Join host Aaron Dante at True Chesapeake for a lively discussion about Dine United, United Way Central Maryland’s restaurant-driven campaign celebrating the organization’s 100th year. Panelists Julie Felderman, Simone Phillips and Chef Zach Mills explain how participating restaurants support ALICE (asset-limited, income-constrained, employed) workers and spotlight community-minded dining options. Learn how local eateries are giving back, discover featured cocktails and menu pairings, and find participating restaurants at UWCM.org/dineunited — the initiative runs through October 18.

Welcome to the No Pix After Dark Podcast, where host Aaron Dante takes you on an immersive journey into the heart of the Preakness 150 celebrations, live from the historic Pimilico Racecourse in Northwest Baltimore. In this special episode, delve into insightful conversations with business and tourism leaders as they explore the significant impact of Preakness on Baltimore's economy and community. Join industry experts like Mac Campbell, Executive Director of the Baltimore Convention Center, Meghan McCorkell Executive Director of Live Baltimore, Terry Hasseltine Executive Director of Maryland Sports Commission  and more as they share their perspectives on how Preakness revitalizes local commerce and strengthens community bonds. From discussions on economic growth initiatives to strategies for attracting international visitors, this episode provides a comprehensive overview of Preakness’s role in shaping Baltimore's future. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Preakness Festival, featuring a diverse mix of events and activities that highlight the city's unique cultural fabric. Discover why Preakness stands as a pivotal sporting and community event that continues to drive innovation, fostering a renewed sense of pride among Baltimoreans and visitors alike.

Join host Aaron Dante for a special live edition of the No Pix After Dark Podcast, recorded from Preakness 150 at the historic Pellicle Racecourse in Baltimore. In this episode, Aaron talks to business and tourism leaders about the significant economic impact of the Preakness festival and its importance to the city and state. Discover insights from key figures, including the Maryland First Lady Dawn Moore, Craig Thompson Chairman of the Maryland Stadium Authority and the Maryland State Comptroller , on how the Preakness Festival is shaping the future of commerce and community. Explore the spirit of the Preakness Festival through exciting events, fashion, and the vibrant culture that attracts visitors and showcases Baltimore's charm. The episode highlights the festival's unique role in bringing people together and promoting Baltimore worldwide. Whether you're drawn by elite horse racing, community events, or the allure of historic Park Heights, you'll learn why Preakness 150 is a momentous occasion deserving global attention.

This episode delves into the vibrant stories of four remarkable individuals who made their way to Baltimore, carving unique paths in the hospitality and culinary industries. The incredible panelists—Travis Bell from Black Acre Roastery, Al Hutchinson of Visit Baltimore  , Damian Mosley from Blacksauce Kitchen, and Juan Webster of Montage International. Their honest and heartfelt stories about leadership and purpose left the audience feeling inspired and motivated. I had the honor of partnering with the Enoch Pratt Free Library & Maryland State Library Resource Center during Black History Month, as we celebrated and honored Black Excellence and Innovation in our Baltimore Hospitality community. Discover how these leaders are driving diversity and inclusion in their fields and impacting the community with initiatives that foster connection and growth. Join us for an inspiring conversation about passion, perseverance, and the power of building community in an iconic American city.

In this vibrant episode,Jasmine Norton  from Urban Oyster, Sarah Simington from Blue Moon & Blue Moon Too, Jesse Sandlin from Dive, Bunnys, and Sally O’s, and Heather Smith from Swill by Blacksmiths shared their culinary inspirations and love for Baltimore. These m  chefs discuss their inspirations, challenges, and the unique stories behind their beloved restaurants. Highlighting the importance of community and authenticity, they share their visions for the city's culinary future and the ways in which food can bridge cultural divides. Join us for an insightful conversation that celebrates the diversity and creativity of Baltimore's food scene.

In this episode of the No Pix After Dark Podcast, host Aaron Dante sits down with Dr. Sharon, an inspiring emergency medicine doctor from Johns Hopkins. Dr. Sharon shares her captivating journey from Long Island, New York to Baltimore, Maryland, weaving through her medical education and varied experiences across major cities. From her pivotal decision to enter emergency medicine to her firsthand account of working on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Sharon delves into the challenges and triumphs of a healthcare professional. She offers insightful reflections on the dynamic nature of her job, the impact of technology, and the pressing issues within the healthcare system today. In addition to medicine, Dr. Sharon opens up about her personal life, her love for running, and how she manages to balance her intense career with well-being. Join us as we explore the human side of medicine with stories from the ER (Emergency Room now known as the Emergency Department), coping strategies during uncertain times, and the unwavering commitment to helping others.

