Voices with Pebbles Podcast

Voices with Pebbles: Saying Goodbye

After 5 years, Voices with Pebbles is coming to an end. Pebbles and producer Leroy sit down to talk about the journey. To all of our supporters, we thank you. 

Voices with Pebbles: Vintage Lee

This weeks guest is Vintage Lee. Vintage Lee was born and raised in Roxbury, and is a nationally acclaimed music artist.

Voices with Pebbles: Jasmine Irvin

This weeks guest is Jasmine Irvin. Jasmine's story is one of experiencing homelessness in her life, to now becoming a passion of hers to help others in need. 

Voices with Pebbles: Kwani A. Lunis

This weeks quest is Kwani A. Lunis. Kwani  is a multimedia journalist who is currently the social media producer at NBC10 Boston. She hosts the digital series '10 Questions with NBC10 Boston' and is a correspondent for the Hub today. 

Voices with Pebbles: Dr. Natascha Saunders

This weeks guest is Dr. Natascha Saunders. She’s an Associate Director, Career Coach, and Academic Advisor at Harvard Kennedy School. She’s also a Member of the Board of First-Year Advisers for Harvard College.

Voices with Pebbles: Sheena Collier

This week, my guest is Sheena Collier. Sheena is a super connector, convener, and strategic planner. She’s the founder and CEO of The Collier Connection and Boston While Black, both working to build connection, support, and belonging among Black residents in Boston.

Voices with Pebbles: SuperSmashBroz

This weeks guests are the SuperSmashBroz! Brothers in real life, they have been named Boston DJ's of the year. They were part of the Red Sox City Connect Series, and overall are highly respected Boston representatives in the world of entertainment.

Voices with Pebbles: Lisa Simmons (Roxbury International Film Festival 2021)

Lisa Simmons is the founder & president of The Color of Film Collaborative, and the director of The Roxbury International Film Festival.

Voices with Pebbles: 4 Year Anniversary Special

Voices is celebrating it's 4 year anniversary, so Pebbles and producer Leroy sat down to talk about it.

Voices with Pebbles: Erin McAleer (President of and CEO of Project Bread)

This week, I’m talking to Erin McAleer. Erin is the President of and CEO of Project Bread, working to address food insecurity in Massachusetts. She was also named one of the 2020 Bostonians of the Year. 

Voices with Pebbles: Brian Moller

Brian Moller also known as BMo the Prince. BMo is a radio personality, DJ, and comedian. When the pandemic hit, everything changed, and like a lot of people he had to pivot. A year later, he’s hit over 1 million followers on TikTok, made an unexpected connection from a DNA test, and had a well-known comedian slide in his DMs.

Voices with Pebbles: Theresa Alphonse

This week, my guest is Theresa Alphonse. Theresa is the Founder and Executive Director of What’s On Your Mind. The mission of the organization is to destigmatize mental illness to create stronger and healthier people. They also choose to focus on communities of color, believing that it the population’s most marginalized are targeted, then all populations will benefit.

Voices with Pebbles: Boston City Councilor, Andrea Campbell

This week, my guest is Andrea Campbell. Andrea is a Boston City Councilor who was born and raised in Boston. She previously served as deputy legal counsel to former Gov. Deval Patrick, and was the first the first Black woman to serve as Boston City Council president. And last September, she announced that she would be running for Mayor of the City of Boston.

Voices with Pebbles: Dr. Tamika Jacques

Dr. Tamika Jacques is a motivational visionary, workforce specialist, life coach, consultant, author, and so much more. 

Voices with Pebbles: Alex Goldstein

Alex Goldstein is the CEO and founder of 90 West. He has also worked with former Governor Deval Patrick and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. At the beginning of the pandemic he started "Faces of Covid"  to share stories of those lost to COVID-19.

