In the Pocket: Recent Episodes
Florence S. Edwards
In The Pocket is a talk show showcasing Mainers of color. Each episode represents a member of the Maine community from business, the arts, or culture; the earth, wind, and fire of life. Embracing and exploring the lived experience of the black diaspora and descendants of American slavery through conversation is our foundation. Our mission is to create space for all people of color, documented, celebrated, and shared.
This episode get to meet a Saundra Thomas, board member and advisor of Indigo Arts Alliance, a cultural nonprofit in Portland, Maine. Saundra Thomas will dazzle you with her 30 years of media experience and her love of Maine. Originally released in April of 2021 for In The Pocket.
Meet Jorge Pena, an entomologist turned painter. Listen as he explains his journey and what his art embodies. His art is also his way of sharing his oral history.
This episode sponsored by Nature Based Education Consortium dives into 2023's Downeast Juneteenth Commemoration. There will camping, sailing, chief provided meals and more!
This episode of ITP is a companion piece for Indigo Arts Alliance's Slavery Symposium Art In The Wake. We will hear Marcia Minter, their cofounder and director, take us through IAA's art residencies, their programming, their partnerships and their symposiums. Enjoy!
This episode is a companion piece for June's Downeast Magazine article about the Upper and Lower Negro Islands of the Bagaduce River. Listen to discover Black history and the new names of the island. This episode shares the writer's cut of the article with interview segments from Lisa Lutz of Castine Historical Society and Caleb Jackson of Maine Coast Heritage Trust. Please enjoy this immersive experience.
This episode we meet Angela Okafor, a Bangor Maine resident. She is a renaissance woman with multiple businesses, from her law firm to her international market Tropical Tastes and Styles. She is groundbreaking in the work that she does to keep her community of Bangor unified and not divided. This hour long episode we talk about Black hair culture from its versatility to how it can be oppressed in the U.S.
For the first time this ITP episode has a companion art installation which can be seen at Mayo Street Arts from May 5-June25. Opening reception is May 5th from 6pm-8pm. Gallery hours are Fridays and Sundays from 12pm-4pm.
The art installation is called Afro in Utero and is a mixed media piece that furthers the discussion of Black hair culture in America. Hopefully, listeners in Maine take advantage of this immersive experience, while it lasts.
This episode meet Uncomon, a poet who became a rapper and singer. His debut album, Ourglass, dives into life's complex emotions and how we choose to handle them. Uncomon has a style reminiscent of Drake laden with emotional sentiment, listen as he explores his journey in creating music.
In this episode meet Michael Stiggle. He'll share why his lifelong experience in hospitality makes Timberwolves a fantastic establishment in Mars Hill, ME and his award winning elderberry syrup. He'll also talk about his church and discrimination his establishment has experienced. You can also get his barbeque sauces and spaghetti sauces in grocery stores, if you can't make it to Mars Hill.
This episode meet Alejandro Strong, an outdoor enthusiast. He shares with us what his Pack Raft Maine can offer its consumers, from day trips to expeditions. He also shares his philosophy on being boundless and how to enjoy nature.
In this episode we meet Margaret Brownlee again, this time we focus on her dissertation. Her dissertation documents the racism queer women of color encounter while at predominantly white institutions of education. Feel free to google her.
In this episode we meet art curator and humanitarian, Valeria Bembry. She'll share her trajectory through her formative adult years. As you listen, Valeria will share her stepping stones from Scarborough High School to London to Iraq and back to Maine, and all in between. Please take a look at her "artivism" exhibit at Space Gallery, Spitting Fire.
This pandemic thick episode of Portland Maine's 7th Poet Laureate has a lawn mower as a bonus guest. Listen as Maya, shares their journey in writing and spoken word.
This pandemic thick episode is one of guerrilla journalism where we take a different direction and interview a Nigerian about his activism when one of the busiest ports in the world, Lagos, was closed. In this episode we see the parallels of police brutality in Nigeria and the U.S.
