PODCAST · society
Uptown Voices
by Uptown Voices in collaboration with Livin' Americana LLC and Uptown Collective LLC
Uptown Voices tells the stories of unsung heroes who are transforming New York City's Uptown neighborhoods from Washington Heights to Inwood to Harlem to the South Bronx. Each episode profiles an individual or organization making a positive difference. These social entrepreneurs, artists, and community leaders are navigating critical issues of affordability, public safety, and mental health. Through conversations rooted in journalistic integrity and genuine community ties, this podcast challenges negative narratives and celebrates the true spirit of the vibrant neighborhoods thriving north of Central Park.Each episode features extended interviews in which subjects tell their stories in their own words. The series examines the interconnected challenges facing Uptown communities—gentrification pressures, resource scarcity, systemic inequities—while simultaneously showcasing the creativity and collective power emerging in response. While uplifting the people shaping Uptown’s future, the
Episodes
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Public Art, The Brides March & Community Action
When art is accessible to everyone, it transforms our neighborhoods! On the latest Uptown Voices podcast, we chat with artist Pablo Caviedes and Andrew Genn about activating the public spaces along Broadway. Pablo shares the beautiful, overwhelming community response to his artwork installations...
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"I am a byproduct of everything that was systemically and systematically designed to fail."
On the latest Uptown Voices podcast, local creator Ron Kain shares an incredibly raw and emotional look at his upbringing. With his mother incarcerated when he was just eight years old and a father who worked himself to exhaustion, Ron saw firsthand how the system was designed to keep our...
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NYC Rent Stabilization & The Threat of "Self-Evictions" | Uptown Voices
Breaking down the complex web of NYC housing laws, the Uptown Voices podcast dives deep into rent stabilization, the impact of Albany legislation, and the terrifying rise of "self-evictions." In this episode, Octavio Blanco speaks with advocate Joanna Garcia about the predatory business models of...
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"We Are Here to Stay": Inside NYC's New Immigrant Cultural Center 🎭
After years of performing in schools, libraries, and restaurants, the People's Theatre Project finally has a permanent, state-of-the-art home on 206th Street! On this special on-location episode of the Uptown Voices podcast, Led Black and Octavio Blanco sit down with Mino Lora to discuss the...
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Owning Hispanic Heritage Month With the New York Latino Film Festival (NYLFF)
In this episode, Armani Ortiz, Calixto Chinchilla, Led Black, and Octavio Blanco explore the evolution of Latino culture in film and music, the challenges of independent filmmaking, and the power of storytelling to unite communities. They discuss the making of the innovative one-shot reggaeton...
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The Celia Cruz "Azúcar!" Moment and Building the International Salsa Museum
Welcome back to Uptown Voices! Riding high on their recent Pix11 broadcast debut, Octavio Blanco and Led Black sit down with a true Uptown powerhouse: Willy Rodriguez. Born and raised in Washington Heights/Inwood, Willy has built a staggering resume that spans the highest levels of both the music...
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"Noise is the New N-Word": Gentrification, Political Accountability, and the Culture of Uptown
Welcome to a raw, emotional, and fiercely debated episode of Uptown Voices! Octavio Blanco and Led Black are back to close out the summer with an episode that perfectly balances deep community love with hard-hitting cultural critique. Led kicks off the show with a beautiful, heartfelt tribute to...
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ICE Raids, Traffic Violence, and the Dyckman Takeover with Councilwoman Carmen De La Rosa
Crisis and Community Response: Councilwoman Carmen De La Rosa on Street Safety, ICE, and the Dyckman Takeover Welcome back to a hard-hitting, deeply important episode of Uptown Voices. This week, Octavio Blanco and Led Black are joined by NYC Councilwoman Carmen De La Rosa to address the most...
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The Dyckman Takeover, Dominican Restoration Day, and the Geopolitics of the Caribbean
It's a massive day for the culture and for Uptown Voices! Broadcasting live from a North Carolina lakefront (and surviving on decaf Earl Grey), Octavio Blanco reunites with Led Black for a special Dominican Republic edition. The hosts celebrate Dominican Restoration Day (El Día de la…
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Building an Uptown Restaurant Empire: Niall Henry on Surviving COVID, Commercial Rents, and the Perfect Burger
Welcome to another episode of Uptown Voices! Before Octavio heads out for a brief summer hiatus, he and Led sit down with Niall Henry, the powerhouse founder of 12 North Hospitality. If you’ve grabbed a pint or a bite in Washington Heights or Inwood recently, chances are you’ve been to one of...
