Phae’s Place

Join Phaedra as she attends the Theta Iota Omega Chapter 60th Diamond Anniversary Gala. This event honored local heroes and celebrated their impact in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.   

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Pursuing your dreams does not have an age limit
• The work of organizations like Girl Scouts and Oasis Senior Advisors
• The importance of voting to make your voice heard

Tune in for a conversation that’s filled with joy and empowerment.

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• This episode was recorded with Riverside.fm 

Join Phaedra as she attends St. John Inwood’s “Generational Faith & Legacy Gala.” The event honored local heroes and celebrated their impact on the world. She interviews the honorees and hears behind-the-scene stories of how friends and family kept some of the awards a surprise!  

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How a big impact starts with small steps
• The story of how Bill Stephney signed comedian, Paul Mooney.
• Pursuing your dreams does not have an age limit

Tune in to be inspired by the stories of ordinary people making an extraordinary difference!

Keep up with St. John Inwood:

• Follow them on Instagram and Facebook

• Be sure to donate to their Centennial Legacy Campaign so that future generations will experience faith that sustained and blessed the generations before: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/peer-to-peer/generational-faith-and-legacy-gala

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• This episode was recorded with Riverside.fm 

Phaedra talks with Alicia D. Carroll about the advice every aspiring TV writer needs right now!  Alicia’s path to television started with a childhood full of theater, music, and big multi-hyphenate dreams.  Now, her love for the arts is woven into the fabric of her daily life. She shares what led to her first staff position on NBC’s Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist and other stories that keep her successful in this industry. 

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why lateral networking is often more powerful than networking up
• What emerging writers need to know about mentorship, craft, and staying relevant in a rapidly changing business.
• How a script rooted in her own high school experience became a standout sample.

If you’re an emerging screenwriter, a creative trying to break in, or someone who needs a realistic but motivating look at what it takes to build a sustainable writing life, this conversation is packed with practical insight and honest encouragement.

Keep up with Alicia D. Carroll:

• Follow her on Instagram and Tik Tok: @ AliciaC.TV

• If you’re interested in courses about screenwriting, visit her website

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• This episode was recorded with Riverside.fm 

Phaedra talks with actress, Najah Jackson, for a candid conversation about chasing creative dreams, surviving the industry, and what it really takes to stay ready for the roles you prayed for. 

You’ll discover:

• What the grind really looks like on a soap opera, including learning 15 pages overnight and sometimes filming two episodes in a day
• How she landed All American after going out for it more than 20 times
• What it was like juggling All American and Beyond the Gates at the same time

Phaedra and Najah also get honest about the business side of acting that nobody prepares you for. This episode is also a love letter to Black soap opera history, with a nod to the power of seeing representation on screen and the legacy of shows like All My Children and Dynasty.  Tune in to the conversation and be inspired by Najah's story!

Keep up with Najah Jackson:

• Follow her on Instagram and Tik Tok

• Be sure to watch her in Beyond the Gates on CBS and in All American on Netflix

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• This episode was recorded with Riverside.fm 

This Mentor Monday, we are talking about the reboot of A Different World and how the series cleverly honors the legacy of the original while creating something fresh!

You'll discover:

• What this reboot teaches us about pursuing our dreams and being in the entertainment industry 
• Why opportunity loves consistency
• How to keep your brand but switch up the strategy to help find your audience 

This episode is essential listening if you care about storytelling, the entertainment industry, or what it really takes to turn talent into longevity. Tune in and let me know your thoughts!

Click here to watch our interview with Dawnn Lewis.

Keep Up with Us: 

• Phae's Place - Instagram, TikTok, Facebook & YouTube
• This episode was recorded with Riverside 
  

If you’re a writer, director, performer, or dreamer trying to turn your talent into a real career, this conversation will challenge and encourage you. This week, we speak with director, Tyler Russell, and he reveals he best creative careers are built long before anyone is watching—and why the work you do in the waiting season can change everything.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why preparation matters before your big opportunity arrives
• What really happens after you sell a screenplay
• How Tyler’s acting background shaped his directing style

This episode is a reminder that your gifts matter, your dream has purpose, and the work you do today may be preparing you for the opportunity you’ve been praying for. Tune in!

Keep up with Tyler Russell:

• Follow him on Instagram, Facebook and X

• Check out all of his projects
  

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• This episode was recorded with Riverside.fm 

September is Gospel Music Heritage Month and branding and image architect PJ Owens is here to help us celebrate! He shares how you can build a signature presence whether you're an artist, stylist, entrepreneur, or creative trying to stand out in a crowded industry.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why Gospel styling has to balance fashion, respect, and individuality
• The fashion rule PJ loves breaking 
• How he decides when a look is good versus truly great

If you're trying to define your brand, sharpen your presence, or understand what lane you're actually meant to own, this conversation is packed with practical insight and plenty of style. 

Keep up with PJ Owens:

• Follow him on Instagram
• Visit his website

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• This episode was recorded with Riverside.fm 

Diana Ross didn’t just perform—she turned a sold-out concert into a masterclass on longevity, stage presence, and making every person in the room feel seen. Phaedra reviews the concert and what aspiring artists can gather.

You’ll discover:

• Longevity in the entertainment industry 
• The power of Motown
• The importance of connecting with your audience 

Tune in to learn how to building a successful career.

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• This episode was recorded with Riverside 
  

Welcome to a new season of Phae’s Place! This week, Phaedra talks with her classmate, Astrid Rotenberry, about building a career as a professional actor. Astrid shares how her love for acting began in childhood and what she’s learned about auditioning, casting, and finding confidence in a competitive industry.

You’ll learn:

• How Belmont University’s training and internship opportunities helped shape her path
• Advice about the business side of acting
• Tips to memorize lines 

If you’re a dreamer, creator, or anyone figuring out how to keep going in a tough field, this episode is full of warmth, honesty, and encouragement.

Keep up with Astrid Rotenberry:

• Follow her on Instagram
• Watch her on Netflix’s “His & Hers”

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• This episode was recorded with Riverside.fm 

In this special anniversary episode, Phaedra takes listeners on a joyful trip down memory lane, celebrating the incredible guests who have helped make the show unforgettable. Each conversation is packed with inspiration, behind-the-scenes stories, laughter, and real advice for pursuing your dreams.

You’ll discover:

• Practical advice
• Funny moments
• Growth

Come celebrate with us and remember that fear is not a good reason to stop yourself from trying.   Here’s to dreaming bigger dreams! 

Watch the full episodes: 

• The Photography Phase: Capturing Iconic Moments with Ashé Davis 
• The TV Writer Phase: Elevate Your Crafts, Amplify Your Voice with Rae Benjamin
• The Director Phase: Turning Vision Into Reality with Christine Swanson
• The Actor Phase: Betting On Yourself Part 1 with Starletta DuPois
• The Actor Phase: Betting On Yourself Part 2 with Starletta DuPois
• The Screenwriter Phase: Writing for the Big Screen with Ryan Engle
• The Performance Phase: Behind the Creative Journey with Dawnn Lewis
• Black Music Appreciation Month with Freda Payne
• Black Music Appreciation Month with Dr. Bobby Jones
• Black Music Appreciation Month with Ahmaya-Knoelle
• The Creative Phase: Learning to Dream Again with Jayne Kennedy
• The Actor Phase: Creative Entrepreneurship with Aldriah Burt
• Mentor Monday with Andriana Seay
• The Comedy Writer Phase: Getting Reel About Making It In Comedy with Jonterri Gadson

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• This episode was recorded with Riverside