Local Threads

Starting this season, I wanted to lean into gratitude for someone who was a catalyst in helping me get started as well as behind the scenes several on site events around MA. Madison Niles, aka the Side Quest Queen, is a model, actress, all around creative and soon to be nurse in the Boston area. Madison is someone who has major aura and you can’t help but shine in her presence. Thank you again Madison! Where to Find Our Guest-------------------------------------------------Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madsnls/Mentions----------------------------------------------------------Art Plug Boston https://www.instagram.com/artplug.bos/Don Noir Models https://www.instagram.com/d.n.models/ Support the Pod--------------------------------------------------------  Rate, Review, Subscribe!Local Threads Podcast on all audio platforms https://local-threads.transistor.fm/Local Threads is produced, edited, and hosted by Molly [email protected] for inquiriesMusic by: Moby Gratis

This week, Thomas Drury-Wang, Founder and President of the Audeville Society, talks about how his nonprofit is centering performing arts in New England. The Audeville Society provides grants to those looking to build their portfolio and provides an accessible way to enrich the community through encouraging performers to follow their dreams. Each year the Audeville Society raises funds for these grants through the Revelry Ball, which is held on February 28th, 2026, at the Royale in Boston, MA. Ticket prices as well as additional donations are used to fund the grant programs, truly making it a by New England for New England affair. This year, Revelry will provide a three-act variety featuring local performers from acrobatics to trombonists, allowing patrons to start the year with a bang. --------------------------------------------Where to Find Our Guest-------------------------------------------------To find out more about tickets, how to volunteer at the ball or with Audville, and when grant applications open check the websites below. Website: https://www.audevillesociety.com/Tickets: https://www.audevillesociety.com/eventsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/audevillesocietyRevelry Ball Instagram: Revelry Ball Website: https://www.therevelryball.com/Performers! https://www.therevelryball.com/entertainment---------------------------------------------------Mentions--------------------------------------------------------------Lady LaRouge & Joey March producers of Worcester Draglesque https://www.instagram.com/worcesterdraglesquefestivalDelta Miles producer of DIVA! https://www.instagram.com/thedeltamiles/Boston Circus Guild https://www.bostoncircusguild.com/Circus 617 https://www.circus617.com/---------------------------------------------------Support the Pod---------------------------------------------------- Follow Local Threads Podcast on all platforms https://local-threads.transistor.fm/ Leave a review if you like what you hear! Local Threads is hosted & produced by: Molly AmatangeloMusic by: Moby Gratis

This week Olivia Harvey breaks down how her very niche upcycled sweatshirt designs almost got her sued by you know who, how she pivoted, and the unexpected commission she received in the wake of it all. We talk about her journey into fashion, her time at Emerson, and her one and only market she ever does Wicked Women Makers Market coming up on November 29th tickets available via the event page below.Follow Olivia's brand Oh_Pleeze on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_pleeze/?hl=enThe infamous substack article: https://substack.com/@ohpleeze/note/p-173153781?utm_source=notes-share-action&utm_medium=webWicked Women Makers Market Tickets: https://www.facebook.com/wickedwomenmakersmarket/Learn to Sew: https://www.northriverarts.org/event-6395349?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnBD3SOeP6yPUrAdwDLcZGS5G08gBivStluEsJeTEXOMSK6lTAo5LYamPU5S0_aem_dvH8RHI-rE2DKxtNioAxHw Boston.com article https://www.boston.com/news/arts/2025/07/15/lobsters-cigarettes-and-dunkin-south-shore-artist-aims-to-capture-the-mass-vibeLinktr.ee https://linktr.ee/ohpleezeTikTok: https://tr.ee/NklTvEPvUZMentions:Southern New England Fibershed: https://fibershed.org/affiliate/se-new-england-fibershed/Follow Local Threads Podcast on all platforms https://local-threads.transistor.fm/

Episode 13: Mill Forge Makerspace: Revival of the maker movement with owner William BrooksIn the heart of the maker movement, Mill Forge stands out as a hub for creativity, collaboration, and community engagement. Opened just two months ago, this innovative space is not only hosting classes and events but also actively participating in initiatives that promote sustainability and the right to repair. Join us as we explore the exciting projects and opportunities that Mill Forge is bringing to the community.Be sure to check out Mill Forge Makerspace here and check for upcoming events like open hack night on December 10th, membership costs or day passes, and workspace rentals.Take that dream project and turn it into a reality with your bare hands. Or with gloves, you know what I mean.Follow Mill Forge on socialshttps://www.instagram.com/millforge

