Eps 26: Overcoming Adversity through Art: The Journey of Actor, Writer, and Mentor Maryam Myika Day

When your world crashes down around you, how do you continue moving on? In 2015, Maryam Myika Day welcomed her daughter Ayodélé Olayinka into the world and said goodbye to her husband. Through that joy and grief came a reckoning and realization of who she wanted to be as an artist going forward in her life, and she reexamined the ways her art could reach others. Maryam shares her inspiring journey from a young dancer in prominent dance companies like the Dance Theatre of Harlem and Broadway's '42nd Street,' to becoming an award-winning filmmaker and screenwriter. Maryam talks about the founding of her production company, Epiphany 3 Films, to create opportunities for herself and others, and her impactful work in film and digital media. She also delves into her personal life, sharing the profound challenges she faced and how these experiences fueled her artistic and professional growth. One way she channeled her grief into action was by writing a book with her daughter, “This is My Story”, that talks about her husband’s passing, what he left behind, and all the ways he is remembered. She also speaks on the importance of mentorship, and her passion for teaching writing and empowering other artists to take a chance on themselves because we just don’t have the time. This episode is a testament to resilience, the power of storytelling, and the importance of investing in yourself. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR: 00:00 — Introduction and Guest Background 00:26 — Early Career in Dance 01:15 — From Broadway to Film 02:56 — Founding Epiphany 3 Films 05:25 — Mentorship and Skill Development 17:37 — Personal Challenges and Triumphs 28:29 — A Moment of Realization 28:48 — Turning Grief into Strength 28:55 — A New Beginning in 2016 29:07 — Using Life's Challenges as Fuel 29:34 — Gratitude Amidst Loss 30:07 — A Mother's Determination 31:12 — Writing a Book Together 31:44 — The Journey of Healing 32:32 — Empowering Through Storytelling 34:14 — From Book to Animated Series 34:55 — Teaching Others to Write 38:41 — The Importance of Mentorship 47:01 — Astrology and Life's Path 52:51 — Final Reflections and Gratitude EPISODE LINKS: · Read “This is My Story” by Ayodélé Olayinka · Ayodélé’s Website · Get into “THE WORKSHOP: How to create and sell your own children's book” · Maryam’s IMDb · Maryam’s Website · Follow Maryam on IG · Follow the North of 40 Podcast on IG · The North of 40 Podcast Links Host: Colleen Foy Producer: Kristyn Daniel Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing ________________ Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? Visit Our Website Here. Catch up on the podcast here. Follow SKS on IG @stankirschstudios