noseyAF: Conversations about Art, Activism, and Social Change

Ep # 69: Liberation, Softness, and A Good Ol’ Banjo

“I'm brilliant because my ancestors were brilliant.”

- EbonyJanice

Welcome to episode 69, Liberation, Softness, and A Good Ol’ Banjo!

This episode invites you to reflect on your own journey toward softness, wholeness, and unapologetic self-expression. Whether you’re an artist, activist, or simply someone looking to heal, EbonyJanice’s insights will leave you feeling inspired and ready to embrace your truth.

✨ Episode Summary

In this robust conversation, I’m joined by the incredible EbonyJanice, author of All Black Girls Are Activists. We dive into the transformative world of Fourth Wave Womanism, where personal wellness and self-care are celebrated as radical acts of resistance and pathways to liberation. EbonyJanice’s work bridges art, activism, and academia, offering fresh perspectives on reclaiming your story and prioritizing your well-being as a Black woman or femme individual.

📝 What We Discuss:

• 🌊 Fourth Wave Womanism: Redefining womanism beyond feminism to center the lived experiences of Black women, emphasizing healing, empowerment, and radical self-acceptance.
• 🎨 Art as Activism: Creativity as a declaration of existence, challenging societal norms, and uplifting Black female narratives.
• 🪶 Honoring Ancestors: The importance of connecting with heritage for spiritual and legal empowerment.
• 🌻 Healing & Liberation: How Black American women are reclaiming their stories and moving toward freedom from historical trauma through art and community.
• 🫶🏾 Community & Collaboration: Building networks that encourage vulnerability, authenticity, and collective growth.

👩🏾‍🏫 EbonyJanice’s Bio:

EbonyJanice is the founder and CEO of The Free People Project and The Ebony Janice Project. She has authored several books, including All Black Girls Are Activists: A Fourth Wave Womanist Pursuit Of Dreams As Radical Resistance. Her Spiritual Mentorship Program, “Dream Yourself Free,” supports Black Women in healing intergenerational wounds and prioritizing pleasure. Ebony Janice’s talks embody a Hip Hop Womanist perspective.

She is the visionary behind Black Girl Mixtape, a platform uplifting the intellectual authority of Black Women, and the All The Black Girls Are Bestsellers Campaign, which has raised over a million dollars to mass purchase Black femme books with the goal of getting them on The New York Times Best Sellers List. This project has contributed to Black and Indie-owned bookstores and gifted thousands of books nationwide.

Ebony Janice earned her Bachelor’s in Cultural Anthropology and Political Science and a Master of Arts in Social Change with a concentration in Spiritual Leadership, Womanist Theology, and Racial Justice.

Chapters:

• 00:07 - Introduction to Ebony Janese: Activist and Artist
• 06:11 - The Emergence of Fourth Wave Womanism
• 13:47 - The Journey of Self-Discovery
• 29:58 - The Role of Ancestry in Faith
• 41:02 - Waking Up with Intention
• 49:54 - The Power of Softness and Being Seated
• 59:24 - The Influence of Housewife Culture

📚 A Few of the Folks EbonyJanice knows IYKYK

Ep #68:

Jewelry, Tech & Authenticity with Helen with the Gold Teeth

Summary of the episode

Helen with the Gold Teeth is here!

Y’all, this episode is a treat. Helen Harris, aka Helen with the Gold Teeth, shares her incredible journey from engineering to luxury jewelry, proving that sometimes, the best career moves are the unexpected ones.

We dive into her philosophy on accessible luxury, the personal storytelling behind her work, and how she’s redefining what high-end jewelry can be—especially for Black and LGBTQ+ communities.

Helen’s pieces aren’t just jewelry. They’re heirlooms, cultural artifacts, and statements of self-expression. We talk about craftsmanship, pricing, community, and the business of making beautiful things while staying true to yourself.

Get ready for a conversation full of wisdom, humor, and—let’s be real—a little bit of fangirling on my part.

