Shows
Ologies with Alie WardModern Toichographology (MURALS & STREET ART) with Conrad BennerMurals! Frescos! Graffiti! Street art! Philadelphia is the birthplace of graffiti and the mural capital of the world so we sit down with city historian, journalist, curator, and Toichographologist Conrad Benner to chat about public vs. private art, cultural movements, commissioned vs. um… un-commissioned murals, how mural topics are chosen, how much it costs to make a mural, where to get that money, vandalism and murals and the fine line between, and how everything you do is art. Let Philly’s history and 5,000 murals inspire you to gaze at what’s in your city and find out who made it, ho...2024-09-261h 19
City Cast Philly15 Essential Rules for Living in PhillyEvery city has its list of unspoken rules. No matter where you live in the city, there might be some things you just don’t know. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Conrad Benner, founder of StreetsDept.com, curator at Mural Arts and host of WHYY’s Art Outside podcast and Nicole Phoenix, standup comedian and curator at Fringe Fest to create a list of essential rules of life in Philly.Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly.We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow...2024-09-1227 minCity Cast PhillyWTF Happened With UArts? Plus, Bus Station Ideas & Mysterious Cloud BillboardIt’s the Friday News Roundup! Today’s topics include the University of the Arts closure, where the city should put the intercity bus station, and the mystery behind Old City’s cloud billboard. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Inga Saffron, architecture columnist at The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Conrad Benner, founder of StreetsDept.com, curator at Mural Arts and host of WHYY’s Art Outside podcast. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:
University of the Arts closure coverage from the Inquirer
It’s time for Philly to build a proper bus station. Her...2024-06-0732 min
Full Circle (the Podcast) with Charles Tyson, Jr. & Martha MadrigalInterview With Conrad BennerCharles and Martha sat down with the author of the public art blog "Streets Department" and host of the WHYY podcast "Art Outside" Conrad Benner.They talked about the politics of public art, creating new queer spaces, how much fun viewing sports through a queer lens can be, and so much more!--For More About Conrad:STREETS DEPARTMENT WEBSITE 2024 STREETS DEPARTMENT MAGAZINEART OUTSIDE PODCAST --Check Out ArtReach's ACCESS Program -- Please Subscribe and Give Us A Review (5 stars or...2024-02-231h 33
MISSION Story Slam PodcastMISSION Story Slam Podcast - Conrad BennerConrad Benner is the Founder/Editor of StreetsDept.com. A Fishtown, Philadelphia born-and-raised photo-blogger on Instagram and X, curator (Streets Dept Walls and Mural Arts Philadelphia), and podcaster (WHYY's Art Outside), Conrad's work explores the art of our public spaces and the artists who create it. He spoke to host Michael Schweisheimer on this and a wide range of topics on the podcast.2024-02-1642 minCity Cast PhillyHigh and Lows of 2023 in PhillyIt’s been quite a year, hasn’t it? City Cast Philly takes a look back at the most chaotic news events, influential Philadelphians, and biggest city improvements of 2023. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Afea Tucker, Philadelphia community engagement reporter for The Trace, a nonprofit focusing on gun violence reporting, and Conrad Benner, founder of Streets Dept – a local art blog, and host of WHYY’s "Art Outside" podcast.Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly.We’re also on Twi...2023-12-1822 min
Germantown Info Hub HourOHTB Recap & Afromation Avenue | 11.23.23Maleka speaks with Operation Hug The Block co-leader Mazzie Casher (also of Philly Truce) about the peace patrol's key takeaways. Rasheed explores the final installation of Afromation Avenue co-founders Brittni Jennings & Kristin Kelly and Mural Arts Curator Conrad Benner. Neighborhood contributor Benno Groeneveld speaks with Weavers Way about the Germantown storefront opening, expected in March 2024.2023-11-2451 minCity Cast PhillyJuvenile Jail Overcrowding, Harriet Tubman Statue Design, Ice Cream Shops ClosingIt’s the Friday News Roundup! Host Trenae Nuri talks with Ellie Rushing, criminal justice reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Conrad Benner, founder of the local arts blog Streets Dept. They discuss problems at Philadelphia’s juvenile jail, the artist selected to design Philly’s Harriet Tubman statue, and the closing of local frozen treat businesses Weckerly's Ice Cream and Lil Pop Shop.Our Friday shows are powered by great local journalism:
Disturbing new photos inside Philly’s juvenile jail show kids sleeping on floors in crowded, filthy cells
City Announces Winning Artist Se...2023-11-0320 minCity Cast PhillyWhat We Love — and Hate — About PhillyIt’s the Friday News Roundup! But, a little different this time. We're talking big picture... about the changes we’re most excited to see in our city, the most pressing issues facing residents, and how we can all stay better connected. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Afea Tucker, Philadelphia community engagement reporter for The Trace, Conrad Benner, founder of Streets Dept, a local art blog, and City Cast Philly Arts & Culture contributor Charles Tyson, Jr. This live show was taped at the Indy Hall Clubhouse in Northern Liberties on August 30, 2023.Find out more...2023-09-0126 min
Fieldhouse Files: Scott Agness on the Indiana PacersRemembering David Benner with Conrad Brunner, and an Aussie's visit to IndyOn this episode of the Fieldhouse Files podcast, I’ll touch on the Pacers’ four-game road trip, the offensive showcase in a loss to the 76ers; then bring on former Pacers writer Conrad Brunner to share memories of longtime PR director David Benner … and then Justin, a Pacers fan from down under and part of The Paceroos Podcast, talks about his visit.
