In this episode, we head back to Alternative Gallery…AGAIN, for another Art & Chat with photographer Peter Italiano, a long time fixture of the Lehigh Valley art scene. While capturing a live portrait of Brandon using a one light beauty dish setup, we dig into his decades spanning journey, from shooting film in the 1970s to adapting to digital workflows today.
Peter is based in Allentown’s historic Cigar Factory and is known for his striking fine art portraiture and creative vision. He studied Art History at the College of Staten Island, then honed his photographic craft at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and the International Center of Photography in New York City.
Over the years, his work has ranged from concert/event photography in his youth to fashion/editorial, studio portraiture, and product photography, even collaborating with jewelry brands and independent designers. His images have appeared in major publications including Elle and many more.
In our conversation, we trace what’s changed and what’s remained constant: how shifting technologies have reshaped process, He also gifted Brandon (3) prints from his his solo exhibition “10 Years at the AG,” which chronicles a decade of his work at Alternative Gallery.
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In this episode, we return to Alternative Gallery to sit down with visual artist Kylee Tirado, who first picked up a paintbrush at age five, and has since developed a distinctive practice working with oil paint, sculptural relief, and mixed-media forms.
Kylee dives into their journey through art, from early inspirations to establishing themselves as a Resident Artist at Alternative Gallery. We talk about mediums, the importance of texture and material in their pieces, and what ever else came out of our mouths.
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Art & Chat has officially evolved into its own side quest series, thanks to Brandon’s hyper-focus and love for these raw creative conversations. The goal now? Ten full episodes fueled by community, curiosity, and a little bit of chaos.
In this episode, we traveled to Juxtahub to sit down with Jill Italiano, silversmith, founder of House Metal Works, and the creative force behind Tiny Docent Hen. What followed was a raw, unfiltered conversation between two ADHD driven creatives, melting silver, swapping stories, and digging into Jill’s artistic journey. The energy from this chat is still buzzing, and Brandon is already planning his next visit… this time with dreams of making some jewelry.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to blend art, entrepreneurship, and neurodivergence into one passionate conversation, this is the episode for you.
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Well, would you look at that, Art & Chat is becoming a thing. Raw, real, and unfiltered conversations with fellow artists while we do what we do best: create!
This time, I got to sit down with Krystal as we picked up on pieces we started a few weeks back. Along the way, we talked about art, the fine line between inspiration and stealing ideas, what’s next on her creative journey, and even set a couple goals to work toward over the next six months.
Tune in, and let us know if you can relate...We’d love to hear your thoughts.
Today I stopped by The Alternative Gallery to catch up with fellow artist Brandon Dominguez for a chat at his studio while putting the final touches on a piece for tomorrow’s open house. I’ll be showcasing my latest medium, Ordinary People, and this conversation turned into an unexpected bonus episode.
What you’ll hear is raw, organic, and vulnerable, just two artists connecting, sharing, and building, the way we all should. If you’ve made it this far, I hope you’ll carve out some time to swing by tomorrow, 9/18, from 6–9 PM.
Come see, feel, and experience the work and minds of others... and hopefully leave with fresh inspiration and new connections.
this is a conversation you don't want to miss.
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S5 EP28
This episode is brought to you by Riley, so sit back and relax, because although it was impromptu, it’s a good one. Riley takes the mic to read us her star sign, opening up the space for me to ask questions along the way. It was random, but deeply necessary. Moments like this remind me that my children are natural healers and more than anything, that everything really will be okay. And sometimes, that reminder alone is enough to begin healing even the deepest wounds… at least for now.
As always this is a conversation you don't want to miss.
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S5 EP27
👀 We're Back!
Walks in, places index finger behind the ear—Hey!
It’s Wednesday, and while I’d love to say we haven’t been on a hiatus… well, we have. But that’s in the past, and we’re all about being present, right?
Especially when we’re kicking things off with energy that matches.
Today, Host Brandon Avery had the pleasure of sitting down with Creative, Explorer, Visionary, and Friend— Addie Jay. We dove into what might be one of the biggest (and most important) trips of her life, unpacked childhood trauma, explored the power of reclaiming her voice, and so much more.
And yes, I know I’ve said this before… but this might just be one of my favorite episodes yet. 😏
As always this is a conversation you don't want to miss.
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S5 EP 26
What's up, world! Host Brandon Avery sat down with Brink$$ owner of Sun, Moon, and Stars. By day, she’s a Data Engineer and an AI master's student at Penn State, but by night, she’s a creator, fashion designer, stylist, and poet. We talked about her journey, from her childhood love of all things fashion and math to balancing her tech career with her creative passions. You don’t want to miss this episode—it’s packed with insights and inspiration from a truly multifaceted individual!
