The Truth In This Art

11/19/2025

New Episode, Same Truth! 🎙️

I’m excited to share the final episode of Season 10 and celebrate a significant milestone—Episode 900 of The Truth in This Art!

In this episode, I sit down with Ben Passmore, the mind behind DAYGLOAYHOLE, Your Black Friend, and much more. We focus on his new book, Black Arms to Hold You Up, where he explains why he chose graphic nonfiction as his medium.

As an award-winning cartoonist, Passmore uses humor and sharp social commentary to explore topics like white supremacy and the Black American experience.

We discuss his approach to the book, how he makes complex ideas relatable, and the importance of representing real people and histories.

We also touch on the unique challenges of being a Black artist in spaces where you might often feel out of place. This conversation serves as a companion piece to his work, showcasing how comics can carry culture and spark reflection.

Thank you for joining me this season! Don’t miss this engaging discussion, and be sure to check out Black Arms to Hold You Up. Let’s keep the conversation going!

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📸 Tina Furr

11/07/2025

Films + Q&As. Parties + CineTech. Student Showcases + More. It’s all happening at the Maryland Film Festival, Nov 5–9 → snfparkway.org/mdff

10/30/2025

Films + Q&As. Parties + CineTech. Student Showcases + More. It’s all happening at the Maryland Film Festival,

Nov 5–9 → snfparkway.org/mdff

10/11/2025

I had a great experience attending tonight’s production of ‘Julius X’ at tonight at Folger Shakespeare Library—loved the powerful reimagining of Shakespeare’s tragedy through the lens of Malcolm X.

Brilliant performances and production - especially the sound.

First time at —won’t be the last!

Thank you for the invite

09/30/2025

09/25/2025

🎙️ NEW EPISODE. SAME TRUTH 🎙️

Laiya St. Clair joins The Truth in This Art!

St. Clair is a celebrated radio and podcast personality, producer, and voice artist, known for crafting culture and keeping conversations real, joyful, and deeply connected. She emanates a freshness that is described as “equal parts mischief, whimsy, and unabashed realness.”

This interview is a particularly special moment for me. Laiya and I share a birthday and are both connected to Morgan State University. I first became aware of her via Love + Grit, noticing her name in the background of many guests I interviewed during my year in Philadelphia doing The Truth In This Art Beyond: Philly. I realized I needed to get connected with her. This interview is a full circle moment, and I’m proud to call Laiya a friend.
Discover the creative journey of this “radio girl turned podcast producer” as St. Clair shares her transition from radio to the world of podcasting.

Her career in media spans nearly 25 years, dedicated to highlighting brilliant Black narratives in music, arts, and culture. She discusses how her experiences in DC, Philly, and Baltimore continue to inspire her work.

Together, we explore what it means to build lasting community through honest storytelling.
In this episode, you’ll hear insights on:
• Why controlling your own story matters in today’s media landscape.
• The passion for amplifying Black stories and voices and building inclusive communities.
• Creative collaborations that drive her career, including co-hosting and producing award-winning shows like Questlove Supreme, Jill Scott Presents: J.ill the Podcast, and Love + Grit.
• How multi-disciplinary artistry helps to break barriers for Black creators in media.
• Using art and media to uplift, connect, and inspire.

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Listen now on Spotify,Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, YouTube

♒

08/10/2025

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

New Episode. Same Truth.

Excited to share my latest conversation with artist Neha Misra!

Misra’s work brings together art, poetry, and advocacy, rooted in her Indian heritage and passion for connecting community. She talks about using creativity to encourage healing and change, and explores our connection to nature, belonging, and imagination.

Misra shares how art helps process emotion, build community, and inspire action. Her thoughtful reflections offer a unique perspective on how creativity can make a difference in our lives and our world.

The episode is out now!

Link in bio.

Streaming now on DC Radio 96.3 HD4.

06/29/2025

“I think success for me is being in a position where I’m challenging myself to learn from mistakes as I make them...”
In his return to The Truth In This Art, Christopher Batten reflects on how growth, not perfection, defines success in his creative process.

🎧 Full episode out now — link in bio.

06/12/2025

More heat from

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05/30/2025

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05/28/2025

“I felt like a model.”

Many thanks to for capturing me in a dope photoshoot.

Jefferson really caught my image and personality in this shoot. A true talent.

📸 Credit

04/17/2025

I’m excited to share this new episode of The Truth In This Art, where I reconnect with Ariel Shelton, co-Executive Director of CultureWorks Greater Philadelphia. Ariel was on the show previously, and it’s been fantastic to follow her journey, especially her leadership at CultureWorks and the impact they’re having on Philadelphia’s cultural landscape.  

In this conversation, we really dive into the core work of CultureWorks: how they support creatives, foster collaboration, and build the infrastructure for a thriving cultural community. Ariel shares her insights on the challenges and rewards of this work, her passion for connecting resources, and her vision for a more equitable and vibrant arts scene in the city.  

If you’re curious about the nuts and bolts of community arts administration, the power of fiscal sponsorship, or how to make a tangible difference in the cultural sector, this episode is a must-listen. Check it out now, and then head over to the CultureWorks website to explore their programs and get involved!