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. 73 - How Did Precious Rubbish Take Shape? | Kayla E. (award-winning artist, Precious Rubbish, Fantagraphics)

    4D AGO

    73 - How Did Precious Rubbish Take Shape? | Kayla E. (award-winning artist, Precious Rubbish, Fantagraphics)

    Kayla E. joins The Truth In This Art to discuss Precious Rubbish. Kayla E. (award-winning artist, Creative Director at Fantagraphics, 2023–2024 Princeton Hotter Fellow) joins Rob Lee to discuss her debut full-length graphic memoir, Precious Rubbish. An award-winning artist whose practice spans comics and fine art—textiles, sculpture, video performance art, painting, and drawing—Kayla E. brings candid, instinct-driven storytelling about life, family, and making work on her own terms. In this episode, Kayla E. shares the story behind Precious Rubbish—why she made it for herself with no plan to publish, how every decision was guided by pure instinct, and how the book’s distinctive color palette was lifted from vintage “Komic Kards.” The conversation also digs into audience and context: setting aside what’s proper, traditional, or would sell; focusing on truth over convention; and connecting the memoir to a broader art practice across mediums. It’s about how comics and fine art can hold difficult life stories while inviting readers to look closer. Topics Covered: Making a memoir with no intent to publish—letting instinct lead form and contentLifting the color palette of Precious Rubbish from vintage comic cardsCollecting ephemera and old stuff as an aesthetic engineBalancing honesty and care when depicting a terrifying family historyFrom comics to fine art: textile, sculpture, video performance art, painting, drawingMake the conversation count: read Precious Rubbish—grab it from your library, Amazon, or thriftbooks.com. Kayla E.'s graphic memoir stays true to lived experience, trusts instinct, and turns memory into art without sanding off its edges. 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
  2. 72 - What's New With the Maryland Film Festival for 2025 | KJ Mohr

    NOV 5

    72 - What's New With the Maryland Film Festival for 2025 | KJ Mohr

    Professional film curator and educator KJ Mohr returns to The Truth In This Art to talk about the Maryland Film Festival (MdFF) and Baltimore’s indie film scene at the SNF Parkway! In the conversation we explore the 2025 Maryland Film Festival (MdFF)—what’s new, including the amazing new website and Festival Journeys—what still matters, and how a festival can truly feel like home. As director of the Festival and year-round programming, KJ shares how listening to instinct and inviting many voices into the process shape a lineup that feels authentically Baltimore and true to independent film. A large, local screening committee helps build the program from the ground up, and the Parkway’s communal vibe keeps people talking long after the credits roll. From indie film discoveries to community-centered conversations, MdFF 2025 champions Baltimore’s film scene at the SNF Parkway. Festival Journeys: Four clear entry points—MdFF Pride (like I Was Born This Way), Black Voices (like Sun Ra: Do the Impossible and Kouté vwa), She/They (like Bay to Baltimore featuring ultramarathon open‑water swimmer and painter—and Truth in This Art alum—Katie Pumphrey), and WTF (like F**k Toys)—to help audiences navigate with ease. CineTech: Free-with-registration demos and conversations highlighting gaming and interactive, choose‑your‑own‑adventure storytelling, expanding how audiences experience moving images and connect across creative communities. Student Films: Expanded to five days to make more room for student work, with student and local films threaded through most programs—spotlighting the next wave of filmmakers. Mission and SNF Parkway’s future: A welcoming home base where films, filmmakers, and audiences connect—an inclusive, community‑rooted space that reflects Baltimore while linking to the wider film world. Join us at the SNF Parkway for a robust week of programming—screenings, shorts, conversations, and in‑the‑room moments—and, most of all, a chance to be in community with Baltimore’s arts, film, and culture, and the independent film community that calls the SNF Parkway home. Explore the new website, pick a Journey, and come be part of it. 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 ★

    49 min
  3. FEED DROP - TALES FROM THE HOOD (1995) A Film Retrospective with Lea Anderson

