SPARK

Welcome back to Spark, a podcast from South Fulton Arts! -- Today, we’re welcoming back to SPARK SFA friend and collaborator Clifton Guterman!

Originally from Iron City, Georgia, Clifton Guterman is an Atlanta casting director, acting coach, and director. Founder of Thrive Acting Hive and Clifton Guterman Casting, he formerly served as the Tony Award-winning Alliance Theatre's Artistic Assistant, as Casting Director and National New Play Network Producer in Residence at Actor's Express, and as Associate Artistic Director and Casting Director for eight seasons at Atlanta's Theatrical Outfit. Clifton has directed in Atlanta with Alliance Theatre, The Atlanta Opera, Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, and Theatrical Outfit. He has cast over 150 productions locally for companies such as Actor's Express, Agnes Scott College, Horizon Theatre, Theatrical Outfit, and True Colors Theatre Company. As an actor, Clifton has appeared on multiple Atlanta stages, Off-Broadway, and many top regional theatres across the U.S. He has appeared in several Atlanta-filmed movies, TV shows and commercials. Clifton holds a BA in Drama from the University of Georgia and an MFA in Performing Arts from the Savannah College of Art and Design. He, his husband, and their son live in Cabbagetown, Atlanta.

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Hosted by Jennifer Bauer-Lyons

Produced by Aaron Rib

-- South Fulton Arts is supported by Fulton County Arts and Culture, the National Endowment for the Arts, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs, The Atlanta Foundation, Georgia Council for the Arts, Publix Super Markets Charities, Greystone Power Corporation, the Waffle House Foundation, and the Zeist Foundation.

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/south-fulton-instit/support

Welcome back to Spark! A podcast from South Fulton Arts

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Today, we're excited to chat with Atlanta actor, Brian Ashton Smith.

Brian is a multifaceted talent whose extensive career spans genres and media. His many credits in telveision and film include Cobra Kai, The Ms. Pat Show, Dolly Parton's Heartstrings, and The Evil Inside Her in which he starred opposite his wife Melissa and Oscar nominee Eric Roberts. Brian is a member of the Sketch Comedy groups Black AF and Critical Crop Top. He'll be performing in the role of Jackson Moore in our production of Smart People, which runs March 15th through the 23rd.

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Hosted by Jennifer Bauer-Lyons

Produced by Aaron Rib

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/south-fulton-instit/support

Welcome back to Spark! A podcast from South Fulton Arts

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Today, we have the honor of speaking with Atlanta Filmmaker, Writer, and Director: Ebony Blanding. 

As the co-founder of the art film house, House of June, Ebony has not only presented her films at esteemed educational institutions like Spelman College, Emory University, and John H. Hopkins University but has also left an indelible mark on prestigious film festivals including SXSW, Capetown International Film Festival, and the Atlanta Film Society.

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Hosted by, Jennifer Bauer-Lyons

Produced by, Solana Ramírez-García

Welcome to Spark, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute!

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Caitlin King is an Innovative and action-oriented leader with experience in nonprofit development, personnel management, facilities management and event execution. She prides herself on being a resourceful problem solver who is well-versed in leading a wide variety of events with a focus on increasing community awareness and involvement. Caitlin has worked as the director of Red Oak Festival along with many other arts institutions in Atlanta. We are so happy for her most recent path of being the executive director of Onward Theatre, a new company who specializes in comedy and improv with a mission to create accessible and diverse theatre experiences within the community.

Welcome to Spark, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute

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Today we talk to ANON the Griot! ANON is a dynamic force at the intersection of spoken word, education, and Hip-Hop culture. Drawing inspiration from the impactful ideologies of Gil Scott-Heron and the subtle subversion of James Baldwin, he wields words as his sword and shield. As an educator, ANON passionately believes in the transformative power of education as a noble revolution. He prioritizes the holistic growth of students over standardized assessments, challenging the status quo. ANON has reimagined the poetry club as “The Griot Circle,” a space where he cultivates empowerment through creative expression. An avid emcee and devoted advocate of hip-hop as a culture, movement, and music, ANON seamlessly integrates his passions into the realm of education. He is the author of “Locked Up but not Locked Down: A Guide to Surviving the American Prison System” and “Poems for a Barfly.” Additionally, he serves as the Cypher Master for the freestyle rap organization, Soul Food Cypher, and pioneers his original course, “Criminology in Hip Hop,” at Pendulum Ink. ANON The Griot’s latest musical endeavor, “Alchemy,” can be discovered on bandcamp.com and all major digital streaming platforms.

Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute.

This week, we sit down with Tatiana Fitata (he/they) about all things flower arrangements, being a filmmaker, an artist, and an organizer in the city of Atlanta. Tatiana will be leading a flower arrangement workshop titled "Harmonious Gardens" this Saturday, October 14th, at the Red Oak Arts Festival in partnership with the Red Oak District. Join us for an insightful conversation as we explore his artistic journey, his unique blend of talents, and his remarkable impact on diverse communities, and get a sneak peek into what to expect at his upcoming floral workshop.

Welcome back to SPARK! A podcast from the South Fulton Institute. This week we sit down with Jessy Díaz.

Jessy is a highly motivated and energetic musician (singer, percussionist, musicologist, and teacher) with international exposure. Originally from Cuba, as a performer she focuses on the Latin jazz, cha-cha-cha, danzón, son, mambo, and bolero genres. Not only is she an excellent singer, she is also competent in playing a wide range of musical instruments. As a multi-instrumentalist artist and music teaching professional, she endeavors to give her all in each single performance and project and is fully committed to providing a solid education and instilling music appreciation in all her students.

Before emigrating to the U.S., Jessy had the opportunity to perform with the Matanzas Symphonic Orchestra (Matanzas, Cuba), University of Arts Symphonic Orchestra (Havana, Cuba), Failde Youth Band (Matanzas, Cuba), and Suns of Cuba (Matanzas, Cuba).

One of the highlights of her career include a performance for President Barack Obama during a Cuban State Dinner in Havana, Cuba, on March 21, 2016. Since arriving in the U.S. in 2017, she has performed at various venues in Florida and Georgia.

A well-rounded music professional, in addition to performing live on stage, working on several studio recording projects, and being a dynamic and energetic teacher, she is also a sought-after Cuban and Afro-Cuban music lecturer. Keep up with Jessy through here website, jessydiaz.com and on Youtube at Jessy Diaz Music!

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Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Jordan Battle, Administrative Assistant

Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute.

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This week we sit down with cellist Jenn Cornell. Jenn Cornell is a performer, composer and educator bringing cello across boundaries with her visionary style of playing, creating songs that stretch what a cello can be, and inspiring young musicians with her mentor approach to teaching.  Jenn has had a diverse career as a professional musician beginning at age 11 when she realized she desired to play cello the rest of her life.  Since then, she has crossed over from classical into the genre-bending music she creates today in performance, film scoring, and education of the arts.

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Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Jordan Battle, Administrative Assistant

Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute.

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This week we sit down with Co-founders of Reentry Arts Connection. The Reentry ARTS Connection was established in Atlanta, Georgia, in the Spring of 2021, by co-founders Curtis Alexander King, CEO, and Garry Yates, Creative Director.  With combined experience, King and Yates have spent over 50 years of service and patronage in the arts. They understand, on a personal and professional level, how the arts can be transformative and have life-long effects on individuals and communities.

The Reentry ARTS Connection seeks to serve individuals impacted by the justice system by creating platforms, places, and possibilities where their creative voices can be expressed through the arts.

For over 30 years, Curtis Alexander King has been a champion for the arts, beginning in the mid-1980s with his involvement at the Los Angeles Inner City Cultural Center, a multi-arts institution founded as a positive response to the Watts Riots. He relocated to Washington, DC, and worked in public relations and marketing at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. King distinguished himself as a leader in audience development as the Community Relations Director for the Alliance Theatre Company and for Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company, respectively. During his tenure at the Alliance, he also led the Patron Services Team.

