Bmore Transform and Baltimore’s Graphic Novel Festival take center stage in this episode of The Truth in This Art. Guests Gab Sussman and Victoria Lebron share how they are reshaping education and community through Bmore Transform’s abolitionist, decolonizing approach and the city’s premier Graphic Novel Fest—celebrating sequential art, uplifting Queer and BIPOC creators, and advancing arts and literacy education across Baltimore.
Sussman and Lebron reflect on the powerful role graphic novels play in engaging young readers, making literacy accessible, and fostering a love of storytelling. They discuss their work with Bmore Transform—an initiative dedicated to decolonizing education and supporting youth through creative programming, professional learning, and book clubs—highlighting how centering community and equity transforms classrooms and learning outcomes.
The conversation explores how the Graphic Novel Fest was born from a passion for comics and a desire to create a celebratory, dignified space for visual storytelling in Baltimore. For Sussman and Lebron, education means building community, championing inclusivity, and helping every young person find their voice through the arts—work exemplified by Bmore Transform and Baltimore’s Graphic Novel Festival.
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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
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Baltimore artist Akio Evans returns to The Truth in This Art for his second appearance, tracing his evolution from hobbyist customizer to full-time artist and self-defined shoe muralist. Evans shares how he moved beyond “customs” into shoe murals—wearable art that tells stories, carries meaning, and can move people to tears—by centering intention, integrity, and community in every piece.
Evans breaks down what changed in his mindset and practice to go pro, why he turned down copycat requests to protect his artistic voice, and how notable commissions (including work connected to Dave Chappelle) helped validate his path. Evans also opens up about building capacity through workshops, collaborating across generations, and taking on large-scale projects (like airbrushing dozens of pairs for an Apple TV production tied to a Kevin Durant scene) while staying true to the purpose behind the work.
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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
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Chef Chris Amendola of foraged. a hyper-seasonal eatery returns to The Truth in This Art, joining the rarified air as one of just a handful of three-time guests.
Amendola shares his journey as an executive chef and restaurant owner, revealing how embracing change and curiosity keeps his creative vision fresh in the kitchen. He discusses building community at Forged and now at Forged at Black Ankle Vineyard, highlighting the power of hyper-seasonal cooking and sustainable sourcing.
Amendola reflects on lessons learned as both leader and creator—from taking risks with late-night cocktails to dreaming of a restaurant on a farm—and explains how he balances science and soul to craft memorable dining experiences. For Amendola, creative evolution means saying yes to opportunity and letting passion shape everything from menus to mentorship.
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Get a taste at forgedeatery.com and follow @forged.eatery on Instagram for the latest culinary updates and special events.
Chris Amendola, chef-owner of foraged. Photo courtesy of foraged.
Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
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Laiya St. Clair joins The Truth in This Art to share how she crafts culture from behind the mic as a celebrated radio and podcast personality, producer, and voice artist.
St. Clair reflects on her transition from radio to the world of podcasting, exploring how her experiences in DC, Philly, and Baltimore continue to inspire her work. She discusses her passion for amplifying Black stories and voices, and how creative collaborations drive her career—from co-hosting award-winning shows like Questlove Supreme and J.I.L. to managing the St. Clair Collection featuring her father’s photography.
St. Clair details what it means to build lasting community through honest storytelling, and highlights how multi-disciplinary artistry helps to break barriers for Black creators in media. For St. Clair, being a “radio girl turned podcast producer” is about keeping conversations real, joyful, and deeply connected.
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Explore more of St. Clair’s work at stclaircollection.com and follow @laiyasworld on Instagram for updates, conversation, and cultural inspiration.
Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
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Will Walker, founder of A Tribe Called Run, joins the podcast.
Walker shares his personal journey from Cleveland to Baltimore, reflecting on how both cities' blue-collar spirit informs his approach to building community through running. A Tribe Called Run creates space for accessible runs, fitness events, and coaching, welcoming newcomers and experienced athletes alike.
Walker discusses the power of group running in forming authentic connections, improving health, and breaking down barriers. Through stories from the group and his own experience, Walker explores how running supports well-being and belonging, especially in urban environments.
