Ordinary Thoughts

We're talking to Harlem-native artist and poet, The Bee. Tune in to learn more about how they turned personal struggles into powerful performances, winning their first competition, and navigating the complex world of professional poetry. Moments: 1:32 Meet The Bee  4:26 Learning poetry and finding inspiration  7:20 Challenges as a young person in poetry  10:12 Balancing personal vulnerability and public performance  13:18 Themes in Bee’s writing and real-life impact  18:58 Thinking about audience  21:30 Writing vs performing and some history on spoken word 33:45 Highlights of the year 2024 and looking ahead at 2025 38:15 Advice to aspiring poets  43:50 Some of Bee’s favorite things  Connect with The Bee: https://www.instagram.com/thebee.theartist/

We're talking to Priscilla Agyeman, the visionary behind Saddie Baddies®, a platform dedicated to reshaping mental health discourse for young Black, Latinx, Asian, Indigenous, and multiracial communities. As a creative entrepreneur, thought leader, and mental health activist, Priscilla founded Saddie Baddies® in 2019 to address the gaps in digital conversations about mental health. Since then, the community has gone on to develop important mental health resources, The Soft Life podcast, many online and IRL events, and more!  In this episode, we explore the realities of balancing full-time jobs with entrepreneurship, the importance of mental health, and what self-care looks like for community leaders. We’ll also dive into the impact of Saddie Baddies® and its partnerships with some of our favorite brands. Moments:  1:40 Meet Priscilla, founder of Saddie Baddies  4:20 Influences on mental health advocacy and entrepreneurship  8:20 The journey to founding Saddie Baddies  18:20 Redefining self-care and healing while balancing 9-5 and a 5-9 38:32 Remaining authentic to your mission while collaborating with big brands 41:28 The microscope on Black and Brown creators 50:17 Advice to aspiring creative entrepreneurs  54:28 Some of Priscilla’s favorite things  Connet with Priscilla: Instagram Follow Saddie Baddies Listen to the Soft Life Podcast More Important Links

Leisly Ann Roman is a writer and poet whose work explores the intersections of cultural identity, mental health, and personal resilience.  Born and raised in New York City as the eldest daughter of Dominican-immigrant parents, Leisly has been shaped by her experiences and the diverse cultures around her. A passionate advocate for mental health, Leisly Ann's poetry addresses themes like cultural expectations, self-doubt, and the struggles of living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and disordered eating. In this episode, we dive into her journey through poetry and mental health, discuss the impact of cultural expectations on self-perception, and explore her path to healing.  Moments:  1:30 Meet Leisly Ann 3:00 Early inspirations  7:38 Writing from lived experience  10:32 Publishing and working with Alegría 16:25 Writing in English and Spanish as a first-gen kid 25:36 Community and support systems 31:40 Advice to her younger self  36:40 Creative process and pressure for a second book  39:38 Some of Leisly-Ann’s favorite things  Connect with Leisly Ann: On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_literaryhope/# Purchase her book: https://linktr.ee/leislyann_

Everyday at the crack of dawn, Zhane’l Speaks enjoys sipping her chamomile tea as she writes about the one thing that intrigues her the most - love. For as long as she can remember, she has always been fascinated by love. Love enthralls her soul and pulls her closer to her purpose. Though love is a concept she follows, she does not keep her work within bounds. She enjoys writing tasteful erotica and screenplays that mimic poetry.  Zhane’l Speaks work has been featured on platforms such as; Rest Assured Podcast, Indie Author Tuesday, ColorBloc Magazine, and Substack. Moments:  1:17 meet Zhane’l  3:08 childhood and inspiration  5:13 vulnerability in writing and deciding on what to share 8:06 challenges in writing  11:08 audience and purpose  14:12 storytelling through visual arts and creative direction  19:50 spike lee and pursuing filmmaking  23:18 community building, social burnout, and taking time to find your people  29:26 untapped creative outlets and future plans  31:30 2024 wins and reflecting on the year  34:21 advice for emerging storytellers  36:20 some of Zhane’l’s favorite things  Connect with Zhane’l Speaks On Instagram  On Substack 

ShakinDaWorld is a rapper, singer, guitarist, and poet from Queens, New York. We’re talking to him about his introduction to poetry and music, his experiences as a mentor and teacher in those spaces, and what’s ahead for Troublemakers Collective. Moments: 1:06 meet ShakinDaWorld 8:03 writing techniques across slam and paper poetry, rapping, singing, and beyond 16:08 trauma poetry and themes in writing 13:13 audience and legacy 20:45 community building and curating events with Troublemakers Collective 25:09 changing the narrative about becoming an artist when you don’t grow up around any 28:55 lessons from the industry 30:55 teaching songwriting and mentoring youth 34:46 reflecting on 2024 and looking ahead 36:33 advice for poets, writers, curators, and community builders 38:00 Some of ShakinDaWorld’s favorite things

Today we’re talking to Gabriel Ramirez, a Queer Afro-Caribbean poet, activist, and teaching artist whose powerful work serves as a catalyst for healing and social change.  Their work has been featured in Huffington Post, VIBE Magazine, Blavity, Upworthy, and in renowned publications like POETRY Magazine and The Breakbeat Poets Vol. 4: LatiNEXT, and more.  Gabriel’s writing and performance shine a spotlight on mental health, Afro-Latinidad, self-care, masculinity, and the African Diaspora. Gabriel is also deeply committed to mentoring young voices through workshops, coaching, and performances, using poetry to inspire self-expression. Today, we dive into the art of performance, the importance of authenticity, and how Gabriel builds community through their work. PRE ORDER "If Pit Bulls Had a God It'd Be a Pit Bull" today. Connect with Gabriel: Instagram Website

Join us in supporting @chantelleadanna and her Free Mind campaign with @ifundwomen! Together, we can create space for Black women writers to share their stories, heal, and inspire. Your participation can make a real impact! Contribute here: [https://www.ifundwomen.com/projects/free-mind]  –– Chantelle Adanna is a Nigerian-American literary artist, self-published author, spoken word poet, and self-love advocate based in Los Angeles, California. Chántelle writes for women of color, particularly Black women, helping them to feel their own emotions when they are too busy carrying everyone else’s.  In 2019, she self-published her memoir, My Soul Told On Me, and has since continued to create powerful literary works, including journals, online workshops and resources. Stay tuned as we explore her journey, her creative process, and her vision for embracing vulnerability, redefining narratives in mental health and self-care, and uplifting women through words. Connect with Chantelle on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/chantelleadanna/ Chantelle’s Important Links:  https://linktr.ee/chantelleadanna

Aley Arion is a true multi-hyphenate and multi-passionate creative, who calls herself a 'creative hope-dealer.' From her roots as an OG blogger to becoming a lifestyle and wellness writer, Aley shares stories that inspire through fashion, advice, and everyday life.  Her work has been featured on platforms like xoNecole, Essence, and her Substack community, Creative Girl Check-In. As the founder of Black Girl Playground, Aley has created a social wellness collective that brings joy and play into the digital world, reconnecting us all with our inner child. I can’t wait to dive into her journey today! Moments:  1:26 Meet Aley 4:06 Black Girl Playground  6:55 Defining “play” and wellness 10:08 Challenges in community building  14:24 Work/life “balance” 17:51 Creative writing and burnout  21:07 Building a personal brand  24:58 Authenticity and social media  29:35 Creative blocks and finding inspiration  32:15 Brand building and launching Black Girl Playground 37:32 How to get involved and the future of BGP 43:47 Advice for aspiring content creators, founders, etc.  46:02 Some of Aley’s favorite things  Connect with Aley:  On ⁠Instagram⁠ Join Black Girl Playground Her website