Among the items discussed on this episode:
3-1 road trip, morning shootaround at Buddy Hield’s home and a team dinner at a Dallas steakhouse.
Using the road trip to continue to build, grow and comi...2023-03-0846 min
The Merch DropSpam Merch with Nom Life, Elixr Coffee Poetry Sleeves and TeesEp 151 02-09-2023How to use merch if you run an independent coffee shop, and SPAM is doing a collab with some travel and food influencers. A short one today!Every week join Rich Graham and Amber Jewell as they discuss marketing with swag, merch, apparel, and custom branded promotional products. Join us LIVE on Thursdays at noon eastern time.https://bigpromo.live/youtubehttps://fb.com/BigPromotions/live#bigpromotions #biggerfish #mybigpromo #bigpromoswag #swag #merch #promotionalproducts #podcast---This month's promo code: 2023-02-0903 min
The Truth In This Art: Stories That MatterArt on the Streets: Conrad Benner's Philly Creative JourneyStep right into 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, guided by your host, Rob Lee. In today’s conversation, I talked with Conrad Benner, the visionary behind StreetsDepartment.com, a renowned Philadelphia street art blog. A native of Fishtown, Conrad's diverse talents as a skilled photographer, influential blogger, curator, and podcaster converge in his exploration of art, public space, and creative minds. Recognized for catalyzing change within the community, he has garnered accolades from prestigious sources including The Guardian and Time Magazine. Conrad's legacy in the Philadelphia art scene is underscored by his extensive 12-year tenure with the Streets De...2023-01-1853 min
Newcomer PodcastDoes That Mean the Cat's Dead?Tom Dotan, Katie Benner, and I became friends in San Francisco back in 2014 when we all worked as technology reporters at The Information. But we didn’t achieve that core pillar of modern friendship until August 2021 when we started a podcast together. Insider generously let Tom co-host the podcast with me — and Katie, a reporter at the New York Times, came on every few episodes as a regular special guest.A year and a half ago we kicked off the show with an interview of Rippling CEO Parker Conrad. Since then, publishing most Tuesdays, we’ve pum...2022-12-271h 13
Dead CatDoes That Mean the Cat's Dead?Tom Dotan, Katie Benner, and I became friends in San Francisco back in 2014 when we all worked as technology reporters at The Information. But we didn’t achieve that core pillar of modern friendship until August 2021 when we started a podcast together. Insider generously let Tom co-host the podcast with me — and Katie, a reporter at the New York Times, came on every few episodes as a regular special guest.A year and a half ago we kicked off the show with an interview of Rippling CEO Parker Conrad. Since then, publishing most Tuesdays, we’ve pum...2022-12-271h 13City Cast PhillyWhat Campaign Colors Say About Philly's Mayoral CandidatesWords mean everything. They say so much, right? So do the colors chosen for political campaigns. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri chats with Conrad Benner of Streets Dept. blog and podcast about his interpretation of some of the city’s potential mayoral candidates and what we can learn about them through their campaign logos and websites.*Please note that after we recorded this conversation Rev. Warren Bloom Sr. said he wanted to run for Philadelphia mayor. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter.2022-12-0618 min
Streets Dept PodcastStreets Dept Podcast: Terrill Haigler Makes A Big AnnouncementTo kick off the 5th year of the Streets Dept Podcast, host Conrad Benner talks with a very special guest who's making a big announcement. That guest is Terrill Haigler, but there's a chance you know him better as “Ya Fav Trashman.” Over the last few years, Terrill has turned a much-beloved Instagram account that he created to help Philadelphians better understand the challenges of sanitation work at the start of the pandemic into a movement for better streets. Now, he's hoping to take that energy to local government. 2022-09-031h 10
Wellness At Work The PodcastWellness at Work S7: Ep 2 - Conversation with Conrad BennerPhoto Blogger, Curator, Podcaster and Founder of StreetsDept.com, Conrad Benner joined @hellohelanah to talk about the journey of his career in art activism and the importance of street art as an outlet for our communities during these turbulant times. Do you want to stay up to date with every new episode and get my brand new Self-Care Toolkit? Go to www.HelloHelanah.com to get instant access. *** Or text me (267) 281-3890 to get your burning questions answered and an insider sneak peek of exciting updates. I do my best to answer as many as I can each day...2022-08-1943 min
Streets Dept PodcastRick Krajewski On The Power And Possibility Of The PA State HouseOn today’s episode host Conrad Benner is joined by Rick Krajewski. Krajewski is a State Representative running for his second term serving PA’s 188th District. He is a progressive Democrat in a PA Congress which has Republicans in control of both chambers of the state legislature. As he comes to the end of his first two-year term and runs for his second, we discuss the obstacles and opportunities of working in this congress, especially over the last two years with the added challenges created by Covid. And we talk about his goals for a second term, one he'l...2022-05-1531 min
Streets Dept PodcastAlexandra Hunt On Running For CongressOn today’s episode host Conrad Benner is joined by Alexandra Hunt. Hunt is a public health researcher, a girls’ soccer coach, an advocate for social, racial, economic, and environmental justice, and an organizer who’s running for election to the United States House of Representatives from the 3rd district of Pennsylvania. Running to the left of her Democratic opponent in this month’s Primaries, Hunt has employed her past experience to develop an out-of-the-box campaign that’s currently raised nearly $500,000 and earned lot of national and international attention.2022-05-0340 min
