500 and Growing Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with CJ “BlakAtak” Williams — co-owner of Steadfast Dance Studio, educator, and renowned Chicago B-Boy. He opens up about his journey growing up in the 80s and 90s, when Hip-Hop culture in Chicago gave young people an alternative to violence through creativity, dance, and community.

CJ shares how he discovered his passion for B-Boying and Hip-Hop culture, the obstacles he faced, and how perseverance help...

In this episode, we sit down with Gerald Brennan, founder of Tortoise Books, a fiercely independent Chicago-based publisher that’s rewriting the rules of the literary world. Tired of the "hare today, gone tomorrow" approach of mainstream publishing, Brennan champions a slow and steady philosophy—where depth, longevity, and quality take the lead over quick sales and fleeting fame.

We dive into what it means to be a modern-day tortois...

In this episode, Jasmin Cardenas shares what it was like being the only Colombiana (Latina) in her university program and how social justice shapes her creative work. With honesty and heart, she reflects on her growth as an actress, playwright, storyteller, producer, and leader.

Jasmin Cardenas, Founder of Artivista LLC, a Chicago creative firm that uses embodied artistic practice of storytelling, theater techniques and facilita...

For over 25 years, Demetrio Maguigad has dedicated his career to building a more just and equitable world through the power of design, storytelling, and authentic human connection.

Demetrio's journey began with a deep-rooted commitment to social justice. As a young organizer, he witnessed the transformative power of community action firsthand. Using music, theater, and popular education methodologies like Theater of the Oppressed, h...

Pastor Phil Jackson has served on the front lines of urban youth ministry interrupting violence in the life of youth and young adults one relationship at a time through the arts and faith since 1987.
Pastor Phil has served in North Lawndale since 1993, when he came from Kansas City where he served as youth Pastor under Congressman Emanuel Cleaver. He served as Youth Pastor and Associate Pastor of Lawndale Community Christian Church ...

Joe’s artwork creates an experience where bright colors and simplified imagery engage the viewer’s ideas and fantasies. These informal and empowering creations are designed to bring a spark of joy to the viewer’s life. He creates things for the fun of it. 

Some of the fun things he creates are black and white fantasy illustrations that evoke the style of the old school renaissance, being heavily influenced by the art of the Dung...

D-Nick The Microphone Misfit artist, writer & educator & counselor from Chicago by way of Flint MI. from The Microphone Misfitz The Microphone Misfitz are an international Hip-Hop & Comic book creators group that has released 6 comic books combined with albums. Two solo albums and 2 EPs. Based in Chicago, The Microphone Misfitz is more than a band or crew, creating music. They use the pillars of Hip-Hop (turntablism...

Turi Ryder is the author of “She Said What? (A Life on the Air)”, and hosts the “Turi Ryder’s She Said What?” podcast. You can find that at your favorite podcast spot.

She’s also a current talk radio and former music radio personality known to audiences in Chicago (WGN, WLS AM & FM) San Francisco (KFRC, K101, “Free FM”) Los Angeles (KFI, KissFM), Minneapolis (KSTP), Seattle (KIRO), and Portland (KGW). 

These days you can hear T...

"emi be like" is the solo musical project of Mexican-American artist Emi Brito Anguiano. Emi grew up in a family with a lot of musical influence, since her father and grandfather were musicians in Mexico and they transmitted their love of music to her.

In 2021, she debuted her first pop single, "Go On Home," alongside her producer Dis Chico, a Chicago native with Ecuadorian roots, which was featured on Chicago's "Vocalo" radio show...

Kirk Spencer is an artist and music producer from Nottingham. He melds elements of dance, alt-pop and eastern exotica into his music.

With playlist cover support on Spotify's Fresh Finds, his audience is continuing to grow. Recognized by Wonderland Magazine,Noisey, The Line of Best Fit, BBC Radio 1, Dazed and Confused, Fader, 6Music, Dummy, and Fake DIY. And playlisted on Spotify's New Music Friday, Plant Rave Friday, Noize...

Rudy Lozano Jr. is an Executive Director in Global Philanthropy at JPMorgan Chase & Co. and is Head of The Fellowship Initiative, a national program that equips young men of color from low-income, underserved communities with the skills, experiences, and resources needed to complete high school prepared to excel in colleges and careers.

Rudy spent most of his career working in the not-for-profit sector and alternative high...

Mike Oquendo is a Chicago born and raised, proud Puerto Rican with a great love for his city and its people. Mike passionately produces Comedy, Theater and Music events both in Chicago and across the country. In his early career, he served on the Board for the National Academy of the Recording Arts & Sciences which created the very first Latin Grammy Awards, and has been a concept contributor for HBO Latino, MSNBC and WGN. His ...

Dorian A Ortega is a brown Boricua from Chicago. F.L.Y. Radical Therapy invites holistic healing practices that center BIPOC (Biracial, indigenous and people of color) and LGBTQ2SI+ individuals and loving yourself through collective social conscious liberation awareness, healing for yourself, with each other, and helping others to witness freedom. F.L.Y. Radical Therapy is inspired by my inner wisdom, ancestral knowledge and named ...

Kerrie is more than a seasoned performer, educator, and choreographer; she's a creative powerhouse with a lifetime of experience infusing art with heart.  She holds a BFA in Theatre Arts along with a lifelong commitment to learning. Kerrie founded Forevermore Dance & Theatre Arts—a vibrant hub celebrating 20 years of empowering individuals through the arts. At Forevermore, Where "Art has Heart" isn't just a ta...

Gwen La Roka is without a doubt a rising star of stand-up. She hit the comedy scene with an explosive energy that quickly won the hearts of her audiences and led to performances at world famous comedy clubs such as The Laugh Factory, Zanies, and The Improv.

Her honest comedic approach, meshed with her physical humor, has crowds from all ages & backgrounds laughing at life, together. Gwen has worked with some of today’s funniest...

Epik1's journey began in Chicago's Ukraine Village, where the vibrant hip-hop culture sparked their passion amidst the neighborhood's challenges. Immersed in graffiti and DJing from a young age, they found solace and expression through art and music. Freestyling became their voice, propelling them into Chicago's rap scene, where battles and performances solidified their identity. Collaborating with influential artis...

Born on Chicago’s West Side, Prexy Nesbitt has spent more than five decades as an educator, activist, and speaker on Africa, foreign policy, and racism. Over the course of his career, Prexy has made more than one hundred trips to Africa, including trips taken in secret to apartheid-torn South Africa. Prexy’s career has also included extensive consulting and training on class, race, multiculturalism and diversity. An experienced tea...

The 500 and Growing Podcast had an incredible first season filled with inspirational stories. Each guest shared insights on their craft, challenges, and how they stay inspired in order to keep creating and thriving.

In the Season 1 Finale, we invited all the previous guests to come together in a round table and have a dialogue about their creative process and how they relate to one another's stories. The guests that participate...