Podcast
Streets Dept Podcast
Hosted by Streets Dept · EN
Join curator and documentarian Conrad Benner as he hosts conversations with the creative minds shaping the world around us.
For the last 15 years, Conrad has been exploring the art of Philadelphia's public space through photography and video, earning critical acclaim and millions of monthly views across social media.
Named ‘One of The Most Influential People in Philadelphia’ by Philadelphia Magazine three times (2017, 2020, and 2023), Conrad was profiled in the ‘More Than Likes’ series from The New York Times (2023), named one of Philly’s ‘48 Most Influential LGBTQ+ Leaders’ by Philadelphia Gay News (2024), and been awarded the ‘Social Justice Award for Arts & Culture’ by the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, PCHR (2025).
In the Streets Dept Podcast, Conrad talks with creative minds from arts, culture, news, and politics to better understand the world we’re creating together.
The Streets Dept Podcast is produced in partnership with Rowhome Productions.
18episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Accessing Art with Chelsey Luster
6d ago01:06:10Tap to summarizeThere’s an artist in Philadelphia creating their own blueprint, and we think you’ll find her vision and path really fascinating. This artist is developing a personal artistic practice while working within established Philly arts institutions and simultaneously building their own. Her goals are many, but at her core is a drive to help people feel seen and make art more accessible–including curating exhibitions with new artists and building price points and options for first-time buyers. This artist is Chelsey Luster. In today’s episode, host Conrad Benner talks with Chelsey about the importance of practicality in a creative career. She also discusses why she will always talk with you when you visit her gallery. And Chelsey offers some important tips for emerging artists eager to catch the attention of a curator like her. *** Learn how you can support the Streets Dept Podcast and get access to bonus content and events by visiting: Patreon.com/StreetsDept ***Follow Chelsey Luster: https://www.instagram.com/chelseylusterart/ Plan a visit to the Luster Gallery + Studio: https://www.lustergallerystudio.com/#/Learn about Magic Gardens exhibitions: https://www.phillymagicgardens.org/ The Streets Dept Podcast is produced in partnership with Rowhome Productions.
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Editor's Table May '26
2w ago00:14:30Tap to summarize***Help us grow: This is just an excerpt of this month's Editor's Table. Full Editor’s Table episodes are only available to our Patreon members, who also get other benefits, like monthly bonus columns and free access to future events. Main feed episodes may also eventually contain ads, and Patreon members will also get an ad-free podcast feed when that happens. Learn more, become a member, and support this independent effort here: patreon.com/streetsdeptWelcome to our monthly Editor’s Table episode, where we offer behind-the-scenes conversations about podcasting, independent media, Philly, and the arts! Every month at the table, you’ll hear from Streets Dept founder/podcast host Conrad Benner, lead contributor Eric Dale, and podcast producer Alex Lewis.In this episode we talk about a new mural in Philly that’s raising the eyebrows of many in the street art and graffiti communities. We get into some details about Eric’s puzzle business and the tax hike for Philly small businesses. And Alex offers more insight into his musical side. Follow Conrad, Eric, and Alex here: instagram.com/conradbennerinstagram.com/ericinphilly/ instagram.com/alexjrlewis/
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Seeding Progress with Nikil Saval
3w ago00:56:56Tap to summarizeIf you’re on our side of the social media algorithms, you’ve likely also seen many videos from different Philadelphians hoping for a Zohran Mamdani-type to rise in Philly politics. And, as we see it, there are a number of City and State politicians who might fit the criteria. Today’s guest is one of them.*** Learn how you can support the Streets Dept Podcast and get access to bonus content and events by visiting: Patreon.com/StreetsDept ***In this episode, host Conrad Benner talks with Pennsylvania State Senator Nikil Saval. Elected in 2021, Nikil is a writer, journalist, and former co-editor of the literary journal n+1. He’s the son of immigrants and small business owners. And he’s refreshingly not someone who necessarily thought he’d end up in politics. But Nikil is someone who found himself called to public service after years of organizing as a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.Follow Nikil Saval: https://www.instagram.com/nikilsaval/ Go to Nikil Saval’s website: https://nikilsaval.com/ The Streets Dept Podcast is produced in partnership with Rowhome Productions.
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Finding Awe with Meg Saligman
May 501:03:56Tap to summarizeIf we were to make a Mount Rushmore of artists who’ve changed Philadelphia, today’s guest would likely be at the top of most people’s list: Meg Saligman*** Learn how you can support the Streets Dept Podcast and get access to bonus content and events by visiting: Patreon.com/StreetsDept ***Meg is a self-described champion of humans. She’s an artist and muralist who has produced over 40 permanent public artworks worldwide, including some of the world's largest public murals. And she’s also now the president and artistic visionary behind the Ministry of Awe in Old City, Philadelphia. It's a five-story temple to curiosity created with 100 fellow artists, a project that will surely continue to cement her legendary status.Follow Meg Salimgan: https://www.instagram.com/megsaligmanstudio/ Go to Meg Salimgan’s website: https://www.megsaligman.com/ Check out the Ministry of Awe: https://moaphilly.org/ The Streets Dept Podcast is produced in partnership with Rowhome Productions.