Voices with Pebbles: Dr. Bonnie Bertolaet

This week, my guest is Dr. Bonnie Bertolaet. Dr. Bertolaet is the Executive Director of Science Club for Girls – a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free experiential STEM programs and mentoring for girls from underrepresented communities in grades K-12. She’s worked in biotech and with educational organizations in public and private schools in a variety of roles. And this past fall, she won the Making a Difference in the Community Award by WEST, which advances Women in the Enter...

Voices with Pebbles: Black Excellence In The Arts (Makeeba McCreary, Rob Stull, and Rob "Problak" Gibbs)

This weeks theme is "Black Excellence In The Arts."

Voices with Pebbles: Women On The Move (Heather White, Marie "Free" Wright, and Michelle Wu)

This weeks theme is "Women On The Move." 

Voices with Pebbles: Behind The Lens (Dawn Porter, Tracy Heather Strain, and Rudy Hypolite)

This weeks theme is "Behind The Lens." We are highlighting some of the filmmakers we spoke to this year.

Voices with Pebbles: For the Culture (Jenee Ostherheldt, Porsha Olayiwola & Red Shaydz)

As we prepare for the new year we want to take the time this month to feature some of the best conversations this year on Voices. This weeks theme is 'For The Culture'.  

Voices with Pebbles: Jenee Osterheldt - Culture Columnist Boston Globe

This week my guess is Jenee Osterheldt. Jenee is the culture columnist for the Boston Globe, who covers identity and social justice through the lens of culture and the arts. Jenee was our guest earlier in the summer and returns today to talk about her latest project 'A Beautiful Resistance'.  The series centers black joy, dreams, and the lives and stories of other people of color.

Voices with Pebbles: Jessicah Pierre

This week my guest is Jessicah Pierre. Jessicah is a PR marketing professional, political blogger, social entrepreneur, and public speaker. She’s also the founder, president and CEO of Queens Company. Jessicah is also committed to creating safe spaces were women can come together to share stories, lessons, and promote sisterhood.

Voices with Pebbles: Segun Idowu

This week, my guest is Segun Idowu. Segun is currently the Executive Director of BECMA – the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts. He’s a co-founder of the Boston Police Camera Action Team, and this year, was named one of Boston Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the City of Boston. Please Welcome Segun Idowu.

Voices with Pebbles: Jennifer Hedrington

This week, my guest is Jennifer Hedrington. Jennifer is a 7th grade math teacher at the Ferryway School in Malden. She was also just named Massachusetts Teacher of the Year! We’ll also be joined by one of her students as well. 

Voices with Pebbles: Marie "Free" Wright

This week my guest is Marie Wright, best know as Free from 106 & Park. We're talking about what she's been up to, her Team Cancer Free, and what she's doing to get people out to vote.

Voices with Pebbles: Jessica Brayden - CEO of Respond, Inc.

October is domestic violence awareness month and today’s guest is Jessica Brayden. Jessica is the CEO of Respond Inc. the first domestic violence agency in New England and the second oldest in the nation. Jessica and her team partner with individuals, families, and communities that have a serious public health issue of domestic violence. (Warning: Today’s conversation includes discussion of physical violence and abuse including emotional abuse.)

Voices with Pebbles: Documentary Filmmaker Dawn Porter

This week I have two guests including award winning documentary filmmaker Dawn Porter. I talked to Dawn about her new film "Good Trouble", which is about the life and legacy of the late activist and congressman John Lewis.

Voices with Pebbles: Boston City Councilor Michelle Wu

This week, my guest is Councilor Michelle Wu. Michelle is a member of the Boston City Council and was the first woman of color to be named Council President. She’s a mom and the daughter of immigrants, who recently announced that she is running for Mayor of Boston. 

Voices with Pebbles: Lisa Simmons (Roxbury International Film Festival)

Lisa is the Founder and President of the Color of Film Collaborative, and the Director of the Roxbury International Film Festival opening on September 30th.  Here to talk about the festival, the impact of the pandemic on the film industry, the Oscars new Diversity Initiative and more, please welcome Lisa Simmons.

