PPM Fest: Connecting Audio Storytellers

Join a mixer and live taping about Philly’s podcast landscape, how to maintain local roots, and develop your podcast show. These seasoned producers will offer industry insight whether you’re a novice or expert!

Featuring panelists: Karen Gross, Trenae Nuri, Tezarah Wilkins. Hosted by Alex Lewis

Alex Lewis is the co-founder of Rowhome Productions, a Philadelphia-based production agency that specializes in making audio documentaries, podcast series, & audio tours. Since Rowhome's founding in Fall 2020, they've worked on dozens of projects with a wide-range of companies & organizations including Topic Studios, Pushkin Industries, iHeart, NPR, Asian Arts Initiative, & many more. Prior to Rowhome, Alex worked as an independent producer for over a decade, writing and producing award-winning longform audio documentaries, mostly for public media outlets. He’s also the longtime producer of The Dig, a podcast from Jacobin Magazine. His work has been recognized with a National Edward R. Murrow Award and a Peabody nomination. https://alexjrlewis.com/

Trenae Nuri (She/Her) is the host of City Cast Philly -- a daily news podcast that keeps you more connected to the city we love. Before City Cast Philly, Trenae was the producer of The Wall Street Journal's What's News PM podcast. She also served as a fill-in host and producer for the Your Money Briefing and Secrets of Wealthy Women shows. Trenae was a producer/reporter at WHYY, a host for the Philadelphia Young Playwrights's podcast -- Mouthful, and was a part of the inaugural cohort that created and launched PhillyCAM Voices. 

Karen Gross (She/Her) is a seasoned creative entrepreneur, singer, and communications strategist who is passionate about helping women harness the power of their voices and align their creativity with their careers. As an in-demand performer and communications pro for over two decades, Karen has a unique understanding of the power of the voice, and the potential of words and music to connect people. Today, she connects, empowers, and lights up audiences as a singer, speaker, emcee, and the host/founder of She Rocked It – a media and mentorship platform for creative, courageous women. She also continues to provide behind-the-scenes strategic communications guidance to thought-leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs.

Tezarah Wilkins is an accomplished multimedia producer with over a decade of experience in media production and management. She has a background in theater and is skilled in managing, producing, and creating high-quality media content. Tezarah is a published photographer, film, and audio producer. She has produced several documentaries and web series, including "House of Umoja," and “Dear Nic”, while also directing "Just Love Stories: Queens Rule Together” which has been in 8 film festivals and has received the accolade of Best Direction. She has also produced several podcasts, including Love Now Media’s "Conscious Connections with Nicole Blackson", "Heart To Heart”, and “I Know Your Name”.  In addition to her work in media, Tezarah has been  a speaker at several events, including the Podcast Movement Conference and Ignite Philly 23, as well as taught workshops in Grant-writing and Audio Field Production. Her podcast, "Who Taught You How To Drive?!”, has not only garnered a dedicated following but also earned her the prestigious title of the winner of the first international cohort of the PRX Google Podcasts Creator Program in 2019.