Independent documentary videographers and photojournalists are an essential element in the decorporating and decolonizing of public and private media. In a world where a camera is a weapon, these individuals hold great responsibility. But what defines this responsibility, what are the ethics, and what are the drivers for undertaking this kind of task?

We talk with photojournalist Ben Camacho and documentary photographer Jayrol San Jose, the artistic team known as Westside Storytellers. @westsidestorytellers The discuss their short form documentary films about local topics with universal messages and the dangers of independent journalism.

Episode Image by Ben Camacho
Music in this episode includes Deux Files and Perdición

Sonic Altar - Ep 8 // The Westside Storytellers, Documentary Journalists

This khôra features Dr. Courtney Riley, an award winning veterinarian and animal advocate, in an intimate and heartfelt conversation with her sister, Dr. Stephanie Arel and podcast producer Jessica Daugherty.  Veterinarians hold a complex role in our society, simultaneously caring for animals and the people who love and rely on them for comfort, companionship, and sometimes survival. But the animal care industry is grueling and emotional, filled with daily ethical dilemmas and long hours. How do veterinarians cope while continuing to offer loving care to our best friends?

*If you or someone you know are experiencing suicidal thoughts or dealing with suicide, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255 Or visit this site for a list of resources. https://namiswwa.org/resources/mental-health-crisis-line/

The Khôra: Veterinarian

In this khôra, we recognize teachers, especially public school and grade school educators, as caregivers. Beyond their call to educate students, teachers often act as social workers, emergency responders, parental figures, role models and mentors giving hours and hours of unpaid time outside of the classroom to facilitate a safe environment and a positive education for their students. In this conversation, Dr. Stephanie Arel and cohost Jessica Daugherty learn from one very special teacher of 35 years who has lived through school shootings, a pandemic, and still loves to do everything he can to help students succeed.

The Khôra: Teacher

This Khora features two nurses, both working in the same Florida hospital, whose various experiences in nursing highlight the importance of self-care for care workers. Nurses are essential to the health and success of the medical care system, and starting in late 2019 they found themselves on the front lines of a global pandemic. But what kind of support do nurses get to help them cope with the challenges and adverse effects of their job? How do they manage to keep calm and find balance while caring for all their patients? And how do they deal with the emotional baggage, even when they are off the clock? Dr. Stephanie Arel and cohost Jessica Daugherty ask all these questions and more in this episode, while sending out big huge "Thank You!" to nurses around the world.

If you are seeking information on covid-19 please visit the CDC website here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html 

You can also visit the World Health Organization website here:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

The Khôra: Hospital Nurse

A production house, label, publisher and creative association of self organized artists.

Experimental Music Production
Digital Media Production
Sensual & Visual Performing Arts and Publishing

Shrine 13