Neelofer Nova is a Poet, Writer, Spoken Word Artist, Mentor, and motivational speaker. Graduated from LSE in 2001 with an LLB Law degree has worked in civil litigation and then went to work in various fields before finding her home in the field of education and mentoring. Her poetry career also started in her uni days when she first discovered open mics and the London Slam Poetry scene. She went on to work with notable musicians and producers and had her poetry released on two labels both in the UK (Tigersonic) and the USA (Blockhead). She has taught internationally in academies leading creative workshops in academies, theatre companies, and social change charities. Has worked with ex-gang members, female prisoners, young disenfranchised groups.  Neelofer has also been on BBC Radio as an artist and also as a panelist on Nihal's show on BBC Asian Network Balancing her own creative pursuits in writing, poetry, and music she has successfully managed PR, Marketing and communications for several companies.   Poet, Spoken Word Artist, Educator, and Business Women. A Born Leader. Born and raised in South London of Pakistani heritage. Starting out on the London Open Mic circuit some 20 years ago, Neelofer soon made a name for herself as the most dynamic and thought-provoking Asian female Spoken Word Artist on the scene. Challenging Stereotypes and making it known that she has the courage of her convictions to be an individual and make her own choices – hence the aptly named track “POET” submitted to Deeyah Khans “SISTERHOOD” project.  Neelofer's passions are mental health and women's education and rights. Published collection and album releases have been and still are in the pipeline.

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jason8488/message

Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola is a Nigerian-American storyteller from Baltimore, Maryland. She is an alum of the University of Maryland College Park, where she received a dual Bachelor’s degree in Theatre and Broadcast Journalism. Kristie is an actress, filmmaker, podcast host, and journalist. She strives to create spaces where underrepresented individuals can utilize their voices and properly share their stories.

We discussed:

• how I@ found/started in the world of theatre/the arts 
• What she's learned about herself as a performing artist thus far.
• The importance of not allowing others/society to confine you to a box and how realizing this was such a relief.  
• The power of fear and how fear can really crush your dreams/take you off your path if you allow it. 
• how I have been navigating life post-grad & transitioning into the professional environment as a storyteller.

You'll find Kristie on:

 Instagram: @kristietaiwomakanjuola

 Twitter: @KrisT_Mak

PLEASE Feedback with comments, thoughts, and suggestions about and for the show. I want to ensure I'm producing quality content for my listeners

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jason8488/message

María Thelma graduated as an actress from the Iceland Academy of Arts in 2016,  Just out of school she played Iris in the very well-received TV series Prisoners (Fangar)  Early 2017, she starred in the short film Miss Iceland that will premiere at the Reykjavík Film Festival (RIFF).  María Thelma movie debut is the Arctic where she had the privilege to star opposite Mads Mikkelsen. The 'Arctic' screened at Cannes Film Festival as part of the 'Official Selection' lineup.  Maria Thelma currently under contract at the National Theatre of Iceland.

We discussed:

• How she got the part in the Arctic (Directed by Joe Penna)
• Shooting the Arctic in Iceland 
• What it's like to be one of the very few mixed raced  (colored) actors in Iceland. 
• Embracing your uniqueness. 
• Get creative during COVID-19. Make connections and Collaborating.

You can find Maria on:

Instagram: @mariathelma93

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jason8488/message

Meet Leonie Hayne Moses. Leonie was very shy as a child so at around the age of ten, her mother sent her to Pineapple Studios. This gave her the opportunity to develop confidence and a passion for performing. She also attended Roundhouse Theatre, Lyric Theatre, and Almedia Theatre’s summer drama schemes. Later in her career, she performed at the Roundhouse and Almedia Theatre’s as well as being cast in the web series Dear Jesus and other short films.

We spoke about:

• Networking
• Supporting yourself as an actor
• Comparing yourself to others 
• Positivity 
• Motivation

Leonie is family-orientated and comes across in. such a giving and generous way. It was a pleasure talking with her.

You can find Leonie on:

Instagram: leoniehaynesmoses

email: [email protected]

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jason8488/message

Ben is an actor and acting coach, based in Hackney. He trained at the Drama Centre, on the BA course and graduated in 2014. His own personal work has been predominantly in the theatre, as an actor and director, but he has also written for the screen.

For the past 3 years, Ben has also worked as a professional acting coach and successfully prepared clients for series leads in US network shows and Disney films.

He is the founder of OnAction, a bespoke acting coaching company, created to enable and support movements within the acting industry.