Voices with Pebbles: Red Shaydez (Feel The Aura)

Red Shaydez is a lyricist, filmmaker, and mentor. Last year she was nominated for the Boston Music Awards Unsigned Artist of the Year. She's the artist development director at the Hip Hop Transformation program, helping teens learn how to write and record their own music. And she just released her latest project Feel The Aura.

Voices with Pebbles: Rob Stull

This week, my guest is Rob Stull. Rob is an accomplished illustrator, designer, teacher, and comic book industry veteran. He was the creator and curator of Sequential Art: The Next Step – a traveling exhibit spotlighting the contributions of African Americans to mainstream comic book art and popular culture. He’s worked for Marvel and DC Comics, and is currently one of the artists-in-residence at the Museum of Fine Arts. For more info on Rob, visit RobStull.com.

Voices with Pebbles: Rob "Problak" Gibbs

On  this episode we have Rob "Problak" Gibbs. Rob is a visual artist, and organizer who grew up in Roxbury. He's one of the co-founder's for Artist For Humanity, teaching young people creative skills. He's also one of the Artist in Residence at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

Voices with Pebbles: Makeeba McCreary (Chief of Learning and Community Engagement of the Museum of Fine Arts)

Makeeba has spent 20 years in educational policy, and has worked for global brands like Nike, the National Boys and Girls Clubs and more. She’s currently the Chief of Learning and Community Engagement of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Here to talk about the MFA’s transition to a virtual space, the latest special exhibits and projects, and when we can expect to get back in the museum for a visit, please welcome Makeeba McCreary.

Voices with Pebbles: Rudy Hypolite (Writer, Director & Filmmaker)

This week, my guest is Rudy Hypolite. Rudy is Trinidadian born and Boston bred. He’s a writer, director, and independent filmmaker of documentaries. His latest film is This Ain’t Normal and examines the lives of gang involved youth & young adults in Boston, the street workers and social workers helping them transform their lives, and the organizations working to provide opportunity.

Voices with Pebbles: State Rep. Liz Miranda

This week, my guest is Liz Miranda. Liz is the State Representative for the 5th Suffolk District, representing Roxbury and Dorchester. She’s a first generation Cape Verdean-American and a lifelong Roxbury resident. From a young age, Liz has been an activist for social justice, is an advocate for young people, and is a tireless leader in the community. Please welcome Liz Miranda.

Voices with Pebbles: Mario Rodrigues

This week, my guest is Mario Rodrigues. Mario is one of the founders of MBK617, a non-profit base in Dorchester. It was created to provide a mentoring program to young men and boys in the Boston community.

Voices with Pebbles: Jeneé Osterheldt (Journalist - The Boston Globe)

This week my guest is Jeneé Osterheldt. Jeneé is a culture writer who covers identity and social justice through the lens of culture, and the arts. In 2018 she joined the Boston Globe. Here to talk about her career, her experience as a black journalist, and her thoughts on being in Minneapolis for the Georges Floyd Memorial, please welcome Jeneé Osterheldt.

Voices with Pebbles: Tory Bullock (It's Voices Anniversary!)

This week, my guest is Tory Bullock. Tory is a writer, actor, performer and social artist. Tory was the very first guest when VOICES debuted three years ago. VOICES producer Leroy and I sat down with Tory to catch up and see how he’s been shaking things up in Boston in the past year. 

Voices with Pebbles: Tracy Heather Strain

This week, I’m talking to Tracy Heather Strain. Tracy is a filmmaker and producer. She co-founded The Film Posse with her husband Randall MacLowry, and spent over 14 years raising money to develop the documentary Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart which won a Peabody Award. On May 19th, Hansberry would have turned 90 years old. I had a chance to talk to Tracy about her film, as well as the life and legacy of Lorraine Hansberry. Please welcome, Tracy Heather Strain.

