From Mic to Movement: Documenting Stories, Sharing Resources, and Fostering Reciprocal Support Systems | M'Balou Camara for Maryland Arts Summit

Aspiring podcaster and artist M’Balou Camara interviews me for a special Maryland Art Summit 2025 recording.

M’Balou is a former student, current colleague, and emerging podcaster preparing to launch “The Heart Reflex,” highlighting voices of the African diaspora in the arts.

Our conversation—recorded live at Prince George’s Community College—explores our journey from a classroom connection at UMBC to ongoing collaboration, mutual mentorship, and co-leadership in the creative community.

I share insights from my nearly 20 years as a podcaster and host of “The Truth in This Art,” focusing on the value of storytelling, reciprocity, and building a living archive for Baltimore’s creative voices.

We discuss how authentic conversations, trust, and relational support are central to my approach as a host and educator. I break down strategies for fostering access, avoiding gatekeeping, and sustaining creative independence amid funding challenges.

Audience questions spark a discussion on practical advice for new podcasters, evolving media formats, and lessons learned from both successes and setbacks.

We close with a rapid-fire “reflex round,” reflecting on curiosity, inspiration, and the role of freedom in creative work.

Topics Covered:

• Evolving from instructor-student roles to creative peer collaboration
• Building and sustaining community-rooted podcast archives
• The ethics and art of listening, trust, and relationship-building
• Navigating independence, institutional pressure, and artistic integrity
• Mutual mentorship and non-hierarchical support in the arts
• Practical strategies for launching and growing a podcast
• Adapting to changes in media and the podcasting landscape
• Centering and uplifting underrepresented stories and artists
• Reflections on curiosity, inspiration, and freedom through art

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Discover more at thetruthinthisart.com or follow me on Instagram.

Stay tuned for M’Balou Camara’s upcoming podcast “The Heart Reflex”. 

📸 credit @teencudi

Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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