No Pix After Dark Podcast

Join me for the last episode of the 2023 interview series where I sat down with Chris Simon, Founder and CEO of BTST and Co-Owner of Blk Swan. We discuss his journey as an entrepreneur, his love for golf, and the importance of going to grad school for his development as a leader. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation. In 2008 Chris Simon started BTST Mentoring Services. His enthusiasm for service was palpable. It was not long before he was awarded his first contract with a level 5 school, Florence Bertell, now known as New Visions Academy. BTST continued to grow beyond Baltimore City and began providing services to several counties throughout the state of Maryland. Now called BTST Services, the company has expanded to include 5 facilities in several different counties in Maryland including Baltimore City, PG County, Frederick County, Washington County, and Cecil County providing services such as outpatient mental health clinics, psychiatric rehabilitation programs, and substance abuse. In recent ye

Chef Carlos Raba was born and raised in the Mexican state of Sinaloa by his mother and her four sisters. He learned to make tortillas by hand in his uncle’s restaurant and picked up classic Mexican recipes like cochinita pibil and lengua from his aunts and grandmother. Raba’s mother was a journalist who was critical of Mexican politicians, so fearing for their lives, she sought asylum and moved the family to the suburbs of Washington, D.C. when Raba was 17. After he graduated from high school, Raba attended business school for a year and then began working in grocery stores. He started at the Whole Foods in Kentlands, Maryland, trying his hand at different roles—butcher, fishmonger, cheesemonger, and eventually store manager. He. then moved to Giant Foods and worked at various locations for five years. Tiring of the corporate life, his business partner Lane Harlan convinced him to use his creativity and family recipes to open Clavel in Baltimore in 2015. In a Converted American grill, Raba serves the same shr

Aaron interviewed artist Emma Childs one of the upcoming artists on the scene. Emma discusses her childhood and how she always loved art.  She talked about how in college she overheard a conversation among her professors saying she  will be a great artistans has that it factor. She sells her art all across the world and if you work at the new Amazon Headquarters in Virginia her work will be on the walls.    Emma Childs is an American-born painter. The Baltimore native uses eloquent shapes and thoughtful pops of color to create objects that physically interact with their environment Through her minimalist approach, Childs transforms experiences and emotions into simplified forms, color, and geometric edges. The results are eye-catching compositions, which tell complicated and interconnected narratives in an accessible way. Childs’s paintings are layered depictions of existence in the worlds we build around ourselves.

aron interviewed Matthew Lengel Chair of the Pratt Contemporaries and Chris Lewis Individual and Corporate Giving Manager of the Enoch Pratt library. The Pratt Contemporaries are a diverse group of cosmopolitans who seek to raise awareness of the Enoch Pratt Free Library as a vital part of Baltimore’s identity. Matthew, Chris and I talked about one of their premier events that the Pratt Contemporaries have ever year and it’s called the Black & White Party. The Black & White Party is January 27th at the Central Library . The Pratt Contemporaries announced this year's theme is New Orleans, Mon Amour. The money raised all goes to Children and Teen programming at the Pratt Library. This helps with literacy with Baltimore youth. Listen in on how you can join the Pratt Contemporaries and why joining has so many amazing benefits. Some key dates for the Black & White Party. December 3rd for certain membership levels tickets are available now. On January 8th, all Pratt Contemporaries members can purchase

Joining the 'NoPixAfterDark' podcast is a mastermind in the digital marketing arena, a 15-year military veteran and former strategic intelligence officer with deep-seated expertise in cyber and tech. Katheryne Womack is the Principal Consultant for WSI, one of the oldest and largest digital marketing companies in the world. There is more to the world of digital marketing than social media and advertising. Through data-driven and comprehensive strategies, she creates a level playing field for local businesses, ensuring they are discovered by the people who need them. As a consultant, she guides business owners and marketing execs alike through the complex web of digital marketing. Renowned for her strategic mindset, Katheryne excels at pinpointing growth opportunities and leveraging data to sculpt marketing strategies that deliver measurable results. Beyond her professional prowess, she also brings a few fun facts: she speaks Korean fluently and has successfully negotiated and orchestrated a 5 jet flyover for

Aaron interviewed Lauren from Harry Homeowner Instagram Page. Lauren and her mom were Real Estate agents and they wanted help teach new homeowners how to take care of their homes after the purchase on IG. The IG page shifted into DIY projects building bars and other things around the house. The audience grew and Lauren started sharing personal style and everyday items that people might need and more for the home. Thank you Lauren for being a guest. Bio Hi! I’m Lauren aka Harryhomeowner. I’m a Baltimore native, busy mom of 3, and lover of DIY projects and home design. After having my first child I left my 12 year career in teaching to be a stay at home mom. I quickly learned that I needed creative fulfillment outside of motherhood and slowly began teaching myself DIY projects to update our home. I realized that if I could transform a space, anyone could, and I began sharing my projects with others. My instagram page, @harryhomeowner is devoted to giving you the confidence and inspiration to create a function

Aaron interviewed Kelly Schuit Owner, Managing Partner and Associate Broker The W Home Group of Next Step Realty in this episode. We spoke about how she got into the real estate game. She talked about how she learned marketing, advertising & sales strategies while working for a media company. She transferred those skills into the Real Estate game. You can see her companies signage in gyms, highways and all over social media. The W Group is one of the top producers in the state of Maryland. Kelly drops and lot of jewels and gems in this interview. Kelly prides herself on not only being an active agent in the Maryland real estate market, but also on being able to share her insights, experience, and advice with agents looking to grow their own real estate careers With years of experience in Maryland's dynamic real estate industry, Kelly has built a reputation for putting her client's needs first, which she believes is at the heart of her success. As a native Marylander, she knows the ins and outs of the many

Aaron interviewed Sonja Thorsvik, CEO and Host of Gigging for Gold. Sonja Thorsvik, is an entrepreneur and podcast host with a dynamic blend of expertise as a marketer, writer, and seasoned traveler. We discussed her journey as entrepenuer and working all across the world. Gigging For Gold podcast is crafted with a singular vision: to provide actionable insights, real-world wisdom, and practical strategies At Gigging For Gold, our mission transcends the typical business advisory platform. We are dedicated to being the catalyst that propels self-employed entrepreneurs not just to meet but to exceed their aspirations, specifically in achieving that coveted first six-figure year. Our approach is holistic, understanding that success in the freelance world is not just about hard skills, but also about the nuanced interplay of finance, innovative tools, and, crucially, the right mindset Ultimately, Gigging For Gold isn't just a podcast; it's a community and a movement. We are committed to empowering self-employed

Aaron Dante interviewed Angela Schaffer - Executive Director, The Fund for Education Abroad. We discussed how she went abroad during High School and college (she was the first person from her family to travel overseas). Going on those trips shaped who she is now and as the Executive Director, The Fund for Education Abroad she helps raise funds for college kids to see the world. Angela (Angie) Schaffer is an international educator, grants professional, and entrepreneur. Angie grew up in Baltimore City and was a first-generation college graduate. At Goucher College, where Angie earned a B.A. in International Relations, she served as Director of Sponsored Research and Corporate & Foundation Relations and Assistant Director of International Studies. Between her positions with Goucher, Angie served as Senior Director of Program Development at Cultural Vistas. Angie also served as ARO and Program Officer with TPG Cultural Exchange, a J-1 Teacher Visitor sponsor. She started her career in education abroad at the

Aaron interviewed Kari Dern the CEO of Become Spellbound. We talked about her journey from corporate America to entrepreneur selling jewelry! She worked in the beverage industry and was one of top reps  but decided she needed a change. Kari was making jewelry as a hobby living in Manhattan and she decided to start to sell some of her  jewelry on instagram. From there the demand went up and and she has not looked back!  She now resides in Baltimore   Kari has been featured in magazines from Los Angeles to Baltimore. You don’t want to miss this episode! Sponsors of the Show United Way of  Central Maryland https://uwcm.org/ Zekes Coffee https://zekescoffee.com/ For All Seasons Inc. https://forallseasonsinc.org/ WSI Marylandhttps://www.wsiworld.com/katheryne-womack?utm_campaign=gmb Baltimore Peninsula https://baltimorepeninsula.com/  

Aaron interviewed Aaron C. Jones CEO of Bushelers of Baltimore a custom alteration shop. In this interview we learn about Aaron’s journey from an athlete to Savannah College of Art And Design. He talked about how he has worked with people all across the US. You learn about his business and how he takes care of his customers like family. You don’t want to miss this episode! Busheler (Bushelman) A person who alters or repairs garments. (not to be confused with a 'tailor'; who specializes in the making, mending, and altering of clothes, especially suits) https://www.bushelersofbmore.com

Aaron and Jaz sat down for a spirited conversation about her journey in the art world!Her murals are all around Baltimore. She talked about Brush-Mural festival that will be happening this week! We also discussed doing Murals at the Enoch Pratt Library and how her work was highlighted in Artscape 2023! You don’t want to miss this episode! BRUSH Mural Fest is Baltimore's hyper-local mural festival created for artists, by artists. BRUSH is proud to present five of Baltimore’s most talented female and non-binary teams made up of nine Pro muralists and four Rising Stars (emerging artists mentored by the Pros) joining together to paint, educate, and inspire through five murals installed across the city. BRUSH Mural Fest culminates in a day of outdoor festivities at Lexington Market Plaza on Saturday, October 21st from 11 am to 5pm. AfroLatina artist, Jaz Erenberg painted her first mural in 2017 and immediately knew that if she could find a way to engage the community around her, the mural could be that much more i

