The Interludes Podcast
184 episodes - English - Latest episode: 17 days ago -What exactly is an interlude? For me, it's those magical, fleeting moments between tracks on a CD or LP record, where powerful harmonies transition you into the next chapter of music. This is where inspiration meets rhythm, and it's where I live as a DJ at heart. "The Interludes Podcast" is the extended play of those moments – a continuous stream of inspiration and up-tempo vibes.
I, Val "The Voice" Johnson, serve as your guide through the voices of creatives, entrepreneurs, and filmmakers who are carving out exciting paths of discovery and exploration. In my podcast, we share intimate conversations with the trailblazers in music, performing arts, sports, and film. It's all about uncovering the pulse of the culture in entertainment and sports - and doing a little self-discovery along the way.
I'm here to inspire you to find your own creative "interlude," to ignite that journey full of fun and awe that audiences are eager to experience. Every Wednesday, I offer you a glimpse into the evolving culture of the entertainment and sports, all while weaving in the music that connects us. It's an invitation to explore, learn, and be moved – with an original soundtrack that inspires.
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Episodes
Freedom of Speech
February 25, 2021 02:05 - 56 minutes - 102 MBAs Black History Month closes, hear a message of musical inspirational from Grammy award-winning artist, Speech Thomas of the pioneering hip-hop group, Arrested Development. Speech shares songs from his new project, "Expansion."
The Essence of Soul Food: Pound Cake
February 17, 2021 21:38 - 45 minutes - 82.2 MBThe story of food in America begins with the story of Black people in the kitchen of the plantation house, our family’s house and even The White House. America was built on a fusion cuisine called Soul Food. Author Adrian E. Miller shares his journey researching soul food’s history in his two award-winning books. Valarie goes into her kitchen to make a very special pound cake found in her family reunion cookbook.
The Essence of Soul Food: EatOkra
February 11, 2021 03:53 - 27 minutes - 53.1 MBIn the first of a series on “Soul Food,” we start at the ending by meeting Andrew and Janique Edwards, the couple who created EatOkra, the app that finds Black restaurants. And we end at the beginning with the history of the vegetable that traveled with us from Africa: okra.
It's All About The Harriets
February 04, 2021 03:14 - 23 minutes - 44.3 MBFrom the $20 bill that one day her face may grace, to the woman who famously played her in “A Woman Called Moses,” we’re all about Harriet to begin Black History Month. This week’s mix of news and music is like a seat on the Underground Railroad. You won’t want to miss it.
Music Is The Answer
January 27, 2021 18:46 - 36 minutes - 69 MBRemember when you turned the music on in the car and felt like the artist was speaking a special language that only you understood? Interludes host Valarie Johnson introduces you to two different musical artists: soulful songbird Melika Miller and newcomer Aniya Lanai.
ER Update: Climate Changes in Chicago, DC
January 20, 2021 23:59 - 43 minutes - 82.6 MBThe national climate may be changing for the better as the new Biden/Harris Administration enters in DC. In Chicago, the environment may worsen on the Southeast Side, unless more voices speak out against plans to open another plant and against plans to drill for minerals in an urban area. Both Peggy Salazar, Director of Southeast Environmental Task Force (setaskforce.org) and Michele Mabson of Black Millennials 4 Flint, update us on their work. After hearing the podcast, you may want to comm...
Under New Management
January 13, 2021 22:24 - 56 minutes - 98.8 MBDespite the near insurrection of last week, one fact remains: on Jan. 20, the US government will be under new management. Interludes host Valarie Johnson and EP Michael Wamble discuss the bizarre assault on the US Capitol. We also get our own "Ted talk" from our favorite historian, Chairman of the Social Sciences Department at Kennedy-King College, Ted Williams III. Williams discusses the upcoming Biden Administration, the attempted coup of Jan. 6th and the importance of Monday's Martin Luth...
Interludes Extra with Author Gina Paul
January 06, 2021 22:56 - 28 minutes - 54.5 MBInterludes host Valarie Johnson speaks with 1st time children’s author and New York educator, Gina Paul. Her book, “I Am Not Being Lazy, I Just Don’t Understand” has become a top-reviewed book under the Amazon Kindle titles and we speak with her about her formative years in Haiti and the challenges she faces as an educator on the frontlines.
A Year of Women in 2020
December 30, 2020 20:05 - 21 minutes - 40.8 MBLooking back on 2020, It wasn’t the year of the woman rather a year of women. Interludes host Valarie Johnson speaks with filmmaker Sara Wolitzky about her film, “Not Done: Women Remaking America” and featured film interview with New York Firefighter Regina Wilson.