Topics discussed:

• Helen’s journey from engineering to high-end jewelry making
• Jewelry as storytelling—how her pieces become heirlooms
• Luxury, but make it intentional—how Helen challenges exclusivity in the art world
• The tech influence—how her background in engineering shapes her craftsmanship
• Building community in the jewelry world—support, collaboration, and pricing with integrity

Chapters:

• 00:12 - Fangirling with Helen Harris

• 02:56 - Helen's Journey into Jewelry Making

• 11:46 - Transitioning to a Full-Time Job: Balancing Life and Business

• 14:30 - Navigating Work and Personal Life

• 21:23 - The Concept of Luxury

• 29:02 - Navigating Self-Expression and Professionalism

• 36:51 - The Jewelry Community: Insights and Relationships

• 41:06 - Reflections on Growth and Identity

• 43:50 - Navigating Client Relationships and Pricing

• 52:08 - Exploring New Segments in Conversations

Helen’s Bio -

Helen with the Gold Teeth is the brainchild of Helen Harris, born during a pivotal moment as she transitioned from engineer to jeweler. Seeking the structure, security, and personal connection of corporate life—but on her own terms—she quickly incorporated the brand, setting a clear vision for growth.

What started as a personal passion became a movement, drawing in New Yorkers from all walks of life. With a guerrilla spirit, intentional craftsmanship, and a deep love for her work, Helen has built something far bigger than jewelry—she’s creating legacy pieces that tell stories and hold history.

🔗 Resources mentioned

Welcome to episode 67:

From nosey to necessary: The Impact of Evantson Made with Lisa Degliantoni

"I started this work at 40, which just goes to show that it’s never too late to begin something new and impactful" - Lisa Degliantoni

Summary of the episode

Today's conversation centers on the vital role of community arts education and advocacy, delivered with profound insights from Lisa Degliantoni, a dedicated advocate for artists in her community. As the founder and co-director of Evanston Made, Lisa embodies a commitment to fostering visibility and support for artists, emphasizing the necessity of kindness and engagement in a world that often feels overwhelming. Throughout our conversation, we explore how Lisa's journey into arts advocacy began later in life, reminiscent of notable figures who found their calling beyond traditional timelines. She elucidates the importance of creating community among artists, highlighting that the isolation often experienced can be alleviated through collective support and shared experiences. This episode serves not only as a reminder of the power of community but also as an invitation to engage actively in fostering the arts within our own neighborhoods.

Topics Discussed:

• local initiatives can foster support and visibility for artists.
• Lisa’s journey into arts advocacy demonstrates that significant career transitions can occur later in life, inspiring individuals to pursue their passions.
• How Evanston Made serves as a model for community-driven arts organizations, focusing on the needs and aspirations of local artists.

Meet Lisa -

Lisa is a community advocate for artists and makers and is a passionate Community Arts Builder in Evanston. Working as the founder and co-director of the nonprofit arts organization, Evanston Made, Lisa’s enthusiasm for community art building drives the organization's mission-based programs and events that bring visibility and opportunity to the artists in the community.

Chapters:

• 00:08 - Introduction to Community Arts and Kindness
• 03:40 - The Heart of Community Engagement in Evanston
• 19:10 - Creating Community Through Art Advocacy
• 31:24 - Navigating Community and Self-Awareness
• 43:23 - Community Engagement and Cultural Renaissance

Resources mentioned in this episode

Ep 66: Embrace the Real You: Ditch the 'New Year, New You' Myth

Summary of the episode

The latest episode of noseyAF dives into the concept of self-acceptance versus the pervasive "New Year, New You" mentality that often pressures individuals to completely reinvent themselves each January. Host Stephanie Graham reflects on her own experiences and goals from the past year, emphasizing the importance of self-trust and embracing who we already are. Guest Valerie Friedlander expands on this idea, discussing how societal expectations can lead to feelings of inadequacy and the harmful messaging that something is inherently wrong with us. Instead of striving to become someone new, the conversation encourages listeners to reclaim their true selves and recognize the value of their unique identities. This thought-provoking dialogue invites everyone to step into 2025 with self-acceptance and a commitment to honoring their authentic selves.

Takeaways:

• The New Year, new you mantra is often toxic, pushing unrealistic expectations on individuals.
• Instead of trying to reinvent ourselves, we should focus on reclaiming our true selves.
• Reflecting on the past year can help us set more authentic intentions for the future.
• Building self-trust is key to personal development, rather than conforming to external pressures.
• Embracing who we are allows for more genuine connections with ourselves and others.
• Recognizing that our perceived flaws can actually be strengths is essential for growth.

Chapters:

• 00:01 - Welcome to Nosy: Conversations About Art and Activism
• 04:16 - Embracing the New Year as Your True Self
• 14:38 - Reclaiming Yourself: The Journey to Authenticity
• 17:59 - Embracing Your True Self
• 26:30 - Understanding Self Through Personality Assessments
• 34:15 - Building Self Trust and Relationships

All about Valerie

Valerie is a compassionate and creative coach dedicated to helping individuals, particularly women, break free from internalized patterns that limit their potential. With a deep understanding of societal pressures and the unique challenges faced by empathetic individuals, Valerie empowers clients to align with their most powerful selves and channel their energy toward meaningful work.