In this pandemic thick episode, meet https://www.instagram.com/desireenicolelester/ (Desiree Nicole Lester). I like to think of this native of Maine as a curator of artistic taste. She also shares her independent thinking as an intrapreneur. Hear her thoughts a couple of years before she began helping others through rap music and meditation, on https://www.instagram.com/rapmantrameditation/ (@rapmantrameditation).
This pandemic thick episode introduces us to Adilah, founder and executive director of https://www.instagram.com/thirdplacemaine/ (The Third Place). The Third Place is an organizational collaborative and coworking space that supports Black entrepreneurs, leaders and professionals towards an equitable quality of space.
Meet https://www.instagram.com/glambyrhona/ (Rhona), a cosmetologist with her own hair salon in Biddeford. This episode she'll share how she began her training and what services she offers. She'll also share about being a https://www.facebook.com/glambyrhona/ (Mrs Maine contestant).
In this pandemic thick episode meet Rose and Jerry. They share the purpose and the journey it took to create https://www.instagram.com/blackownedmaine/ (Black Business directory in Maine). Give BOM a follow and you can learn how to support BOM if BOM resonates with you.
This pandemic thick episode we meet https://www.instagram.com/nakeysanaturals/ (Nakeysa). She'll share her environmental insights and what 100% natural products she offers. She'll share her journey beginning this business while in college.
This episode we meet https://www.instagram.com/alfinenathalie/ (Alfine), a holistic health provider. You'll hear about her inspirations, her own lifestyle practices and how everyone is a curator of their own health. Give her a follow so you can be informed when she begins sharing custom video content.
This episode meet https://soundcloud.com/therealkonflik (Konflik), who's been in the game 30+ yrs. The score of this episode is his music and the episode closes out with his song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQQiMF2urj4 (Stomp). He shares his journey from two decks and a mic (https://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/konflik-back-to-basics/Content?oid=33921783 (open mic)) in Vermont to starting a record label, https://www.instagram.com/afterlyfe_music/ (Afterlyfe), and his 2022 album release. Please give this creative a follow on https://www.instagram.com/_konflik/ (Instagram).
This episode we meet creative https://www.instagram.com/itsjustdrell/ (Drell). His interview is engaging due to his inspirations coming across in a storyteller pattern. He'll talk about his music and his clothing line. His cadence pulls the listeners in. And his song "https://itsjustdrell.bandcamp.com/ (We Won't Stop)" featured on this episode is a melodic authentic vibe.
This episode we meet talented creative https://www.instagram.com/graphicmelee/ (Graphic Melee). This episode is scored with music from Graphic's album To Catch a Thief 3. Graphic, finds the time to emcee, produce, DJ and give back to the community. To purchase and hear more of his work go to his website https://graphicmelee.com/ (https://graphicmelee.com/). Catch his artistry on Mondays and Wednesday at the https://www.instagram.com/mondayoftheminds/ (Flask) and https://www.instagram.com/stereodreams.wav/ (SunTiki Studios) respectively.
This pandemic thick episode from 2020 shares https://www.instagram.com/dimitried/ (Eddie Scott)'s inspiration and artistic journey for making murals.
This pandemic thick episode from 2020 explores https://www.instagram.com/artbybuffcat/ (Brooke's) inspirations and goals for illustrations. She envisions a more inclusive world of comics and images that include femininity and ethnicity that is seen through a lens of power and not objectification.
This episode meet https://www.instagram.com/jennifer.rachele/ (Jennifer Rachele). When she's not pursuing music she is educating and engaging students at UNE's MPH program. Both are her passions; and her goal is to invest more efforts to being the Seacoast songstress of her dreams. She currently lives in NH but still has strong roots in Maine.
This episode is pandemic thick going to back to 2020, where we meet Brad, a https://www.youtube.com/user/BradAwesumness09/featured (Brotha on a Boat), be sure to check out his youtube channel. He shares his nautical inspiration and journey.