Join Aaron Dante on the No Pix After Dark Podcast as he sits down with Keith  Bennett, the show director for the Lion King's national Rafiki Tour, during his return to Baltimore. In this heartfelt episode, Bennett shares the trials and triumphs of his career, from his beginnings in Baltimore to his current position at the helm of one of Broadway's most beloved productions. His journey is one of resilience, determination, and a testament to the power of discipline and community support. Hear about Bennett's path from local theater in Maryland to taking on Broadway, facing hardships, and finding joy and purpose in guiding new talent in the theater industry. This episode is a celebration of passion, hard work, and the unwavering spirit required to succeed in the demanding world of theater. Tune in to be inspired by personal stories of overcoming challenges, embracing opportunities, and the power of returning to one's roots.

Join host Aaron Dante on the No Pix After Dark Podcast as he sits down with Dr. Lance London, the visionary behind the Carolina Kitchen. This episode delves into the inspiring story of a black-owned business making waves in Owens Mills with its new plant-based offerings. Dr. London shares his journey from aspiring dentist to successful restaurateur, driven by his father's entrepreneurial spirit. He recounts overcoming personal and professional challenges, including a devastating fire that led to a triumphant comeback, opening the doors to a new restaurant in Largo, Maryland. In this engaging conversation, discover how Dr. London combines his marketing prowess with culinary innovation to cater to diverse tastes, including the growing demand for plant-based options. Learn about the exciting expansion plans for Carolina Kitchen and the upcoming launch of Ma Pearls Louisiana Kitchen and Grill. Dr. London also offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, focus, and a strong work ethic. Don't miss this episode filled with insights, inspiration, and a passion for food that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

In this episode of the No Pix After Dark Podcast, host Aaron Dante sits down with Cynthia Cifuentes, Vice President of Brand, Communications, and Community Engagement at Kaiser Permanente. Broadcasting from Washington, D.C., they explore Cynthia's fascinating journey from a Hollywood publicist to a pivotal community figure. Cynthia shares her passion for community work, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic region, discussing impactful initiatives like building community resource centers and creating opportunities for youth in Baltimore. She provides insights on addressing social factors of health and fostering collaborations for community betterment. The conversation delves into the importance of mental health frameworks in schools, empowering youth through educational programs, and promoting diverse small business growth. Cynthia emphasizes the significance of building alongside communities to ensure sustainable growth and development. Don't miss this engaging discussion on how Kaiser Permanente is making strides in transforming lives and healthcare in the Mid-Atlantic region.

.Explore the fascinating journeys of top chefs in Baltimore as they share their culinary inspirations and experiences. From humble beginnings to becoming culinary icons, these chefs reveal the challenges and triumphs of running successful restaurants in Baltimore. Discover the passion and dedication that drives them to create memorable dishes and uplift Baltimore's vibrant food scene. Enjoy exclusive insights into their culinary collaborations, community impact, and hopes for the future. Join us for an engaging and enlightening exploration of Baltimore's diverse culinary landscape.

Explore the latest episode of the No Pix After Dark Podcast, where host Aaron Dante sits down with Israel Rocha, the Regional President for Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States. Discover how Kaiser Permanente is revolutionizing healthcare in the Mid-Atlantic with its groundbreaking integrated model, offering a seamless patient experience and unique healthcare solutions. Dive into the story of Rocha's inspiring journey in healthcare and his transformative initiatives in patient care, and learn how Kaiser Permanente's focus on prevention and accessibility is making waves across the region Ready to learn how the future of healthcare is unfolding right here in the Mid-Atlantic? Hit play on this must-listen episode of No Pix After Dark!    

Join us in this enlightening episode of the No Pix After Dark Podcast, hosted by Aaron Dante, as we delve into the transformative world of Kaiser Permanente's healthcare model. In conversation with Dr. Tinisha J Cheatham and Dr. Jacqueline C. Shepard-Lewis, we uncover the groundbreaking strategies that Kaiser Permanente employs to extend the lifespan of their patients in the Mid-Atlantic by focusing heavily on quality and prevention. Recorded live at the state-of-the-art Kaiser Permanente Lutherville Timonium Medical Center, we explore their integrated healthcare system, characterized by collaborative medical records and cutting-edge technology, providing a seamless experience for patients. Discover how remote health monitoring, telemedicine, and preventative care programs stand at the forefront of Kaiser Permanente's mission to keep patients not only living longer but enjoying healthier lives.

