The Interludes Podcast: Entrepreneurs and DJ Culture / Music and Rhythm

Parenting through a pandemic has tested patience, creativity, and love — and for some, it’s revealed what family truly means. In this inspiring episode of Interludes, host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson speaks with Dr. Kwame Foucher, family physician and author of The Awesome Dad Playbook, about the lessons learned from parenting under pressure and the keys to raising resilient, joyful children. The...

Creativity knows no borders — and in this episode of Interludes, it flows from London to Chicago and beyond. Host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson welcomes Andrew L. Boyd, an innovative poet from London, England, to discuss his new book of poetry, Birchmere, a collection that explores identity, emotion, and the human experience through vivid verse. Also joining the celebration is Parrish “P-Dubb” Willi...

The rhythm behind Interludes takes center stage as we celebrate Black Music Month. In this episode, host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson welcomes super producer and recording artist Kendall Nesbit, the creative force who composed the Interludes theme music. Kendall debuts his inspiring new track, “Show the World,” and shares insights into his creative process and what drives his sound. Music critic Pa...

Comedy is all about perspective — and Jori O’Neale proves that humor and hustle can go hand in hand. In this lively episode of Interludes, host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson welcomes back the podcast’s very first guest: comedian, producer, and NYC working mom Jori O’Neale. Together, they share laughs, stories, and reflections on balancing creativity, family, and purpose. The two funny ladies also pr...

In an age dominated by online retail giants, independent bookstores continue to fight for their place — and their purpose. In this episode of Interludes, host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson speaks with Nzingha Nommo, founder and owner of AfriWare Books in Evanston, Illinois, about the challenges and triumphs of sustaining a Black-owned bookstore in a post–COVID-19 world. From a local lawsuit that ech...

When opportunity didn’t knock, he built the door himself. In this inspiring episode of Interludes, host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson introduces Dre Blaze Rodgers, a Chicago actor who grew tired of the one-dimensional “drug dealer” and “gang banger” roles offered to him — and chose to write, direct, and star in his own film instead. His debut feature, The Mysterious Mr. Wizdom, created and released...

What exactly is “Struggle Love”? It’s the kind of romance that too often plays out in film — full of conflict, pain, and endurance disguised as passion. But does it really deserve to be called love? In this bold and insightful episode of Interludes, host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson welcomes Joy and KC the Alchemist, co-hosts of the podcast 3BC (Three Black Chicks), for an honest conversation about...

After a long pandemic pause, the lights are dimming, the screens are glowing, and the magic of the movies has returned. In this episode of Interludes, host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson and Executive Producer Michael Wamble take a lively look at the Academy Awards — from the groundbreaking nominees to the inevitable snubs. They break down the major categories, share their personal picks, and discuss...

The Minneapolis Sound — crafted by legends like Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and Prince — reshaped music and gave a city its rhythm. Decades later, that spirit of creativity and resilience still soars. In this episode of Interludes, host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson speaks with Ms. Arnise, an artist and educator using music as a force for restoration in a city still healing from deep turmoil. Togeth...

Grief is often misunderstood — but as Charlie Brown once said, it’s not all bad. In fact, it can be good. In this heartfelt episode of Interludes, host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson and Executive Producer Michael Wamble explore the power of grief as both a personal and collective experience. Debut filmmaker Kevin Urquhart joins the conversation to discuss his short film Grief, which follows a family...

As Black History Month comes to a close, Interludes celebrates the power of music to uplift, inspire, and transform. Host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson welcomes Speech Thomas, Grammy Award–winning artist and founder of the pioneering hip-hop group Arrested Development, for an intimate conversation about creativity, faith, and purpose. Speech shares insight into his latest project, Expansion, and the...

The story of food in America begins with the story of Black people in the kitchen of the plantation house, our family’s house and even The White House. America was built on a fusion cuisine called Soul Food. Author Adrian E. Miller shares his journey researching soul food’s history in his two award-winning books. Valarie goes into her kitchen to make a very special pound cake found in her family r...