Streets Dept PodcastUgly Art Films On Kickstarting A Filmmaking CareerOn today’s episode host Conrad Benner is joined by Elijah Crawford and Zach Miscavage, Co-Owners of Ugly Art Films. In just over a year after Ugly Art's conception, the company has produced over 18 projects with artists nationally, including music videos, a not-yet-released interview series, commercial work, and more. Together we talk about how the pair met to start a filmmaking effort, how they've developed their signature style, and what's on deck as they plan their first short film, "The Cure for Depression"!2022-04-101h 01
Streets Dept PodcastAnne Ishii Talks Queerness, Love, Art, and LeadershipOn today’s episode host Conrad Benner is joined by Anne Ishii! Anne is a writer based in Philadelphia and New York, as well as the Executive Director of Asian Arts Initiative. Anne also owns and runs MASSIVE GOODS, a fashion brand and manga publisher. Together we talk about queerness, love, art, leadership, and so much more!2022-03-1556 min
Streets Dept PodcastJosh Pellegrini on Photography, NFTs, and Building Creative CommunitiesOn today’s episode host Conrad Benner is joined by Philly-based artist Josh Pellegrini. Josh talks about finding an artistic community through his sobriety. Leaving his nursing career to become a full-time photographer. And what he's learned with his newfound success in NFTs. 2022-02-1055 min
Streets Dept PodcastJonathon Stalls and The Fight For Pedestrian Dignity Today on the podcast host Conrad Benner talks with Denver-based walking artist and pedestrian advocate, Jonathon Stalls. In 2010, Jonathon spent 242 days walking across the United States. Since then he's built a grassroots walking movement focused on cultivating connections to others, to the places we live, and to ourselves. One of his latest efforts: creating content for his wildly popular Pedestrian Dignity TikTok page that explores good and bad public design across the world. 2022-01-1052 min
Streets Dept PodcastKah Yangni and Centering Trans People In Public ArtToday on the podcast host Conrad Benner talks with artist-on-the-rise, Kah Yangni about their burgeoning art career, their take on muralism, and their latest mural in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia that celebrates Philadelphians from the trans, gender non-conforming, and non-binary communities!2021-12-2458 min
Political GabfestBuild Back NeverEmily Bazelon, John Dickerson and David Plotz discuss the future of the Democratic party's agenda, Omicron's spread across the United States and they're joined by investigative journalist Azmat Khan to talk about the deaths of civilians overseas and the lack of accuracy from the U.S. military.Give the gift of Plus to a fellow Slate fan and they’ll receive all the benefits of membership: unlimited reading, ad-free listening, bonus content, and so much more.Here are some notes and references from this week’s show:2021-12-231h 04Political GabfestBuild Back NeverEmily Bazelon, John Dickerson and David Plotz discuss the future of the Democratic party's agenda, Omicron's spread across the United States and they're joined by investigative journalist Azmat Khan to talk about the deaths of civilians overseas and the lack of accuracy from the U.S. military.
Give the gift of Plus to a fellow Slate fan and they’ll receive all the benefits of membership: unlimited reading, ad-free listening, bonus content, and so much more.
Here are some notes and references from this week’s show:
Matthew Yglesias for Slow Boring: “$1.75 Trillion Is Plenty of Money to Write a Good B...2021-12-231h 04
Streets Dept PodcastConrad Benner on 10 Years of Streets DeptIn this special anniversary episode, StreetsDept.com Founder Conrad Benner opens up about 10 years of blogging about Philly art and public space! For the conversation, Conrad is interviewed by Streets Dept Contributor, Eric Dale. 2021-11-221h 07
Dead CatTech Workers of the World Unite. Or Don't.A quick announcement: I’m integrating the Dead Cat podcast a little more closely with this newsletter. We’ve brought on an audio editor with Substack’s support to professionalize the podcast. Now, you’ll be able to get Dead Cat right in your email. (But you can still listen to the latest episodes on Apple and Spotify.) If you don’t want to receive Dead Cat podcast episodes, you can go to Newcomer.co/account and deselect “Dead Cat.” I hope you’ll listen along.What’s the pitch?It’s a show that gets b...2021-11-1645 minNewcomer PodcastTech Workers of the World Unite. Or Don't.A quick announcement: I’m integrating the Dead Cat podcast a little more closely with this newsletter. We’ve brought on an audio editor with Substack’s support to professionalize the podcast. Now, you’ll be able to get Dead Cat right in your email. (But you can still listen to the latest episodes on Apple and Spotify.) If you don’t want to receive Dead Cat podcast episodes, you can go to Newcomer.co/account and deselect “Dead Cat.” I hope you’ll listen along.What’s the pitch?It’s a show that gets b...2021-11-1645 min
Streets Dept PodcastSidebar: A New View – Camden, Contemplating The Potential Energy Ahead (Ep 4)In today's final Sidebar: A New View – Camden episode we talk with one of the final groups who built an installation for this project, Amanda Schachter and Alexander Levi of SLO Architecture and contemplate the cycles of Camden’s history and potential energy ahead! 2021-10-1336 min
Streets Dept PodcastSidebar: A New View – Camden, Art As A Public Resource (Ep 3)In this third episode of the Streets Dept Podcast Sidebar series, "Sidebar: A New View – Camden," we’ll talk with two of the artist groups that built installations for the project whose work not only called attention to illegal dumping but created public resources for the surrounding communities to use and share: Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein (aka The Myth Makers) and their outdoor amphitheater; then, Athena Steen and Josh Sarantitis and their public oven!2021-10-0651 min
