This week’s episode is an interview with Marcus (@MisterShmoody) about his current project, Joy & Focus. Marcus developed this phrase as a mantra while working at the DC restaurant Thamee; it helped him not just get through his shifts, but perform better. In this interview, we chat about what Joy & Focus inspired and how he wants to help bring awareness to mental health by encouraging others to get creative through journaling, music, and more.

Follow @JoyAndFocus on Instagram, check out www.joyandfocus.org

Jasmine and I talk about how people perceive growing up in the midwest and her journey to New York to pursue theatre. She explains what she’s learned about friendship and communication in the past few years and we discuss the difference quarantine has made in life and a lot of relationships. I learned about the different hats she’s worn such as acting, producing, and directing in films and plays and she also gives a preview of what’s in store for the future.

Jasmine's Social Media (IG/Twitter: @jasminemrush, www.jasminemrush.com)

On this panel for Nice To Meet You, I talk to previous guests Dynise (Episode 007), Garret (Episode 068) and Nikki (Episode 077) about religion, spirituality and the role they play in our lives. We talk about how they were raised and the values they still hold onto from childhood as well as the adaptations made in order to create their own paths of understanding the world around us. Dynise mentions the importance of educating yourself on other religions even if you decide you want to practice the religion you were raised on. Nikki tells us how she focuses more on people’s energies than then labels put on them by others. Garret shares his journey of growing as a preacher’s son and the complicated relationship he has with religion because of the good and the bad it can inspire in people. Tune in for more!

Dynise's Social Media (IG: @Dynise_Heart)

Garret's Social Media (Facebook: Garret Shelenhamer)

Nikki's Social Media (IG/Twitter: @ClarksMission, www.clarksmission.com)

Kash and I talk about the different ways we use art and “content” to express ourselves; including photography, drawing, and vlogging. We chat about his vacation from the big city, New York, during coronavirus and how many people’s attitudes have shifted during this time since we’ve all been able to smell the roses. Lastly, he tells me about creating his own LLC to start a multimedia business starting with his platform, Big Man in the City.

Kash's Social Media (IG: @BigManInTheCity)

Nikki and I talk about her company, Clarks Mission, named after her father and her goal of helping entrepreneurs and giving back to the community. We chat about the importance of sports, what she took from playing golf and basketball, and the foundation sports can provide for kids. She tells me about dealing with anxiety and how she tries to face it head by doing things that put her slightly out of her comfort zone.

Nikki's Social Media (Twitter/IG: @ClarksMission, www.ClarksMission.com)

Stephanie and I talk about her love of learning and helping others, which eventually led her to becoming an equity teacher after realizing the inequalities in our school systems. She tells me about growing up in a proud Black community in the south and the story of her first encounter with the police after a homecoming dance at 16. We also chat about marriage and the work that has to go into long-lasting relationships including conversations with her husband about the gendered experiences of black men and women.

Stephanie's Social Media (IG/Twitter: @TheAntiBiasedEducator)

Epsiode F055 - Time Better Spent with Ronald by Simone

On this panel for Nice To Meet You, I talk to previous guests Stephanie (Episode 064), Shawn (Episode 067), and Chandra (Episode 071) about what it means to be a comedian. They share the different way they’re involved in comedy from podcasting, to web series, to producing sold out shows. Chandra warns us about the importance of owning your own content. Shawn tells us the perspective of a black gay comic in a predominantly white male scene. Stephanie gives tips for budding comedians about the importance of writing and being consistent. Tune in for more!

Stephanie's Social Media (IG: @GangstaSpice, @StoryTimeWithSteph)

Shawn's Social Media(IG: @Bankzzyyy, www.medium.com/shawnbank18)

Chandra's Social Media (IG/Twitter: @cgoreconsults @conversationswithchan)

Autumn and I talk about her experience during the covid crisis as a business owner and the pause we all had to take leading to self-exploration for her. She tells me how she got interested in photography and started her own company, Autumn’s Eye Photography (@autumns_ep). We also chat about dealing with privilege, oppression, and the position of the black woman in those complexes.

Autumn's Social Media(IG/Twitter: @Autumns_EP, www.autumnseyephoto.com)

Khary and I talk about the privilege that comes with growing up in an area like PG County and how that influenced how he views the world. We discuss intersectionality and his journey in discovering what it means to be pro-black. We also talk about the difference between politics and human rights and he shares his stance on the upcoming election including the lack of involvement in local elections.

Khary's Social Media (IG/Twitter: @KharyTheCeo)