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PODCAST · arts

Jay In The City

by Jason A. Coombs, WPKN

Bridgeport native, writer, SAG AFTRA actor, filmmaker, and host Jason A. Coombs spotlights the most dynamic creatives and community builders in Fairfield County, across Connecticut and the tri state area! Each episode brings listeners into real conversations with artists, organizers, and innovators who are shaping culture, uplifting local stories, and transforming their communities. Jay in the City is your inside look at the people who make our region vibrant, creative, and unforgettable!

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Episodes

  1. December 2023 | Diane Tate

    For the December 2023 episode of Jay in the City, we sit down with Diane Tate, a poet and author based in Bridgeport. Originally from South Carolina and now deeply rooted in the local arts community, Diane has a studio at the Nest Arts Factory and continues to build meaningful work through poetry...

  2. November 2023 | Ala Al Sadi

    For the November 2023 episode of Jay in the City, the format shifts to reflect the urgency of the moment. In response to what the United Nations has described as an increasingly dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, this episode uses the platform to raise awareness and center compassion, calling...

  3. October 2023 | Lisa Lampanelli

    For the October 2023 episode of Jay in the City, we welcome back comedy legend and icon Lisa Lampanelli for an inspiring and thoughtful conversation about her next chapter. Lisa returns to the show to share her exciting new venture into teaching, workshops, and giving back to the creative…

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  4. September 2023 | Joseph Dickerson, Brian Russell, Ross Popick & Laneshe Miller-White

    For the September 20, 2023 episode of Jay in the City, we turn the spotlight on the Bridgeport Film Fest with a conversation rooted in community, creativity, and storytelling. The episode features Joseph Dickerson of Sustainable CT, a local nonprofit that has supported the Bridgeport Film Fest…

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  5. August 2023 | Tiki Malone

    For the August 2023 episode of Jay in the City, we sit down with Fairfield County based drag performer and entertainer Tiki Malone, who frequently performs throughout the area, including at Trevi Lounge, and appeared at Bridgeport Pride this past summer. In this heartfelt and joyful conversation,...

  6. July 2023 | Marvin Pittman, Luis Lopez & Sarah Beirne

    For the July 2023 episode of Jay in the City, we keep the Pride celebration going with three special guests from the Greater Bridgeport Pride Committee. Returning to the show are Luis Lopez and Sarah Beirne, joined by Marvin Pittman, making his first appearance on the podcast. Together, they…

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  7. June 2023 | Ms. Cherry Jackson

    For the June 2023 episode of Jay in the City, we celebrate Pride Month with a powerful and joyful conversation featuring local burlesque performer and entertainer Miss Cherry Jackson. She shares what it has been like stepping into a new creative community, why burlesque is such a vital and...

  8. May 2023 | Victor Luigi Avellino

    For the May 2023 episode of Jay in the City, we sit down with local musician and singer songwriter Victor Luigi Avellino for an engaging conversation about music, creativity, and artistic growth. Victor shares his journey as a songwriter, the stories behind his sound, and what continues to…

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  9. April 2023 | Nina Lesiga

    For the April 2023 episode of Jay in the City, we sit down with local artist, storyteller, ukulele player, and adventurer Nina Lesiga. In this upbeat and heartfelt conversation, Nina shares her creative journey, her love of music and storytelling, and how curiosity and adventure continue to shape...

  10. March 2023 | Sharon Smalls

    For the March 2023 episode of Jay in the City, we celebrate Women’s History Month with an inspiring conversation featuring local visual artist Sharon Smalls. The episode spotlights Sharon’s creative journey, her artistic process, and the stories behind her powerful work, while also reflecting on...

  11. February 2023 | Larry Bamundo & Jean Benoit

    For this special episode of Jay in the City, we celebrate Black History Month by honoring the incomparable Nina Simone, whose artistry, activism, and influence continue to resonate across generations. The episode also features engaging conversations with musician Larry Bamundo discussing the...

  12. January 2023 | Jay's Seasonal Joys

    In this solo episode of Jay in the City, Jason takes listeners along for a personal and joyful reset at the start of the new year. Recorded in January 2023, the episode is a reflective deep dive into the music, television, and films that were bringing comfort, inspiration, and excitement during...

  13. December 2022 | Luis Lopez

    In this episode of Jay in the City, Jason sits down with local Bridgeport artist and photographer Luis Lopez, who creates out of his studio at the Nest Arts Factory! Luis shares his story of being born in Uruguay, his journey to Bridgeport, and how he built a life and career as a proud Bridgeport...

