Philly Phone Book: a Podcast Artchive

Our Guest this week is Gabi Swain! (she/her)   Gabi is an improviser, comedian, and producer originally from Michigan, now based in Philadelphia!   Having hopped from place to place, Gabi eventually stumbled into local improv in Harrisburg, PA. What started as annoying neighbors soon became community, and set Gabi on a path towards comedy here in Philly. Starting multiple troupes in the scene such as Swear Jar, ChitChat, and Bird Hands, she has made it her goal to cultivate joy with laughter and collaborative storytelling. Now, Gabi gives right back to the community with her annual indie improv-comedy festival "Swear Jar Jamboree" which goes up July 9-12th, showcasing a plethora of Philly talents. In this episode we talk about the importance of the "relationship" in a scene, what it takes to put up a festival, and our shared love of Dungeons & Dragons. You can find/contact Gabi everywhere cited below!  Instagram - @gabandgoof TikTok - @gabandgoof Email - [email protected] Swear Jar Improv - weareswearjar.com ChitChat Improv - @chitchatimprov Make sure to check out Swear Jar Jamboree! Tickets are for sale HERE  You can also catch Gabi with ChitChat at the Del Close Marathon 2026 on June 14th! - Tickets to DCM   Make sure to follow Gabi's career/upcoming projects by joining our weekly Newsletter! Sign up TODAY! OR check out our Guest Contact Sheet, which is updated whenever our previous guests have new art to share! Check it Out!   Credits! - Host: Gideon Caro McDonald - Guest: Gabi Swain - Editor: Gideon Caro McDonald, Fern Morehouse - Cover Art/Graphic Design: Ella Carter - Theme Song: Valerie Barry

Our Guest this week is Hadley Precht! (she/her)   Hadley is an illustrator and designer from York County, PA, now based in the city of Philadelphia!   Inspired by cartoons and children's book illustrations, Hadley picked up a pencil at an early age and hasn't stopped since. She took a chance with University of The Arts, which she states as one of the best decisions she's ever made. Cultivating her style of bold shadows and hatching, she graduated from Moore College of Art & Design with a BFA in Illustration, and continues to work as a freelance artist. Working to "write the pictures" in her own voice, Hadley finds comfort and inspiration in the indie art community that she's now a part of. In this episode, we talk about the dangers of generative AI for visual artists, how individuality becomes your brand as a designer, and the joy of fan art!   You can find/contact Hadley everywhere cited below!  Instagram - @hadleyprecht_ilus Email - [email protected] Portfolio Website - hadleyprecht.com Make sure to check out her latest original project FractoMorphia, a fully written and illustrated ARG in the form of a zine! Read it online here, or reach out for physical copies! Like Hadley's art? You can also commission her for custom work using this form!   Make sure to follow Hadley's career/upcoming projects by joining our weekly Newsletter! Sign up TODAY! OR check out our Guest Contact Sheet, which is updated whenever our previous guests have new art to share! Check it Out!   Credits! - Host: Gideon Caro McDonald - Guest: Hadley Precht - Editor: Gideon Caro McDonald, Fern Morehouse - Cover Art/Graphic Design: Ella Carter - Theme Song: Valerie Barry

Our guest this week is Gabe Moses! (he/they)   Gabe is an actor and director from upper PA, Pennsylvania, now based in the city of Philadelphia!   Gabe is the product of a single mother, and first of his family to pursue the performing arts professionally after finding said passion at age 3, dancing along to Barney the Dinosaur. From there, Gabe has studied the art of acting and Shakespeare since early high school. Today, Gabe has made a name for themself among multiple regional theaters, the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, and has even returned to his high school as a director. Now he stars in Romeo and Juliet at the Arden Theatre Company as the titular leading lover, continuing to recognize life's full circle moments. In this episode, we talk about the importance of understudies, the brilliance of Eddie Murphy, and living through one's ancestors through your art.    You can find/contact Gabe everywhere cited below!  Instagram - @gabejmoses Email - [email protected] People's Light Company - peopleslight.org Make sure to follow Gabe's career/upcoming projects by joining our weekly Newsletter! Sign up TODAY! OR check out our Guest Contact Sheet, which is updated whenever our previous guests have new art to share! Check it Out! Credits Host - Gideon Caro McDonald Guest - Gabe Moses Editor - Fern Morehouse, Gideon Caro McDonald Cover Art/Graphic Design - Ella Carter Theme Song - Valerie Barry  