    OCT 31

    FEED DROP - TALES FROM THE HOOD (1995) A Film Retrospective with Lea Anderson

    Chill or Be Chilled. Let's Watch It Again is back! Rob Lee is joined by Lea Anderson to discuss the 1995 cult classic Tales from the Hood! Tales from the Hood (1995) is a Black horror anthology directed by Rusty Cundieff, framed by a late-night visit to a funeral home where a mortician guides three men through four supernatural morality tales addressing police brutality, domestic abuse, racism, and gang violence. In this retrospective, host Rob Lee and horror scholar Lea Anderson (Truth in This Art alum; FANGORIA columnist, SHUDDER contributor) examine the film’s construction, cultural context, and legacy in Black horror. Topics include: The anthology’s frame narrative and how it threads the segments togetherSegment-by-segment themes and social commentaryKey performances, including Clarence Williams III and David Alan GrierPractical effects, puppetry, and memorable set piecesProduction and release context: 1995 box office, competition (Casper, Braveheart, Johnny Mnemonic), and receptionThe film’s enduring relevance and place in the horror canonCheck out the episode on the Let's Watch It Again Feed 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 20m
  4. 71 - Make Something Pretty or Make Something Real? | Genesis Rodriguez

    OCT 29

    71 - Make Something Pretty or Make Something Real? | Genesis Rodriguez

    Genesis Rodriguez joins The Truth in This Art for her first public deep-dive into her work and process. A Philadelphia-area Latina mixed media artist known for blending bold color with striking realism, Genesis explores themes of femininity, natural beauty, and identity while bringing a thoughtful “emotional IQ” to both her visual art and emerging music practice. In this episode, Genesis discusses her current “building era” of laying a strong creative foundation, what it means to engage with art beyond surface-level reposting, and how honesty and integrity shape the work. She also reflects on sharing her story for the first time, navigating visibility as an emerging artist, and the value of choosing depth over aesthetics. This conversation explores the connection between art and community, focusing on authenticity, meaningful engagement, and the discipline it takes to build a sustainable creative practice. Topics Covered: Genesis’s first public conversation about her work and processBlending bold color and realism to explore femininity, natural beauty, and identityThe “building era”: structure, foundation, and sustaining a practiceEngaging with art beyond the surface—thinking and sharing with intentionBalancing visual art with an emerging music practice and creative growthThank you for listening to this conversation with Genesis Rodriguez. Explore more episodes of The Truth in This Art for discussions that spotlight creativity, culture, and the voices shaping our communities. 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 ★

    56 min
  5. 70 - Street Art, Galleries and Who Defines Great Art in Philadelphia | Sean 'SK' Kinsey

    OCT 22

    70 - Street Art, Galleries and Who Defines Great Art in Philadelphia | Sean 'SK' Kinsey

    Sean 'SK' Kinsey returns for his second appearance on The Truth in This Art! A Philadelphian visual artist known for blending a fine art sensibility with a street art aesthetic, Kinsey shares his thoughts on the power of art to reflect identity, honor community roots, and connect cultures in Philadelphia, the city that has shaped much of his work. In this episode, Kinsey discusses how his North and Uptown Philadelphia upbringing influences his art, the lessons he carries from his creative practice, and the role that painting and urban art play in honoring untold stories. He also reflects on the joys and challenges of being an artist, cultivating consistency without burnout, embracing creative independence beyond labels, and his ongoing efforts to inspire and uplift the next generation. This conversation explores the connection between art and culture in Philadelphia, focusing on resilience, representation, and the ways that urban art—bridging fine and street traditions—serves as a powerful expression of truth and community. Topics Covered: Kinsey’s reflections on his work since his first appearancePhiladelphia’s influence on Kinsey’s approach to urban and visual artHonoring community stories and identity through painting and urban artThe role of art and creative consistency in inspiring younger generations🎨 Don't miss this! If you're moved by Kinsey's words, come experience his work in person at his upcoming solo exhibition: Sean Kinsey Art & Underrated Achievers Brand Presents: GIVE YOURSELF FLOWERS A Solo Art Show Featuring Works of Sean 'SK' Kinsey 🗓 November 15, 2025 🕔 5 PM – 9 PM 📍 Urban Art Gallery (Top Level) 262 S 52nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139 Celebrate creativity, resilience, and self-love through bold, expressive works that honor untold stories and the beauty of growth. Give yourself flowers — you deserve them. 👉 Mark your calendar. Bring a friend. Be inspired. Thank you for joining this insightful conversation with Sean 'SK' Kinsey. Be sure to explore more episodes of The Truth in This Art for discussions that spotlight creativity, culture, and the voices shaping Philadelphia’s unique narrative. Photo courtesy of guest. Interview recorded live in Philadelphia, PA. 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
  6. 69 - Can Baltimore’s Art Help You Navigate Crooked Paths? | Ernest Shaw