Walker talks about balancing professional life with community leadership, and returning to “blog era” roots to foster deeper discussion about fitness, nutrition, and motivation. He shares practical ways listeners can get started or get involved, and the importance of representation and support in fitness spaces.
For Walker, movement is about more than exercise—it’s how we move toward each other.
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Learn more and join A Tribe Called Run at atribecalledrun.org, on Instagram or Facebook @atribecalledrun, or follow Will at water_n_oxygen on Instagram. Find community, and let your next run connect you.
Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
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Lead actor Chinai Routté and director Paige Hernandez return to The Truth in This Art to illuminate Everyman Theatre’s production of August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson.
Routté shares the transformative experience of portraying Berniece, the play’s powerful central character, and how her own life informs the role’s emotional depth. Hernandez opens up about the responsibility and honor of being one of the few women to direct an August Wilson work, reflecting on why this representation deeply matters in the American theater landscape.
Together, they reveal the enduring impact of The Piano Lesson—exploring its themes of family, memory, and legacy, and discussing how Wilson’s storytelling continues to spark dialogue and unity in Baltimore and beyond. Their conversation uncovers the creative process, the challenges, and the joys of bringing this essential story to the stage.
For Routté and Hernandez , The Truth in This Art is a space to share what it means to honor history, create change, and inspire community—one performance at a time.
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Experience the play’s impact at everymantheatre.org and follow @everymantheatre on Instagram for tickets, updates, and behind-the-scenes stories.
Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
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Executive Director of Small Press Expo (SPX), Warren Bernard, returns to The Truth In This Art podcast.
Bernard shares insights into how planning, innovation, and community shape the road to SPX 2025. He reflects on the unique challenges and opportunities ahead, discussing how the evolving comics landscape and creative partnerships are driving the festival’s next chapter. Bernard’s work blends organizing, relationship-building, and artist support, bridging creators and audiences as SPX gears up for its milestone year.
Bernard discusses fresh approaches to programming, strategic outreach to new artists and organizations, and the dynamic energy behind SPX’s continued relevance. He talks about strengthening connections with fans and collaborators, using trust and authentic engagement to keep the festival vibrant and resilient. Bernard offers a behind-the-scenes look at how SPX adapts to shifts in the comics world and prepares to celebrate independent voices in 2025.
Bernard explores the importance of balancing tradition and innovation, supporting sustainable creative growth, and building spaces where artists thrive. For him, SPX 2025 represents both celebration and creative challenge, powered by local community, long-term partnerships, and a shared love for comics.
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Ready for the next chapter of SPX? Follow @spxcomics on Instagram or visit www.smallpressexpo.com to discover the latest updates, artist news, and future events.
Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
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Musician, Creative Consultant, and Band Leader Raymond J. Spence joins the podcast.
Spence shares how growing up in Baltimore shapes his approach to music, creative consulting, and community building. Spence’s work bridges performing, teaching, and guiding artists through the early stages of their creative journeys.
Spence discusses how collaborating across disciplines and organizations fuels Baltimore’s creative boom. He talks about helping both artists and businesses develop strategies, build portfolios, and jumpstart new ideas. Spence details blending hands-on art with consulting, and how both require trust, accountability, and authentic self-reflection.
Spence explores the realities of being a creative entrepreneur now. He shares navigating growth, balancing inspiration with pressure, and using discipline as the foundation for success. For Spence, creativity is both celebration and challenge, shaped by family, local networks, and the evolution of his Storage Unit Collective. Spence uses his experience to advocate for sustainable artistry and meaningful connection.
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Ready to see Spence’s creative world? Follow @spence_start on Instagram or visit www.spencestart.com to connect and explore upcoming events, music, and more.
Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
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Writer, curator, and editor-in-chief of UP Magazine, T.K. Mills returns to the podcast.
Mills shares how living in New York City shapes his writing, curatorial practice, and editorial leadership at UP Magazine. UP Magazine is the urban art publication he founded and leads. Mills discusses how UP Magazine gives a platform to street artists and storytellers covers graffiti culture while documents the creativity found throughout city neighborhoods.
