The Pod of DC

As conversations around AI continue to shape our present and future, I sat down with Aaron Berkey—co-founder and managing partner of Okeanos, a venture capital firm with a community-first approach to investing, to explore the intersection of family, business, and purpose in a rapidly evolving world.On this episode of the pod, Aaron shares the power of positive reinforcement in parenting, the need to support female-founded businesses, and how AI and automation are reshaping healthcare and the labor market. We dive into how consistent discipline and strong community ties play a critical role in building a meaningful life and career. We reflect on the rising value of authentic human connection and creativity in an increasingly tech-driven age—and why staying grounded in relationships may be our most valuable asset.Aaron is also the co-host of The Entrepreneur's Dream: The Pursuit of Happiness, a new podcast exploring the emotional and professional journeys of entrepreneurs at every stage of business. Learn more about Aaron at okeanos.vc and check out The Entrepreneur's Dream: The Pursuit of Happiness on Spotify.

Marta Bota is a creator of looks, confidence, and moments. She has spent nearly four decades as a professional makeup artist helping people show up as their best selves—on stage, on camera, and in life. She has also spent decades as a community advocate and philanthropist. Marta has rocked the crowns of both Virginia and D.C., stepping into her first pageant at 51. That’s when our paths first crossed.On this pod episode, Marta drops by the studio to share her story, from being pursued as a teenager for modeling opportunities to her fascination with behind-the-scenes work, ultimately serving as a makeup artist with CNN for 19 years. From world leaders to iconic entertainers, Marta has had some of the world's most prominent personalities in her chair. Marta shares her evolution into the world of makeup artistry, how she approaches her business, and the care she takes towards each client to ensure their look matches the moment.Marta Bota doesn’t just enhance faces—she amplifies people. Her blend of artistry, heart, and business reminds us what beauty really is: showing up real, bold, and unapologetically you. To book or chat with Marta, visit martabota.com

You know it when you hear it. Timeless, feel-good rock, deep soul grooves, and dancefloor anthems set to a windy, oceanic backdrop. You know it when you see it. Feathered hair tucked under a captain's hat, aviators, tropical shirt, scarves, ascots, maybe a tropical drink melting in your hand. All the sights and sounds of this millennium's favorite retrospective, fictional genre known and loved as "Yacht Rock". We kick off this episode of the pod spinning some of these beloved tracks with the frontman of fun, Captain Seawalker, in his Captain's Lounge to test the waters as to whether these audio gems qualify as "yacht or nyacht". We sail back in time to the early influences of his mom's record collection and finding his DJ sensibility as an in-demand performer playing clubs and festivals under the humorously memorable moniker "DJ2Nutz." We also dive into the technical aspects of DJing, from beat matching to mixing songs seamlessly in key. The Captain was born, just like this pod, in 2020, during the height of the COVID pandemic, and we hear about his move from the night clubs to the marina, the spectacle of his yacht-infused live shows and virtual live streams, and what makes yacht rock such an irresistible (and comical) genre that “you have to have no soul” not to love. Learn more about the Captain and Yacht Rock Party Events at yachtrockparty.net.

Russ Johnson is an MC and beatmaker in the DMV. On this special Halloween edition of the pod, Russ stops by the studio to share some original spooky jams to commemorate the holiday and talk all things beats, rhymes, and Halloween. We kick off the show with an exclusive - an original theme for the pod Russ put together from a scratch track I sent him earlier in the year. Coming up as a battle MC from New York, Russ shares his journey and education in beat-making and how it accelerated during the pandemic. Russ's beat style draws on the muddy, stompy, and gritty, while his original rhymes pull from clever wordplay that draws out obscure and comedic pop culture and movie references. Russ and I reminisce on the holiday, what we appreciate about Halloween, and break down those classic 80's horror movies from our childhood. Check out Russ on the mic on Halloween night at Crescendo Studios in Falls Church, VA.

Jummie Moses is the creator, host, and spirit behind the podcast "Shifting Dimensions," where themes of spirituality, religion, consciousness, the paranormal, and technology are explored in fascinating conversations. From an early age, Jummie pondered life's biggest questions about purpose, life, and death, and in 2020, it was time for her to take her passion towards the spiritual and metaphysical and share it with the world. On this episode of the pod, Jummie shares how podcasting became a form of therapy that helped in her journey towards self-realization and channeling deeper meanings behind the forces at work in her life, the nature of empathy and manifestation, and how many of us remain stuck in our programmed realities. Jummie challenges her listeners to consider seeing the world through a new paradigm and lean into their intuition, keeping an open mind and embracing the vibrations the universe sends. Following these signs can help us evolve to becoming more loving, accepting, and fulfilled. Check out "Shifting Dimensions" wherever you get your podcasts.

Sara Quinteros and Juli Shesser are registered dietitians and nutrition experts in Washington, DC. With March being National Nutrition Month, Sara and Juli stopped by the studio to share their expertise in managing food and nutrition choices for individuals and families. On this episode of the pod, Sara and Juli break down how to navigate nutrition in a fast-paced world, the ever-changing landscape of diet trends, creative solutions to engage children to take part in their own food choices and nutrition, understanding micro and macronutrients, the cost and accessibility of healthy foods, the Beyond the Plate theme for National Nutrition Month, and their plans to launch a podcast that will engage with experts to help demystify nutrition for individuals and families.

On this final pod of 2023, Rick reflects on his firsts this year, waxes nostalgic on how technology has evolved in helping us capture those moments throughout the year, and shares quick clip recaps from inspiring individuals featured on the pod in 2023. On behalf of The Pod of DC, we wish you all a happy and healthy New Year, and we'll talk soon in 2024!

Tony Barone is a Protective Paramedic Practitioner and CEO of Emergility, a security, protection, and emergency medical services company based in Alexandria, Virginia. Over 60 years ago in Alexandria, four physicians established 24/7 year-round emergency care, which today has become accessed and over-accessed from the most minor ailments to the most life-threatening ones. On this episode of the pod, Tony discusses the traumatic events in his childhood that shaped his interest in medicine and helping others, the impact business has made on the delivery of care, the true meaning of what protective treatment is, and how Emergility is filling the gaps in bringing clients and patients emergency, protective care where they need it, when they need it. To learn more, visit emergility.com