Episode 12In this episode of Local Threads, Molly sits down with gothic jeweler and artist Julian the 2nd, whose darkly beautiful work blends brutalist architecture, mourning, and the occult into wearable art. Julian shares his journey from art school to running his own thriving brand rooted in the historic jewelry capital of Providence, Rhode Island.We talk about:Falling down stairs and starting chaotic morningsGrowing up with an opera singer dad and seamstress momHow brutalist architecture and grief shaped Julian’s gothic styleHis time working at Tiffany & Co. and what it taught himCreating jewelry that heals, honors loss, and pushes artistic boundariesThe energy of Salem’s maker markets and teaching at The Bench RIFollow Julian and all the creatives below on where to find his jewelry as well as the markets hosted by Witch City Wicks coming up in December. Follow Julian the 2nd: Instagram → @julianthe2nd TikTok → @julianthe2ndjewelry Website →https://julianthe2nd.com/YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@julianthe2ndjewelryMentions:The Bench RI → https://thebenchri.com/Nocturne Salem → https://nocturnesalem.comThe Adventurer's Supply → https://www.theadventurerssupply.com/Witch City Wicks → https://www.witchcitywicks.com/Follow Local Threads: Instagram → @local.threads.podcastYouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@Local-Threads-PodcastTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@local.threads.podcast Do the show a solid and leave us a review, follow if you aren't already, and most importantly let us know if you found your new favorite artist!Show inquiries: [email protected]

Episode 11: Diversity Consignment X Project Reworked Runway with Luis CepedaGuest: Luis Cepeda, Assistant Manager at Diversity Consignment Host: Molly — Local Threads Podcast Location: Jamaica Plain, Boston MA🧵 SummaryIn this episode, Molly sits down with Luis Cepeda, the Assistant Manager at Diversity Consignment, one of Boston’s most beloved shopping spots for the secondhand and vintage markets. We talk about Project Rework Runway, the brand’s mission to challenge social norms and inspire creativity, and how a small team built a community hub rooted in sustainability, imagination, and style. There's a reason Diversity Consignment is one of Boston Globe’s “Best of the Best 2025”🎧 Chapters00:00 Welcome & Intro — Project Rework Runway 02:00 Upcycling Challenge: Designers Creating from Thrift 04:30 Community Events & Local Artist Support 07:00 The Meaning Behind “Diversity” 09:00 Open Streets JP & Growing the Runway 11:00 Behind-the-Scenes Chaos & Creative Calm 14:00 Theme Spotlight — “Revised War Torn” 16:00 Luis’s Journey from Barista to Assistant Manager18:00 Finding Personal Style & Rejecting Fast Fashion 21:00 Volunteers, Collaboration & Community Spirit 25:00 Consignment 101 & Artist Contracts 29:00 Redefining Sustainability in Boston Fashion 33:00 Five Years Strong — Boston as a Style Capital 35:00 Going Viral — Diversity’s Social Media Magic 38:00 Art, Selling & Staying Authentic 42:00 Final Message — Built for the Community“We literally built this store not for us, but for you." — Luis Cepeda, Diversity Consignment🔗 Connect 📍 Follow Diversity on Instagram 💌 [email protected] 🌐 Check out their website!🌐 Linktr.ee YouTube: 2024 Project Reworked Runway

🧵 Episode DescriptionWhat happens when you stop creating to sell and start making for the joy of it? In this episode, I sit down with my friend and creative soulmate Erin Odell Bradley AKA Platinum Rebellion. Erin is an artist, designer, photographer, vintage icon, and the person who helped inspire this podcast in the first place.We talk about growing up weird, going to FIT in the ‘80s, early fashion gigs, moving cross-country, and raising a family where everyone dresses like walking artistic expression. We also get into the magic of the Queer AF fashion show, the joy of 3D-printed clothes, sewing machine rage, and why aging out loud is the move. This one’s about failing forward, making cool sh*t, and dressing for the body you have now — not the one you're waiting for.Platinum Rebellion Designer | Photographer | Stylist | 3D Print Fashion Artist 📲 @platinumrebellion on Instagram, TikTok, & YouTube📣 Support the Show→ Follow Platinum Rebellion for handmade fashion & creative process → Subscribe to Local Threads @local-threads-podcast on YouTube & where ever you get your podcasts → Leave a review if this episode made you feel something (it helps more than you know)

