On Behalf Of

On this episode of On Behalf Of, Dara Kalima speaks with Nathan P on behalf of men living with Lupus. Nathan, being the spoken word artist he is, spins all things to a positive. He shares his story of diagnosis and his life with this blessing. He gives advice on living through pain and then shares some vital feedback to artists out there. This is a must listen episode about vulnerability and healing and maintaining perspective. You absolutely do not want to miss this episode. 

Find out more about Nathan P:

https://www.facebook.com/nathan.pearson.98

To engage further with your host you can do so by visiting: 

On this episode of On Behalf Of, Dara Kalima speaks with Jim McCarthy who represents the Literary Agent community. Jim shares some of the knowledge he’s gained over the past 20 years. But of course the conversation goes in all directions as Jim and Dara also have been friends for over 20 years. Prepare to giggle, to be inspired, and get an inside look into the writing industry in this conversation between an author and an agent who happen to be lifelong friends. 

Find out more about Jim:

Balin Lubsy also known as The Great Cigma joined Dara Kalima on this episode of On Behalf Of where he represented for the Magical Community. He explained a bit of Magician history and the different types of magicians. Understand Balin is not just you classical professional magician that started this yesterday, he got but by the bug and had his business license prior to becoming a teenager. While Magic saved his life, he’s also a talented poet and he talks about navigating two very different worlds. Listen in to hear his reflections and advice. 

Find out more about Balin and The Great Cigma at the following places:

Balinlusby.com  

Thegreatcigma.com  

IG: @TheGreatCigma 

Fb: Balin Lusby (personal) / TheGreatCigma (business) / TheGreatCigmaMagicianLlc To engage further with your host you can do so by visiting: 

Maritri Garrett, a dynamic singer, songwriter, and healer, joined Dara Kalima on this episode of On Behalf Of. They were supposed to talk primarily about Maritri’s career as a multi-instrument wielding musician but they connected so personally that this conversation is more like two lifelong friends catching up. Listen in as they talk about Maritri’s journeys to being an independent artist, to parenthood, to being a healer and how they all overlap. They also discuss the impact that her nightly FB show “Reunion of Souls” has had on so many across the world during the pandemic. 

Find out more about Maritri:

Nayma Chamchaoun, a British Moroccan Author, joined Dara Kalima on this week’s episode to speak on behalf of her community. They spoke about what it was like for her to be part of both communities, and how they influenced her writing. Nayma takes you into a deep exploration of culture, pride, belonging, clashes, aging, and what that means when raising children. Do listen in to learn about this dynamic global citizen and to hear a bit of her writing. 

Find out more about Nayma and her book by visiting the following the link:

Eichakeem McClary, Esq. visited with Dara Kalima to speak on behalf of Black lawyers. The conversation got real deep real quick. They spoke about their love of Harlem, their church affiliations, the gauntlet that was NYU, and the importance of sisterhood. They cheered each other on, celebrated the wins and shared in the struggle. There was so much hope in this episode and for the second time on this podcast a guest made Dara really emotional. There are tons of laughs and an equal amount of “gurls” shared. You do not want to miss this conversation. 

Find out more about Eichakeem by visiting the following the link:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/eichakeem-mcclary-17341ba/

To engage further with your host you can do so by visiting: 

Social Worker, Taneeka Wilder, sat down with Dara Kalima to speak on behalf of the youth in which she serves. She really helps us look at how we dangerous labels are and challenges us to operate with more compassion for one another. The conversation continues on to her many hobbies and interests and you will get to hear some of her poetry. 

Find out more about Taneeka and book by visiting the following the links:

In this episode, Dara Kalima sits on the other side of the microphone and allows award winning poet and open mic host M.A. Dennis. They talk about her many communities including the theater community, the Trek community, the Black community, the Bronx, the podcast community and a few others. It’s a silly episode where you get to better learn about the On Behalf Of host but then things get real when M.A. asked Dara to give her past self a message. You definitely want to hear what she has to say to herself and to all listening. There’s definitely a few nuggets in this episode so tune in.

Find out more about your guest host by following the link below:

In this episode, Dara Kalima welcomes Jenny Pisani to the show to speak on behalf of Peace Corp Volunteers. Jenny generously talked about what it was like for her to spend two years in the Peace Corp in Cambodia as she learned about the people, the customs and herself. She delved into some of the beautiful aspects of her time there as well as some of her hardest moments. The two then laugh hysterically over toilet humor and almost cry over their discussion of mortality. If you are interested in learning more about being part of the Peace Corp you’ll definitely get an insider perspective on the experience. And if you are just listening to listen, you’ll get to learn a lot about a dynamic Staten Island teaching artist who has a great appreciation for people, cultures, and life. Listen in.

Find out more about Jenny by following the link below:

Nav the Poet educates host, Dara Kalima, on the Sikh religion and community. And when we say educate, he goes into detail about the history, principles and symbols. They then bond over their respective faiths, their love of poetry, and their interest in films. They talk activism, feminism, and beatboxing. This episode is full of great information about the Sikh faith, how we can support our friends and colleagues who practice the faith, and just the beauty of their belief system. If you wanted to know more about this community but haven’t gotten a chance to do your research, Dara Kalima asked Nav on your behalf. Listen in and learn more about this fascinating community and this amazing poet.

