Jay In The City

For the December 2023 episode of Jay in the City , we sit down with Diane Tate , a poet and author based in Bridgeport. Originally from South Carolina and now deeply rooted in the local arts community, Diane has a studio at the Nest Arts Factory and continues to build meaningful work through poetry and storytelling. In this powerful and thoughtful conversation, she shares a poem addressing the inj...

For the November 2023 episode of Jay in the City , the format shifts to reflect the urgency of the moment. In response to what the United Nations has described as an increasingly dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, this episode uses the platform to raise awareness and center compassion, calling attention to the voices of activists, artists, humanitarian organizations, and global leaders urging a cea...

For the October 2023 episode of Jay in the City , we welcome back comedy legend and icon Lisa Lampanelli for an inspiring and thoughtful conversation about her next chapter. Lisa returns to the show to share her exciting new venture into teaching, workshops, and giving back to the creative community through mentorship and education. With her signature honesty, humor, and wisdom, she reflects on he...

For the September 20, 2023 episode of Jay in the City , we turn the spotlight on the Bridgeport Film Fest with a conversation rooted in community, creativity, and storytelling. The episode features Joseph Dickerson of Sustainable CT , a local nonprofit that has supported the Bridgeport Film Fest for the past two years and other local organizations across the state, sharing insight into the organiz...

For the August 2023 episode of Jay in the City , we sit down with Fairfield County based drag performer and entertainer Tiki Malone , who frequently performs throughout the area, including at Trevi Lounge, and appeared at Bridgeport Pride this past summer. In this heartfelt and joyful conversation, Tiki shares her journey into drag, what the art form means to her, and why drag continues to be such...

For the July 2023 episode of Jay in the City , we keep the Pride celebration going with three special guests from the Greater Bridgeport Pride Committee. Returning to the show are Luis Lopez and Sarah Beirne , joined by Marvin Pittman , making his first appearance on the podcast. Together, they share why Pride is so important, what it means to show up for the LGBTQ community year round, and why ev...

For the June 2023 episode of Jay in the City , we celebrate Pride Month with a powerful and joyful conversation featuring local burlesque performer and entertainer Miss Cherry Jackson . She shares what it has been like stepping into a new creative community, why burlesque is such a vital and important art form, and how it has shaped her career and self expression. The episode closes with heartfelt...

For the May 2023 episode of Jay in the City , we sit down with local musician and singer songwriter Victor Luigi Avellino for an engaging conversation about music, creativity, and artistic growth. Victor shares his journey as a songwriter, the stories behind his sound, and what continues to inspire his work as a local artist. He always performs his latest song, "Martyr", live in the studio! Though...

For the April 2023 episode of Jay in the City , we sit down with local artist, storyteller, ukulele player, and adventurer Nina Lesiga. In this upbeat and heartfelt conversation, Nina shares her creative journey, her love of music and storytelling, and how curiosity and adventure continue to shape her art. It is a lively, inspiring episode full of warmth, creativity, and the kind of energy that ma...

For the March 2023 episode of Jay in the City , we celebrate Women’s History Month with an inspiring conversation featuring local visual artist Sharon Smalls. The episode spotlights Sharon’s creative journey, her artistic process, and the stories behind her powerful work, while also reflecting on the importance of uplifting women artists and their voices. Thoughtful, energizing, and deeply rooted...

For this special episode of Jay in the City , we celebrate Black History Month by honoring the incomparable Nina Simone, whose artistry, activism, and influence continue to resonate across generations. The episode also features engaging conversations with musician Larry Bamundo discussing the upcoming Crabby Cabaret and visual artist Jean Benoit, highlighting creativity, collaboration, and the pow...

In this solo episode of Jay in the City , Jason takes listeners along for a personal and joyful reset at the start of the new year. Recorded in January 2023, the episode is a reflective deep dive into the music, television, and films that were bringing comfort, inspiration, and excitement during that season. From standout songs on repeat to memorable screen moments that sparked creativity and nost...