Voices with Pebbles: Tina Chery, (President, and CEO of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute)

Tina Chery  is the founder, President, and CEO of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute. She has over two decades of experience as a survivor,  serving families impacted by murder. Chery founded the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute in 1994 after the murder of her fifteen year old son Louis. Chery has served families of murder victims for over two decades and has trained thousands of public health professionals, law enforcement officials, and religious leaders in the best practices for supporting ...

Voices with Pebbles: Jeff Similien & Erin McAleer

This week, we’re bringing you two new conversations. One about launching a new business in the age of coronavirus, and the other, find out how Project Bread is switching it up for this year’s Walk for Hunger. First up is Jeff Similien. Jeff is a commercial and residential broker in the Greater Boston area and beyond. He’s the founder and CEO of Boston Trust Realty Group Commercial, and also just recently opened a new business, Co-pad in Mattapan, virtually.  Second is Erin McAleer. Erin is...

Voices with Pebbles: Tayarisha Poe & Heather Minty

This week, we’re bringing you two very different conversations. One about a new movie you can check out while staying at home, and what one organization is doing about a serious concern for some people staying at home. First up is Tayarisha Poe. Tayarisha is a writer, photographer, and director who was chosen as one of the 25 New Faces by Filmmaker Magazine. She also received the Sundance Institute's Knight Foundation Fellowship. Her current movie, Selah and the Spades is now out on Amazon ...

Voices with Pebbles: Monica Cannon Grant

This week Pebbles is talking to Monica Cannon Grant. Monica is an activist, organizer, and the founder & CEO of the non profit organization "Violence In Boston."

Voices with Pebbles: Rosie's Place

Voices with Pebbles: Eric Rivas

Today we’re talking to Eric Rivas. Eric is an expert in banking and is passionate about giving back to the community. He is currently the Director of Operations at the Boys and Girls Club of Boston. He also started L.I.F.T.E.D., Living Independent Financially Through Educated Decisions. The LIFTED movement includes a podcast featuring conversations with local leaders and professionals from all backgrounds, to educate listeners on financial awareness. Please welcome, Eric Rivas.

Voices with Pebbles: Porsha Olayiwola (Poet laureate for the city of Boston)

This week on Voices we Have Porsha Olayiwola. Porsha is the current poet laureate for the city of Boston, the artistic director for MassLEAP, and she just released her debut collection of poetry called "I Shimmer Sometimes, Too."

Voices with Pebbles: Playwright Will Power

Will Power is an internationally renowned playwright, performer, lyricist and educator. Considered one of the pioneers and co-creators of hip-hop theater, he’s also an artist who views theatre as a vehicle for transformation. His latest is Detroit Red about Malcolm X’s years as a teenager and young man in Roxbury. It’s currently play at the Emerson Paramount Center. Please welcome Will Power.

Voices with Pebbles: Heather White of TRILLFIT

This week Pebbles talks with Heather White. Heather is the CEO and founder of TRILLFIT, Boston's original hip hop workout party and boutique studio in the heart of Mission Hill.

Voices with Pebbles: Kristen Wyman

Today I’m talking to Kristen Wyman. Kristen is a member of the Natick Nipmuc Tribe, and while she doesn’t consider herself an activist or organizer, her love, dedication, and commitment to her community is commendable. She’s the co-founder of the Eastern Woodlands Rematriation Collective, and also works with WhyHunger and Move to End Violence. Here to talk about her community, her work, and more, please welcome Kristen Wyman.

Voices with Pebbles: Kristen Wyman from the Natick Nipmuc Tribe

Today I’m talking to Kristen Wyman. Kristen is a member of the Natick Nipmuc Tribe, and while she doesn’t consider herself an activist or organizer, her love, dedication, and commitment to her community is commendable. She’s the co-founder of the Eastern Woodlands Rematriation Collective, and also works with WhyHunger and Move to End Violence. Here to talk about her community, her work, and more, please welcome Kristen Wyman.