Documenting the Dance of Survival: Joe Hill on Match in a Haystack

From community theater in childhood to shooting a documentary in a war zone, Joe Hill’s journey as a filmmaker has taken him across continents, formats, and emotional terrain. With a background that spans investigative journalism, global travel, and a deep belief in the power of story, Hill brings a unique lens to his latest project—Match in a Haystack, a daring and intimate portrait of dancers creating art amid the chaos of war. What led him to Ukraine? Why use dance as a language in documentary filmmaking? And how did Misty Copeland get involved? Read on to find out more.

Art, Editor's Pick, zIssue 57Angelina DeSalvoAugust 15, 2025activism, pride, awareness, dance, art, artist, dancer, photography, film, creative, creativityComment

Birth Control: An Individualized Experience For All Women

Since its release in the 1960s, birth control has not just been a way to prevent pregnancy, but also a way for women to become empowered with the ability to make their own choices about their bodies and futures. Choosing to take birth control is not just a purely physical decision, it is also a psychological, emotional, and political decision.

Kim Tran, Alliance Builder between the Black and Asian communities

Dr. Kim Tran (she/her) is an inspirational human being. She has lived her entire life in devotion to fighting for justice and building solidarity between like-minded people and groups. As a queer Asian woman, she is a prominent advocate for the LGBTQ community, the Black-Asian alliance, and opposing oppression. This intellectual has been a proponent for DEI long before DEI became a buzzword or reached the lips of the American mainstream. Read on to learn more about Dr. Kim Tran!

Branching Out: Rethinking Our Diets with Elspeth Hay

In her new book, Feed Us with Trees, author, food writer, and environmental advocate Elspeth Hay invites readers to rediscover the nourishing relationship between people and the trees that sustain us. Blending lyrical storytelling with practical wisdom, Hay explores how tree-based foods and traditional ecological knowledge can guide us toward a more resilient and regenerative future. We sat down with her to discuss the inspiration behind the book, the role of trees in our food systems, and how reconnecting with these ancient sources of nourishment can change the way we eat—and live.

Articles, zIssue 57Kylie MurphyAugust 14, 2025Healthy, healthy eating, Food, Nutrition, Nut based diet, diet, trees, tree nuts, indigenous, writer, author, historyComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2025 - Anndrea Young, Minneapolis City Council Ward 5

The Minneapolis City Council races are heating up! We’ve already featured one other race for the council, and today we are featuring another election in a different ward. Anndrea Young (she/her) is a millennial mom of two who is passionate about her district. She says, “I love the smell of Broadway early in the morning when Cub Foods is baking doughnuts, but I don't really eat doughnuts.”

Leveling the Playing Field: How to Support Women Athletes and Traditionally Female Sports

Despite undeniable talent, dedication, and success, women athletes and sports traditionally associated with women, like gymnastics, figure skating, and softball, continue to receive significantly less financial backing and media exposure than their male counterparts. This impedance not only affects the livelihoods and opportunities of women in sports, but it also impacts how young girls view their potential in athletic spaces. To create a more equitable sporting world, systematic support and cultural change are essential. Here are several actionable ways we can all help support women athletes and elevate traditionally female sports:

Articles, zIssue 57, Editor's PickAngelina DeSalvoAugust 13, 2025womens sports, athlete, female athlete, female sports, talent, gender equalityComment

Roots and Resonance: Ant Thomaz on Fatherhood, Fusion, and Finding Purpose

Some artists follow trends; others follow truth. In a world that often demands instant output and polished perfection, Ant Thomaz chooses presence, patience, and purpose. From morning meditations with his daughter to the chilled edges of the Irish Sea, his creative process is as deeply personal as it is universal. Rooted in Scotland but echoing with Louisiana soul, Ant’s story unfolds like a song—layered, honest, and impossible to ignore. Want to know what fuels the man behind the music? Read below to find out more.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57Angelina DeSalvoAugust 12, 2025artists, music, fatherhood, father, songs, singer song writer, album, funk, jazz, soul, stage, performanceComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2025 - Alexis Mercedes Rinck, Seattle City Council Position 8

