Interludes

Yo Momma Got Jokes - The Sequel

Wed, 05 May 2021 20:48:33 GMT

Comedy is in the eye and ear of the beholder. And if you’re blessed enough to behold comedian and boss lady Jori O’Neale, then you know it’s true. Our podcast’s first ever guest returns to talk about life as a working mom in NYC, her Chicago roots and her annual Mother’s Day comedy show this Sunday featuring Interludes host Valarie Johnson. Both funny ladies headline “Yo Momma Got Jokes 2,” an online variety show for the whole family.

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Black Smoke

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 22:35:51 GMT

Judging by the smoke signals sent up from backyards and porches, it’s Barbeque Season. Food scholar Adrian E. Miller shares his new book, Black Smoke, a history and guide to BBQ in America. Meanwhile Mr. Wamble and I eat our way through BBQ joints.

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Music IS the Answer TOO

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 20:49:18 GMT

In a world where radio stations play the same songs, over and over, a podcast emerges: This one. We love new music. We love new music, too - The Sequel. And just like the movie or music industries, we’re not afraid to milk a good thing ‘til it’s dry. Meet international artist Kubo Sensei and Brooklyn vocalist, Lissa Millien on this episode of Interludes.

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Hit Me With Ya Best Shot

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 20:54:02 GMT

Vaccination hesitancy appears to be growing in America. At the start of the week, there were three companies the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) were relying on to present vaccines to combat COVID-19. And then, due to troubling trials, there were two. Hear both sides of the vaccination debate from wellness coach Agustin Rodriguez and internist Dr. Aunita Hill-Jones sway Valarie to decide whether to vax or not to vax.

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Buy the Book

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 00:12:49 GMT

It's no surprise that an Evanston bookstore has filed a David and Goliath lawsuit against the biggest online retailer. In the age of Amazon, more than ever, independent bookstores need us to survive. In the spirit of Ujamaa, Black bookstores like AfriWare Books, especially need our support to survive in a post Covid-19 world. Meet Nzingha Nommo, owner of AfriWare Books.

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“Mr. Wizdom” Prime Example of Reel Success

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 15:19:29 GMT

Last year, Chicago actor Dre Blaze Rodgers was tired of the “drug dealer/ gang banger” roles offered to him, so he decided to make his own film. Despite doubters and a global pandemic, this first-time filmmaker’s debut The Mysterious Mr. Wizdom is streaming to a worldwide audience on Amazon Prime. Meet the cast and filmmaker following in the tradition of Oscar Micheaux, Robert Townsend and Shelton "Spike" Lee.

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love jones for “Struggle Love”

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 20:25:24 GMT

Even with a love jones for your body and your skin tone, unless your name is Nina or Monica or Marie, “Struggle Love” won’t do. What is “Struggle Love”? It’s what too often passes for romance in movies. Special guests Joy and KC the Alchemist of the podcast “3BC” (Three Black Chicks) help Val scrutinize the seductive narrative of “Struggle Love” films. Val wishes Happy Birthday to the Queen of Soul, subject of her own “Genius” mini-series.

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And the Nominees Are...

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 20:15:10 GMT

After a pandemic pause, the magic of movies is back. Is anybody surprised about the historic nominees or incensed by the snubs of the upcoming Academy Awards? Valarie and EP Michael break down the chances for the nominees in the main Academy Award categories and reflect on the continued need for representation across the film industry.

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The Minneapolis Sound

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 15:02:31 GMT

The Minneapolis Sound is the gift Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis gave to Janet Jackson & Prince gave to the world. It put the city on the worldwide map in the ‘80s. A soaring soulful sound is taking Flyte Tyme with Ms. Arnise, an artist and educator bringing the healing power of music to a city that’s seen its turmoil. Val interviews Ms. Arnise and shares her thoughts on Derek Chauvin’s trial and women songwriters.

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Good Grief

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 19:54:15 GMT

Charlie Brown was right. Grief -for lack of a better word - is good. Grief is a healthy part of the healing process. In his new short film, “Grief,” debut filmmaker Kevin Urquhart, along with his cast and crew, discuss their portrayal of a patient and his family moving through the five stages of grief. Host Valarie reflects on dealing with personal grief and shares advice on how to cope. EP Michael muses on our desire to find outlets for collective grief in movies like “Nomadland,” and shows like “WandaVision.”

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Freedom of Speech

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 02:05:54 GMT

As Black History Month closes, hear a message of musical inspirational from Grammy award-winning artist, Speech Thomas of the pioneering hip-hop group, Arrested Development. Speech shares songs from his new project, "Expansion."

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The Essence of Soul Food: Pound Cake

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 21:38:04 GMT

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 reunion cookbook.

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The Essence of Soul Food: EatOkra

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 03:53:20 GMT

In the first of a series on “Soul Food,” we start at the ending by meeting Andrew and Janique Edwards, the couple who created EatOkra, the app that finds Black restaurants. And we end at the beginning with the history of the vegetable that traveled with us from Africa: okra.

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It's All About The Harriets

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 03:14:07 GMT

From the $20 bill that one day her face may grace, to the woman who famously played her in “A Woman Called Moses,” we’re all about Harriet to begin Black History Month. This week’s mix of news and music is like a seat on the Underground Railroad. You won’t want to miss it.

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Music Is The Answer

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 18:46:10 GMT

Remember when you turned the music on in the car and felt like the artist was speaking a special language that only you understood? Interludes host Valarie Johnson introduces you to two different musical artists: soulful songbird Melika Miller and newcomer Aniya Lanai.

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ER Update: Climate Changes in Chicago, DC

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 23:59:54 GMT

The national climate may be changing for the better as the new Biden/Harris Administration enters in DC. In Chicago, the environment may worsen on the Southeast Side, unless more voices speak out against plans to open another plant and against plans to drill for minerals in an urban area. Both Peggy Salazar, Director of Southeast Environmental Task Force (setaskforce.org) and Michele Mabson of Black Millennials 4 Flint, update us on their work. After hearing the podcast, you may want to comment against plans for the recycling plant here: http://setaskforce.org/

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Under New Management

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 22:24:23 GMT

Despite the near insurrection of last week, one fact remains: on Jan. 20, the US government will be under new management. Interludes host Valarie Johnson and EP Michael Wamble discuss the bizarre assault on the US Capitol. We also get our own "Ted talk" from our favorite historian, Chairman of the Social Sciences Department at Kennedy-King College, Ted Williams III. Williams discusses the upcoming Biden Administration, the attempted coup of Jan. 6th and the importance of Monday's Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.

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Interludes Extra with Author Gina Paul

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 22:56:29 GMT

Interludes host Valarie Johnson speaks with 1st time children’s author and New York educator, Gina Paul. Her book, “I Am Not Being Lazy, I Just Don’t Understand” has become a top-reviewed book under the Amazon Kindle titles and we speak with her about her formative years in Haiti and the challenges she faces as an educator on the frontlines.

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A Year of Women in 2020

Wed, 30 Dec 2020 20:05:15 GMT

Looking back on 2020, It wasn’t the year of the woman rather a year of women. Interludes host Valarie Johnson speaks with filmmaker Sara Wolitzky about her film, “Not Done: Women Remaking America” and featured film interview with New York Firefighter Regina Wilson.

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This Is 2020: A Year in Review

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 18:56:36 GMT

After a year of losses, what will lead you toward aspiration and motivation? Hopefully, we will as we rewind to recall 2020's voices of inspiration: Chrishon Lampley, Luchina Fisher, Danie Sanders and BK Apologist.

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The Return of the Jack

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 20:08:47 GMT

Carjackings? Seriously? Along with everything else we've had to deal with in 2020, including a pandemic and political unrest, the crime of carjacking has made an unwelcome return. Interludes host Valarie Johnson and Interludes EP Michael Wamble speak on their experiences and learn about ways to protect yourself while traveling around during this holiday season.

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The Journey of Nineveh Road

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 19:02:01 GMT

Music storytellers can turn their challenges and triumphs into great musical works of art. Rock & soul group Nineveh Road talks with Interludes host Valarie Johnson and Interludes EP Michael Wamble about their current upcoming EP release called, "The Return of..." and the musical influences that have inspired them throughout the years.

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The Other ER: Environmental Racism

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 17:50:04 GMT

The air you breathe and water you drink may not be safe because of where you live due to the color of your skin. It's an issue Black and Latino families in Chicago & Flint, Michigan continue to battle. Interludes host Valarie Johnson speaks with Peggy Salazar of Southeast Task Force (SETF) and Michelle Mabson of Black Millennials 4 Flint along with longtime Chicagoan resident on other ER: Environmental Racism.

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Giving Thanks in 2020

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 19:45:13 GMT

Interludes host Valarie Johnson & executive producer Michael Wamble take time to give thanks and highlight what we are grateful for as the country approaches the end of a difficult year. We also speak with executive director of Claretian Associates, Angela Hurlock about the season of giving and highlight a local Black-owned business, Color Me Beauty Bar.

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The House That Danie Built

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 16:35:17 GMT

The best music to unify the masses on any dance floor is house music. Spoken word recording artist, journalist and entrepreneur Danie Sanders, aka Black Widow talks with Interludes host Valarie Johnson about her current track with DJ Emmaculate called "Love Manifesto" and the changes many performing artists are going through to pivot in these COVID-era times.

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Countdown Meltdown: Election 2020

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 18:34:36 GMT

Interludes host Valarie Johnson and producer partner Michael Wamble recap the crazy that continues to be the 2020 Election.

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OUR Story in HIStory: The Musical

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 17:39:15 GMT

Every four years we add to the ongoing story of our nation. Now, if we could just agree when to start the story and what happened. Historian and playwright Ted Williams III suggests that our story begins in "1619." And he's not alone.