Our guest this week is Toby Thomas McDonald! (he/him)   Toby is a musician, filmmaker and writer from Philadelphia, as well as my younger brother! As a current student of the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA), Toby's been discovering his voice as a filmmaker, inspired by the likes of Pee-Wee Herman and Kevin Smith. He's also been playing music at an early age with local Philly rock group The Jette Planes, and most recently the punk band Witheld. In this episode we talk about the songwriting process, growing up surrounded by art in South Philly, and Toby's next steps as a Drexel Dragon film student! You can find/contact Toby everywhere cited below!  Portfolio Website - tobymcdonald Instagram - @toby_tmcd  Email - [email protected] YouTube - @McDonHale Go listen to Witheld's debut single "Misathrofied" on BandCamp as well as The Jette Planes 2nd studio album "Behind Three Walls" to check out Toby's recent music!   Make sure to follow Toby's career/upcoming projects by joining our weekly Newsletter! Sign up TODAY! OR check out our Guest Contact Sheet, which is updated whenever our previous guests have new art to share! Check it Out!   Credits Host - Gideon Caro McDonald Guest - Toby Thomas McDonald Editor - Fern Morehouse Cover Art/Graphic Design - Ella Carter Theme Song - Valerie Barry

Our guest this week is Tyler Rocio Ecoña! (they/she)   She is a playwright, dramaturg and actor originally from Woodbridge, Virginia, now based in Philly!   A graduate of The University of the Arts, Tyler works to steward relationships within the Philly theater by creating and uplifting projects focused on collaboration. Making the effort to highlight the Latine, trans, and disabled artists that don't often see themselves represented in theater, Tyler hopes to push boundaries not only socially, but magically. In this episode, we talk about admitting that some people know more than you, the effort it takes to find community, and her newest piece "The Machu Picchu Play."   You can find/contact Tyler everywhere cited below!  Instagram - @tyleriito New Play Exchange - Tyler Rocio Ecoña Make sure to follow Tyler's career/upcoming projects by joining our weekly Newsletter! Sign up TODAY! OR check out our Guest Contact Sheet, which is updated whenever our previous guests have new art to share! Check it Out!   Credits Host - Gideon Caro McDonald Guest - Tyler Rocio Ecoña Editor - Fern Morehouse Cover Art/Graphic Design - Ella Carter Theme Song - Valerie Barry

Our guest this week is Rekha Shankar (she/her)   She is a comedian, writer, actor and filmmaker originally from Philadelphia, now based in Los Angeles, California!   Knowing that she wanted to make people laugh, Rekha forged a path into comedy and film-making while attending NYU. This persistence led her to discover improv, move to LA, and get into all kinds of career defining rooms, including College Humor/Dropout, Animaniacs, Aunty Donna's House of Fun, and NBC's Grand Crew. Throughout her career, she has worked tirelessly to develop her unique voice and perspective, and ultimately hopes to achieve her goal of "being a professional idiot". In this episode, we talk about writing for live improv vs scripted comedy film, integrating your identity and culture into your art, and the Philadelphia community's warmth and hospitality towards those it claims as its own.  You can find/contact Rekha everywhere cited below!  Instagram - @rekha_s Newsletter - buttondown.com/RekhaShankar Patreon - rekha|shankar Website - rekhashankar.com Rekha has just begun shooting her new film, Vidhya's Guide to the Afterlife! This deeply personal, sci-fi buddy comedy following the only two left behind behind the Hindu rapture was written by Rekha and will be directed by fellow DesiQuest cast member Sandeep Parikh! In order to stay in the loop about the film's updates, make sure to follow Rekha everywhere cited above, as well as check out rekhamovie.com!    Make sure to follow Rekha's career/upcoming projects by joining our weekly Newsletter! Sign up TODAY! OR check out our Guest Contact Sheet, which is updated whenever our previous guests have new art to share! Check it Out!   Credits Host - Gideon Caro McDonald Guest - Rekha Shankar Editor - Fern Morehouse Cover Art/Graphic Design - Ella Carter Theme Song - Valerie Barry

Our guest this week is Michael Jahlil (he/they)   They are an actor, singer and writer originally from Chester, PA, now based in Philadelphia!   Following in the footsteps of acting giants and a Juilliard college commercial, Michael knew that he needed to pursue the arts in one way or another, and to do that he needed to go achieve a Masters degree. This spark led him on a rollercoaster-esque career, including American Idol, national tours, and multiple collegiate auditions. Until eventually, Michael took a break and started over, shaping his acting career through training at the Community College of Philadelphia, University of the Arts, Temple University, and cabaret clubs here in Philly. Now, with a seasoned career in this city, Michael still works to achieve his lifelong goal of providing arts education to low income communities and children in need of performance and expression. In this episode we talk about the highs and lows of the theater industry, finding confidence in your art, and the magic of Sister Act 2.   You can find/contact Michael everywhere cited below! Instagram - @michael.jahlil.deux Email - [email protected] Make sure to follow Michael's career/upcoming projects by Joining our weekly Newsletter! Sign up TODAY! OR Check out our Guest Contact Sheet, which is updated whenever our previous guests have new art to share! Check it Out!   Credits Host - Gideon Caro McDonald Guest - Michael Jahlil Editor - Fern Morehouse Cover Art/Graphic Designer - Ella Carter Theme Song - Valerie Barry

Our guest this week is August Hakvaag (they/them)   They are a butch theatre artist, primarily a playwright and actor, from Manhattan, NY and currently based in Philadelphia!   Having grown up in a small yet supportive suburban town in PA, August felt it obvious to pursue the arts and leave home. They soon graduated from Temple University with a BA in Theatre, and August has been an active member of our community ever since. They joined the PlayPenn Foundry program as an upcoming playwright, became an advocate for health safety in their work since the pandemic, was part of the original cast of the Twenty Sided Tavern, and continued their studies at Temple for a Graduate Certificate in Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies. Alongside all of this, August continues to work as an actor as well in both local theater work and TTRPG podcasts! In this episode we talk about knowing when to take a break, the magic of tabletop storytelling, and the two plays they have in this year's Fringe festival!   You can find/contact August everywhere cited below! Website - augusthakvaag.com Instagram - @a.hakvaag Email - [email protected] Make sure to follow August's career/upcoming projects by Joining our weekly Newsletter! Sign up TODAY! OR Check out our Guest Contact Sheet, which is updated whenever our previous guests have new art to share! Check it Out!   Credits Host - Gideon Caro McDonald Guest - August Hakvaag Editor - Fern Morehouse Cover Art/Graphic Designer - Ella Carter Theme Song - Valerie Barry

Our guest this week is John Faye! (he/him)   He is a career musician, originally from Newark, Delaware, that has been performing and teaching in the Philly music scene for the last 30 years.   Having some time as a signed musician in the late 90s with his band The Caulfields, John was given the chance to tour the country and beyond. A few years later, he broke away from the label and furthered his musical expression in Philly with groups such as John Faye Power Trip, IKE, John and Brittany, and eventually his own solo career. Now with 16 studio releases under his belt, John continues to push himself as a songwriter and performer, as well as uplifting the underground scene and smaller musicians. In this episode we talk about his time as an educator at both Bluebond Guitars & Music School and Drexel University, advice about today's music industry, and his bestselling memoir The Yin and The Yang of It All.   You can find/contact John everywhere cited below! Website - johnfaye.com Email - [email protected] Instagram - @johnkimfaye FaceBook - @jfaye Patreon - johnkimfaye Make sure to follow John's career/upcoming projects by Joining our weekly Newsletter! Sign up TODAY! OR Check out our Guest Contact Sheet, which is updated whenever our previous guests have new art to share! Check it Out!   Credits Host - Gideon Caro McDonald Guest - John Faye Editor - Fern Morehouse Cover Art/Graphic Designer - Ella Carter Theme Song - Valerie Barry

Our guest this week is McKayla / MK Prophett! (they/she)   They are a theater director, actor and teaching artist originally from Brunswick, Maine, now based in Philly!   Having started performing alongside their mother and brother at a young age, MK knew early on they wanted a life in theater. Though the path of a performer didn't shine quite as bright as a future in directing, leading them to pursue the Directing, Play-writing and Production BFA at University of the Arts. Driven by a desire to tell new, queer, and bold stories, MK now works as a director in Philly in hopes to be a siphon for creation and collaboration. In this episode we talk about the need for art influenced by the state of the world, the relationship between a director and their team, and the brilliance of Spongebob Squarepants. You can find/contact MK everywhere cited below! Instagram - @mk.prophett Email - [email protected] YouTube - @mckaylaprophett2338 Website - Coming Soon! Make sure to follow MK's career/upcoming projects by Joining our weekly Newsletter! Sign up TODAY! OR Check out our Guest Contact Sheet, which is updated whenever our previous guests have new art to share! Check it Out!   Credits Host - Gideon Caro McDonald Guest - MK Prophett Editor - Fern Morehouse Cover Art/Graphic Designer - Ella Carter Theme Song - Valerie Barry

Our guest this week is Nate Miles-McLean! (he/they)   He is an actor, dancer and avid stage combatant originally from Washington D.C., now based in Philly!   Growing up with a rigorous approach to the performing arts, Nate had an opportunity to slow down & play while studying acting at the University of the Arts. Now guided by those principles, Nate is committed to the work of an actor here in Philadelphia, focusing on expressing themself physically through bold movement pieces, works that are text and combat heavy, and the occasional musical! In this episode we talk about recognizing personal growth, the joy in the rehearsal, and seeing yourself in WALL-E. You can find/contact Nate everywhere cited below! Instagram - @milesmclean Email - [email protected] Make sure to follow Nate's career/upcoming projects by Joining our weekly Newsletter! Sign up TODAY! OR Check out our Guest Contact Sheet, which is updated whenever our previous guests have new art to share! Check it Out!   Credits Host - Gideon Caro McDonald Guest - Nate Miles-McLean Editor - Fern Morehouse Cover Art/Graphic Designer - Ella Carter Theme Song - Valerie Barry

Our guest this week is Zoe Hollander! (she/her)   She is an actor, educator and improviser originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, now based in Philly!   Being shaped at an early age by children's theater both on and off stage, Zoe was set on a path to pursue a career in acting and telling stories. After her time studying at UArts & Temple University, she now finds herself on the ground floor for brand new musicals and founding an improv comedy troupe! In this episode we talk about being educators shaped by our own educators, a love for text driven work, and the leap of faith she took moving to the East Coast.   You can find/contact Zoe everywhere cited below! Website - zoehollander.com Instagram - @zoe_hollander  YouTube - @ZoeHollander Make sure to follow Zoe's career/upcoming projects by Joining our weekly Newsletter! Sign up TODAY! OR Check out our Guest Contact Sheet, which is updated whenever our previous guests have new art to share! Check it Out!   Credits Host - Gideon Caro McDonald Guest - Zoe Hollander Editor - Fern Morehouse Cover Art/Graphic Designer - Ella Carter Theme Music - Valerie Barry

Our guest this week is Alx Leyton! (they/them)   They are a multimedia illustrator originally from Delaware, now based in Philadelphia!   Growing up steeped in all forms of art thanks to their beloved grandmother, Alx settled on illustration as their career, pursuing a degree at University of the Arts. Graduating from Moore College of Art & Design after the UArts closure, Alx continues to explore multimedia expression, specializing in 3D modeling, working to create things that are cute, colorful and spark joy in those around them! In this episode we talk about being inspired by music, the importance of unicorns, and Alx's plans for future merchandise!   You can find/contact Alx everywhere cited below! Email - [email protected] Website/Portfolio - alxleyton.com Instagram - @alxgl22 (Art) + @shyveg (Personal) Make sure to follow Alx's career/upcoming projects by Joining our weekly Newsletter! Sign up TODAY! OR Check out our Guest Contact Sheet, which is updated whenever our previous guests have new art to share! Check it Out!   Credits Host - Gideon Caro McDonald Guest - Alx Leyton Editor - Fern Morehouse Cover Art/Graphic Designer - Ella Carter Theme Music - Valerie Barry

Our guest this week is Kat Caro! (she/her)   She is a production designer & multimedia artist who's been part of the Philadelphia art community for over 20 years! She's also my mother! :)   Having a passion for visual arts and the works of Jim Henson from a young age, Kat got her start with early online doll communities, taking commission work. She later offered her skills to Philly Performing Arts Center for Kids (PACK), designing giant puppets for the stage. Kat soon became the production designer and educator for PACK, along with sister theater company Humble Materials. In this episode we talk about the constant need to try new mediums, the importance of design classes in children's theater, and capturing moments in time with dolls and miniatures. Kat recently released a film, titled Made of Paper. This gothic, somber fairy-tale was designed by Kat and written/directed by Monica Flory, using recycled materials to create striking puppets that tell this love story. It was funded through Kickstarter, and after release an official selection of the Philadelphia Independent Film Festival! It's available for FREE on Vimeo - Watch the Film!   Kat is also eager to start commission work again, particularly with custom puppets! If you're at all interested in working with her, you can find/contact Kat everywhere cited below! Email - [email protected] Instagram - @kittytoes Website - melancholykitties.com Doll/Art Instagram - @melancholykitties TikTok - @kittykattoes Make sure to follow Kat's career/upcoming projects by Joining our weekly Newsletter! Sign up TODAY! OR Check out our Guest Contact Sheet, which is updated whenever our previous guests have new art to share! Check it Out!   Credits Host - Gideon Caro McDonald Guest - Kat Caro Editor - Fern Morehouse Cover Art/Graphic Designer - Ella Carter Theme Music - Valerie Barry

Our guest this week is Julian Perez! (any)   He is an actor from Miami, Florida now based in Philadelphia. With a passion for telling stories at a young age, Julian pursued his dream of being an actor by attending The University of the Arts, and graduated with a BFA in Musical Theater in 2024. Philly soon became home base for his art, falling in love with it's unique theater scene. In this episode we talk about our approach to character work, Latin Pride, Dungeons & Dragons, and their favorite horror movies! Make sure to follow Julian's career/upcoming projects by Joining our weekly Newsletter! Sign up TODAY! OR Check out our Guest Contact Sheet, which is updated whenever our previous guests have new art to share! Check it Out!   You can find/contact Julian everywhere cited below! Email - [email protected] Instagram - @the.julian.perez Credits Host - Gideon Caro McDonald Guest - Julian Perez Editor - Fern Morehouse Cover Art/Graphic Designer - Ella Carter Theme Music - Valerie Barry

Our guest this week is Emmet Rigg (he/him)   He is a musician and songwriter born and raised in South Philadelphia! Having grown up listening to the music of the 60s and 70s, Emmet took that sound and paved a path for himself in the Philly music scene. In this episode we talk about our many years of friendship, his approach to songwriting, and the influence our teachers had on our art. The Jette Planes, Emmet and Gideon's band, are streaming everywhere, with a full length album called In The Movies, multiple singles, EPs and music videos! They recently announced their upcoming 2nd album called Behind Three Walls! Enjoy their discography HERE!   Join our newsletter to keep up with Emmet's upcoming projects! Fill out the Form!   You can find/contact Emmet everywhere cited below! Email - [email protected] Instagram - @emmetrigg The Jette Planes - Music + @thejetteplanes on Instagram Credits Host - Gideon Caro McDonald Guest - Emmet Rigg Editor - Fern Morehouse Cover Art/Graphic Designer - Ella Carter Theme Music - Valerie Barry

Our guest this week is BRYANT (they/them)   BRYANT (they/them/all) is an actor, musician, writer & choreographer born and raised in North Philly! Growing up surrounded by a talented family, celebrating music at church, and writing full albums since 7th grade, Bryant has worked tirelessly to make art their career. In this episode we discuss how UArts set them on the path of an actor, uplifting black excellence, and their upcoming projects! BRYANT is streaming everywhere, with a self titled album and most recently the first single of a cover album! Check out BRYANT (Self-Titled) & The Greatest Love of All (Live from University of the Arts) NOW!   Join our newsletter to keep up with BRYANT's upcoming shows/projects! Fill out the Form!   You can find/contact Bryant everywhere cited below! Email - [email protected] Website. - theeerealbryant.com Instagram - @theeerealbryant Music - BRYANT Credits Host - Gideon Caro McDonald Guest - BRYANT Editor - Fern Morehouse Cover Art/Graphic Designer - Ella Carter Theme Music - Valerie Barry

Our guest this week is Carl Bright-Walck (he/him)   He is an actor and musician from Annville, PA now based in Philadelphia. Having studied the violin for over 16 years, received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from (the former) University of the Arts, and just recently spent a season at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, Carl has plenty to say regarding his unique role in the community. In this episode we talk about his acting process, Surf's Up, and the common usefulness of being generally silly.   Carl also releases his "experimental" music under the name !TMC! everywhere music is streamed. His EP What's Happening Here? and album What's Happening Next? released in 2023, go check it out!   You can find/contact Carl everywhere cited below! Email - [email protected] Spotify - !TMC! Music Blog - Some Music Credits Host - Gideon Caro McDonald Guest - Carl Bright-Walck Editor - Fern Morehouse Cover Art/Graphic Designer - Ella Carter Theme Music - Valerie Barry

Our guest this week is Ella Carter! (she/her) She is an illustrator and game designer from Ambler, PA now based in Philadelphia. Ella began her journey at University of the Arts, and is now finishing her degree at Moore College of Art and Design. Her specialties lie in the Tabletop RPG community, having worked with a multitude of independent clients, allowing her to bring original and fantastical worlds to life. On this episode we discuss her love of storytelling, our joint nerdy business ventures, the need for queer representation, and her upcoming projects! Check out Ella's new game, Underfoot: An Itty Bitty Fey TTRPG! The Kickstarter is LIVE - Kickstarter Link! You can find/contact Ella everywhere cited below! Instagram - @ellac.arterart + @ellac.arter Website/Portfolio - ellacarter.art Itch.io - ellacarter Original D&D Magic Items - @ornamentsofomoria Credits Host - Gideon Caro McDonald Guest - Ella Carter Editor - Fern Morehouse Cover Art/Graphic Designer - Ella Carter Theme Music - Valerie Barry

Our guest this week is Valerie Barry! (she/her) She is an electronic musician, vocalist and producer from Delaware County, PA now based in Philadelphia. Having been set on being a performer since she was young, Valerie found her way into the underground music scene in Philly after spending time in the University of the Arts "MBET" (Music, Business, Entrepreneurship, & Technology) program. Under the title Peri Lazuli, she's now working on her debut album, and continues to share her sound with the community. Take a Listen to her music HERE! 🎧 You can find/contact Valerie everywhere cited below! Instagram - @perilazuliii Bandcamp - Peri Lazuli SoundCloud - Peri Lazuli Spotify - Peri Lazuli Credits Host - Gideon Caro McDonald Guest - Valerie Barry Editor - Fern Morehouse Cover Art/Graphic Designer - Ella Carter Theme Music - Valerie Barry

Our guest this week is Lee Tew (they/them), They are a cartoonist and illustrator originally from South Florida (but born in Jim Thorpe, PA!), currently based in Philadelphia  Having fanned the flames for their love of comics while studying Illustration at UArts (now Moore), Lee is more than ready to share their stories of Hi-jinks, Love, Robots and more with our community and audience. Pre-order their upcoming comic Peas 'n Carrot HERE!🫛🥕 You can find/contact Lee everywhere cited below! Website - https://weteel.myportfolio.com/ Instagram - @wet.eel + @lee2tew Redbubble - weteel Email - [email protected] ----more----Credits Host - Gideon Caro McDonald Guest - Lee Tew Editor - Fern Morehouse Cover Art/Graphic Designer - Ella Carter Theme Music - Valerie Barry

  Our guest this week is Isabel Lucio Penn! (they/he), They are an actor originally from Poughkeepsie, NY, but currently based in Philadelphia. Having just settled into the city after a season spent with the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, Penn is hungry for acting work in the city of the brotherly love, and is here to share his love of storytelling with our listeners. You can find/contact Penn everywhere cited below! YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@isabelluciopenn Instagram - @the_genuine_penn ----more---- Credits: Host - Gideon Caro McDonald Guest - Isabel Lucio Penn Editor - Fern Morehouse Cover Art/Graphic Designer - Ella Carter Theme Music - Valerie Barry

Our guest this week is Maria Kortz (she/her), She is an illustrator and printmaker originally from Nazareth, PA, but currently based in Philadelphia. Currently open for commissions and in the midst of creating a brand new online shop, Maria is eager to share her artwork and her story with our listeners. You can find/contact Maria everywhere cited below! Website - https://www.mariakortz.com/ Instagram - @marve.illus + @maria.kortz + @bagofmarbles.shop (COMING SOON) LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-kortz/ ----more---- Credits: Host - Gideon Caro McDonald Guest - Maria Kortz Editor - Fern Morehouse Cover Art/Graphic Designer - Ella Carter Theme Music - Valerie Barry

Hi, to those who don’t know me, my name is Gideon Caro McDonald. I am an artist and actor born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Welcome to the Philly Phone Book: a Podcast Artchive. Let me tell you a bit about it. The goal of this podcast is to give back to this city’s art community. I am incredibly lucky to have grown up surrounded and inspired by artists who shaped me into who I am today, so it’s only fair that I introduce those people to you. I’ll be interviewing as many artists as I can who are connected to Philly, covering all kinds of disciplines; actors, writers, musicians, visual artists, designers, filmmakers and more. I will give them a platform to share who they are, what they make, why they make it and who it’s for. I’ll be giving them a chance to promote upcoming projects, and to share their insight on why the arts community here is so special. 2025 has already brought a lot of change to Philly, whether it be the closure of universities once dedicated to gathering artists, theaters that will no longer hold performers, the uprising of AI taking jobs away from creatives, and hatred being disguised as political disagreements that are trying to silence marginalized voices. Queer voices, trans voices, POC voices just to name a few. So now more than ever, I felt it necessary to have meaningful, excited conversations with those voices, and share them for the city and beyond. This is my phone book, and it’s deserving of an art-chive.  Every Thursday, I’ll be launching a new episode with a guest and myself on all streaming platforms you listen to podcasts on. Leading up to that, starting the Sundays before, I’ll be announcing the guests, sharing their art and where to find them, and sneak peek of our conversation. Follow our Instagram, @phillyphonebook_pod to keep tabs on every artist I interview, and please support their work, I promise you’ll like it. For inquiries, feel free to DM me there, or email [email protected]. I can’t wait for you to listen.  ----more---- Host - Gideon Caro McDonald Editor - Fern Morehouse Cover Art - Ella Carter Theme Music - Valerie Barry