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The Uncomfortable Truths of Dominican Restoration Day & The Push for Island Solidarity
Solidarity, Safe Injection Sites, and a Pix11 Takeover: A Special Dominican Republic Edition Welcome to a monumental episode of Uptown Voices! Broadcasting live from a scenic (and surprisingly decaf) North Carolina lakefront, Octavio Blanco reunites with Led Black to celebrate Dominican…
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The Community Living Room Hidden in Plain Sight at the GWB Bus Station Where Families Find Respite
Welcome back to another inspiring episode of Uptown Voices. This week, hosts Octavio Blanco and Led Black sit down with Domingo Cruz—the visionary artist behind CruDo Creates and a dedicated community advocate. Domingo is a true paradigm shifter, seamlessly blending cultural preservation with...
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Standing Up to ICE in Inwood, "Extra-Sensory" Perception, and Local Election Money
Welcome to August and the start of Leo season! Before Octavio and Led take a brief summer hiatus, they are bringing you a packed episode dealing with the most pressing issues and vibrant culture across Upper Manhattan. The hosts dive straight into the urgent, alarming ICE activity recently seen…
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Clocking the Tea: Why Broadway is Missing Out on the Latino Market
In this inspiring episode of Uptown Voices, Octavio and Led sit down with Luis Mora, the visionary director of the Bilingual Broadway Collective. Luis breaks down how his 501(c)(3) nonprofit is celebrating bilingualism in the performing arts and shares the monumental victory of licensing and...
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Calling Out the Trolls: Why Uptown's Leaders Need to Stop Punching Down
In this episode of Uptown Voices: Black & Blanco Edition, Octavio and Led celebrate Dominican Father’s Day and the legendary Washington Heights park reunions before diving into some heavy-hitting community issues. The conversation kicks off with a candid breakdown of Fernando Mateo’s recent…
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Tomo Mori On Building an 18-Foot Fiber Sculpture and Resisting Anti-Asian Hate in Harlem With Joy
In 2009, Tomo Mori's father died. She was living in a small, expensive rent-stabilized apartment on 14th Street, working in media, watching her dream of becoming an artist recede into the category of things she'd maybe do when she was old — like Grandma Moses. Then she gave herself eighteen…
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Pix11 Features Uptown Voices, Local Politics, and Cultivating Community
In this Sunday edition of Black & Blanco LIVE, Octavio and Led catch up on a wild week of events, sports, and culture. Led shares the story behind his unexpected, last-minute trip to Jay-Z's historic, star-studded Yankee Stadium concert, while Octavio recovers from the summer flu. They dive into...
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Souleo and Dionis Ortiz on Harlem's Children's Art Carnival and Jean Michel Basquiat
Souleo and artist Dionis Ortiz join Led Black and Octavio Blanco to explore Harlem's Children's Art Carnival. They trace its MoMA roots to its 1969 establishment by Betty Blayton-Taylor and reveal Jean-Michel Basquiat's history as an intern, illustrating how working with disabled children shaped...
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(6/21/26) On Election Eve, Black and Blanco tackle the issues & controversy in Congressional Dist 13
The conversation begins with reflections on Father's Day, highlighting the significance of fatherhood and the impact of father figures. It then transitions into a discussion about family and the role of fathers in shaping individuals. Finally, the conversation delves into the ongoing political...
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Dominican-American music industry creators, tune in for this!
The conversation revolves around the upcoming event 'Conexion Dominicana' and the significance of celebrating Dominican culture and creating access to the music industry. Noel and Zeitlin share their personal journeys and the vision for the event, emphasizing the empowerment of the next…
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Healing Uptown with Yogiando NYC & Fourth of July Real Talk
What up, everyone! It’s Led Black and Octavio Blanco back for another episode of Uptown Voices. This week, we are shining a massive spotlight on community wellness, sitting down with the incredible Rosana Rodriguez, founder of Yogiando NYC. After struggling with debilitating PTSD, severe physical...