Streets Dept PodcastMiguel Antonio Horn and Sculpting For Our Public SpaceEarlier this month, a new work of public art from Philly-based artist Miguel Antonio Horn titled “Contrafuerte" went viral and earned international attention. On this episode, we talk with the artist about the work, its wild reception, and the possibility of public art in the 21st Century. 2021-09-211h 02
Streets Dept PodcastSidebar: A New View – Camden, “Mechan 11: The Collector” (Ep 2)In this second episode of the Streets Dept Podcast Sidebar series, "Sidebar: A New View – Camden," we talk with artists Tyler Fuqua and Jason Hutchinson about their giant roadside robot and Associate Director for Education at Rutgers-Camden Center for the Arts Noreen Scott Garrity to learn more about the curatorial process and need for a project that combines temporary public art and public space to advocate for a crucial municipal issue. 2021-07-0632 min
Streets Dept PodcastSidebar: A New View – Camden, "The Invincible Cat" (Ep 1)Welcome to the first Streets Dept Podcast "Sidebar" series, where we’ll explore different topics and issues with multiple people over several episodes. For this first Sidebar series, we’ll be talking with artists Don Kennell and Lisa Adler, along with the Vice President of Cooper’s Ferry Partnership Meishka Mitchell, to begin a conversation about public art, public space, and the $4 million problem of illegal dumping in Camden, NJ. 2021-05-1634 min
Art Ignites ChangeThe State of Art in Philly 2021, Part 2In this second part of our two part Season 1 finale of the Art Ignites Change podcast we sit down with one more Philly arts leader to discuss how their organization faced the challenges of this last year, including what they've learned and where they're going from here. Today we hear from Kathleen Ogilvie Greene, Curator of Public Programs at the Barnes Foundation! 2021-05-0626 min
Art Ignites ChangeThe State of Art in Philly 2021, Part 1In this first part of our two part Season 1 finale of the Art Ignites Change podcast we sit down with three Philly arts leaders to discuss how their organizations faced the challenges of this last year, including what they've learned and where they're going from here. Guests Christine Cox (BalletX), Ivan Henderson (African American Museum in Philadelphia), and Jane Golden (Mural Arts Philadelphia) talk with moderator Conrad Benner (Streets Dept)!2021-04-2352 min
The Philly Blunt: The Podcast That Celebrates PhillyStreets Dept’s CONRAD BENNER: Blogger, Podcaster, ActivistConrad Benner is the person and energy behind Streets Dept. Streets Dept is a “Best of” Philly podcast as well as widely popular street-art blog. The blog is celebrating its 10th year in existence in 2021. Born and raised in Fishtown, Conrad has always had an interest in the arts. We talked about the early...
The post Streets Dept’s CONRAD BENNER: Blogger, Podcaster, Activist appeared first on The Philly Blunt.2021-04-121h 02
Live from RADIOKISMET with Christopher PlantPounding The Pavement With Conrad BennerChristopher Plant sits down with Conrad Benner, the Founder of StreetsDept.com. A Fishtown, Philadelphia born and raised photo blogger, curator, and podcaster, Conrad explores art, our public space, and the creative minds shaping the world around us. He has received numerous awards from Philly Magazine, as well as features with Mashable, Instagram, Time Magazine, and Encyclopedia Brittanica. In this interview with host Christopher Plant, Conrad discusses his growth on social media, approaching public spaces in a post-Covid era, and the socioeconomic differences between Center City and suburban Philadelphia. Follow Conrad’s work at www...2021-04-0254 min
Art Ignites ChangeEnvironmental Justice and Public ArtToday we're talking with Shari Hersh, Ron Whyte, and Zulene Mayfield about environmental justice and Mural Art Philadelphia's new Environmental Justice department. After an introduction to the department, this episode focuses on the situation in Chester, PA, which has long been known as one of the nation's worst cases of environmental racism. And we talk about ways Mural Arts' Environmental Justice department will support the efforts of activists and community members, as well as ways you can support.2021-03-3035 min
Art Ignites ChangePoint of TriangulationToday we're talking about "Point of Triangulation", an exhibition and soon-to-be mural by Michelle Daniel (Jones) and Prof. Deb Willis that challenges viewers to consider the stigma and perpetual re-criminalization that formerly incarcerated people confront while reflecting on their own biases or preconceptions.2020-12-0332 min
Art Ignites ChangeThe ViaductThe result of numerous community meetings in North Philadelphia neighborhoods over 2019-2020, The Viaduct was a monumental effort and collaboration between artists and community leaders to turn three heavily-traveled underpasses into safe and vibrant spaces for all. Today, we talk with three of the participating artists to learn more about the project and their murals: Patrick Dougher, Andrea Legge (of Legge Lewis Legge), and Anthony Torcasio!2020-11-1642 min
Everyday Thin PlacesPublic Art and Getting Out The Vote with Conrad BennerRachael Gallagher and Elizabeth Varaso are joined by Conrad Benner, who is a blogger, a podcaster, an organizer, a curator, and a photographer. They discuss "Mailbox Voters", a project created to educate voters on all the ways to vote, "To The Polls 2020", a display of temporary murals in Love Park using public art to encourage people to vote, and how Conrad balances non-partisan views with his own personal passion for politics, before diving in more deeply about using art as a form of resistance. To check out the Common Threads mural discussed in this episode, go to: 2020-11-0243 min
Art Ignites ChangeTo the PollsTo the Polls 2020 is a temporary mural project in iconic LOVE Park aimed at exciting Philadelphia's electorate. And today, we talk with two of the project's participating artists, as well as one of the artists from our To the Polls 2018 iteration, about their murals and the value of civic public art. Meet artists Kah Yangni, Candy Alexandra González, and Blur! 2020-10-3043 min
