The Contrast Project Lounge: Randon. Relevant. Real.

Jim Alabiso is a modern-day Renaissance man, an artist with an eclectic portfolio that spans writing, producing, strategizing, speaking, and performing. His creative journey is a tapestry woven with diverse threads, each reflecting a facet of his boundless imagination and innovative spirit. With a background in writing and performance, Jim's talents have found expression in various forms. He i...

In the world of business and leadership, effective communication is a cornerstone of success. To delve into the intricacies of mastering communication skills, I had the privilege of interviewing Cat Matson, a renowned expert in the field. Cat’s journey, insights, and strategies offer valuable guidance for individuals and organizations seeking to excel in their communication endeavors. Cat Matson,...

From the haunted corners of the South to the intricate tapestry of cultural rifts, Dr. Tim Gilmore’s work captivates, educates, and provokes thought . Join us as we delve into the extraordinary life and writings of a man who brings the spirit of the South to life. The Man Behind the stories Dr. Tim Gilmore is more than an author; he’s a distinguished educator, community leader, and literary artist...

Our guest on this episode is a remarkable individual whose expertise spans the realms of physical therapy, pelvic floor health, and sexual counseling. Dr. Sara Sohn is a true pioneer in her field. She holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and is the CEO and Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist at Confident Pelvic Rehab. Dr. Sara is also known as the driving force behind Better Sex By Sara, where sh...

Music, Faith, Unity and Love with Reese Dickerson-Season Five Premiere The Birth of a Musical Prodigy: Jacksonville Roots In a world where music and faith blend harmoniously, the remarkable artist Maurice "Reese" Dickerson stands as a testament to the limitless possibilities of creativity. His multifaceted career encompasses a journey through the diverse landscape of music, culture and f...

"Exploring Music, Community, and Positive Trends in the Industry-Special guests Megan McKenzie, and Shelton Hull" In the Season 4 finale I sat down in conversation with Megan McKenzie, and Shelton Hull discussing everything from the passion that drives musicians to the positive trends shaping the industry. As we shared our thoughts, experiences, and expertise, a clear picture emerged of...

Welcome to the world of evidence-based medicine and medical marijuana, where Compassionate Alternative Care stands at the forefront of patient-centric healthcare. Led by Daniel Locke, this Medical Cannabis Physicians referral service is dedicated to providing patients with the best available scientific evidence for their treatments. Evidence-based medicine is the foundation of Compassionate Altern...

Internet Culture's Hidden Truths: A Journey with Investigative Journalist Claire Goforth Introduction: - Claire Goforth, the investigative journalist for Daily Dot's "High Res" column. - "High Res" and its focus on internet culture, high tech, politics, and conspiracy theories. - Highlight the Daily Dot's growth and prominence in the industry, with a strong millenni...

* Falolity, LLC. Led by the visionary Rhea Hagues , a mental health professional and host of the "Just the Who of Us Podcast," Falolity is a beacon of hope, radiating faith, love, and equality. Today, we delve into the heart of this remarkable organization, exploring her coaching expertise in parenting and relationships and other aspects of the world of podcasting. * Please note, the ful...

Join host Tracy Rigdon and his guest Michael Armanno as they discuss the game-changing Threads app, designed to empower artists and creatives. From reclaiming control over social media to fostering a vibrant artist community in Jacksonville, this podcast uncovers the inspiring possibilities that Threads brings to the table. In the digital age, social media platforms have become the go-to channels...

Exploring the Disproportionate Risk and the Importance of Water Safety Education. In the United States, drowning incidents claim the lives of thousands of people every year. Shockingly, the fatal drowning rate among Black/African-American children is three times higher than that of white children. This alarming disparity highlights a critical issue that demands our attention. In this blog post, we...

Threads by META: The Text-Based Social App Taking the Internet by Storm The social media landscape is ever-evolving, with new apps constantly vying for users' attention. In the midst of this dynamic environment, Threads, the text-based app by META and powered by Instagram, has made a stunning entrance. Within just five days of its launch on June 6, 2023 (June 5 in the Americas), Threads amasse...

