The Contrast Project Lounge: Randon. Relevant. Real.

In this conversation, Tracy Rigdon and Chris Kiernan discuss pressing social issues in Jacksonville, particularly focusing on homelessness, food insecurity, and the challenges posed by local government policies. They explore the impact of recent administrative changes, the lack of effective resource centers for the homeless, and the need for more direct action and innovative solutions to address t...

In this episode of the Contrast Project Lounge podcast, hosts Tracy Rigdon, Jim Alabiso, and Charles Gaskin engage in a lively conversation with Christina Wagner, the former owner of Raindogs, a beloved cultural hub in Jacksonville's Five Points area. They discuss the journey of Raindogs, its impact on the community, the challenges faced during the pandemic, and Christina's future plans fo...

Join spiritual guide Summer Van Mun and Tracy Rigdon as they discuss the transformative world of holistic healing and wellness. From ancient herbalism to modern energy work, discover how integrating traditional wisdom with contemporary healing practices can revolutionize your approach to health. Summer shares her unique journey, beginning in her father's chiropractic office and leading to prof...

In this Wednesday Nite Live edition of the Contrast Project Lounge Podcast, hosts Tracy Rigdon and co-hosts Jim Alabiso and Charles Gaskins welcome sportscaster Cole Pepper to discuss the burgeoning soccer scene in Jacksonville. They explore Cole's journey in sports broadcasting, the launch of the new Sporting Jax soccer teams, and the importance of community engagement in building a sustainab...

In this episode of the Contrast Project Lounge Podcast, hosts Tracy Rigdon and Jim Alabiso reflect on the past year, share personal highlights, and discuss their commitments to health and wellness as they enter 2025. They emphasize the importance of movement, community involvement, and mental health, while also highlighting local art and culture. The conversation encourages listeners to engage pos...

Post-Election Showdown: November 6, 2024 with our special guests Shelton Hull and Claire Goforth. The conversation dives into the recent election night, highlighting the anxiety surrounding the results and the varied coverage across different networks. The discussion shifts to the phenomenon of the 'red mirage' in voting trends, particularly among black voters, and the implications of miso...

AARP's Cultural Expressions: The Arts and Brain Health with Dionne Polite In this episode, Tracy Rigdon and Dionne Polite discuss the significance of brain health as we age, emphasizing the importance of maintaining mental acuity through various lifestyle choices. They explore the six pillars of brain health, including social engagement, mental stimulation, physical activity, restorative sleep...

In this engaging conversation, Tracy Rigdon and Jim Alabiso welcome cellist *Dave Eggar, who shares his unique journey through music, including his experiences with renowned artists and his fusion of classical and bluegrass styles. We were also joined by flat pick guitarist Phil Faconti. *You may recognize Dave from his cello leading the way at the top of Coldplay's "Viva La Vida". A...

Bonus Pre-Season 6 Episode In this engaging conversation, Nina DiGregorio discusses her musical journey, the evolution of her performances with the Femmes of Rock, and her experiences with various artists. She shares insights into her unique approach to music arrangements, the impact of social media on her career, and her plans for original music. The discussion also highlights her commitment to i...

In this engaging conversation, Olympic champion Nancy Hogshead discusses her journey from elite athlete to civil rights attorney and CEO of Champion Women, an organization advocating for equality in sports. The discussion covers the unifying power of the Olympics, the evolution of training methods in swimming, and the importance of addressing sexual abuse in sports. Hogshead also delves into the c...

In this conversation, Tracy Rigdon, Jim Alabiso, and Jason Tetlak discuss Jason's transition from graphic design to large-scale mural painting. They also touch on topics such as the challenges of being a muralist, the use of augmented reality in art, and the trends in public art. Jason shares advice for aspiring muralists and talks about his experience with customizing sneakers. Being an artist in...

In this conversation, Tracy Rigdon, Jim Alabiso, and Taylor Roberts discuss various topics related to music and personal experiences. Taylor shares his journey as a musician and his recent injury that affected his ability to play the guitar. He also talks about his involvement in the music industry and his experience working at a drug treatment facility. The conversation touches on the impact of m...