In this episode of Jay in the City, Jason sits down with local Bridgeport artist and photographer Luis Lopez, who creates out of his studio at the Nest Arts Factory! Luis shares his story of being born in Uruguay, his journey to Bridgeport, and how he built a life and career as a proud Bridgeport artist. The conversation is warm, personal, and full of community love! This is another great episode...

In this episode of Jay in the City, Jason sits down with Takina Pollock Shafer, the founder and director of Skateport, to talk about how this incredible organization came to life! Takina shares why Skateport is so vital to the community, what inspired her to build it, and her powerful vision for how it will continue to grow and impact young people across the region. Her passion and purpose shine t...

In this episode of Jay in the City, Jason welcomes comedy icon and legend Lisa Lampanelli live in the WPKN studio! Lisa dives into her incredible career, her decision to retire from the world of roasting, and the new creative chapter she is stepping into with her upcoming cabaret show Big Fat Failure at Trevi Lounge this month. The conversation is hilarious, honest, and packed with unforgettable m...

In this episode of Jay in the City, Jason welcomes writer, filmmaker, and fellow WPKN radio host Emma Speer for a vibrant conversation! Emma is a multidisciplinary creator based in Brooklyn and born and bred in Bridgeport, and she shares how the city shaped her early creative spark. She talks about her newest film Hysterical, her path into filmmaking, and the artistic community that helped her gro...

In this episode of Jay in the City, Jason sits down with local photographer and female business owner Stephanie Saujon, who recently moved to Connecticut and now calls Stratford home! Stephanie shares her artistic and creative journey, from photography, burlesque performing and writing to building her own thriving business and finding her voice as a creator. The conversation is fun, thoughtful, an...

In this Pride episode of Jay in the City, Jason sits down with Bridgeport native David A. Correa, who now serves as the director of entertainment for New York City Pride! David shares his journey, his Bridgeport roots, and what it means to help shape one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world. Jason also talks with filmmaker Augustina Aranda about her powerful short film centered on Bridge...

In this episode of Jay in the City, Jason welcomes actor, filmmaker, and writer Kerey Vishwanathan for a warm and lively in studio conversation! Kerey, a Connecticut native originally from Middletown, talks about his filmmaking journey, his love for storytelling, and how his roots shaped his creative path. Fun fact, Kerey and Jason were once New York City roommates! It is a fun and personal episod...

In this episode, Jason sits down live in the studio with Bridgeport native Edward Figueroa, an actor, filmmaker, and musician, for an in person conversation that is both personal and powerful. They talk about growing up in Bridgeport, navigating creative paths, and what it means to work with legends. Edward shares stories from his journey including his collaboration with the songwriting icons Nick...

In this episode of Jay in the City, Jason sits down with Bridgeport native Juan Ayala, an actor, journalist, and podcast host whose creative journey has taken him from local roots to national platforms. Even though Jason and Juan both went to Park City Magnet in Bridgeport and later Housatonic Community College, this is their first time meeting, which brings an exciting spark to the conversation a...

In this episode of Jay in the City, Jason sits down with author and former poet laureate of Milford, the incredible Mick Theebes, for a rich and creative conversation that digs into the heart of artistic expression. They talk about Mick’s journey as a writer, what it truly means to serve as a poet laureate, and how poetry can shape the spirit of a community. It is warm, insightful, and full of ins...

Jay in the City celebrates Black History Month with an inspiring and lively conversation featuring local artisan and creative force Nicole Grant-Paul! Jason and Nicole dive into her artistic journey, her community impact, and the ways she lifts up Black stories and culture through her work. It is a vibrant spotlight that shines on one of Fairfield County’s most engaging voices! The episode keeps t...

Episode one of Jay in the City on WPKN brings listeners into two inspiring conversations that spotlight the power of local creativity. In segment one, Jason talks with filmmaker Edwin Escobar about his journey, his storytelling process, and the work he is bringing to the community. In segment two, author and playwright T. Ashley joins the show to share insights on writing, inspiration, and her rec...