The Contrast Project Lounge: Randon. Relevant. Real.

In this conversation, Giancarlo Bertozzi discusses his passion for open water swimming and the challenges he faces in preparing for a Catalina channel attempt. He explains the physical and mental aspects of long-distance swimming, including the importance of endurance and the ability to overcome negative thoughts. Giancarlo also highlights the supportive and inspiring community of open water swimm...

Jonathan Mast discusses his framework for using AI in business and entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the importance of creating great prompts that generate valuable responses from AI models. Tracy Rigdon shares his experience using the framework and how it has helped her in her podcasting work. They also discuss the benefits of using ChatGPT and the importance of giving context and asking clarifying...

In this conversation, Tracy Rigdon and Jim Alabiso interview Jessie Miller from EPIC Outreach, a nonprofit organization that rescues and cares for animals. They discuss the mission of EPIC Outreach, which is to educate and inspire compassion towards animals, people, and the planet. Jessie shares how they rescue animals from various situations, such as hoarding cases and cruelty situations. They al...

Vic Micolucci, former anchor and investigative reporter at WJXT Channel 4, is joining the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office in a community engagement role. He plans to connect with the community through face-to-face meetings, town halls, and digital platforms. He will use his news background to create multimedia content and newsletters to keep the public informed. Vic aims to build connections bet...

The conversation is about copyright law and its intersection with art. Deborah Reid, Esq., an artist and attorney, discusses her journey behind writing the book “Copyright Artfully Explained, The Illustrated Legal Reference for Visual Artists”. She explains the importance of copyright registration and the concept of fair use. Here is the link to purchase the book: https://store.bookbaby.com/book/c...

Dr. Dawn Emerick discusses trauma-informed leadership and the importance of creating trauma-informed workplaces. She explains that trauma-informed principles originated from a study between Kaiser Permanente and the CDC, which showed the long-term impact of adverse childhood experiences on mental and physical health. Dr. Dawn emphasizes the need for leaders to recognize and address their own child...

In this conversation, Tracy Rigdon interviews Jacksonville City Councilman Jimmy Peluso of District 7. They discuss topics such as affordable housing, infill development, downtown projects, anti-hate legislation, and redlining districts. Councilman Peluso emphasizes the need for affordable housing and the importance of incentivizing developers to build different types of housing. He also discusses...

In this conversation, Tracy Rigdon is joined by Daniel Locke and Evan Bentz to discuss cannabis, both for recreational and medical use. They talk about the importance of rest and relaxation, the benefits of cannabis for various ailments, and the need for education and research in the field. They also touch on the topic of the master's program in cannabis science and the challenges and opportun...

In a recent enlightening conversation with Joshua Hicks, the Director of Affordable Housing and Community Development for the City of Jacksonville, we discussed Jacksonville's ambitious strides toward affordable living. Underneath the city's expanding skyline, a story of transformation, challenges, and resilience, promising a future where every resident finds a place to call home. Summary...

Patti Peoples shares her personal experience with squatters and the challenges she faced in dealing with them. She highlights the need for legislation to address the issue and the lack of support from law enforcement. Summary Patti also discusses the characteristics of squatters and the potential dangers they pose. She expresses concern about the rise of squatter hunters and the potential for viol...

Dive into the compelling narrative of Mary Atwood, an artist who transcends the boundaries of photography to create impactful assemblage sculptures and fluid paintings. Explore her artistic evolution, the resonance of her work amidst societal challenges, and her insightful take on the intersections of art, advocacy, and the human condition. Summary: In this conversation, Tracy Rigdon interviews Ma...

How Mary Joan Hinson is Redefining Local Art in North Florida "Welcome to a world where every color, every stroke, and every mural tells a story not just of an artist, but of a community. Today, we unravel the tapestry of Mary Joan Hinson's artistic journey, an odyssey that paints a vivid picture of passion, perseverance, and the transformative power of art." Summary In this podcast...

Imagine a world where every action, every decision, is guided by compassion and a deep understanding of sustainability. This isn't a far-fetched dream but a tangible reality being sculpted by visionaries like Joni Roberts. Founder of Evolution University, Joni is on a mission to intertwine the threads of joy, prosperity, and sustainability, crafting a tapestry of change that spans the globe. I...

