Dorian A Ortega is a brown Boricua from Chicago. F.L.Y. Radical Therapy invites holistic healing practices that center BIPOC (Biracial, indigenous and people of color) and LGBTQ2SI+ individuals and loving yourself through collective social conscious liberation awareness, healing for yourself, with each other, and helping others to witness freedom. F.L.Y. Radical Therapy is inspired by my inner wisdom, ancestral knowledge and named liberation, womanist and multicultural psychology.

Dorian is also co-founder of Healing Jodonas (Puerto Rican word pronounced 'hoh-dohn-x', meaning 'agitator') Healing Jodonxs organizes a series of free poetry healing circle and other event that seek to use art as a culturally relevant, accessible, and inclusive tool of expression, education, and resistance. Dorian is a space holder, practice nurturer, public speaker and has presented on radical wellness for all ages. The workshops and presentations include education, history, a practice skill, and is meant to be accessible for folks to continue to integrate within their circles.

Kerrie is more than a seasoned performer, educator, and choreographer; she's a creative powerhouse with a lifetime of experience infusing art with heart. She holds a BFA in Theatre Arts along with a lifelong commitment to learning. Kerrie founded Forevermore Dance & Theatre Arts—a vibrant hub celebrating 20 years of empowering individuals through the arts. At Forevermore, Where "Art has Heart" isn't just a tagline but a teaching philosophy, Kerrie passionately mentors her dream team, children and teens, cultivating leadership skills and leaving a lasting legacy of inspiration.

Beyond her studio, Kerrie is a proud member of More Than Just Great Dancing, advocating for the profound impact of arts education on young lives. Her career includes 24 years of studio ownership, national touring and teaching residencies, captivating audiences, and conducting workshops that ignite creativity in diverse communities.

Kerrie's journey spans the full spectrum of theatrical artistry—from glittering stages to intimate productions. She's graced these spaces as a dancer, actress, and versatile production professional, seamlessly blending performance with behind-the-scenes in many facets including: lighting design, stage management, directing, and producing.

Offstage, Kerrie finds joy in the everyday adventure of motherhood to two incredible teens, accompanied by a lively entourage of two cats and an awesome shepherd/husky mix. She unwinds with yoga, immerses herself in nature, captures moments through writing and photography, and relishes quality time filled with laughter and shared learning among like-minded friends.

Through her extensive work teaching children, adults, and underserved communities—including underprivileged youth and inmates—Kerrie remains a tireless advocate for the arts as a potent vehicle for empowerment and social change. The arts have a remarkable ability to bring people together, fostering connection and understanding. By creating spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued, the arts have the power to transform lives and change the world.

Gwen La Roka is without a doubt a rising star of stand-up. She hit the comedy scene with an explosive energy that quickly won the hearts of her audiences and led to performances at world famous comedy clubs such as The Laugh Factory, Zanies, and The Improv.

Her honest comedic approach, meshed with her physical humor, has crowds from all ages & backgrounds laughing at life, together. Gwen has worked with some of today’s funniest comedians like Gina Yashere, Felipe Esparza, Aida Rodriguez, & Finesse Mitchell, as well as legendary Paul Rodriguez & George Wallace.

Gwen’s unique voice also recently landed her a role for an animated Viva Films movie “Around the World in 80 Days”. After having fun with that, she went on to create, write and direct her own one woman show titled Mi Casa Es Tu Casa, which sold out the entire 13-show run debut in Chicago in 2022. By popular demand, she brought her show back in 2023 and was so well received by the public and theater world alike, that not only was the play Jeff Recommended, but she was also nominated for her performance in a short run by The Jeff Awards!

Winner of the ’21 NY Latino Film Festival Latino Stand Up Comedy Competition, she is now the first Latina from Chicago to make her comedy special debut on HBO Max. Catch her now on "Entre Nos: The Winners 3" and keep your eyes peeled for when she headlines a club near you. Gwen is most definitely one to look out for.

Epik1's journey began in Chicago's Ukraine Village, where the vibrant hip-hop culture sparked their passion amidst the neighborhood's challenges. Immersed in graffiti and DJing from a young age, they found solace and expression through art and music. Freestyling became their voice, propelling them into Chicago's rap scene, where battles and performances solidified their identity. Collaborating with influential artists and producers, especially with Underpaid Productions, led to critically acclaimed albums and innovative music videos. Throughout their career, Epik1 remained dedicated to preserving underground hip-hop's essence, even amidst the pandemic, releasing projects that garnered widespread acclaim. Their resilience and creativity inspire fans and fellow artists, as they continue to push the boundaries of hip-hop with authenticity and passion.

Born on Chicago’s West Side, Prexy Nesbitt has spent more than five decades as an educator, activist, and speaker on Africa, foreign policy, and racism. Over the course of his career, Prexy has made more than one hundred trips to Africa, including trips taken in secret to apartheid-torn South Africa. Prexy’s career has also included extensive consulting and training on class, race, multiculturalism and diversity. An experienced teacher and lecturer at both high school and university levels, he has also worked as a “red cap,” social worker, union organizer, part of the special detail of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King during his march in Chicago, special assistant to Chicago’s Mayor, the late Harold Washington, and a senior program officer with the MacArthur Foundation in Chicago.

The 500 and Growing Podcast had an incredible first season filled with inspirational stories. Each guest shared insights on their craft, challenges, and how they stay inspired in order to keep creating and thriving.

In the Season 1 Finale, we invited all the previous guests to come together in a round table and have a dialogue about their creative process and how they relate to one another's stories. The guests that participated were: Tyson "Newlife" Sanchez, Episode 1, Armando Perez, Episode 2, Jessie Santiago, Episode 4, and Rafael "Scheme" Navarro Jr., Episode 7 of our first season.

The Conversation is focused on how we get past creative blocks, and it is incredibly powerful and inspiring. Each guest drops jewels that are universal and can be applied to the listener's experiences.

We hope you have enjoyed Season 1, and we look forward to sharing the new Season 2 guest interviews that will be just as inspiring. We will be off for a couple of months, but follow the 500 and Growing Podcast so you can know when we begin Season 2. You can also follow @500andgrowingpodcast on Instagram for snippets of the new season and 500andgrowing.com for more creative content.

Thank you so much for listening!

Luis Tubens a.k.a. “Logan Lu” is a Chicago born Puerto Rican poet who has performed poetry across the United States. He has toured Mexico City in 2016 and 2018 and featured in Puerto Rico at “Poets Passage” (2019). He represented Chicago in the 2014 and 2018 National Poetry Slam. He is the author of Stone Eagle (2017) published by Bobbin Lace Press, Chicago. Luis is the resident poet for ESSO Funk (2016 Best New Band and Best International Music Act, Chicago Reader). Currently he is touring his latest theatrical production “Raíces to Roots”. He also owns, Pilsen Mural Tours, and he gives tours of the incredible murals/artwork that cover many walls in Chicago’s neighborhood Pilsen.