What if the path to becoming a great educator is not about starting early or being perfect, but about finding your voice, your people, and your purpose? Dr. Steven Hankle reveals how a nontraditional journey, a life-changing music exchange in Cuba, and a lifetime of leading choirs shaped his approach to teaching, community, and authentic excellence. I sit down with Dr. Hankle, Associate Professor of Choral Music and Music Education at the University of Dayton, for a conversation that moves far beyond the rehearsal room. From growing up on the south side of Chicago to directing choirs across California, Florida, New York, Kenya, Mexico, and beyond, Hankle shares the moments that taught him music is as much about connection as it is about technique.

• Why "excellence" is not perfection, but showing up with what you have
• How six core ensemble values - vulnerability, focus, excellence, fun, service, and community - shape his rehearsals
• The Cuba experience that made him realize he wanted to spend his life teaching music
• Why starting late in music does not disqualify you from greatness
• How he builds belonging in diverse choirs through leadership, trust, and culturally responsive programming

Dr. Hankle talks about what makes a strong ensemble member, how technology is changing choral teaching, and why the work of music education is equal parts rewarding and exhausting. At the heart of it all is a bigger message: music can build community, expand your reach, and change lives far beyond the stage. If you're a music educator, choir director, student, or anyone looking for inspiration to keep going, this conversation will leave you energized, challenged, and reminded why the work matters. Dr. Steven Hankle is Associate Professor of Choral Music and Music Education at the University of Dayton, where he teaches choral conducting and choral methods. He has led choirs and served as a clinician and adjudicator across the U.S. and internationally, and his work centers on building community through singing. Perfect for choir directors, music educators, and anyone who needs a reminder that purpose is often revealed through service, growth, and community.

Jalen Baker transformed a classical percussion background into a jazz voice all his own. In this episode, the vibraphonist shares how he found his calling, developed his sound, and built a career around music that feels personal and purposeful.

Jalen traces his path from early percussion training to discovering the expressive possibilities of the vibraphone. He reflects on the mentors, education, and family support that shaped him—and on how classical fundamentals became a foundation for the freedom he found in jazz.

He also discusses forming the Jalen Baker Quartet, navigating the realities of touring and leading a group, and refining his practice through fundamentals, listening, and musical intuition. Along the way, Jalen shares his perspective on storytelling through music, honoring jazz’s roots, and creating art that invites audiences to feel and think.

A thoughtful conversation for jazz fans, musicians, educators, and anyone working to turn discipline and curiosity into a lasting creative path.

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Jonathan Moore is building a completely original lane on the cello—one powered by looping, distortion, dance, and raw emotion. If you think you know what a cellist sounds like, this conversation will change your mind fast.
Raised in a deeply musical family and shaped by gospel, funk, hip hop, world music, and even the sounds of everyday life, Jonathan shares how he found his voice by refusing to sound like everybody else. He opens up about the fifth-grade moment that made the cello click, the high school experiments with pedals and loops that helped define his style, and the Yale solo competition where he performed an original piece and made history.
Through our conversation you will learn:

• How Jonathan turned a school instrument test into a 20-year calling
• Why he believes music should be felt, not just admired
• The creative process behind Levels, his live project blending cello and street dance
• How collaboration with dancers like helps create something audiences have never seen before
• Why fishing, rest, and everyday life are part of his artistic process
• What receiving the Creator Fund Award from New Music USA meant for his creative vision

Jonathan also talks about what makes a strong collaborator, how family critique shaped his musicianship, why he refuses to create work that doesn't make sense, and what he wants his legacy to be: an artist who took risks, stayed humble, and made something impossible to imitate.

Jonathan Moore is a cellist, composer, dancer, and visual artist known for his unorthodox approach to the cello, original compositions, and collaborative work that bridges music and movement.

Essential listening if you love artists who create from the spirit, challenge convention, and turn personal experience into something unforgettable.

Black cartoonists are building the future of comics right now, and Jamel Flemister is doing it by hand, one character at a time. In this conversation, he opens up about turning childhood sketches in Cleveland into Flemister Comics, why his characters are rooted in lived experience, and what it really takes to create a world that feels alive.
Jamel shares how his creative process has evolved from simply drawing what was in his head to building storylines with intention, episode by episode. He breaks down the difference between copying influence and creating something original, and explains why his art leans toward an animated feel instead of traditional heavy comic-book rendering.
You'll discover how he built heroes from the people and experiences closest to him, why black women and black families matter in his visual storytelling, and how representation shapes the way young readers see themselves. He also talks candidly about the patience required to keep producing, the discipline behind staying consistent, and why the next generation of black animators and comic creators will have even more room to thrive.
We also get into the realities of independent creation - from investing in your own work before anyone else will, to avoiding bad deals, to learning that belief has to come before opportunity. Jamel's perspective on black creators, indie comics, and the respect they deserve adds an urgent edge to the conversation, especially in a media landscape where visibility still doesn't always equal value.
If you care about comics, black representation, indie artistry, or the mindset it takes to build something from scratch, this episode is essential listening.
Jamel Flemister is a Cleveland-born cartoonist and comic book creator, and the force behind Flemister Comics, where he blends animation-inspired visuals with original superhero storytelling.

