Germantown Voices w/ The Germantown Info Hub & G’town Radio
The Germantown Voices podcast is an extension of the grant-funded Germantown Voices Project. The year-long project set the goals of producing first-person narrative about Germantown neighbors in Philadelphia and how the pandemic has affected their lives.
The project produced 57 first person narratives. I worked with a small team of producers, and produced more than half of the narratives. Through a project extension, I produced corresponding podcast. Below you will find the limited series, documenting the lives of everyday people during a not so ordinary time.
*This project was funding by Independent Public Media Foundation and the Knight-Lenfest Fund. I produced the following episodes under lead producers Jeanette Woods and Katie Davis.
Episode 1: True Grit
The pandemic revealed America’s most blatant secrets; food insecurity, police brutality, inadequate housing to name a few. People struggled to grapple the effects of the covid-19 pandemic and everyday struggles. And to top things off, the murder of George Floyd began everything. Eventually that sand other stressors led to people taking a stand. Activism began to sweep the nation, especially in Philadelphia.
So this episode will highlight four Germantown neighbors and their unique pathways into being an activist.
Episode 2: Where the Heart Is
None of us expected to be at home so much last year. DIY projects began to boom, people took u gardening when grocery store shelves looked slim, etc. Basically, social distancing, masks and canceled activities kept people in the four walls they call home. And for something magical happened.
This episode is about where you live and the various perspectives of finding and sustaining a safe space to call home.
Episode 3: Who Knew
We experienced major changes last year.
Masks, gloves, maintaining social distance were a few. But the pandemic began to really hit home when we lost loved ones. It hit harder when we desperately needed human interaction but could only suffice with Netflix or a phone call.
So this is episode is about experiences none of us saw coming. Germantown residents share heartbreaking, yet hopeful stories where change met them when they lease expected.
Episode 4 : The Other Essential
The pandemic escalated financial insecurity across the nation. People lost jobs. And some fields stopped hiring all together.
One field that took a beating last year was the arts. The arts and cultural industry was left vulnerable at the beginning of the pandemic. Art gallery’s and venues accepted that their reopening date was not the same as other businesses. In fact, some are still not open
In this episode, artists share the pandemic effects they endured, the moment they fell in love with their craft and how they used it to help others. Because art is more than a pretty picture or a beautiful song. It has power and can move even the stubbornest of people.
And that’s why it’s vital.
Episode Five: For the Love of Germantown
Here’s an episode for our Germantown lovers.
Between Mt. Airy, Nicetown and West Oak Lane..sits a neighborhood who is die hard about their community.
They are resilient enough to keep developers on their toes. Strong enough to speak out when needed, and behind their strength is the tight-knit, and loving community who is always lending a helping hand.
Listen in on Germantown residents as they share when they fell in love with the neighborhood, why it’s essential to protect it, and their ancestral lineage.
Sounds of the Rail Park w/ Friends of the Rail Park
*COMING SOON
Sounds of the Rail Park explores the sights, sounds and spaces of the Rail Park.
Ten years ago, a small group of community members looked at the rusty nails that ran through their neighborhood and saw potential for a beautiful, usable space. When completed, the Rail Park will connect more then ten Philadelphia neighborhoods with three miles of green space. A space for everyone.
I am producing a short podcast series, an audio guide to sights, sounds and spaces of the three-mile vision park system.
Nichole Renee Currie 