Understanding Triggers for Combat Veterans with PTSD: Navigating Ongoing Trauma Today, we will discuss the triggers that combat veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) face in their daily lives. We will explore how sounds, such as thunder, lightning, and fireworks, can transport them back to the traumas they endured during combat. Introduction: - Importance of understanding and support...

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, holds a significant place in American history. It commemorates the announcement of the end of slavery in the United States and stands as a testament to the strength, resilience, and determination of African Americans. The Historical Significance of Juneteenth: Juneteenth traces its roots back to June 19, 1865, when Union Army General Gordo...

In our ever-evolving society, discussions surrounding gender conformity, woke culture, and the role of straight allies have gained significant attention. These topics are at the forefront of our ongoing journey toward inclusivity, equality, and social justice. In this episode, we'll delve deep into these subjects, exploring their meanings, impact, and the importance of fostering understanding...

" Understanding the Co-Optation of "Woke Culture" and the Power of Language-Bonus Round Series " Season 4 Episode 8 Today we have an engaging topic to explore: "Woke Culture" and "Woke Ideology." Before we dive in, let's set the stage with some context. According to a CNN story titled "Opinion: The fight against 'woke' is really conservative...

Unveiling Moms for Liberty: Examining their Ideals and Impact on Parental Activism Moms for Liberty, a name that may sound innocuous at first, but a closer look reveals a group that's been organizing anti-mask rallies and vehemently opposing critical race theory. Before we delve into their actions, let's take a step back and examine their origin. Moms for Liberty first gained prominence in...

Discovering the Bright Side of Jacksonville, Florida: A Fusion of Sunshine, Beaches, and Vibrant Culture. Jacksonville, Florida, is a city that thrives despite the challenges presented by current laws and legislation. Its 22 miles of pristine beaches, year-round sunshine, world-class museums, vibrant outdoor events, and unique blend of country, rock 'n' roll, Hip Hop as well as many musica...

The Ripple effect caused by Gov. Ron DeSantis' authoritarian legislation and how it impacts the lives of the citizens of Florida. How the Book bans are crippling our education system and the "restricting" of the Poem “The Hills We Climb”, written by Amanda Gorman (not Oprah Winfrey). Let's begin by examining the authoritarian legislation introduced by Governor Ron DeSantis and it...

Orlando Restaurant Hamburger Marys files federal lawsuit against Gov Ron DeSantis and the state of Florida. WTAF is there NOT to talk about with Ron DeSantis? Florida restaurant, Hamburger Mary's, which features drag performances, files federal lawsuit against the state and Gov. DeSantis' over drag ban, claiming this new legislation has hurt their business significantly and targeted the LG...

In this episode, Tracy Rigdon welcomes Casey Raasio and Katie Johnston, the founding members of rebelreaders.org, a Jacksonville-based organization that is making a positive impact in the community. They discuss the mission behind Rebel Readers, their journey of promoting diversity and literacy, and their unique approach of placing challenged, banned, and multicultural literature in little free li...

In this post, our second in a series, Tracy Rigdon was joined by special guest, the talented writer and journalist, Stephen Dare, who is also a consultant to the campaign to elect Democratic candidate for Mayor of Jacksonville, Florida,  Donna Deegan . They discussed the challenges that small businesses face in Northeast Florida. Dare talks about how it has been 20 years since either the Republica...

Bill DeLaney author of "Secret Jacksonville: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure" is also co-owner and editor of "The JaxonMag", "Modern Cities" and "Edible Northeast Florida". Bill is a Jacksonville native and has a "deep passion for his hometown and a keen interest in underrepresented stories. From folklore to history and everything in betwee...

Joining me on this episode is local writer, journalist, entrepreneur and consultant, Stephen Dare’ "The current political climate and Jacksonville Mayoral Race – Stephen Dare – Season 4 – Episode 6" Stephen Dare is a writer, restauranteur, chef, arts and civic advocate with a background in urban development, planning, neighborhood revitalization and pure old fashioned Southern gossip. Po...

Community advocacy and activism with special guest Kris Kiernan - S4 - Ep6 ** "She/They; Mom, friend, community advocate, and concerned citizen." Community advocate, Mom, friend, and concerned citizen Kris Kiernan sat down with me for a delightful and engaging conversation about her involvement with a number of equality and diversity causes as well as the removal of confederate monuments...