The story of how an African American musician from Philadelphia became an international force in choral music and education is truly inspiring — and it starts with a simple curiosity and an unwavering passion. Dr. Jeremy Winston’s journey from church singer to university professor and global performer reveals the power of resilience, cultural pride, and community impact.

In this heartfelt conversation, I speak with Dr. Winston, Associate Professor of Music at Central State University, to explore his incredible journey. Discover how his early roots—growing up in a musical family with influences from gospel, jazz, and classical traditions—shaped his unique perspective on music and education. Dr. Winston shares how experiences like studying at Pine Forge Academy, performing in prestigious international venues, and winning the World Choir Games transformed his outlook on global cultural exchange and black musical excellence.

You'll discover provocative insights: the profound impact of representation in arts leadership, and the necessity of preserving authentic African American musical traditions overseas. Dr. Winston delves into his long-term vision—using international performances, scholarships, and concert experiences to expand opportunities for youth across the country, especially within the African American community. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling through music, incorporating history and social context into his compositions to foster understanding and resilience.

Perfect for educators, performers, students, and anyone passionate about preserving black musical heritage, this episode shows how music can be a tool for empowerment, cultural storytelling, and global bridge-building. Dr. Winston's leadership exemplifies how one person’s dedication can elevate an entire community—creating a legacy that inspires the next generation.

Unlock the Power of Relentless Passion and Purpose—Dr. Tremon Kaiser Reveals His Journey from Kansas Fields to Leading Music Education on a Global Stage

Dr. Tremon Kizer's journey from the rural plains of Kansas to the halls of the University of Central Florida is a masterclass in resilience, curiosity, and unwavering commitment to impact. In this episode, he shares how his childhood experiences, family support, and relentless pursuit of excellence shaped him into a trailblazer, chronicling lessons learned from teaching in remote communities to breaking new ground in researching underrepresented African-American composers like Ulysses S. Kay.
You'll discover: How Dr. Kizer early experiences navigating diverse cultural landscapes fueled his passion for music and education. The groundbreaking research uncovering Ulysses S.Kay’s contributions to band literature and African-American musical history. Practical insights on preparing students for the real-world challenges of music careers, emphasizing the importance of mindset, resilience, and authentic self-expression.
The future of music education, from embracing diversity to leveraging technology and societal engagement. Dr. Kizer's story isn’t just about a career in music — it’s about authenticity, purpose, and creating a legacy that extends beyond notes and rehearsals.
Dr. Tremon Kizer is a distinguished educator and researcher at the University of Central Florida, known for his innovative work on African-American composers and leadership in music education. His insights into mentorship, diversity, and community-building offer invaluable lessons for the next generation.

Don’t miss the stories that will challenge and inspire you — hit play now and get ready to be motivated to make a difference through your craft and your voice.

I enjoyed my conversation with The Hood Picasso as we discuss a deep dive into the journey of a self-taught artist who turned painful past experiences into powerful, message-driven art. From the streets to gallery walls, discover how his past life struggles fuel his creative fire. He shares how art became a lifeline, a form of activism, and a way to preserve history that others would rather forget.

This episode is perfect for aspiring artists, creatives fighting self-doubt, and anyone wanting to turn pain into purpose. If you're feeling stuck in your journey or questioning your own voice, this conversation will inspire you to embrace your quirks, challenges, and unique perspectives.

Gain insight from a man who’s turned a troubled past into a message of hope, resilience, and cultural pride. His journey proves that when you stay authentic and keep creating, your impact can ripple beyond your own life into the wider world. The Hood Picasso’s story is a powerful reminder that true growth begins when you stop hiding and start creating unapologetically.

Deante Howard reveals his extraordinary journey from doodling on sticky notes and family jackets to becoming a self-taught artist making waves nationally and internationally. His story isn't just about art; it's about resilience, faith, strategic hustle, and redefining what it means to live your creative truth.
In this candid conversation, Deante shares how a childhood rooted in Kansas City, a complicated college experience, and navigating family and racial barriers fueled his determination to succeed on his own terms. Discover how he transitioned from self-taught graphic designer to a celebrated artist with a vision—selling artwork during international travel, gaining media attention with live NFL draft paintings, and creating art that inspires hope and perseverance.

Perfect for artists seeking actionable tips, entrepreneurs wanting to understand brand valuation, or anyone inspired by stories of overcoming odds—this episode is your blueprint for turning what you love into what sustains you.
Guests like Deante Howard, a hand-taught artist whose work and resilience challenge stereotypes and redefine possibility, remind us that authentic creativity is more vital than ever. Tune in and get inspired to carve your own path.