Her coaching philosophy emphasizes that transforming internalized patterns not only amplifies one’s impact on the world but also fosters intentional, joyful relationships in all areas of life. Known for her empathetic and engaging style, Valerie guides clients through a creative and fun process that honors their humanity and intuition, uncovering personalized solutions that lead to lasting change.

Resources mentioned in this episode

Ep 65: Saint Nick Sets The Record Straight

Summary of the episode

Get ready for a magical holiday treat as our friends of Modern Dadhood, Adam and Mark, sit down for an exclusive interview with Santa Claus himself!! I know so wild! This special episode is designed for the entire family, making it a perfect way to spark joy and excitement in the hearts of children and parents alike. Adam dives into some of the kids' biggest questions about Santa, covering everything from how he manages to visit every home in one night to the secrets behind the elves and the Christmas spirit. With Santa's warm and humorous responses, listeners will be enchanted by the magic of the season and the importance of belief. Join Adam and Mark as they explore the world of Santa Claus and share heartfelt moments that embody the true spirit of Christmas.

Listeners are in for a treat as they dive into a special holiday episode of Nosy AF, where the magic of Christmas comes alive with an exclusive interview featuring Santa Claus. Stephanie sets the festive tone, inviting families to gather their little ones for a delightful experience that blends wonder with heartfelt insights. The episode unfolds through a lively dialogue between Adam and Santa, exploring an array of whimsical topics such as how Santa manages to visit every child in one night, the significance of believing in Santa, and the role of his helpers around the world. With humor and charm, Santa shares stories from the North Pole, vividly depicting his preparations and the joy he spreads each year.

As the conversation progresses, listeners are treated to Santa's perspective on the importance of kindness and belief, not just during the holiday season but throughout the entire year. The hosts engage in thoughtful reflections about what it means to be part of a supportive community, especially during the holidays, as Mark shares his gratitude towards Adam for assisting him in preparing for Christmas while he was under the weather. This genuine moment of friendship resonates deeply, serving as a reminder of the true spirit of the season—supporting one another and cherishing connections. With Santa's comforting presence and the hosts' personal anecdotes, this episode encapsulates the essence of Christmas, leaving listeners inspired and filled with holiday cheer as they embark on their own holiday traditions.

Takeaways:

• This holiday episode features a special interview with Santa Claus, perfect for family listening.
• Santa emphasizes the importance of belief and kindness, encouraging children to keep the magic alive.
• Listeners learn about the busy life of Santa Claus and his workshop during December.
• The conversation highlights the joy of holiday traditions, such as Elf on the Shelf.
• Adam and Mark discuss how Santa manages to visit homes without chimneys using magic.
• The episode also touches on the significance of community support during the holiday season.

Chapters:

• 00:10 - Introducing a Special Episode
• 05:31 - Interview with Santa Claus
• 09:46 - The Secrets of Santa Claus
• 19:30 - The Origins of Santa Claus
• 28:44 - The Holiday Spirit and Support

About Modern Dadhood Podcast :

Adam Flaherty and Marc Checket are two dads from suburban New England. And while they might think they’re pretty funny and cool, the world clearly does NOT need another white dude ramble-cast.

That’s why Modern Dadhood explores what it really means to be a "dad" in 2024 through candid, authentic, and often hilarious conversations with diverse dads of all walks of life… including famous dads, NOT famous dads, dads-to-be, step dads, grand dads, trans dads, and more.

By celebrating present, engaged parenting and commiserating over common fatherhood challenges, listeners will gain new perspectives and feel empowered to become more present and mindful fathers, raising the next generation of kick-ass, world changing kids.

The show features relatable anecdotes from the hosts' own lives, recurring segments like Instant Regrets, Kisses & Disses, and Confessions, and plenty of thoughts on the good, the bad, and the ridiculous.

Expect a healthy dose of laughter, sincerity, vulnerability, and 90s nostalgia in each biweekly episode.

Notable guests include actor Terry O'Quinn (Lost, The Stepfather), SNL alum Bobby Moynihan, MSNBC anchor Craig Melvin, Sesame Street's Emilio Delgado, and comedians Chris Gethard, Rory Scovel, and Michael Ian Black.

Resources mentioned in this episode