Gem City Podcast

The coronavirus pandemic has altered everyone’s lives in various ways, but few have been affected more than performing artists. The professional dancers with the Dayton Dance Initiative had to cancel their in person performance this spring, which was scheduled to happen at the PNC  Arts Annex. Instead of turning the cancellation into defeat, the dancer operated project decided to take their performance online. And rather than just film or livestream a static performance, they are making  an hour long “dance movie” complete with location and costume changes. The performance premieres on Saturday August 8th at 8pm on the Dayton Dance Initiative’s YouTube page. Anyone can watch for free for up to 72 hours.  After that, the performance will be archived on their website: www.daytondanceinitiative.com About the Dayton Dance Initiative: Dayton Dance Initiative is an independent collective of professional dancers from the Dayton area. We strive to create a platform for artists to explore their choreographic sides, collaborate with dancers of different styles, and bring our community together through our art form. Our dancers come from many different backgrounds of training and professional experience. DDI was founded by former Dayton Ballet dancer Jocelyn Green, who had a vision of collaboration with the other talented dancers in Dayton: the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company. Through Dayton Dance Initiative, dancers hailing from both companies have the opportunity to work together and create works on artists from different backgrounds. We are joined by Arthur Murray Dance Center: Dayton, whose leadership has provided further opportunities for our dancers to expand their repertoire, experience, and love of dance. Professional dancers are contracted with their respective companies on a yearly basis, with a summer off-season. DDI provides further opportunity for these dancers, who would otherwise be unemployed during the summer months. Professional dancers do not often get the chance to express themselves through their own choreography. DDI offers a platform for dancers to explore their own choreographic voices, allowing these artists to stretch themselves physically, mentally, and artistically. Dayton Dance Initiative is completely dancer led, giving our artists skills not only in choreographing, but in running an organization through financing, marketing, and leading. The support of our donors, sponsors, and community is what makes Dayton Dance Initiative possible. Rich Reuter – Summer High To learn more and donate to the Dayton Dance Initiative, visit: www.daytondanceinitiative.com To listen to our first podcast with the Dayton Dance Initiative, check out episode #675: http://gemcitypodcast.com/?p=4265

Guitarist/songwriter Kyleen Downes has chosen music as her way to interact with the world. Her songs are sonically approachable and remind you of scanning the radio dial in search of a companion on a long road trip. Her high energy stage performance and infectious optimism transcend the stage leaving everyone a little happier after a show. She utilizes both her acoustic and electric guitars along with a looper pedal to layer imaginative guitar techniques and create an upbeat tapestry of sound.  Raised in a constantly moving military family, Kyleen now calls Dayton, Ohio her home. It was the camaraderie of the Dayton music scene that inspired her to start performing in 2009. She has since opened for nationally touring songwriters, Glen Phillips and Chris Smither, receives regular airplay on WYSO Public Radio and has performed with her band at the Levitt Pavilion Dayton. She released her first collection of songs entitled ‘Maybe Sometimes’ in 2016 and followed up with the EP ‘FRIENDS’ in 2018. She released her first full length album ‘Come On Sit Down’ in June 2020. Off stage Kyleen, who earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music from Wright State University, fulfills her childhood dream of being a teacher by teaching private guitar lessons in the Miami Valley. Last Drop Tiny Little Table (If You’ve Got) Time Won’t Matter In The Dark KyleenDownes.com

In this episode, we are joined by Will McKelvey – a native Daytonian and Chaminade Julienne graduate who is currently working in the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington D.C. Will recently wrote an op-ed in the Dayton Daily News about how Dayton could be the “answer” – so we invited him onto the podcast to explore that topic. You can read Will’s op-ed here: https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/opinion/ideas-could-dayton-the-answer/MX3E3FNRRanGOOdEICW0RJ/ You can follow Will on Twitter @Will_McKelvey If you enjoy Gem City Podcast – you can buy us a beer! You can do that here: https://ko-fi.com/venuschild Thanks for tuning in! Please remember to rate and subscribe! Typical Johnsons – All I Need

The fellas break down the Nick Cannon situation from his comments, being fired Viacom, his apology. DMX vs Snoop in the Verzuz battle! Did Tory Lanez shoot Megan The Stallion? Plus, thoughts on the two new Drake & DJ KHALED records, and in honor of the NBA snitch line the fellas tell stories about time they’ve been snitched on. Stay connected with the fellas @Dj_Killa_Kev & @1KevNash & @avgyetexcellent on twitter & IG!