🎭 Lauren Carter Riley (Glamour Possum) on Acting, Writing, TikTok, and Indie FilmmakingDescription: This week on Local Threads, Molly sits down with Lauren Carter Reilly, better known as Glamour Possum — actress, writer, content creator, and indie filmmaker.Lauren shares her journey from being a classically trained actress trying to break into New York, to rediscovering herself during the pandemic, moving to Salem, and creating a life on her own terms. We dive into:What it’s really like breaking into the acting worldHow COVID changed her career pathUsing TikTok to build community and grow an audienceWriting and self-publishing The Wonderful Lady B and In This Fair ChaseMaking an indie film in a 10th-century castle with an all-queer crewPageants, fandom drama, and why BookTok is both a blessing and a curseHonest advice for young writers and creativesWhether you’re a writer, actor, filmmaker, or just love a good creative origin story, this episode is packed with inspiration (and a few hilarious behind-the-scenes stories).Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome & Intro 02:00 – Moving to Salem & Life During COVID 06:50 – Discovering Writing & TikTok’s Role 10:50 – Reality of Social Media & Virality 15:20 – Filming “In the Better World” in Spain 21:30 – Creativity & Future of Film 25:20 – Returning to Acting & Chaos of Set Life 33:00 – Writing Books & Building an Audience 38:00 – Industry Challenges & Predatory Casting 45:30 – Collaboration & Small-Team Filmmaking 47:00 – Representation & Inclusive Casting 50:00 – BookTok, Fandom & Internet Culture 55:30 – Advice for Writers & Young Creatives 01:02:00 – Singing, Pageants & Personal Secrets 01:10:00 – Reflections on Aging & Creative Legacy🔗 Links & Resources: ✨ GlamourPossum.com 📚 In This Fair Chase & The Wonderful Lady B – Available now 🎬 The Better World trailer – out now HERE 🎬 The Better World Film - Premiering December 6 check their for updates @thebetterworldfilm 📸 Follow Lauren on TikTok: @GlamourPossum & Instagram: @glamourpossum

Guest: Joshua Croke (they/them) — artist, designer, facilitator & founder of Love Your LabelsJoshua Croke is a queer urbanist and community-centered designer whose work sits at the intersection of equity, creative placemaking, and city life. They are the founder and president of Love Your Labels. "Love Your Labels builds project-based art, fashion, and design programs for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and creates affirming, loving space for young people to be themselves and find community. Love Your Labels offers a program called Threads. Threads is a fashion design and identity development program that empowers high school-age LGBTQ+ youth to explore and express their identities through fashion design. Our education team works with these young people to provide the language, tools, and support they need to build resilience and pride on their journey of self-discovery." Loveyourlabels.org Through the Threads program Joshua and team have developed a highly anticipated annual fundraiser QueerAF, also known as the Queer Met Gala. QueerAF is a fashion show that promotes designers from the Threads program as well as established designers. This years headline designer is none other than Utica Queen, who is a current contestant on Project Runway, and formerly RuPaul's Drag Race. QueerAF will also include another household name, Raja Gemini. Raja is a drag superstar, makeup artist, and podcaster. Fun fact, Raja and I share the same birthday! Hey twin! QueerAF will also feature drag performances from local drag artists and will be a night you wont forget. QueerAF is September 5th 7pm at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, MA and tickets are still available here: https://www.loveyourlabels.org/queer-afQuick links & resources (mentioned)Joshua Croke  - www.joshuacroke.com Queer for Cities - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2343505/followLove Your Labels -  https://www.loveyourlabels.org/ Threads: Youth Fashion & Identity Program - https://www.loveyourlabels.org/threads-youth-fashion-programIf you would like to donate to Love Your Labels: https://www.loveyourlabels.org/sewimpactfulIf you would like to get involved reach out to [email protected]: Molly — Local ThreadsGuest: Joshua Croke (they/them) — creator of Queer for Cities; Founder/President, Love Your Labels. Recorded & Produced By: Molly AmatangeloMusic: Moby Gratis 

Local Threads started as a sustainable fashion podcast in Boston but it’s grown into something much bigger: a creative community across New England that celebrates the arts, third-space curators, and the threads that connect us all.In this solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain to share the full story:Why I started Local ThreadsMy move to Boston and the search for communityHow mental health shaped my work and my new normalWhy this podcast keeps me accountable and groundedThe values that guide everything I do — sustainability, inclusivity, creativity, and collaborationIf you’ve ever felt like an outsider searching for your people, or if you’ve thought about building your own community from scratch, this episode is for you.Links & ResourcesFollow Local Threads on Instagram: @local.threads.podcastLearn more about Local Threads: https://local-threads.transistor.fm/Share your thoughts or suggest a guest: [email protected] / KeywordsLocal Threads, creative community, New England podcast, Boston podcast, sustainable fashion, third spaces, mental health journey, building community, podcast origin story, personal storytelling