Mills talks about building community and the impact of current events and city life on the artists he works with and features in the magazine. He reflects on balancing running an independent publication and fostering collaboration.
For Mills, art and journalism work together to strengthen connections across the creative world.
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Discover Mills’s work with UP Magazine at upmag.com or follow @t.k.m85 on Instagram.
Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
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Artist and Arts in Health Specialist Zoë Lintzeris joins the podcast.
Lintzeris shares how life in Baltimore and beyond informs her visual art practice. Lintzeris' work explores themes of love, loss, and resistance within both urban and rural settings.
Lintzeris discusses how current events shape her work, and how art helps her process personal and collective emotions. She talks about using photography and painting as tools to examine the human experience and foster community.
Lintzeris explores the realities of being an artist now. Lintzeris shares navigating competition, maintaining authentic expression, and building local support. For Lintzeris, art blends self-discovery with advocacy. Lintzeris uses creative work to spark meaningful conversations about life’s challenges.
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Ready to see Lintzeris’s creative world? Visit www.zoelintzeris.com or follow @zlintz on Instagram to view her work and stay connected.
Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
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Aspiring podcaster and artist M’Balou Camara interviews me for a special Maryland Art Summit 2025 recording.
M’Balou is a former student, current colleague, and emerging podcaster preparing to launch “The Heart Reflex,” highlighting voices of the African diaspora in the arts.
Our conversation—recorded live at Prince George’s Community College—explores our journey from a classroom connection at UMBC to ongoing collaboration, mutual mentorship, and co-leadership in the creative community.
I share insights from my nearly 20 years as a podcaster and host of “The Truth in This Art,” focusing on the value of storytelling, reciprocity, and building a living archive for Baltimore’s creative voices.
We discuss how authentic conversations, trust, and relational support are central to my approach as a host and educator. I break down strategies for fostering access, avoiding gatekeeping, and sustaining creative independence amid funding challenges.
Audience questions spark a discussion on practical advice for new podcasters, evolving media formats, and lessons learned from both successes and setbacks.
We close with a rapid-fire “reflex round,” reflecting on curiosity, inspiration, and the role of freedom in creative work.
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Discover more at thetruthinthisart.com or follow me on Instagram.
Stay tuned for M’Balou Camara’s upcoming podcast “The Heart Reflex”.
📸 credit @teencudi
Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
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Artist, poet, and climate justice advocate Neha Misra joins The Truth In This Art podcast.
Misra shares how growing up in India, studying physics, and her cultural roots shape her creative work. Misra's art blends visual art, poetry, and climate justice activism.
Misra discusses how reclaiming creativity helped her navigate periods of loss and anxiety. Misra shares her belief in art as an essential force for healing, resilience, and connection. She talks about finding inspiration in nature and using art bring people together and inspire hope. Misra shares her experience sharing vulnerable work and why creativity matters for everyone.
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Ready to experience Neha Misra’s creative world?
Visit www.nehamisrastudio.com or follow @nehamisrastudio on Instagram.
Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
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Artist Kiara-Maribel Rivera joins the podcast. In this conversation, Rivera reflects on how her family’s migration and history shaped her identity and her creative work. She shares how her mother’s careful habit of saving photos, report cards, and awards helped her feel connected to her roots. Rivera discusses using art to examine memory, family archives, and the fragments of stories lost along the way. Rivera talks about the challenges of adapting to new places and navigating art school. Rivera describes learning how to preserve and honor the past while creating something new. Rivera opens up about the care needed when working with personal and family records, and how art becomes a way to explore belonging and heritage.
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Curious to discover more? Follow Kiara’s creative work and journey online.
Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
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Artist and curator Carter Wynne joins the podcast. In this episode, Wynne shares how growing up in Washington, DC, and coming from a line of organizers shaped her commitment to social justice and art. Wynne talks about being a self-taught painter, exploring themes of inequality, and resistance. Wynne reflects on the process of using art to process deep emotions and to challenge who gets to shape stories—both in her own life and in the wider world. Wynne also talks about being a fourth-generation Washingtonian and why standing up for others is central to her art.
Wynne talks about sharing her story, handling others’ opinions, and establishing authentic connections.
