It's Personal Podcast

Cozbi A. Cabrera: Illustrating and Writer for Young Readers with Representation in Mind  Acclaimed children's book author and illustrator Cozbi Cabrera takes us on a journey through her creative process, sharing intimate moments from her childhood that have deeply influenced her goal of providing authentic representation for young readers through her work.  

In this episode, Cozbi opens up about her path to becoming a published author and illustrator, the mentors who have guided her along the way, and the importance of diverse storytelling for children. She provides a behind-the-scenes look at how she brings her vibrant illustrations and heartwarming narratives to life, always striving to mirror the rich tapestry of human experience.  

Whether you're an aspiring creator, a parent seeking meaningful books, or simply someone who appreciates the power of children's literature, this conversation with Cozbi Cabrera will surely inspire and delight. Tune in to this insightful dive into the world of inclusive, representative storytelling for young audiences.  

Listen to audio versions here:  

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/t...  

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2f3XyNg...   

Zencastr: https://zencastr.com/It-s-Personal-Po...  

Website: https://www.cozbi.com/q4r7drqsugu7ile...

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cozbi/?hl=en

X:  https://x.com/CozbiHandmade

Michael Arceneaux shares COPING WITH LOSS of his mother and the essays in his new book "I Finally Bought Some Jordans" that reflect on his close relationship with his mom and the complexities of family.   

Arceneaux discusses the mix of humor and heavy issues in his writing, including topics like personal finance, celebrity encounters, and navigating the pandemic. His candid reflections on family, grief, and his journey to self-acceptance provide an intimate look into his life and creative process.  

Listen to audio versions here: 

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/t... 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2f3XyNg... 

Google: https://tinyurl.com/4zb86e8p 

Zencastr: https://zencastr.com/It-s-Personal-Po...  

Website: https://www.michael-arceneaux.com/ 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/youngsinick/ 

X: https://x.com/youngsinick 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.arceneaux

Poet, writer, and educator Dr. Tony Keith Jr. makes his debut with a powerful YA memoir in verse, tracing his journey from being a closeted gay Black teen battling poverty, racism, and homophobia to becoming an openly gay first-generation college student who finds freedom in poetry. The audio experience is a true delight, with Tony's writing and narration shared with such passion and joy - it truly sounds like a rap album! 

Tony dreams about life after high school, where his poetic voice can find freedom on the stage and page. But the Boogeyman has been following Tony since he was six years old. First, the Boogeyman was after his Blackness, but Tony has learned It knows more than that: Tony wants to be the first in his family to attend college, but there's no path to follow. He also has feelings for boys, desires that don't align with the script he thinks is set for him and his girlfriend, Blu.

Despite a supportive network of family and friends, Tony doesn't breathe a word to anyone about his feelings. As he grapples with his sexuality and moves from high school to college, he struggles with loneliness while finding solace in gay chat rooms and writing poetry. But how do you find your poetic voice when you are hiding the most important parts of yourself? And how do you escape the Boogeyman when it's lurking inside you? Grab your copy of this powerful memoir today

Grab your copy of this powerful memoir today!

Listen to audio versions here: 

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/t... 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2f3XyNg...  

Zencastr: https://zencastr.com/It-s-Personal-Po...

Website: https://www.tonykeithjr.com/

Instagram:   / tonykeithjr  

facebook:   / tonykeithjr  

X:   / tonykeithjr  

Artist and author Gracey Zhang shares insights into her diverse creative portfolio and the personal experiences that have shaped her art and writing.  From her early days exploring the world through her travels, to her immersion in the vibrant art scene at one of the top art schools in the world, Gracey's path to artistic success has been a winding and inspiring one. Delve into the inspirations behind her beautiful picture books and her deep appreciation for the power of visual storytelling.  

Discover how Gracey's own experiences navigating different cultures have influenced the rich tapestry of her work, imbuing her narratives with a sense of wonder and a celebration of diversity. Join us as we unpack Gracey's passion for creating relatable and empowering stories, and learn how her unique artistic style, honed through her mastery of a mysterious mission paintbrush, has captivated readers of all ages. 

 Prepare to be inspired by Gracey's incredible talent and her mission to share the beauty of the world through her art and words. As we explore the next chapter of her creative journey, we can't wait to see what Gracey Zhang will bring to the world of children's literature and beyond.  

