true to your path, and the tension of creating meaningful art without constant recognition.

Episode 111 welcomes husband and wife Desiree Jordan, a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and jewelry designer, and Kareem, an educator, creative director, and founder of the Vulgarik brand. The conversation explores what it means to feel safe enough to be fully seen in relationships, creativity, and life. Kareem reflects on how unconditional acceptance allowed long-held dreams to surface, while Desiree speaks to the inner work required to support a partner’s vision without overriding it. Together, they model co-creation as two whole people learning how to collaborate without losing themselves.

The segment examines masculinity and healing, including the idea that when boys become men, the women around them heal, and reframes marriage not as a restriction but as a container for growth, accountability, and joy. Wellness is presented as alignment of mind, body, and spirit, with Desiree’s jewelry serving as a tangible expression of that philosophy. Rather than idealizing love, the conversation emphasizes that intimacy requires intention, communication, and choice; especially during difficult moments. It challenges limiting and adversarial narratives about men, women, and partnership while acknowledging pain, fear, and past trauma without allowing them to define the future. Ultimately, the episode is a meditation on what becomes possible when people choose authenticity, and trust, and affirms to viewers that we can do anything...and we don't have to do it alone.

Bomani Armah is a husband, father, son, poet, and hip-hop griot from Maryland—an artist who weaves truth, intellect, and transparency in a way that often feels like more of a testimony than a song. Beyond music, Bomani is a dedicated educator and architect of “Baba Got B.A.R.S.,” a program that teaches writing, self-expression, and emotional intelligence through hip-hop. During this episode, we discuss his journey with music, America, legacy, religion, and how he’s learning to live fully and defiantly with Multiple sclerosis.

Dr. Danielle McCamey DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, FCCP is founder, and CEO of DNP's of Color. She has over 16 years of critical care nursing, and received a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Georgetown University. In the episode we discuss the challenges people of color face in the healthcare profession, and what lead Dr. McCamey to start DNP's of Color so that she could provide the support that she so desperately needed during her journey. Please follow the links below to learn more about DNP's of Color, and Dr. McCamey.

https://www.dnpsofcolor.org

We’re delighted to welcome back Hannah McCall to TuneTheFork. In this episode, we ease into a conversation about how her life has unfolded over the past four years — touching on relationships, love, grace, and the quiet strength found in resistance.

We first came across Hannah’s work during the early days of TTF, and it was an instant connection. There’s something grounding and beautiful about the way she moves through the world — with deep self-love and a thoughtful, expansive view of life. She continues to inspire us, and we hope she does the same for you.

Take a moment to explore the links below to learn more about Hannah and the powerful projects she’s created, all rooted in care for Black women, community, and clean beauty.

⁨@sippinhannah⁩

https://www.empoweredbymelanin.com/

https://www.cleanbeautyforblackgirls.org

Nina Ligon is a poet, Air Force veteran, and Director of Culture at Eaton Workshop & Hotel. that hails from Wichita, KS. During this episode we discuss family, sexuality, religion, managing fear, and the many challenges associated with "starting over".

This segment welcomes DC hip hop pioneer, and legend Priest Da Nomad. During the episode we discuss Priest's recently completed documentary about the art scene in DC, his musical journey, and what he feels his lasting legacy will be.

Priest Da Nomad is one of the pioneers of independent DC Hip Hop and the re-emergence of the

U street arts scene in the 1990s. He first started publicly performing and rocking college parties in

1992 in DC clubs such as the Ritz, Kilimanjaro, and the Mirage, when DJs recognizing his skills

started putting him on the mic in DJ booths at the height of parties! Priest Da Nomad was one of the first indie artists from DC to press up and release his own 12inch vinyl singles and receive mainstream mix show radio air play, without being signed to a

major record label at that time. Priest made a lot of noise as a solo artist and as a member of the

Freestyle Union arts organization, dedicated to elevating the art of freestyle and improvisational

rhyming up and down the east coast. He was also at the forefront of the hip hop theatre

movement as a member of the hip hop theatre play “Rhyme Deferred” along with posthumous

legendary actor Chadwick Boseman and Apollo Theatre Director Kamilah Forbes.

Priest released a number of singles and projects throughout the span of 3 decades with numerous accolades in local press, hip hop magazines and blogs. He has been written up in publications such as The Source, Billboard magazine, Sister to Sister, Rap Pages, Blaze, Washington Post, Washington

Times, and numerous Washington City Paper articles, including a cover story by now national

best selling author Ta-Nehisi Coates. Priest was also the subject of a book “Hip Hop as

Performance and Ritual” by ethnomusicologist Dr. William E. Smith, which dealt with jazz and hip

hop improvisation links to Africa.

A conversation about politics, cultural cohesion, and the estranged relationship many blacks have with the Unites States.

***This episode was filmed towards the end of the summer in 2024 before the presidential election in November.

Wes is a Haitian sommelier from Brooklyn New York. Leveraging his roots, he fuses culture with wine to create experiences that educate, elevate, and enrich. During our episode we discuss finding purpose, the challenges with divorce, and all things wine, and Champagne. Please follow the link below to learn more about Wes.

Cecily (pronounced Ses-Suh-Lee) is a DC based singer, songwriter, and vocalist known for her agile soprano and honest lyrics. During our episode, we discuss her latest album Awakening Pt II, and how Bell Hooks, Thich Nhat Hanh, and her father inspired much of the work which is centered around love.