As this episode occurs during a rainstorm; https://www.instagram.com/poonani.mami/ (Sara) takes the time to share her artistic endeavors including a spoken word poem. She also discusses how white supremacy dominates the natural resources of Hawaii, her home state.
This episode meet https://www.instagram.com/woaj.tony/ (Tony), a nature and outdoor enthusiast. Listen as he shares his journey into becoming a hunter, his approach to landscaping and his commitment to https://www.meetup.com/outdoor-afro-portland-me/?_cookie-check=JbzD4xNEwD4erTOB (Outdoor Afro) (guided outdoor adventures for Black people).
This is the last part of her 2020 interview with ITP. Nicole shares more information about her future plans and her thoughts on Black activism.
This episode's content was created in 2020, and we revisit this pandemic thick archive, to remember the life of https://www.pressherald.com/2022/06/20/south-portland-woman-killed-in-hit-and-run-at-acadia/ (Nicole Mokeme) of https://www.instagram.com/rise_and_shine_youth_retreat/ (Rise and Shine Youth Retreat). Currently, her death is being labeled a hit and run, however, the suspected driver is a known love interest of hers. My condolences to her family and friends. This episode is part one of a two part series. In this episode you hear her talk about making her retreats into a week long activity. It is beyond words that she succumbed during one her well received week long retreats.
This episode meet https://www.instagram.com/marcquesh32/ (Marcques Houston), a native Mainer. He'll share his interests from track and field to politics.
Meet Godis who comes to Maine from Baton Rouge. She shares with us her inspiration for her consulting business, Gadfly Consulting, and how she is enjoying Maine.
This episode features rap artist and producer https://www.instagram.com/shameek_supremist_knowtheledge/ (Shameek The God). A Mainer with deep hip hop roots. We talk about favorite hip hop artists, new horizons, his work with https://open.spotify.com/album/5ivgVk3nYYOfgdyu163kRn (Gem City), and share a single off of https://open.spotify.com/album/7IreqKibeyn2YeBvN4v6qJ (Sleeping Giant) called Change Lanes. For a lyricist, he sure knows how to drop a headbanger!
This episode meet https://www.instagram.com/rumbizeyes/ (Rumbi). Recently located to Maine, fresh from our nation's capital. Rumbi will share with us her recent business ventures, especially https://www.instagram.com/iamwilling_us/ (iamwilling), a legacy planning business. We hope you enjoy this delightful conversation recorded at a local Portland, ME brewery.
This episode introduces you to https://www.instagram.com/desireenicolelester/ (Desiree Nicole Lester), a serial intrapreneur. Listen as she shares the inspiration for her podcast, https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fanchor.fm%2Fdesireenicolelester&e=ATOzjkXrt7d0kAINR6mw9HyzTW-KgUsZgMXuX-qJuSgMzN-jm1Ytb-XSkVZJ-pz5W98bm88w1THBl9EF5SWUFD4MGwqnKbjHXTrQKVU&s=1 (Rapmantrameditation), which will soon begin production for its second season. She will also share her new venture, https://www.instagram.com/theartistassignment/ (Artist Assignment), which will launch on Aug 2nd of 2022. And last, but not least, she shares how Black artists in Maine can find community through https://www.facebook.com/groups/890627137726698/ (Black Artist Forum).
This pandemic thick episode recorded back in 2020, in my backyard, sets the stage for Signature Soul. A dynamic musical duo with a political message is the result of combined efforts of individual artists https://www.instagram.com/marcosoulo33/ (Marco Soulo) and https://www.instagram.com/signaturemimi/ (Signature Mimi). They have continued https://www.signaturesoul.love/freestyle-friday/ (freestyle Fridays), and created jam sessions and more.
This episode meet Pam a muralist and a surfer. See her murals at pamelachavez.com. She is also on a mission to make surfing more accessible to women of color. Follow her on Instagram @morewomensurf.