In this episode of Local Threads, Molly sits down with printmaker, filmmaker, and all-around creative force Jeff Palmer of Pixel Palmer. From his early days in New Hampshire working on America’s oldest family farm, to shooting music videos in California, and finally settling into New Bedford’s buzzing creative scene, Jeff shares a vibrant journey filled with pivots, paranormal stories, and powerful moments of creative clarity.We talk about:His transition from film to block printingThe mysterious story of a piano-playing cat and a favorite song at just the right momentMaking art in the face of political and social unrestSelling art in person vs. online, and what it's like to close a retail spaceWhy creativity means chasing mysteryEncouragement for fellow artists and makers This one is packed with heart, hustle, and a reminder that changing direction isn’t failure—it’s evolution.Mentions & Links:https://pixelpalmer.com/https://www.instagram.com/pixelpalmer Video: “Mulligan’s Island” https://youtu.be/JrNGs3L4Krc?si=Em0Rp1CtOrBlhuPXKillburn Mill 127 West Rodney French Boulevard, New Bedford, MA 02744Split Costs  https://youtu.be/m5htsdQYURE?si=tMdszXTegk_5VcVUOutside  https://youtu.be/1Ylj64LmuBA?si=UBYUZSfVWYQT97QLSupport the show: If you enjoyed this episode, consider sharing it or leaving a review. Follow @local.threads.podcast on Instagram & YouTube for more!

Philanthropy through Sustainable Fashion: An Interview with Amy Hebb of Second Serve ResaleIn this episode of Local Threads, host Molly sits down with Amy Hebb, founder of Second Serve Resale, a nonprofit based in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Amy shares the origins and mission of Second Serve, which promotes resale over new clothing purchases to support the environment and raise funds for various nonprofits. The conversation covers the growth of Second Serve since its incorporation in 2020, their model of directing 85% of profits to charities chosen by customers, and the importance of community engagement through activities like sewing circles. Amy also discusses the broader implications of consumption, climate change, and the dire need for civic involvement to drive meaningful change. The episode encapsulates the challenges and joys of running a mission-driven nonprofit and highlights the importance of sustainability and community collaboration.00:00 Introduction to Local Threads00:10 Meet Amy Hep: Founder of Second Serve Resale01:18 The Origin and Mission of Second Serve Resale02:15 How Second Serve Resale Operates04:05 Expanding Beyond Rhode Island08:38 Donation and Inventory Management12:16 The Sewing Circle Initiative14:12 Community and Social Impact19:40 The Role of Interns and Volunteers21:31 Challenges and Future Goals36:48 Mission and Impact of Second Serve38:06 Community Connections and Personal Stories40:01 Challenges and Opportunities in Resale42:52 Upcoming Events and Collaborations52:43 Sustainable Fashion and Industry Issues01:04:38 Call to Action and Community Involvement01:08:25 Conclusion and FarewellCheck out Second Serve Resale here: https://www.secondserveresale.org/For partnerships, volunteer information, and nonprofit inquiry email [email protected] Full videos on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@Local-Threads-PodcastMusic by Mobygratis

🎙️ Episode 4 — Amelia English: Swapping Style for Good with the SHARE Your Clothing AppIn this episode of Local Threads, host Molly sits down with Amelia English, founder of the SHARE Your Clothing app — a fresh take on fashion swapping that’s shaking up the secondhand scene. SHARE is a point-based clothing exchange app that makes it easier (and way more fun) to trade your closet with others.Amelia explains how the app works, why she built it, and how it’s solving the problem of clothing waste and resale burnout. We talk about the power of circular fashion, sustainability, and reinventing your life. 👗 Topics Covered:The origin story behind SHARE Your ClothingHow the point system works and why it’s different from resaleMaking sustainability easyBuilding a startup that centers joy, reuse, and access📱 Try SHARE Your Clothing: Website: www.shareyourclothing.comInstagram: @shareyourclothing Download the app on Apple & Google PlayUSE CODE: LETSGO! & Start sharing!🔗 Connect with Us: Follow Local Threads on Instagram @local.threads.podcast Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts & full episodes on YouTube. Leave a review if you love what you’re hearing 💛Music by MobyGratis

