Welcome to The Institute of Black Imagination hosted by artist, writer, and designer Dario Calmese. Each week we bring you conversations from The Pool of Black Genius: a collection of iconoclasts at the leading edge of cultural thought and innovation. We are here to inspire, engage, and to help you unleash your own imagination.
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Latest episodes
Showing 20 · updated from the feed
E101. Answering The Call with Rev. Dr. Norvell Goff, Sr.
E101: Answering The Call with Rev. Dr. Norvel Goff, Sr.
In this episode of The Institute of Black Imagination, host Dario Calmese sits down with Rev. Dr. Norvel Goff, Sr
Jun 21 1 h 22 min
E100. What If We Get It Right? with Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
Episode Overview:
In this milestone 100th episode of the Institute of Black Imagination podcast, we sit down with the incomparable Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson—marine bio
Jun 1 2025 1 h 37 min
E99. Blood Memories with Gina Paige Co-Founder of AfricanAncestry.com
Episode Overview:In this episode of The Institute of Black Imagination, host Dario Calmese sits down with Gina Paige, the co-founder of African Ancestry, to explore the t
May 11 2025 1 h 27 min
E98. The Body Politic. A Conversation with Elle Moxley
Episode Summary:In this deeply moving and insightful episode, we sit down with activist, organizer, and founder of the Marsha P. Johnson Institute, Elle Moxley. Elle take
Apr 27 2025 1 h 13 min
E97. SEAMLESS. with Oscar Winning Costume Designer, Paul Tazewell
Episode Summary:In this monumental 97th episode—our first-ever live recording—we welcome legendary costume designer and visual storyteller Paul Tazewell, just one week af
Apr 13 2025 1 h 15 min
E96. Towards A New Architecture. with Dr. Lesley Lokko OBE
About The Guest
Today we're honored to introduce our guest, Professor Lesley Lokko. A distinguished Ghanaian-Scottish architect, educator, and bestselling novelist, Dr.
May 26 2024 1 h 33 min
E95. Designing In Place. with Nifemi Marcus-Bello
Welcome to the Institute of Black Imagination podcast, beaming in conversations from the galaxy of Black genius. I'm your host, Dario, and today, we have the pleasure of
May 12 2024 1 h 36 min
E94. The Black School with Co-Founders Shani Peters And Joseph Cuillier, III
Welcome to the Institute of Black Imagination, beaming in conversations from the galaxy of black genius. Today, we're thrilled to present Shani Peters and Joseph Cuillier
Apr 28 2024 1 h 20 min
E93. Imagining Diasporic Retrofutures with Olalekan Jeyifous
Welcome to the Institute of Black Imagination podcast, beaming in conversations from the galaxy of Black genius. I am your host, Dario. Today, we're excited to introduce
Apr 14 2024 1 h 32 min
E92. The People's University with Dr. Carla Hayden
Hey explorers, it's Dario. Welcome to the IBI podcast, beaming in conversations from the galaxy of Black genius. Today, we browse the mind of Dr. Carla Hayden, the 14th L
Mar 31 2024 1 h 00 min
E91: From Dancehall to the World with JAWARA
Welcome to the Institute of Black Imagination, where we beam in conversations with iconoclasts from the galaxy of Black genius. I am your host, Dario. Today, we're thril
Mar 17 2024 1 h 23 min
E90. Space Agency. with Brigette Romanek
Welcome to the IBI podcast, beaming in conversations from the galaxy of Black genius. Today, we explore the mind of Brigette Romanek, one of LA’s foremost Interior design
Mar 3 2024 1 h 21 min
E89. Perfection is an Illusion with Kirk Franklin
Welcome to Semester 6 of the IBI podcast, your Tribe of Mentors, from the Pool of Black Genius. Speaking of Black genius, today’s guest needs no introduction, but we will
Feb 18 2024 1 h 12 min
E88. The Best of 2023 - IBI Team Favorites
Well friends, we made it. 2023 had its share of joys and challenges, individually and collectively, but we are here. Together. In community. This special podcast edition
Dec 31 2023 1 h 27 min
E87: Catching The Spirit with Chester Higgins, Jr.
Today’s conversation is with the legendary photographer, Chester Higgins. I’ve admired Chester’s work for years… he’s a master of his craft, and a technician to the Nth d
Dec 17 2023 1 h 37 min
E86: Sketching A Revolution with Emory Douglas
Today, we embark on a profound journey with the iconic Emory Douglas. As the former Minister of Culture for the Black Panther Party, Emory's art ignited a revolution. Tod
Dec 3 2023 1 h 32 min
E85. Mastering Your Story with Lena Waithe
Today, we're honored to sit down with the incredible Lena Waithe, a trailblazing writer, producer, and actress who's reshaped film and TV.
In this enlightening chat, Len
Nov 19 2023 1 h 29 min
E84. Life on the Streets with Andre D. Wagner
Our guest today is none other than the visionary photographer, Andre D. Wagner. With a lens that tells stories in a way that words cannot, Andre has made a significant ma
Nov 5 2023 1 h 37 min
E83. The Unmasking of AI with Dr. Joy Buolamwini
Today, we have a truly remarkable guest. Joining us today is the brilliant Dr. Joy Buolamwini, a computer scientist, digital activist and self-described “Poet of Code” wh
Oct 29 2023 1 h 31 min
E82. Dancing Through the Archive with the Legendary George Faison
Today, we have a very special interview with the legendary choreographer and producer, George Faison. In this conversation, George takes us on a journey through his remar
Oct 22 2023 1 h 15 min
Chart trend
Position in the Design chart (US), last 90 days.
#1#99#197JulAugSepOct
#10
all-time peak
3
days in the top 10 since Nov 2024
Chart positions
Where The Institute of Black Imagination. ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Oct 26, 2026).
A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.
I am just finding this amazing podcast. I started with the interview on Lena Waithe, who took us to church and is so inspiring. Now I’m in marathon mode with this podcast in my studio. The Institute of Black Imagination is a place I always want to be!
Kiangaj · Jun 2025
Where to start! You can feel the care put into this podcast from Dario and his team you listen. Each episode never fails to remind me why I make the work I make and inspire to dream bigger. Every season is brings us into the future and into the past at just the right moments - always bringing us back to celebrating what Black creativity has in this moment. Everyone should be required to listen to this podcast as they capture histories and livelihoods that are foundational to American culture. IBI, morning, noon, and night! Thank you Dario!
Mya Cavner · Jul 2024
I really enjoyed the episode ft Jawara. The conversations around black beauty, and culture… & even greater, I love the parallels drawn between Dario and Jawara — the similarities in experiences (black church and dancehall) “the catharsis that takes place in body…movement…some kind of spirituality, transformation that both an aesthetic, movement and music allows for.” I’ve been exploring movement and the idea spirituality in my own work — so really enjoyed it.
Mr. Grier. · Jun 2024
My understanding of the purpose of the Institute of Black Imagination (IBI) is to demonstrate to Black and Brown individuals that their dreams can become reality. The work that Dario and the team at IBI are doing is incredible, using their platform to elevate highly successful individuals. Through their podcast, they showcase a "Pool of Black Genius" – accomplished individuals who are leading the way in various fields. Dario's unique interview style makes each episode a captivating journey.
His insightful questions and engaging personality draw out the best in his guests, transforming the podcast into a masterclass across diverse disciplines. It's clear that Dario and his team meticulously research each guest, allowing for deep dives into their expertise. The podcast feels like a guided exploration of the minds of these remarkable individuals. Their stories are not just inspiring; they are educational.
For me, Dr. Danielle Woods’ (Ep.78) story was particularly impactful. Hearing about a woman who excelled in such a demanding field, coming from Orlando, Florida (I have to show some hometown love), shattered any limitations I might have perceived. The podcast consistently reinforces the message that perseverance and self-belief are the keys to achievement. Listening to this podcast reminds me that the only limitations I have are those I impose on myself.
I've learned to find solace in the challenges of life and understand that it's part of the process. You either win or you learn, and this is a very evident thread in all the episodes. IBI's message is clear: we are the architects of our own destinies. The podcast fosters a sense of empowerment, reminding listeners that challenges are opportunities for growth. With each episode, the concept of "winning or learning" resonates deeply, leaving a lasting impression.
Overall, the Institute of Black Imagination is a powerful force for good. It's a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and a reminder of the boundless potential within all of us.
Roderick B. · Jun 2024
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About The Institute of Black Imagination. on Reason.fm
Here you find the Apple Podcasts chart positions of The Institute of Black Imagination., its latest episodes to listen to directly, and reviews from listeners. Rankings are updated daily for the United States.