This episode meet Ramone a consultant, a song writer, a basketball coach/trainer, and soon to be podcaster. Listen as he shares his journey from Chicago to Maine, from being in a musical group to being a father. There's nothing he can not do.
This episode we meet Chelsea again, this time she is here sharing her inspiration for Jonesin' her Jamaican Asian Fusion eatery! Yes, you read that right! Hear about her tasty creations and how to order.
This episode explores South African born, currently living in Portland, Maine, musical curator Mohammad. He explains how his set list explores how people relate to the Three R's, relationships, rituals and restrictions. The internet connection was spotty during our recording however this episode is still a gem. Check out his playlist on https://open.spotify.com/user/21am764gbwpihpqxjffkigtgy (Spotify) and his radio show on https://www.theother.radio/archive/episodes (The Other Radio).
This episode meet Edward, a scientist that enjoys rugby and visual arts. He shares his experience at an HBCU coming from Kenya as well as his research and publishing in scientific journals.
Get to know a Portland Maine city councilor, Victoria, without listening to political jib-jab. Victoria shares stories of her first 5k, how she uses her college degree, and her favorite libations.
This episode meet Deante. Before she enters the Air Force she shares with ITP her foundational ideals. She dives into herbalism and BLM movement. One of her biggest accomplishments was getting a diversity and equity committee at Sanford High School.
Meet Stacey a poet and community organizer. Hear her share the inspiration and cross-country journey of Tender Table, an organization that "celebrates Black and Brown community by connecting and honoring our identities, traditions, joy, resilience, and fight for collective liberation through storytelling and food."
This episodes highlights a Mainer who is making figure skating and ice skating accessible to youth. Listen as Monica shares her journey from performing to Peace Corps to educating second graders in South Portland. Feel free to visit her go fund me link, which is in the bio @brownschoolskates on Instagram.
In this part 2 of Aaron Amede Running for Maine's Congressional District One, we get to dive into the personality of Aaron. He'll share why he settled in Maine and his previous work experiences.
Listen to this two part episode on Aaron Amede. The first episode goes into his background and the issues he wants to work on if elected to congress. Aaron is running for Congress for Maine's District One.
This episode merges science and spoken word poetry through the words of Yehya. Listen and enjoy as this genetic scientist shares his research and love of poetry.
Please enjoy meeting NyaMuon, a public speaker, a poet and an activist for mental health and South Sudanese people. Listen as she shares her journey to complete her documentary during the pandemic.
Meet Cameron, he's new to Maine from the Midwest. He talks about his job as communication manager at Space Gallery. He shares insight on Afro-Futurism. And he talks about his transition from stand up comedian to comedic writer.
In this set, musical talent Kenya Hall shares her performing journey from Ohio to Portland, Maine. She also gives a sneak peak into her cannabis business venture.
A special episode to start out the New Year! This set has two guests. Listen to two interviews from participants of Rafiki Shop 207 Braiding Certificate Graduation. Iza of Kilimandjaro Beauty shares her journey as a graduate. Benni, an instructor of Rafiki's program, shares her journey as a beauty professional. Find Iza @kilimandjarobeauty and find Benni @thesaison_queen. After hearing their stories you'll want to be styled by them.
Listen to Joseph Jackson talk about his journery from military to prison reform activist.
This episode features singer song writer Maya la Maya, from Brunswick Maine. Maya la Maya talks about her journey to incorporating activism in her music. At the end is a single supporting BLM.
Listen as Ali Ali, a poet and an activist, recount his own journey through the criminal justice system and why he's an advocate for deconstructing youth criminal justice systems. He will also share a thought provoking poem.
Listen as Bob Greene, an 8th generation Mainer talk Black History in Maine and his career as a Sports Reporter.
Listen as actor and musician, Evadne Bryan Perkins, talks about pandemic and being black balled.
Listen to Portland Maine native and activist Kasandra, talk about how she supports the unhoused through Portland Butterfly Project and how she has started her small business K.sweeets.