In this conversation, Tracy Rigdon and Jim Alabiso interview Charles Gaskins, a musician, writer, and comedy enthusiast. They discuss Charles' background, his time in New York City, his involvement in music ventures like the Creepy Tiki's, his writing career, and his return to Jacksonville. They also touch on topics like creativity, transportation, and Charles' experience running a record company....

Sharlay Smith, founder of The Lentil House, shares her journey of turning her passion for making lentils into a successful business. She learned the recipe from her mother and decided to start her own business after a major life change. She started selling her lentils at local markets and received positive feedback. She won awards and eventually got her product into major supermarkets like Whole F...

In this episode of the Contrast Project Lounge Podcast, Tracy Rigdon and Jim Alabiso are joined by their friend Mike Bernos. They discuss their personal connections and experiences in the music industry, as well as the spiritual and cultural aspects of music. They also touch on the impact of streaming platforms like Spotify on the music industry. The conversation covers various topics related to t...

Nathan Ballentine, the man behind the Overalls Community, joins Tracy Rigdon on the Contrast Project Lounge Podcast to discuss the importance of self-reliance and growing your own food. The Overalls Community provides ongoing support, education, and resources for DIY gardeners who want to learn self-reliance and feed their families healthier food. Nathan shares his experience with raised bed garde...

Yanira ‘Yaya’ Cardona, the Hispanic Outreach Coordinator for the city of Jacksonville, discusses her role in uniting the Hispanic community and creating opportunities for small businesses. She highlights programs and workshops aimed at helping Hispanic entrepreneurs succeed and obtain certifications. Yaya emphasizes the need to make critical city information more accessible to the Hispanic communi...

In this conversation, Tracy Rigdon and Jim Alabiso interview Chris Thomas, a prominent member of the music industry in North Florida. They discuss various topics, including Chris's career, the evolution of his band, and the challenges he faced with his former partner. Chris also talks about his dance studio and the decision to use his name for his new project. The conversation touches on the i...

The History and Significance of Juneteenth with our guests Shelton Hull and Reese Dickerson explores the history and significance of Juneteenth, the celebration of the end of slavery in the United States. Our hosts Tracy Rigdon and Jim Alabiso discuss with our distinguished guests the background of Juneteenth, its transition to a federal holiday, and its impact on African American culture and comm...

In this conversation, Tracy Rigdon and Jana Angel discuss various topics including their morning routines, Jana's media experience, the importance of showcasing people's lives beyond their professions, the dedication and hard work of athletes and cheerleaders, the new stadium in Jacksonville, and the controversy surrounding the closure of Sunray Cinema. They also touch on the need for reso...

Ashantae Green, the sustainability manager for the city of Jacksonville, Florida, discusses the importance of sustainability and resilience in the city. She explains that sustainability involves looking at how the environment, animals, and people intersect with the city's functioning, while resilience focuses on mitigating climate change and adapting to its effects. Ashantae highlights her pla...

In this conversation, Tracy Rigdon interviews Kelli Suzanne, the founder of Whiskey in a Teacup. They discuss the origin of the business name and the concept of strength and delicacy. They also touch on the ongoing debate about taco bars in Jacksonville and the drama surrounding the Sunray cinema in Five Points. Kelli shares her opinion on these topics and emphasizes the importance of finding happ...

Our conversation with investigative journalist Nate Monroe covered a range of topics including investigative journalism, the impact of stories, local news, JEA corruption scandal, stadium renovation, climate change, and the role of local government. It also delves into the issue of home rule, sea level rise, and the impact of dredging the river. The conversation also touches on the governor's...

In this conversation, Tracy Rigdon interviews Brenda Kato, a local artist from Jacksonville, Florida. They discuss various topics including Brenda's artwork, the removal of murals in Murray Hill, the importance of preserving art, Brenda's children's book illustrations, her involvement in the JaxPunx History Project, and her day gig as a user experience designer. Brenda also mentions us...

In this conversation, Tracy Rigdon interviews Shawana Brooks, a local visionary in the cultural scene in Jacksonville, Florida. They discuss topics such as the Moving the Margins program, artist residencies, art as a tool for civic engagement and social change, and the intersection of activism and art. They also touch on issues like homelessness, affordable housing, and the challenges faced by Bla...