The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter

Rob Lee
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The Truth In This Art is a podcast hosted by Rob Lee. In each episode, Rob has authentic conversations with artists, creative thinkers, and innovators. They share their work, ideas, and what inspires them. Listeners get to hear stories that matter from people who are making waves in arts and culture today.

  1. #60 - How Do Artists Thrive In Baltimore? | Spence

    20H AGO

    #60 - How Do Artists Thrive In Baltimore? | Spence

    Musician, Creative Consultant, and Band Leader Raymond J. Spence joins the podcast. Spence shares how growing up in Baltimore shapes his approach to music, creative consulting, and community building. Spence’s work bridges performing, teaching, and guiding artists through the early stages of their creative journeys. Spence discusses how collaborating across disciplines and organizations fuels Baltimore’s creative boom. He talks about helping both artists and businesses develop strategies, build portfolios, and jumpstart new ideas. Spence details blending hands-on art with consulting, and how both require trust, accountability, and authentic self-reflection. Spence explores the realities of being a creative entrepreneur now. He shares navigating growth, balancing inspiration with pressure, and using discipline as the foundation for success. For Spence, creativity is both celebration and challenge, shaped by family, local networks, and the evolution of his Storage Unit Collective. Spence uses his experience to advocate for sustainable artistry and meaningful connection. Topics Covered: How Baltimore’s arts scene and safer city climate influence Spence’s creative workThe impact of trust, collaboration, and mentorship on artists’ developmentBuilding strategies for creativity in music, education, and businessBlending consulting, performance, and teaching as a creative professionalFinding balance between inspiration, desperation, and disciplineThe value of community, resilience, and local partnershipsHow art and creative consulting can spark growth, healing, and belongingReady to see Spence’s creative world? Follow @spence_start on Instagram or visit www.spencestart.com to connect and explore upcoming events, music, and more. Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis. Production: Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos: Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcast The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

    1h 9m
  2. #59 - How Does UP Magazine Give Voice to Urban Art and Artists? | T.K. Mills

    AUG 28

    #59 - How Does UP Magazine Give Voice to Urban Art and Artists? | T.K. Mills

    Writer, curator, and editor-in-chief of UP Magazine, T.K. Mills returns to the podcast. Mills shares how living in New York City shapes his writing, curatorial practice, and editorial leadership at UP Magazine. UP Magazine is the urban art publication he founded and leads. Mills discusses how UP Magazine gives a platform to street artists and storytellers covers graffiti culture while documents the creativity found throughout city neighborhoods. Mills talks about building community and the impact of current events and city life on the artists he works with and features in the magazine. He reflects on balancing running an independent publication and fostering collaboration. For Mills, art and journalism work together to strengthen connections across the creative world.  Topics Covered: How New York City’s energy and culture shape Mills’s projects and UP MagazineThe influence of street art and graffiti on his editorial visionHighlighting diverse voices and documenting city storiesBuilding creative community through the magazine and curatorial workThe challenges and rewards of running an independent publicationBalancing growth, authenticity, and collaborationUsing art and storytelling to inspire dialogue and connectionDiscover Mills’s work with UP Magazine at upmag.com or follow @t.k.m85 on Instagram. Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis. Production: Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos: Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcast The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