Garry Yates has worked in Theatre Arts, Television, Film, and higher education from Atlanta to LA for over 20 years. He has consulted with various organizations on innovative curriculum design and performing arts creations and has memberships with the Actors Equity Association, Screen Actors Guild, Stage Directors, the Choreographers Society - Associate Member, and the North American Association of Drama Therapy. He is an academician, actor, director-writer, a pioneer in theatre. Yates has held leadership roles throughout Atlanta as the Chair of the Theatre Arts and Mass Media Arts academic programs at Clark Atlanta University and the Educational Director for Theatre in the Square.

Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Jordan Battle, Administrative Assistant

Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute.

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This week we sit down with Atlanta quilter and CEO of the Atlanta Quilt Festival, O.V. Brantley. In her own words: "I started quilting to relieve stress, but now I quilt for the sheer joy of it. My quilts have become such a part of my life that I renovated the attic in my home so that I could have a private studio that I call paradise. My quilts tend to be inspirational and autobiographical. I try to convey the importance of living a life of simple abundance with joy and gratitude." You can find O.V.'s work at ovbrantleyquilts.com and @ovspeaksquilts on Instagram!

Make sure you don't miss out on the Atlanta Quilt Festival August 4 - September 2 at the Southwest Arts Center with a special showing of "Stitch" on August 6th at 1:30.

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Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Jordan Battle, Administrative Assistant

Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute.

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This week we sit down with McKinley Stinson, Jr. Dr Stinson is the band director at J.C. Booth Middle School in Peachtree City, GA. His responsibilities include directing the 6th, 7th and 8th grade concert bands, BMS Warrior Pep Band, Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Winds, and Percussion Ensemble. McKinley is the co-founder of Atlanta based trio, North Star Percussion. Mr. Stinson has also performed with Tim Zimmerman and the King’s Brass, Habib Kiote, The Marcus Young Jazz Quintet, and Aretha Franklin at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, GA.

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Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Jordan Battle, Administrative Assistant

Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute.

- In this episode we will be speaking with Alexander Acosta of Soul Food Cypher. Alexander “Cost One” Acosta is a Community Leader, Arts Advocate, and the Founding Executive Director of Soul Food Cypher. In 2011, he had a vision of creating the cypher while mentoring at-risk teenagers at the Whitefoord Intel computer clubhouse in in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally, he aimed to teach students media production at the clubhouse, but quickly found he could reach them directly through their shared passion of hip-hop. Experiencing their brilliance and spontaneous ingenuity, he became a believer in their ability improve themselves and their communities through their words. From this Soul Food Cypher was born in 2012. Since then, he has lead Soul Food Cypher from the basement of Wonderroot community arts center to stages at Atlanta’s High Museum of Art, A3C Music Festival, and Coca-Cola Headquarters and to classrooms on Emory University and Georgia State University's campuses.

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Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Jordan Battle, Administrative Assistant

Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute.

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In this episode, we’ll be talking with Actor Jeff Hathcoat. After living and performing in NYC for almost a decade, Jeff Hathcoat moved back home to Atlanta in 2018. That year, he made his Atlanta debut at Synchronicity Theatre in Midtown, followed by an appearance at Essential Theatre during the summer of 2019 performing in Slaying Holofernes by Emily McClain. Jeff recently appeared in South Fulton Institute's Connect play reading of Clyde's by Lynne Nottage as Jason. -

Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Jordan Battle, Administrative Assistant

Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute.

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In this episode, we’ll be talking with Robert Drake the Artistic Director of Academy Theatre. Robert has 25 years of experience producing, stage managing, performing in, and directing shows. He has served as Artistic Director of two major Georgia theatres, as Production Manager for two different radio theatre companies, and has experience as a Creative Director. Robert is an Instructor at Emory University’s Osha Life Long Learning Program, teaching semiotics and theatre. He has also been a guest instructor at Decatur High School, DeKalb School of the Arts, and the Good Acting Studio.

website: https://academytheatre.org/

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Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Nathan Jones, Partner Resource and Admin Manager

Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute.

