Teaching, Theatre, Hollywood & Liberian Culture | Garmunee Philips | Sonderverse S2 E6

Welcome to Episode 6 of Season 2 of Sonderverse.In this episode, I sit down with Garmunee Philips, who was referred onto the show by our previous guest, Nyiaj Lor. Garmunee and Nyiaj first met while working together on the production of Captive, alongside Season 2 Episode 4 guest, Tyler Edward.We explore Garmunee's passion for acting and the unique differences between theatre and film. Having performed in productions including The Wizard of Oz as the Cowardly Lion, High School Musical as Zeke, Clue as Professor Plum, Something Rotten!, and Cinderella as Prince Topher, Garmunee shares how each performance has shaped his confidence, creativity, and love for storytelling. We also discuss his experience appearing in Captive and what it's like transitioning between stage and screen.Beyond acting, Garmunee recently completed his degree in Teaching and reflects on the responsibility of helping shape the next generation. We discuss the role of great teachers, the challenges facing modern education, and how artificial intelligence is beginning to influence classrooms, learning, and the future of education.The conversation then turns to Garmunee's Liberian heritage. Growing up in Minneapolis within a Liberian household, he shares what family, community, music, food, celebrations, and culture have meant to him. We also talk about Liberia's Independence Day on 26th July, his connection to his roots, and whether he hopes to one day visit the country his family calls home.Finally, we look towards the future. Garmunee shares his dream of pursuing acting professionally, the realities of breaking into Hollywood, and why success often appears instantaneous from the outside despite years of unseen dedication. We even imagine what questions he would ask if he had the opportunity to sit down with Keanu Reeves.This episode is about culture, creativity, service, and having the courage to pursue the life you truly want.One story. One guest. One connection at a time.⏱ Chapters:00:00 Trailer01:58 Intro to Garmunee06:14 Does Garmunee Aspire to Pursue a Career in Theatre or Hollywood?12:38 Garmunee's Role in the Captive Movie Production20:00 The Difference Between Theatre and Film Production30:25 Graduating College, Teaching & Future Plans36:00 Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom and Student Learning1:02:10 Garmunee's Cultural Roots and Liberian Heritage1:26:00 Would Garmunee Want to Visit Liberia?1:34:09 Future Career Aspirations1:37:47 Having a Conversation with Keanu Reeves1:40:45 Why Success in Hollywood Often Looks Instant1:44:25 Garmunee's Final Takeaway and Challenge for the Audience___Sonderverse Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonderverse_?igsh=emNxZ2dyM2Q2bmUx Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sonderverse_?_r=1&_t=ZN-922wouifMz0Sonderverse Show Platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0CqjSKCCnjeloKJ9EDFCPX?si=H8JxEvmMRgm8iSnF5ybb3w Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sonderverse/id1849352087