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Ready to connect with Wynne's world? Visit www.carterwynne.com or follow @freckled_blue on Instagram to see her art and stay up to date.
Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
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Artist Tiger Chengliang Cai joins the The Truth in This Art. In this episode, Cai shares his journey from China to New York and how his background shapes his creative work. Cai talks about teaching himself art as a child, struggling against expectations, and making his own path in the art world. He loves using riddles and metaphors in his art, with a special focus on the immigrant experience. Cai explains why he doesn’t want to “spoon-feed” meaning to his audience, preferring people to find their own truth in his work. He describes the challenges of making art in a new country and bridging the gap between cultures. Cai reflects on staying true to his ideas, experimenting, and using curiosity as his guide.
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Want to see more of Tiger’s creative journey? Visit his Instagram @tigerpht or his website to check out his latest projects.
Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
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Artist and philosopher Mia Ntenta joins the podcast. Ntenta is a visual artist working across painting, sculpture, and installation.
Ntenta is one of several artists I interviewed from Spring/Break Art Fair 2025.
Ntenta shares how her philosophy background led her to explore ideas through painting and sculpture. Ntenta explains how her visual language and symbols clarify complex philosophical ideas.
Ntenta breaks down her ongoing, expansive work 'The Omegans Project'. The Omegans Project, an expansive and ongoing series begun by Ntenta in 2019. This work reveals Ntenta's dystopian world and her symbolic language for deconstructing existence.
Later, Ntenta discusses how her symbols’ meanings evolve across different works.
Ntenta uses art to spark curiosity and make philosophy accessible.
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📍 Discover more about Ntenta’s work on Instagram (@miantenta) and at her website.
Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
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Artist Rosalie Smith joins the podcast. Smith reflects on developing her unique style. Smith talks about making sculptures with old technology and everyday things. Smith shares her process behind her pieces, and how recent experiences in New York and her education have shaped her approach. Smith discusses balancing the absurd and the serious. Smith describes what it means to create and teach in today’s fast-paced and chaotic world. Smith, Fresh off her MFA at CUNY Hunter, also talks about recent and upcoming exhibitions that mark new chapters in her creative journey.
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📍 See Rosalie Smith’s work at exhibitions in New York and follow for upcoming shows and projects.
Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
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Chef & owner of On the Hill Cafe and CookHouse, Chef George Dailey joins the podcast. Dailey is originally from Venezuela. He started his cooking career in Boston, then moved to Baltimore and opened On the Hill Cafe in 2005. In this conversation, Dailey shares his passion for global flavors, seasonal menus, and the art of hospitality. Dailey reflects on building two beloved Baltimore spots. Dailey shares his hands-on approach that ensures quality and consistency. Dailey reveals how he crafts inventive menus inspired by what he loves to eat and what makes the community happy. Dailey also shares how being present in every detail keeps his restaurants thriving after decades.
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📍 Find On the Hill Cafe and CookHouse in Baltimore’s Bolton Hill, and discover their menus online or on social media.
Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
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Chef & co-owner of The Corner Pantry (TCP), Neill Howell returns to the podcast to talk growth, creativity, and keeping standards high.
Howell & TCP has expanded the cafe and deepened their commitment to local sourcing. Howell shares his philosophy behind TCP's menu and how to build community through food. Also, Howell discusses how evolving, being creative and has kept the business successful for 11+ years.
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🎧 Listen to Neill Howell’s first episode in our archive for more on his culinary roots and vision. 📍 Corner Pantry Website: https://cornerpantrybaltimore.com
Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
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Henry Hyde—artisan and owner of Hyde Handmade Knives—returns to talk craft, community, and creating work that resonates. Hyde is an artisan known for his kitchen knives and meticulous approach to materials. In the episode, Hyde reflects on the evolution of his process, from isolating early days to searching for real connection at craft shows. Also, Hyde discusses the realities of working alone and why iteration beats perfectionism.
🔪 Discover how Hyde's handcrafted tools reflect both his roots in Maryland and his belief that artistry is in its making. 🎧 Revisit Henry's first episode from 2022 for more context on his powerful comic-based series.
Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
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