Oak City Move

In this episode, I interview Jenn McEwen, the director of Wake on Stage. We discuss how the program brings together talented students and community groups from across Wake County to showcase their creativity and passion for the arts. Jenn shares the story behind how Wake on Stage began, what inspired her to create a platform for young performers, and how the event has grown into a celebration of artistic talent in the community.Throughout the conversation, we talk about the wide range of performances featured at Wake on Stage, from music and dance to theater and other artistic expressions. Jenn also explains the importance of giving students opportunities to perform, collaborate, and gain confidence while sharing their talents with a larger audience.If you’d like to watch the live stream and see these incredible performances for yourself, be sure to follow the link below to tune in and support the amazing artists of Wake County. - https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1430775461690738&vanity=UnitedArtsWake 

In today’s episode, Sophs sits down with Emily Foster, the Co-Director of the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival taking place in Durham April 16th–19th. We talk about the great new films and filmmakers that will be showcased, what makes this year’s lineup especially exciting, and how the festival continues to be a vital platform for documentary storytelling.Emily also shares insights into the curation process, highlights a few must-see premieres, and offers tips for first-time attendees looking to make the most of their festival experience. We wrap things up with a look at how documentary film is evolving and why events like Full Frame remain so important for both creators and audiences alike. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of Oak City Move, Sophs sits down with Dave Klemp, executive director of the environmental non-profit, Trees for the Triangle. Trees for the Triangle is a "pay what you can" non-profit that helps restore trees in the Triangle area, planting new trees as well as replanting old trees. During this episode Dave and Sophs discuss the importance of Urban Forestry (especially amongst climate change), how Trees for the Triangle is actively helping communities, as well as where he thinks urban forestry will be in the next 10-20 years. Listen to here about everything they are doing for the Triangle as well as to find out Dave's favorite tree species! ★ Support this podcast ★

 Breyton Hill interviews Adriana Brassart, Head of Public Diplomacy and Press at the Delegation of the European Union [European Union] to the United States. Adriana explains what her job is and how she first got into the realm of politics.With Adriana’s previous experience working as an International Policy Officer for the Middle East and now the Head of Public Diplomacy and Press for the United States, the pair discusses how to combat misinformation with media literacy and a critical eye.Adriana goes on to explain why even college students should care about what is going with the European Union and offers some advice on how to get into journalism, public policy, or politics in general.Breyton ends the interview with the next Breyton Interrogation: a series of questions to get to know you rather than what you do. ★ Support this podcast ★

Breyton Hill interviews Dr. Laura Bottomley, an engineering professor at NC State, about her career journey, motivation, and common misconceptions about engineering. Dr. Bottomley talks about her original dream to be an astronaut right up until the moment she got in the classroom. “I loved it. Teaching was the ultimate puzzle… to figure out how to explain things to people so that they would understand and would get excited about stuff. I was sunk.”Breyton asks Dr. Bottomley about her career mentors over the years and how one of those mentors prompted Dr. Bottomley to found Women in Engineering at NC State. Dr. Bottomley didn’t see a lot of change happening with regard to getting women into and excited about engineering so she became that change with her K-12 outreach program, the Engineering Place. The pair discusses how engineering is making a difference in the world and that “engineers are not just people who do math and science alone in their room with the door shut and never talk to people. That image is

In this episode Sophs sits down with Destinee Wormack and CJ Jones, students of NC State who will be showcasing their research project at the Symposium on Afrofuturism and Diasporic Scholarship on feb. 19th! They discuss their project and how it focuses on pregnant women of color in prison systems, how these topics are often overshadowed and how they are helping bring it to the forefront. We also discuss different projects and events during or following the symposium open to the public, students or grad students, as well as Nc State's African American Cultural Center and all the great opportunities that come with checking it out! I heavily recommend checking out both the symposium as well as the cultural center after listening to this episode!! ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode Sophs speaks to Laura Martin, the chief outreach officer, for Step Up Ministries, an organization that helps individuals and families find housing, work, and overall stability! Step Up offers programs and classes to help prepare people for interviews and other professional meetings that can help provide for them and their family, and provide other help and stability even afterwards. Listen for more information on how Step Up is helping serve the community by stabilizing it!! ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode Sophia sits down with representatives Kaya Littleturtle and Madison Phillips, as we discuss the North Carolina Museum of History's 25th annual celebration of African American History. We discuss what they are most excited about this years exhibit, the excellent performers attending, as well as how important it is for us to remember our history and our roots in order to break the cyclical nature of history! ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of Oak City Move Sophs sits down with Avery Hobgood, a volunteer at Read and Feed, a non-profit that helps kids learn literature while also getting food to help them and their families. Listen as Avery explains the many different parts and surprises of Read and Feed, raising awareness about food insecurity and how it can connect to children learning, as well as what listeners can do to join in and help out!  ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of Oak City Move, Sophs talks to Meg Carpenter, a director of the Note in the Pocket foundation. Note in the Pocket strives to provide families and children in need with clothes that make them feel like their best selves. They strive to protect the dignity and identity of these families by making sure every article of clothing is in great conditions and even try and match certain colors or superheroes to the children that love them. They work with a lot of other nonprofit groups in the area to make sure that needs are met and even practice excellent sustainability by recycling clothes that dont live up to standards. Listen for more information and to hear this amazing conversation about how to help those in need. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode Sophs talks with Alicia Carlucci, founded and head of Friends of the Wake Counter Animal Center, a nonprofit that helps fund the Wake County Animal Center and find animals forever homes. They go over the different programs that the FWCAC provides to the center and how it helps to educate the community and fundraise so senior and ill animals have a chance at finding their forever home! Listen to learn how you can help find animals forever homes in wake county!! ★ Support this podcast ★

