In this episode, we sit down with Gerald Brennan, founder of Tortoise Books, a fiercely independent Chicago-based publisher that’s rewriting the rules of the literary world. Tired of the "hare today, gone tomorrow" approach of mainstream publishing, Brennan champions a slow and steady philosophy—where depth, longevity, and quality take the lead over quick sales and fleeting fame.

We dive into what it means to be a modern-day tortoise in an industry obsessed with speed. Gerald shares how Tortoise Books blends old-school publishing values—meticulous editing, strong pre-release strategy, and genuine author investment—with new-age flexibility through print-on-demand. The result? Books that are built to last, not just to sell.

If you’re a writer, reader, or creative entrepreneur looking for inspiration outside the mainstream, this conversation will spark ideas and maybe even remind you that the race isn’t always to the swift.

🎧 Tune in and find out why slow and steady still wins the race.

Gerald Brennan earned a B.S. in European History from West Point and an M.S. in Journalism from Columbia University. He's the author of Resistance, which Kirkus called “an extremely impressive debut,” and four space books including Island of Clouds ("Speculative sci-fi at its finest." - Neal Thompson, author of Light This Candle) and Alone on the Moon ("Brilliant." - Rick Kogan, WGN Radio). His writing has appeared in the Chicago Tribune and Newcity, and he was on the latter's 2019 and 2022 and 2025 Lit 50 lists of notable literary Chicagoans; he's also the founder of Tortoise Books, a Chicago-based independent press that WGN Radio's Rick Kogan recently called “…one of the best, most provocative, and rewarding publishing houses in the entire country.”

For more information visit: https://500andgrowing.com

In this episode, Jasmin Cardenas shares what it was like being the only Colombiana (Latina) in her university program and how social justice shapes her creative work. With honesty and heart, she reflects on her growth as an actress, playwright, storyteller, producer, and leader.

Jasmin Cardenas, Founder of Artivista LLC, a Chicago creative firm that uses embodied artistic practice of storytelling, theater techniques and facilitation to create connections and unite people across communities. A life-long Chicagoan, Jasmin is an experienced Arts Educator, Facilitator, award-winning bilingual storyteller and “theatermaker” who uses story and play to facilitate spaces where people can connect and spark change. A bridge builder, this Colombian-American believes in the power of art & stories to grow us, unite us and activate us.

The last few years have been incredibly exciting years of travel as Jasmin’s dream came true when she was a Featured Teller at The National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, TN. Also featured at the biggest storytelling festival in the USA at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival in Lehi, Utah. In 2024 her newest album CUENTOS FROM THE AMERICAS won The Storytelling World Award. Available on her website www.JasminCardenas.com you can travel through the Americas through stories, music and learn about unique instruments. Jasmin was honored to be the week-long Storyteller-in-Residence at the International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough, TN. Last year, Jasmin, a LAB Fellow of Georgetown University’s Laboratory of Global Performance and Politics was a Master Class Teacher for the Seraj Storytelling Retreat in Supino, Italy, working with a storytelling cohort of new international voices, including women storytellers from the West Bank, Palestine.

A Collaborator with The Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Children’s Theater, Jasmin adapted a children’s book bilingually. Jasmin is the Adaptor and Bilingual Narrator of Maybe Something Beautiful, a new puppet film for children,of how art transforms a neighborhood, available on YouTube. Recipient of the 2022 USArtists International MidAtlantic Arts Grant Jasmin travelled to Zimbabwe and South Africa to perform her solo show DISPOSABLE and teach Master Classes in Theater of the Oppressed. One of the first Latina’s to receive The Race Bridges Storytelling Fellowship Jasmin uses storytelling and theater to pursue justice and humanity. An experienced Actress Jasmin has performed in Chicago at The Goodman Theater, Steppenwolf Theater, Chicago Children’s Theater, Teatro Luna, Urban Theater, Lifeline Theater (to name a few) and toured regionally to Seattle Children's Theater. A proud SAG-AFTRA member, TV credits include NBC Chicago Fire, Showtime’s The CHI & ABC’s Betrayal.

Currently a Facilitator for the University of Chicago’s Office of Civic Engagement, she is a leader and thought partner for the Civic Actors Studio program, working with Chicago’s non-profit leaders. Recognized for her arts and civic engagement work, she was awarded a 2020-2022 international LAB Fellowship by The Laboratory for Global Performance and Politics at Georgetown University. Co-Founder of WorkersTEATRO, a collective of low-wage Chicago workers humanizing the politics of labor using theater. A seasoned Facilitator, Jasmin has led strategic planning retreats and professional development workshops internationally and nationally. Her Frierian approach came from training with Augusto Boal, Founder of Theater of the Oppressed, whose pedagogy is the framework of her practice. Jasmin is a current member and previous Board Member of The Pedagogy and Theater of the Oppressed, an international organization where she Co-Chaired conferences, Twenty years of facilitation in public & private spaces is what ultimately developed Artivista LLC.

For over 25 years, Demetrio Maguigad has dedicated his career to building a more just and equitable world through the power of design, storytelling, and authentic human connection.

Demetrio's journey began with a deep-rooted commitment to social justice. As a young organizer, he witnessed the transformative power of community action firsthand. Using music, theater, and popular education methodologies like Theater of the Oppressed, he mobilized disempowered voices, working with Filipino youth and immigrant domestic care workers in Chicago. These formative experiences instilled in him a lifelong passion for addressing critical issues such as human rights, environmental justice, and social equity.

He developed his expertise in communications strategy and media production while leading initiatives at organizations like Public Narrative. There, he managed, researched, and scaled the production of Getting On Air, Online, and Into Print, a widely used communications resource guide for media and journalists. He also trained nonprofit communicators and journalists in digital media and was selected for a U.S. State Department mission to Morocco in 2012 to share his knowledge with local communicators and government officials.

Demetrio later emerged as a leading voice in social impact design during his 12-year tenure as Principal Director of Design Strategy at LimeRed, a certified B-Corp. He led innovative projects with nonprofits and social entrepreneurs, co-designed the Idea Accelerator in San Francisco and Washington D.C., and co-authored Branding for Changemakersand ARC: A Communications Guide for Small Arts Organizations Making Big Impact.

As an educator and mentor, Demetrio has taught at Columbia College Chicago for over 12 years, inspiring students in courses on social media, digital strategy, and content creation. He has also guided entrepreneurs and startups at Chicago’s innovation hubs, including 1871, 2112, and MHub, helping them apply design thinking principles to their missions.

His artistic contributions include co-founding Bagwis, a multigenerational music collective focused on human rights, and long-standing involvement with CIRCA Pintig, a local Filipino theater company, where he provided music direction and original scoring for award-winning productions.

Today, Demetrio leads Polyrhythmic, a venture devoted to creating stories and designing experiences that challenge perspectives and inspire collective action. His career is a testament to the enduring power of creativity, collaboration, and purpose-driven work.