Our host @TheIzzyRock had a conversation with Charlie and Amanda Jackson about what their childhood smelled like, the origin of the group, and their new album, The King and Queen of Dayton Country. Charlie Jackson teams up with his wife Amanda in this Classic Country Duet. Reminiscent of Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn and Johnny Cash and June Carter; they bring songs of truth, love, and laughter from the married perspective. This Saturday! Live at @yellowcabtavern we will be joined by the always amazing @pauljmonnin opening, and the delectable sounds of the @timpritchard5 Revelry 7:30 $7 see www.yellowcabfoodtrucks.com for social distancing rules https://www.facebook.com/events/2579079119018657 https://www.facebook.com/charlieandamandajackson Call This Home Masochistic Heart Two Ships Bare Feet

Multi-platform storyteller Mathew Klickstein and his wife Becky recently moved to Dayton, with no relatives here or prior ties. They selected Dayton to move to specifically when looking for a place to live that was cool, vibrant,  affordable, and close to other cities to do book tours. Dayton fit the bill in every single way. Klickstein has published several pop culture books. Most recently, he released his first graphic novel “You Are Obsolete” by AfterShock Comics. The novel examines society’s increasing reliance on technology through a sci-fi horror lens. Think “Children of the Corn,” but with cell phones. Locally, you can pick up the novel at Bell, Book & Comic at 458 Patterson Road in Dayton or Super-Fly Comics & Games located at 132 Dayton St. in Yellow Springs. Note, although the story is not graphically violent, it is intended for a mature audience.  Klickstein grew up in California and graduated from the University of Southern California’s prestigious screenwriting program. From there he wrote and produced “National Lampoon’s Collegetown USA” and “SLIMED! An Oral History of Nickelodeon’s Golden Age,” among other projects. He even “accidentally” wrote Steven Segal’s one horror film, “Against the Dark.” After the writer’s strike in 2009, Klickstein left LA and started bouncing around the country, doing multiple stints in New York City, where he worked on the “Restaurant Impossible” television series for Food Network. He also lived and worked in Baltimore, Boulder, and Lawrence, Kan. Klickstein and his wife Becky decided they liked the feel of the Midwest, and the accessibility. He was also drawn to the Dayton area because of all of the universities here, and has been considering teaching at one. Wright State specifically is well known for its film program. Affordability was also a major factor in choosing Dayton, he said. Living between book advances and royalty checks can be challenging in other big cities, but they found Dayton’s cost of living conducive to a creative’s lifestyle.  The couple moved to Dayton in February of this year. To review the full list of books Mathew Klickstein has published, along with his theater, television and film credits, visit MathewKlickstein.com. John Dubuq – Wrecking the Land

The fellas are BACK with reaction to Jada & Will’s Red Table Talk about her ENTANGLEMENT with August Alsine! T.I. vs 50 Cent verzuz battle? Plus, lots on NBA Bubble talk, Ye for President, and MASK ON in level 3 counties in Ohio, and much more! Stay connected with the fellas @Dj_Killa_Kev & @1KevNash & @avgyetexcellent on twitter & IG! Don’t forget you can find the pod on the Tunein app & stitcher app.

Verses the MC stopped by to chat with @theizzyrock Who is Verses the MC? Well, he’s a lyricist, a father, a leader, a motivator, an innovative thinker and last but not least, a student of his craft. Inspiring people to persevere through the struggle that we call life. This happens to be a particular focal point for this Ohio based MC! Verses reels in that old school vibe! His story embodies personal growth through clever and witty lyrical tact. A truly enthusiastic artist giving you a window into his perspectives, successes and failures! Verses continues to collaborate with local and national artists building a strong network. Whether it’s an upbeat and funky flavor or the grit and grime of the Boom Bap era, Verses brings a torch! When it comes to performances, you can catch Verses locally, involving the crowd and powerfully utilizing the energy in the room! Verses loves Hip Hop! Translation Dollas Know Future Fear Dayton https://spark.adobe.com/page/DsZgezSOnBAGp/ https://versesthemc.bandcamp.com/  

