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CHIRP Podcasts
First Time: First Family - Keisa Reynolds
Keisa Reynolds is a writer, storyteller, and educator. Originally from Richmond, California, they hold a MA in Women’s Studies and Gender Studies from Loyola and a BA in Cultural Studies from Columbia College Chicago. Between 2016-2018, they co-produced Whine Club at Uncharted Books with Nohemi Rosales and CONNECTIONS at Jimmy Beans Coffee with Jenny Chukwu. Keisa's time and energy is split between running a non-profit organization, parenting a toddler, and somehow finishing their first essay collection on navigating mental health and sexuality.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Produced by Bobby Evers and Julie Mueller. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan and Jenn Rourke. Recorded by Tony Baker.
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Artist Interviews Motel Breakfast Interview
This week, Features contributor Daniel Edelstein speaks with Mick O'Donnell of Chicago-based band Motel Breakfast. Currently celebrating their five year anniversary as a band, they discuss the band's musical origins and founding, their ethos around giving back by raising funds for the Harold Washington Cultural Center and Feeding America, how their writing style has evolved while being spread across the Midwest, and recording digitally versus on analog.
"It's always been important. It's kind of always been in our ethos. We want to make sure to give back. We're so very lucky to be able to play music and follow our dreams in this way. We wanted to make sure we were giving back as much as we could." - Mick O'Donnell, on Motel Breakfast's fundraising efforts over the years.
Photo Credit: TJ Maksimovich
Produced by Adalyn Staats.
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First Time: First Family – Alicia Nesbary Moore
Alicia Nesbary Moore is Chief Veggie Officer of Herban Produce. A native of Richton Park, Illinois, Nesbary Moore is an urban farmer in Chicago’s East Garfield Park neighborhood. Trained as a molecular biologist, Nesbary Moore oversees the cultivation of crops for her business. It was her vision to help bring new life and economic opportunity to her community, that has historically been a food desert.
Nesbary Moore, a graduate of the University of Illinois, holds a Master’s degree in molecular biology, with a specialty in genetics and plant science, from Chicago State University. She also teaches science and urban agriculture at the City Colleges of Chicago.
She is married to her husband JeVon and mommy to her 1 year old daughter Sevyn.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Produced by Julie Mueller and Bobby Evers. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan and Jenn Rourke. Recorded by Tony Baker.
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Artist Interviews Bloodhype Interview
This week, Features contributor Marjorie Alford speaks with Chicago-based Maureen Neer of the mostly-solo electronic and lounge act, Bloodhype. They discuss the solo and collaborative nature of Bloodhype and being more interested in jokes and commitment to the bit than love songs.
"It's all Bloodhype. It's all Bloodhype because as long as I'm in it, it's Bloodhype. And whoever's along for the party, great. Which is very confusing to everyone else but me. So the fun thing is, if you see Bloodhype on a bill, [...] you might see a different set than you've seen before." - Maureen Neer
Photo Credit: Maureen Neer
Produced by Brian Szpak
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Artist Interviews Defcee Interview
This week, Features co-director Mick R speaks with Chicago rapper and poetry teacher, Adam Levin aka Defcee. They discuss the parallels between poetry and hip hop, the genesis of the style of his flow, his influences, his dream collaboration with producer Blockhead, and the naming of his album For All Debts Public and Private.
"I just wanted to be honest and open about those struggles I have as well, because I can be as superhuman as I want to be on the microphone, but at the end of the day, if I'm not being vulnerable in my music as well, there's nothing to distinguish it from the next rapper who thinks they're the best out there." - Defcee
Photo Credit: Michael Salisbury
Produced by Jessi D.
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