Phae’s Place

This special look back gathers the voices and insights that have shaped Phase Place, from mentors and creatives to industry pros, authors, and artists. Phaedra reflects on the conversations that pushed her forward and highlights the wisdom that listeners can carry into their own journey of pursuing their dreams. 

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Practical advice
• Funny moments
• Growth

If you need encouragement, guidance, or a reminder that your dream deserves community, this episode brings it all together. Perfect for creatives, aspiring artists, and anyone who needs fresh fuel to keep going.

Watch the episodes: 

• Are Black Women Encouraged To Dream? 
• Mentor Monday with Wendy Moten
• The Friendship Phase: Supporting The Dream and The Dreamer with Jodi Iyamu
• The Music Business Phase: From College to Career with David Bean
• Gospel Music Heritage Month with Angie Winans
• The Legal Phase: A Dream to Pursue Justice with Attorney Cobia Powell
• Mentor Monday with Ann McCrary
• The Film Phase: Script Happens with Professor Kelly K. Greer
• What Artist Should Know Before They Get Signed with Chelsea Mendes
• The TV Phase: What Happens On A TV Set? With Kayla Young
• Mentor Monday with Rev. Phillip McDowell
• The Social Media Phase: Confessions of a Social Media Manager with Sea D’Amico
• The Producer Phase: Playing It By Ear with Victor Caldwell
• The Film Composer Phase: Keeping Score with Madison Anglin
• Mentor Monday with Brooke Bobby
• The Performance Phase: Calm, Coll & Collected with Carvin Winans Sr.
• The Documentary Phase: Pursuing The Truth Through Film with Stacey L. Holman
• Mentor Monday with Elijah Bailey
• The Radio Promotions Phase: Leading With Integrity with Eboni Funderburk
• Mentor Monday with Liana Diane
• The Manager/Publicist Phase: Sustaining Success with Ramon Hervey II
• The Film Marketing Phase: Dreaming, Risking, Winning with Michelle Duffie
• The Actor Phase: Lights, Camera, Action with BernNadette Stanis
• The Fitness Phase: Lifting Dreams, Not Just Weights with Toni Lewis-Noble
• Mentor Monday with Joseph Joubert
• The TV Writer Phase: Elevate Your Craft, Amplify Your Voice with Rae Benjamin

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• This episode was recorded with Riverside

What would you trade for the right role, the right team, or the right shot at your dream? Phaedra turns that question into a fast, funny, and surprisingly revealing game, forcing the real career math every creative knows but rarely says out loud.

You'll discover:

• If you’re serious about building a career in the entertainment industry

• Philosophies that guide you in pursuing your dreams

• How to weigh options when it comes to high stakes

This episode is perfect for creatives, actors, artists, and anyone trying to decide whether the gig is actually worth it. Tune in for the fun!

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• This episode was recorded with Riverside

The advice every aspiring comedy writer needs is not about talent, it is about building a life that can hold your dream. Jonterri Gadson, writer for A Black Lady Sketch Show and The Upshaws, reveals how she went from poetry and professorship to TV rooms.  

You’ll discover:

• How she landed her first TV writing job
• How writers groups and classes can lead to reps, referrals, and long-term community
• How frustration can become comedy, including the sketch that grew out of her anger personal experience

She’s not just writing for TV - she’s creating spaces, stories, and products that help other dreamers keep going. If you are trying to break into screenwriting, comedy, or any creative field, this conversation gives you the real playbook.

Keep up with Jonterri Gadson:

• Follow her on Instagram
• Learn more about her by visiting her website: www.jonterrigadson.com
• Follow her candle business on Instagram
• Buy a candle: sojustafewnotes.com
• Check out her newest work on Audible, “Becoming Lady Miss Jacqueline” with Keke Palmer

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• This episode was recorded with Riverside.fm 

Are doubts holding you back from hitting the high notes of your potential? Andriana Seay, a seasoned classical and contemporary singer, reveals her journey from childhood dreams in Indiana to touring with major acts, and the pivotal moments that made her pursue a professional singing career. With her blend of classical training and soulful style, she shares how to find your voice's true colors and avoid the common trap of imitation.

You'll discover:

• The critical habits that separate good singers from great ones
• Practical tools to boost your vocal health and how to guard your voice during demanding tours
• The lessons learned on tour as a background vocalist that can be applied to solo artists

If you're an aspiring singer feeling overwhelmed, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and actionable advice. Tune in to learn how to turn your vocal dreams into a reality.