Join host Aaron Dante on the No Pix After Dark podcast as he sits down with Kimberly LaRose and Emily Gillis-Terry, the inspiring women behind Wisher Vodka. Discover how a chance encounter at a gym blossomed into a flourishing business partnership, leading to the creation of a unique, gluten-free vodka brand. In this episode, explore the journey of launching Wisher Vodka amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn about the innovative use of sugar beets as the base ingredient, driven by a personal connection to dietary restrictions, and how this choice sets their vodka apart in the industry. Get insights into the dynamic Maryland and D.C. markets, the power of community engagement, and the exciting future plans for expansion into new territories. Whether you're a vodka enthusiast or intrigued by entrepreneurial stories, this episode offers a blend of inspiration and information. Don't miss the lively conversation, complete with a taste of Wisher's signature cocktails and a speed round of fun questions. Tune in to discover what makes Wisher Vodka a standout choice for both flavor and philosophy. Thank you Paid in full garage show for the connection. 

Join Aaron Dante of No Pix After Dark live from MACO 2024 as he dives into an insightful conversation with Gracelyn McDermott VP Marketing,Sales & Business Development at Kaiser PermanenteIn this episode, we explore the groundbreaking initiatives and successes of Kaiser Permanente, known for its top-quality, integrated healthcare services. Discover the advantages of Kaiser Permanente’s five-star rated care, their innovative health app, and how they are leveraging technology to improve patient outcomes. Learn about the unique integrated care model that allows members to live longer and healthier lives, and get a sneak peek into the future developments planned for the upcoming year. Don’t miss this engaging discussion on how Kaiser Permanente is transforming healthcare delivery and making a difference in the lives of its members. Tune in for part one of this enlightening series!

Join Aaron Dante for an inspiring No Pix After Dark  Live episode as  he interviews Pinky Cole who shares her journey from humble beginnings in Baltimore, Maryland to creating a $100 million brand. Learn how resilience, alignment, and a relentless work ethic propelled her to success, despite numerous setbacks and challenges. Delve into Pinky's inspiring story of resilience, from overcoming personal and professional challenges to becoming a development partner at Baltimore Peninsula. Hear about her plans to transform the community with her innovative concepts and her unwavering commitment to her roots. Witness a touching homecoming as Pinky discusses her vision for Slutty Vegan and Bar Vegan at Baltimore Peninsula, and her aspirations to make Baltimore a destination for all. This episode is a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and big dreams. Don't miss this special conversation filled with laughter, inspiration, and a celebration of success against all odds.

Join Aaron Dante, host of the NoPixAfterDark podcast, as he brings you live coverage from the Bellamy Genn reception at MACO. In this special episode, Aaron sits down with key figures in Maryland's government, including Lieutenant Governor Aruba Miller and Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, to discuss the significance of MACO, the importance of partnerships, and the future of transportation and economic development in Maryland. Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller shares her excitement about the Red Line project, emphasizing its potential to boost economic activity and promote equity in transportation. She also reflects on the collaborative efforts that helped manage the Key Bridge crisis and highlights the crucial role of lobbyists in shaping policy. Howard County Executive Calvin Ball talks about his experiences at MACO, the importance of collaboration between jurisdictions, and the innovative youth engagement programs in Howard County. He also shares his thoughts on the upcoming DNC and the potential impact of Maryland's participation in national politics. Throughout the episode, enjoy lively discussions, personal anecdotes, and insights into the workings of Maryland's government and community initiatives. Tune in for a night of engaging conversations and a glimpse into the dynamic world of Maryland's leaders.

In our latest episode, my co-host Beth Anne Dorman and I had the privilege of sitting down with Franklyn Baker, the President and CEO of United Way of Central Maryland, to discuss the organization's upcoming centennial celebration. Since 1925, United Way of Central Maryland has shown remarkable resilience and innovation, adapting to meet the community's changing needs, especially during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Franklyn emphasized the importance of agility and flexibility in nonprofit work, highlighting the crucial role of mental health in overall community well-being. He stressed the collaborative efforts needed to address economic, social, and health disparities effectively. Join us as we delve into how United Way's programs, such as the ALICE initiative and mental health services, are actively making a positive impact in Central Maryland. Discover the insights into the triumphs and challenges of sustaining a nonprofit for a century and the vision for thriving communities in the future. During the conversation, we also had the opportunity to discuss mental health with Baltimore County Executive John “Johnny O” Olszewski Jr. and MACO President, where he shed light on the vital initiatives taking place in Baltimore County and underscored the significance of mental health for all individuals.