Art Ignites ChangeWhat Does Justice Look Like?As the inaugural Artist-in-Residence at the Office of the District Attorney of Philadelphia, artist James “Yaya” Hough worked to humanize people living and working within systems of criminal justice by cultivating relationships and connections through his artmaking. In conversation with curator Paul Farber, Hough explains the creative process behind the resulting work, Points of Connection, which raises the question: "What does justice look like?"2020-09-2400 min
Streets Dept PodcastAnna ShippAnna Shipp is the Executive Director of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia! In today's episode, we chat about building a just, green, and thriving economy centered by local, independent businesses. We also discuss the challenges that systemic racism and COVID-19 present in creating that economy.2020-09-2358 min
Art Ignites ChangeMurals in MemphisMeet Lauren Kennedy, the Executive Director of Memphis, Tennessee's UrbanArt Commission! The UrbanArt Commission is a non-profit organization committed to creating opportunities for artists and neighborhoods to connect and shape spaces through public art. In today's podcast, we talk with Lauren about some past, present, and future Commission projects, about how Memphis thinks about public art making, and about their connections to Philadelphia's long history of investment in art in the public space. 2020-09-0400 min
Streets Dept PodcastKris HendersonKris Henderson (pronouns: they/them) is a movement lawyer and organizer. They are the executive director of the Amistad Law Project, a West Philadelphia-based organization that provides direct representation to people in prison, advocates for just criminal legal policies, and organizes against mass incarceration and for alternatives to imprisonment. Today we talk about ending mass incarceration in the US. 2020-08-2252 min
Art Ignites ChangePainting Our Common ThreadsIn today's episode, Mural Art's Chief Operating Officer, Magda Martinez, hosts artists Meg Saligman and Cesar Viveros Herrera to tell the story of what is arguably Philadelphia's most popular mural, "Common Threads". From its unexpected origin to its uncertain future, we get a behind the scenes look at the making of Philly public art history! 2020-08-2000 min
Art Ignites ChangeEmergingJoin episode host Greg Corbin, Director of Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Restorative Justice Program, and artist Mary Enoch Elizabeth Baxter for a conversation about a current Mural Arts project, "Emerge". Making use of traditional and modern ideas of public space, the project is distributing PSAs created by local artists that are a direct response to COVID-19 and the Black Lives Matter movement. #WeWillEmerge2020-08-0600 min
Streets Dept PodcastFabiola CineasFabiola Cineas is a race reporter at Vox where she covers politics, policy, and culture. Today we dive into some of her recent reporting, including how popular opinion is shifting with the momentum of the Black Lives Matter movement, finding justice for Breonna Taylor, and the coming Presidential Election. As well, we talk about her viral tweet thread that became a resulting factor in the resignation of her former editor at Philly Mag. 2020-08-051h 04
Streets Dept PodcastMichael O'BryanMichael O'Bryan is an expert practitioner and budding researcher in the fields of community development, organizational culture, and human wellbeing. He's currently an Innovation Fellow at Drexel University’s Lindy Institute for Urban Innovation and serves as Director of Learning at The Village of Arts and Humanities in North Philadelphia. Today we talk about defunding the police, generational resilience after decades of chaos-creating policy, and why Philly's Mayor Kenney must resign now. 2020-07-211h 24
Art Ignites ChangePublic Art in the PandemicWelcome to Art Ignites Change, a new podcast by Mural Arts Philadelphia, the nation’s largest public arts program. This podcast is exploring public art in Philly, naturally, but also from around the world and from different eras. And for this teaser episode, arts advocate Conrad Benner is interviewing Mural Arts’ Founder and Director Jane Golden to talk about the future of public art in the wake of COVID-19.2020-05-1900 min
Streets Dept PodcastTayyib SmithToday, we’ll be chatting with Tayyib Smith! Tayyib is Principle of Meta Global, parent company to Little Giant Creative. Dedicated to cultural competency and the ability to engage multicultural audiences, Tayyib has long been a successful conduit of professional and cultural ecosystems.2020-05-1954 min
Streets Dept PodcastRobert PerryRobert Perry runs one of Philadelphia's most beloved bar/restaurants, South Street's Tattooed Mom (aka Tmoms). And in this unprecedented moment, I talk with Robert not only about challenges of fears of being a small business owner in the age of COVID-19, but about his story, about how Tmoms has become the culture center and community space it has over the last 23 years, and about the ever-changing role of one of Philly's most iconic streets!2020-04-281h 05
Streets Dept PodcastGinger RudolphGinger Rudolph is a journalist, editor, curator, and founder of HAHA MAG, an arts magazine that brings the world’s most inspiring contemporary art to a global audience. Over the last several years, Ginger's worked on a series of projects bringing art to Philly's public space, including those created by the HAHAxParadigm public arts project, of which she is the co-founder. 2020-03-1954 min
Streets Dept PodcastEriko TsogoEriko Tsogo is a contemporary Mongolian American artist, project developer, civic leader, and activist for women's rights and immigrant's rights. She is also a first generation immigrant herself and DACA recipient. Eriko works in many mediums, and as a cross disciplinary artist, has created works on paper, has released several books, created an animated film, and has designed elaborate mixed media, interactive installations. She's considered one of Denver's brightest and burgeoning contemporary artists!2020-03-0445 min