Meet Nyalat Biliew who holds a position on Portland's School Board. Listen as she discusses ways to provide clean water to her native country, South Sudan.
Listen author, journalist, and public speaker Abdi Nor Iftin talk about his work and life experiences.
Listen as Raquel P. Miller shares her inspiration for her mixed media art and as she discusses the vocabulary of her imagery.
Listen as Margaret Brownlee talks about running for South Portland City Council, the Human Rights Commission, and her work at Maine College of Arts (MECA).
Listen as the host of In The Pocket flips the script and becomes a guest. Hear her discuss her Tooth Polish, being a dentist and living in Maine.
Listen to Theo Greene, an ethnographer, discuss his research through a queer black lens.
Listen to Ashley Page discuss her journey as a mixed media artist during the pandemic and at Maine College of Art.
Listen to Rodney, a painter, discuss building his catalogue to over 200 pieces during the pandemic.
Listen to Jordia Benjamin and Wren Manly, the Deputy Director and the Director of External Affairs, respectively, of Indigo Arts Alliance talk about Beautiful Black Bird Festival, internships and residencies.
This episode explores what being Christ-like is, how LGBTQ can be involved in church, and Ophelia's joy in writing her first novel.
Enjoy a vulnerable and generous conversation with Brucemus. He's an advocate for the plus sized, a model, a tiktok influencer, a DJ and a thespian.
Meet and listen to educator, rapper, producer, musician Just Plain Jones, take you on a journey from his upstart in Portland, Maine, to his current endeavor with band, The Heights. There's nothing plain about him!
Listen as Jackie Edwards breaks down the importance of saving, funding your retirement and having an emergency fund. She was F.I.R.E. before there was F.I.R.E.
Meet Janay Woodruff of JanaeSound! She will discuss her ventures with Candys, CYWOC, and her up coming shows!
Chelsea Jones, who has been a sous chef at Leo's and Aida's, discusses restaurant trends and places to go in Portland's foodie scene during the pandemic.
Listen to Samuel James discuss his artistic mediums of film and music. With a bonus track of his recorded at Indigo Arts Alliance.
Portland, Maine has Soul Food! Hear about how Martin is sharing African American culture in the community and his own unique POV on Soul Food.
Listen to a distinguished College football coach and athletic director talk about sports during the 2020's Pandemic.
Listen as author of children's books and articles for Black Girl In Maine, discusses her inspirations, subject materials and living in Maine.
Listen to Sean discuss his creative history in Maine from his gallery in Portland to a current exhibit at Cove Street Arts.
Listen as musical creatives MarcoSolo and Signature Mimi, who collectively are Signature Soul, discuss their contributions to Portland Maine's Juneteenth celebration, their own projects, and why Maine is their homebase.
Listen to radio personality Kwame, discuss his inspirations, his ska music background and his new venture mentorship.
Rene Johnson discusses the creative process for producing plays and what Embody Consulting offers clients.
Join ITP as we have a conversation with Miriam U. She's a creative who most importantly is a family medicine resident, in Maine.
Madison Poitrast Upton discusses Loquat's pandemic inception and Bermuda inspiration. Fashion is more than design it's also about art and education, which is tangible through Loquat's video blog and art installations.
Hear Darious, the female owner of ZagOn Beauty, talk about her aesthetician business and her artistc abilities. ZagOn beauty, a business that opened and flourished during the pandemic.
RJ Miller is a Black musician based in Brunswick Maine and joins us to discuss musical inspirations and the release of his album, Free Soul. Find him on http://rjmiller.bandcamp.com (Bandcamp).
Listen to Liz Rhaney discuss her artist manifesto, her inspirations and her travel experiences. A pandemic thick recording of ITP.
Athena Lynch is a Black mixed media artist based in Portland Maine. She joins us to discuss her artistic inspirations and artistic themes of sankofa and the ancestors.