Join us for an insightful episode recorded live at MACO 2024 in Ocean City, where we explore the dynamic energy and impactful conversations happening over a few incredible days. My co-hosts Beth Ann Dorman, CEO of For All Seasons, and  guest Lester Davis, VP and Chief of Staff to the CEO at CareFirst, kick off the day with a deep discussion on innovative community partnerships and their critical role in mental health support. We delve into the importance of immediate access to mental health services. The conversation highlights real-life examples of how these partnerships are addressing urgent needs and fostering community resilience. Later, we welcome Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman and Secretary Jake Day from the Department of Housing and Community Development to discuss the intersection of mental health, housing, and community development. They share insights on innovative solutions, such as telehealth and broadband expansion, to ensure mental health services are accessible to all, including rural and underserved communities. Don't miss this engaging episode that brings to light the collaborative efforts and innovative strategies making a real difference in mental health and community support.

You may have seen Maryland Governor Wes Moore speaking at the DNC. Last week, the CEO of For All Season Inc  Beth Anne Dorman  and Aaron Dante the host of  NoPixAfterDark podcast had the opportunity to sit down with him at MACo to discuss the critical importance of mental health. In our conversation, Governor Moore shared, "Being able to deal with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) is so important because oftentimes we're talking about people who are suffering the consequence of something that they're not responsible [for]. As a kid who came up with a multitude of ACEs that came up against me, if there were not people and systems in place that allowed me to understand that the world was bigger than what was just directly in front of me, or the circumstances I was born into, or the circumstances that happened to me after I was born, then I would not be here right now, and definitely not as a 63rd governor of the state of Maryland." Catch the full episode to hear more of his insights and why mental health matters for all of us.   #MentalHealthMatters #ForAllSeasons #NoPixAfterDark #ACEs #WesMoore #Maryland #MACo

Join us for an engaging conversation with Lieutenant General Brian W. Cavanaugh, a proud Baltimore native and one of the highest-ranking African Americans in the Marines. We explore his remarkable journey from growing up in Northwood, Baltimore, to attending Baltimore Polytech and the Naval Academy, and ultimately serving 39 years in the military. Kavanaugh shares his unexpected path to the Naval Academy, his extensive service including a combat tour in Iraq, and his reflections on living in places like Okinawa, Japan. This episode is rich with insights into his life, career, and the profound impact his experiences have had on his family. We also celebrate Lieutenant General Brian W. Cavanaugh's impressive career and contributions to the community, emphasizing his role as a hometown hero and a role model for young people in Baltimore. As we look forward to his upcoming retirement, we discuss plans for a relaxed and meaningful crab cake outing in Northeast Baltimore, reflecting on his inspiring journey and the positive impact he has had on the community. Don't miss this heartfelt tribute to a distinguished military leader who has made significant strides and remains deeply connected to his Baltimore roots. Bio: Lieutenant General Brian W. Cavanaugh assumed the duties as Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic; Commander, Marine Forces Command; and Commander, Marine Forces Northern Command on 30 August 2022. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Lieutenant General Cavanaugh earned his commission through the United States Naval Academy in 1990 and was designated a Naval Aviator in 1992. He served with HMH-462, HMH-362, and HMX-1. He commanded HMH-362 in Iraq during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and MAG-36 during multiple disaster relief efforts in Asia. As a General Officer, he served as Deputy Commander, U.S. Marine Forces Pacific; Deputy Director for Operations, Joint Staff J-3; Assistant Deputy Commandant, Programs, Headquarters Marine Corps, Programs and Resources Department; and as Commanding General, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. Lieutenant General Cavanaugh’s other staff assignments include instructor at Officer Candidates School; Aide-de-Camp to the Chief of Naval Operations; Joint Doctrine Branch Chief, Joint Staff; Executive Assistant, Vice Director Joint Staff; Director of the Commandant of the Marine Corps’ Safety Division; and Marine Military Assistant to the 75th Secretary of the Navy. Lieutenant General Cavanaugh’s education includes a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the United States Naval Academy, an MBA from Webster University and a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University’s Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He is also an MIT Seminar XXI Fellow. Lieutenant General Cavanaugh has accumulated over 3,000 flight hours, primarily in the CH-53D/E.