In this episode, we sit down with CJ “BlakAtak” Williams — co-owner of Steadfast Dance Studio, educator, and renowned Chicago B-Boy. He opens up about his journey growing up in the 80s and 90s, when Hip-Hop culture in Chicago gave young people an alternative to violence through creativity, dance, and community.

CJ shares how he discovered his passion for B-Boying and Hip-Hop culture, the obstacles he faced, and how perseverance helped him reach his highest potential. With over 20 years of experience performing, competing, and teaching across the U.S. and internationally (Germany, Holland, Mexico, Poland, and more), CJ has dedicated his life to uplifting communities through dance, movement, and art.

A graduate of Northeastern Illinois University (BA in Physical Education & Community Health), CJ has taught fitness, P.E., and Hip-Hop arts throughout Chicagoland. Today, he serves as Program Coordinator at CircEsteem, a respected youth development nonprofit in Uptown, and continues to mentor the next generation as co-owner of Steadfast Dance Center in Chicago’s Pilsen community.

✨ Listen now to hear how CJ “BlakAtak” Williams turned adversity into artistry and continues to inspire youth through Hip-Hop and dances.

For more information visit: https://500andgrowing.com

In this episode, we sit down with Gerald Brennan, founder of Tortoise Books, a fiercely independent Chicago-based publisher that’s rewriting the rules of the literary world. Tired of the "hare today, gone tomorrow" approach of mainstream publishing, Brennan champions a slow and steady philosophy—where depth, longevity, and quality take the lead over quick sales and fleeting fame.

We dive into what it means to be a modern-day tortoise in an industry obsessed with speed. Gerald shares how Tortoise Books blends old-school publishing values—meticulous editing, strong pre-release strategy, and genuine author investment—with new-age flexibility through print-on-demand. The result? Books that are built to last, not just to sell.

If you’re a writer, reader, or creative entrepreneur looking for inspiration outside the mainstream, this conversation will spark ideas and maybe even remind you that the race isn’t always to the swift.

🎧 Tune in and find out why slow and steady still wins the race.

Gerald Brennan earned a B.S. in European History from West Point and an M.S. in Journalism from Columbia University. He's the author of Resistance, which Kirkus called “an extremely impressive debut,” and four space books including Island of Clouds ("Speculative sci-fi at its finest." - Neal Thompson, author of Light This Candle) and Alone on the Moon ("Brilliant." - Rick Kogan, WGN Radio). His writing has appeared in the Chicago Tribune and Newcity, and he was on the latter's 2019 and 2022 and 2025 Lit 50 lists of notable literary Chicagoans; he's also the founder of Tortoise Books, a Chicago-based independent press that WGN Radio's Rick Kogan recently called “…one of the best, most provocative, and rewarding publishing houses in the entire country.”

For more information visit: https://500andgrowing.com

In this episode, Jasmin Cardenas shares what it was like being the only Colombiana (Latina) in her university program and how social justice shapes her creative work. With honesty and heart, she reflects on her growth as an actress, playwright, storyteller, producer, and leader.

Jasmin Cardenas, Founder of Artivista LLC, a Chicago creative firm that uses embodied artistic practice of storytelling, theater techniques and facilitation to create connections and unite people across communities. A life-long Chicagoan, Jasmin is an experienced Arts Educator, Facilitator, award-winning bilingual storyteller and “theatermaker” who uses story and play to facilitate spaces where people can connect and spark change. A bridge builder, this Colombian-American believes in the power of art & stories to grow us, unite us and activate us.

The last few years have been incredibly exciting years of travel as Jasmin’s dream came true when she was a Featured Teller at The National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, TN. Also featured at the biggest storytelling festival in the USA at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival in Lehi, Utah. In 2024 her newest album CUENTOS FROM THE AMERICAS won The Storytelling World Award. Available on her website www.JasminCardenas.com you can travel through the Americas through stories, music and learn about unique instruments. Jasmin was honored to be the week-long Storyteller-in-Residence at the International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough, TN. Last year, Jasmin, a LAB Fellow of Georgetown University’s Laboratory of Global Performance and Politics was a Master Class Teacher for the Seraj Storytelling Retreat in Supino, Italy, working with a storytelling cohort of new international voices, including women storytellers from the West Bank, Palestine.

A Collaborator with The Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Children’s Theater, Jasmin adapted a children’s book bilingually. Jasmin is the Adaptor and Bilingual Narrator of Maybe Something Beautiful, a new puppet film for children,of how art transforms a neighborhood, available on YouTube. Recipient of the 2022 USArtists International MidAtlantic Arts Grant Jasmin travelled to Zimbabwe and South Africa to perform her solo show DISPOSABLE and teach Master Classes in Theater of the Oppressed. One of the first Latina’s to receive The Race Bridges Storytelling Fellowship Jasmin uses storytelling and theater to pursue justice and humanity. An experienced Actress Jasmin has performed in Chicago at The Goodman Theater, Steppenwolf Theater, Chicago Children’s Theater, Teatro Luna, Urban Theater, Lifeline Theater (to name a few) and toured regionally to Seattle Children's Theater. A proud SAG-AFTRA member, TV credits include NBC Chicago Fire, Showtime’s The CHI & ABC’s Betrayal.

Currently a Facilitator for the University of Chicago’s Office of Civic Engagement, she is a leader and thought partner for the Civic Actors Studio program, working with Chicago’s non-profit leaders. Recognized for her arts and civic engagement work, she was awarded a 2020-2022 international LAB Fellowship by The Laboratory for Global Performance and Politics at Georgetown University. Co-Founder of WorkersTEATRO, a collective of low-wage Chicago workers humanizing the politics of labor using theater. A seasoned Facilitator, Jasmin has led strategic planning retreats and professional development workshops internationally and nationally. Her Frierian approach came from training with Augusto Boal, Founder of Theater of the Oppressed, whose pedagogy is the framework of her practice. Jasmin is a current member and previous Board Member of The Pedagogy and Theater of the Oppressed, an international organization where she Co-Chaired conferences, Twenty years of facilitation in public & private spaces is what ultimately developed Artivista LLC.