Streets Dept PodcastSabrina Allie and David SabadosSabrina Allie and David Sabados first met in the spring of 2019 as opponents on the campaign trail for Denver City Council's District 1. They both ran as Democrats in the primary, and they ultimately both lost that race. But in campaigning they realized just how many people complained about not having the resources to learn about local neighborhood and district issues. Ultimately leading them to start their own local newspaper, The Denver North Star! 2020-02-2259 min
Streets Dept PodcastDINKCToday we’ll be talking with artist, DINKC! Born in Kansas City, Missouri and having recently lived in New York City, DINKC currently calls Denver, Colorado home. His artwork ranges from gallery work to public murals, creating merchandise, custom toys, and even apparel. DINKC’s work is heavily rooted in Mexican-American cultures, graffiti/ street art influence, and "Día de los Muertos" skulls and beliefs.2020-02-0543 min
Streets Dept PodcastDaphne Rice-AllenToday we talk with Daphne Rice-Allen, the Chair on the Board of Directors for the Black American West Museum & Heritage Center, a museum billed as “the only Western-black-history museum in the world”. The center highlights the history of African Americans’ movement west and includes artifacts and pictorial histories of Black cowboys, farmers, ranchers, miners, Buffalo Soldiers, Tuskegee Airmen, and the residents of Denver, Colorado’s Five Points area. 2020-01-2158 min
Streets Dept PodcastErika RubioHow is Phoenix, Arizona using public art and urban design to draw people to their city? Today we talk with Erika Rubio, the Stakeholder Engagement Manager for Downtown Phoenix about the goals and challenges of growing a downtown district. 2020-01-0750 min
Streets Dept PodcastAntoinette CauleyNamed one of 48 most influential people in the state of Arizona in 2019 by Phoenix Magazine, Antoinette Cauley is a Phoenix native artist on the rise whose work is reflective of her city–the gritty and the beautiful.2019-12-2442 min
Streets Dept PodcastJose AcevedoIn our very first road trip episode we land in Phoenix, Arizona to talk with the host and founder of the Finding Arizona Podcast Jose Acevedo, who has interviewed over 200 local business owners in the state since 2015! In this episode we also hear from Brittany Johnson, the podcast's photographer and producer who’s typically more behind the scenes, but who we invited in halfway through recording! Aside from building the podcast together, Brittany and Jose are also married! 2019-12-1149 min
Streets Dept PodcastChristopher PlantThe founder of many things including Kismet Cowork, Radio Kismet, and the groundbreaking 24-hour ideas fest GreatPHL, Christopher Plant is equal parts business, art, commerce, fun and always connecting people in his wake! 2019-12-101h 05
Streets Dept PodcastJane GoldenOver her 30+ year career thus far, Jane Golden has worked to promote the power of art as the head of Mural Arts Philadelphia overseeing the organization's growth from a small city agency into the nation’s largest public art program. 2019-11-2647 min
Streets Dept PodcastErnest OwensFor our Season 3 kick-off, we’re talking with award-winning journalist and Writer at Large for Philadelphia Magazine, Ernest Owens! Ernest covers a variety of social issues regarding race, LGBTQ, and pop culture.2019-11-261h 17
Streets Dept PodcastWelcome to Season 3!Very excited to bring the Streets Dept Podcast back for a third season, y'all! Here's a little glimpse into what we've got in store, include our big surprise: we're road tripping! That's right, for Season 3 we'll be hitting the road to talk with more folks from around the U.S. 2019-11-2103 min
Artblog RadioArtist activist Conrad Benner talks about the origin of his popular and influential Streets Department blogArtblog's very first live podcast recording took place June 20 at the amazing Tattooed Mom on South Street, with Wit López talking with Conrad Benner of StreetsDept.com. 2019-07-0222 min
Streets Dept PodcastCouncilmember-elect Jamie GauthierRecently elected in a historic win against an establishment backed 27-year incumbent for the City Council seat of Philadelphia's quickly gentrifying 3rd District, Councilmember-elect Jamie Gauthier has spent much of her life and career working for a more equitable, greener world. Today we talk with Jamie about her life, her careers, and how she plans to address many of Philadelphia's most pressing challenges.2019-06-171h 07
Streets Dept PodcastRobert BlacksonAn Andy Warhol Curatorial Fellow who worked for many years as a curator in the UK, Robert Blackson moved back the U.S. in 2011 to spearhead the Tyler School of Art’s Department of Exhibitions and Public Programs. Now an undeniable force in Philly's art world, today we talk with Robert about how his curatorial instincts have led to a series of bold, thought-provoking exhibitions around the city that work to directly address questions from an advisory council of Philadelphians from a range of backgrounds.2019-05-2358 min
Streets Dept PodcastMaori Karmael HolmesMaori Karmael Holmes is the founder of BlackStar Film Festival, an annual celebration of the visual and storytelling traditions of the African diaspora and of global communities. She's also a world-renowned curator, organizer, and director. Today, we talk with Maori about film, representation vs. authorship, and so much more! 2019-04-2555 min
Streets Dept PodcastRepresentative Malcolm KenyattaOn November 6th, 2018, Malcolm Kenyatta became the first openly gay person of color elected to statewide office in Pennsylvania. In today's episode, we talk with Rep. Kenyatta about the challenges of the PA State House and about this work to help eliminate poverty in the state. And as an elected Democrat, we end by exploring some of the current 2020 presidential candidates and how he thinks the Dems could take back the White House. 2019-04-121h 32