In the first installment of the Interludes “Soul Food” series, host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson explores how food connects culture, community, and history. The episode begins with Andrew and Janique Edwards, the visionary couple behind EatOkra, the groundbreaking app that helps users discover and support Black-owned restaurants. It ends by tracing the journey of okra itself — a humble vegetable th...

From the $20 bill that may one day bear her image to the woman who brought her story to life in “A Woman Called Moses,” this episode honors the enduring spirit of Harriet Tubman as Interludes kicks off Black History Month. Host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson blends history, reflection, and music in a powerful mix that feels like a modern seat on the Underground Railroad — a journey through courage, f...

Remember when you turned on the music in your car and it felt like the artist was speaking a special language — one only you could understand? 🎶 In this soulful episode, Interludes host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson introduces listeners to two dynamic musical artists who embody that feeling: Melika Miller, a powerhouse vocalist whose voice blends soul and storytelling, and Aniya Lanai, an emerging...

As the nation looks toward change under the new Biden/Harris Administration, Chicago’s Southeast Side faces its own environmental crossroads. 🌿 In this powerful episode, Interludes host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson sits down with Peggy Salazar, Director of the Southeast Environmental Task Force, and Michele Mabson of Black Millennials 4 Flint to discuss the urgent fight against plans to open a new...

In the wake of one of the most shocking weeks in modern American history, a new chapter is about to begin. 🇺🇸 Interludes host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson and Executive Producer Michael Wamble reflect on the chaos and consequences of the January 6th assault on the U.S. Capitol — a moment that tested the nation’s ideals and unity. They’re joined by historian and playwright Ted Williams III, Chairman...

Sometimes the greatest lessons come from those who teach every day — and from the stories they choose to share. In this heartfelt episode, Interludes host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson sits down with Gina Paul, first-time children’s author and dedicated New York educator, to discuss her inspiring new book, “I Am Not Being Lazy, I Just Don’t Understand.” Born in Haiti and shaped by her experiences bo...

Looking back on 2020, it wasn’t the year of the woman — it was the year of women. In this compelling episode, Interludes host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson sits down with filmmaker Sara Wolitzky to discuss her powerful documentary, “Not Done: Women Remaking America.” The film captures the strength, resilience, and activism of women who shaped one of the most pivotal years in recent memory. The conve...

After a year marked by loss, reflection, and resilience, the question remains: what will lead us back to aspiration and motivation? In this special episode, Interludes host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson takes listeners on a rewind through 2020’s most inspiring conversations. From entrepreneur Chrishon Lampley to filmmaker Luchina Fisher, creative force Danie Sanders, and cultural commentator BK Apol...

As if a global pandemic and political unrest weren’t enough, another unsettling trend resurfaced in 2020 — carjackings. In this timely episode, Interludes host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson and Executive Producer Michael Wamble share personal experiences and candid reflections on this growing concern. Together, they explore what’s driving the rise in these crimes and discuss practical ways to stay a...

Music has the power to transform pain into poetry and experience into song. In this episode, Interludes host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson and Executive Producer Michael Wamble sit down with the rock and soul group Nineveh Road to discuss their upcoming EP, “The Return of…” The band opens up about their creative journey, the influences that shaped their sound, and how storytelling through music cont...

The air you breathe and the water you drink should be safe — but for too many Black and Latino families, that depends on where they live. In this revealing episode, Interludes host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson shines a light on Environmental Racism and its impact on communities in Chicago and Flint, Michigan. She’s joined by Peggy Salazar, Director of the Southeast Environmental Task Force (SETF),...

As the year draws to a close, gratitude becomes both a refuge and a reminder. In this uplifting episode, Interludes host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson and Executive Producer Michael Wamble pause to reflect on the lessons, challenges, and unexpected blessings that shaped a difficult year. They’re joined by Angela Hurlock, Executive Director of Claretian Associates, to discuss the true meaning of givi...

House music has always been more than a sound — it’s a movement that unites, heals, and sets every dance floor free. In this episode, Interludes host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson talks with spoken word recording artist, journalist, and entrepreneur Danie Sanders, known to many as Black Widow. Together, they explore her latest collaboration with DJ Emmaculate, the soulful and empowering track “Love...