noseyAF: Conversations about Art, Activism, and Social Change

Ep #103: Mental Health for Expats — Building Community Abroad with Moved With PeaceSummary of the EpisodeWhat really happens after you move abroad and the honeymoon phase wears off?In this episode of noseyAF, host Stephanie Graham sits down with writer and community-builder Stephanie Rubinato to talk honestly about mental health for expats, postpartum depression, and the emotional realities of building a life far from home. Living abroad is often portrayed as dreamy and effortless—but this conversation pulls back the curtain on what’s usually left out.Stephanie shares her personal experience navigating postpartum depression after moving to Italy, the isolation many immigrants and expats feel, and why community care is just as important as cultural immersion. Together, they unpack slow living, creative burnout, friendship shifts, and what it really takes to build meaningful support systems abroad.This episode is a grounding, honest reminder that moving overseas doesn’t magically solve everything—and that seeking help, sharing resources, and building community is part of the journey.What We Talk About(aka: the real stuff you don’t see on Instagram 🇮🇹)Mental health challenges for immigrants, expats, and digital nomadsPostpartum depression while living abroadThe gap between “aesthetic expat life” and realityBuilding community through Moved With PeaceSlow living, self-trust, and creative rhythmsFriendship shifts, boundaries, and nourishmentWhy vulnerability is a form of survival (not weakness)Chapters00:08 – Introduction to the Guest03:07 – Navigating Mental Health Challenges as an Expat22:32 – Navigating the Creative Chaos35:51 – Building Community Abroad39:51 – Navigating Friendships and Family DynamicsThings We MentionedMoved With Peace – Stephanie’s community-centered project for immigrants and expatsTherapy resources & finding culturally aligned mental health support abroadSlow living, journaling, affirmations, and grounding practicesThe upcoming Italian Reset Retreat (launching 2027)All about… Stephanie RubinatoYou’re gonna love Stephanie Rubinato — she’s a writer, community-builder, and calm-in-the-chaos type of creative.Stephanie Rubinato is a writer and content strategist living in Italy, creating honest, grounded stories through Moved With Peace and Stephanie Rubinato Media. Her work centers slow living, self-trust, mental health, and building community—especially for immigrants and expats navigating life far from home. Through her writing, video projects, and upcoming retreats, Stephanie reminds us that we don’t have to do it all—we just have to do what’s real.Connect with Stephanie RubinatoInstagram: @movedwithpeaceWebsite: movedwithpeace.comYouTube: Moved With PeaceConnect with StephanieCheck out my workFollow me on InstagramJoin the Good Stuff Only NewsletterListen to more episodesSupport & FeedbackShare noseyAF with friendsRate & Review the ShowBuy Pins & Prints | Shop ArtEpisode CreditsProduced, Hosted by Me, StephanieEdited By: Risha BrownCover Art + Branding: Emma McGoldrickLyrics: Queen LexInstrumental: Freddie Bam Fam

Ep #102: Getting Dressed Is Identity Work How Personal Style Opens Doors with Stylist KylaSummary of the episodeEver had a full-blown meltdown trying to figure out what to wear? Personal stylist Kyla gets it—and she's here to tell you that your closet struggles go way deeper than just "not having the right clothes." In this episode, we're diving into the psychology of personal style, why taking your image seriously is actually a power move (not vanity), and how getting dressed every single day is identity work in disguise.Kyla shares her journey from tech career to personal styling, breaks down why smart women absolutely DO care about their appearance, and explains how your closet might be signaling things about you that you didn't even realize. We talk about the "sexy Trinity," why you should only shop four times a year (yes, really), and how showing up ready to be seen has opened doors Kyla never expected. If you've ever felt invisible, stuck in leggings, or like your wardrobe doesn't match who you're becoming, this conversation is for you.What we're getting intoWhy correcting people on your name is actually about claiming your presence (and how Kyla turned it into a whole brand)The connection between personal style and leadership—and why the "charismatic guy" gets ahead while brilliant women stay in the backgroundHow your closet reveals your mental state (spoiler: if it's cluttered, your mind probably is too)The three S's of feeling sexy: skin, support, and subject (aka the sexy Trinity)Why you should NEVER shop more than four times a yearThe difference between transactional styling and transformational stylingHow to build a mix-and-matchable wardrobe that actually serves youWhy talent isn't enough—and how Kyla's style helped her land opportunities she never saw comingThe real reason you have a closet full of clothes but "nothing to wear"Chapters: • 00:18 - Introducing Kyla: A New Perspective on Fashion• 06:01 - The Journey of Identity and Image• 19:12 - The Psychology of Personal Style• 28:27 - Understanding Consumerism and Personal Style• 45:11 - The Power of Style and PresenceThings We MentionedKyla's Closet Essentials Checklist - $2 resource with styling lesson (available at kylanotkayla.com)Master Class on Feeling Sexy - Kyla's course on the three S's of sexy styleThe Sexy Trinity: Skin, Support, SubjectCapsule Wardrobe concept - Cyclical seasonal approach to your closetFashion Psychology - The real psychological impact of what you wearTech industry & remote work culture - Kyla's background before stylingThe Caribbean - Where Kyla spent two years before returning to the USAll about KylaYou're gonna love Kyla—she's a personal stylist, former tech professional, and the woman behind "It's Kyla Not Kayla." She's equal parts practical systems guru (Virgo Moon energy) and woo-woo manifestation queen, and she truly believes your style is the biggest manifestation tool you have at any price point. Kyla helps creative women show up ready to be seen through transformational styling that goes way beyond just picking out cute outfits. She's all about identity work, closet psychology, and making sure you're the subject—not the object—in your own life.Connect with KylaWebsite: kylanotkayla.comInstagram: @itskylanotkaylaNoteworthy Quotes"You can be wildly successful at something you were never meant to do.""Smart women don't avoid caring about their appearance—they're strategic about it.""Every day when you get dressed, it is the daily practice of identity work. Who am I being? Who am I becoming?""If your closet is cluttered, your mind is cluttered. If you are hiding in dull or shapeless clothing, you're trying to hide.""Style is not supposed to be a costume. It's supposed to be something that supports you through your life.""Your style is the biggest manifestation tool that you have at your disposal at any price point, at any stage in life.""Stay ready so you don't have to get ready.""Nobody should be shopping more than four times a year. It's a hill I'm willing to die on."Connect with StephanieCheck out my workFollow me on InstagramJoin the Good Stuff Only NewsletterListen to more episodesSupport & FeedbackShare noseyAF with friendsRate & Review the ShowBuy Pins & Prints | Shop ArtEpisode CreditsProduced and hosted by me!Edited by Risha BrownLyrics: Queen LexInstrumental: Freddie Bam FamCover Art and Branding: Emma McGoldrick

Ep #101: Freedom, Flexibility, and Filling the Gap: How Melquea Smith Built a Creative Life Through Children's Book IllustrationSummaryIn this episode, I sit down with Melquea Smith, a children's book illustrator, author, and world traveler who's redefining what it means to build a creative life on your own terms. Fresh off five weeks in Belgium (with cats and a chicken!), Melquea shares how losing her nonprofit job became the catalyst for going full-time as an illustrator, why representation in children's books matters deeply, and how she's scaling her art through Brown Sugar Graphics—a clip art membership celebrating Black and Brown kids in all their beautiful diversity.We get into the nitty-gritty of how picture books actually get made, what authors should look for when hiring an illustrator, and why visual storytelling is so much more than "just drawing." Plus, Melquea drops gems on building a sustainable creative business, navigating perfectionism, and finding alignment between your work, your values, and your joy.If you've ever wondered what goes into those gorgeous picture books, dreamed of going location-independent as a creative, or just need permission to imagine a different way of living—this one's for you.Chapters00:19 - Introducing Melquea Smith: A Visionary in Children's Literature10:13 - Navigating Change: Embracing Freedom and Creativity20:00 - Transitioning to Children's Illustration35:06 - The Importance of Representation in Children's Literature56:41 - The Journey of Creating Diverse Clip Art01:02:01 - The Creative Journey of Brown Sugar GraphicsWhat We Talk AboutHow Melquea networked like a pro at the American Library Association Conference with custom postcards and a manuscript wish listLosing a job in the nonprofit world and choosing full-time illustration instead of going back to corporateLiving and working abroad: five weeks in Belgium, falling in love with the Netherlands, and becoming a global citizenThe actual process of illustrating a children's book—from thumbnails to color scripting to final artWhy illustrators aren't just "drawers"—they're visual storytellers, marketers, and business ownersThe severe lack of diverse, high-quality clip art featuring Black and Brown kidsHow Brown Sugar Graphics is filling that gap with joyful, authentic representations of kids with different skin tones, hair textures, body types, abilities, and moreWhat authors should know before hiring an illustrator (hint: it's not just about the art)The power of email lists, the exhaustion of social media, and showing