The Sit Down hosted by Shawnee Dez

Arts

Welcome to "The Sit Down," a podcast presented by the Chicago Reader. I'm your host, Shawnee Dez, a Chicago-born musician and I'm excited to give you an exclusive behind-the-scenes P.O.V. from some of Chicago's most beloved creatives and community members.

On each episode of "The Sit Down," we'll be joined by a variety of guests, delving into discussions that span the spectrum of visual arts, music, food, film, and beyond. Chicago, to me, is a city pulsating with beauty, creativity, and unyielding tenacity, and our stories deserve to be told.

Chat soon, peace!

Trailer - The Sit Down hosted by Shawnee Dez

Brought to you by the Chicago Reader, Shawnee Dez musician and multimedia content producer is ready to give you a behind the scenes POV from some of your favorite Chicago creatives and community members. Join her bi-weekly on The Sit Down for discussions with extraordinary Chicagoans!

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Nico Segal

On this episode, our very first episode, we're sitting down in the home of the talented Nico Segal, fresh off his solo album release. We speak on the process of making the Tell The Ghost Welcome Home album, the spirit of creativity, and what it was like to witness and participate in the creative process of other artists.

Bonus Quote by yours truly: when in doubt, always ask yourself "who gone beat my ass?" and keep creating your life the way you see fit :).

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Justus Cornelius Pugh

On this episode of The Sit Down, I speak to Justus Cornelius Pugh about storytelling, what it means to adopt Afro-Transcendentalism as a life long practice, and the power of writing.

Bonus Quote: "Our imagination is our ancestors wildest dream inherited" - JCP

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nikko Washington - Abstract Realism

On this episode of The Sit Down, I speak to Nikko Washington about his latest exhibition, For The Old Gods and The New, his childhood growing up in Chicago, and the places and people that made him the artist he is today.

Bonus Quote: "At the end of the day I make work for myself. It's ok to be selfish in the sense that you're making it for your own exploration" - Nikko Washington

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trina Reynolds-Tyler and Sarah Conway - What happens when your loved one goes missing?

TW: On this episode of The Sit Down, I speak with Trina T and Sarah Conway about the two-year investigation they conducted to get a closer look into the ways that CPD handles missing persons cases and the disproportionate impact on Black women and girls in Chicago.

This episode comes on the leap day 02.29.24, a day I consider to be the intersection between Black History Month and Women's History Month and for that what better time to talk about an issue that is plaguing Black women at alarming rates.

For the contents of this episode, I'd like to offer a TRIGGER WARNING as some of what you may hear can be difficult. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, or may be missing please reach out to a trusted community member and professionals to seek the help you/they deserve.

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Bridget Botchway Bradley - If its ain't fun, it ain't for me!

On this episode of The Sit Down, I speak to Bridget Botchway about how she found her way to film, her childhood being a Ghanaian-American growing up in Chicago and PG County, and how her nuanced experience impacts her work.

Bonus Quote: "Believe you are what you want to be RIGHT NOW!" - Bridget Botchway Bradley

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

frsh waters - Church on the Move

On this episode of The Sit Down, I speak with frsh waters about poetry, the connections between his spirituality and his work as a music artist, his upbringing and more.

Bonus Quote: "Church on the move!"

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Paige Crawford - League of Their Own Chicago

On this episode of The Sit Down, I speak with Paige Crawford about LOTO, how running saved her life and how she's working to make recreational sports more accessible for Black and brown women.

Bonus quote: "shame on BET for not turning to a different movie"

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SPARKLMAMI - The Great Return

In this episode of The Sit Down hosted by Shawnee Dez, I speak with SPARKLMAMI fresh off the release of her new single “fajas” - it took 3 years to finish the upcoming album, taking time to process their childhood - and it’s well worth the wait.

Bonus Quote: "Good things take time."

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Akenya - The Empress

On this episode of The Sit Down hosted by Shawnee Dez, I speak with Akenya ahead of her debut solo Pitchfork performance about what guests can expect and what this moment means to her. As the exceptionally gifted multi-genre vocalist, pianist, composer and arranger, her music career has taken many unexpected turns, now landing her right where she belongs, on the main stage, front and center.

Bonus Quote: "Go hard when you need to. Try to work smarter instead of harder... and when it comes to yourself, and the pressure you put on yourself, be gentle."

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.