If you know anything about the multi-hyphenate OZZIE JONES, you know that his brilliance and irreverence go hand-in-hand. Over the course of two hours, we talked about lots of realities for Black creatives and encounters with the notorious and famous. This excerpt is the first in a sort of mini-series with highlights from that conversation.In this segment, we reminisce about the beginnings of our friendship and artistic moves in Philadelphia, the price of being down with hip-hop in a community that shunned it, and lessons learned taking your talents on the road.Support the showThe Qualified Qool podcast is a Soul Sanctuary Media production. Associated video content for each episode (if available) is found on the SoulSanctuaryInc YouTube channel.Visit Soul-Sanctuary.net for details on our nonprofit arts education foundation and programming.Listen to Soul Sanctuary Radio 24/7/365 at tinyurl.com/SoulSancPHL and tinyurl.com/SoulSancPHL2Support the show: PayPal.me/SoulSancOpening and closing theme: Copyright 2021 APM Music (Sonoton Recorded Music Library - Hip Hop Shop, Album: DC or Nothing)

Nakia Dillard's acting resume is miles long, even if you don't immediately recognize his name or face. This Philly native has paid his dues and is reaping the rewards of hard work on independent films and hit network TV series. We chat about his longevity and work ethic, and what the wish is for outcomes from the SAG/AFTRA/WGA strike, as he instructs other acting hopefuls on how to get in the game.If you want to benefit from Nakia's expertise in an acting class, follow this link for more information: https://aikanacts.samcart.com/products/aikanacts-performing-artsSupport the showThe Qualified Qool podcast is a Soul Sanctuary Media production. Associated video content for each episode (if available) is found on the SoulSanctuaryInc YouTube channel.Visit Soul-Sanctuary.net for details on our nonprofit arts education foundation and programming.Listen to Soul Sanctuary Radio 24/7/365 at tinyurl.com/SoulSancPHL and tinyurl.com/SoulSancPHL2Support the show: PayPal.me/SoulSancOpening and closing theme: Copyright 2021 APM Music (Sonoton Recorded Music Library - Hip Hop Shop, Album: DC or Nothing)

After a long, unexpected hiatus, we're back with more content.Your VibeMistress Stephanie Renée caught up with poet, author, and screenwriter Kwame Alexander during the Philly stop on his book tour promoting his memoir, Why Fathers Cry At Night. Listen in as these long-standing friends reminisce about their time on the spoken word circuit, personal growth, the power of writing, and the blessing of community. Recorded live at Uncle Bobbie's Bookstore, June 2023.Support the showThe Qualified Qool podcast is a Soul Sanctuary Media production. Associated video content for each episode (if available) is found on the SoulSanctuaryInc YouTube channel.Visit Soul-Sanctuary.net for details on our nonprofit arts education foundation and programming.Listen to Soul Sanctuary Radio 24/7/365 at tinyurl.com/SoulSancPHL and tinyurl.com/SoulSancPHL2Support the show: PayPal.me/SoulSancOpening and closing theme: Copyright 2021 APM Music (Sonoton Recorded Music Library - Hip Hop Shop, Album: DC or Nothing)

As the creative community tries to navigate the uncertainty of cranking up to a pace that is near or equal to pre-pandemic, we present excerpts of two conversations with jazz chanteuse DIANNE REEVES. One from 2015, fresh off of her Grammy win for Best Jazz Vocal Performance. And here in 2022, as she prepares to visit Philadelphia again for the first time in several years, live on the Kimmel Center Campus stage.My, how the world has changed between these two interviews! And yet, Reeves' passion for her place in music history and her gratitude for the ability to continue contributing to the canon is a constant.** Ms. Reeves experienced some audio issues a few minutes into the recent interview. We apologize in advance for glitches in sound quality and have tried to smooth them out to improve the listening experience as best we can.The Qualified Qool podcast is a Soul Sanctuary Media production.Visit Soul-Sanctuary.net for details on our nonprofit arts education foundation and programming.Listen to Soul Sanctuary Radio 24/7/365 at tinyurl.com/SoulSancPHLSupport the show: PayPal.me/SoulSancOpening and closing theme:  Copyright 2021 APM Music (Sonoton Recorded Music Library - Hip Hop Shop, Album: DC or Nothing)Support the showThe Qualified Qool podcast is a Soul Sanctuary Media production. Associated video content for each episode (if available) is found on the SoulSanctuaryInc YouTube channel.Visit Soul-Sanctuary.net for details on our nonprofit arts education foundation and programming.Listen to Soul Sanctuary Radio 24/7/365 at tinyurl.com/SoulSancPHL and tinyurl.com/SoulSancPHL2Support the show: PayPal.me/SoulSancOpening and closing theme: Copyright 2021 APM Music (Sonoton Recorded Music Library - Hip Hop Shop, Album: DC or Nothing)

In our debut episode, we reach back into the archives to celebrate two accomplished Black women from the world of performing arts:  recent Academy Award Best Supporting Actress nominee Aunjanue Ellis and the late, legendary Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.Each sister has defied expectations and unleashed their torrential talents for the public to enjoy, but also have lived nuanced lives with concerns much larger than their paychecks or immediate circumstances. Here, we get a chance to be reintroduced to them in a more casual light, as they give us insights into subjects that matter to them and all of humanity.Interviews were previously recorded.The Qualified Qool podcast is a Soul Sanctuary Media production.Visit Soul-Sanctuary.net for details on our nonprofit arts education foundation and programming.Listen to Soul Sanctuary Radio 24/7/365 at tinyurl.com/SoulSancPHLSupport the show: PayPal.me/SoulSancOpening and closing theme:  Copyright 2021 APM Music (Sonoton Recorded Music Library - Hip Hop Shop, Album: DC or Nothing)Support the showThe Qualified Qool podcast is a Soul Sanctuary Media production. Associated video content for each episode (if available) is found on the SoulSanctuaryInc YouTube channel.Visit Soul-Sanctuary.net for details on our nonprofit arts education foundation and programming.Listen to Soul Sanctuary Radio 24/7/365 at tinyurl.com/SoulSancPHL and tinyurl.com/SoulSancPHL2Support the show: PayPal.me/SoulSancOpening and closing theme: Copyright 2021 APM Music (Sonoton Recorded Music Library - Hip Hop Shop, Album: DC or Nothing)

Soul Sanctuary Radio is proud to announce the launch of our latest streaming program, Qualified Qool, on the celebration of our 20th Anniversary on April 10, 2022.Visit www.Soul-Sanctuary.net for more details on our history and programming, and other ways you can support this non-profit arts education foundation.Support the showThe Qualified Qool podcast is a Soul Sanctuary Media production. Associated video content for each episode (if available) is found on the SoulSanctuaryInc YouTube channel.Visit Soul-Sanctuary.net for details on our nonprofit arts education foundation and programming.Listen to Soul Sanctuary Radio 24/7/365 at tinyurl.com/SoulSancPHL and tinyurl.com/SoulSancPHL2Support the show: PayPal.me/SoulSancOpening and closing theme: Copyright 2021 APM Music (Sonoton Recorded Music Library - Hip Hop Shop, Album: DC or Nothing)