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Teaching Uptown: Dr. Jose Vilson on Math, Race, Class, the War on Public Education & the Kids Who Deserve Better
This episode was recorded on Wednesday, June 25, 2026 — the first full day after Darializa Avila Chevalier's historic defeat of Adriano Espaillat in NY-13. The energy in the room is palpable from the first moment. Dr. Jose Vilson is a Dominican-Haitian educator, author, sociologist, and social...
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A Left Turn in Washington Heights: Ed Morales on the Darializa Win, MAGA and Latino Men, the Venezuela Earthquake & the Nuyorican 70s
Recorded on Sunday, June 29, 2026 — one week after the earthquake of Darializa Avila Chevalier's historic primary win over Adriano Espaillat in NY-13, and in the immediate aftermath of a devastating 7.5-magnitude earthquake in Venezuela — this episode of Black and Blanco covers more ground than...
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New Day in New York: Uptown Voices Election Night Live — Darializa Avila Chevalier Defeats Adriano Espaillat in NY-13
This is a live broadcast recorded on the night of the June 23, 2026 New York City primary election. Led Black and Octavio Blanco went live on Instagram at approximately 8:11pm — with 49 minutes left before polls closed — and kept the stream going for over two hours, watching and calling the…
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From the Corner to the Counter: Vladimir Bautista on Building Happy Munkey, Legalizing the Legacy Market & Keeping Dyckman Real
What does it take to go from selling weed on the corner of 139th and Broadway — dodging arrests, feeding your family, and building a street-level business empire — to running what Forbes called 'the Studio 54 of Cannabis' and opening a legal dispensary on Dyckman Street in the exact location…
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Champions on the Court, Fighters at the Polls: Michael Blake vs. Richie Torres | Nayma Silver-Matos Uptown
It's a new day in New York City — and Uptown Voices is here for all of it. The episode opens with hosts Led Black and Octavio Blanco still riding the high of the New York Knicks' first NBA championship in decades. From the celebrations at 181st and Cabrini to Dyckman Street to the packed subway...
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The Rhythm that Saves Lives: Ron Renaissance & Jody Music on Breaking the Matrix
Today, Uptown Voices steps inside a modern-day musical fairy tale born right on the pavements of Upper Manhattan and the Bronx. Hosts Octavio Blanco and Led Black roll out the red carpet for the powerhouse duo known as Uptown Royalty—composed of multi-instrumentalist/composer Ron Renaissance and...
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"If I Trusted That My Congressman Was Fighting, We Wouldn't Be Talking" | Darializa Avila Chevalier
The race for New York's 13th Congressional District is no longer a foregone conclusion. 🗳️ Darializa Avila Chevalier — Afro-Latina, daughter of Dominican immigrants, longtime Washington Heights organizer, and the only woman in the country to outraise an incumbent congressional challenger in the...
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The Incumbent’s Crucible: Congressman Adriano Espaillat on Rents, AIPAC Cash, and the War in Iran
Today, in the Black and Blanco edition of Uptown Voices we present a definitive, wide-ranging interview with New York’s 13th Congressional District Representative, Adriano Espaillat. From a childhood overstaying a tourist visa to ascending to the powerful House Appropriations Committee…
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How Uptown Manhattan's Arts Community Is Thriving in Uncertain Times: Happy Defiance
One year ago, Uptown Voices launched their first episode with NOMAA. Now, for their anniversary, Led Black and Octavio Blanco return — this time live inside the breathtaking Sorolla Gallery at the Hispanic Society Museum in Washington Heights. Joined by NOMAA Executive Director Niria Leyva...
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Juilliard Trained, South Bronx Made: How Zulaika Velazquez Is Transforming Uptown Kids Through the Arts | Uptown Voices
What does it look like when someone takes everything life threw at them — homelessness, single motherhood at 19, a stage two cancer diagnosis — and turns it into fuel to transform an entire community? Meet Zulaika Velazquez. In this episode of Uptown Voices, Led Black and Octavio Blanco sit down...
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From the First Latino Blog in 1997 to the Future of the Creator Economy: George Torres, Urban Jibaro
What does it take to build a 30-year career in tech, media, and social media before anyone else in your community even knew those were careers? Ask George Torres — the Urban Jibaro. In this episode of Black & Blanco Uptown Voices, Led Black and Octavio Blanco sit down with George Torres, a true...
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The Rent Is Too Damn High & What You Can Do About It | Uptown Arts, Quality of Life & Community Power | Black & Blanco
Another Sunday, another dose of real talk from Uptown. In this episode of Black & Blanco Uptown Voices, Led Black and Octavio Blanco cover everything happening on the ground in Washington Heights, Inwood, Harlem, and the South Bronx — from the fight to keep rents frozen, to the arts events you…
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Dyckman Fire, Class War & Uptown Power: Holding Bad Landlords Accountable | Black & Blanco / Uptown Voices
In this episode of Black & Blanco / Uptown Voices, Led Black and Octavio Blanco open on Mother's Day with love for the mothers who hold it all together — then get into the real issues facing uptown. The Dyckman Street fire weighs heavy on this episode. Three lives lost, over 100 residents...
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From the South Bronx to the White House: Ambassador Julissa Reynoso on Diplomacy, Community & Resilience
Former U.S. Ambassador to Spain and White House Chief of Staff to Dr. Jill Biden, Julissa Reynoso, shares how growing up in the South Bronx and Washington Heights shaped a trailblazing career in law, diplomacy, and now — playwriting. What does it take to go from a seven-year-old immigrant…
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She Let Her Customers Run Her Coffee Shop — And It Went Viral | Sarina Prabasi of Buunni Coffee
Sarina Prabasi co-founded Buunni Coffee in Washington Heights with her husband Elias in 2012 after moving from Ethiopia with two contacts, no business network, and a vision of what a neighborhood coffee shop could be. Thirteen years later, Buunni is one of upper Manhattan's most beloved community...
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Art, Anger & Accountability | Uptown Voices Live
Led Black and Octavio Blanco are back for another live Sunday session, bringing the energy, the community love, and the unfiltered conversations that make Uptown Voices essential listening for anyone who calls uptown home — or wishes they did. In this episode: 🎵 Uptown Cultural Roundup The guys...
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"He Sold Out Harlem": Julien Segura's Blistering Critique of Al Taylor in the NY State Assembly Race
About This Episode: In this high-stakes episode of Uptown Voices, hosts Octavio Blanco and Led Black sit down with Julien Segura, a Democratic Socialist candidate running for the 71st District of the NY State Assembly. Representing the vibrant neighborhoods of Washington Heights, Inwood, and...
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¡Pa'lante! Kevin Reyes on La Vitilla, Baseball's Best-Kept Secret, and Building Community One Cap at a Time
What's the secret weapon behind the Dominican Republic's legendary baseball talent? It's not just raw skill — it's La Vitilla, a street game played with the plastic cap from a large water jug. This week, Led Black and Octavio Blanco sit down with Kevin Reyes, president and founder of Li Vido USA,...
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From Chino Latino to the Middle East: Uptown Love, Global Rage & Two Friends Who Don't Always See Eye to Eye
It started with the return of a beloved Chino Latino restaurant in Washington Heights and ended with two friends in an intense debate about the Middle East, Trump, and the future of America. That's Uptown Voices. That's Black & Blanco. In this wide-ranging episode, Led Black and Octavio Blanco...
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Annette Aguilar on Cuba, Community & Why Uptown is Home
Annette Aguilar is many things — Afro Latin Jazz drummer, percussionist, educator, and one of Uptown's greatest treasures. She has performed at the Kennedy Center, toured Africa as a Latin Jazz Ambassador, played the Havana Jazz Festival, and earned two masters degrees. She could be anywhere. She...
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Springtime Uptown: Celebrating Our Art, Confronting Our Moment
Spring has arrived and Uptown is alive — Led Black and Octavio Blanco kick off with a packed roundup of what's happening in the community: free summer camps, a $10K public art opportunity at the Hispanic Society, local artists lighting up subway elevators, and a 20-piece jazz orchestra led by the...
