Blogger Richard Weems, Utica Royalties’ HaWa Peters, photojournalist Brian Lazore, & “Revealed: The Art of Burlesque” 12-15-25 S2:E15

In this episode of Media Monday, host Ron Klopfanstein hangs out with blogger Richard Weems to discuss his work documenting Utica’s vibrant and often overlooked arts scene and the role independent storytelling plays in preserving moments mainstream media often misses. The episode also features ✨ Revealed: The Art of Burlesque ✨, an on-the-ground report from The Portal in Utica, where six students completed an eight-week immersive burlesque course led by Cleo Qupid of Qupid’s Arrow Productions, culminating in a bold showcase blending sensuality, humor, vulnerability, and disciplined craft rooted in history and self-possession; photojournalist and AI content producer Jim Hale and Ron were there to capture the story. Rounding out the episode is a spotlight on an upcoming photography workshop taught by renowned local photojournalist and guest Brian Lazore and offered by Utica Royalties, directed by guest Hawa Peters, giving youth and adults hands-on photography skills while strengthening creative community ties.