In this episode, we learn more about Re-Imagining America is a new citizen-driven initiative looking to build a better, more equitable Dayton and they want your participation! The initiative is a group effort backed by The Collaboratory. On this episode with hear from The Collaboratory’s Director, Peter Benkendorf. He is joined by James Saleem and Karen Korn who explain what inspired this initiative, what they are hoping to accomplish and how they plan to get there. In September 2018, the Frontline/ProPublic documentary “Left Behind America” featured Dayton as the manifestation of what has happened to too many great American cities and the people who live there as a result of our current socio-economic model… they have been left behind or in many cases left out. Over the past six months, the COVID-19 pandemic and the protests against systemic racism brought on by the police killing of George Floyd have completely laid bare the inadequacies and inequities that have left more and more Americans with the realization that our country needs a major re-imagining. Dayton, with its history of innovation, among with being a microcosm of America, would seem like that ideal place to begin Re-Imagining America. Focused on the four-country Metropolitan Statistical Area of Montgomery, Greene, Miami and Preble counties, Re-Imagining America: Dayton, Ohio is looking to address the socio-economic issues highlighted in the documentary by considering doing things differently. What do community members value? What defines a successful or thriving community? Specific areas of interest are: Regional Economy/Employment, Education, Criminal Justice, Housing, Transportation, Health and Wellness, Environment, and Media. To share you ideas or get more information, please visit: http://www.re-imaginingamerica.org/get-involved How to connect with ReImagining America: Re-Imagining America 937-732-5123 Info@re-imaginingamerica.org 114 West First Street, Suite B P.O. Box 10506 Dayton, Ohio 45402 https://www.re-imaginingamerica.org https://www.facebook.com/ReImagining-America-Dayton-Ohio-113046217124765/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/re-imagining-america-dayton-ohio/ https://twitter.com/ReImaginingDAY https://www.instagram.com/reimaginingday/ Films, Podcasts and Books we discussed and recommended Left Behind America documentary – https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/left-behind-america/ Why is this Happening podcast – https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/organizing-trump-country-george-goehl-podcast-transcript-ncna956386 Having Nothing Possessing Everything by Mike Mather –  https://www.amazon.com/Having-Nothing-Possessing-Everything-Communities-ebook/dp/B07JGR2PDW/ref=sr_1_1?crid=482AFFJWRDHF&dchild=1&keywords=having+nothing+possessing+everything&qid=1594397692&s=books&sprefix=having+nothing+poss%2Cstripbooks%2C451&sr=1-1 The Alternative by Mauricio Miller – https://www.amazon.com/Alternative-Believe-About-Poverty-Wrong/dp/1483472256/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2GXA9EMU1TGT9&dchild=1&keywords=the+alternative+mauricio+miller&qid=1594397812&s=books&sprefix=the+alternative+miller%2Cstripbooks%2C850&sr=1-1 Progressive Capitalism by David Sainsbury – https://www.amazon.com/Progressive-Capitalism/dp/1849545294/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=progressive+capitalism+sainsbury&qid=1594397858&s=books&sr=1-1 From Gem City Podcast: If you have a few spare bucks, you can buy ua a beer or coffee. Visit, ko-fi.com/venuschild (link in show notes). We here at Gem City Podcast sincerely appreciate any small donation to keep hearing our independent voices and viewpoints. Thanks so much in advance! Appreciate you most of all for listening and providing your feedback. Amber Hargett – Stepping Stone

The fellas take on a 31-day yoga challenge, review Monday’s Verzuz battle between Fab and Jada, predictions for Ozark’s last season, and thoughts about August Alsine and Jada’s relationship! Plus, much more! Stay connected with the fellas @Dj_Killa_Kev & @1KevNash & @avgyetexcellent on twitter & IG! Don’t forget you can find the pod on the Tunein app & stitcher app.