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In this episode, we’ll be talking with K. Parker. She is a director, writer, and actor. Parker began her Atlanta career as a directing and acting dual apprentice at Actor’s Express during the 2019-2020 season. In 2021, Parker produced her short piece, On Being Born as a DK Fellow with Kenny Leon's True Colors Theatre Company as well as being a writer for the serialized podcast drama, Crossroads, produced by Actor's Express. Shortly after, her documentary, Maschood was commissioned as part of the Alliance Theatre’s Spotlight Studio. Parker wrapped 2021 by producing her comedy one-act, How to Be A Lesbian, as a part of Synchronicity Theatre's Stripped Bare Arts Incubator project. Parker is excited to be directing a Lynn Nottage piece for the first time and gives a special thank you to the South Fulton Institute.

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Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Nathan Jones, Partner Resource and Admin Manager

Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute.

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In this episode we’ll be talking with Jazz vocalist Karla Harris. Karla Harris has made a career within the art form she loves for more than three decades, captivating audiences from Portland to Provence. Her performance credits include events such as the Sarasota Jazz Festival, Portland Jazz Festival, Oregon Coast Jazz Party, Nantucket Arts Festival, Siletz Bay Music Festival, Atlanta Jazz Party, Atlanta Jazz Festival, and a TED Talk. She has performed for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as part of the Arts Across America live performance series, and in 2022 was awarded a distinguished Jazz Road grant through the South Arts foundation.

Website: https://www.karlaharris.com/

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Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Nathan Jones, Partner Resource and Admin Manager

Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute.

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In this episode we’ll be talking with Angelica Hairston. Known for her fiery performances and passion for social change, Angelica Hairston is a highly regarded harpist, educator, and activist. Throughout her career, she has made it a priority to create social impact through the power of the arts. Actively using music as a tool for equity, Angelica serves as Executive Director of Challenge the Stats and is an in-demand performer, speaker, and presenter for virtual and in-person engagements across the globe.

Website: www.angelicahairston.com

https://challengethestats.org

Instagram:

@angelharpist

@challengethestats

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Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Nathan Jones, Partner Resource and Admin Manager

Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute.

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In this episode we’ll be talking with Shannon M. Turner.

Shannon M. Turner is the Founder/Creative Director of StoryMuse. She serves as an independent consultant who conducts workshops and provides coaching to individuals and organizations seeking to use true, personal stories for transformative potential. Shannon has two decades of professional experience and an MFA from Virginia Tech.

Website: www.storymuse.net

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Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Nathan Jones, Partner Resource and Admin Manager

Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute.

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In this episode we’ll be talking with Clifton Guterman who is the director of our upcoming play reading of Actually by Anna Ziegler

Originally from Iron City, Georgia, Clifton Guterman is an Atlanta casting director, teacher, and acting coach. Currently Head of the Film and TV Division of Big Picture Casting, he formerly served as the Tony Award-winning Alliance Theatre's Artistic Assistant, as Casting Director and National New Play Network Producer in Residence at Actor's Express, and as Associate Artistic Director and Casting Director for eight seasons at Atlanta's Theatrical Outfit. Clifton is a member of the Advisory Committee for The Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards (The Shuler Hensley Awards). He chairs the Artist Advisory Council of ArtsATL and was in the Arts Leaders of Metro Atlanta's class of 2020. Clifton has directed in Atlanta with Alliance Theatre, The Atlanta Opera, and Theatrical Outfit. He has cast productions for Actor's Express, Agnes Scott College, Horizon Theatre, Theatrical Outfit, and True Colors Theatre Company. As an actor, Clifton has appeared on multiple Atlanta stages, Off-Broadway, and many top regional theatres across the U.S. He has appeared in several Atlanta-filmed movies, TV shows and commercials. Clifton holds a BA in Drama from the University of Georgia and an MFA in Performing Arts from the Savannah College of Art and Design. He, his husband, and their son live in Cabbagetown (Atlanta).

https://www.eventbrite.com/o/south-fulton-institute-60058939143

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Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Nathan Jones, Partner Resource and Admin Manager

Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute.

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In this episode we’ll be talking with Filmmaker Dr. Arshley Emile.

