Stories That Matter: The Case for Independent Media Today

Robert L. Watkins Jr. (Rob Lee) — Speaker, podcast producer, host, and educator.

Rob is the executive producer and host of The Truth In This Art Podcast, an independent arts-and-culture series with 900+ episodes. He manages every stage of production— concepting, guest booking, interview prep, recording, editing, publishing, and analytics— and has built audience-first workflows, layered narrative edits, and immersive sound design that have driven engagement, secured sponsorships and grants, and grown a committed listener community.

He teaches Podcasting Essentials at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and leads the podcast curriculum at Baltimore School for the Arts, focusing on hands-on skills (DAW workflows, remote and in-studio recording, editing), show promotion, and audience strategy. Rob is a two-time speaker at the Maryland Arts Summit, has headlined the Baltimore Podcast Festival, and serves on the advisory board of Creative Nomads. His work earned Best Podcast of Baltimore (2022) and has been featured by NPR, Create! Magazine, and Up Magazine, where he discussed the story behind his work.

What I bring to your stage: concise, actionable sessions on launching sustainable podcasts, growing engaged audiences, and using sound to deepen storytelling—rooted in 15+ years of producing real-world shows. References available on request.

Camille Kashaka (she/her/hers) currently serves as the Managing Director for Joe’s Movement Emporium and Creative Suitland. She is excited to contribute to the broad and powerful community focused cultural and artistic impact of these institutions.

She is the former Executive Director of Motor House in Baltimore. Camille served as the Interim Managing Director at Hattiloo Theatre in Memphis, TN, where she oversaw the day to day operations of the company. She also was proud to serve as the Director of the Anacostia Arts Center in Southeast Washington, DC. There, she was privileged to curate visual arts exhibitions, music series, and a performing arts season. Camille’s proudest moments in Anacostia include curating the All The Way Live Tuesdays Hip Hop Series, creating the Resident Performing Arts Incubator, and curating “Black Gold,” an exhibition that celebrated Afrofuturistic aesthetics in both abstract and figurative work.

Camille received her BFA from Howard University in Theatre Administration and her Masters from American University in Arts Management.

In addition to her work as an arts manager, Camille is also a lighting designer and stage manager. She has been privileged to work with a number of organizations including Story District, Freshh Inc Theatre Company, Astro Pop Events, and JAMtheRevue.

Camille is originally from Atlanta, GA. Born to a Trini mother and Black American father, she brings a spicy southern sensibility to every aspect of her life: personal, professional, and spiritual. It is also important to note that she is a hardcore Trekkie and much of her philosophy on life itself comes from Jean-Luc Picard’s monologues. It is with this specific blend of cultural, artistic, and professional experience that she hopes to add to the eclectic cultural ecosystem of Prince George’s County.