Samantha Gottlich, designer and upcycler behind the wonderful world of No Rhyme or Reason, joins us to discuss the intersection of chronic illness, creativity, and sustainability, from living with lupus to launching a fashion brand rooted in nostalgia and emotional expression.We talk about:Using art as a therapeutic outletThe symbolism of yellow and finding hopeFamily, pop culture, and creative influenceThe complexities of body image and fashionWhy upcycling and sustainability are central to her missionThis is an inspiring conversation on resilience, identity, and the healing potential of making art.Follow Samantha:IG – @NRORARTWebsite – https://www.nrorart.com/🎧 Subscribe to Local Threads for more stories from the people shaping our creative community.🎧 Music by MobyGratis

🎙️ Local Threads – Episode 2: Melissa Woods – Trued Apparel Host: Molly Amatangelo Guest: Melissa Woods – Designer, Founder of Trued Apparel🔥 Episode Summary In this episode of Local Threads, Molly sits down with Melissa Woods, the creative force behind Trued Apparel. This slow fashion brand seamlessly blends intentional design with real-world functionality. We discuss her path from the arts to garment design and UX, and why slowing down is essential to doing things right. We also explore how Trued is creating with people and the planet in mind. 🧵 Topics CoveredIntersectionality of UX & Slow FashionGoth movie classics Growing up & finding your style Garment production The pressure to scale vs. the value of staying true🌐 Mentioned in the EpisodeTrued Apparel Website → https://www.shoptrued.com Trued Instagram → @truedapparel🎧 Subscribe & Follow Local Threads wherever you get your podcasts — and stay up to date on Instagram Full video episodes on YouTube 🎧 Music by MobyGratis

🎙️ Local Threads – Episode 1: Kelly Dempsey - What if the real currency is you?Host: Molly AmatangeloGuest: Kelly Dempsey – Designer, Season 14 Project Runway Finalist, Founder of Barterloo🔥 Episode Summary In the premiere episode of Local Threads, Molly sits down with Kelly Dempsey — best known as “Kelly from the Deli,” Boston’s first native Project Runway contestant and self-taught designer. From humble beginnings in a small Western Massachusetts town to national television and now launching the visionary barter-based platform Barterloo, Kelly’s story is all grit, growth, and wild inspiration.We discuss fashion regrets, 90s style, sustainable creativity, upcycling before it was cool, and how dolphins may have sparked one of the boldest new ideas in alternative economies.🧵 Topics CoveredGrowing up thrifting and sewing as a form of empowermentThe real story behind getting on Project RunwayWhy traditional fashion production wasn’t the pathBuilding Barterloo: a peer-to-peer trading platform built on community valueWhat “you are the currency” actually meansUpcycled jewelry from CDs, auctions, and shifting to an intuitive businessCreating a sustainable, community-governed digital ecosystemTrading your skills, services, or goods — no cash needed👥 Join the Movement. Barterloo is launching soon with a community-led Kickstarter. Want early access and beta testing, and want to help shape Barterloo from the beginning? Sign up here to follow Kelly’s journey on all social platforms you frequent most below!🌐 Mentioned in the EpisodeBarterloo Sign-Up & Affiliate Link → https://barterloo.com/ Kelly’s Instagram → @_KellyDempsey_Barterloo Instagram → @BarterlooKelly’s Linktree → Kelly's LinktreeKelly’s Website & Weekly Auctions → https://www.salvagedaura.comOnline beginner sewing courses →  https://kellydempsey.com/Youtube → KellyFromTheDeli-DesignerFacebook → Kelly Dempsey DesignerTikTok @_KellyDempsey_🎧 Subscribe & Follow Local Threads wherever you get your podcasts — and connect with Instagram and YouTube 🎧 🎧 Music by MobyGratis

Welcome to Local Threads, a Boston-based podcast spotlighting artists, designers, and ethical small businesses, stitching together a creative, conscious future right in your own backyard. I'm Molly, your host and resident Boston transplant. Each episode I sit down with local creatives and small business owners who are rethinking what it means to build community and reimagining how we consume Think slow fashion designers, vintage dealers, innovators, musicians, all the good stuff coming out of New England's indie scene, starting right here in Boston. You're in the right place if you care about connection, creativity, and community. This is Local Threads made in Boston, heard everywhere, Available wherever you get your podcasts, and catch full episodes on YouTube! 🎧 Music by MobyGratis