Finding Flow in the Queen City: My Cincinnati Journey
- Ian Delia
- Aug 5
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 6
July 18 - July 31
There’s something uniquely exciting about stepping into a city with no fixed agenda, just curiosity, a few key plans, and a hunger for inspiration. My trip to Cincinnati turned out to be a beautiful blend of solo exploration, creative collaboration, and meaningful community. Across nearly two weeks, I discovered how vibrant and artistically alive the Queen City truly is. Here’s a look back at my unforgettable journey.
Day 1 - Friday, July 18: Walking into the Pulse of the City
The trip kicked off with a quiet self-guided walking tour, a deliberate decision to start slow and let the city introduce itself naturally. As I wandered through the streets and into the surrounding neighborhoods, I wasn’t looking for tourist attractions or big landmarks. Instead, I sought out the everyday local convenience stores, corner shops, and the flagship Kroger Grocery Store, which felt like a central hub of community life.
That day, I had my first taste of Cincinnati’s legendary Skyline Chili. More than just a regional specialty, the dish felt like a cultural handshake, a welcoming ritual of sorts. The spices were unfamiliar yet comforting, the kind of flavor that says, “you’re not from here, but you’re welcome.” With every step and every interaction, I was slowly syncing with the city's heartbeat.
Day 2 - Saturday, July 19: Learning the City’s Language Through Transit
After exploring the streets on foot, I decided it was time to get a broader view through the eyes of a commuter. Navigating Cincinnati’s public bus system became the focus of the day. While maps and routes can be confusing to outsiders like myself, there's something profoundly human about relying on public transit. It forces you to observe more closely, to listen, to watch, to wait.
The rhythm of the city changed as I hopped from stop to stop. I caught glimpses of murals tucked between buildings, parks filled with laughter, and business fronts that hinted at local dreams in progress. Riding the bus turned into a lesson in patience and presence. It wasn’t just about getting from point A to B, but about understanding how the city moves, breathes, and connects its people.
Day 3 - Sunday, July 20: The Interview Podcast and a Dream Realized
This was the day everything shifted from exploration to creation. I traveled to the day's first location along with my associate, Dane of Chillmore Inc. to film a list of episodes of The Interview Podcast. And, at none other than the historic Cincinnatian Hotel. The space itself is elegant and filled with character, a perfect backdrop for a meaningful, in-depth conversation.
Dane and his interviewees touched on everything from music and the industry grind to stand-up comedy and childhood dreams. There was something surreal about it all. Sitting behind the camera rolling while I captured the memories for his Interview Podcast fanbase, I felt a sense of arrival. Dane’s Podcast isn’t like any other stream; it’s a platform for a dream to be realized and appreciated in real time. Later that day, I joined Dane at Cincinnati’s radio hub, where he was scheduled for a live interview on 101.1 The Wiz. Walking into Wiz studios, its walls are lined with records, plaques, and headphones, all hanging like trophies. We were stepping into a space where voices carried weight. Watching Dane behind the mic, headphones on, speaking with his perfect mix of humility and humor, was truly powerful. He talked about his upbringing, the hustle, heartbreaks, and the joy of creating art that connects with his audience. It wasn’t scripted. It wasn’t polished. It was just real.
What struck me most was the way he engaged the hosts, not just answering questions, but building a conversation, drawing out laughter, nods, and even a moment of appreciation when he spoke about his mother. I watched from the producer’s corner, absorbing every second knowing this was more than a promo stop; it was an inspiration of visibility, voice, and vitality. Being behind the scenes reminded me why storytelling matters: it bridges the gaps between us, turns struggle into strength, and dreams into something we can actually hear, feel, and believe.
“This was an experience I dreamed of as a kid.”
Day 4 - Tuesday, July 21: A Creative Circle at Jordon Frank’s
A few days later, the creative momentum continued. Dane and I reconvened for another episode of the podcast, this time with returning guest Jordon Frank. What made this day stand out was the setting: Jordon’s own home. As a globally recognized singer and songwriter, his space reflected years of artistic pursuit, filled with instruments, notes, and an unmistakable energy of inspiration.
