Bmore Transform and Baltimore’s Graphic Novel Festival take center stage in this episode of The Truth in This Art. Guests Gab Sussman and Victoria Lebron share how they are reshaping education and community through Bmore Transform’s abolitionist, decolonizing approach and the city’s premier Graphic Novel Fest—celebrating sequential art, uplifting Queer and BIPOC creators, and advancing arts and literacy education across Baltimore.

Sussman and Lebron reflect on the powerful role graphic novels play in engaging young readers, making literacy accessible, and fostering a love of storytelling. They discuss their work with Bmore Transform—an initiative dedicated to decolonizing education and supporting youth through creative programming, professional learning, and book clubs—highlighting how centering community and equity transforms classrooms and learning outcomes.

The conversation explores how the Graphic Novel Fest was born from a passion for comics and a desire to create a celebratory, dignified space for visual storytelling in Baltimore. For Sussman and Lebron, education means building community, championing inclusivity, and helping every young person find their voice through the arts—work exemplified by Bmore Transform and Baltimore’s Graphic Novel Festival.

Topics Covered:

• How graphic novels build bridges and encourage literacy for diverse learners
• The mission and impact of Bmore Transform in Baltimore’s educational ecosystem
• Creating inclusive, engaging educational experiences through community-driven design
• The story and significance behind Baltimore’s Graphic Novel Festival (Graphic Novel Fest)

Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

Support the podcast

• The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.org
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.social
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• The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble

Baltimore artist Akio Evans returns to The Truth in This Art for his second appearance, tracing his evolution from hobbyist customizer to full-time artist and self-defined shoe muralist. Evans shares how he moved beyond “customs” into shoe murals—wearable art that tells stories, carries meaning, and can move people to tears—by centering intention, integrity, and community in every piece.

Evans breaks down what changed in his mindset and practice to go pro, why he turned down copycat requests to protect his artistic voice, and how notable commissions (including work connected to Dave Chappelle) helped validate his path. Evans also opens up about building capacity through workshops, collaborating across generations, and taking on large-scale projects (like airbrushing dozens of pairs for an Apple TV production tied to a Kevin Durant scene) while staying true to the purpose behind the work.

Topics Covered:

• Second-time guest: Evans' growth since his first visit
• From hobbyist to full-time artist: the mindset, systems, and community that made it possible
• Defining “shoe muralist”: why Akio moved beyond traditional customs into shoe murals
• The meaning behind the work: storytelling, healing, and pieces that “breathe”
• Integrity over imitation: turning down copycat briefs to protect the craft
• Notable moments: high-profile clients and large-scale productions
• Community impact: workshops, collaboration, and building an ecosystem for creators

Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

Support the podcast

• The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.org
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.social
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=en
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble

Chef Chris Amendola of foraged. a hyper-seasonal eatery returns to The Truth in This Art, joining the rarified air as one of just a handful of three-time guests.

Amendola shares his journey as an executive chef and restaurant owner, revealing how embracing change and curiosity keeps his creative vision fresh in the kitchen. He discusses building community at Forged and now at Forged at Black Ankle Vineyard, highlighting the power of hyper-seasonal cooking and sustainable sourcing.

Amendola reflects on lessons learned as both leader and creator—from taking risks with late-night cocktails to dreaming of a restaurant on a farm—and explains how he balances science and soul to craft memorable dining experiences. For Amendola, creative evolution means saying yes to opportunity and letting passion shape everything from menus to mentorship.

Topics Covered:

• The role of resilience and curiosity in a chef’s journey
• Building community through food and leadership at Forged
• The value of seasonal ingredients and sustainable practices
• Culinary creativity: lessons, risks, and joy in Baltimore’s restaurant scene

Get a taste at forgedeatery.com and follow @forged.eatery on Instagram for the latest culinary updates and special events.

Chris Amendola, chef-owner of foraged. Photo courtesy of foraged.

Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

Support the podcast

• The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.org
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.social
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=en
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble

Laiya St. Clair joins The Truth in This Art to share how she crafts culture from behind the mic as a celebrated radio and podcast personality, producer, and voice artist.

St. Clair reflects on her transition from radio to the world of podcasting, exploring how her experiences in DC, Philly, and Baltimore continue to inspire her work. She discusses her passion for amplifying Black stories and voices, and how creative collaborations drive her career—from co-hosting award-winning shows like Questlove Supreme and J.I.L. to managing the St. Clair Collection featuring her father’s photography.

St. Clair details what it means to build lasting community through honest storytelling, and highlights how multi-disciplinary artistry helps to break barriers for Black creators in media. For St. Clair, being a “radio girl turned podcast producer” is about keeping conversations real, joyful, and deeply connected.

Topics Covered:

• Why controlling your own story matters in today’s media landscape
• The creative journey from radio to podcasting and beyond
• Amplifying Black voices and building inclusive communities
• Using art and media to uplift, connect, and inspire

Explore more of St. Clair’s work at stclaircollection.com and follow @laiyasworld on Instagram for updates, conversation, and cultural inspiration.

Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

Support the podcast

• The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.org
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.social
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=en
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble

Will Walker, founder of A Tribe Called Run, joins the podcast.

Walker shares his personal journey from Cleveland to Baltimore, reflecting on how both cities' blue-collar spirit informs his approach to building community through running. A Tribe Called Run creates space for accessible runs, fitness events, and coaching, welcoming newcomers and experienced athletes alike.

Walker discusses the power of group running in forming authentic connections, improving health, and breaking down barriers. Through stories from the group and his own experience, Walker explores how running supports well-being and belonging, especially in urban environments.

Walker talks about balancing professional life with community leadership, and returning to “blog era” roots to foster deeper discussion about fitness, nutrition, and motivation. He shares practical ways listeners can get started or get involved, and the importance of representation and support in fitness spaces.

For Walker, movement is about more than exercise—it’s how we move toward each other.

Topics Covered:

• How Baltimore and Cleveland shape Walker’s community ethos
• The founding and mission of A Tribe Called Run
• Making running accessible and fostering genuine connection
• Using storytelling and digital platforms to build community
• Leadership, representation, and advocacy in fitness
• The role of wellness in urban life
• Advice for getting started and staying motivated

Learn more and join A Tribe Called Run at atribecalledrun.org, on Instagram or Facebook @atribecalledrun, or follow Will @waternoxygen on Instagram. Find community, and let your next run connect you.

Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

Support the podcast

• The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.org
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.social
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=en
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble

Resident Company Member Chinai Routté and director Paige Hernandez return to The Truth in This Art to illuminate Everyman Theatre’s production of August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson.

Routté shares the transformative experience of portraying Berniece, the play’s powerful central character, and how her own life informs the role’s emotional depth. Hernandez opens up about the responsibility and honor of being one of the few women to direct an August Wilson work, reflecting on why this representation deeply matters in the American theater landscape.

Together, they reveal the enduring impact of The Piano Lesson—exploring its themes of family, memory, and legacy, and discussing how Wilson’s storytelling continues to spark dialogue and unity in Baltimore and beyond. Their conversation uncovers the creative process, the challenges, and the joys of bringing this essential story to the stage.

For Routté and Hernandez , The Truth in This Art is a space to share what it means to honor history, create change, and inspire community—one performance at a time.

Topics Covered:

• The significance of The Piano Lesson for today’s audiences and artists
• Routté's journey interpreting Berniece and the layers of family legacy
• Henandez's perspective as one of few women directing an August Wilson play
• How cultural representation and storytelling foster connection in Baltimore

Experience the play’s impact at everymantheatre.org and follow @everymantheatre on Instagram for tickets, updates, and behind-the-scenes stories.

Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

Support the podcast

• The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.org
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.social
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=en
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble

Executive Director of Small Press Expo (SPX), Warren Bernard, returns to The Truth In This Art podcast.

Bernard shares insights into how planning, innovation, and community shape the road to SPX 2025. He reflects on the unique challenges and opportunities ahead, discussing how the evolving comics landscape and creative partnerships are driving the festival’s next chapter. Bernard’s work blends organizing, relationship-building, and artist support, bridging creators and audiences as SPX gears up for its milestone year.

Bernard discusses fresh approaches to programming, strategic outreach to new artists and organizations, and the dynamic energy behind SPX’s continued relevance. He talks about strengthening connections with fans and collaborators, using trust and authentic engagement to keep the festival vibrant and resilient. Bernard offers a behind-the-scenes look at how SPX adapts to shifts in the comics world and prepares to celebrate independent voices in 2025.

Bernard explores the importance of balancing tradition and innovation, supporting sustainable creative growth, and building spaces where artists thrive. For him, SPX 2025 represents both celebration and creative challenge, powered by local community, long-term partnerships, and a shared love for comics.

Topics Covered:

• The vision and planning behind SPX 2025
• New challenges and opportunities in organizing creative events
• Strategic outreach to artists, fans, and organizations
• Building trust, collaboration, and authentic community
• Evolving programming to highlight diverse creative voices
• Navigating shifts in the comics and arts landscape
• Sustaining growth, resilience, and connection for SPX’s future

Ready for the next chapter of SPX? Follow @spxcomics on Instagram or visit www.smallpressexpo.com to discover the latest updates, artist news, and future events.

Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

Support the podcast

• The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.org
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.social
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=en
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble

Musician, Creative Consultant, and Band Leader Raymond J. Spence joins the podcast.

Spence shares how growing up in Baltimore shapes his approach to music, creative consulting, and community building. Spence’s work bridges performing, teaching, and guiding artists through the early stages of their creative journeys.

Spence discusses how collaborating across disciplines and organizations fuels Baltimore’s creative boom. He talks about helping both artists and businesses develop strategies, build portfolios, and jumpstart new ideas. Spence details blending hands-on art with consulting, and how both require trust, accountability, and authentic self-reflection.

Spence explores the realities of being a creative entrepreneur now. He shares navigating growth, balancing inspiration with pressure, and using discipline as the foundation for success. For Spence, creativity is both celebration and challenge, shaped by family, local networks, and the evolution of his Storage Unit Collective. Spence uses his experience to advocate for sustainable artistry and meaningful connection.

Topics Covered:

• How Baltimore’s arts scene and safer city climate influence Spence’s creative work
• The impact of trust, collaboration, and mentorship on artists’ development
• Building strategies for creativity in music, education, and business
• Blending consulting, performance, and teaching as a creative professional
• Finding balance between inspiration, desperation, and discipline
• The value of community, resilience, and local partnerships
• How art and creative consulting can spark growth, healing, and belonging

Ready to see Spence’s creative world? Follow @spence_start on Instagram or visit www.spencestart.com to connect and explore upcoming events, music, and more.

Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

Support the podcast

• The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.org
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.social
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=en
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble