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Navigating the Economic Inflection: Ryan Calkins on the Future of Trade, AI, and 'New Collar' Jobs
Port of Seattle Commission President Ryan Calkins recently joined host The Big O on The Pop-Up! to discuss the rapidly shifting economic landscape of Washington state. Calkins provided an extensive look at how global politics, artificial intelligence, and a massive transition to sustainable energy are reshaping the region's workforce and infrastructure.
Jessica B. Thiessen Talks "Solar Punk" and Environmental Justice on The Pop-Up!
On a recent episode of The Pop-Up!, host Deaunte Damper sat down with Jessica B. Thiessen, a project management professional and creative advocate. She discussed everything from rising utility bills to her upcoming community event, Sunrise Fair, happening this Saturday in Auburn, Washington.
Boys in the Middle: Masculinity, Memory, and the Making of Men with Jerome Hunter
On a recent episode of The Pop-Up!, guest host Sean Goode welcomed educator and thought leader Jerome Hunter to the Black Media Matters Studio. What followed was a meditation on masculinity, memory, and the intentional journey of making men.
All My Friends Are Dope: Justin Pinder and LA Talk New Music and Seattle Culture
The premiere episode of All My Friends Are Dope officially dropped last month, and it did not disappoint. Hosted by Converge Media co-founder Erik Kalligraphy, this spin-off series of The Pop-Up! featured artistic duo Justin Pinder and LA (Language Arts).
Centering Art, History, and Home: Takiyah “T-Dub” Ward on The Pop-Up!
On a recent episode of The Pop-Up!, Converge Media welcomed back a familiar face whose fingerprints are quite literally all over Seattle: Takiyah “T-Dub” Ward. From the iconic “Black Media Matters. Period.” wall inside the Converge studio to murals, footwear, and community activations across the city, Takiyah’s work has quietly shaped how Seattle sees itself.
How Fate and Curation Brought YaGirlNess and Mr. Nyice Guy Together
On a recent episode of The Pop-Up!, host The Big O sat down with two powerhouse curators of the Pacific Northwest: Warnessa "YaGirlNess" Victorian and Mr. Nyice Guy. The episode was a victory lap of local culture, diving into the heartwarming and hilarious origins of one of the region’s favorite community duos.
Honoring Craft, Health, and Legacy: A Night with Damon Brown on The Pop-Up!
Last night’s episode of The Pop-Up! was one of those rare conversations where we stopped worrying about the rundown and just followed the heart. Host The Big O sat across from multidisciplinary artist Damon Brown, also known as Creative Lou, inside the Black Media Matters Studio.
Navigating Economic Segregation: Harold Fields Speaks Out on Transit and Support for South Seattle Small Businesses
In a recent appearance on The Pop-Up, Harold Fields, the founder of the Seattle-based fusion concept Umami Kushi, shed light on the systemic challenges facing small businesses in Seattle’s South End. Fields voiced perspectives on city policy, public transit inequities, and economic exclusion of marginalized communities.
Choosing the Present: Sean Goode Talks Interdependence, Healing, and Movement Makers on The Pop-Up!
In a recent episode of The Pop-Up!, host Deaunte Damper sat down for an emotionally resonant conversation with community leader and consultant Sean Goode. Goode joined Damper to unpack the complexities of leadership and mental health and share the core philosophy behind his latest endeavor, Movement Makers.
Empowering Communities Through Intentional Spending: Laura Clise Shines on The Pop-Up
Laura Clise, the founder and CEO of Intentionalist, recently joined The Pop-Up to share her insights on local economic development and the launch of an exciting new initiative designed to drive economic inclusion: the Special Edition Buy Black Card.
Prioritizing Wellbeing: Jesse Johnson Talks Black Men’s Mental Health on The Pop-Up!
Former Washington State Representative and educator Jesse Johnson joined host Deaunte Damper and fellow guest Cortez Charles on The Pop-Up! to discuss leadership, community, and the importance of Black men's mental health.
Cortez Charles Confronts the Black Men's Mental Health Crisis on The Pop-Up!
To kick off International Men’s Mental Health Week last week, The Pop-Up! host Deaunte Damper welcomed Cortez Charles, the founder of The Fatherhood Accountability Movement (FAM).
Sentu Taylor and the ‘Random Idiot’ Philosophy: Authenticity Over Algorithms
In a recent episode of The Pop-Up!, guest host Elisha Michelle welcomed the multifaceted Sentu Taylor to the Black Media Matter Studio as part of the second ever Tacoma Takeover.
The Hereditary Hustle: KGodd on Dance, Legacy, and Authenticity on The Pop-Up!
The energy at Black Media Matter Studio was electric during the second ever Tacoma Takeover episode of The Pop-Up! with guest host Elisha Michelle. The guest of honor was Federal Way’s own KGodd, a rapper, dancer, and marketing expert who is quickly becoming the face of the region’s music scene.
Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans Addresses Systemic Bias and Safety on The Pop-Up!
Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans recently appeared on The Pop-Up! to discuss pressing public safety issues, ranging from the exploitation of Black girls to new enforcement strategies for Seattle’s Aurora Avenue.
Strategic Collaboration and Community Care: Chief Shon Barnes on The Pop-Up!
Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes recently appeared on The Pop-Up! to discuss a unified front against crime and the deep-seated disparities affecting the city's most vulnerable populations, shortly after a press conference on Thursday, June 11 alongside other city leaders.
Preserving a Revolutionary Legacy: Naudia Miller on The Pop-Up!
Cultural worker Naudia Miller recently joined The Pop-Up! to share exciting developments regarding the Seattle Black Panther Party Interpretive Center and to weigh in on the cultural and technological shifts impacting the Black community today.
Building the Future: Jaebadiah Gardner on Real Estate, Legacy, and the "Meal Ticket" for Seattle
Jaebadiah Gardner, the founder and CEO of GardnerGlobal, recently sat down for an interview on The Pop-Up! to discuss the arduous but rewarding path of a Black real estate developer in Seattle.
Juneteenth’s Cultural Power and Economic Freedom: JD Davis on The Pop-Up!
Last week, The Pop-Up! welcomed Jerome "JD" Davis, a prominent Pacific Northwest-based cultural producer and the founder and CEO of WayOut Kids.
Faith in Action: David Long on Redefining Spirituality Through Service on Seattle’s Streets
In a recent appearance on The Pop-Up!, David Long, the executive director of Testimony Praise Worship Gatherings (TPWG), shared his journey from homelessness to community advocacy.