Today we are profiling Alexis Mercedes Rinck (she/her), a queer Latina millennial who was elected councilwoman for Position 8 on the Seattle City Council who is running for re-election on the Democratic ticket. She won a special election last year by running to the left of the appointed councilmember. Born to two teenage gang members, Alexis’s father spent her whole childhood incarcerated and went on to face chronic homelessness and substance abuse disorder, while her mother ended up losing custody in the throes of the juvenile detention system, so Alexis was raised by her grandparents. Alexis is passionate about housing reform, fighting climate change, and protecting immigrant communities from ICE.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57Andrew FAugust 12, 2025latina, latinx, queer, #queer, housing, housing crisis, homelessness, homeless crisis, election, #election, #SeattleComment

Jackie Dallas on Acting and Advocacy

After rediscovering her love for acting during medical residency, actress Jackie Dallas made a bold decision to swap career paths and pursue her passion. Now she finds herself celebrating her latest role in Netflix’s new drama filled series “The Hunting Wives”. Still a fierce advocate for women’s health, Dallas shares women’s pelvic health advice and chats about the importance of diversity and representation within the industry. To learn more about Jackie Dallas, her acting process, and her advocacy, read on.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2025 - Aurin Chowdhury, Minneapolis City Council Ward 12

Today we are profiling Aurin Chowdhury (she/they), a Gen Z daughter of working-class Bengali immigrants who was elected councilwoman for Ward 12 on the Minneapolis City Council who is running for re-election on the Democratic-Farmer-Labor ticket. This former community organizer’s platform includes addressing homelessness humanely and with dignity, shaping public safety with community, standing strong on police accountability, and building a just and equitable climate resilient city.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2025 - Nicole Zelen, West Deer Township, Pennsylvania Supervisor, District 1

It is now three months away from the 2025 elections and more candidates are running for November races! Today we are profiling Nicole Zelen (she/her), a millennial who is passionate about transparent governance, community collaboration, sustainability, environmental preservation, and evidence-based policymaking. Nicole and her husband both ride vintage Honda motorcycles (photo below) and have two cats.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57Andrew FAugust 8, 2025millenial, election, elections, #election, politics, Local, political, Politics, #politics, get politicalComment

Crafted with Care, Worn with Soul: The Earth Sole Journey

In this interview, we explore the inspiring journey behind Earth Sole, a handcrafted barefoot shoe brand rooted in sustainability, creativity, and a deep connection to nature. What started as a personal solution to the discomfort of modern footwear evolved into a purpose-driven business that honors the earth, embraces minimalism, and supports conscious living. From working with repurposed leather to building a small, intentional team in Cape Town, the founder shares the unexpected twists, challenges, and rewarding moments that shaped the brand’s path. What drives someone to build a shoe company with no prior experience—and how does living barefoot in nature lead to an internationally growing business? Keep reading to find out.

SWAC: Fashion, zIssue 57Angelina DeSalvoAugust 8, 2025soul, sustainability, leather, shoes, footwear, creativity, natureComment

Hillary Lewis is Chasing Cupid!

Co-creator, writer, and actress for the drama filled web series Chasing Cupid, Hillary Lewis, created a series for the girls! Based on their own real dating experiences, Lewis and her co-creator, Lauren Davidi, explore the ups and downs of dating, heartbreak, and girlhood in the digital age throughout the series. Beyond the show, Lewis has volunteered for United in Harmony, aiming to support underprivileged children with opportunities to learn and grow. Read on to learn more about Hillary Lewis and Chasing Cupids.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57Eva Elisa WellsAugust 7, 2025TV, TV Series, #tvseries, YouTube, youtube, dating, love, acting, Acting, Directing, Actor, actress, Actress, female actressComment

Ageless Naturally: Clean Vegan Solutions to Keep You Looking Young

In a world increasingly driven by artificial ingredients and synthetic beauty quick-fixes, more people are turning to nature for their skincare and anti-aging solutions. The clean, vegan beauty movement has gained traction not just for its ethical values, but for its impressive results. Staying youthful doesn’t have to involve harsh chemical, invasive procedures, or animal derived ingredients. With the right clean, plant based regimen it’s possible to nurture your skin, body, and overall health in a way that promotes longevity and radiance from the inside out. Here’s how to maintain a youthful appearance using natural, vegan, and clean beauty practices:

SWAC: Beauty, zIssue 57Angelina DeSalvoAugust 7, 2025nature, natural, skin care, beauty, ethical, skin, body, hair, plant based, nurture, plant powered, vitamins, sunscreen, stress managementComment

Hillary Reynolds' Soothing Songwriting

Singer-songwriter, Hillary Reynolds, debuts her first solo album, “Changing Seasons” on August 8th. The first single off of the album, “Can’t Turn Off My Mind”, sets the tone for the albums refreshing lyrical honesty, bright sounds, and soothing melodies. Beyond the music, Reynolds helps run her mother’s breast cancer foundation, The Trina Fund. To learn more about Hillary Reynolds and her upcoming album, read on.

Attacking Public Press: Trump’s Media Censorship Campaign

President Trump has been very vocal about dismissing any criticism directed at him and his choices throughout the short time he has so far served as president this term. His rejection of criticism has led him to make efforts in censoring public media and journalism. Whether it be suing news outlets for defamation of character, restricting journalism, defunding public broadcasting, or writing posts on his social media platform Truth Social to criticize those who speak out against him, Trump has made one of his main presidential focuses: censorship.

Rachael Sage & Kristen Ford: Joy=Resistance

Coming together to perform on the “Joy=Resistance” tour are two queer musicians who aren’t afraid of speaking up. Singer-songwriters Rachel Sage and Kristen Ford see music as a universal language that creates community and connection, which is exactly what they hope to bring to each city on their tour. Sage’s latest single and upcoming album, “Canopy”, keeps inclusivity and acceptance at the forefront while Ford’s new single “Wild Heart” and album “Pinto” aim to fight back against oppression. Donating a portion of the proceeds from their tour to The Trevor Project, the two musicians fight even further to create safe spaces and provide solace for those in need. To learn more about Rachel Sage, Kristen Ford, and their Joy=Resistance tour, read on.

Where Visibility Meets Vibrancy: The Queer Art Hub Revolution

Born from an Instagram page resharing queer artists' work during the pandemic, Queer Art Hub has grown into a dynamic, global platform spotlighting LGBTQI+ creatives across 17 countries—and counting. Built on the mission to democratize art sharing and confront the challenges queer artists face on mainstream platforms, it now serves as a digital sanctuary for expression, connection, and visibility. From community classifieds to artist portfolios and collaborations with cultural spaces like St Martins Lane London, this is more than a website—it’s a movement. Curious how a grassroots idea turned into a worldwide art revolution? Read below to discover the full story.

Art, zIssue 57Angelina DeSalvoAugust 5, 2025queer, activism, LGBTQ+, artists, art, revolution, nyc, community, show, art show, representation, communication, globalComment

Workspaces to Living Places: Giving Empty Offices a Second Life

New York City has an abundance of empty office buildings and a shortage of affordable housing options. The fix? Turn those ghost-town workplaces into apartments people can afford. It’s a creative idea that sounds simple—but making it work is a whole different story. Let’s dive into how NYC is trying to turn old office space into new beginnings.

Articles, zIssue 57Kylie MurphyAugust 4, 2025new york city, housing crisis, affordable living, vacant offices, second life, policies, conversionComment

SCAD Heart Disease: The Hidden Heart Threat You Should Know About

When we think about heart disease, we often picture blocked arteries caused by years of plaque buildup, a condition primarily linked to lifestyle and age. But there’s a lesser-known, often misunderstood heart condition that doesn’t follow those rules: Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD). SCAD strikes suddenly, often in healthy individuals, and it doesn’t always come with warning signs. It predominantly affects women, particularly those under 50, and can occur even in people without any prior heart issues. For many, the first sign is a heart attack. That’s why understanding SCAD is not just important, it could be lifesaving.

Articles, zIssue 57Angelina DeSalvoAugust 4, 2025health, Awareness, heart, womens health, pregnant, educationComment