Dr. Arshley Emile is an award winning documentary director and cinematographer with 7 years to his credit. His love and passion for filmmaking was something he was aware of as early as 8 years old, but it was not until he embarked on his dissertation on racism in public schools, that he realized that his admiration for visual arts spanned well beyond the classroom. Instead of just going the traditional route of dissertation writing, Dr. Emile ventured on a journey that would eventually lead to a career focused on film. Today Dr. Emile is a full time creator. He has already been selected for numerous film festivals and has recently won Best Documentary for 2022 in the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, all of which highlights how remarkably gifted he is considering his short time in the business. Furthermore, Dr. Emile has projects ranging from television news programs, corporations, music videos, public school settings, as well as nonprofit organizations. His primary focus is to help portray the black and brown community in a more positive light as opposed to the narrative historically perpetuated by the general public. He is competent in all aspects of the production process from initial stages of researching and organizing production to script writing, interviewing, camera and editing. Dr. Emile hopes to one day film and produce feature films and to have his own soundstage campus where both young and seasoned filmmakers can gather and create.

@dr.emileinspires

Website: www.timberhousefilms.com

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Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Nathan Jones, Partner Resource and Admin Manager

Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute.

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In this episode we’ll be talking with Visual Artist Miriam Robinson.

Miriam is a conceptual artist, painter, and metal worker. She lives and works in Atlanta, Georgia. Working across multiple disciplines, Miriam works with the mission of using art to inspire hope and possibility across the globe. Predominantly auto-biographical in nature, Miriam’s work expresses personal narratives involving relatable human experiences and current social issues in approachable ways.

Website: www.miriamrobinson.com

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Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Nathan Jones, Partner Resource and Admin Manager

Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute.

Some history about the South Fulton Institute, we are an arts organization founded on the vision of artistically vibrant, deeply connected communities, spreading from South Fulton County into the broader Southeast region and beyond. At SFI, we work to embody this vision through our commitment to offering meaningful and accessible programming, cultivating a diverse range of community partnerships, and directly connecting both institutions and individuals with tangible resources.

SPARK is one part of our five program Courageous Conversations series that works to provide year round community focused programming. The other programs include FILMER: A Short Documentary Film project, CONNECT: A Play Reading Series, REFLECT: A Book Club and EXCHANGE: An Information Forum.

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In this episode we’ll be talking to one of our long-time partners, Filmmaker Ethan Payne.

Ethan is a documentary filmmaker based in Atlanta, Ga. His work has been featured in Pitchfork, Stereogum, Oxford American, ArtsATL, Southern Foodways Alliance, and The Bitter Southerner. His award-winning short documentaries have made international festival rounds and his first feature-length documentary "The Green Flash" is in post-production.

IG: @ethanpayne

Website: http://www.ethanpayne.com/

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Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Nathan Jones, Partner Resource and Admin Manager

Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute.

Some history about the South Fulton Institute, we are an arts organization founded on the vision of artistically vibrant, deeply connected communities, spreading from South Fulton County into the broader Southeast region and beyond. At SFI, we work to embody this vision through our commitment to offering meaningful and accessible programming, cultivating a diverse range of community partnerships, and directly connecting both institutions and individuals with tangible resources.

SPARK is one part of our five program Courageous Conversations series that works to provide year round community focused programming. The other programs include FILMER: A Short Documentary Film project, CONNECT: A Play Reading Series, REFLECT: A Book Club and EXCHANGE: An Information Forum.

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In this episode we’ll be talking to one of our long-time partners, Author, Poet and Playwright Jon Goode .

Jon Goode is an Emmy nominated author, poet, and playwright currently residing in Atlanta, Georgia. He has been a featured performer on HBO’s Def Poetry, TVOne’s Verses & Flow, and BET’s Lyric Café. Jon’s debut collection of poems and short stories, Conduit, has received to date 54 five star reviews, spent 16 weeks as a #1 title on Amazon and is the best reviewed book of poetry on Amazon for 2015/16. Jon has released his first novel, Mydas, which also debuted as a #1 title on Amazon. He is the regular host of The Moth StorySLAM in Atlanta, GA.

IG: @jon_goode

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Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Nathan Jones, Partner Resource and Admin Manager