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Thembi talks with Jose Moreno, Founder and CEO of Neulight, an ed-tech company leveraging AI to help K-12 educators support student success.

In this episode, we discuss:

✅ What it’s like to transition from streaming tech to education
✅ How AI can revolutionize student interventions
✅ The impact of leadership styles on company culture
✅ Bias in AI and strategies to mitigate it
✅ Why sitting all day might be worse than smoking (seriously!) 

Plus, Jose breaks down his vision for Neulight, a company tackling real problems in education while challenging the traditional startup hustle. 

Neulight Website – Try their free version of IntelliTier

Connect with Jose Moreno on LinkedIn

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan.
Theme music by Sycho Sid.

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What in the world is a KeyBARD, anyway? In this episode, I sit down with my daughter Nadia to reflect on the first season of the pod and look ahead to Season 2. 

We get into the heart of why I started the podcast, from the joy of deep conversations with brilliant minds to the behind-the-scenes realities of producing an independent podcast.

Internal music by u_98o9hlkn7r on Pixabay (YouTube Content ID)

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan.
Theme music by Sycho Sid.

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S1. E20.

“There's always an aspect of joy, because otherwise, what's the point?”

In this episode, Thembi speaks with playwright, poet, and artistic leader Farah Lawal Harris about her journey as a breast cancer survivor and how her experiences have influenced her approach to storytelling, leadership, and wellness. Farah shares how the challenges she has faced, both personal and professional, have refined her as an artist and leader.

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan.
Theme music by Sycho Sid.

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The Power of Storytelling: Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich on Writing, Identity & Empowering Young Readers

“Story was just the foundation of my life.”

In this episode of KeyBARD, host Thembi Duncan speaks with award-winning author and educator Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, whose work explores themes of family, migration, and the rich storytelling traditions of the African diaspora. A Jamaican Nigerian New Yorker, Olugbemisola weaves her cultural identity into her writing, creating compelling children's literature that resonates with young readers.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How storytelling fosters empathy and empowerment
✅ Olugbemisola’s process for crafting authentic, emotionally rich characters
✅ The importance of cultural identity in children's literature
✅ How she taps into the emotional landscape of adolescence
✅ Why diverse storytelling matters in shaping young minds

About Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich:

Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich is a renowned author and educator whose books include Operation Sisterhood, Two Naomis, 8th Grade Superzero, Someday Is Now: Clara Luper and the 1958 Oklahoma City Sit-ins, Makeda Makes a Birthday Treat, You're Breaking My Heart, The Sun Does Shine, It Doesn't Take A Genius, Makeda Makes a Mountain, and many more! She is passionate about amplifying underrepresented voices and helping young readers connect with stories that reflect their experiences.

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan.
Theme music by Sycho Sid.

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S1. E18.

In this episode of KeyBARD, Host Thembi Duncan sits down with Chad Harper, founder and CEO of Hip Hop Saves Lives, a social entrepreneurship that uses hip-hop as a tool for education, empowerment, and global connection. Chad shares his journey from Cleveland, Ohio to New York City, where he combined his passions for hip-hop and community service to create a curriculum that teaches humanity through hip-hop.

Learn more about Chad and his work with Hip Hop Saves Lives and check out the single I'm Just Like You on YouTube.

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan.
Theme music by Sycho Sid.

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S1. E17. "I wanted to write the roles that I wish somebody would write for me."

Thembi talks with Caleen Sinnette Jennings about her journey as an actor, director, playwright, educator, and arts leader, including her memories of being introduced to Shakespeare in an international school in Nigeria, her motivation for becoming a playwright, her creative process, and why she believes she is "an everlasting learner."

Caleen Sinnette Jennings has had seven plays published by Dramatic Publishing Company, and her play Classyass appears in 7 play anthologies.  She has been nominated for 5 Helen Hayes Awards and has won awards from The Actors’ Theatre of Louisville and the Kennedy Center.  Plays in her Queens Girl Trilogy have been produced nationally and her children’s play, Darius & Twig did a Kennedy Center national tour in 2017.  She is Professor of Theatre Emerita at American University where she taught theatre for 31 years. Jennings has been commissioned to write for The Kennedy Center, Arena Stage, Signature Theatre, Imagination Stage, Roundhouse Theatre, Everyman Theatre, and South Bend Civic Theatre. She has been a faculty member of the Folger Shakespeare Library’s Teaching Shakespeare Institute since 1994, and she is Senior Consultant to the Director of the Folger Shakespeare Library. 

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan.
Theme music by Sycho Sid.

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S1. E16.

In this episode of KeyBARD, singer, poet, actor, and emcee W.Ellington Felton opens up about his artistic journey, creative process, and love for teaching. He talks with host Thembi Duncan about his vision for turning 50, the different eras of his work, and what it means to truly be free.