Check out the newest episode of Oak City Move where Sophs chats with one of the student leaders of CYC at NC State. Listen to here how Consult Your Community helps small businesses around Raleigh as well as prepare students for careers! There is also a BONUS CLIPPP of EV interviewing the Assistant Commissioner for Western North Carolina Kaleb Rathbone as he tells us about the importance of agriculture in a developing Raleigh and North Carolina and NC State's fair in this support of agriculture, education and accessibility. ★ Support this podcast ★

 In this episode of Oak City Move, I sit down with Shari Díaz and Matt White, the co-producers of the Oak City Comedy Festival, North Carolina’s only multi-day stand-up festival. We dive into the behind-the-scenes challenges of creating and sustaining a comedy festival, from booking talent to building community. Shari and Matt share stories about the growing bonds between acts over the years, and how curating a diverse lineup has become the heart of the festival’s mission. Tune in for a look at how comedy, resilience, and representation come together on the Oak City stage.  ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of Oak City Move, Sophs sits down with Kai Riedl, the director of the Slingshot Festival of Electronic Music and Art, to discuss the festival’s origins, its growth into an international phenomenon, and the ever-evolving relationship between music and electronic art. From its humble beginnings, Slingshot has expanded its reach, attracting artists from all over the world and becoming a key player in the global electronic music scene. We dive into how the festival has evolved over the years, exploring its unique blend of art and sound, and the vision behind curating an experience that challenges and inspires attendees.The conversation also touches on how Slingshot is fostering international collaboration, with more artists coming from outside the U.S. to showcase their work and push the boundaries of both music and visual art. The episode highlights the ongoing dialogue between these creative realms, exploring how they influence each other to shape the future of immersive experiences.Tune in for

 In this episode of Oak City Move, we sit down with the director of the Sick Chick Flicks Film Festival to explore how the festival is carving out space for women in film,particularly within the worlds of horror, sci-fi, and fantasy. We dive into the importance of representation, the challenges of working in these genres, and how Sick Chick Flicks is building a platform where women’s voices and visions can thrive on screen.  ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of Oak City Move, Sophs meets with the founder and director of Triangle Vegfest, Helene Greenberg, as they talk veganism, sustainability, and supporting small businesses. Helene explains the mission of Vegfest and also gives us some insight on what the festival itself is like and how they strive on education and plants seeds in the minds of all visitors to practice more environmentally friendly practices. Join us to learn about Vegfest, how to get involved, and how to make some easy and delicious vegan dishes! ★ Support this podcast ★

This week on Oak City Move, we’re talking with Kori Hennessey, Executive Director of the LGBT Center of Raleigh. We’ll dive into how the Center is standing strong in today’s political climate, the programs and resources it offers for the LGBTQ+ community, and how it creates a space where everyone belongs. Plus we’ll share how you can get involved and help keep this vital hub thriving right here in Raleigh. ★ Support this podcast ★

 In this episode, I sit down with Donovan from the renowned Paperhand Puppet Project to explore the power of puppetry as a force for change. We dive into the heart of their visually stunning performances and the deeper message behind the artistry, a call to care for our planet, uplift our communities, and reconnect with what truly matters. Donovan shares how the project uses creativity and collaboration to spark conversations about sustainability, environmental awareness, and social responsibility. We also discuss how their work continues to inspire other forms of art, creating ripple effects that bring important topics to light in powerful, unexpected ways. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of Oak City Move, I sit down with Maggie Kane, the passionate founder of A Place at the Table — Raleigh’s first pay-what-you-can café. Maggie shares the inspiring journey of how she created a space where everyone, regardless of income, can enjoy a warm meal in a welcoming environment.We dive into the power of radical hospitality, the importance of dignity and accessibility in addressing food insecurity, and the everyday impact of community-driven solutions. Maggie’s story is one of bold compassion, big vision, and a deep belief that everyone deserves a seat at the table.Whether you’re interested in social entrepreneurship, food justice, or just love hearing from changemakers in your community, this episode will leave you feeling full — in more ways than one. ★ Support this podcast ★

 In this episode of Oak City Move, we sit down with Stacey Donoghue, cofounder of StrongHER Together — a mentorship and leadership organization dedicated to empowering girls across the Triangle. Stacey shares the story behind the program’s creation, how it fosters community and confidence, and why building spaces rooted in sisterhood is more important than ever. Tune in to learn how StrongHER Together is helping the next generation grow into strong, compassionate leaders. ★ Support this podcast ★