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.