This Is 2020: A Year in Review
December 23, 2020 18:56 - 28 minutes - 53.2 MBAfter a year of losses, what will lead you toward aspiration and motivation? Hopefully, we will as we rewind to recall 2020's voices of inspiration: Chrishon Lampley, Luchina Fisher, Danie Sanders and BK Apologist.
The Return of the Jack
December 16, 2020 20:08 - 27 minutes - 51.4 MBCarjackings? Seriously? Along with everything else we've had to deal with in 2020, including a pandemic and political unrest, the crime of carjacking has made an unwelcome return. Interludes host Valarie Johnson and Interludes EP Michael Wamble speak on their experiences and learn about ways to protect yourself while traveling around during this holiday season.
The Journey of Nineveh Road
December 09, 2020 19:02 - 32 minutes - 62 MBMusic storytellers can turn their challenges and triumphs into great musical works of art. Rock & soul group Nineveh Road talks with Interludes host Valarie Johnson and Interludes EP Michael Wamble about their current upcoming EP release called, "The Return of..." and the musical influences that have inspired them throughout the years.
The Other ER: Environmental Racism
December 02, 2020 17:50 - 51 minutes - 97.9 MBThe air you breathe and water you drink may not be safe because of where you live due to the color of your skin. It's an issue Black and Latino families in Chicago & Flint, Michigan continue to battle. Interludes host Valarie Johnson speaks with Peggy Salazar of Southeast Task Force (SETF) and Michelle Mabson of Black Millennials 4 Flint along with longtime Chicagoan resident on other ER: Environmental Racism.
Giving Thanks in 2020
November 25, 2020 19:45 - 24 minutes - 46.8 MBInterludes host Valarie Johnson & executive producer Michael Wamble take time to give thanks and highlight what we are grateful for as the country approaches the end of a difficult year. We also speak with executive director of Claretian Associates, Angela Hurlock about the season of giving and highlight a local Black-owned business, Color Me Beauty Bar.
The House That Danie Built
November 18, 2020 16:35 - 22 minutes - 43.4 MBThe best music to unify the masses on any dance floor is house music. Spoken word recording artist, journalist and entrepreneur Danie Sanders, aka Black Widow talks with Interludes host Valarie Johnson about her current track with DJ Emmaculate called "Love Manifesto" and the changes many performing artists are going through to pivot in these COVID-era times.
Countdown Meltdown: Election 2020
November 12, 2020 18:34 - 47 minutes - 75.7 MBInterludes host Valarie Johnson and producer partner Michael Wamble recap the crazy that continues to be the 2020 Election.
OUR Story in HIStory: The Musical
November 04, 2020 17:39 - 28 minutes - 54.4 MBEvery four years we add to the ongoing story of our nation. Now, if we could just agree when to start the story and what happened. Historian and playwright Ted Williams III suggests that our story begins in "1619." And he's not alone.
Black Women Matter: Part 2
October 28, 2020 17:11 - 28 minutes - 51.8 MBHow would you rate the state of Black Women Lives in America today? As we continue this discussion, Interludes host Valarie Johnson share thoughts from a variety of distinguished guests including philanthropist and attorney Ericka Hardin-Gibson, life coach therapist and author Cresenda Jones and A Chicago Public School coordinator and youth mentor Lysandra Barnett.
Black Women Matter: Part 1 with NYFD Firefighter Regina Wilson
October 21, 2020 21:12 - 23 minutes - 40.2 MBHow would you rate the state of Black Women Lives in America today? Interludes host Valarie Johnson posses that question and many others to a trailblazer and one of few women working as a New York City firefighter, Regina Wilson. Wilson is also one of the many featured women in an upcoming PBS Makers documentary called, "NOT DONE: Women Remaking America."
Chicago International Film Festival: Mama Gloria
October 15, 2020 03:45 - 28 minutes - 50.6 MBThe 56th annual Chicago International Film Festival will look & feel very different on this year due to the pandemic. Interludes host Valarie Johnson speaks with filmmaker Luchina Fisher about her award-winning documentary film called, "Mama Gloria". Fisher’s film is a story about self-discovery, aging with grace and the history of the South Side of Chicago.
Chicago International Film Festival: Mama Gloria
October 15, 2020 03:45 - 28 minutes - 50.6 MBThe 56th annual Chicago International Film Festival will look & feel very different on this year due to the pandemic. Interludes host Valarie Johnson speaks with filmmaker Luchina Fisher about her award-winning documentary film called, "Mama Gloria". Fisher’s film is a story about self-discovery, aging with grace and the history of the South Side of Chicago.
Wading in the Water: The Swim Episode
October 07, 2020 19:24 - 30 minutes - 53.3 MBLearning to swim as an adult can be intimidating yet a rewarding skill to develop. Interludes host Valarie Johnson examines the strained history of African Americans and swimming and also, a "swim" discussion with lawyer, philanthropist and swimming student, Ericka Hardin-Gibson.
Living The SINGLED Out Life
September 30, 2020 17:07 - 26 minutes - 47.5 MBWhat does it feel like to have a cultural and spiritual awakening? For one young woman, it feels like being singled out. Interludes host Valarie Johnson remembers the time TV opened eyes and an interview self-published author April L. Osuji.
Living the Awaken Single Life
September 30, 2020 17:07 - 26 minutes - 47.5 MBCan the many societal ills be overcome by spiritual knowledge as a young Christian single woman? Interludes host Valarie Johnson speaks on how pop culture can influence faith and an interview with self-published author April L. Osuji.
Reset, Refresh & Recommit to A Health Revolution
September 23, 2020 19:32 - 32 minutes - 55.7 MBHow can we best defend our body’s immune system against illnesses and pandemics as they pop up? Interludes host Valarie Johnson speaks on two American icons who fought for their health, one publicly and another privately and also an interview with a well-being strategist & professor, author Patti O’Brien Richardson.
Entrepreneurial Empowerment with Chrishon Lampley
September 16, 2020 17:26 - 32 minutes - 55.4 MBWhat is it like to have an "entrepreneur spirit" as a small business owner in the wine industry? Interludes host Valarie Johnson speaks with Chicago entrepreneur Chrishon Lampley on how her company, "Love Cork Screw" has emerged stronger during these ever-changing times.
The Education Episode
September 07, 2020 15:28 - 30 minutes - 53.4 MBWhat will the future education be in the time of coronavirus?Interludes host Valarie Johnson speaks with an award-winning principal and educator, Dr. Denise Spells, Archdiocese of Chicago's Chief Strategic Officer, Cliff Barber & 1st time author & New York City educator Gina Paul about how the current pandemic will affect the upcoming 2020-2021 academic school year. Class is in session with prophetic writer & poet, James Baldwin during this special edition of Interludes.
Holy Hip Hop
August 28, 2020 15:25 - 30 minutes - 51.5 MBMany hip hop artists have been known to use their platform to defend their faith. Interludes host Valarie Johnson speaks on some examples of this and introduces her audience to a former Brooklyn emcee turned YouTube star & a radical defender of his faith, BK Apologist.
Sound of Chicago on Da Radio
August 21, 2020 05:35 - 30 minutes - 52.7 MBInterludes host Valarie Johnson reminisces over on-air talent from her childhood & the early influences of music heard on radio. Also, an interview with CHIRP 107.1 founder, on-air talent & station manager, Ms. Shawn Campbell.
Loving the Art Beyond the Artist
August 13, 2020 03:41 - 25 minutes - 44 MBInterludes host Valarie Johnson talks about three Chicagoan artists and how we can separate the art they create from their flawed personal lives. Also, an interview with award winning music producer, songwriter and native Chicagoan, Kendall Nesbit.
The Generational Effects of Redlining & Interview with Actor Jonathan Keaton
July 31, 2020 15:29 - 47 minutes - 77.2 MBInterludes host Valarie Johnson discusses the generational affect of a practice called "redlining" in many American cities. Also, Johnson interviews Second City Alum, improv comedian and actor on "Chicago PD", Mr. Jonathan Keaton
Seeing a Different World with Black Women Doctors
July 21, 2020 06:09 - 27 minutes - 49.6 MBInterludes host Valarie Johnson discusses the influence of how some popular television shows influenced the presence of black female doctors in our world. Johnson reflects on how one doctor in particular helped her mother during a difficult time. Also, she interviews Dr. Aunita Hill-Jones, an internal medicine doctor and contributing author of the book, "Women of War: Peace In the Midst of the Storm."
Doing the Right Thing in Life & Comedy
July 10, 2020 16:55 - 30 minutes - 53.1 MBInterludes host Valarie Johnson breaks down why transitioning from Brooklyn, New York to Chicago was difficult in the summer of 2019. Also, she interviews a former NY Caroline's comic and now entrepreneur Jori O'Neale of IYH Innertainment.
Why Call it Interludes?
June 26, 2020 13:00 - 16 minutes - 32.1 MB1st podcast introduces host Valarie Johnson and her compelling reasoning behind the title, "Interludes." Johnson uses her love of music to connect the dots between the Minneapolis sound and untimely death of a Minneapolis resident, George Floyd.