The golden years are often painted with a brush of tranquility and leisure, but not everyone finds this picture complete. Enter Susanna Barton, a maverick in the realm of aging and elder care, who's not just challenging the status quo but also challenging the possibilities for our later years. Susanna's journey from a seasoned journalist to an elder care advocate is nothing short of remark...

The story of Rodney Hurst Sr. serves as a reminder of the power of one individual to effect profound change. Through his courage, determination, and unwavering commitment to justice, he has left an indelible mark on the landscape of civil rights history. As we navigate the challenges of the present day, let us draw inspiration from his example and continue the journey toward a more just and equita...

In this Livestream podcast episode, Tracy and Jim discuss the impact of social media on mental health in the digital age. They explore topics such as cyberbullying, online harassment, digital addiction, and the need for digital detox. They also touch on the paradox of connectivity, where increased communication through technology can lead to feelings of isolation. The conversation highlights the i...

In the heart of Orange Park, Florida, lies a gem that embodies the spirit of community, culture, and culinary excellence. Mackey's Munchies, a New Orleans Style Restaurant, has become a beacon of taste and togetherness in the Jacksonville Metro Area, earning accolades and affection far and wide. In an enlightening conversation with Brandye Mackey, co-owner of this multi-award-winning establish...

Explore Jacksonville's transformative journey under its new administration, focusing on climate resilience, cultural investment, and urban renewal. Discover how the city plans to tackle sea level rise, support artists, and revitalize public spaces for a brighter future. Jacksonville stands on the brink of transformation under its new administration, spearheaded by visionaries like Stephen Dare...

In this episode, Tracy Rigdon interviews Lisa Rinaman, the St. John's Riverkeeper, about the work of the organization and the challenges facing the St. John's River. They discuss the impact of climate change and sea level rise, the importance of preserving watershed areas, and the role of art and creativity in raising awareness about environmental issues. Lisa shares personal experiences a...

Explore the transformative power of AI in 'The Dawn of AI: A New Era in Technology, Society, and Work', a comprehensive look at AI's influence across healthcare, finance, transportation, arts, and more. Join us for expert insights and engaging discussions. *From our recent Livestream AI’s growing influence across sectors like healthcare, banking, transportation, arts, and journalism is...

This episode delves into the heart of Bobby's entrepreneurial journey, his battles with negativity, and his bold stance against homophobia. Show notes: Summary In this conversation, Tracy Rigdon interviews Bobby Kelley, owner of Bobby K. Boutique. They discuss Bobby's thriving business, dealing with negative comments and rumors, handling homophobia, and the obsession with Cher and Madonna....

Explore the fascinating journey of Rance Adams, a versatile television personality, as he shares insights and experiences in a dynamic industry. Discover his secrets for mastering versatility and adapting to the ever-changing world of television. In the dynamic world of television, there are figures who redefine the meaning of versatility and adaptability, and Rance Adams is undoubtedly one of the...

In our latest episode of The Contrast Project Lounge Podcast, we had the honor of sitting down with Jimmy Midyette, the Diversity Manager at the City of Jacksonville, Florida, and a tireless advocate for human rights for over two decades. Join us as we explore the inspiring journey and profound insights of this remarkable advocate, and the pivotal role he plays in shaping a more inclusive and equi...

Discover the transformative journey of Hope McMath; Weaving Threads of Art, Activism, and Transformation. Explore her work at Yellow House, curatorial expertise, and impact on the art world. Show notes: Summary In this conversation, Tracy Rigdon interviews Hope McMath, the founder of Yellow House, about the role of art in activism and social change. They discuss Hope's involvement in the trans...

In the realm of body positivity and empowerment, few stories resonate as profoundly as that of Ebonee Williams. As the CEO of Puff Mistress Mentionables, she has embarked on a remarkable journey, one that transcends mere entrepreneurship. It's a narrative infused with resilience, creativity, and a fervent commitment to redefine conventional beauty norms. *With unwavering determination, Ebonee...