The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter

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. Topics Covered: 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. Production: Photos: Rob LeeSupport the podcast Fundraisinghttps://www.fracturedatlas.orghttps://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialhttps://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enhttps://www.thetruthinthisart.com/Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

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. Topics Covered: 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. Production: Photos: Rob LeeSupport the podcast Fundraisinghttps://www.fracturedatlas.orghttps://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialhttps://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enhttps://www.thetruthinthisart.com/Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

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. Topics Covered: 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. Production: Photos: Rob LeeSupport the podcast Fundraisinghttps://www.fracturedatlas.orghttps://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialhttps://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enhttps://www.thetruthinthisart.com/Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

Writer, curator, and editor-in-chief of UP Magazine, TK 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. Topics Covered: Discover Mills’s work with UP Magazine at upmag.com or follow @tkmills on Instagram. Host: Rob Lee Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis. Production: Photos: Rob LeeSupport the podcast Fundraisinghttps://www.fracturedatlas.orghttps://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialhttps://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enhttps://www.thetruthinthisart.com/Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

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. Topics Covered: 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. Production: Photos: Rob LeeSupport the podcast Fundraisinghttps://www.fracturedatlas.orghttps://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialhttps://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enhttps://www.thetruthinthisart.com/Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

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 “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. Topics Covered: 📍 Discover more at thetruthinthisart.com or follow me on Instagram. Stay tuned for M’Balou Camara’s upcoming podcast “Heart Reflex” 📸 credit @teencudi Host: Rob Lee Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis. Production: Photos: Rob LeeSupport the podcast Fundraisinghttps://www.fracturedatlas.orghttps://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialhttps://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enhttps://www.thetruthinthisart.com/Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

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. Topics Covered: 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. Production: Photos: Rob LeeSupport the podcast Fundraisinghttps://www.fracturedatlas.orghttps://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialhttps://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enhttps://www.thetruthinthisart.com/Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

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. Topics Covered: 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. Production: Photos: Rob LeeSupport the podcast Fundraisinghttps://www.fracturedatlas.orghttps://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialhttps://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enhttps://www.thetruthinthisart.com/Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

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. Topics Covered: 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. Production: Photos: Rob LeeSupport the podcast Fundraisinghttps://www.fracturedatlas.orghttps://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialhttps://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enhttps://www.thetruthinthisart.com/Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

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. Topics Covered: 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. Production: Photos: Rob LeeSupport the podcast Fundraisinghttps://www.fracturedatlas.orghttps://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialhttps://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enhttps://www.thetruthinthisart.com/Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

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. Topics Covered: 📍 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. Production: Photos: Rob LeeSupport the podcast Fundraisinghttps://www.fracturedatlas.orghttps://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialhttps://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enhttps://www.thetruthinthisart.com/Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

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. Topics Covered: 📍 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. Production: Photos: Rob LeeSupport the podcast Fundraisinghttps://www.fracturedatlas.orghttps://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialhttps://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enhttps://www.thetruthinthisart.com/Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

Chef & owner of On the Hill Cafe and CookHouse, 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. Topics Covered: 📍 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. Production: Photos: Rob LeeSupport the podcast Fundraisinghttps://www.fracturedatlas.orghttps://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialhttps://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enhttps://www.thetruthinthisart.com/Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

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. Topics Covered: 🎧 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. Production: Photos: Rob LeeSupport the podcast Fundraisinghttps://www.fracturedatlas.orghttps://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialhttps://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enhttps://www.thetruthinthisart.com/Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

In this new episode of The Truth In This Art, Henry Hyde—artisan and owner of Hyde Handmade Knives—returns to talk craft, community, and creating work that resonates. Known for his kitchen knives and meticulous approach to materials, Henry reflects on the evolution of his process, from isolating early days in a factory during the pandemic to searching for real connection at local craft shows. We discuss the emotional realities of working alone, the value of hands-on feedback over fleeting online attention, and why practical iteration beats perfectionism. 🔪 Discover how Henry’s handcrafted tools reflect both his roots in Maryland and his belief that true artistry is found in the making—and in the sharing. 🎧 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. Production: Photos: Rob LeeSupport the podcast Fundraisinghttps://www.fracturedatlas.orghttps://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialhttps://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enhttps://www.thetruthinthisart.com/Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

