In this episode I speak with Nicole Ocran a mixed-race American fashion blogger living in London. She shares her journey of personal style, fashion trends, and identity through her blog. Nicole's mission is to get to know herself better and build confidence through fashion and beauty.

Nicole shares her experiences as a mixed-race individual and the inspiration behind her podcast and upcoming book. She opens up about the challenges of navigating identity and belonging in a society that often tries to force individuals into boxes. She highlights the importance of family and the influence of her Ghanaian and Filipino heritage.

The conversation delves into the complexities of dating and relationships as a mixed-race person, exploring the history of mixed-race identity, beauty standards, hair, and the need for open conversations about race and identity.

Nicole emphasizes the importance of forgiving oneself and others, and the power of vulnerability in relationships. She also discusses the process of healing and finding oneself after painful experiences.

You can connect with Nicole at https://www.instagram.com/nicoleocran/

Why do you listen to this podcast https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqYe7Kp9yTItZY5--I0NP05GAgqDyo-hCyGUrNO13Xj8yp4g/viewform

In this episode I speak with Cyril France an artist who brings attention to individuals from various socioeconomic backgrounds and highlights underlying political issues, shedding light on marginalized communities. Cyril's portraits capture subjects in a space of ambiguity and poise, prompting viewers to reconsider their visual priorities.

His work is influenced by mannerism, a European art style that focuses on communicating emotions and stories through figures. Cyril's goal is to make space for the black figures to speak and tell their stories.

His faith in God gives him the assurance and confidence to pursue his passion. He talks about being directed and instructed by a higher power in his creative process. Cyril emphasizes the importance of patience and perseverance in his journey as an artist.

You can connect with Cyril at https://www.instagram.com/cyrilfrance.studio/

Why do you listen to this podcast https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqYe7Kp9yTItZY5--I0NP05GAgqDyo-hCyGUrNO13Xj8yp4g/viewform

In this episode, I speak with Martha Jackson Jarvis, an acclaimed sculptor whose work has been showcased in numerous exhibitions across the U.S. and internationally. She has received several prestigious awards, including the Creative Capital Grant, the National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, and the 2024 DAR Women in the Arts Recognition Award.

Born in 1952, Martha grew up in Lynchburg, Virginia, and now lives in Washington, D.C. She holds a BFA from the Tyler School of Art at Temple University and an MFA from Antioch University, and she has studied mosaic techniques in Ravenna, Italy.

Her public and corporate art commissions include projects for the Philip Morris Corporation, Merck Company, Fannie Mae, Washington Metro Transit Authority, and the Spoleto Festival.

Martha Jackson Jarvis shares the significance of scale in her work and how it shapes her artistic approach. She shares her ongoing quest for knowledge and the courage required to stand firm as an artist. Martha reflects on her journey, highlighting the importance of making art a central part of her identity.

Martha also offers valuable insights on time, urgency, and living in the moment. She emphasizes the necessity of making every day count and actively nurturing one's dreams and goals.


You can connect with Martha at https://www.instagram.com/mjjstudio/

Why do you listen to this podcast https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqYe7Kp9yTItZY5--I0NP05GAgqDyo-hCyGUrNO13Xj8yp4g/viewform

In this episode I speak with Wana Udobang a writer, poet, performer, curator, and storyteller with three spoken word albums: Dirty Laundry, In Memory of Forgetting, and Transcendence. Her work has taken her across Africa, Europe, and the US, and she has worked on prestigious commissions for events like the Edinburgh International Festival and The Gates Foundation. With a background in journalism, she has contributed to major outlets like The Guardian, Al Jazeera, CNN, and the BBC.

Her curatorial projects include exhibitions for Rele Gallery and a video series exploring history through food. Wana also runs The Comfort Food Workshop and curates Culture Diaries, an archival project documenting African artists.

We also talk about the challenges of the creative industry in Nigeria, looking at issues like limited infrastructure and border restrictions, the immense potential for collaboration, and sustainable growth. We also discuss the importance of staying true to one's unique voice and creating art focusing on human stories and the power of art to create awareness.

You can connect with Wana at https://www.instagram.com/mswanawana/

Why do you listen to this podcast https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqYe7Kp9yTItZY5--I0NP05GAgqDyo-hCyGUrNO13Xj8yp4g/viewform

In this episode, I speak with Marcellina a visionary artist from Lagos, Nigeria. Marcellina began her artistic path under the guidance of her father, learning drawing, design, stenciling, writing, and calligraphy before studying Art and Industrial Design at the Lagos State Polytechnic.

Marcellina is renowned for her unique style, blending collaging with traditional painting techniques to create rich, textured artworks. Her pieces delve into themes of femininity, identity, familial history, and women's empowerment, often using discarded Ankara fabric—a cultural symbol with deep significance.

You can connect with Marcellina at https://www.instagram.com/marcellina_akpojotor/

Why do you listen to this podcast https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqYe7Kp9yTItZY5--I0NP05GAgqDyo-hCyGUrNO13Xj8yp4g/viewform

In this episode, I speak with Lawrence Maleka, a South African actor and presenter. Best known as the host of Mzansi Magic's reality competition series, Clash of the Choirs South Africa, Lawrence has also co-hosted the AfricaMagic Entertainment show Star Gist and made his mark on community TV with The Gadget Show on Soweto TV.

In our conversation, Lawrence shares his mother's role in creating opportunities and nurturing his career. He also sheds light on the crucial behind-the-scenes work and the crew's dedication to bringing stories to life, emphasizing the importance of a happy crew and fair rates for a successful production.

Throughout the conversation, Lawrence touches on various topics, including embracing failure as a learning opportunity, the sacrifices he made for his career, the concept of starting at the finish line, and the courage required to be on stage. He also highlights the importance of doing one's homework in the entertainment industry and the need for representation in storytelling.

You can connect with Lawrence at https://www.instagram.com/sirlawrencemaleka/

Why do you listen to this podcast https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqYe7Kp9yTItZY5--I0NP05GAgqDyo-hCyGUrNO13Xj8yp4g/viewform

In this episode, I speak with Olympia De Maismont a self-taught photo-video reporter based in Burkina Faso. Olympia's keen insight into the local context and passion for storytelling quickly propelled her into the role of a photo-video reporter. As a dedicated freelance journalist, Olympia has covered significant events including various terrorist attacks in Ouagadougou, and the presidential elections of 2015 and 2020.

Olympia shares stories she has covered showcasing different aspects of society and challenging stereotypes. She discusses her experiences documenting mental health issues in Burkina Faso and her travels to other West African countries.

In her own words, "I did one story, for example, on a healer outside Ouagadougou. She's a traditional healer. She's 23. And that's like a crazy story."

You can connect with Olympia at https://www.instagram.com/odemaismont?igsh=ajNxZ3EyMzF2eGo=

Why do you listen to this podcast https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqYe7Kp9yTItZY5--I0NP05GAgqDyo-hCyGUrNO13Xj8yp4g/viewform

In this episode, I speak with Nafkot a documentary photographer and filmmaker based in Addis Ababa Ethiopia. She's also the co-founder of Studio 11. A vibrant space hosting regular art shows, offering aspiring artists a workplace and a community to learn from.

Nafkot speaks about the challenges posed by Ethiopia's current political and social climate, and how she finds inspiration in these obstacles, pushing her to be more intentional and focused on her personal projects.

She shares how documenting personal stories and experiences can be transformative, fostering personal growth and deeper understanding. She explores Ethiopian identity's complex and multifaceted concept, shaped by history, culture, and individual experiences.

In her own words "I'm drawn to what motivates people in life, how they do everyday stories, especially in my nation, people are considered to be very poor and you know, like their life from the outside looks very hard. But through my lens, I try and share their stories as this is just living."


You can connect with Nafkot at https://www.instagram.com/fuabilich?igsh=Z2hldzkzdXNpcG5r

Why do you listen to this podcast https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqYe7Kp9yTItZY5--I0NP05GAgqDyo-hCyGUrNO13Xj8yp4g/viewform