Introspective. Loquacious. Giving. Insightful. Passionate. Honest. Transparent. Artist. W.Ellington Felton has long been described as a renaissance man and a ranter of his own thoughts, but if you talk to him or see him perform, it may all make sense. 

He is a DC native and son of jazz pianist Hilton C. Felton Jr., and heavily influenced by his surroundings. Growing up in Washington, DC Wes was introduced to the Fine Arts early on. Equipped at The School Without Walls with a backpack of notebooks filled with poems and rhymes, he hit the pavement running quickly making a name for himself on BET’s “Teen Summit”. He went on to study acting at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. After returning from college he went on to teach and act for Arena Stage’s “Living Stage Theatre Company” while pursuing his music career. 

In 2000 he formed the Hip Hop Soul Group “The Crossrhodes” with R&B Crooner Raheem Devaughn. He has collaborated and shared the stage with artists like Chris Rock, Meshell N’Degeocello, Dionne Farris, Eric Roberson, Common, Dave Chappelle and many more. Still a DC Resident and Single Father he has taught Oratory workshops part-time for Ford’s Theatre’s Education Department . 

With a featured role in the film “Love Dot Com” on Prime and roles in the upcoming film “The Empty Walls” and ALLBLK Network’s Season 2 of “Hush” these are just reminders that passion, training and hard work pays off. 

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan.
Theme music by Sycho Sid.

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In this episode of KeyBARD, host Thembi Duncan sits down with Michael Lavine, a celebrated music director, performance coach, sheet music expert, and Broadway archivist. With a career spanning decades, Michael has worked with legends like Stephen Sondheim, John Kander, Adolph Green, Betty Comden, Craig Carnelia, Hugh Martin, and Sheldon Harnick.

Michael shares how his passion for collecting sheet music led him to amass one of the world’s largest private collections—a treasure trove of Broadway history. He also reflects on his global experiences teaching musical theater, offering insights into how the art form resonates across cultures.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How Michael built one of the largest private sheet music collections
✅ The importance of preserving Broadway’s musical history
✅ Behind-the-scenes stories from working with Broadway legends
✅ How musical theater connects cultures around the world
✅ The evolution of music direction, coaching, and performance

About Michael Lavine:

Michael Lavine is a renowned music director, conductor, performance coach, and archivist, known for his deep knowledge of Broadway history and sheet music preservation. He has worked with theater icons worldwide, helping performers refine their craft and bringing forgotten musical treasures back to life.

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan.
Theme music by Sycho Sid.

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Helynsia Brown: Leading with Purpose in Tech and Social Justice

In this episode of KeyBARD, host Thembi Duncan speaks with Helynsia Brown, a technology executive whose career spans the U.S. Air Force, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Women Donors Network.

With a deep commitment to service, purpose, and social justice, Helynsia shares how technology can drive equity and change. From her early days in the military to leading major cultural institutions, she provides insights into the intersection of tech, leadership, and advocacy.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How Helynsia’s military background shaped her tech career
✅ The role of technology in preserving cultural history
✅ How women and people of color are reshaping the tech industry
✅ Why social justice and purpose matter in leadership
✅ The impact of technology on philanthropy and advocacy

About Helynsia Brown:

Helynsia Brown is a technology executive and advocate with a career dedicated to leveraging tech for social good. She has led digital initiatives at major institutions and currently works with the Women Donors Network, driving innovation, equity, and systemic change.

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan.
Theme music by Sycho Sid.

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Sam Lewis: The Art of Theatrical & Film Design in a Tech-Driven World

In this episode of KeyBARD, host Thembi Duncan interviews Sam Lewis, an omni-media artist and designer whose innovative craftsmanship spans multiple artistic disciplines.

Sam reflects on his earliest memories of working with his hands, which ignited a lifelong passion for creating immersive visual experiences. He breaks down his process for theatrical set design—from the first script reading to the final build—and shares insights into the evolving world of film and stage production.

Plus, stick around for Sam’s thoughts on artificial intelligence and its impact on artists in today’s rapidly changing creative landscape.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How Sam Lewis developed his multidisciplinary artistic approach
✅ The step-by-step process of theatrical set design
✅ The intersection of craftsmanship, storytelling, and technology
✅ Sam’s take on AI’s influence on artists and creative industries
✅ The evolution of theater and film design in a digital era

About Sam Lewis:

Sam Lewis is a renowned artist and designer known for his work in theater, film, and multimedia art. His designs merge technical precision with creative storytelling, bringing visionary concepts to life.

Explore Sam’s work: https://madebysam.com/

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan.
Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

• Spotify: Follow, Rate, and Share
• Apple Podcasts: Subscribe, Review, and Rate
• Instagram: @Keybard_IG
• Facebook: The KeyBARD Podcast