    53 min
  3. #58 – "Is Art a Mirror for Modern Life?" | Zoë Lintzeris

    AUG 22

    #58 – "Is Art a Mirror for Modern Life?" | Zoë Lintzeris

    Artist and Arts in Health Specialist Zoë Lintzeris joins the podcast.   Lintzeris shares how life in Baltimore and beyond informs her visual art practice. Lintzeris' work explores themes of love, loss, and resistance within both urban and rural settings.  Lintzeris discusses how current events shape her work, and how art helps her process personal and collective emotions. She talks about using photography and painting as tools to examine the human experience and foster community. Lintzeris explores the realities of being an artist now. Lintzeris shares navigating competition, maintaining authentic expression, and building local support. For Lintzeris, art blends self-discovery with advocacy. Lintzeris uses creative work to spark meaningful conversations about life’s challenges. Topics Covered: How the environment and current events influence Lintzeris’ artThe role of love, loss, and resistance in her creative themesUsing art and photography to process emotion and document the human conditionBuilding community and connection through honest storytellingThe challenges and rewards of being an artist in a competitive worldThe importance of local support, resilience, and self-advocacyHow art can foster conversation, reflection, and belongingReady to see Lintzeris’s creative world? Visit www.zoelintzeris.com or follow @zlintz on Instagram to view her work and stay connected. Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis. Production: Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos: Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcast The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

    1h 17m
  4. From Mic to Movement: Documenting Stories, Sharing Resources, and Fostering Reciprocal Support Systems | M'Balou Camara for Maryland Arts Summit

    AUG 18 · BONUS

    From Mic to Movement: Documenting Stories, Sharing Resources, and Fostering Reciprocal Support Systems | M'Balou Camara for Maryland Arts Summit

    Aspiring podcaster and artist M’Balou Camara interviews me for a special Maryland Art Summit 2025 recording. M’Balou is a former student, current colleague, and emerging podcaster preparing to launch “The Heart Reflex,” highlighting voices of the African diaspora in the arts. Our conversation—recorded live at Prince George’s Community College—explores our journey from a classroom connection at UMBC to ongoing collaboration, mutual mentorship, and co-leadership in the creative community. I share insights from my nearly 20 years as a podcaster and host of “The Truth in This Art,” focusing on the value of storytelling, reciprocity, and building a living archive for Baltimore’s creative voices. We discuss how authentic conversations, trust, and relational support are central to my approach as a host and educator. I break down strategies for fostering access, avoiding gatekeeping, and sustaining creative independence amid funding challenges. Audience questions spark a discussion on practical advice for new podcasters, evolving media formats, and lessons learned from both successes and setbacks. We close with a rapid-fire “reflex round,” reflecting on curiosity, inspiration, and the role of freedom in creative work. Topics Covered: Evolving from instructor-student roles to creative peer collaborationBuilding and sustaining community-rooted podcast archivesThe ethics and art of listening, trust, and relationship-buildingNavigating independence, institutional pressure, and artistic integrityMutual mentorship and non-hierarchical support in the artsPractical strategies for launching and growing a podcastAdapting to changes in media and the podcasting landscapeCentering and uplifting underrepresented stories and artistsReflections on curiosity, inspiration, and freedom through art📍 Discover more at thetruthinthisart.com or follow me on Instagram. Stay tuned for M’Balou Camara’s upcoming podcast “The Heart Reflex”.  📸 credit @teencudi Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis. Production: Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos: Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcast The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

    57 min
  5. #57 – Can Art, Storytelling, and Hope Illuminate Community? | Neha Misra

    AUG 10

    #57 – Can Art, Storytelling, and Hope Illuminate Community? | Neha Misra

    Artist, poet, and climate justice advocate Neha Misra joins The Truth In This Art podcast.  Misra shares how growing up in India, studying physics, and her cultural roots shape her creative work. Misra's art blends visual art, poetry, and climate justice activism.  Misra discusses how reclaiming creativity helped her navigate periods of loss and anxiety. Misra shares her belief in art as an essential force for healing, resilience, and connection. She talks about finding inspiration in nature and using art bring people together and inspire hope. Misra shares her experience sharing vulnerable work and why creativity matters for everyone.  Topics Covered: How Indian heritage, physics, and environmental activism converge in Misra’s artThe role of creativity and imagination in healing from loss and building communityUsing poetry, painting, and storytelling as tools for advocacy and connectionArt as medicine—for the self and society—in confronting climate and social crisesThe power of circles, collective stories, and shared vulnerabilityReclaiming and redefining creativity against systems of extraction and oppressionThe ongoing journey toward hope, resilience, and a more connected worldReady to experience Neha Misra’s creative world?  Visit www.nehamisrastudio.com or follow @nehamisrastudio on Instagram. Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis. Production: Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos: Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcast The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