Philly Who?Conrad Benner: Changing the Way Philly Sees Public SpaceConrad Benner is the creator of Streets Dept, an online platform that highlights street art. It includes a photoblog, a podcast, and an Instagram account with over 140,000 followers.In this episode, you’ll hear how documenting street art wasn’t always the plan for Conrad. But, once a life-changing bike accident forced him to commute by foot, he began noticing the overflow of public art around him. And so, he began learning: about the street art scene, about the rules, about the people, about the ethics, about who the artists are.As his platform grew in s...2019-04-0243 min
Streets Dept PodcastWilliam Tyrone TomsWilliam Tyrone Toms is on a mission to build a network of creatives across the globe. He's building, in a term, an artists' union of musicians, photographers, visual artists, writers, and more with the goal of lifting and supporting all creatives for the greater good. In today's episode, we chat with Will about starting REC Philly with his partner Dave Silver and how he sees their company growing, his advice for artists to better market themselves, and so much more! 2019-03-261h 09
Streets Dept PodcastLoveis WiseA Philly-based illustrator whose artwork depicts people of color of varying skin tones and shapes with nuance and individuality, Loveis Wise has had enormous success since graduating college in 2018. Among those achievements: having her artwork on the cover of The New Yorker last summer (becoming only the second black woman artist to ever do so) and just last month being the featured Google Doodle artist. Today we talk with Loveis about art, representation, and manifesting your dreams. 2019-03-0555 min
Streets Dept PodcastJon GeetingJon Geeting is the Director of Engagement for Philadelphia 3.0, a political action committee focused on City Council elections and governance reforms in the city of Philadelphia. For the last several years, Jon has played a big role in influencing Philly politics. And in today's episode, we talk about it all! 2019-02-191h 38
Philly Who?Rebecca Rhynhart: Navigating the Great Recession as Treasurer and Eradicating Corruption as City ControllerIn January 2018, Rebecca Rynhart was sworn in as the first woman City Controller in Philadelphia history. Before that, she served as Mayor Kenney’s Chief Administration Officer, and during the Nutter administration, she served as Treasurer and then Budget Director.In this episode, you’ll hear how Rebecca initially worked in Finance on Wall Street. After years of seeing governments being taken advantage of by the private sector, she quit - and took a huge pay cut - to enter public service. That decision to leave Bear Sterns in the spring of 2008 turned out to be pretty luck...2019-02-0742 min
Streets Dept PodcastRebecca RhynhartThe city of Philadelphia's newly elected City Controller, Rebecca Rhynhart has spent her first year in office working to make our city government more transparent and accountable, auditing Philly's 10-year tax abatement, uncovering unfair property tax assessments, and advocating for better sexual harassment prevention policies and procedures. Today we talk with Rebecca about what she's discovered so far, and what her office plans to investigate this year. 2019-02-051h 07
Streets Dept PodcastSabir M. PeeleThe founder of Men's Style Pro, a consulting firm and editorial site, Sabir M. Peele helps men understand, breakdown, and expand their personal style. Today we chat with Sabir about how he's built one of the Philly area's most successful men's lifestyle blogs and social media accounts, and how he regularly works with major style brands around the world to grow his influence. (And yes, he's got some fashion tips too!) 2019-01-231h 01
Streets Dept PodcastInga SaffronInga Saffron is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and architecture critic for the Philadelphia Inquirer. Since 1999, she's been thinking and writing about Philadelphia's architecture, design, public space, city planning, and all that goes into making a city worth living in. Today, we talk with Inga about Philly's past, present, and possible future!2019-01-081h 01
Streets Dept PodcastUrsula RuckerToday we chat with interdisciplinary poet, performer, activist, and recording artist Ursula Rucker, whose work reflects the world and our times, as well as her own personal history. Ursula characterizes her work as situated “along the edge of the terrains of poetry.” She’s released five albums and collaborated with a wide range of artists, including King Britt, Josh Wink, and The Roots. In 2017, a recording of her epic poem "Logan Squared: Ode to Philly" became an anthem for the city of Philadelphia!2018-12-251h 20
Streets Dept PodcastMorgan BermanMorgan Berman is the CEO of MilkCrate, a mission driven tech company that helps other mission driven organizations achieve their impact goals. Named one of the "Top 10 Female Entrepreneurs to Watch” by the UN Foundation, Morgan has presented at Forbes 30 Under 30 and has been a World Economic Forum Global Shaper. In her spare time, Morgan practices Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and she recommends more female founders try it out too! 2018-12-1246 min
Streets Dept PodcastMarcus BranchMarcus Branch is a NYC/PHL-based photographer who is taking the art world by storm. In recent years, Marcus has shot for Afropunk, Marie Claire, i-D Japan, VICE, and Interview Magazine to name a few. His seemingly effortless talent, drive, and eye combined with his passion for documenting queer, black, non-binary communities, and people of all backgrounds, makes his body of work look and feel like the beautiful future we all deserve, where our differences are respected and celebrated.2018-11-271h 09
