MAKERS: DAX VALDES OF HOLLABACK ON THE 5 D’S OF BYSTANDER TRAINING
This week, Susan and Laura have the honor of spending time with artist extraordinaire Dax Valdes of Hollaback, discussing their free bystander intervention trainings aimed at making the world a better, and safer, place for us all. Tune in to hear how you can make a difference in ending harassment in all its forms.
MAKERS: RYAN J. HADDAD: NEW HOMES, SOLO SHOWS, + HI, ARE YOU SINGLE?
This week, Ryan Haddad, writer and star of Hi, Are You Single? (now playing virtually through February 28 at Woolly Mammoth Theater) shares secrets of storytelling via solo shows. His passion for centering "gay, disabled and arabic communities" is palpable and essential. Susan and Laura celebrate Ryan's message to us all - "You don't have to wait for anyone to approve. Your stories are compelling."
CREATIVITY SPARKS: EVERY MONTH IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH + HERE IS NEW YORK
The Spark File is kicking off February celebrating Black History Month while asserting that Every Month is Black History Month! Creative sparks fly with conversations about Jackie Shane, William + Ellen Craft and more! Plus, E.B. White's Here is New York is the little classic you need. The mighty NYC has been through much in it's storied history. It is resilient, ever changing and changless at the same time. We heart NYC.
GARNET’S GOLD + LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This week, Susan and Laura reach into their spark files and share two fresh sparks of inspiration. First, the documentary Garnet's Gold weaves a tale of lost treasure in the Scottish highlands, and explores the pain of adventures not taken, lives not fully lived. And then, a deep dive into understanding land acknowlegement, recoginzing Indigenous Peoples as traditional stewards of these lands, and understanding our place within history.
MAKERS: KAREN OLIVO: TAKING A STAND
This week, Susan and Laura connect with Karen Olivo as she shares her recent vow to withhold her artistic services from "any theatre, company, or persons, who would knowingly fund organizations that would perpetuate inequality." Standing fully in her artistic power, Karen inspires with her leadership and action.
CREATIVITY SPARKS: THE FIGHT FOR EQUAL RIGHTS + MAKING CHANGE PT. DEUX
Susan and Laura share sparks of creativity that have them lit up. The continued fight for equality and the many ways individuals and groups have demanded it throughout history; and the many ways artists and creatives are making change in these tumultuous times.
CREATIVITY SPARKS: SURVIVORS OF LARRY NASSAR + RESERVIOR NOIR
In this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura discuss a dark spark -- the legacy of Larry Nassar and the powerful, inspiring army of survivors and champions who told their stories, including Katelyn Ohashi, Lindsey Smith, Valorie Kondos Field, Rachael Denhollander and Kate Wells. They also look beneath the surface of Reservoir Noir and the spark-filled stories of towns that drowned.
PLEASE NOTE: This episode of The Spark File podcasts contains mature themes (physical abuse, sexual abuse, suicide, body issues). Please use your discretion.