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S5 EP 25
What's up, world! Host Brandon Avery sat down with newfound track star Kyli Mason Little for an impromptu conversation. We discussed the importance of meeting our goals, including releasing this podcast. Kyli shared her passion for the sport, the pressures of goal-setting, and her mental strategies. She also gave her thoughts on me as a father and even revealed details about a project we've been working on together.
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S6 EP 2 (FULL AUDIO)
In this episode, host Brandon Avery has the honor of engaging in an intimate conversation with the legendary Melba Tolliver, an American journalist and former New York City news anchor and reporter. Born on December 8, 1938, in Rome, Georgia, Melba's journey from playing with tin dollhouses and card games to breaking barriers as the first African American woman to anchor a regularly scheduled news program on a major television network at ABC-owned WABC-TV is nothing short of inspiring.
The old adage "Thursday’s child has far to go" certainly rings true for Melba. Throughout our conversation, we delve into numerous thought-provoking topics such as the complexities of idolizing public figures, the essence of humanity, the importance of trust, the pitfalls of surrounding oneself with 'yes men,' the power of vulnerability, challenging stereotypes, addressing problematic language, being present in the moment, making impactful choices, and so much more. Join us for an insightful and enriching discussion with a true pioneer in journalism.
Visit Melba's website at melbatolliver.com and get ready for her upcoming audiobook, "Accidental Anchorwoman, A Memoir Of Change, Choice, and Connection" recorded in Easton, PA at The Social Tour.
This is a conversation you dont want to miss. dont be selfish, share this!
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S6 EP 2 video (bonus snippet)
In this episode, host Brandon Avery has the honor of engaging in an intimate conversation with the legendary Melba Tolliver, an American journalist and former New York City news anchor and reporter. Born on December 8, 1938, in Rome, Georgia, Melba's journey from playing with tin dollhouses and card games to breaking barriers as the first African American woman to anchor a regularly scheduled news program on a major television network at ABC-owned WABC-TV is nothing short of inspiring.
The old adage "Thursday’s child has far to go" certainly rings true for Melba. Throughout our conversation, we delve into numerous thought-provoking topics such as the complexities of idolizing public figures, the essence of humanity, the importance of trust, the pitfalls of surrounding oneself with 'yes men,' the power of vulnerability, challenging stereotypes, addressing problematic language, being present in the moment, making impactful choices, and so much more. Join us for an insightful and enriching discussion with a true pioneer in journalism.
Visit Melba's website at melbatolliver.com and get ready for her upcoming audiobook, "Accidental Anchorwoman, A Memoir Of Change, Choice, and Connection" recorded in Easton, PA at The Social Tour.
This is a conversation you dont want to miss. dont be selfish, share this!
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S5 EP 24
What's up world it's your host Brandon Avery It's 1:30 am, and today we're diving into updates, goal setting, my books, short-term sacrifices, summer filming plans, manifestation, perseverance, wrapping up season five, while filming season six, and much more. Thanks for tuning in! We're back on schedule, so I'll catch you all next Wednesday.
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S5 EP 23
In this episode, join host Brandon Avery as he delves into a nostalgic conversation with his childhood friend, Rashad McNeil Together, they journey through the hustle and bustle of their early years, navigating the turbulent landscape of the early 2000s. From reminiscing about their shared experiences in a challenging environment to defying societal norms, this candid discussion offers a raw and authentic glimpse into their journey from adversity to entrepreneurship.
Tune in as they share anecdotes, insights, and inspiring stories that will resonate with listeners of all backgrounds. Get ready to be transported back in time and inspired by the resilience and determination of Brandon and Rashad.
You can Find Rashad at Zoe's Hair Studio located at 319 South Orange Ave South Orange Nj or catch in one of the 50 states as he travels them.
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S6 EP1
Kicks off with An intimate conversation at The Dime with host Brandon Avery & Allentown's very own artist Dylan Collazo.
Pop open your best bottle of wine and Join the conversation as we talk art, childhood, fatherhood, discipline, family, professional career development, entrepreneurial development, and all the way to the epic success of his art show Born MAFIUSU – this convo is a rollercoaster of fun. Buckle up, it's a ride you definitely don't want to miss!
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S5 EP22
Ready to spice up your Thursday with a detour into the extraordinary? Host Brandon Avery is in the driver's seat, and today he's joined by the one and only Sir Groove – a spoken word artist, a proud dad, a published author, and just an all-around dope human.
