The Contrast Project Lounge: Randon. Relevant. Real.
Welcome to The Contrast Project Lounge Podcast, hosted by Tracy Rigdon – North Florida's premier independent talk show where random paths cross, relevant conversations unfold, and real stories emerge. Join us for authentic discussions with community leaders, activists, artists, and innovators who are shaping our world. From advocacy to arts, from civic engagement to social justice, we deliver fresh perspectives and actionable insights. Our growing community values deep thinking and diverse voices. Random. Relevant. Real. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecontrastproject7242/
Episodes
In this episode, Tracy Rigdon and Charles Gaskins engage with Jennifer Wolfe, the founder of a Jacksonville affiliate of Women Writing for Change. They discuss the mission of the organization, which focuses on building community through writing and art, particularly emphasizing the importance of women's voices in literature. Jennifer shares insights on the therapeutic aspects of writing, the impact of journaling in trauma recov...
In this episode, host Tracy Rigdon sits down with Raymond Goode, a creative force who has lived a hell of a story—and now tells them like no one else can. From battling depression and suicidal thoughts to becoming a celebrated author, director, and creative leader, Raymond’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, storytelling, and community building.This isn’t some sanitized "overnight success" bullshit. Raymond’s path i...
In this episode of the Contrast Project Lounge Podcast, host Tracy Rigdon and co-host Charles Gaskins welcome John Meeks, a veteran and educator, who shares his journey from military service to teaching. John discusses the importance of advocacy for teachers and unions, the challenges facing civics education in Florida, and the need for community engagement. He emphasizes the significance of mutual aid and the role of educators in ...
In this powerful episode of The Contrast Project Lounge, hosts Tracy Rigdon and Jim Alabiso welcome Al Emerick a transformational speaker and creator of ValueMapping®, for a conversation that digs deep into one of the most misunderstood concepts in modern culture: value.Let’s be clear—this isn’t some buzzword bingo on personal branding or another empty TED Talk. This is about how we’ve screwed up the definition of value by tying it...
In this engaging conversation, we spoke with Dr. Tim Gilmore about the concept of psychogeography, exploring its implications in understanding place and identity, particularly in Jacksonville. We discuss the historical narratives that shape the city, the writing process, and the importance of community engagement in storytelling. The conversation also touches on darker themes, including the impact of abuse within institutions and t...
From the iconic pages of The Wall Street Journal to underground punk stages and now transforming Jacksonville’s creative landscape Noli Novak has done it all.In this episode of The Contrast Project Lounge Podcast, hosts Tracy Rigdon and Charles Gaskins dive into Noli’s extraordinary journey. Born in Yugoslavia, she navigated political upheaval and cultural shifts before landing in the U.S., where she carved out an unexpected career...
🎙️ What Happens When You Return to Morning TV After Years Away? 🎙️ In this must-watch episode of The Contrast Project Lounge Podcast, hosts Tracy Rigdon, Jim Alabiso, and Charles Gaskins sit down with the unstoppable Eden Kendall to dive into her incredible journey through radio, morning television, and the world of podcasting. From the fast-paced world of live TV to the freedom of podcasting, Eden shares behind-the-scenes storie...
In this powerful episode of The Contrast Project Lounge Podcast, host Tracy Rigdon sits down with Dr. Barb Vokatis, a professor, literacy expert, and advocate for innovative education and therapy animal programs. 🎙️✨ Dr. Barb shares eye-opening insights on how therapy dogs are breaking barriers in classrooms, helping neurodivergent children, including those with autism, build confidence, enhance communication, and navigate learnin...
In this episode, Host Tracy Rigdon sits down with Jacksonville musician Mike Linsky to dive deep into the power of music, nostalgia, and the impact of cultural experiences. From his military upbringing to his church roots, Mike shares how his diverse background shaped his musical journey. 🔥 They discuss the Jacksonville music scene, the art of collaboration, and how icons like Taylor Swift, Prince, and Lenny Kravitz continue to in...
In this episode of the Contrast Project Lounge Podcast, host Tracy Rigdon and co-hosts Jim Alabiso and Charles Gaskins welcome local hip hop icon Mal Jones. They discuss Mal's significant contributions to the Jacksonville hip hop scene, including his founding of the Lyricist Live event, which promotes clean expression in music. The conversation also explores Mal's cultural ambassadorship in Bristol, England, his unique blen...
In this episode of the Contrast Project Lounge Podcast, host Tracy Rigdon and co-hosts Jim Alabiso and Charles Gaskins welcome Zach Duke, a creative force in photography and music video production. Zach shares his journey from uncertain beginnings to finding his passion in photography and art. He discusses his early projects, including a clothing line and events that supported charitable causes.
The conversation delves into his...
In this engaging conversation, the hosts and guest Ebony Williams explore a variety of themes including the vibrant art scene in Jacksonville, personal travel experiences, the complexities of relationships and divorce, and the challenges of dating in today's world. They reflect on generational differences in perspectives on life, the importance of quality in media and art, and the significance of personal growth and self-accept...
In this conversation, Tracy Rigdon and Chris Kiernan discuss pressing social issues in Jacksonville, particularly focusing on homelessness, food insecurity, and the challenges posed by local government policies. They explore the impact of recent administrative changes, the lack of effective resource centers for the homeless, and the need for more direct action and innovative solutions to address these systemic problems. The dialogu...
In this episode of the Contrast Project Lounge podcast, hosts Tracy Rigdon, Jim Alabiso, and Charles Gaskin engage in a lively conversation with Christina Wagner, the former owner of Raindogs, a beloved cultural hub in Jacksonville's Five Points area. They discuss the journey of Raindogs, its impact on the community, the challenges faced during the pandemic, and Christina's future plans for a new venture. The conversation h...
Join spiritual guide Summer Van Mun and Tracy Rigdon as they discuss the transformative world of holistic healing and wellness. From ancient herbalism to modern energy work, discover how integrating traditional wisdom with contemporary healing practices can revolutionize your approach to health. Summer shares her unique journey, beginning in her father's chiropractic office and leading to profound discoveries in indigenous Haw...
In this Wednesday Nite Live edition of the Contrast Project Lounge Podcast, hosts Tracy Rigdon and co-hosts Jim Alabiso and Charles Gaskins welcome sportscaster Cole Pepper to discuss the burgeoning soccer scene in Jacksonville. They explore Cole's journey in sports broadcasting, the launch of the new Sporting Jax soccer teams, and the importance of community engagement in building a sustainable soccer culture. The conversation...
In this episode of the Contrast Project Lounge Podcast, hosts Tracy Rigdon and Jim Alabiso reflect on the past year, share personal highlights, and discuss their commitments to health and wellness as they enter 2025. They emphasize the importance of movement, community involvement, and mental health, while also highlighting local art and culture. The conversation encourages listeners to engage positively with their communities and ...
Post-Election Showdown: November 6, 2024 with our special guests Shelton Hull and Claire Goforth. The conversation dives into the recent election night, highlighting the anxiety surrounding the results and the varied coverage across different networks. The discussion shifts to the phenomenon of the 'red mirage' in voting trends, particularly among black voters, and the implications of misogyny and disinformation in the pol...
AARP's Cultural Expressions: The Arts and Brain Health with Dionne Polite
In this episode, Tracy Rigdon and Dionne Polite discuss the significance of brain health as we age, emphasizing the importance of maintaining mental acuity through various lifestyle choices. They explore the six pillars of brain health, including social engagement, mental stimulation, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, and healt...
In this engaging conversation, Tracy Rigdon and Jim Alabiso welcome cellist *Dave Eggar, who shares his unique journey through music, including his experiences with renowned artists and his fusion of classical and bluegrass styles. We were also joined by flat pick guitarist Phil Faconti. *You may recognize Dave from his cello leading the way at the top of Coldplay's "Viva La Vida". A virtuoso in many styles on both ...
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