Zack from @RuefDesign stops by to chat with @TheIzzyRock about their free video contest, deep fakes, and so much more. Following up, here’s a link to our contest page and info: https://ruef.com/music-video-contest/ We are extending the deadline one week to July 17th! We are posting about the extension on our social media tomorrow. The goal of the contest is to inspire creativity, give something back to our community the best way we know how, meet local talent, and collaborate with artists to help turn their music into something visually special and unique. ruef  Design is a Dayton, Ohio-based design and marketing firm that specializes in building brands and strategies with powerful messaging, graphic design, video, motion graphics, and technical animation. We tell your story, highlight your products, processes, and services through dynamic visuals and strategic communications. Our about page: https://ruef.com/about/ I would like to give a shout out to these dudes, plus Ally Gatien (our new Digital Marketing Specialist from The University of Dayton), our growing network of contractors and partners, and of course my wife, Erin Ruef, who is simply… beyond. They all make the magic happen. Dane and Brent are both musicians and inspired the contest idea. Cryztal Grid – Crystal Clear

The fellas explain why they’re back on full quarantine! Plus, talking about dinner options during the RONA, Monday’s Verzuz battle between Fab and Jada, trying to stay active, and if they’re celebrating the 4th of July and much more! Stay connected with the fellas @Dj_Killa_Kev & @1KevNash & @avgyetexcellent on twitter & IG! Don’t forget you can find the pod on the Tunein app & stitcher app.

This is not a typical Storyteller episode. @theizzyrock has some things to get off his chest. He shares his thoughts on history, slave patrols, sundown towns, Jim Crow laws, and the War on Drugs. TINO – Black Friday

Like everyone else, we here at The Gem City Podcast have been concerned and upset by the brutal treatment we are seeing by police in traffic stops and protests.   We have been wondering – what are our rights? How should we handle interactions with the police? Gratefully two public defenders from the Montgomery County Public Defender’s Office – Julia Mauk and Michael Dailey – took time to speak with us on this episode about that very subject. They offer great advice as to what your rights are when you’re pulled over, at a checkpoint, at a protest and even their recommendations for a fairer justice system. We hope this episode is helpful to listeners! Remember to subscribe and rate us. If you enjoy our work, considering buying us a coffee or beer at ko-fi.com/venuschild About our guests: Julia Mauk is an attorney with the Law Office of the Montgomery County Public Defender. She began as an Assistant Public Defender in June, 2011. In May, 2016, she became the Misdemeanor Division Manager. While with the office, she has worked on both misdemeanor and felony dockets, handling cases from arraignments through pretrials and motions to bench or jury trials. Prior to joining the Public Defender, she worked for Legal Aid of Western Ohio. Julia received her undergraduate and law school degrees from the University of Dayton. She is also an active member of the Dayton Bar Association and sits on the House of Bread Board of Directors. Michael Dailey graduated from Wright State University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Business.   He went on to graduate from University of Dayton School of Law in 2010 and has been practicing as an Assistant Public Defender for the Montgomery County Public Defender’s Office ever since.  At the Montgomery County Public Defender’s Office, Mike is one of the Felony Division attorneys. Additionally, Mike is certified in Ohio to be appointed as Trial Co-Counsel in capital cases.  In February 2019, he was named a Rising Star by the DBA.  And in April 2019, he was admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States.  About the Montgomery County Public Defender’s Office The Law Office of the Public Defender operates to defend citizens who are accused of a criminal offense and who are at risk for going to jail.  This includes Felonies, Misdemeanors, Preliminary Hearings, Extraditions, and Juvenile Delinquency.  We also handle some child support contempt cases, and we can assist with reductions in child support.  We don’t handle divorces, child custody, bankruptcies, employment disputes, collections, Landlord/Tenant, or other non-criminal defense work.  Agencies that might be able to offer assistance are: The Law Office of the Public Defender 117 South Main St 4th Floor, Reibold Building Dayton, Ohio 45422 View Map Main Number: 937-225-4652 Fax: 937-225-3449 Website: https://www.mcohio.org/government/courts/public_defender/ New-Old Fashioned – Boomer

The fellas recap an epic 200th episode, talk about Aye Dizzle’s new home, the move, and the house warming party! Plus, Cell phone COVID-19 rumors, BET Awards nominations, Killa is back DJing events, black movie test, and much more! Stay connected with the fellas @Dj_Killa_Kev & @1KevNash & @avgyetexcellent on twitter & IG! Don’t forget you can find the pod on the Tunein app & stitcher app.