    OCT 16

    69 - Can Baltimore’s Art Help You Navigate Crooked Paths? | Ernest Shaw

    Ernest Shaw returns for his second appearance on The Truth in This Art! A renowned muralist and educator, Shaw shares his thoughts on the power of art to reflect identity, preserve community history, and connect generations in Baltimore, the city that has shaped much of his work. In this episode, Shaw discusses how his West Baltimore upbringing influences his art, the lessons he carries from his family, and the role murals play in honoring untold stories. He also reflects on the joys and challenges of being an artist and educator, as well as his ongoing efforts to inspire and uplift the next generation. This conversation explores the connection between art and culture in Baltimore, focusing on resilience, representation, and the ways that murals serve as powerful expressions of truth and community. Topics Covered: Shaw’s reflections on his work since his first appearanceBaltimore’s influence on Shaw’s approach to murals and visual artHonoring community stories and history through public artThe role of art in inspiring younger generationsThank you for joining this insightful conversation with Ernest Shaw. Be sure to explore more episodes of The Truth in This Art for more discussions that spotlight creativity, culture, and the voices shaping Baltimore's unique narrative. Photo credit: @achungphoto 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 6m
  7. 68 - Who’s Shaping the Future of AI & Digital Community for Small Businesses? | Zina Verduzco

    OCT 14

    68 - Who’s Shaping the Future of AI & Digital Community for Small Businesses? | Zina Verduzco

    Zina Verduzco joins The Truth in This Art to explore how AI and digital innovation are transforming community and entrepreneurship for small businesses in Baltimore and beyond. With deep expertise across marketing, branding, and emerging technologies, Verduzco shares her journey from museum work to leading-edge digital marketing and AI development. She offers practical insights into helping local businesses adapt to the evolving online landscape—emphasizing the power of authenticity, strategic storytelling, and creative use of digital tools. Verduzco discusses the challenges and opportunities facing small business entrepreneurs today, from building a strong digital presence to navigating rapid changes in technology. For Verduzco, embracing the future means empowering communities, diversifying revenue, and using digital platforms to connect, uplift, and inspire. Topics Covered: Strategies for building authentic digital communities in BaltimoreThe role of storytelling and branding in small business successThe impact of AI and innovation on small business entrepreneurshipLessons learned from supporting creative and cultural enterprises 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 15m
  8. 67 - How Graphic Novels Are Redefining Education in Baltimore | Bmore Transform & GRAPHIC NOVEL FESTIVAL

    OCT 2

    67 - How Graphic Novels Are Redefining Education in Baltimore | Bmore Transform & GRAPHIC NOVEL FESTIVAL

    Bmore Transform and Baltimore’s Graphic Novel Festival take center stage in this episode of The Truth in This Art. Guests Gab Sussman and Victoria Lebrón share how they are reshaping education and community through Bmore Transform’s abolitionist, decolonizing approach and the city’s premier Graphic Novel Fest—celebrating sequential art, uplifting Queer and BIPOC creators, and advancing arts and literacy education across Baltimore. Sussman and Lebrón reflect on the powerful role graphic novels play in engaging young readers, making literacy accessible, and fostering a love of storytelling. They discuss their work with Bmore Transform—an initiative dedicated to decolonizing education and supporting youth through creative programming, professional learning, and book clubs—highlighting how centering community and equity transforms classrooms and learning outcomes. The conversation explores how the Graphic Novel Fest was born from a passion for comics and a desire to create a celebratory, dignified space for visual storytelling in Baltimore. For Sussman and Lebrón, education means building community, championing inclusivity, and helping every young person find their voice through the arts—work exemplified by Bmore Transform and Baltimore’s Graphic Novel Festival. Topics Covered: How graphic novels build bridges and encourage literacy for diverse learnersThe mission and impact of Bmore Transform in Baltimore’s educational ecosystemCreating inclusive, engaging educational experiences through community-driven designThe story and significance behind Baltimore’s Graphic Novel Festival (Graphic Novel Fest)Baltimore’s very own Graphic Novel Festival SAVE THE DATE: October 4, 2025📍400 S Higland Ave, Baltimore 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 14m
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About

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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