In continuing the theme of Loving Day, this week Edye is joined by her good friends Brian Bouwens and wife Julianne Howe-Bouwens. They sat down to talk about how sometimes the best love for us is the kind that challenges us to step outside of the box that the world often tries to force us to stay in. Listen to this "Loving" couple's meet-cute and how their love has flourished over the years.

This week Edye is joined by Rob Schuitema, Director of Public Programs and Dr. Stephanie Ogren, VP of Science & Education both of the Grand Rapids Public Museum. In exploring the newly formed partnership between Ebony Road Players and the Grand Rapids Public Museum, the tree discuss how beautiful it can be when themes overlap and bring forward new connections. Think about this... The content may not be easy to be a part of but when these conversations are had in a safe space and in...

This week, Edye is joined by Randy Goble, Director of Engagement for Kent District Library. As Ebony Road Players prepares to present "Alabama Story" by Kenneth Jones, Edye and Randy explore how libraries are the first target in all attempts at censorship. You may not know all the fights our librarians and library administrators encounter but you should know that their efforts to keep the libraries representative of the communities they serve never ends. We hope you enjoy the episode ...

The Ebony Road Players Podcast is back for Season 2! We're starting the season off by diving deep into some 'Loving' issues as we gear us to celebrate Loving Day on June 12. This week Edye is joined by a new friend, Reaiah True. Listen as they talk candidly about the sense of belonging or lack thereof when your identity doesn't fit into the box your environment tries to put you in. How relatable is the feeling of being claimed nowhere but belonging everywhere?

Art helps us identify with one another and expands our notion of "we" from local to global- Anonymous This week Edye is joined by Michelle Covington, Vice President of Advancement at ICCF Community Homes, moving people from homelessness to home ownership and every step in between. Join us as the ladies take us on a journey of their own personal experiences with what it means to own your own path and how art is often the beacon we need to bridge the gap between every next step.

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world" -Harriet Tubman This week, Edye sits down with longtime friend, Lisa Knight, Executive Director of Girls Choral Academy, actress, director, singer, entrepreneur and the first Black woman to serve as Grand Rapids City Commissioner for the 2nd Ward. The ladies take you on a journey guided by the power of dreaming.

This week Edye is joined by Dr. Amy Dunham Strand, Director of the Jane Hibbard Idema Women's Studies Center and Associate Professor of Women's Studies at Acquinas College. Their conversation reflects on this quote from Former First Lady Michelle Obama, "But don't ever underestimate the importance you can have, because history has shown us that courage can be contagious, and hope can take on a life of its own." As you listen, consider how your hope and courage have inspired others thr...

This week we've turned the table and we have our lovely host, Edye Evans Hyde in the hot seat. She and our guest host, Quianna Babb are taking you on a journey, winding through experiences as Black women, artists and navigating the world of community theatre with Ebony Road Players. From beginning to end, this episode is full of insights, reflections and hope for the future. We're so happy you could join us.

This week, Edye is joined by Jevon Willis, Director for the Center of Diversity & Inclusion at Hope College and they're talking about what equitable education looks like and how diversity and inclusion has to be equitable in order for it to be successful. "I believe that education is the civil rights issue of our generation. And if you care about promoting opportunity and reducing inequality, the classroom is the place to start. Great teaching is about so much more than education, it is...

Have you ever privately wondered why Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is such a hot-button issue in so many spaces? Well this episode is for you. This week Edye is joined by Latoya Booker, Executive Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Davenport University and Dr. Rhae-Ann Booker, Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at University of Michigan Health West, (no relation) and they're breaking it down for you. From education, to healthcare, to libraries, the ladies ar...

This week Edye is joined by Deborah Pryor-Bayard, educator and Education Coordinator of GRAAMA (Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives) as well as a former board member of Ebony Road Players. The ladies take a deep dive into the importance of art in documenting history. Exploring this quote from August Wilson, "I believe in the American Theatre. I believe in its power to inform about the human condition, its power to heal... its power to uncover the truths we wrestle from uncerta...

This week Edye is joined by Michael Travis, longtime friend and theatre mate. The two take a journey down memory lane, spanning over thirty years of doing theatre in West Michigan. You'll hear about the importance of respecting Black art, the lasting impact of theatre experiences and how there is truly something for everyone in the world of theatre. Enjoy the episode and get inspired, no matter your age, race or experience to become a part of the theatre community. Note: This episode was too...

This week Edye is joined by Dwandra Lampkin, actor, director, playwright, professor at West Michigan University and friend of Ebony Road Players. The ladies explore what its's like to blaze a trail between your aspirations and challenges to create the life you're meant to live. You'll hear about Dwandra's journey in a field many think they don't belong. May this week inspire you to reach for the stars!

This week, Edye is joined by her good friend and President of the Ebony Road Players Board of Directors, Lisa Norris. The two go in depth about the importance of the arts in the world of education and why funding arts programming is crucial to the success of young learners and adults alike.

This week, Perry Dixon joins Edye again along with Ja’Nay Duncan as they talk about what it means to be a theatre nerd! They also give a little sneak peek into their roles in The Mountaintop by Katori Hall which Ebony Road Players will be presenting as a staged reading in January and February, 2023.

This week Edye is joined by Linda Gellasch, longtime friend and member of the Board of Directors for Ebony Road Players. In this episode, Edye and Linda talk about the incredible impact EPR has made in the community and why it's so important to continue to invest in the future of the organization and other organizations like our. They dive into some of the disparities of Black focused nonprofits in terms of funding and exposure and ways we can support those making a difference in our community.

This week Edye is joined by Aaron Doty, VP and General Manager for the Grand Rapids Symphony. Listen as they take a deep dive into how the arts and theatre help forward conversations and efforts of diversity, equity and inclusion and why supporting organizations like Ebony Road Players is so important.

This week, Edye is joined by longtime friend and colleague, Perry Dixon. Listen as they go through Perry's unexpected journey forged through his love of theatre and how it helped him find his "people". Perry's story echoes the belief that theatre is the thing you never know you need until you find it!

This week, Edye is joined by Quianna Babb, Administrative & Communications Manager for Ebony Road Players. Learn about the journey that brought Quianna to Ebony Road Players as well as the impact theatre and ERP have had on her and her family. Edye and Quianna also take a deep dive into the symbiotic relationship of giving.

This week, Edye is joined by Zach Roth, Assistant Vice President, Senior Creative Media Specialist with Mercantile Bank and a member of the Executive Board of Directors for Ebony Road Players. Learn all about Zach, how he became a part of Ebony Road Players and the difference they're making in West Michigan. Edye and Zach also take a deep dive into why collaboration and corporate support is so important to nonprofit organizations.