The fellas celebrate a major milestone of 200 episodes of You Can’t Make This Up Podcast! We’re talking about our favorite episodes, funny moments, goals for the future, and much more! Plus, lots of dranking! ENJOY! Stay connected with the fellas @Dj_Killa_Kev & @1KevNash & @avgyetexcellent on twitter & IG! Don’t forget you can find the pod on the Tunein app, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Apple Podcast, & Stitcher app.

This one is an overdue episode if there was ever one! We had so much fun catching up with Ron Rollins, longtime journalist and senior editor at the Dayton Daily News. He retired after nearly 34 years this month, so it provided the perfect opportunity to catch up with the guy that’s always been on the move, and who everyone in Dayton seems to know. In addition to his passion for local news, Ron is a painter, poet and writer, and avid supporter of Dayton’s robust arts scene. He has an art studio in Kettering, where he and his arts partner, Terry Welker, regularly exhibit work by other local artists. He has also served on the boards of several local arts, cultural and social-service organizations, including: Dayton History  FilmDayton  House of Bread Antioch Writers Workshop Ron has been not only been an important voice in the Dayton community for over three decades, he’s also amplified other’s voices, including ours. It was a delight to catch up with Ron in retirement. We hope you enjoy it too! Learn more about Ron and view his art: http://www.rollinsart.org/ To subscribe to the Dayton Daily News: https://daytondailynews.subscriber.services/ As always, thanks for listening! If you want to make a small donation to help fund future episodes, you can do so here: https://ko-fi.com/venuschild Jon Dubuc’s Guilty Pleasures – Peace Love and Hamburger Helper If you’re reading this Ron, please start your own podcast…it was a pleasure editing this. – Terry @TheIzzyRock Martin

Devin Karter is an EDM producer, and DJ, currently enrolled at the University of Dayton studying Mechanical Engineering. The Devin Karter brand is all about bringing people together, regardless of where we’re from, and uniting under music, and enjoying the amazing experiences of life with those we love and care about. “I make music that people can connect with on an emotional level, and am always looking for ways to leave a legacy, and inspire others to pursue their dreams! One of my favorite memories as a DJ is the last EDM night I DJ’d before it closed, and remembering the incredible energy that was present through myself and those who were partying really hard.” soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-817165475 instagram (primary social media): https://www.instagram.com/devin_karter/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/devin.karter.75

The fellas discuss the murder of George Floyd, the protests, riots across the country, and where we go from here! Plus, Killa got a haircut, Dizzle went Ca-Brewing, while Kev Nash did NOTHING this week, and much more! Stay connected with the fellas @Dj_Killa_Kev & @1KevNash & @avgyetexcellent on twitter & IG! Don’t forget you can find the pod on the Tunein app, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Apple Podcast, & Stitcher app.

It’s been just over a year since the devastating string of tornadoes ripped through multiple parts of the Miami Valley. Dion Green lost the roof of his home, and was among hundreds who suffered tremendous damage to their homes. What makes his story unique is that just a few weeks later, Dion’s father, Derrick Fudge of Springfield, was  killed in the mass shooting in the Oregon District.  We reached out to Dion to reflect on the past year, how he has been dealing with so much tragedy. He’s been diagnosed with PTSD, and is taking time off work to develop his own nonprofit: Flourishing Under Distress Given Encouragement (Fudge), which is named for his father. The mission of the nonprofit is to connect survivors of a variety of trauma to services and offer encouragement.  Dion has also written a book based on his experiences:“Untitled: Act of God/Act of Man” ($16.95, WestBow Press). Between the time that we booked this episode and record it, the protests about George Floyd’s death broke out, so we of course talk about that as well. We at the Gem City Podcast stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, and are committed to having these community conversation to share dialogue and hopefully help achieve a greater understanding and healing in our community. TINO – Black Friday Here is a list of black owned businesses, artists and local non-profits seeking racial justice: https://www.dayton.com/news/local/how-support-black-owned-businesses-organizations-and-artists-dayton/ubmdUVfg3KrGhgZdYnnCrO/ As always, thanks for listening! If you want to make a small donation to help fund future episodes, you can do so here: https://ko-fi.com/venuschild To purchase Dion’s book: https://www.westbowpress.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/808515-untitled