AirGo

For the last few months, AirGo partnered with the Real Chi newsroom at Free Spirit Media, a youth media nonprofit here in Chicago. On the final episode of their first season, the Real Chi squad talks bond reform and e-carceration with folks from the Chicago Community Bond Fund, plus a lot of other great deep dives into the news and North Lawndale community. Get on board!

Swopes is a photographer, graphic designer, influential instagrammer, and somewhat reformed socialite. Her trademark Chicago skyline pieces, which layer natural forces on aerial shots of the city, are immediately recognizable, and she has worked with dozens of national and global brands as a marketing consultant, graphic designer, and influencer. She talks about her craft, her determination toward positivity, what accountability in the mix can look like, and more. Recorded 1/2/19 in Chicago Music from this week's show: Bye Bye Baby - @noname

Spurred by the Surviving R. Kelly docuseries, many women in the creative community here in Chicago have brought forth memories and allegations of sexual assault, rape, and sexual violence by men in the scene. Damon and Daniel talk about the moment, what we've learned, how they've processed and understand their respective responsibilities, and some potential next steps. Recorded 1/7/19 in Chicago

Ryan Keesling is the first guest to ask, in the interview, why we decided to have him on the show. The answer, at least on our end, is self-evident. For the last 18 years, he has worked as the founder and director of Free Write Arts and Literacy, an organization that works with young people in and outside the walls of Chicago's Juvenile Temporary Detention Center. He is also a tremendous DJ, holding down drum and bass nights at venues across the city. We talk about what happens inside that building, his own journey from central Indiana, the capital C Club, and more! Recorded 12/18/18 in Chicago

Benji Hart is ready and willing to get reflective. They have a wonderful conversation with Damon and Daniel about emergent understandings of liberation, growing toward loving their blackness, voguing and its history, and much more. They’re a freelance artist, educator, workshop leader, and retreat facilitator based here in Chicago.

It’s a big deal for Tempestt Hazel to get behind the mic, but she does it with grace and openness on this episode of AirGo. The curator, writer, artist, and founder of 60 Inches From Center talks about healthy and unhealthy collaborations, Keith Sweat, and, most importantly, the ARCHIVES! Archives are our joint! AIred 12/6/18 in Chicago

Tasha is the sweetest. When we first had her on the show a couple years back, she had just come back to Chicago from college, and was working as an organizer with BYP. Two years later, she has a burgeoning, expanding musical career, which she’s doing on her own terms. She talks space, music-making, Instagram comments, and much more. Music from this week's show: Kind of Love - @wowtashawow

In the Loop, Out the Blue is a collaborative podcast between AirGo and Free Spirit Media's Real Chi Newsroom. On the third episode, we take a deep dive into cannabis decriminalization, talk November's headlines, get updated on the new events happening in the city, and more.

Phenom isn’t new to this. The rapper, educator, and mentor has been sharing bars across Chicago for decades, and has some stories to tell. He is the founder of Emcee Skool, an initiative that “provides self-motivated artists with the proper tools and training to deliver highly impactful projects that can be used as peace making and humanity building strategies worldwide.” He goes deep into his journey, from battle raps to Iraq and back, taking Damon and Kiss along for the ride. Recorded 11/7/18 in Chicago Music from this week's show: Angelina - Makaih Beats That Dough (feat. @add2themc) - @pbrelitemind

When artists get really good, we tend to say their in a league all their own. Kane One, aka Miguel Aguilar, is in a league of dissidents, artists, organizers, and visualizers, and doesn't have any interest in slimming the squad. The Chicago-born artist paints on walls and canvases, under viaducts and in boardrooms, and sees color and form like no one else. He talks about securing the bag, '90's Chicago warehouse parties, teaching boys consent, and more. Recorded 10/31/18 in Chicago Music from this week's show: Road Rage - @nottyp