Keep up with Andriana Seay:

• Follow her on Instagram & TikTok
• Facebook: Andriana Marie Seay
• Book a FREE consultation

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• This episode was recorded with Riverside.fm 

In this hilarious and eye-opening episode, Phaedra unveils the absurd yet surprisingly practical "Bills" she wishes industry insiders would enact. She takes us on a rollercoaster journey through the playful, provocative, and genuinely useful changes that could empower aspiring entertainers and burned-out veterans alike. 

You’ll discover:

• A playful critique of industry clichés with a sharp, humorous twist
• How turning rejection into a form of homework accelerates your growth
• Joy in simple tasks

This episode isn’t just about laughs — it’s about shifting the narrative around failure, rejection, and success in entertainment. Tune in to reimagine what’s possible with a little humor, a lot of honesty, and a whole lot of “what if.” Whether you’re a thriving actor, dreamer in the making, or industry insider, these playful bills could inspire your next big breakthrough.

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• This episode was recorded with Riverside
  

Breakthrough moments and real talk about the craft of acting, dreams, and authentic success—these are just a few reasons why you need to hear from Aldriah Burt. This episode is packed with lessons for every aspiring artist and creative. Plus, she reveals how she’s building a revolutionary platform—Curtain Call Connections—to empower artists and enthusiasts alike.

You'll discover:

• How entrepreneurship and acting are intertwined 
• The transformational power of empathy forged through craft and personal experiences
• Practical advice for aspiring actors 

Tune in to find motivation to keep pursing your dreams in acting. 

Keep up with Aldriah Burt:

• Follow her on Instagram and TikTok

• Learn more about Curtain Call Connections
• Follow her business on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X and Etsy
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• This episode was recorded with Riverside
  

Join us as Phaedra talks with the iconic, Jayne Kennedy! From her groundbreaking journey in Hollywood to her new memoir, Jayne Kennedy’s story is a masterclass in resilience, vision, and redefining success at every stage. She reveals the fundamental importance of having a clear vision, sticking to your goals, and embracing roles beyond the traditional actor’s path. 

In this episode, you'll discover: 

• What it actually takes to develop a sitcom
• How to build a multifaceted career
• Ways to dream again after disappointment

Her story is a call to action for dreamers, creators, and entrepreneurs to trust their vision, push through societal barriers, and live with authenticity. If you’re ready to learn how to turn your passions into purpose—listen to this episode. 

Keep up with Jayne Kennedy:

• Follow her on Instagram, Threads, Facebook, and X

• Visit her website
• Purchase her memoir, Plain Jayne
• Purchase her signature fragrance, Sun & Moon:
• Purchase a t-shirt or hoodie

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• This episode was recorded with Zoom

This episode is for the screenwriters! We’re talking about tips that will help you push your scripts from good to great.  Phaedra reveals her personal process for editing and refining—because good stories are built, not born. Tune in to learn how to unlock you’re story’s full potential.

You will discover:

• Strategies to help with crafting authentic dialogue
• How analyzing comps will assist in making the process smoother  
• Ways to help you clearly define your story’s engine and your characters’ wants

If you’re serious about transforming your creative vision into a polished screenplay, this episode is your essential guide.

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• This episode was recorded with Riverside.fm 

Imagine turning a childhood love for singing into a thriving cultural empire. That’s exactly what happened when Ahmaya-Knoelle along with her parents, Vy Higgensen and Ken Wydro ventured into the world of theatre. In this conversation, she shares her inspiring story —from growing up in Harlem, inspired by gospel, to building the Mama Foundation for the Arts, which has provided over 20 years of musical education to thousands.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The pivotal “light bulb” moments that turned dreams into impactful business opportunities

• Practical insights on managing a nonprofit

• How stories serve as a catalyst for cultural preservation and innovation.

This isn’t just a story about music; it’s a masterclass in leadership, legacy-building, and community empowerment. Join us as we explore how faith, family, and fierce commitment turns dreams into a reality.

Keep up with Ahmaya-Knoelle:

• Follow her on Instagram

• Visit the website for The Mama Foundation for the Arts

• Enroll here

• Donate here

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• This episode was recorded with Riverside

This week host, Phaedra, shares the history of Black Music Appreciation Month as well as what aspiring artists can glean from the career of Victoria Monét. Although we may want  immediate results, strategy rooted in resilience turns small beginnings into long-term success.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Practical tips for independent artists 
• The importance of strategic branding
• How lessons from Black music history encourages persistence

Tune in to celebrate the contribution of Black music in today’s society.

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