up where it matters mostThings We MentionedAmerican Library Association (ALA) Conference – A major event for librarians, publishers, and children's book creatorsManuscript Wish List (MSWL) – A tool agents, editors, and illustrators use to share what kinds of projects they're looking forRoom to Read – An organization fighting illiteracy globally; Melquea illustrated Two Homes in Omar's Heart for themThe Biggest Gift of All – Picture book illustrated by Melquea, written by Luda Goglushko, published by Cluedus PressThe Time Machine – Picture book illustrated by Melquea, written by Pauline David Sachs, published by Cardinal Rule PressDeviantArt – An early online platform for artists (nostalgic vibes for millennials!)Dream Machine Course by Chris Oatley – The course that helped Melquea choose her creative pathLiz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership – The inspiration behind Melquea's membership modelBrown Sugar Graphics – Melquea's clip art membership featuring diverse illustrations of Black and Brown kids ($9/month)IngramSpark – A self-publishing platform for authorsTeacher Pay Teachers – A marketplace for educational resourcesLittle Women Atlanta – Reality TV show Stephanie loves (and a great example of representation mattering!)All About Melquea SmithYou're gonna love Melquea—she's a children's book illustrator, author, full-time creative, and certified world traveler who's all about Black and Brown joy, imagination, and possibility on the page. With over two decades of illustration experience and a background in nonprofit fundraising, she brings storytelling, strategy, and serious skill to every project. She's illustrated multiple picture books, co-founded a local cosplay group, rocks blue box braids and piercings with pride, and is currently plotting her move to the Netherlands. Basically, she's living proof that you can build a creative life that's aligned with your values, your body, and your joy.Connect with Melquea SmithWebsite: prettykittypaintings.com (click the pink "Surprise" button for 3 free illustrations!)Brown Sugar Graphics: Join the membership for $9/month and get weekly diverse clip art featuring Black and Brown kidsInstagram: Follow Melquea for behind-the-scenes illustration work, travel stories, and creative business insightsCome to the Studio? 🪑✨Good Stuff Only 💅🏾Fresh art, messy ideas, tiny victories, wild inspirations, candid stories, fun secrets, and the occasional surprise—straight from my studio to your inbox.Join artists, curators, gallerists, and art lovers getting first looks at new work 1-2x a month.Good Stuff Only subscribers get:👀 First Looks — New artwork, pins, films, and projects before anyone else📖 Studio Stories — The messy, honest behind-the-scenes of making art IRL🎉 Good Vibes Only — Candid updates and occasional treats📅 What's Next — Exhibition invites, screenings, releases, and art happenings→ Subscribe to Good Stuff OnlyMore Ways to ConnectEmail: [email protected] out my work: missgraham.comFollow me on Instagram: @stephaniegrahamListen to more episodes: noseyAF.comSupport & FeedbackShare noseyAF with friendsRate & Review the ShowBuy Pins & Prints | Shop ArtEpisode CreditsProduced and Hosted by StephanieEdited by: Risha BrownLyrics: Queen LexInstrumental: Freddie Bam FamnoseyAF Cover Art and Branding by: Emma McGoldrick

This conversation was recorded live at Lumpen Radio in Chicago on Saturday, January 10, 2026.Ep # 100: Chicago Artist Deirdre Fox on Turning Plastic Waste into Environmental Art & Visual PoetrySummary of the episodeChicago-based artist Deirdre Fox joins noseyAF for a live, unedited conversation from 105.5 FM Lumpen Radio about art, plastic waste, and environmental consciousness. Deirdre’s practice transforms discarded consumer packaging into drawings, fiber works, and installations that challenge how we think about disposability, permanence, and material value.In this episode, host Stephanie Graham talks with Deirdre about her artistic journey, the idea of visual poetry, and how mindfulness—both in making and consuming—shapes her work. Together, they explore the tension between organic and synthetic materials, the limits of recycling, and the role artists play in addressing environmental responsibility through creative practice.This conversation invites listeners to slow down, look closer, and reconsider the materials that move through their everyday lives.What we talk aboutTransforming plastic consumer packaging into drawings, fiber works, and installationsVisual poetry and storytelling through materialMindfulness, consumption, and environmental responsibilityThe evolution of Deirdre’s artistic practice from representational to abstract workMaking art that lives in the tension between permanence and disposabilityChapters: • 00:00 - Introduction to noseyAF• 02:30 - Deirdre's Artistic Journey with Plastic Waste • 15:20 - Reflecting on Pouch Cove • 29:36 - Finding One's Voice in Art • 42:56 - Balancing Time and Creativity • 52:13 - Exploring Artistic Processes and Sustainability • 58:43 - Exploring Artistic CollaborationsAll about… Deirdre FoxYou’re gonna love Deirdre they’re a Chicago-based artist turning everyday plastic waste into visually refined, quietly radical works of environmental reflection.Deirdre Fox crochets and weaves plastic consumer packaging into drawings, fiber pieces, and drawing installations. Her work functions as personal gestures of environmental consciousness, rooted in the understanding that plastics made for convenience—like single-use bags—last far longer than intended, and that recycling alone is not an adequate solution.Her practice questions systems of built-in obsolescence and accumulated waste, while creating visual poems that hold time, care, and material awareness. Deirdre has exhibited at FlexSpace Riverside Art Center, Hyde Park Art Center, Boundary Chicago, Evanston Art Center, the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, Koehnline Museum of Art Gallery, and the Swedish American Museum, among others. She has received multiple grants from the City of Chicago and the Illinois Arts Council and maintains her studio at Mana Contemporary Chicago.Sponsor Shoutout 💖This episode is brought to you by Artist Admin HourGet your work done with structure, with company. Check out Artist Admin Hour at missgraham.com/artistadminhourConnect with Deirdre FoxInstagram: @deirdre_fox_artWebsite: http://www.artbydado.com/Connect with StephanieCheck out my workFollow me on InstagramJoin the Good Stuff Only NewsletterListen to more episodesSupport & FeedbackShare noseyAF with friendsRate & Review the ShowBuy Pins & Prints | Shop ArtEpisode CreditsProduced, Hosted, and Edited by Me, Stephanie (teaching myself audio editing!)Recorded Live at Lumpen RadioLyrics: Queen LexInstrumental: Freddie Bam FamCover Art + Branding: Emma McGoldrick

EP# 99 The Rise of Women’s Sports, NIL Money, and the Power of the Everyday Athlete with Angela Hollowell✨ Episode SummaryWomen’s sports are having a moment — and it’s about time.In this episode of noseyAF, Stephanie Graham sits down with filmmaker, writer, and Melanin MVP founder Angela Hollowell to talk about the rise of women’s sports, the impact of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) money, and why the idea of the “everyday athlete” might change how we think about movement altogether.We get into how women athletes, especially women of color, are finally getting visibility, how branding and social media have reshaped college and pro sports, and why athleticism doesn’t have to look one specific way. From glam on the court to cycling for joy, this conversation explores how creativity, confidence, and culture show up in sports — and in life.If you’ve ever thought “sports aren’t really for me,” this episode might change your mind.🗣️ What We Get IntoWhy women’s sports are finally getting real attentionHow NIL money changed the game for college athletesWhat an “everyday athlete” actually is — and why it mattersGlam, femininity, and breaking outdated ideas of athleticismThe pressure young athletes face in the age of social mediaFilmmaking, creativity, and finding balance without burning out⏱️ Chapters00:11 — Welcome & setting the scene00:35 — The rise of women’s sports + NIL money11:22 — How Melanin MVP came to be17:06 — Everyday athletes & redefining movement23:19 — Reality TV, Alabama, and cultural detours27:30 — Documentary filmmaking & creative process37:14 — Balance, focus, and doing less better46:03 — Sports relationships & team dynamics48:24 — Melanin MVP Awards brainstorm 👀55:54 — The yearbook idea & what’s next🔗 Things We MentionedMelanin MVP – Newsletter + podcast spotlighting women athletes of colorThe Melanin MVP Cross-Training Quiz (not for the weak, apparently 😭)NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) legislation🌟 All About Angela HollowellYou’re gonna love Angela — she’s thoughtful, hilarious, deeply intentional, and casually changing how we think about sports and storytelling.Angela Hollowell is the founder of Rootful Media, a creative documentary film production company based in Durham, North Carolina. She’s also the host of the video podcasts Honey & Hustle and Melanin MVP.Her work centers Southern voices and explores the outdoors, health equity, environmental justice, and social impact — all through a thoughtful, culture-forward lens. Beyond filmmaking, Angela helps visual storytellers and creative entrepreneurs grow their audience and build meaningful creative businesses.When she’s not working, you can find her outside, on a bike, or enjoying a fruity beer or margarita with friends 🍹.🔌 Connect with AngelaInstagram: @honeyhustlepodWebsite: https://www.angelahollowell.com/Newsletter / Podcast: Melanin MVP👋🏾 Connect with Stephanie✨ Check out my work📸 Follow me on Instagram💌 Join the Good Stuff Only Newsletter🎧 Listen to more episodes🫶🏾 Support the ShowShare nosey AF with a friendRate & Review the ShowBuy Pins & Prints | Shop Art🎬 Episode CreditsProduced, hosted, by me, StephanieLyrics: Queen LexEpisode Edited by: Risha BrownInstrumental: Freddie Bam Fam