This Conversation Matters

Sheree Curry

This Conversation Matters is a weekly show about the social issues shaping our communities and our lives — from race and inequality to justice, economic opportunity and overall well-being. Hosted by Sheree R. Curry, each episode features thoughtful conversations with experts and people with lived experience, helping us better understand why these issues matter in our everyday lives.

  1. Sep 15

    Playing Pinocchio: Curiosity, Mistakes and Growing Up

    Antonisia “Nisi” Collins takes center stage as Pinocchio in Children’s Theatre Company’s production of the classic story, but playing the curious wooden boy has taught the actor a few things, too. Collins joins host Sheree R. Curry on This Conversation Matters to talk about drawing inspiration from her 7-year-old brother, growing from CTC apprentice to company member, the physical challenge of becoming a wooden puppet and what Pinocchio can teach both children and adults about making mistakes. “I can make that mistake, and I can move on from it,” Collins says of a lesson she is taking from the character. And what should audiences watch for in Pinocchio? Collins offers one tease: “Maybe people fly. Maybe. Who knows?” Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Show Format04:20 Early Career and Role in Pinocchio08:02 Personal Inspiration for Pinocchio Role09:53 Childhood and Early Acting Experience12:53 Interpretation of Pinocchio Story13:42 Personal Growth and Career Insights14:47 Advice for Working with Children15:44 Roles and Insights from Various Characters18:41 Preparation and Post-Show Routine23:47 Office Job and Career Goals27:41 Broadway Musicals and Acting Advice Originally airing on Power 104.7 FM in St. Paul, Minnesota, This Conversation Matters explores the people, ideas and issues shaping our communities. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch on YouTube at @ShereeCurryMedia. #Pinocchio #AntonisiaCollins #ChildrensTheatreCompany #Theater #ThisConversationMatters

  2. Sep 11

    The $4.4 Trillion Latino Economy: Wealth, Culture and Business

    The U.S. Latino economy is now a $4.4 trillion economic force. So why do companies still underestimate Latino consumers and their influence? For Hispanic Heritage Month, Multicultural marketing expert Liz Castells-Heard, CEO and chief strategy officer of Infusion by Castells, joins journalist Sheree R. Curry to talk about the growing economic power Latinos, wealth building and why cultural fluency matters in business. They also discuss homeownership and investing, entrepreneurship, the wealth gap, immigrant resilience and how companies can better understand the increasingly multicultural consumers they serve. Listen to This Conversation Matters wherever you get your podcasts, or watch on YouTube at @ShereeCurryMedia. This Conversation Matters originally airs on Power 104.7 FM in St. Paul, Minnesota. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background03:14 Multicultural Marketing08:15 Starting a Radio Show09:11 Career Journey and Multicultural Marketing16:24 Diversity in the Workplace22:20 Latino Wealth Gap29:33 Wealth Building and Trust in Financial Institutions32:17 The Mobility Gap and Family Support36:21 Advice for Building Wealth and Assets41:49 Accessing Resources and Networks for Wealth Building47:45 Personal Journey and Overcoming Challenges About This Conversation Matters: This Conversation Matters is a weekly show about the social issues shaping our communities, from race and inequality to justice, economic opportunity and overall well-being. Each week, journalist Sheree R. Curry speaks with experts and people with lived experience to help you better understand why these issues matter in our lives. #HispanicHeritageMonth #ThisConversationMatters

  3. Aug 18

    Who Gets to Define Southern Food? Guest Chef Ashleigh Shanti

    James Beard Award-winning chef and author Ashleigh Shanti joins This Conversation Matters host Sheree R. Curry for a conversation about Black Southern food, culture and creativity. Shanti explores how geography, migration and family traditions have shaped distinct cuisines across the South and why foods once dismissed as inexpensive or working-class fare are increasingly being celebrated on high-end menus. The Our South: Black Food Through My Lens author also challenges the expectation that Black chefs must connect everything they create to their ancestry. Sometimes, she says, a chef should simply have the freedom to create. Shanti also reflects on Top Chef, her James Beard Award and being named to the TIME100 Next. See the video version on YouTube @ShereeCurryMedia https://www.youtube.com/@ShereeCurryMedia Takeaways Culinary inspiration from family and regional influencesThe importance of preserving and celebrating regional cuisine and cultural history Community support is crucial for small businessesRecognition and accolades are significant milestones for chefs Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Good Hot Fish03:05 Early Culinary Influences05:23 Our South: Black Food Through My Lens07:51 Regional Cuisine and Cultural Significance18:55 The Shift in Culinary Narratives23:05 Preserving Cultural History Through Food28:19 Top Chef Experience30:39 Building a Community31:09 Winning Restaurant Wars33:53 Charlotte's Culinary Scene36:42 Exploring Asheville38:38 Accolades and Recognition42:24 Food as Medicine45:20 Cultural Heritage and Food49:16 Planning a Podcast Episode

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This Conversation Matters is a weekly show about the social issues shaping our communities and our lives — from race and inequality to justice, economic opportunity and overall well-being. Hosted by Sheree R. Curry, each episode features thoughtful conversations with experts and people with lived experience, helping us better understand why these issues matter in our everyday lives.