Patricia Encarnación is an Afro-Dominican visual artist and scholar whose work critically engages with colonial legacies and the socio-cultural layers within Afro-diasporic communities. Focusing on the Caribbean, Latin America, and its diaspora, Patricia explores material culture, collective memory, and cultural identity to challenge and recontextualize tropes of Caribbean and tropical aesthetics. Patricia's work has been featured in prominent platforms like Documenta 15, the Tribeca Festival Artist Program Award, the NADA Art Fair, and Afro Syncretic at NYU. She has also exhibited at the Museum of Latin American Art in California and has been selected twice for The Centro Leon Jiménez Biennial in Santiago, Dominican Republic, earning several prestigious fellowships and awards. We’re diving into her journey as a visual artist, deconstructing cultural narratives, redefining Afro-diasporic art, leading with love, and so much more.  Moments:  2:00 Meet Patricia 5:05 Interdisciplinary arts and training in graphic design  8:15 Natural and Afro-Caribbean influences in Patricia’s work 14:05 Identity, Blackness, and intersectionality, and community  22:35 Challenges with white institutions in the arts  33:38 Division and segregation among Black diasporas in the US  38:35 Tropical Limerence and our misunderstanding of love  50:45 Epigenetics of the Tropics, Showing at Superposition Gallery at NADA House on Governors Island, NY 57:45 Legacy, ancestry, and understanding Caribbean history to understand American History 1:00:40 Advice to visual artists 1:03:10 Some of Patricia's favorite things Connect with Patricia: On Instagram Her website

Bonafide Rojas is a poet, musician, and proud Nuyorican Bronx native. Bonafide is the author of four collections of poetry, including Pelo Bueno: A Day in the Life of a Nuyorican Poet, When the City Sleeps, Renovatio, and Notes on the Return to the Island, and most recently, Excelsior: New & Collected Poems.  A former slam champion and Def Poetry Jam performer and lead guitarist of the rock group Mona Passage, Bonafide walks us through his journey and artistic evolution in writing and music, some hot takes on the early days of Hip Hop and where we’re at today, his vision for the future of Nuyorican poetry, and so much more. Moments: 1:38 Bonafide talks growing up in the Bronx and early influences 5:45 Wu-Tang and the evolution of Hip Hop 13:10 What it is to be Nuyorican 24:55 Music vs. poetry and overcoming imposter syndrome 32:05 His new book Excelsior, and publishing books over the years 40:10 performing live on some legendary stages 49:45 advice for emerging musicians, poets, and performers 53:51 some of Bonafide’s favorite things Connect with Bonafide Rojas: On Instagram Purchase his books on Amazon

Nicol Varona Cancelmo is the co-founder and Marketing Lead of Ocoa, a premium hair care brand dedicated to helping Latinas embrace their natural curls. Inspired by the beauty of the Dominican Republic, Ocoa offers high-end curly hair products with clean, nourishing ingredients, empowering women to love their natural texture with confidence. Founded in 2021 by Nicol and her sister Cory, Ocoa emerged from their personal curl transformation journey, igniting a passion for natural beauty and self-love. Nicol oversees Ocoa’s marketing strategy, ensuring the brand’s message resonates with its community. A mom of two and a lover of curls, Nicol blends her personal passion with professional expertise to drive Ocoa's success. She holds a bachelor's degree in Business Management from Penn State University and a Social Media Certification from Georgetown University. Through Ocoa, Nicol continues to inspire women to embrace their authentic selves. Moments: 1:38 meet Nicol and learn about her Dominican upbringing and growing up around entrepreneurs 5:23 how Nicol and her sister Cory found their way to haircare with no experience 10:37 rebranding to Ocoa and feeling like they finally “arrived” as a brand  11:30 is the narrative on curly hair shifting?  12:40 what Nicol has learned from starting a business and quitting her full-time job to go all-in on Ocoa Beauty 17:23 changing popular narratives about curly hair and the Dominican Republic 24:07 mistakes Nicol made along the way and what she's learned about brand building 26:48 tips for working with family 29:10 advice for turning your passion into a sustainable business 33:35 Some of Nicol's favorite things Connect with Nicol and shop Ocoa: Nicol on Instagram Ocoa on Instagram Shop Ocoa online Shop Ocoa at Urban Outfitters Support Ocoa's iFundWomen campaign

We have the honor of kicking off Season 2 with poet, educator, event curator, and artist JRose.  Hailing from Queens, NY, JRose was Inspired by her love for Hip Hop, she began writing poetry at just 16, developing a profound and relatable style that transcends genres, from love and heartbreak to mental health, sexuality, women's empowerment, trauma, and more. JRose has headlined iconic venues such as The Nuyorican Poets Café, Inspired Word NYC, Voices In Power, The Annual NYC Poetry Festival, and many others.  When she’s not performing and winning slams, JRose is a dedicated workshop facilitator, teaching spoken word, creative writing, and social media skills to diverse communities including incarcerated women at Riker's Island through the Youth Justice Network. We talk about all of this, and her published book, Pieces of My Crumbled Thoughts, in this convo so tune in!  Moments:  2:07 meet JRose  4:15 early poems, first performances, and organizing her first slam  13:40 themes and topics JRose explores in her writing  17:32 living in her purpose, working with youth, and teaching incarcerated women at Rikers Island  27:37 community building: it’s rewarding, but exhausting  33:30 curating her book, spoken word album, and events  40:10 collaboration and community over competition  45:23 advice for aspiring poets and community builders 49:00 some of JRose's favorite things  52:05 Next Event: Legends, A Spoken Word Affair in Queens, NY on October 13th Connect with JRose: On Instagram At her events  Purchase her book Listen to her album  Connect with narrative:  On Instagram Our newsletter 

Alejo A. Rodriguez, hailing from Dyckman, New York, is a published author, poet, and former professional basketball player. In 2022, Alejo made a notable debut with *Bad Poetry Vol. 1: Tumbleweed*, a collection that explores vulnerability and the human experience through raw and unfiltered poetry. His work has been praised for its authenticity and emotional depth. Alejo's highly anticipated second volume, *Bad Poetry Vol. 2: Rain*, is set for release in early 2025. This sequel delves deeper into the human experience, exploring emotions of joy, sorrow, love, and loss. Navigating these emotional peaks and valleys, Alejo's poetry demonstrates that vulnerability is a strength. Readers are encouraged to embrace life's challenges and find resilience and beauty in the face of adversity. Moments: 1:16 Meet Alejo 4:18 Redefining himself from a pro ball player to a published poet 9:05 Vulnerability in writing 11:15 Inspiration behind “Bad Poetry Vol. 1: Tumbleweed” title 13:42 Editing and publishing process 15:20 Spoken word experiences 20:00 Finding therapy in writing and familial relationships 21:20 Retiring from basketball 24:35 Growing as a writer after publishing 26:40 Going into his second book 27:08 Being tall and basketball in middle school 31:58 Caribbean culture and supporting LatAm artists 34:15 Growing up in a supportive community 39:05 Stepfathers and the men who step up in our lives 43:15 Building community as a writer 53:10 Advice to young athletes 1:00:35 Alejo’s favorite things Connect with Alejo: On Instagram Purchase his book

Alyssa Rivera is a poet and entrepreneur whose work centers creatives on a mission to change the world with their art. Our conversation is about overcoming obstacles and choosing the life you want. Moments: 1:15 Meet Alyssa 12:00 Redefining herself 15:10 Healing through writing 17:50 Being a creative person 19:30 Stepping into her authentic self 32:00 Do artists need notoriety to be artists? 46:00 Leaving corporate America 52:00 Being Puerto Rican 55:00 Entrepreneurship & creative assistance 1:02 Astrology 1:05 Alyssa's favorite things Connect with Alyssa: On ⁠Instagram⁠ On ⁠TikTok⁠ Check out her new ⁠website⁠ Explore her ⁠writing⁠

