Today’s guest is the writer, professor, music expert and advocate Mark Katz. Dr. Katz, after receiving his PhD in muscilogy, has spent the last several decades writing, teaching, thinking about, and proselytizing the power of music; his accomplishments and publications are too numerous to list, but please visit him online to get a handle on the scope of his work and ongoing projects. The topic of today’s discussion was his new book Rap and Redemption on Death Row, co-authored with incarcerated musician Alim Braxton. I would describe this text as at once a compelling and necessary read, equal parts personal story of discovered purpose, history lesson, indictment of the American justice system (and our prisons), and advertisement for the power of creativity. Katz, having talked the good talk, walked the good walk (he is also Founding Director of the U.S. State Department hip hop cultural diplomacy program Next Level, established in 2014), connected with Alim via a letter, and their relationship—with led to a personal friendship and collaboration—is the basis of this remarkable story. We also talk about the formative influence of falling in love with art, the necessity of creativity, and the always humbling influence of learning (from others, about ourselves). Dr. Katz is one of the most positive and deep human beings I know, and it’s an absolute honor to share this conversation.

Learn more about Dr. Katz here: https://music.unc.edu/people/musicfaculty/mark-katz/

Today’s guest is the award-winning author and literary queen Deesha Philyaw. Her debut short story collection The Secret Lives of Church Ladies won the 2021 PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction, and was a finalist for the 2020 National Book Award for Fiction. Deesha is also a Baldwin for the Arts Fellow, and co-host of two podcasts, Ursa Short Fiction (with Dawnie Walton) and Reckon True Stories (with Kiese Laymon). Her debut novel, The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman, is forthcoming in 2026. Deesha has been featured in the 1455 Author Series, and been a repeat speaker at the 1455 StoryFest, and she’s been busy and productive since she and Sean last spoke on air. In addition to her writing and travels, Deesha has established herself as an indispensable voice for writers, using her growing platform to find positive and effective ways to help authors (especially under-represented voices) find publication. Deesha and Sean discuss what being a true literary citizen entails, and why championing the work of individual writers creates momentum for all creatives. Deesha provides detail about what it’s like to find success later in one’s life (after having written diligently for many years) and why a breakthrough book like Secret Lives served as both validation and motivation for more writing. No one can read Deesha’s words without being moved (and quite possibly changed, for the better), and no one will listen to her speak without being entertained, amused, and inspired.

Find out about everything Deesha is up to these days at https://deeshaphilyaw.com

Today’s guest is guitarist, composer, producer, and bandleader Jon Madof. Based in New York, Jon is the leader of several bands, including Zion80 and Rashanim, and has released seven albums on Tzadik Records. In addition, Madof is co-founder of the prolific and eclectic CHANT Records label. I have known Jon for two decades and followed his remarkable career as a fan, critic, and friend. Our conversations, dating back to my days as a tech analyst, have always revolved around the challenges and opportunities of contemporary creativity, and how it’s incumbent on artists to both understand and utlize available technology. Jon is an original and multi-faceted musician, but he also strongly advocates for fellow artists—he leads by example and the music he has made possible through his CHANT Records label is no small miracle. Jon gives his always-insightful take on the current landscape: what he’s learned, and what led him to create a DIY recording studio in his basement. While any aspiring musician can learn a great deal from Jon, his words of wisdom are recommended for any creative looking to find a foothold in a rapidly changing (and yes, intimidating) environment. How does one balance imagination, discipline, promotion, and being an active part of a community? This conversation will shed light on how the hard work gets done, and typically ends up being its own reward.