Politics

Streets Dept’s CONRAD BENNER: Blogger, Podcaster, Activist

April 12, 2021 Activist, Artist, Politics, Writers 1:02:50

Conrad Benner is the person and energy behind Streets Dept. Streets Dept is a “Best of” Philly podcast as well as widely popular street-art blog. The blog is celebrating its 10th year in existence in 2021. 

Born and raised in Fishtown, Conrad has always had an interest in the arts. We talked about the early days of Streets Dept and his decision to leave a stable job in marketing and pursue his blog full-time.

Conrad is the expert in Philly street art. He discusses Philly’s current art scene, the repurposing of classic Philly buildings, and how his blog has developed over the years. Conrad discusses the influence his parents have had on him as well as their support in his  coming out as a gay man. 

Conrad also has smart, progressive views on how this city can improve and he’s not shy about his disappointment in Mayor Jim Kenney. Will he eventually run for office in Philly? 

Benner is regularly listed as one of Philadelphia’s most influential people and it’s well-deserved recognition. We think you’ll enjoy this interview with one of Philly’s more interesting and passionate residents.

LINKS:
www/twitter/facebook/instagram

A. Charles Peruto, Jr. – Legendary Criminal Defense Attorney

July 23, 2020 Crime, Politics 51:00

A. Charles “Chuck” Peruto, Jr. may be the biggest name in Philly criminal defense work. He wasted no time in making a name for himself in his 20s, taking the case of the Whitman Park Sniper. A few years later, he represented Joey Coyle, an unemployed longshoreman who stumbled across a bag filled with $1.2 million that had fallen out of a Brinks Truck. He also represented murderer Gary Heidnik and defended Joey Merlino. After Meek Mill passed over Peruto to take on another lawyer, Chuck took the judge in the Mill case as a client.  He is currently planning on running for DA, since he thinks that Krasner is doing such a poor job. 

Peruto discussed why Joey Coyle got caught, the tricks he used to unsuccessfully convince the jury that Heidnik was insane (he wasn’t), whether repping the mob was scary, and why he thought the judge in the Meek Mill case got a bad deal. Peruto talked about how he likes Krasner but doesn’t respect him as DA, and his thoughts about police.
 
He discussed the importance of law school, the problem with Ivy League educated attorneys, and how to win over a jury.
 
Peruto also told a never before heard story about his infamous fight with Howard Eskin at the Palm and Lynne Abraham that has to be heard.
 
He holds back on absolutely nothing. Whether you agree or disagree with him, you’ll be interested to hear what he has to say. A true Philadelphia original. 
 
LINKS:

FABIOLA CINEAS – Vox Journalist

June 20, 2020 Politics, Writers 01:02:51

Former Sr. Editor at Philly Mag and currently a race reporter for Vox (dot) com, Fabiola Cineas, joined us for Bluntcast #19.

Fabiola wrote a great piece about the history of Juneteenth of Vox, which they published on Juneteenth (June 19th).

She discussed the history of the day and its celebrations, what the learned doing the research for the piece, and if she could have written that same article for Philly Mag.

We also touched on the lack of diversity at Philly Mag, both on the Board and in its content. She was recently vocal about the diversity issues in a recent twitter thread.

Fabiola also let us know what it was like to spend time one-on-one with Candace Owens and following her to speaking engagements on college campuses for an article and interview she did.

Fabiola is a fresh voice in journalism, insightful, and currently living in West Philly.

LINKS:
Fabiola Cineas: vox/twitter

 

FEMINISTA JONES RETURNS

June 17, 2020 Activist, Artist, Authors, Politics, Writers 1:13:35

Feminista Jones is one of the most unapologetically brilliant people in Philadelphia and we guarantee that you will leave this interview with a different perspective on the world than you went into it with. Hear her message to people who have just joined the movement, her thoughts on black gun ownership, and what her thoughts are on Dave Chappelle, Shaun King, and Candace Owens. And be sure to pick up her new book, Reclaiming Our Space…as soon as it’s back in stock. It’s currently sold out on Amazon. This is so good, y’all. For real. If you enjoy it, please share. A lot of things in here that people need to hear.

LINKS:
Feminista Jones: www/Instagram/Facebook/Twitter

NIKKI ALLEN POE – Pot, Police, and Sandwiches

June 12, 2020 Activist, Food & Drink, Politics 40:37

Nikki Allen Poe is a local activist and sandwich shop owner. He recently made headlines when he refused to send sandwiches during the Philly protests and later declared that he would not service police officers in uniform.

Poe is also Philly’s leading cannabis activist and played a pivotal role in Philly’s decriminalization of cannabis. 

We discuss the reaction to Poe’s business decision, his thoughts on the current protests in town, and how he is helping the cause.

We also talked about his previous campaign for City Council and the future of Philly’s government.

LINKS:

Poe on Twitter/Poe’s Sandwich Joint

MICHAEL COARD – “Angriest Black Man in America”

June 11, 2020 Activist, Authors, Crime, Politics, TV/Radio 1:08:21

Activist, journalist, defense attorney, and self-proclaimed “Angriest Black Man in America!”, Michael Coard joins us for Bluntcast #16.

We discuss the George Floyd protests here in Philly and around the world.

Michael also gave us his opinion on the Rizzo Statue. He actually wanted the statue to remain in place with a few additions to serve as a constant reminder of the city’s past racial history.

We talked about his views on defunding the police and he offered some advice on what white folks can do to be part of the solution.

LINKS:

Michael Coard: Instagram/Twitter/Facebook

Nikil Saval – PA 1st District Senatorial Candidate

May 21, 2020 Activist, Politics 46:09

Nikil Saval is Philadelphia’s Democratic Ward Leader of the 2nd Ward and is currently a Pennsylvania Senatorial candidate for the 1st District. He’s also our guest for our pandemic quarantine Bluntcast #13.

Nikil was born in Los Angeles, went to school in New York City, and now lives in Philly, where he plans to stay.

He is also one of the co-founders of Reclaim Philadelphia, which has been quite influential in recent local elections through extensive canvassing and phone-banking.

Nikhil is currently running against incumbent Larry Farnese for PA State Senate.

Saval was also a major force in the local Bernie Sanders efforts.

He speaks with us about the current situation, how Sanders’ like policies which were deemed too controversial or expensive are now part of life, the balance between improving neighborhoods  while safeguarding the folks who have called those neighborhoods home for decades, as well as dealing with The Philly Blunt.

Nikil young guy with a bright future in Philly and maybe beyond. 

We hope you enjoy.

LINKS:

Nikil Saval
Youtube video of the BLUNTCAST