HYFINated Conversations

Radio Milwaukee
HYFINated Conversations

Exclusive interviews with artists, musicians, entrepreneurs and more only on HYFIN, an urban alternative channel from Radio Milwaukee

  1. Wynton Marsalis traces journey through family and jazz

    FEB 4

    Wynton Marsalis traces journey through family and jazz

    Join HYFIN's HYFINated Conversations for an intimate dialogue with jazz virtuoso Wynton Marsalis. Recorded before his captivating Milwaukee performance, this episode unveils the layers behind the nine-time Grammy winner's artistic evolution. From the vibrant streets of 1960s New Orleans to leading the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Marsalis shares profound insights about family influence, musical mentorship, and cultural preservation. Listen as he explores the delicate balance between tradition and innovation, revealing how his mother's wisdom and early jazz club experiences shaped his approach to music education and artistic expression. Through personal stories and reflections, Marsalis illuminates jazz's transformative power and its role in bridging generations. T his conversation celebrates not just musical excellence, but the deep cultural roots and ongoing evolution of America's most distinctive art form.

    28 min
  2. How two Black entrepreneurs are transforming Milwaukee’s wine culture through education

    FEB 1

    How two Black entrepreneurs are transforming Milwaukee’s wine culture through education

    In this episode of HYFINated Conversations, host Tarik Moody sits down with Jeffrey Coleman and Tim Cole, founders of Milwaukee Wine Academy (MWA). Launched in September 2023, this groundbreaking venture is reshaping Milwaukee's wine culture through education and inclusion. The conversation traces MWA's origins from a pandemic wine certification study group to its evolution as a force for diversifying Milwaukee's wine scene. Coleman and Cole share candid insights about navigating predominantly white spaces, breaking down wine stereotypes, and creating welcoming environments for wine education. In a lively 'quick pairing round,' the founders offer unexpected wine recommendations for everything from lemon pepper wings to chitlins, demonstrating their mission to make wine accessible while maintaining educational rigor. They also discuss their upcoming Black Wine Producers celebration on February 16th at Radio Milwaukee, featuring wines from Dusty Baker's vineyard, Andre Houston Mack's MY0 Noir, McBride Sisters, and Mary J. Blige's Sun Goddess label. Through personal anecdotes, industry insights, and practical wine wisdom, this conversation reveals how Milwaukee Wine Academy is transforming the city's relationship with wine, one glass at a time. Tune in to hear how these entrepreneurs are creating culture and community in Milwaukee's evolving culinary landscape.

    43 min
  3. Could Blacksky Emerge as Black Twitter's Spiritual Successor on Bluesky?

    11/29/2024

    Could Blacksky Emerge as Black Twitter's Spiritual Successor on Bluesky?

    How do you build a new digital home for Black culture? In this episode, we talk with Rudy Fraser, the creator of Blacksky, a rapidly growing community on the Bluesky social network. As Black users leave Twitter/X in unprecedented numbers, Fraser shares how his background in mutual aid and community organizing shaped his vision for a different kind of social platform. Fraser breaks down how Blacksky works, from its innovative use of the AT Protocol to its community-led approach to content moderation. He explains why he chose to make Blacksky open-source rather than seeking venture capital, and how the platform grew to over 750,000 users without any promotion or funding. We dig into the technical details of how Blacksky protects its community from harassment while preserving authentic cultural expression, and discuss the challenges of scaling from 10 moderation reports per week to over 500 daily. Fraser also shares his vision for the future of Black social media spaces and how decentralized technology could help preserve Black digital culture. Key topics:How mutual aid principles influenced Blacksky's developmentThe technical architecture behind Blacksky's custom feedsCommunity-based approaches to content moderationBalancing rapid growth with community safetyThe future of Black social media communitiesWhy open source matters for cultural preservationFollow the conversation with Rudy on Bluesky @rudy.fraser, and stay connected with us at @tarikmoody.com and @hyfin.org. Check out Tarik's starter pack on Bluesky for a curated list of Black thought leaders and creators to follow."

    57 min
  4. Milwaukee Rep celebrates two Black women who shaped rock history

    11/25/2024

    Milwaukee Rep celebrates two Black women who shaped rock history

    In this episode, we dive deep into the untold story of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the revolutionary guitarist who helped birth rock 'n' roll, through an intimate conversation with actor Bethany Thomas. Currently starring in Milwaukee Repertory Theater's "Marie and Rosetta," Thomas shares powerful insights about portraying the legendary "Godmother of Rock 'n' Roll." Learn how this groundbreaking production takes on new meaning with the revelation that Tharpe's family lives in Milwaukee and regularly attends performances. Thomas discusses the responsibility of portraying a historical figure whose relatives are in the audience, while exploring the parallels between Tharpe's boundary-breaking career and today's conversations about Black musicians in rock. We explore:The challenge of capturing Tharpe's revolutionary guitar styleThe powerful partnership between Tharpe and Marie KnightHow two Black women toured the Jim Crow SouthThe ongoing struggle for recognition of Black artists in rock musicThe show's relevance to contemporary discussions about representation in musicWhether you're a music history buff, theater enthusiast, or simply love stories about pioneering artists, this episode offers a fascinating look at how the past continues to resonate with present-day conversations about music, race, and representation.

