Sista Brunch Podcast

In this riveting episode of Sista Brunch, join Fanshen as she sits down with the exceptional Natalie Jasmine Harris, whose early journey through film and activism has carved a path from NYU to Sundance. Hear the inspiring story of how Harris turned the challenges of the pandemic into a springboard for success, leading her compelling short film "Grace" to critical acclaim. Discover the drive and passion behind her work, her commitment to portraying queer stories, and how she navigates the industry as a young, Black filmmaker. Tune in to learn about her process, the pivotal moments of her career, and her advice for nurturing one's inner child through storytelling. Don't forget to leave us a review and follow @SistaBrunchPodcast on Instagram for more updates on powerful stories in entertainment and media.

In this enlightening episode of Sista Brunch, we sit down with Reginé Gilbert, a powerhouse in the intersection of tech and social justice. Holding the esteemed James Weldon Johnson professorship at New York University, Reginé is not only shaping minds in academia with her profound insights into inclusive and accessible digital design but also touching lives through her pioneering work in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR).

Reginé takes us on a journey through her impressive career trajectory—from the fashion industry's elite corridors to becoming a leading voice in user experience design (UX). She shares her transition from fashion to tech, her passion for making digital worlds accessible to all, and her drive to ensure that emerging AR and VR technologies are inclusive from the ground up.

Her book, "Inclusive Design for a Digital World," showcases her commitment to creating digital spaces that everyone can navigate with ease, echoing her belief that thoughtful design starts with considering all potential users. In her role at NYU, Reginé champions these principles, equipping her students to think ethically and inclusively as they create the digital experiences of tomorrow.

Tune in to learn from Reginé's wealth of experience and be inspired by her vision for a tech-inclusive future where accessibility is not an afterthought, but a foundational principle. Follow us for more stories that celebrate and amplify the voices of Black women and gender-expansive individuals thriving at the forefront of entertainment, media, and technology. #ReginéGilbert #InclusiveTech #DigitalDesign #SistaBrunch

Dive into a narrative journey with Asia Nichols, an extraordinary storyteller who defies conventional genre labels, on this week's episode of Sista Brunch. Asia takes us along on her 13-year global adventure from the blue city of Jodhpur to a farm in central Mexico, all while sustaining a creative life out of a backpack. She shares the evolution from social work to unconventional screenwriting, depicting her unique experiences and Black womanhood in her compelling stories.

Asia's approach to storytelling weaves the uncanny with the familiar, creating tales that resonate with her identity and the global Black experience. With an SF Film Rainin Grant and Blackstar Film Festival win under her belt, Asia's work is both celebrated and inspiring. We'll explore one of her most captivating narratives, 'So Unfair,' which flips the classic tale of Rapunzel to reflect her own journey toward natural hair acceptance.

Join us as we learn how Asia turned a one-year travel plan into a lifestyle and career, inspiring others along the way. Now, she offers coaching to creatives seeking to balance their passion for storytelling with a nomadic lifestyle. Her story is one of resilience, creativity, and constant reinvention, demonstrating that with the right mindset, the world is truly your oyster.

Follow us @SistaBrunchPodcast to stay updated on Asia's upcoming projects and to become part of a community that supports and uplifts the voices of Black women and gender expansive individuals in entertainment and media. #AsiaNichols #Storytelling #CreativeLiving #GlobalAdventure

Welcome to another empowering episode of Sista Brunch, where we delve into the fascinating world of independent filmmaking with Hurriyah Muhammad, a beacon of inspiration for Black filmmakers. As co-founder and former executive director of the Black TV and Film Collective, Hurriyah's influence extends far beyond the screen. With a mission to uplift and support Black creators, her work echoes through the industry, shaping a new generation of storytellers.

In this episode, we explore Hurriyah's multifaceted journey from computer science at Spelman to screenwriting in LA, and eventually to creating initiatives like the Black Producers Fellowship. Her dedication to fostering talent has seen monumental contributions to Black cinema, including her role in the Sundance Creative Producing Award-winning narrative feature, 'Farewell Amor,' directed by Ekwa Msangi.

Discover the strategies behind successful indie productions, the significance of community in the creative process, and the potential of mentorship in elevating voices within the Black community. Hurriyah's narrative is one of determination, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to representation and excellence in film.

Stay tuned to Sista Brunch for more stories that inspire and drive change within the realms of entertainment and media. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @SistaBrunchPodcast and subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates. Your support helps us celebrate and promote the incredible work of Black women and gender expansive people who are carving out spaces and leaving their indelible marks on the industry.

#HurriyahMuhammad #SistaBrunch #BlackFilmmakers #IndieFilm #Cinema #Storytelling

Journey with us in Season 5, Episode 9 of Sista Brunch as we spotlight the extraordinary Seyi Adebanjo, a queer gender non-conforming Nigerian artist whose storytelling magnificently intertwines the threads of activism, spirituality, and identity. Seyi shares their vibrant journey from Nigeria to New York, navigating the spaces in between their Yoruba heritage and queer, gender-expansive identity. 🎥 Dive into a conversation filled with profound insights into the importance of honoring and embracing every facet of oneself in a world still bound by binaries. Seyi's work as a documentary filmmaker, including projects like 'Honor Black Trans Women' and 'I Am,' showcase the joy and resilience within the LGBTQ+ communities of color. From Sundance fellowships to new projects like 'AfroMystic,' Seyi is paving the way for more authentic narratives and representation in media. 🌍 Discover how AfroMystic is flipping scripts on spirituality and activism, linking the African continent's past to the present and liberating stories that demand to be heard. Subscribe to Sista Brunch for more inspiring tales of Black women and gender-expansive individuals making waves in entertainment and media. #SeyiAdebanjo #SistaBrunch #QueerArtists #AfroMystic #DocumentaryFilmmaking #GenderExpansive