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Why the Iran Crisis Could Collapse the U.S. Economy — And What It Means for You
In this episode of Uptown Voices, we dive deep into the complex web of current global crises, particularly focusing on the unprecedented disruptions in oil markets, the geopolitical maneuvers in Iran, Israel, and Russia, and their profound impacts on the U.S. economy. With insights from…
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The Darializa Avila Chevalier Interview. How she's Challenging Adriano Espaillat in Uptown Manhattan
In this in-depth interview, Darializa Avila Chevalier discusses her campaign for Congress in District 13, addressing critical issues like housing affordability, community organizing, foreign policy, and the influence of lobby groups like AIPAC. The conversation also explores the broader...
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Global Tensions and Local Voices: Analyzing the Middle East Crisis - Black & Blanco LIVE!
Join Led Black and Octavio Blanco as they explore local community events, cultural initiatives, and critical global issues including the recent escalation in Middle East tensions. This episode offers insights into community activism, local opportunities, and geopolitical analysis. Key Topics:...
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Art as Activism: Andrea Arroyo's Journey
In this episode of Uptown Voices, Led Black and Octavio Blanco engage with artist Andrea Arroyo, discussing her impactful work in the art community, particularly through the Women in the Heights exhibition. They explore the theme of 'Shade' in her upcoming joint art exhibit with NOMAA artists…
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State Senator Robert Jackson: Getting involved in local politics is vital for community improvement
In this engaging podcast episode, Senator Robert Jackson discusses his journey into public service, emphasizing the importance of education, community safety, and affordable housing. He shares insights on the challenges faced by his constituents, particularly in immigrant communities, and...
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Oscar Romero: Running for Congress is not a matter of choice, it's a matter of survival
In this episode of Uptown Voices, hosts Octavio Blanco and Led Black engage in a deep conversation with Oscar Romero, a candidate for Congress from New York City. They discuss the challenges facing the 13th Congressional District, the importance of community engagement, and the need for a new...
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Black and Blanco LIVE with City Council Rep. Carmen De La Rosa and Liz Ritter recorded SUNDAY 2/1/26
In this engaging conversation, Carmen De La Rosa, a city council member, discusses her new role and responsibilities, the impact of ICE on immigrant communities, and the importance of community rapid response networks. She emphasizes the need for protecting journalists and the challenges of…
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Word Up Books: Creating Community Through Literature. In conversation with Veronica Liu
In this episode, Led Black and Octavio Blanco engage with Veronica Liu, co-founder of Word Up Books, more than a community bookstore in Washington Heights. They discuss the origins of Word Up, its evolution over the past 15 years, and the transformative impact it has had on the local community....
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Uptown Voices tells the stories of unsung heroes who are transforming New York City's Uptown neighborhoods from Washington Heights to Inwood to Harlem to the South Bronx. Each episode profiles an individual or organization making a positive difference. These social entrepreneurs, artists, and community leaders are navigating critical issues of affordability, public safety, and mental health. Through conversations rooted in journalistic integrity and genuine community ties, this podcast challenges negative narratives and celebrates the true spirit of the vibrant neighborhoods thriving north of Central Park.Each episode features extended interviews in which subjects tell their stories in their own words. The series examines the interconnected challenges facing Uptown communities—gentrification pressures, resource scarcity, systemic inequities—while simultaneously showcasing the creativity and collective power emerging in response. While uplifting the people shaping Uptown’s future, the
HOSTED BY
Uptown Voices in collaboration with Livin' Americana LLC and Uptown Collective LLC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Uptown Voices have?
Uptown Voices currently has 68 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Uptown Voices about?
Uptown Voices tells the stories of unsung heroes who are transforming New York City's Uptown neighborhoods from Washington Heights to Inwood to Harlem to the South Bronx. Each episode profiles an individual or organization making a positive difference. These social entrepreneurs, artists, and...
How often does Uptown Voices release new episodes?
Uptown Voices has 68 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Uptown Voices?
You can listen to Uptown Voices 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 Uptown Voices?
Uptown Voices is created and hosted by Uptown Voices in collaboration with Livin' Americana LLC and Uptown Collective LLC.
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