Combine equal parts Raymond Chandler and the X-Files. Add a dash of Black Mirror. A pinch of The Shadow. Season to taste with Philip K Dick. That’s the recipe for Agent Stoker, a “scripted supernatural fiction” created by this episode’s guests Chris Conner and Brian Nelson. Chris, an actor best known as “Poe” from Netflix’s Altered Carbon plays the titular Agent Stoker. Brian, a writer, best known for the unforgettably devastating film “Hard Candy” penned nearly all twelve of Agent Stoker’s capt...
Feb 23, 2022•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 64
Jordana and Sean Williams (a director and an actor/musician/audio engineer respectively) are two of the creative forces behind Gideon Media, a production company focused on crafting riveting science-fiction and horror stories for the audio drama space. Their current project is the binge-worthy science-fiction podcast “Give Me Away” (written by past Radio Zamunda guest Mac Rogers). All we can say is that you need get that ‘ish in your earholes right now. Oh and when you listen, you may even recog...
Dec 01, 2021•1 hr 39 min
Perry Klebahn and Jeremy Utley are adjunct professors and Co-Directors of Executive Education at Standford's d.school. Together they teach "Leading Disruptive Innovation" which is described as a course "that teaches the coaching and leadership skills needed to drive good design process in groups." As potentially prosaic as that sounds, their methodology is quite iconoclast. Gone are the staid business plans and drab Powerpoint presentations traditionally used to motivate entrepreneurship. Perry ...
Aug 04, 2021•1 hr 56 min•Season 5Ep. 60
We’ve got a real one for you. OG guest Cassie Flynn (Episode 26 “What to do in a Prison in Tuvalu”) is the head of the United Nations Development Promise initiative. She's also one of the founders of the crowd funding community organizing site, IOBY (In Our Back Yards). “I spend a lot of time in rooms with those little translators in your ear listening to people negotiate and discuss how we deal with the climate crisis…” Yeah no big deal but Cassie is on the frontline in the battle against the s...
Jul 14, 2021•1 hr 38 min•Season 5Ep. 59
"What to do in a Prison in Tuvalu" This episode we talk to the Cassie Flynn who's job involves no less than saving the world. Yup. Tune in... It gets fascinating. #theDopeShit #iTunes #Googleplay #Stitcher #radiozamunda.com Links for Cassie: Website IOBY (In Our Back Yards) Music featured in this episode: Pimps of Joytime - "Dance Cardia (feat. Rubblebucket)” Zach Winters - "If the Sun is Shining" Alex Cuba - "Yo Sé Quién Soy" Emefe - "Sun Spat"...
Jun 16, 2021•1 hr 41 min•Season 3Ep. 26
“It was instant… It connected me to something aspirational…“ says Tony Simmons as he reflects on the time his grade school music teacher first put a flutophone in his hand. “I knew it was the first step on that journey...” “That journey” included gigging as a jazz trumpeter, learning to fly an airplane, practicing entertainment law and eventually becoming the Executive Director of Minnesota’s High School for Recording Arts and co-founding Another Level Records. “…Music was much more than somethi...
Jun 02, 2021•1 hr 56 min•Ep. 58
“Maybe we can roll out/maybe never grow up/maybe you can be mine for a lifetime/Come a little closer/let me hear your secrets/tell me in a whisper/that i’m your favorite weakness… “ 'Beginning of the End' -Boy Deluxe Listening to Boy Deluxe is like finding yourself in a dark enchanted forest. Drew Murray’s beats are thick and massive like old growth tree trunks. The ominous low end rumbles like the growl of a mythic beast- just out of sight. It all feels huge and deep and dangerous… Maybe too da...
May 12, 2021•2 hr 3 min•Ep. 57
“Blackness isn’t about exactness, it’s about knowing… So that we can remember.” “Your home is wherever you plant your feet and your feet are imbued with the power of our ancestors…” These are just two out of the multitude of jewels dropped by our next guest Danny Dunson; an art historian, curator, writer and one of the brothers behind the @LegacyBros instagram account (follow it right now). Danny’s passion centers on the art and artists of the Diaspora. In 2020 he initiated “Legacy Brothers Lab”...
Apr 21, 2021•1 hr 53 min•Ep. 56
“The music takes off… Your soul takes off… Your spirit takes off with the music…” says actor and orchestral conductor Damon Gupton recalling the moment he heard John Williams' “Theme from Superman“ as a child. He was hooked on classical music from then on. Detroit born and raised, Damon (like Superman) may as well have been a lone alien from a strange distant planet as he pursued Stravinsky and Bernstein while his contemporaries sought LL and New Edition. Oh and he’s a hell of an actor too. Join...
Apr 07, 2021•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 55
It’s the mother of invention and arguably the principle motivation for artist Adarius Bell. We say this because when necessary, Adarius literally invents the tools, methods and even musical instruments (wait till you hear about the “Guitarius”) he needs to realize his vision. “The motivation to look at everything with an open, optimistic eye is hella important” says Adarius, perfectly encapsulating an eclectically fluid career in music, music production, fashion, footwear design and…. Well there...
Mar 25, 2021•1 hr 35 min•Season 5Ep. 11
“I write African comedy” states our next guest, playwright and TV scribe Jocelyn Bioh. This tersely specific statement serves as a counterpoint to the usual "War, Rape, AIDS, Struggle and Strife” meme of the African experience. Jocelyn’s “School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play” debuted at New York City’s MCC Theater in 2017 and quickly became a darling of the New York theater scene; enjoying several extensions and productions across the country. Clearly, Africans can be funny. Jocelyn’s t...
Feb 24, 2021•1 hr 32 min•Season 5Ep. 9
"Under the Tuscan Gun” “I’m so f*cked up I spend my life thinking: 'What if I’ve already died and I haven’t realized it yet?’” says Tess Rafferty, TV writer and author of the new novel “Under the Tuscan Gun.” Delightful and hilarious, "Under the Tuscan Gun" is a delicious Agatha Christie meets Nora Ephron ‘Whodunit’ set in fervently romantic Tuscany (available right now on Amazon ). The novel is- to which Ato can personally attest- a perfect escape from the current galactic level of f*ckery that...
Feb 10, 2021•1 hr 42 min•Season 5Ep. 8
“…Point B” “I have a huge sweet tooth but I don’t like sweet things…” This enigmatic and off the cuff quip from Zabe Bent manages to unlock, or rather connect seemingly disparate ideas around transportation, urban planning, baking, storytelling and brown butter blondies in part two of our ranging discussion. We discovered some thangs y’all! Oh and Ato can’t say “Brown Butter Blondies” but he can attest to how delicious they are. You’ll see. Check out Radio Zamunda on all the podcast platforms. #...
Feb 03, 2021•1 hr 25 min•Season 5Ep. 7
"Point A…” “I hate this so much I need to fix it…” is one animating principle of Zabe Bent, Director of Design at NACTO (the National Association of City Transport). Another would be... “Everyone should have access to whatever they want to do or be…” The convergence of these two principles is what drives Zabe to imagine, guide, and advocate for truly equitable transportation and city design projects throughout the country. This conversation was so brilliant that we had to break it up into two ep...
Jan 27, 2021•1 hr 27 min•Season 5Ep. 6
“Ikigai” What do you get when you mix what you love, with what you’re good at, what you can be paid for, and what the world needs? “Ikigai." What if we ran the world that way? What if we grew society’s this way? People? What if this is how we raised our children? Educated them? What if? In this episode we kick it with Louka Parry a fascinating cat from Australia with a mind bending take on the ecology of social and educational systems. Don’t miss it. #thedopeshit on Apple, Spotify, Google and wh...
Dec 22, 2020•2 hr 4 min•Season 5Ep. 48
“Vote with Love” “Don’t stay in unnecessary pain” It’s a mantra that our next guest, educator, designer, speaker, author, and creator of www.votebydesign.org , Lisa Kay Solomon leads with. Why do we stay in “unnecessary pain” when we have the agency to choose a better outcome? Further, are we even aware that we possess this agency in the first place? And as for choice, how do we make one if we lack the necessary information to make an informed one? And how can a focus on empathy, vulnerability a...
Oct 26, 2020•1 hr 22 min
In these insane days of fear and plague we are forced to take stock in what we truly value and perhaps- in better times- have taken for granted. We at Radio Zamunda are fortunate to be able to continue these conversations which- if for nothing else- are a reminder that there are really good people in the world. This episode, the good person in question is Ray Panthaki, an actor, filmmaker and all around awesome cat. His path to finding his calling is downright cinematic. He’s an artist to watch....
Sep 03, 2020•2 hr 7 min
We’re living in history right now. We’re tearing everything down in order to, hopefully, create something better. Artists have always been the shepherds of this re-creation. Our tools are always a bricolage (Kwaku’s favorite word) of disciplines and techniques to push newer and truer narratives of human existence. As such we are privileged to chop it up with the brilliant Leo Coltrane. Art is not an occupation for this cat. It is who he is and what he has lived. Please tune in. It gets deep. - A...
Jun 22, 2020•1 hr 57 min•Season 5Ep. 44
Wassup! This Pandemic has got us all reminiscing the good old days so we’ve decided to drop some tasty tidbits from interviews past. We all know how Ato feels about Prince and it seems that everybody, except Ato, has a Prince story. Here are two from writer/director Ben Bowman and musician/educator TC Ellis. #thedopeshit Listen and subscribe on Spotify/Apple Podcasts/Google Podcasts/Stitcher and all the other Podcast-y places. Let us know what you think at radiozamunda@gmail.com twitter/insta: @...
Apr 28, 2020•43 min•Season 5Ep. 45
Hey Everyone, Check out this classic episode of Radio Zamunda with our good friend Adrienne Campbell-Holt: The Dorchester Hustler How does one define the undefinable? In this episode of The Dope Shit, we attempt to do just that with the incomparable Adrienne Campbell-Holt, artistic director of Colt Coeur. Pass the prosecco. Enjoy, Ato & Kwaku Links for Adrienne Cambell Holt: Colt Coeur The Make it Fair Project Facebook Twitter: @Colt_Coeur Instagram: @ColtCoeur Music featured in this episode...
Dec 28, 2019•1 hr 6 min
Bang Bang We’ve got a special one for you! KJ and DJ Johnny Juice of the Oddysy stop by to talk about their new single “Bang Bang.” This track is not just straight fire but it’s a protest song and features the one and only GOAT Chuck D. Oh and Radio Zamunda’s own Ato directed … More Episode 43: “Bang Bang” (The Oddysy: DJ Johnny Juice & KJ)
Sep 24, 2019•1 hr 4 min
Control Susan Heyward. If you don’t already know, you’ll know soon enough. From the television shows “Vinyl” and “Orange is the New Black” to “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” on Broadway, this actress has been steady stealing scenes and making a name for herself. She graced us with her presence and we are better … More Episode 42: “Control” (Susan Heyward)
Aug 19, 2019•1 hr 34 min
Luck It’s what happens when opportunity meets preparation. Kyle Bradstreet, writer and current co-executive producer of USA/Universal’s hit television show “Mr. Robot,” is a testament to this assertion. Check out this great discussion on creativity, collaboration, Copper and… Cats… You’ll see. Check us on iTunes, GooglePlay, and Stitcher Links for Kyle Bradstreet Mr. Robot is … More Episode 41: “Luck” (Kyle Bradstreet)
Jul 15, 2019•1 hr 25 min
Storyteller Stories. They are the core of what makes us human. Who gets to tell them? And why is this important? In this episode we talk to the extraordinary Laura McBain, an educator who’s tasked herself with insuring that everyone, especially those who exist in the margins of society, get to tell their stories. Tune … More Episode 40: “Storyteller” (Laura McBain)
May 07, 2019•1 hr 29 min
Jam We’re back after a little New Years hiatus to hit you with the one and only Daniel J Watts. Actor, dancer, poet, activist, creator of the acclaimed performance series “The Jam” and what else? Man you need to listen and get hip to this dude. He’s doing work. Oh and if you’re around the … More Episode 39: “Jam” (Daniel J Watts)
Feb 04, 2019•1 hr 24 min
Beast Drummer extraordinaire (actually he plays a ton of instruments) Joe Magistro takes a break from touring the world with The Magpie Salute for a chat. The title of this episode tells you everything you need to know about this cat. A musician’s musician, Joe has played with everyone everywhere. It’s been quite a journey. … More Episode 38: “Beast” (Joe Magistro)
Dec 05, 2018•1 hr 35 min
Troubadour Singer, guitarist and teacher Mississippi Cotten (aka KyleTigges) stops by to chop it up about music; the joy andthe grind. He’s just released “Sparkling Lotus Eyes” an absolutely gorgeous album that sounds like it grew straight up out of the deep soil of the fertile plains. Get it at http://www.mississippicotten.com/store.html It’s even on vinyl! #TheDopeShit www.radiozamunda.com … More Episode 37: “Troubadour” (Kyle Tigges)
Oct 29, 2018•1 hr 35 min
The Eye of the Resistor Street photographer Liz Fisher has an eye for music and protest. We got a chance to rap about her origins, inspirations and what drives her desire to visually document the resistance. It got deep and we didn’t even get to finish so we’re going to bring her back again real … More Episode 36: “The Eye of the Resistor” (Liz Fisher)
Oct 16, 2018•1 hr 20 min
Alone A Yo! KJ (Radio Zamunda OG and one half of the rad band “The Oddysy”) stops by to rap about collaborating on with Ato on their new video “Alone.” Check out the video and all things “The Oddysy” at www.theoddysy.com. #TheDopeShit www.radiozamunda.com #iTunes #GooglePlay #Stitcher Links for KJ/The Oddysy: Instagram The Oddysy Music featured in … More Episode 35: “Kissing Frogs” (KJ)
Sep 19, 2018•52 min
Bricolage It’s Kwaku’s favorite word and the perfect description of our next guest musician/mad scientist Henry Ott. His smoking lead guitar work with Miss Velvet and the Blue Wolf, his other worldly soundscapes with 2Fcollective as well as the mellow mysticism of his other band Mammiferes is well… Dope. Plus he has his own freaking … More Episode 34: “Bricolage” (Henry Ott)
Aug 22, 2018•1 hr 21 min
