Culture Shift host Duda Penteado sits down with visionary street artist and muralist Mustart for an inspiring conversation on his creative origins, the immigrant journey, and the therapeutic power of abstract art.

**Follow Culture Shift:**
Linktree: [http://linktr.ee/Culture_Shift_Podcast](http://linktr.ee/Culture_Shift_Podcast)
Instagram: @culture_shift_podcast
Facebook: @cultureshiftpodcast
TikTok: @cultureshift_duda

In this episode, Mustart reflects on his childhood in Northeast Russia, where he first discovered art through his father's woodworking and formal art schooling. He shares vivid stories of Russia's underground "staircase era," discovering Western punk and hip-hop through bootleg tapes, and his family's journey to the U.S. after hitting the green card lottery in 1999. Mustart also dives deep into his artistic philosophy—discussing why he shifted from political art to therapeutic abstraction, and why spray paint offers the ultimate creative freedom.

**This episode covers:**

* Growing up in the Russian wilderness and competing in early art school competitions
* The "staircase era" of underground youth culture, graffiti, and bootleg music in Russia
* Hitting the green card lottery and immigrating to Newark before finding a creative home at NJCU in Jersey City
* Why spray painting provides an unmatched release of pressure and fluid motion
* Shifting from political commentary to creating therapeutic, abstract pieces that simply help people *feel*
* Giving back to the local culture through the "Off the Hook Jam," a celebration of graffiti, breakdance, and community

Watch, subscribe, and stay connected for more conversations with creatives, artists, founders, and culture builders.

#CultureShift #Mustart #JerseyCity #StreetArt #GraffitiCulture #Podcast #ArtTherapy #NJCU #LibertyArtDistrict

Support the show

Culture Shift host Duda Penteado sits down with Olga, creator and founder of the Jersey City Theater Center (JCTC), for a profound conversation on her artistic roots, the creation of White Eagle Hall, and the role of art in fostering global peace.  

Follow Culture Shift:

Linktree: http://linktr.ee/Culture_Shift_Podcast

Instagram: / culture_shift_podcast

Facebook: / cultureshiftpodcast

TikTok: / cultureshift_duda

In this episode, Olga discusses her early life in Ukraine and Belarus, where her mother and grandfather first sparked her lifelong passion for the theater. She shares the miraculous, against-all-odds story of acquiring and restoring White Eagle Hall with her husband Ben during the 2008 economic crash. Olga also delves into the importance of global cultural exchange, the resilience of her family in war-torn Ukraine, and JCTC's vision for its upcoming 20th-anniversary celebration.  

This episode covers: • Discovering a profound connection to theater at just three years old in Belarus and Ukraine • The differences between European ensemble theater and American Broadway styles • The struggles and "miracles" behind purchasing and restoring White Eagle Hall as a cultural landmark • Exploring cultural diversity, sharing stories, and breaking borders through the arts • Uncovering family secrets surrounding the Ukrainian Holodomor and the Holocaust • Finding inspiration in the resilience of Ukrainian artists working through the current war • A look ahead at JCTC's 20th Anniversary Gala on March 10th and the upcoming international festival  

Watch, subscribe, and stay connected for more conversations with creatives, artists, founders, and culture builders.

#CultureShift #JerseyCity #JCTC #WhiteEagleHall #TheaterArts #ArtAsActivism #Podcast

Support the show

Culture Shift host Duda Penteado sits down with Mike, founder of The Grind, for a conversation on branding, community, the evolution of Bergen-Lafayette, and the art of the "slow build."

Follow Culture Shift:

Linktree: http://linktr.ee/Culture_Shift_Podcast

Instagram: / culture_shift_podcast

Facebook: / cultureshiftpodcast

TikTok: / cultureshift_duda

In this episode, Mike discusses his transition from a high-level creative consultant for brands like Nike and Samsung to becoming a pioneer in the Jersey City coffee scene. He shares insights on building a brand that lasts and the importance of wellness in a growing community.

This episode covers:

• The difference between American and European coffee culture

• Being a pioneer in Bergen-Lafayette

• Transitioning from corporate consulting to entrepreneurship

• Building a brand vs. building a retail store

• Grind Society: Run clubs and community wellness

• The role of technology and storytelling in modern business

• The future of the Liberty Art District

Watch, subscribe, and stay connected for more conversations with creatives, artists, founders, and culture builders.

#CultureShift #JerseyCity #TheGrind #BergenLafayette #CoffeeCulture #Branding #Entrepreneurship #LibertyArtDistrict #Podcast

Support the show

New episode of Culture Shift is live.

In Episode 2, Duda Penteado sits down with Angus for a wide-ranging conversation on Shakespeare, punk rock, theater, music, and creative culture.

From growing up in New Zealand to discovering Shakespeare in England, working in the music business, and building the vision behind the Container Globe, Angus brings a perspective shaped by art, rebellion, performance, and real cultural experience.

This episode dives into how punk rock changed his life, why Shakespeare should be felt before it is studied, how the music industry evolved, and why experimental spaces matter for artists, performers, and communities.

Watch now on YouTube.

#CultureShift #Shakespeare #PunkRock #TheaterPodcast #CreativeCulture #ContainerGlobe #ArtPodcast #PerformanceArt

Support the show

In this inspiring episode of Culture Shift, host Duda Penteado sits down with lifelong creator, designer, and community builder, Amir. From his early childhood journey from Egypt to Jersey City, to opening his first design storefront in an up-and-coming Miami, Amir shares what it takes to manifest artistic visions against the odds.

Amir reveals exclusive, behind-the-scenes stories from his time working as the lead creative for global superstar DJ Avicii, including a high-stakes, borderline-impossible billboard campaign on South Beach. The duo also dives deep into the realities of the music industry, the toll of fame, and why being rejected by major art fairs inspired Amir to produce his own massive underground exhibitions. Finally, the conversation brings it all back home to Jersey City, exploring how Amir uses his creative frequency to impact the youth through the Buzzbox program and monumental community murals.

What You Will Hear In This Episode:

• Early Beginnings: Amir’s transition from Egypt to Jersey City and discovering his creative spark.
• The Miami Evolution: Opening a design studio in 2004 and watching Wynwood and Art Basel transform the city.
• Working with Avicii: The untold story of executing a massive 130-foot billboard overnight on Collins Avenue, and candid reflections on the late DJ's tragic struggles with fame.
• Hacking the Art World: How being blocked from Art Basel led Amir to curate and fund his own independent "Freedom" art show.
• Community Impact: Returning to Jersey City to launch the Buzzbox youth mentorship program and collaborating with Duda on the epic 10-year anniversary community mural in the Liberty Arts District.

Support the show