Artist and professor Kumasi J. Barnett returns to the podcast to talk art, protest, and making work that cuts through the noise. Known for subverting classic comic book covers with raw, socially charged rewrites, Kumasi reflects on what’s changed since 2022—from running for office to teaching at Penn State. We talk about the realities of being a Black painter, creating in the shadow of systemic erasure, and why some truths hit harder in spandex. 🎧 Revisit Kumasi’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. Production: Photos: Rob LeeSupport the podcast Fundraisinghttps://www.fracturedatlas.orghttps://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialhttps://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enhttps://www.thetruthinthisart.com/Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

Multidisciplinary artist, researcher, and educator Joseph Cochran II returns for his second appearance on The Truth In This Art. Born and raised in East Harlem, Joseph’s practice spans photography, video, and archival work, focusing on the systems that define industrialized societies and the emotional toll of late capitalism. In this conversation, Joseph opens up about the years he spent living and working in China, rebuilding from personal loss, and how maintaining his identity shaped the way he navigates spaces abroad and at home. He reflects on the tension between financial survival and creative ethics, why he refuses to distance himself from the communities he comes from, and the emotional weight behind many of his images. This is a raw, thoughtful, and often funny dialogue about legacy, creative freedom, and what it means to stay grounded while moving through a world that often demands compromise. Highlights include: Public Work🎧 Want more? Check out Joseph Cochran II’s first interview in the archive—where we talk about the early days of his work and life abroad. Host: Rob Lee Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis. Production: Photos: Rob LeeSupport the podcast Fundraisinghttps://www.fracturedatlas.orghttps://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialhttps://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enhttps://www.thetruthinthisart.com/Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

What happens when a typewriter becomes a tool for collective memory? In this episode, Rob Lee reconnects with interdisciplinary artist and activist Sheryl Oring—first featured on the podcast in 2023. Sheryl returns with updates on I Wish to Say, her decades-long public performance project where thousands have dictated postcards to the U.S. president. What began as a solo typewriter setup is now an evolving civic archive—and a way to resist censorship, document the moment, and hold space for unheard voices. This conversation follows a pivotal year for Sheryl—marked by the sudden closure of University of the Arts in Philadelphia—and explores how loss, listening, and literal paper trails have shaped her latest work. Sheryl first appeared on The Truth in This Art in 2023—listen to that conversation [here]. This episode was recorded during a season reflecting on archives, resilience, and artists working at the intersection of public space and democratic expression. Host: Rob Lee Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis. Production: Photos: Rob LeeSupport the podcast Fundraisinghttps://www.fracturedatlas.orghttps://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialhttps://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enhttps://www.thetruthinthisart.com/Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

Director of Baltimore’s new Office of Arts, Culture, and Entertainment, Linzy Jackson III joins Rob Lee for his first appearance to discuss his journey from summer youth worker to one of the city’s key connectors between creatives and local government. In this episode, Linzy talks about what it means to streamline access to public resources, the cultural imprint of growing up in Baltimore, and his work tearing down red tape for artists and event organizers. He shares how early memories of AFRAM and MLK Day parades shaped his understanding of community engagement—and why cities like Philly and Austin are paying close attention to how Baltimore moves. We explore the long-term vision for Baltimore’s creative infrastructure and why Linzy believes artists shouldn’t need insider access to make things happen. Topics Covered: 🎧 Explore more conversations with Baltimore changemakers in our archive. 📍 More on MOACE: baltimorecity.gov Host: Rob Lee Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis. Production: Photos: Rob LeeSupport the podcast Fundraisinghttps://www.fracturedatlas.orghttps://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialhttps://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enhttps://www.thetruthinthisart.com/Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★