Find out more about Nav by following the link below:

Dara Kalima, the Community Poet, and Ella McLeod, Author and Poet, completely geek out in this episode as they talk about the Fantasy Writing Community. Ella shares her favorite authors, how she fell into this genre, and why it’s so important to her. They then dive into some of the deep frustrations about the sci-fiction fandom communities all while celebrating the wonderfulness of Black Women, especially the eldest sibling. This episode will tickle your fancy as you travel across the pond with these lovers of Shakespeare. Ella also has an awesome book out Rapunzella, Or, Don't Touch My Hair which you must totally go order now!

Find out more about Ella, her book, and to engage with her follow the link below:

Dara Kalima, the Community Poet, chats with Dr. Virginia Seewaldt on behalf of the Anti-Racism Community. This conversation defines some terms, explores if and when breaks are warranted, and why this is work is so necessary. They even share the history of their friendship and Virginia tricks Dara into sharing a little known, or more so previously not shared on this show, fact. They really dig into the complexities around this work and how difficult it is to overcome racism, the good thing is neither of them are giving up. If you want to know more about this work or their friendship do listen in. This is definitely an enlightening and challenging episode.   

Find out more about Virginia and her work by reading the blurb about her group and following the link below:  

Racial Resilience Process Group for White People This is a six-session learning and process group for white identified people led by white identified facilitators. The focus will be on processing the thoughts and feelings that arise as we locate our own internalized white superiority and racial biases and examine ways we uphold white supremacy. We will increase our tolerance for difficult feelings, and provide mutual support and accountability.  Racialliteracygroups.com   

To engage further with your host you can do so by visiting:  

www.darakalima.com

Dara Kalima, the Community Poet, chats with Deborah Anderson on Behalf of the Black Animators Community. In this episode, Deborah and Dara speak about a myriad of things such as hair, Black Greek life, racism and of course, animation. This conversation was recorded before the Little Mermaid reveal but somehow is still quite timely. Deborah shares her reflections on the many places she’s lived around the globe and why she uses her platform to amplify other animators. She also suggests some of her favorite animations that you should be watching. Listen in.

Find out more about Deborah by following the link below:

Dara Kalima, the Community Poet, chats with Mark Gindick on Behalf of the Circus Arts Community. In this episode, Mark tries his best to help those with phobias of clowns to understand they are just people too while highlighting those you’ve seen on TV throughout the years. Then they kind of geek out on the styles of clowning and the history of the craft. For the first time on this podcast, Dara shared a poem of her own inspired by the clowning arts. If you want to learn more about what it means to be a clown or what it is like to really run away with the circus, this is the episode for you.

Find out more about Mark by following the link below:

https://www.instagram.com/markgindick/

Markgindick.com

https://www.youtube.com/c/ComedyBodegaNyC

To engage further with your host you can do so by visiting:

Dara Kalima, the Community Poet, chats with nora oz on Behalf of the Millennial Community. In this episode, nora talks about all things Millennial, from their struggles to their innovations. They then compare the experiences of the different generations and Dara forgives nora for skipping over the Gen X group as many others tend to as well. It’s a great conversation in which all listeners get to take a deeper dive into the experiences of this cohort that is often misunderstood and blamed for a lot. Happy listening and learning!

Find out more about nora by following the link below:

Dara Kalima, the Community Poet, chats with Thomas Fucaloro on Behalf of the Staten Island/NY Poetry Community. In this episode, Thomas talked about what it meant to be a mid-level poet, his feelings on gatekeeping, and what he loves about the poetry community. He holds nothing back and shares many gems and history lessons along the way. When two poets get to talking the conversation gets deep and a bit nerdy, but you’ll not get bored. Happy listening!

Find out more about Thomas by following the link below:

Dara Kalima, the Community Poet, chats with Shay Marie G on Behalf of the non-traditional families. In this episode, Shay Marie talks about what it was like to be raised in a non-traditional family and how others can be more sensitive to these communities. They are detoured through some common interests and geeked out for a moment. There’s some silly content, a cute dog, and a couple words of inspiration all packed into this short episode.

Find out more about Shay Marie G by following the link below:

Dara Kalima, the Community Poet, chats with Orane Williams on Behalf of the Travel Enthusiasts Community. In this episode, Orane, a public-speaking dual-citizen, talks with Dara about his passion for traveling and where it all stems from. He also shares some of his travel best tips in terms of ways to find the best deals and how to make it the most beneficial experience. They also talk about the importance of sharing your travels with the next generation. Have a listen, as he shares some of his favorite travel destinations. This episode will inspire you to collect some stamps on your passport or hop on the next train out of town.

Find out more about Orane by following the link below:

Dara Kalima, the Community Poet, chats with Rohi Mirza Pandya on behalf of the Mixed-Race Children Community. In this episode, they talk about her identity as being a person raised by having parents from two different racial/religious groups and what that has meant for her childhood, her adulthood, and her parenting style. Rohi is a dynamic film producer who’s got a lot to say about representation and how we should all be decentering whiteness. This conversation happened right after the Supreme Court decision on Roe v Wade was announced, though this wasn’t announced it definitely fueled some of the conversation. Listen in to this silly and fun discussion between friends of over a decade as they actually get to spend time in a conversation never previously shared between these two.

Find out more about Rohi by following the link below:

Dara Kalima, the Community Poet, chats with Phillip Giambri (aka The Ancient Mariner) on behalf of the East Village neighborhood of Manhattan. He shares with Dara the impact he’s had on the neighborhood and the changes he’s seen through the years. They then find they both worked as theater technicians though Phillip’s story is so much more compelling. Phillip also goes on to share his wisdom on performance best practices, you will want to listen in to learn from him. It was an honor to interview this brilliant storyteller and neighborhood advocate!

Find out more about Phillip by following any of the links below and while we wait for his next book to be released be sure to get his other books: