Ep #86: EASE Framework: Decluttering Your Life During Career Transitions

Summary of the episode

In this solo episode of noseyAF, host Stephanie Graham opens up about navigating over a year without steady film work and how she's using this unexpected time for personal growth. She introduces her EASE framework—Eliminate, Accept, Simplify, Expand—a decision-making approach she developed while decluttering her life and dealing with the film industry's ongoing challenges. From working on her first movie in months to starting a fellowship focused on community activism, Stephanie shares how she's creating space for new opportunities while letting go of what no longer serves her. This candid conversation explores the reality of freelance creative work, the importance of being a good neighbor, and practical strategies for finding ease during uncertain career transitions.

What we talk about

• The harsh reality of the film industry crisis and being out of work for over a year
• Stephanie's EASE framework: Eliminate, Accept, Simplify, Expand as a guide for life transitions
• Her community activism project to bring a movie theater back to her neighborhood through the Change Collective fellowship
• The therapeutic process of decluttering physical spaces and digital life
• Finding acceptance when fighting against circumstances isn't working
• Creating space for new ideas, relationships, and opportunities during career uncertainty

Chapters

• 00:09 - Seeking Expert Insight on Palestine
• 04:05 - Navigating the Film Industry Crisis
• 14:51 - Decluttering and Organizing as a Creative Journey
• 20:07 - The EASE Framework: Decluttering Life and Creativity
• 24:23 - Embracing Change: Letting Go and Simplifying

Things We Mentioned

• Change Collective Fellowship - Civic leadership program for community organizers
• We Strangers - Independent film directed by Anu Valia, now in limited release
• Chatham Cinema - Former neighborhood theater that closed during the pandemic
• Chicago Art Department - Artist residency program
• Director Anu Valia and Production Designer Amelia Steely
• Special K Vanilla cereal (Stephanie's consistent breakfast choice!)

All about... This Solo Episode

You're gonna love this raw, honest check-in—Stephanie's serving up real talk about career uncertainty mixed with practical wisdom and that signature warmth that makes you feel like you're chatting with your most insightful friend.

Connect with Stephanie

• Check out my work
• Follow me on Instagram
• Join the Good Stuff Only Newsletter
• Listen to more episodes
• Email: [email protected] (especially if you're a Palestine expert!)

Support & Feedback

• Share noseyAF with friends
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• Buy Pins & Prints | Shop Art

Episode Credits

Produced, Hosted, and Edited by Me, Stephanie (teaching myself audio editing!)

Lyrics: Queen Lex

Segment Instrumental: Aubrey Modium

Theme Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam