Founder and director Tony Gittens returns with the inside story of steering the Washington DC International Film Festival—now in its 39th year—through last-minute venue shake-ups, budget poker with distributors, and a mission that never changes: bring global cinema to everyone in the nation’s capital.Losing a flagship theater six weeks out—and the scramble to secure a new home without busting the budgetBalancing buzz titles, “one-for-me” risk picks, and community favorites (yes, even punk docs)Negotiating film rights like a rug merchant—sticker prices are just an opening offerExpanding access—busing seniors, screening in prisons, signing films for deaf patronsYear 40’s wish list: a stable venue and the joy to keep goingCurious how his perspective has evolved? Catch Tony’s 2024 interview here → https://share.transistor.fm/s/25813f0d

Visual artist Alexi Abi returns to talk new work, new influences, and what it takes to stay visible in Washington’s competitive arts scene.How her Lebanese heritage and years in the Caribbean shape today’s bold color fieldsBuilding momentum since her last visit—grants, gallery shows, and a pivot toward larger canvasesBalancing three lanes: studio practice, teaching, and arts advocacyTips for navigating D.C. galleries and finding the right creative communityMissed Alexi’s first appearance? Start here →Recorded on‑site at Eaton DC, part hotel, part cultural hub—worth a look if you’re in town.

Designer Jerrill Sankey (formerly “Creative King”) returns to talk evolution—name change, sharper focus, and bigger ambitions.90s music videos and Vogue tear‑outs that still shape his color and formTurning a one‑man label into Jerrill Sankey Headwear—process, pricing, perseveranceArtistry × craft: why materials and fit matter as much as conceptReading today’s fashion scene—trends to skip, moves that lastMissed his first visit? Listen here →If you track style culture or just like hearing how a brand is built stitch by stitch, press play.

Co‑Executive Director Ariel Shelton returns to map out how CultureWorks Greater Philadelphia functions as a co‑op for creatives—and why that matters right now.From co‑founding Arts Administrators of Color Network to leading CultureWorksTurning fiscal sponsorship, shared services, and workspace into real‑world leverage for artistsLessons Philly can steal (and avoid) from Detroit and D.C. cultural scenesHonest talk on navigating social dynamics, equity goals, and burnout in nonprofit artsLooking for a clear view of community building and sustainable support systems in the arts? Hit play.📸 Margo Reed

President & CEO Chad Helton lays out how Baltimore’s flagship public‑library system is reinventing itself for a 21st‑century city.Small‑town roots to big‑city stacks—what shaped his collaborative leadership styleBuilding a “library for everyone”: equity, free access, and programs that change livesCommunity engagement that goes beyond books—tech hubs, social‑service partners, street‑level outreachRoadblocks (funding, perception, politics) and the wins that keep the team movingA blueprint other public libraries can borrow to stay vital in the digital ageWant a clear look at civic leadership and the future of public knowledge spaces? Press play.