  14. November 2022 | Takina Pollock Shafer

    In this episode of Jay in the City, Jason sits down with Takina Pollock Shafer, the founder and director of Skateport, to talk about how this incredible organization came to life! Takina shares why Skateport is so vital to the community, what inspired her to build it, and her powerful vision for...

  15. October 2022 | Lisa Lampanelli

    In this episode of Jay in the City, Jason welcomes comedy icon and legend Lisa Lampanelli live in the WPKN studio! Lisa dives into her incredible career, her decision to retire from the world of roasting, and the new creative chapter she is stepping into with her upcoming cabaret show Big Fat...

  16. September 2022 | Emma Speer & Sarah Beirne

    In this episode of Jay in the City, Jason welcomes writer, filmmaker, and fellow WPKN radio host Emma Speer for a vibrant conversation! Emma is a multidisciplinary creator based in Brooklyn and born and bred in Bridgeport, and she shares how the city shaped her early creative spark. She talks…

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  17. August 2022 | Stephanie Saujon

    In this episode of Jay in the City, Jason sits down with local photographer and female business owner Stephanie Saujon, who recently moved to Connecticut and now calls Stratford home! Stephanie shares her artistic and creative journey, from photography, burlesque performing and writing to…

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  18. July 2022 | David A. Correa, Augustina Aranda & Suzanne Kachmar

    In this Pride episode of Jay in the City, Jason sits down with Bridgeport native David A. Correa, who now serves as the director of entertainment for New York City Pride! David shares his journey, his Bridgeport roots, and what it means to help shape one of the largest Pride celebrations in the...

  19. June 2022 | Kerey Viswanathan

    In this episode of Jay in the City, Jason welcomes actor, filmmaker, and writer Kerey Vishwanathan for a warm and lively in studio conversation! Kerey, a Connecticut native originally from Middletown, talks about his filmmaking journey, his love for storytelling, and how his roots shaped his...

  20. May 2022 | Edward Figueroa

    In this episode, Jason sits down live in the studio with Bridgeport native Edward Figueroa, an actor, filmmaker, and musician, for an in person conversation that is both personal and powerful. They talk about growing up in Bridgeport, navigating creative paths, and what it means to work with...

  21. April 2022 | Juan Ayala

    In this episode of Jay in the City, Jason sits down with Bridgeport native Juan Ayala, an actor, journalist, and podcast host whose creative journey has taken him from local roots to national platforms. Even though Jason and Juan both went to Park City Magnet in Bridgeport and later Housatonic...

  22. March 2022 | Mick Theebs

    In this episode of Jay in the City, Jason sits down with author and former poet laureate of Milford, the incredible Mick Theebes, for a rich and creative conversation that digs into the heart of artistic expression. They talk about Mick’s journey as a writer, what it truly means to serve as a…

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  23. February 2022 | Nicole Grant-Paul & Dr. Shannon-Fairley Pittman

    Jay in the City celebrates Black History Month with an inspiring and lively conversation featuring local artisan and creative force Nicole Grant-Paul! Jason and Nicole dive into her artistic journey, her community impact, and the ways she lifts up Black stories and culture through her work. It is…

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  24. January 2022 | Featuring Edwin Escobar & Author T. Ashley

    Episode one of Jay in the City on WPKN brings listeners into two inspiring conversations that spotlight the power of local creativity. In segment one, Jason talks with filmmaker Edwin Escobar about his journey, his storytelling process, and the work he is bringing to the community. In segment…

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Bridgeport native, writer, SAG AFTRA actor, filmmaker, and host Jason A. Coombs spotlights the most dynamic creatives and community builders in Fairfield County, across Connecticut and the tri state area! Each episode brings listeners into real conversations with artists, organizers, and innovators who are shaping culture, uplifting local stories, and transforming their communities. Jay in the City is your inside look at the people who make our region vibrant, creative, and unforgettable!

HOSTED BY

Jason A. Coombs, WPKN

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Jay In The City have?

Jay In The City currently has 24 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Jay In The City about?

Bridgeport native, writer, SAG AFTRA actor, filmmaker, and host Jason A. Coombs spotlights the most dynamic creatives and community builders in Fairfield County, across Connecticut and the tri state area! Each episode brings listeners into real conversations with artists, organizers, and innovators...

How often does Jay In The City release new episodes?

Jay In The City has 24 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Jay In The City?

You can listen to Jay In The City on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Jay In The City?

Jay In The City is created and hosted by Jason A. Coombs, WPKN.
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