Dr. V is a felon and a former stripper. In April of 2002 she was charged with theft and spent some time in prison. That journey led her to a life of hardship and consequences that still follow her today. But she owns her past. She embraces it. She’s even figured out how to use it – not only as a springboard toward a better life, but as a business model to land her where she is today: Helping other people do the same.

Homegoings is a production of Vermont Public. Follow the show here.

This episode was hosted and reported by Myra Flynn. Our producer/director is Mike Dunn and Aaron Edwards is our story editor. Myra composed the theme music with other music by Blue Dot Sessions. Elodie Reed, Kyle Ambusk and Kaylee Mumford are the graphic artists. Check out Elodie’s work in this episode’s Homegoings artist portrait.

Thank you for listening. You can see a video version of this episode on our YouTube channel.

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Aman Itomi makes big, bold and noticeable jewelry worn by celebrities and gracing the covers of magazines. His nickname in his community of makers is “The Basquiat of metal.” But now Aman is bracing for uncertainty and scarcity as Trump’s tariffs on metals go into effect — again. In this episode, Aman shares how he’s preparing.

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Write to us at: hey@homegoings.co

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Tell your friends, your family or a stranger about the show!

Homegoings is a production of Vermont Public: https://www.vermontpublic.org/

Marjani Forté-Saunders is a mother, choreographer, performer, community organizer and three-time Bessie Award winner. In this episode, Marjani speaks about the score a dancer’s body keeps, both on and off the stage. It’s a journey of acceptance, fearless expression and hard personal truths.

Homegoings is a production of Vermont Public. Follow the show here.

This episode was hosted and reported by Myra Flynn and edited by Aaron Edwards, with production support from Peter Engisch, Mike Dunn and our associate producer James Stewart. Myra composed the theme music with other music by Everett Asis and Blue Dot Sessions. Kaylee Mumford is the graphic artist behind this episode’s Homegoings artist portrait.

Thank you for listening. You can see a video version of this episode on our YouTube channel.

To continue to be part of the Homegoings family:

• Subscribe to our YouTube channel
• Sign up for the Homegoings newsletter
• Write to us at: hey@homegoings.co
• Follow us on Instagram @wearehomegoings
• Make a gift to continue elevating BIPOC storytelling
• Tell your friends, your family or a stranger about the show!
• And of course, subscribe!