This episode we talk with multi-talented author Brandy Hayes Angel.  Brandy is a local Photographer, Artist, Writer and founder of a non profit, Be the Change-Brandy Angel Foundation, Inc. She is a self proclaimed poster child for ADHD and always has her hands in something new and creative. She was born and raised in Georgia and began a career as a traveling Surgical Technologist in 2000 and traveled and lived all over the US. After the birth of her two daughters she decided to return home to Georgia. Once she returned in 2012 she began focusing on her lifelong love of photography and began building a business that allowed her to work and still stay at home with her young daughters. Since then she has won many awards and her work has been featured and published all over the world. Last year she fulfilled another lifelong goal by self publishing her first book of Poetry, “Wonderings and Wanderings”. Brandy truly believes that everyone has a voice, gift and story worth sharing and by doing so they make the world a better place. She lives her life by following her passions and looks at her nuerodivercity as a super power that helps her see the world from a different perspective that should be shared and hopes she inspires more people to do the same. She believes our only limits are the ones we put on ourselves. She is currently working on her next book and has no plans of slowing down. You can learn more about Brandy Hayes Angel at https://www.brandyangelphotography.com/, https://www.bethechangebaf.com/ and find her book at https://amzn.to/4aXrJu6. 

This week we talk with local filmmaker Aaron Strand.  Aaron Strand is a filmmaker, actor, and podcaster based in Atlanta, GA. He graduated from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts with a BFA in drama and has performed Off-Broadway as well as in films and television (NCIS:NOLA, Dynasty, American Soul, Manhunt). Aaron's journey as a writer began in 2009, developing raunchy on-stage spectacles for New York's most notorious nightclub, The Box. Since returning to Georgia in 2013, he has founded Stranded Entertainment, an independent film production company which has produced award winning short films, music videos, and commercials. He has written multiple feature-film scripts that have appeared in acclaimed screenwriting competitions such as the Austin Film Festival and the Atlanta Film Festival. In 2022, Aaron launched “Behind the Slate”, a film history podcast that explores the lives and work of cinema's greatest directors. It has quickly risen to appear in the top-10 on the American film history podcast charts.You can learn more about Aaron at :  https://www.aaronstrand.net/home

This week we talk with composer Jacob Schoenle.  Jacob is not only a composer but also plays in three bands and teaches at UGA.  Hope you enjoy our conversation.Jacob Schoenle is an American multi-instrumentalist, music theorist, and composer of chamber and orchestral music. His style prioritizes harmony and rhythmic groove in a way described by colleagues as witty and effective, and draws inspiration from nature, philosophy, and mathematics. His music has been performed around the globe by world-class ensembles including the Mivos Quartet, the icarus Quartet, and the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra.You can find more about Jacob at https://www.jacobschoenle.com/.

This week we talk with Stephanie Calabrese about her new documentary feature "Unspoken", her love of photography and her other artistic ventures.  It is a great conversation.  You can find out more about Stephanie Calabrese atwww.stephaniecalabrese.com/BioStephanie Calabrese is an acclaimed interdisciplinary artist, recognized for her exploration of the human experience and her talent for capturing transformative moments. Her debut documentary feature, "UNSPOKEN," examines racial division within a small southern town. The film garnered recognition at seven U.S. film festivals, earning multiple awards. She is the author of best-selling book "The Art of iPhoneography: A Guide to Mobile Creativity” (first and second editions), and "Lens on Life: Documenting Your World Through Photography.” These books have been translated into multiple languages and have found a global readership. Stephanie's photography and storytelling have been featured in prestigious publications including The New York Times, Time, Forbes, and LIFE. Her work extends to documentary projects for clients including UPS, The Coca-Cola Company, and CARE International. She delivered a TEDx Talk on "Building a Better World, One Picture at a Time." She resides in Monroe, Georgia.

We talk with the creator of the Zine Atomic Elbow and co-organizer of FLUKE.  Learn more about FLUKE at flukeathens.com and follow Robert on Twitter @atomic_elbow.

We kick off our new season of interviews with Sam Lipkin of Volumes Hip Hop.  Learn more about the Athens Hip Hop scene, Volumes Hip Hop, local Rap festivals and more!  Volumes Hip Hop, founded by Sam Lipkin in January 2017, is a community-driven organization focused on media and event production. Volumes has two primary goals: capturing the history of the Athens hip hop scene in the present while providing coverage for independent artists that they can use, and helping artists of all experience levels perform on stages in front of their target audiences. Sam moved to Athens in 2011 to attend UGA, where she graduated in 2015 and decided to make the transition to Athens townie. With a passion for journalism and music, Volumes started as a monthly zine before evolving into digital-based media and hosting events of all sizes.

Zakk interviews Joey and Ben of Bleach Garden.  You don't want to miss this fascinating conversation with one of the best local bands around.  You can listen to Bleach Garden at:https://bleachgarden94.bandcamp.com/https://www.instagram.com/bleachgarden94/https://open.spotify.com/artist/74v0EH5Gl2zsUhXXWzGJyI

This week on the podcast we talk about Beach Reads!  We have back with us Lindsay, Carley, and Jen to give their take on the concept, favorite books, suggestions, and more!   If you love books then don't miss this episode.

This week we talk with local realtor and TV host Tara Ewing about her role on the show  American Dream TV and what makes this area such a wonderful place to live, from exotic farms, to music, to painting and much more.You can follow Tara on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/taraewing90

This week we sit down with uber talented Cassie Chantel.  Cassie is an amzing artist and is doing lots of great work in the community.  Great Conversation that I hope you enjoy.Check out Cassie's work at:https://www.tribehouserecords.com/cassie-chantelBioLeading with the story-telling element of classic Hip Hop while being as unorthodox as today’s Rap/Pop music, Cassie Chantel is a recording artist whose body of work cannot be categorized with generic labels. The tone of her voice defies gender and sexuality stereotypes with its ambiguous depth and transcends into her image. Known for embodying both feminine and masculine energy, Chantel gives a fresh perspective to the music industry. Named Songwriter of the Year for the Vic Chestnutt Award (2021) and Best Female Rapper for the Athens Hip Hop Awards (2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022) Chantel is already considered a legend in her hometown of Athens, Ga. Her small-town support has tumble-weeded itself into international support with more than 400k streams across all countries.