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Playing Around with R. Eric Thomas
Apr 2101:02:22Tap to summarizeThere’s truly no one like R. Eric Thomas. A television writer, playwright, bestselling author, and the writer of a nationally syndicated advice column and weekly humor newsletter, Eric’s a man of fierce observation and stirring wit. Oh, and he was literally the very first guest on the Streets Dept Podcast back in 2017. In this episode, host Conrad Benner catches up with Eric and talks about the state of the world, managing a creative career while cultivating boredom, Beyonce, and the art of storytelling across various mediums to center queer history and experiences. Go to R. Eric Thomas' Website: https://rericthomas.com Follow R. Eric Thomas @oureric*** Learn how you can support the Streets Dept Podcast and get access to bonus content and events by visiting: Patreon.com/StreetsDept ***The Streets Dept Podcast is produced in partnership with Rowhome Productions.
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Editor’s Table: April '26
Apr 1400:41:37Tap to summarizeWelcome to our first monthly Editor’s Table episode, where we offer behind-the-scenes conversations about podcasting, independent media, Philly, and the arts! Every month at the Table, you’ll hear Streets Dept founder/podcast host Conrad Benner, lead contributor Eric Dale, and podcast producer Alex Lewis. This month we talk about why re-launching the podcast at this moment makes a ton of sense, and how listener support is more crucial than ever. We learn more about the work, interests, and passions of Eric and Alex. And we remember a Philly street art legend who we recently lost, El Toro. Learn more about Conrad, Eric, and Alex here: https://www.instagram.com/conradbenner/ https://www.instagram.com/ericinphilly/ https://alexjrlewis.com/ Support El Toro’s wife here:https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/ee908l ***Help us grow: While all interview episodes of the Streets Dept Podcast (like our interview with Sarah McAnulty) will always remain publicly available, future interview episodes may eventually contain ads–and future Editor’s Table episodes will only be fully available to our Patreon members. Our Streets Dept Patreon members receive many benefits, including ad-free listens to our podcast and access to these monthly Editor’s Table episodes. Learn more, become a member, and support this independent effort here: https://www.patreon.com/streetsdept
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Saving Science with Sarah McAnulty
Apr 700:40:56Tap to summarizeWith science funding under threat and the internet full of misinformation, we have a hero among us: Sarah McAnulty.In this episode, host Conrad Benner talks with Sarah about the challenges and opportunities of this moment. Not only is Sarah arguably one of our country’s most successful science communicators, but she’s also a street artist. And really, the two for her go hand-in-hand. In her conversation with Conrad, Sarah gives some really practical advice for how to help increase biodiversity in your town or city–and why that’s very important for supporting a future for us all! Follow Sarah McAnulty @sarahmackattack Support Skype a Scientist: https://givebutter.com/SupportSAS26Check out Sarah’s Artwork: https://mackmonsters.bigcartel.com/*** Learn how you can support the Streets Dept Podcast and get access to bonus content and events by visiting: Patreon.com/StreetsDept ***The Streets Dept Podcast is produced in partnership with Rowhome Productions.
Transcribe →The Streets Dept Podcast is Back
Apr 300:03:20Tap to summarizeAfter a four year hiatus, Conrad is back to host more conversations with the creative minds shaping the world around us. Learn how you can support the podcast and get access to bonus content and events by visiting: Patreon.com/StreetsDeptThe Streets Dept Podcast is a collaboration between Conrad Benner (Host), Rowhome Productions (Producers), and Eric Dale (Creative/Research). Our main graphic photo is by Brad Rose. Our theme music is by Liz de Lise.
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Streets Dept Podcast: Terrill Haigler Makes A Big Announcement
Sep 3, 202201:10:13Tap to summarizeTo kick off the 5th year of the Streets Dept Podcast, host Conrad Benner talks with a very special guest who's making a big announcement. That guest is Terrill Haigler, but there's a chance you know him better as "Ya Fav Trashman." Over the last few years, Terrill has turned a much-beloved Instagram account that he created to help Philadelphians better understand the challenges of sanitation work at the start of the pandemic into a movement for better streets. Now, he's hoping to take that energy to local government.
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Rick Krajewski On The Power And Possibility Of The PA State House
May 15, 202200:31:42Tap to summarizeOn today's episode host Conrad Benner is joined by Rick Krajewski. Krajewski is a State Representative running for his second term serving PA's 188th District. He is a progressive Democrat in a PA Congress which has Republicans in control of both chambers of the state legislature. As he comes to the end of his first two-year term and runs for his second, we discuss the obstacles and opportunities of working in this congress, especially over the last two years with the added challenges created by Covid. And we talk about his goals for a second term, one he'll likely serve if he beats his Primary challenger in the coming May 17th elections.
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