Exploring the Intersections of Food, Art, and Community: A Conversation with Radius

Ep #77: Exploring the Intersections of Food, Art, and Community: A Conversation with RadiusThis episode premiered first on Lumpen Radio on July 28, 2025Summary of the episodeIn this episode of noseyAF, we get into the transformative power of food, wellness, and culture with multidisciplinary creative Radius. Our conversation explores how food is not just sustenance, but a form of resistance, celebration, and healing—especially within Black and Brown communities. We talk about decolonizing our diets, embracing natural abundance, and how creativity, music, travel, and community all intersect in the journey to holistic wellness.If you've ever thought about food as more than just something you eat—if it’s a connection to your roots, your creativity, your people—this one's for you.What We Talk AboutHow food can be a decolonial tool and a form of cultural empowermentRadius’s personal journey from traditional habits to holistic lifestyle livingWhat it means to live abundantly—and honestlyTraveling as a cultural ambassador and what it’s taught himDaily rituals, creative practices, and hydration as rebellionThe role of music, photography, and storytelling in his missionAn inspiring shoutout to Dr. Aris Latham and the importance of natural foodsThings We MentionedRA’s Natural Abundance – Radius’s wellness brandDr. Aris Latham’s Instagram – the father of gourmet ethical raw food cuisineLumpen Radio – where this episode was recordedAll About... RadiusRadius (Ramón, a.k.a. Radius Etc / Ramón Etc / RA) is an interdisciplinary artist, DJ, music producer, and photographer born and raised in Chicago, with deep roots on the city’s South Side. Known primarily by his moniker Radius, a name rooted in his early years immersed in hip-hop and graffiti culture, he embodies a practice centered on community, creativity, and care.As a musician, Radius is the founder of ETC Records—a label and artist brand with an evolving list of meanings: Ear To Chicago, Educate The Children, Express Truth Consistently, Embrace The Circle, Empower The Community, and more. His work with ETC reflects his commitment to truth-telling, sonic exploration, and uplifting community narratives through sound. His forthcoming vinyl album, Alive & Thriving, will be released via Consumers Research and Development Label in collaboration with Someoddpilot Records in Fall 2025.Under the name Ramón Etc, he explores photographic storytelling, capturing moments of place, migration, and transformation. His recent zine Brooklyn Zoned reflects on his time living in Brooklyn during the early pandemic (2020–2021), with upcoming projects documenting life in Morocco, Mexico, and beyond.Beyond his creative practice, Radius is a passionate advocate for holistic health and food sovereignty. He actively promotes indigenous, earth-derived, plant-based living—especially sun-fired RA (raw) foods—helping others transition to cleaner lifestyles rooted in decolonization and wellness. This ethos extends into his community organizing as a co-founder of The Love Fridge Chicago, a mutual aid initiative that combats food insecurity through shared, accessible community fridges.Radius’ work—whether through beats, images, food, or movement—is a dedication to liberation and joy. Grounded in love, gratitude, and an unwavering belief that we are meant to thrive, not just survive, he works to build a world where collective care replaces systemic neglect, and abundance is recognized as the origin—not the exception.Connect with RadiusInstagram: @radiusetcPhotography: @ramonetcphotoRA’s Natural Abundance: @rasnaturalabundanceETC Records: @etcrecordsWebsite: ramonetcphoto.comLabel: etcrecords.comConnect with StephanieCheck out my workFollow me on InstagramJoin the Good Stuff Only NewsletterListen to more episodesSupport & FeedbackShare noseyAF with friendsRate & Review the ShowBuy Pins & Prints | Shop ArtEpisode CreditsProduced, Hosted, and Edited by Me, Stephanie (teaching myself audio editing!)Lyrics: Queen LexInstrumental: Freddie Bam Fam