Listen to audio versions here: 

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-grayarea-podcast/id1433551931?mt=2 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2f3XyNgnVLk0rqEeebK57y?si=CDLYL6_iRMeGNQaxC7pmAA 

 Zencastr: https://zencastr.com/It-s-Personal-Podcast  

Website: https://www.graceyzhang.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graceyyz 

Be: https://www.behance.net/graceyzhang

Luana Horry, a passionate SENIOR EDITOR at HARPERCOLLINS Children's Books, who is revolutionizing the world of children's literature. Born and raised in Jamaica, Queens, a hub of extraordinary talents, Luana has made it her mission to diversify the publishing industry and amplify underrepresented voices.  

As a trailblazer in her field, Luana has worked on beloved titles such as "Not Quite Snow White" and "My Hair," championing stories that reflect the rich diversity of our world. Her unwavering dedication to inclusive content has transformed the landscape of children's books, ensuring that every child can see themselves reflected in the pages they read.  

Luana's vision extends beyond just representation - she aspires to empower Black authors to explore a wide range of genres, moving beyond the confines of trauma-focused narratives. By cultivating diverse and innovative storytelling, she aims to inspire young readers and foster a deeper understanding of the human experience. With collaborations that span from Pete the Cat to renowned figures like Dwayne Wade and LeBron James, Luana's impact on the publishing world is undeniable.  

Listen to audio versions here: 

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-grayarea-podcast/id1433551931?mt=2 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2f3XyNgnVLk0rqEeebK57y?si=CDLYL6_iRMeGNQaxC7pmAA 

 Zencastr: https://zencastr.com/It-s-Personal-Podcast

Soundcloud: https://shorturl.at/xamld

Best SELLING AUTHOR, Nick Brooks, the mind behind the critically acclaimed novel "The Promise Boys," talks about RELATIONSHIPS, and the music industry.  

Nick delves deep into the personal experiences that have shaped his literary journey, from his time creating music and working with renowned record labels, to the profound impact of becoming a "girl dad" and the importance of amplifying Black and Brown voices. 

Discover how these unique facets of Nick's life have infused his writing with a raw authenticity that explores the complexities of fatherhood, relationships, and the power of community.   

Listen to audio versions here: 

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-grayarea-podcast/id1433551931?mt=2 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2f3XyNgnVLk0rqEeebK57y?si=CDLYL6_iRMeGNQaxC7pmAA Google: https://tinyurl.com/4zb86e8p 

Zencastr: https://zencastr.com/It-s-Personal-Podcast  

Website: https://www.thenickbrooks.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialnickbrooks/ 

X: https://twitter.com/whoisnickbrooks 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@officialnickbrooks?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM8r_HKBgxXGU4y4qtAzyhw

Acclaimed children's book author Ellen Oh takes us on a captivating journey, sharing insights into her diverse literary portfolio and the personal experiences that have shaped her writing. 

From her early days as a lawyer and college instructor to her transition into the world of children's literature, explore Ellen's path to literary success. Delve into the inspirations behind her middle grade novels and her love for this age group. Discover how Ellen's own experiences navigating the complexities of being caught between two cultures - American and Asian - have influenced her narratives and characters.

Join us as we unpack Ellen's passion for creating diverse, relatable stories for young readers. Learn how her involvement with the "We Need Diverse Books" organization has empowered her to champion representation and inclusion in the world of children's literature. Prepare to be inspired by Ellen's unique voice and her mission to uplift underrepresented experiences through the power of storytelling.

Website: https://www.ellenoh.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elloecho/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theellenoh

X: https://twitter.com/elloellenoh

Fredrick Joseph, New York Times Best Selling author, thought-provoking speaker, and advocate for equity and social justice, joins us for a captivating conversation. Fredrick will discuss his new poetry collection "We Alive, Beloved," which explores a new genre that seeks to find joy in moments of difficulty.

Whether illuminating the beauty of being Black, highlighting the hope that can be found in childhood, or sharing intimate truths revealed on a mental health journey, this collection will appeal to both new and established readers of poetry. Fredrick's words promise to resonate within the deepest corners of your soul, leaving a mark on your heart and a renewed appreciation for the beauty of being alive.

As a proud New Yorker, Fredrick will share insights into his upbringing and the cultural influences that have informed his perspectives on the world. Delving into the realms of music and sports, he'll unpack the powerful interconnections between these mediums and the pursuit of equality and liberation.

Listeners can expect a dynamic and insightful dialogue as Fredrick shares his unique experiences, challenges preconceptions, and offers a blueprint for a more just and equitable future.

Website: https://frederickjoseph.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fredtjoseph

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fredericktjoseph?lang=en

X: https://twitter.com/fredtjoseph