There are innumerable podcasts about current events, each putting their own spin on a global or national issue. Less common are podcasts that address the culture of specific cities and communities. Multiple Disruptions, a podcast by local teacher Hoon Paradise, launched in April with an aim to interview “disruptors.”
A recent episode features Justin Strong, former owner of Shadow Lounge and AVA in East Liberty, current manager at Spirit Lodge. In the interview, they discuss controversy over the “There are Black People in the Future” sign (which sat on the former Shadow Lounge building), the different angles of gentrification and Strong’s investment in the community.
Paradise has a made-for-podcasting voice and dives into locally-grounded issues with people who have actually experienced them. Other guests include Leah Lizarondo, founder of 412 Food Rescue, Melissa McCart, the head food critic at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, and Jiu Jitsu instructor Rocky Long.
The podcast currently has 10 episodes available on SoundCloud and a Patreon site to help support it.
