Words Beats & Life Podcasts

In this episode of ‘Something to Say,’ our host, Mazi, interviews Lemuel “Life” LaRoche of Chess and Community. They cover various topics from Killer Mike's recent success at the Grammy’s to chess and robotics. “Life” discusses how he is trying to use chess as a way to increase social bonding amongst youth. Next up in the episode, Mazi talks with Gabriel Martinez, who is the founder and executive...

In this episode of "Something to Say," our host Mazi is joined by Stephan Stevens, the Executive Artistic Director of the Anacostia Playhouse. Stephan delves into his journey as an actor and shares insights on balancing his artistic pursuits with other endeavors. WBL's Director of Poetry, Patrick Washington, converses with Mia Dimina, the 2024 Arlington, VA Youth Poet Laureate. Wrapping up the sho...

In this episode of "Something To Say," Kenneth Ward explores the transformative journey of higher education and sheds light on the College Bound program. Ward emphasizes the excitement surrounding the college experience and underscores the crucial task of discovering the perfect fit for each individual. Later in the show, we are joined by Alisia Simmons and Martial Pa’nucci from the National Endow...

This episode of the Alternative Winter Break series features DJ Heat, based out of the DMV area and official DJ with the WNBA. Alternative Break is a chance for young adults to be productive on their school break and learn how to be successful in the creative sector. 

This episode dives into the poetry project, Cotton: A Retrospective, featuring interviews and performances by members of the DMV Youth Slam Team. WBL's weekly show on WPFW 89.3FM, Something To Say, gives a platform for young creatives to tell the world what's on their mind each and every Tuesday at 1pm EST. Original air date: 06-13-2023

This episode's guest is Aja Clark. As an educator for over fifteen years, Aja has been involved in mentoring activities that promote literacy for young adults and reluctant readers. Her work includes creating public accessibility to state education policies, updating policy to reflect 21st education goals, and developing relationships with various institutions in the DC area. Aja is often the behi...

This episode's guest is Mercedes (Diane Griffin) Forbes, a Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Consultant passionate about ensuring female agriculturalists and food producers increase their agency, access, and income. She’s an internationally recognized expert in gender and sustainability, providing training and consultation to clients in the U.S., Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Her diverse...

Our guest in this episode features WPFW 89.3 FM station manager Katia Stitt. Alternative Break is a chance for young adults to be productive on their school break and learn how to be successful in the creative sector.

Our College Material program prepares teens to move on to secondary education. In this episode, our college coaches discuss how students can fund their college experience. Is all debt bad? If you're going to college, you'll want to find out. 

Our guest is Tewodross "Teo" Melchishua Williams (pronounced Tee-oh-droze Mell-keshu-ah), a filmmaker, animator, visual artist, and motion graphics and projection designer from Prince George’s County, Maryland. He completed his B.A. in Fine Arts: Photographic Media at Morgan State University and his M.F.A. in Imaging and Digital Media Arts at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). He...

Beautifully Uncomfortable is a conversation series that brings awareness to trying and confusing topics, creating safer spaces in hip-hop. In this episode, “Mortal Man”, we discuss the current state of Ye and the insights and ramifications of his recent actions.   Feat: Prowess The Testament (Host) Produced by Flex Mathews     aired live on December 11, 2022

Our guest is Adisa Banjoko, or Adisa the Bishop, known by many names. He is the charismatic founder of the Hip-Hop Chess Federation. The organization uses chess and martial arts to teach non-violence to at-risk and incarcerated youth.  Alternative Break is a chance for young adults to be productive on their school break and learn how to be successful in the creative sector.

Our College Material program prepares teens to move on to secondary education. In this episode, our college coaches discuss how students can fund their college experience. Learn how to avoid FAFSA errors, apply for college grants, and find scholarship opportunities. 

Beautifully Uncomfortable is a conversation series that brings awareness to trying and confusing topics, creating safer spaces in hip-hop. This episode, Prowess the Testament discusses toxicity and environments in which it is present with the help of a panel of guests. 

Our guest is Tamara Wellons, who is a vaunted, soulful vocalist whose artistry resonates in multiple realms with the vitality of the timeless definition of rhythm and blues. Also, she’s a passionate, empathetic Piscean who understands — on multiple levels — the healing essence of music.

Our College Material program prepares teens to move on to secondary education. In this episode, college couches talk about what it's like to be college and career ready.

Beautifully Uncomfortable, Episode 2: Marginalized Voices  A Talk Show dedicated to issues affecting the hip-hop community. Each month we gather artists, leaders, journalists, and fans of hip-hop to talk more about the things that sometimes make us uncomfortable with people who find the beauty in the hideous. Feat: Prowess The Testament (Host), guests Mana, Mental Stamina and Vi-Cee. Produced by F...

WBL's Alternative Winter Break series features conversations with people working in the creative sector. This episode features writer / blogger Yahsmin Bobo. Follow us on Instagram @wordsbeatsandlife

Each month we gather artists, leaders, journalists, and fans of hip-hop to talk more about the things that sometimes make us uncomfortable with people who find the beauty in the hideous. This episode is a conversation about cultural appropriation.   Guests: Shaneka Clark, Candice Mills, Jamal Reid, Akir & Ian This show is hosted by Prowess the Testament Produced by Flex Mathews Executive Produced...

The DMV is filled with powerhouse organizations and companies led by dynamic creatives. We are honored to be in dialogue with one of the DMVs most prolific MCs and his Co-CEO (and wife) for a conversation about their inspiration, work and journey as Media Arts makers. This is the third interview in this inaugural Alternative Winter Break.

WBL's Alternative Winter Break series features conversations with people working in the creative sector. This episode features writer Bakari Kitwana. Follow us on Instagram @wordsbeatsandlife

Beautifully Uncomfortable, Episode 1: Gender, Hip-Hop & Creating Safe Spaces. "This talk will hopefully bring a new level of awareness to trying or confusing topics. However uncomfortable it may be to listen to, watch, share, and or engage that a beautiful understanding will emerge for panel members."   Feat: Prowess The Testament (Host), guests SkyHook, Chris Carr, Marcus K. Dowling, Brooklyn The...

WBL's Alternative Winter Break series features conversations with people working in the creative sector. This episode features DJ and radio personality, d.painter. Follow us on Instagram @wordsbeatsandlife

WBL's Alternative Winter Break series features conversations with people working in the creative sector. This episode features Jason Nichols, professor at University of Maryland College Park who is regularly featured on major cable news networks. Follow us on Instagram @wordsbeatsandlife

WBL's Alternative Winter Break series features conversations with people working in the creative sector. This episode features poet Jessica Care Moore. Follow us on Instagram @wordsbeatsandlife