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The Culture Podcast

The Culture Podcast

by Michael Romain

Non-Profit News Commentary

Season 1

Kicking Back w/Lil Rel Howery & Knowledge Beckom

Join Mike and Lil Rel Howery (an accomplished comedian, actor, writer, and producer) along with the entertainment entrepreneur/founder of What's Funny Comedy Festival, Knowledge Beckom, for a raw conversation on their experiences as black comics and business partners. Whats Funny Comedy was founded in 2008 by Chicago entrepreneur Knowledge Beckom. Beckom’s journey into the world of comedy began when a mutual friend introduced him to fellow Chicagoan Lil Rel Howery. The two quickly formed a professional relationship, with Beckom becoming Howery’s manager. After a few successful years working together, Beckom decided to produce his own comedy shows, aiming to provide urban talent with a platform to develop their skills and offer Chicago and its suburbs an upscale comedy experience. Over the next five years, the What’s Funny Comedy brand booked, produced, and promoted over 600 shows at its comedy club in Tinley Park, as well as other Chicago locations like Jokes and Notes, Rumba, and various college campuses. In 2013, the company decided to close its doors. Despite this, What’s Funny Comedy continued to produce occasional shows over the next eleven years. Now, in 2026, the company is making a triumphant return with the What’s Funny Comedy Festival, set to take place in Chicago September 19 - 26. GET TICKETS SEPT 19-26th 2026 Follow Guests on IG @comedianlilrel , @whatsfunnycomedy

The Journey & Trials of Passion w/Chris Thomas (Your Passion 1st)

Join Zoe (no Mike this week!) and fantastic former U.S Marine, mentor, and founder of Your Passion 1st, Chris Thomas. His non-profit that aims to empower youth to explore their talents through entrepreneurship, workshops, events, and even international excursions. Chris explores his transformation from a troubled, directionless college youth into a dedicated, focused leader alongside a robust team of community experts to help bring his vision to life. Support YP1 :https://www.yourpassion1st.com/ Read The Culture's Latest;https://ourculture.us/

Campaigning for Youth and Peaceful Unity w/ Kobey Lofton

You've heard about "Teen Takeovers", but do you know what they're really about? We've talked about economic development on the underfunded and underemployed West Side, but how does the work go beyond the individual and into shared wealth? Join Mike, Zoe, and North Lawndale native Kobey Lofton in a riveting conversation about his solution and growth driven approach to improving Chicago's city council as he runs for 37th Ward's alderman in his first time candidacy. For over 10 years Kobey has dedicated himself as a youth advocate and community leader across American schools teaching Reverend King Jr.'s 6 principles of non-violence and alternative responses to crisis. He explains how we can better utilize our resources such as our many vacant lots for safe, localized events created by youth so they are invited into the problem-solving rather than assessed by well-meaning, but perhaps patronizing, direction from authority.

Why Soul City Corridor Deserves A Gateway w/ Community Corey

In this episode, join Mike, Zoe and Corey Dooley Johnson as they discuss his call-to-action for city electives to quicken the timeline developing the much anticipated Soul City Corridor, which centers communities along Chicago Avenue as a primary business and art district. Coming from Dallas, Texas, many are familiar and have had the pleasure of seeing Community Corey work his magic on the West Side for over 10 years. Graduating as a political science major from Concordia University, Corey has accrued deep relationships with key organizations and partners in many divested areas such as Austin and Garfield Park. Corey shares his story as a black man who redirected his life dream to play professional football after facing a traumatic experience with gun violence. From running for 29th Ward Alderman to mentoring youth in literacy to promoting his products as a partner with Navy Pier, Corey uses his voice to invest, shape, and inform a better Chicago. Support Community Corey Here:https://communitycorey.com/

Danny K. Davis Parade, Save-A-Lot Closing, & Broadview 6 Developments

Join Mike and Zoe as they discuss opportunities for a boat load of news and updates including: Our 47th Annual Danny K Davis Parade and final year with Davis as Congressman (Save the Date for Saturday, Aug 15th at 10 AM; Kicking off from corner of Bloomington and Central Ave.) Temporary sales tax reduction for back-to-school shopping Aug 7-16th The return of free performances with Chicago House Music Festival and Conference Aug 27-30th Daley Plaza The swift shut-down of West and Southside grocery stores, and the Mayor's response with free senior Lyft rides Austin Senior Crestwood Apartment Residents facing debilitating housing issues Unpopular Opinion - The failed Broadview 6 prosecutions like the MCarthy Trials shows why those in power are simply unloved tyrants operating on personal terms instead of political. Shout Outs to our 24 recipients of the 209 Scholarship, Soul City Corridor and Austin's first upcoming karaoke venue owned by business woman Shirley Fields, minister social just group Leader's Network hosting its July youth-led community safety event, Grand Victoria Foundation now named AMARA ( A Movement Advancing Repair and Abundance) continues its million-dollar work towards investment in black/racial justice focused organizations.

The Shared Principles of Life and Art w/ Shanel Romain, Frederick Giles, Dante Coker

Tune in to this week's transformative episode with returning guest-artist Shanel Romain and Hood Heroes' youth partcipants Frederick Giles and Dontae Coker as they reflect on the successful completion of their 6-week instructive program which took place inside Aspire Center's media room.

The Practical Powers of Music w/ Howard Sandifer

Join Mike, Zoe, and the generous Howard Sandifer, co-founder of Chicago West Music Community Center with his wife, Darlene. Coming from a background in music education, the duo took action in response to the lack of high-quality instruction, play, and artistic structure in institutions on the West side. Their journey as a non-profit begun in 1999, and for almost 30 years they have formed coalitions of young musicians, instrumentalists, and singers who otherwise may have lacked a basic foundation in their art forms due to our city's well segregated neighborhood income and wealth gaps.

The Era of Post-Illiteracy And Climate Change

Mike and Zoe explore the stark contrast between past and present literacy rates, revealing shocking statistics that show a dramatic decline in reading habits among young Americans. They unpack the findings from the Atlantic article, which highlights how digital devices have infiltrated classrooms, shaping a generation that prefers quick videos over reading.

Protecting Our Backyard & Voting Rights w/ Remel Terry (President of NAACP Westside Branch )

Join Mike, Zoe, and esteemed guest Remel Terry as they break down a visit to the newly debuted Obama Presidential Center, the mythology of a united America, and the racially muted yet politically charged upheaval exemplified by the Supreme Court decision on Louisiana vs. Calais. As it turns out, Remel presents her experience on a similar case that occurred in Illinois circa 2021 when NAACP filed a lawsuit against the State Board of Elections to defend disenfranchised black voters East in St.Louis from gerrymandering which the political party system is still victim to as more standards of livelihoods, education, and civil rights are threatened. This conversation is to encourage unity, collectivism, and personal action where it can be taken such as contacting representatives, supporting local community organizations, attending public meetings about representation and policy, and create relationships with your neighbors to strengthen your support network.

Getting Educational on the CPS Funding Crisis w/ Isaac Lewis

Join Mike, Zoe, and special guest Isaac Lewis (The Austin Voice) as they discuss various themes regarding the upcoming historical school board elections, the challenges faced by local media, and the issues affecting school budgets brought on by financial hardships our neighborhoods face. More developments continue on the West Side as employee-owned suburban newspaper The Daily Herald is purchased by Tribune Publishing; local non-profit Austin Coming Together saves $125,000 vacant Frank Lloyd Wright Home which they intend to restore as a public space for events and community members..

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