Aaron interviewed Sonjie DeCaires the CEO of Sonjè Productions. Her production company has produced for AFRAM, Congressional Black Congress, CIAA to Star Island South Beach Miami. She has a successful business that has been around for 17 years! We discuss how she wanted to be a entertainment lawyer but had a passion for production and event planning. This is an episode you don’t want to miss!  Sonjie DeCaires, CEO of Sonjé Productions. I started my career in Television and Radio before making the transition to entrepreneurship. My first client was the Simmons Lathan Group, which was launching a new channel called "Hip Hop on Demand" , on this new technology called "on demand" with Comcast, and they needed content for their channel. Because I worked in radio, we had access to artists' interviews, so we were able to form a partnership. After working as the on air talent and morning show producer for the #1 morning show in Baltimore, I ventured out on my own and never looked back. My company, Sonjé Productions,

Thank you Maryland's Sports Commission for having the NoPixAfterDark podcast live on location at the Maryland Cycling Classic this year. We had an amazing time interviewing stakeholders, cycling enthusiasts, Olympians, fans and families.  www.nopixafterdark.com   Thank you digitalempathstudios team for all the work you did that day recording interviews. Thank you Terry Hasseltine, STS, CTA & Graham Whaples

This year’s MACo Summer Conference featured a live recording of the No Pix After Dark Podcast with host Aaron Dante and US Senator Chris Van Hollen. The interview had an update on federal policy and politics, insight on how counties can make the most of unprecedented federal investments, term limits for senate and Baltimore Redline! We also learned about blue catfish.

Aaron’s first guest for Season 5 of NoPixAfter Dark is MaryAnne Gilmartin. MaryAnne Gilmartin is the Founder and CEO of MAG Partners, the urban real estate company behind the transformation of Baltimore Peninsula into a thriving neighborhood. We discuss the secrets that make Baltimore so special and the keys of building a close-knit community. We also discuss why she loves Baltimore and what is in store for the Baltimore Peninsula. She does a deep dive into why she wanted to work in Baltimore and how important it is to involve the community with this new project. We conclude the interview by talking about the upcoming community events that will take place at the Baltimore Peninsula. Learn more about MaryAnnne in this dynamic first episode of season 5.  Sponsors Zekes coffee  www.zekes coffee.com United Way Central Maryland https://uwcm.org Four All Seasons https://forallseasonsinc.org WSI Digital Marketing https://www.wsiworld.com/katheryne-womack

In this episode, Chris talks with Nick Schauman of The Local Oyster and True Chesapeake as they perform bivalve ASMR, discuss the importance of conservation and the recycling of oyster shells in the Chesapeake Bay, and reminisce about old family recipes that appear on the menu today. Special thanks to Aaron Dante (@nopixafterdark) for the opportunity and platform!

I interviewed Chef Kareem aka Mr. Bake Sweets Queeman. We discussed how he get involved into culinary world and who inspired him! How did a guy from NYC make his way to the DMV? He was 2023 James Beard semifinalist. He has been on Food Network, Netflix Discovery and has a ghost kitchen outside of Washington DC. Kareem Queeman, aka Mr. Bake, is a Black, LGBTQ+ baker based in DC promoting representation in food media while selling his delicious cakes and famous treats across the DC area. A 2023 James Beard semifinalist, Kareem has competed and judged on shows like Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay, Netflix’s Sugar Rush, and Bake It Like Buddy on Discovery. In his role as Mr. Bake, Kareem is focused on advocacy through his “Sweet for the Community” initiative, in which he spearheads mentorship events, speaking opportunities, fundraising, and a Queer dinner series that focuses on community building to help others feel included in the culinary world.

In this podcast, Chris talks with Sarah Simington of Blue Moon Cafe and we discuss the creation of her iconic Cap’n Crunch French Toast, how she caught her staff member making out with a local food truck owner during a black out, and the difficulties in running a restaurant out of a 950 square foot space. Special thanks to Aaron Dante (@nopixafterdark) for the opportunity and platform!

In his very first podcast, Chris Franzoni, founder and “Eater-in-Chief” of @EatMoreBeMore, talks with Steve Chu, co-owner of Ekiben. They discuss the importance of family, becoming a James Beard semi-finalist, and how Baltimore’s food scene rivals (and surpasses) that of DC.   Special thanks to Aaron Dante for the opportunity and platform to launch this mini-series!   Sflowproductions