Streets Dept PodcastRaquel Salas RiveraJust named as the next Poet Laureate of Philadelphia, Raquel Salas Rivera is a bilingual poet, writer, and translator. In this Season One finale, Conrad Benner talks with Raquel about how they plan to use their new influential position to advocate for Puerto Rico and address issues around community and gentrification in Philly. (Season One of the Streets Dept Podcast is brought to you by our sponsors at The Navy Yard and Indy Hall! Episodes are mixed and edited by our Producer Mike Mehalick.)2018-01-301h 12
Streets Dept PodcastChill Moody Chill Moody is a West Philly-based hip-hop artist, a businessman and a beer-maker, and Philadelphia’s official Music Ambassador. Conrad Benner talks with Chill about his many projects both in and outside of his breakthrough music career. (Season One of the Streets Dept Podcast is brought to you by our sponsors at The Navy Yard and Indy Hall! Episodes are mixed and edited by our Producer Mike Mehalick.)2018-01-1641 min
Streets Dept PodcastAntoinette Marie JohnsonAntoinette Marie Johnson is a writer, a former Army service member, and the CEO of Cohere, an urbanism-focused creative agency on a mission to build better cities. Conrad Benner talks with Antoinette about building Cohere out of her previous company, At Media. (Season One of the Streets Dept Podcast is brought to you by our sponsors at The Navy Yard and Indy Hall! Episodes are mixed and edited by our Producer Mike Mehalick.)2018-01-0347 min
Streets Dept PodcastAlex HillmanA writer, a podcaster, a builder of communities, and of course the guy who started one of the longest running co-working communities in the world, today Conrad Benner sits down for an extended chat with Indy Hall's Alex Hillman. (Season One of the Streets Dept Podcast is brought to you by our sponsors at The Navy Yard and Indy Hall! Episodes are mixed and edited by our Producer Mike Mehalick.)2017-12-191h 07
Streets Dept PodcasteL SeedeL Seed is a Tunisian-French artist and graffiti writer who's exhibited work on every continent of the globe! Conrad Benner talks with eL Seed about his beautiful, intricate murals and artwork that blends the historic art of Arabic calligraphy with graffiti to portray messages of beauty, poetry, and peace. (Season One of the Streets Dept Podcast is brought to you by our sponsors at The Navy Yard and Indy Hall! Episodes are mixed and edited by our Producer Mike Mehalick.)2017-12-0541 min
Streets Dept PodcastSwoonCaledonia Curry (aka Swoon) is a classically trained, Brooklyn-based visual artist and printmaker, and easily one of the best-known street artists in the world! Caledonia sits down with Conrad Benner to talk about her career and her retrospective open now at the Contemporary Arts Centre in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Season One of the Streets Dept Podcast is brought to you by our sponsors at The Navy Yard and Indy Hall! Episodes are mixed and edited by our Producer Mike Mehalick.) 2017-11-2130 min
Streets Dept PodcastMarisa WilliamsonA New York City-based multi-media, performance, video, and installation artist, Marisa Williamson is seeking to make history alive in people’s worlds. Marisa sits down with Conrad Benner to talk about all the ways she's working to do that, including her new app, a video scavenger hunt that explores the African American historical struggle for freedom. (Season One of the Streets Dept Podcast is brought to you by our sponsors at The Navy Yard and Indy Hall! Episodes are mixed and edited by our Producer Mike Mehalick.)2017-11-0742 min
Streets Dept PodcastCouncilwoman Helen GymA grassroots community organizer involved in Philadelphia education reform since 2006, Helen Gym is a first-term councilperson and the first Asian American woman to ever serve on Philadelphia's City Council. Councilmember Gym sits down with Conrad Benner to talk about her calls for the removal of a monument to the divisive former Philly mayor, Frank Rizzo, about growing up in the U.S. with parents who are immigrants, and about her thoughts on the possibility of Amazon bringing their 2nd headquarters to Philadelphia! (Season One of the Streets Dept Podcast is brought to you by our sponsors at The Navy Yard ...2017-10-2448 min
Streets Dept PodcastR. Eric ThomasR. Eric Thomas is a Senior Staff Writer for Elle.com where he writes 'Eric Reads the News,' which has quickly become an online humor staple with over a million social media shares. R. Eric sits down with Conrad Benner to talk about his burgeoning career, his faith, and the possibility of spending an eternity in heaven with Cher. (Season One of the Streets Dept Podcast is brought to you by our sponsors at The Navy Yard and Indy Hall! Episodes are mixed and edited by our Producer Mike Mehalick.)2017-10-1041 min
Streets Dept PodcastWelcome to the Streets Dept Podcast!Welcome to the Streets Dept Podcast. Well, what will be the Streets Dept Podcast. This is just a little introduction episode to explain exactly who I am and what I’m trying to do here! Each episode of the Streets Dept Podcast is mixed and edited by our Producer Mike Mehalick, and recorded at Indy Hall. 2017-09-2603 min
Free IdeasConrad Benner | CEO of StreetsDept.Conrad Benner is easily one of the most gifted, artistic, creative, and passionate individuals I am still getting to know. Judging by his Instagram content, Conrad is a huge fan of street art, but more specifically Philadelphia street art. His photography consists of beautiful images of the city skyline, random streets with perfect shading and lighting, and even the occasional people walking around their natural habitat. If you would like to get inside the creative mind of Conrad, you can follow his blog called StreetsDept. Whats unique about StreetsDept. is the the fact that it's not ad driven. The...2016-02-0728 min
Amplify Today: Tech, Social Media and Pop CultureSocial Media Famous: Is it the shoes?What a list today. . .Zappos, Smartshoes, NFL trackers, NBA and Twitter, Twitch (again), Reddit Live, Facebook drones, Hatchery, Shopfunder, Taigan, Xiaxue, Sione from Vine, Conrad Benner, Geekbox, Little Passports, Stitchfix, and more. All the tech, social media and blog headlines that Bloggers love, need and use everyday.2014-07-3116 min