    1h 7m
  6. #56 – What Do We Inherit and What Do We Share? | Kiara-Maribel Rivera

    AUG 7

    #56 – What Do We Inherit and What Do We Share? | Kiara-Maribel Rivera

    Artist Kiara-Maribel Rivera joins the podcast. In this conversation, Rivera reflects on how her family’s migration and history shaped her identity and her creative work. She shares how her mother’s careful habit of saving photos, report cards, and awards helped her feel connected to her roots. Rivera discusses using art to examine memory, family archives, and the fragments of stories lost along the way. Rivera talks about the challenges of adapting to new places and navigating art school. Rivera describes learning how to preserve and honor the past while creating something new. Rivera opens up about the care needed when working with personal and family records, and how art becomes a way to explore belonging and heritage. Topics Covered: The influence of family migration and history on Rivera’s artGrowing up surrounded by photos, documents, and personal archivesUsing art to explore memory, loss, and connectionThe challenges and opportunities of art school as a first-generation studentBalancing privacy, care, and community when working with personal historiesHonoring heritage and identity through creative practiceCurious to discover more? Follow Kiara’s creative work and journey online. Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis. Production: Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos: Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcast The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

    1 hr
  7. #55 – Who Controls the Narrative? | Carter Wynne

    AUG 5

    #55 – Who Controls the Narrative? | Carter Wynne

    Artist and curator Carter Wynne joins the podcast. In this episode, Wynne shares how growing up in Washington, DC, and coming from a line of organizers shaped her commitment to social justice and art. Wynne talks about being a self-taught painter, exploring themes of inequality, and resistance. Wynne reflects on the process of using art to process deep emotions and to challenge who gets to shape stories—both in her own life and in the wider world. Wynne also talks about being a fourth-generation Washingtonian and why standing up for others is central to her art. Wynne talks about sharing her story, handling others’ opinions, and establishing authentic connections. Topics Covered: How family and DC roots inspire Carter’s art and activismUsing self-taught painting to explore social justice and personal historyTurning emotions and lived experience into creative fuelThe importance of narrative and resisting outside pressure to change your storyBalancing roles as artist, organizer, advocate, and curatorReflections on sisterhood, identity, and the value of curiosityReady to connect with Wynne's world? Visit www.carterwynne.com or follow @freckled_blue on Instagram to see her art and stay up to date. Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis. Production: Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos: Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcast The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

    1h 1m
  8. #54 – What Hides Beneath the Surface? | Tiger Chengliang Cai

    JUL 29

    #54 – What Hides Beneath the Surface? | Tiger Chengliang Cai

    Artist Tiger Chengliang Cai joins the The Truth in This Art. In this episode, Cai shares his journey from China to New York and how his background shapes his creative work. Cai talks about teaching himself art as a child, struggling against expectations, and making his own path in the art world. He loves using riddles and metaphors in his art, with a special focus on the immigrant experience. Cai explains why he doesn’t want to “spoon-feed” meaning to his audience, preferring people to find their own truth in his work. He describes the challenges of making art in a new country and bridging the gap between cultures. Cai reflects on staying true to his ideas, experimenting, and using curiosity as his guide. Topics Covered: Teaching himself art as a child in ChinaOvercoming expectations to pursue artNavigating the differences between audiences in China and the U.S.Using riddles and metaphors, especially about immigrationStaying true to personal beliefs in creative workThe importance of curiosity and experimentationBridging cultures through artWant to see more of Tiger’s creative journey? Visit his Instagram @tigerpht or his website to check out his latest projects. Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis. Production: Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos: Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcast The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

    1h 8m
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The Truth In This Art is a podcast hosted by Rob Lee. In each episode, Rob has authentic conversations with artists, creative thinkers, and innovators. They share their work, ideas, and what inspires them. Listeners get to hear stories that matter from people who are making waves in arts and culture today.

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