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Black Women Matter: Part 2

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 17:11:06 GMT

How would you rate the state of Black Women Lives in America today? As we continue this discussion, Interludes host Valarie Johnson share thoughts from a variety of distinguished guests including philanthropist and attorney Ericka Hardin-Gibson, life coach therapist and author Cresenda Jones and A Chicago Public School coordinator and youth mentor Lysandra Barnett.

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Black Women Matter: Part 1 with NYFD Firefighter Regina Wilson

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 21:12:49 GMT

How would you rate the state of Black Women Lives in America today? Interludes host Valarie Johnson posses that question and many others to a trailblazer and one of few women working as a New York City firefighter, Regina Wilson. Wilson is also one of the many featured women in an upcoming PBS Makers documentary called, "NOT DONE: Women Remaking America."

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Chicago International Film Festival: Mama Gloria

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 03:45:39 GMT

The 56th annual Chicago International Film Festival will look & feel very different on this year due to the pandemic. Interludes host Valarie Johnson speaks with filmmaker Luchina Fisher about her award-winning documentary film called, "Mama Gloria". Fisher’s film is a story about self-discovery, aging with grace and the history of the South Side of Chicago.

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Wading in the Water: The Swim Episode

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 19:24:55 GMT

Learning to swim as an adult can be intimidating yet a rewarding skill to develop. Interludes host Valarie Johnson examines the strained history of African Americans and swimming and also, a "swim" discussion with lawyer, philanthropist and swimming student, Ericka Hardin-Gibson.

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Living The SINGLED Out Life

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 17:07:54 GMT

What does it feel like to have a cultural and spiritual awakening? For one young woman, it feels like being singled out. Interludes host Valarie Johnson remembers the time TV opened eyes and an interview self-published author April L. Osuji.

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Reset, Refresh & Recommit to A Health Revolution

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 19:32:59 GMT

How can we best defend our body’s immune system against illnesses and pandemics as they pop up? Interludes host Valarie Johnson speaks on two American icons who fought for their health, one publicly and another privately and also an interview with a well-being strategist & professor, author Patti O’Brien Richardson.

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Entrepreneurial Empowerment with Chrishon Lampley

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 17:26:16 GMT

What is it like to have an "entrepreneur spirit" as a small business owner in the wine industry? Interludes host Valarie Johnson speaks with Chicago entrepreneur Chrishon Lampley on how her company, "Love Cork Screw" has emerged stronger during these ever-changing times.

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The Education Episode

Mon, 07 Sep 2020 15:28:07 GMT

What will the future education be in the time of coronavirus?Interludes host Valarie Johnson speaks with an award-winning principal and educator, Dr. Denise Spells, Archdiocese of Chicago's Chief Strategic Officer, Cliff Barber & 1st time author & New York City educator Gina Paul about how the current pandemic will affect the upcoming 2020-2021 academic school year. Class is in session with prophetic writer & poet, James Baldwin during this special edition of Interludes.

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Holy Hip Hop

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 15:25:30 GMT

Many hip hop artists have been known to use their platform to defend their faith. Interludes host Valarie Johnson speaks on some examples of this and introduces her audience to a former Brooklyn emcee turned YouTube star & a radical defender of his faith, BK Apologist.

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Sound of Chicago on Da Radio

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 05:35:41 GMT

Interludes host Valarie Johnson reminisces over on-air talent from her childhood & the early influences of music heard on radio. Also, an interview with CHIRP 107.1 founder, on-air talent & station manager, Ms. Shawn Campbell.

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Loving the Art Beyond the Artist

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 03:41:30 GMT

Interludes host Valarie Johnson talks about three Chicagoan artists and how we can separate the art they create from their flawed personal lives. Also, an interview with award winning music producer, songwriter and native Chicagoan, Kendall Nesbit.

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The Generational Effects of Redlining & Interview with Actor Jonathan Keaton

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 15:29:40 GMT

Interludes host Valarie Johnson discusses the generational affect of a practice called "redlining" in many American cities. Also, Johnson interviews Second City Alum, improv comedian and actor on "Chicago PD", Mr. Jonathan Keaton

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Seeing a Different World with Black Women Doctors

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 06:09:25 GMT

Interludes host Valarie Johnson discusses the influence of how some popular television shows influenced the presence of black female doctors in our world. Johnson reflects on how one doctor in particular helped her mother during a difficult time. Also, she interviews Dr. Aunita Hill-Jones, an internal medicine doctor and contributing author of the book, "Women of War: Peace In the Midst of the Storm."

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Doing the Right Thing in Life & Comedy

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 16:55:23 GMT

Interludes host Valarie Johnson breaks down why transitioning from Brooklyn, New York to Chicago was difficult in the summer of 2019. Also, she interviews a former NY Caroline's comic and now entrepreneur Jori O'Neale of IYH Innertainment.

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Why Call it Interludes?

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 13:00:00 GMT

1st podcast introduces host Valarie Johnson and her compelling reasoning behind the title, "Interludes." Johnson uses her love of music to connect the dots between the Minneapolis sound and untimely death of a Minneapolis resident, George Floyd.

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