In this episode, we're not just talking; we're vibing on the state of humanity, dancing in the creative realm, taking a scenic route through self-care, contemplating the universe, and, oh, sharing some laughs about bridges – because, why not?
Hang tight as we spill the beans on Sir Groove's open mic adventures and promise you a conversation that's not just worth your time but feels like a personal journey with friends. Grab your favorite drink, kick back, and let this side quest be the highlight of your week. 🌟🎙️
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S5 EP21
Hey there, it's Wednesday again, and you know what that means – a fresh episode just dropped!
In today's chat, your buddy Brando Avery sat down with the amazing Aly Kenawy, a Muslim entrepreneur and the founder of Voizebox. This isn't one of those speeded-up episodes – it's just two high-energy, like-minded souls vibing at a whole other frequency. They cover everything ranging from childhood behaviors and the openness to discuss ADHD, to college experiences, studying abroad, family dynamics, future aspirations, and much more.
The conversation flowed so naturally that we ended up spending almost three hours on it – so make sure to take some breaks! Surprisingly, there wasn't enough time to dive into Aly’s podcast, "The Oly Kanoli Show," but hey, guess that just means we're in for a part two down the road!
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S5 EP20
Hey everyone, today our amazing host Brandon Avery had a chat with Cat Huynh and Chelsea Rae, the powerhouse duo behind the luxurious skincare boutique Skinterest Skincare .
They shared their journey from $5 eyebrows to offering free services that drew customers in, leading to a jaw-dropping achievement of hitting over $100K in sales within 24 hours! Plus, we got an exclusive peek into their lives on the streets, their relationships, and what's next in their post-graduate program School by Skinterest.
Trust us, you've gotta catch this conversation—it's an absolute gem! ✨
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S5 EP19
In today's engaging podcast, host Brandon Avery connects with photographer Devin Ford, diving into the compelling story behind his upcoming 36-page zine, "The Allentown I See". Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions as Devin reveals how a pivotal moment—the tragic loss of his girlfriend Abby in a car accident—sparked his journey into photography as a means of coping.
Their conversation illuminates Devin's creative process, meticulously handpicking 36 photos from his portfolio to craft a tapestry of emotions and memories in his zine. But it's not all seriousness; Devin shares the thrill of a spontaneous solo trip to Colorado in 2020 and recounts the awe-inspiring experience of living life on the road for six months in his 1997 4Runner, capturing the essence of the West Coast back in 2022.
This isn't just about photography; it's a story of resilience, passion, and the incredible power of art in navigating life's twists and turns. Tune in for an intriguing dialogue that's sure to inspire and move you.
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S5 EP18
Get ready for an extra-special midweek treat as we flip the script and bring you those cozy Wednesday vibes on a Tuesday evening! Host Brandon Avery is diving into a much-anticipated chat with none other than Quintin Fernandez—an incredible photographer, videographer, and just an all-around fantastic human being.
We're about to unravel the heartwarming story of how Quintin's love affair with photography began, all thanks to his dad casually leaving film cameras scattered around the house. It's a touching tale of how Quintin's dad, who would've celebrated his 53rd birthday today, imparted the profound importance of capturing life's most treasured moments.
This episode is an earnest tribute to Quintin's father, celebrating his enduring legacy and the impact he's had. Quintin's journey from despising his job and battling through tough times to flourishing as a full-time creative—handling his own clients and skillfully managing social media for local businesses—is truly inspiring.
So, buckle up for an authentic and uplifting conversation that you'll want to savor until the next one comes around. Trust us, this one's a keeper!
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S5 EP17
What's up world, Join host Brandon Avery in an inspiring conversation with the multifaceted individual, Bill Strickland. In this episode, Bill, who wears many hats as an editorial director, writer, cyclist, and father, delves into his life's journey, transcending from small talk about weather to profound discussions that resonate deeply.
From navigating a traumatic childhood, a prolonged academic pursuit spanning nine years, grappling with homelessness by sleeping in his car, to his global travels and the apprehensions of fatherhood, Bill shares his intimate experiences. He discusses how these trials culminated in his highly acclaimed book, "10 Points," which not only serves as a testament to his resilience but also offers insights into overcoming adversity and pursuing one's dreams.
Hailing from Gary, Indiana, Bill's narrative unfolds from humble beginnings, where he found solace in crafting stories without knowing the trajectory of his future. Notably, in the sixth grade, he authored "The Human Beans,” a book co-created with his mother who contributed illustrations, marking the initial steps of his creative journey.
Concluding with this powerful takeaway: This is a conversation you don't want to miss—a compelling journey through trials, triumphs, and the unwavering resilience of the human spirit.
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