Ben and I had an excellent discussion. We talked about the business of acting; how to survive as an actor; acting as an art form and how determined you need to be in order to advance in the industry.

You'll find Ben on

Instagram: @benwoodhall

email: onactionldn.com

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jason8488/message

Today I interviewed Sheila Norton. Sheila is an award-winning filmmaker who has written, produced and directed several internationally renowned projects including Zion, Victim and the feature film ‘David is Dying’. Sheila founded Kingdom Drama School in 2011, now run by Ashley Walters.In 2013 she produced the independent feature ‘Sable Fable’ which went on to win Best Film at the prestigious American Black Film Festival awards in Miami, Florida. In 2016, she won the Woman of the Future award in Arts & Culture for her work in film and was invited to Buckingham Palace.The following year her film Limbo, which was shot in Norfolk, Virginia was selected at various international festivals including the ‘Cannes Pan-African Film Festival’. Following her invitation to 10 Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister, 2018 saw her become an Associate Fellow of the Royal Commonwealth Society for her determination in committing to the Society’s mission of promoting the values of the Commonwealth. In 2018, her feature film The Strangers was shot and principal photography for the feature film ‘A Game of Two Halves’ began in November 2019 both penned by Sheila. She ended the year in Writer’s Rooms for both an exciting new Netflix comedy and a Channel 4 drama. Her latest short film ‘Sometimes I Feel’ was selected for the Oscar-qualifying PAFF festival in LA 2020. Currently, Sheila is developing her feature script, Birdsong, with BFI and Film London. You'll enjoy this engaging and thought-provoking interview.You'll find Sheila on:Instagram: @sheilanortleyWebsite: www.emineofilm.co.uk--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jason8488/message

Tanya was so gracious with her time and knowledge - it was a privilege to have her on the show. She's a vibrant, energetic personality who loves performing, giving back and doing her utmost to be the best she can be. Ms. Edwards has been synonymous with the Lion King theatre production for many years, playing multiple roles in the ensemble. She's had roles in 'Dirty Dancing, Hairspray, and Respect (The Aretha Franklyn Show) to name a few. Tanya's voice is powerful, she has captivated audiences with stunning performances and leaves no stone unturned when it comes to delivering on value. We discussed her love of travel and St. Lucia; wellness, staying mentally healthy; how she handles jealously/haters and what's it like to be part of theatre production for such a long period of time. Tanya was born to dazzle and amaze audiences, I hope she has inspired you. Listen to her story.

You'll find her on

Instagram: @misstanyaedwards

Twitter: @misstanyanicole

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jason8488/message

Meet Sophia Sinclair. A London-based actress who has built up an incredible body of work over many years. From an early age, Sophia knew that she wanted to be an actress. Ever since that enlightened moment, at the tender age of 14, she has been in a whole host of commercials, TV shows, theatre productions and produced incredible voiceover work. We discussed the value of mentors; how important it is to stay driven; how the industry has changed from (favoring the elites to being accessible to anyone). Additionally, Sophia spoke about the importance of knowing your worth, saying no; being paid for your talent and the importance of connecting with fellow creatives. We had an amazing conversation, Sophia is personable, likeable and an all-around phenomenal human being. 

You'll find her on:

Instagram: @sophia_sinclair

Facebook: facebook.com/SophiaSinclairOfficial

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jason8488/message

It was an honour and a privilege to invite Gabriella back on the show. She had just recently touched down from the States. Gaby went to Miami and New Orleans for a two-week period as part of the 'David Lyle Scholarship' programme. We discussed what she learnt about production and business (whilst being out there). Our conversation then dived into the differences between production in the UK and the U.S. Gaby learnt a great deal and described it as an invaluable experience. We talked about the latest BBC drama 'Noughts and Crosses'. We were both delighted that a show, with strong male and female black leads, was finally on a linear television station. Gaby is an inspirational young lady who works tremendously hard in production and wants to constantly grow and learn. Listen to Part 2 of her amazing story.

You'll find Gaby on:

Instagram: @gabri.ellavate

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jason8488/message

What an interview! Samuel is one of a kind. Not only is he a great example of hustle, but he also has a courageous mindset and illicits supreme confidence to those around him. Samuell isn't just an actor, he's an educator; a role model and someone who exerts positive energy. He challenges people to raise their creative game and abhors the idea of mediocrity. Samuell is constantly teaching; vlogging and giving out content to get people to enhance themselves to be more than they are. You'll love this episode.

Follow him on:

Instagram: @samuellbenta

youtube: Samuell Benta

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jason8488/message