Rich Medina, DJ, poet, and Music Director and partner at Miami’s Dante’s HiFi, joins Gems with Shom for a conversation on deep listening, longevity, and a life built around records. A fan favorite from the archive, originally released February 2026, now with a new intro.
From his early years in New Jersey to becoming one of the most respected DJs and cultural voices of his generation, Rich reflects on a career shaped by curiosity, discipline, and intention. We get into legendary residencies, global travel, poetry, education, mentorship, and what it takes to stay a lifelong student of music.
A central thread is Dante’s HiFi, Miami’s Japanese-inspired listening room. We explore listening-bar culture, jazz kissa traditions, album-focused listening, and why slowing down to truly hear music feels more necessary than ever.
In the Drop a Gem on ’Em segment, Rich shares insight on records, listening, and moving with purpose across decades.
🎙 In this episode:
- DJing as storytelling
- Jazz kissa and listening-bar culture
- Dante’s HiFi
- Poetry, academia and mentorship
- Longevity and creative survival
- The power of deep listening
This one’s for DJs, diggers, music lovers, and anyone looking for a more intentional relationship with sound.
⏱ Chapters
00:00 Intro
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