    36 min
  5. A Gift of History: African Art Exhibit Open House at Uplifting Mansion

    11/01/2024

    A Gift of History: African Art Exhibit Open House at Uplifting Mansion

    Hey everyone, it’s Kim Shine from the HYFIN team – doing something a little different. I’m hoping on a story! One of HYFIN's freelancers, Joy Boyd, visited the Uplifting Mansion in Milwaukee to cover the open house of Nkenge’s gallery, a fantastic showing of nearly 100 pieces of historic African artifacts. The owner is Kenge Adams, a proud woman of African American decent who's also a former IT project manager turned entrepreneur. Being a collector wasn’t exactly part of her plan; that is until leaders at St. Augustine Preparatory Academy reached out. They’d purchased the old Cardinal Stritch University campus and found the pieces there.  If you haven’t already, you can read Joy’s write-up on the open house and the Uplifting Mansion, or you can keep listening for my interview with Kenge about her mission to now share these invaluable pieces with others and how she’s using AI technology to connect to past and the present. Read Joy's article on HYFIN.org  Learn more about Nkenge's Gallery: https://www.nkengegallery.com/ Learn more about the Uplifting Mansion: https://www.upliftingmansion.com/

    15 min
  6. Byron Stripling infuses Milwaukee Symphony with gospel and jazz

    09/17/2024

    Byron Stripling infuses Milwaukee Symphony with gospel and jazz

    Anthony Foster sits down with Byron Stripling, the new Stein Family Foundation Principal Pops Conductor of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. In this captivating episode, Stripling shares his musical journey from childhood inspirations to conducting one of America's premier orchestras. Discover how Stripling plans to infuse the Milwaukee Symphony with diverse genres, from classical to jazz and gospel. Learn about his vision for community outreach and bringing music to underserved areas. Stripling's passion for mentorship and education shines through as he discusses the transformative power of live music. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the changing face of classical music, with anecdotes about jazz legends, personal triumphs, and the enduring influence of icons like Louis Armstrong. Stripling's infectious enthusiasm and innovative approach to orchestral music will inspire you whether you're a classical music aficionado or a casual listener.

    34 min
  7. Milwaukee author shares her sobriety journey in a new book

    09/05/2024

    Milwaukee author shares her sobriety journey in a new book

    In this powerful episode of HYFINated Conversations, host Tarik Moody sits down with Tashemia Dean, author of "Cheers to Sobriety: Navigating Social Pressures, Finding Resilience and Crafting a Healthier Lifestyle." Dean courageously shares her journey from the depths of addiction and suicidal thoughts to becoming a beacon of hope in Milwaukee's recovery community. Listeners will hear Dean's raw account of her battle with anxiety and substance use disorder, including a near-fatal crisis point that became her turning point. She discusses her transformative experience in treatment and how it led to her mission of supporting others in recovery. The conversation covers Dean's innovative approach to sobriety, including her take on the growing mocktail trend and how it's reshaping social norms around drinking. Dean also introduces her unique "Cheers to Sobriety September Book Crawl Tour" across Milwaukee, highlighting local businesses that create inclusive spaces for non-drinkers. As the founder of Fight Anxiety, Addiction and Adversity Corporation, Dean provides insights into the challenges facing the recovery community, particularly within the Black community. She addresses the concerning trend of high suicide rates among young Black males and emphasizes the importance of open communication and positive role models. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in mental health, addiction recovery, and social change. Dean's story of resilience and her practical strategies for navigating sobriety in a drinking culture offer hope and guidance to those on their own recovery journeys. Whether you're in recovery, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about living an alcohol-free lifestyle, this conversation with Tashemia Dean will inform, inspire, and challenge your perspectives on sobriety and social norms.

    39 min
  8. Milwaukee Mayor Discusses Harris Campaign and Black Voter Concerns

    08/08/2024

    Milwaukee Mayor Discusses Harris Campaign and Black Voter Concerns

    Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson discusses Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential campaign and addresses critical issues facing Black voters. Mayor Johnson offers unique insights into how national policies impact local communities, from affordable housing and job creation to diversity initiatives and criminal justice reform. Discover how the Biden-Harris administration's efforts resonate in Milwaukee and what it could mean for the upcoming election. Join us for a candid conversation that bridges local concerns with national politics, offering a glimpse into the challenges and opportunities shaping America's urban landscape.

    31 min
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About

Exclusive interviews with artists, musicians, entrepreneurs and more only on HYFIN, an urban alternative channel from Radio Milwaukee

Information

  • Creator
    Radio Milwaukee
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    73
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Radio Milwaukee
  • Show Website
    HYFINated Conversations

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