The conversation flowed effortlessly. We weren’t just recording content; we were connecting on a deeper level about the creative process, the highs and lows, and what it means to stay authentic. There were no filters, no need for performance. Just three visionaries sitting together and making space for reflection. It was one of those rare moments where time seemed to pause, where creativity wasn’t about output but presence.
Day 6 - Thursday, July 23: Open Mic at Galaxie, Where Art Meets Energy
By now, I was beginning to feel like part of the city's creative ecosystem, and that feeling came full circle at Galaxie’s open mic night. With poetry to start the night hosted by the powerful voice of Lucky L33 and music curated by Imani Productions by Siri Imani, the night was a celebration of raw talent and unfiltered expression.
The energy in the room was electric; rappers, poets, singers, and storytellers each took the mic with something important to say. The crowd wasn’t just an audience; it was a community, reacting to every line, every beat, every truth dropped on stage. What stood out to me most was the atmosphere of vulnerability and support. It was loud, passionate, chaotic, in the best way possible. Being in that space reminded me that the soul of any city is in its artists. And in Cincinnati, that soul is wide awake.
Day 10 - Monday, July 27: Dead Rich Studio, Where Connections Spark
I stepped into the second week of the trip with one goal in mind: connect. Dead Rich Studio provided the perfect space for that. The networking party there was anything but formal; it was loud, alive, and brimming with possibility. The night featured everything from rap cyphers and photo shoots to candid convos in between beat drops.
Not just a gathering, it was a living, breathing mixtape of ambition and hustle. Artists from all corners of Cincinnati showed up to represent, share their work, and link up with like-minded creatives. I left with new contacts, potential collaborations, and a notebook full of ideas. More importantly, I left with the kind of energy that only comes from being around people who really get it.
Day 12 - Tuesday, July 29: Open Mic Industry Night, An Experience By Chillmore Inc.
Cincinnati’s Bold New Stage for Local Talent
Tuesday night, I got the opportunity to attend the Open Mic Industry Night at Radio Artifact. This wasn’t just an event, it was a pilot episode for the next wave of live entertainment. Hosted by Diggity Dean Dane Sampson of Chillmore Inc., the night blurred the line between open mic and television production, transforming a moody back room of Urban Artifact into something that felt cinematic and electric.
The night started with a thought-provoking kickoff conversation about AI’s role in the future of artistry, and the tone was set: this was more than music; it was a movement. Artists took the stage in fast-paced, high-stakes 7-minute sets that showcased raw, unfiltered talent. Standouts like Jabri Tyrell, Trench Baby Ju, Melace, and Calvino proved that Cincinnati’s scene is not only thriving, it’s TV-ready. The night pulsed with intention, discovery, and undeniable star power. If this was just the beginning, the industry better start tuning in.
Day 13 - Wednesday, July 30: Open Mic Night at Galaxie, A Siri Imani Production
For my final night’s stay in Cincinnati, I excitedly attended an extravagantly designed open mic held by local name Siri Imani. The Open Mic at Galaxie in Covington was a vibrant celebration of creativity, community, and culture. From the moment guests arrived, they were immersed in an atmosphere filled with artistic energy, thanks to local vendors like Morgan’s Witch Crafts and Epiphanity Brand, whose unique offerings set the tone for the evening. As the event kicked off around 9:30 p.m., poets and musicians from Covington and Cincinnati took the stage with powerful performances that blurred the line between art and soul. Standouts like John Carlos, Chikondiman, and the electrifying guest Yordy kept the crowd captivated, while the venue pulsed with a spirit of authenticity, love, and expression. It wasn’t just an open mic, it was a creative sanctuary where everyone left feeling inspired and seen.
Closing Reflections: A City That Speaks to Creatives
Cincinnati surprised me. I arrived with no expectations and left with a deep sense of connection to the people, the art, and the spirit of the city. It’s a place where creativity isn’t confined to studios or stages; it spills into the streets, onto buses, into living rooms, and across open mics.
This trip wasn’t just a getaway. It was a reminder that sometimes the best inspiration doesn’t come from planning, it comes from presence. From saying “yes” to new spaces, new faces, and unfiltered moments.
Cincinnati, thank you. I’ll be back for more stories to tell.
Awesome writing as always!! Great job.