Happy Juneteenth, fam! We’re bringing you a very special episode today. Our guest is journalist, poet, educator, and artist, Daniel C. Haynes. From Guyana to New York City, Daniel uses his words and creativity to make sense of the experiences of the Black diaspora.  Our conversation is a tour through his migration experience, navigating racism in America, writing in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, and so much more. Y’all are going to love this one. Moments: 1:27 Meet Daniel 5:53 Creative scenes in Guyana and New York 10:00 Migration story 12:00 Being Black in America (vs in Guyana) 14:00 Cultural and racial diversity in Guyana 20:36 Documenting experiences in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd 33:00 Using the N-word 35:00 Confronting (or ignoring) racism 40:00 Turning pain into poetry 43:45 Rediscovering faith 52:42 Support (or lack thereof) from family and friends 57:25 Pressure to “make it” and the friends who leech 1:02:00 Finding friends and building community in a new place 1:10:05 Advice 1:15:00 Some favorite things ⁠Black Boy by Richard Wright⁠ ⁠Firm Foundation by Maverick City⁠ ⁠Sybil’s Bakery⁠ for Guyanese food in NYC connect with Daniel: On ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ Buy his ⁠⁠books⁠⁠

We had the pleasure of getting to know Yariana Torres, a Bronx-based writer, with roots in the Dominican Republic. Her work focuses on identity, love, and culture, ultimately using her voice to illuminate the adolescent experience. She has worked with platforms including the Dominican Writers Association, Dreamyard, Letras Latinas, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and more. Our conversation is a journey through her creative process, cultural inspiration, open mic experiences, plans for the future, and beyond. We hope you enjoy it!  Moments: 1:20 Meet Yariana 2:30 Getting started in her writing career 3:45 Imposter syndrome and confidence in writing 5:00 Her experience with Julia Alvarez, Angie Cruz, and Elizabeth Acevedo 11:00 Collaboration with Bronx-based designer Jordan Alexandra https://www.instagram.com/jalexandradesigns/ 15:00 Themes Yariana explores in her writing 20:00 Self-publishing 23:00 Combating writers' block 26:00 Writing for your audience 30:10 Being old (at 30) 35:50 Why you don't need to know grammar to be a published author 37:00 Working with an editor 40:00 In her señora era 48:30 What Yariana has learned about herself through writing 55:52 Salmon lasagna and lasagna with raisins 57:20 Learning Korean, maybe 59:00 Gloria Trevi Connect with Yariana: On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/t_yariana/ On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Yarianawrites Buy her book: https://www.yarianawrites.org/product/halfwaythere/2

Mariah Espada is a Zillenial nuyorican journalist whose works have been seen on the cover of TIME magazine, Axios Latino, and more. We discussed her journey from growing up in Brooklyn public housing to sitting with some of our culture’s elite. We had a blast learning more about Mariah, her family, her sources of inspiration, her passion for storytelling, and bringing more Latine representation to journalism. We hope you enjoy it!  Moments: 1:20 Meet Mariah 3:05 How being Nuyorican shapes Mariah's work 6:05 Becoming a writer/storyteller 9:45 Breaking boundaries with multimedia storytelling 14:10 Tokenization in legacy media newsrooms 21:20 Bias in the way our communities are covered 28:00 Bad Bunny cover story for TIME Magazine 37:00 Mariah's TikTok walking tour series: https://www.tiktok.com/@hoodhistoryhere 40:25 Gentrified Brooklyn 54:25 Mariah's advice for combating writer's block 58:50 Mariah's advice to her younger self Connect with Mariah: On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariahespada On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hoodhistoryhere

In this episode, we’re talking to writer, poet, speaker, and mental health advocate, Sandra Bittar. In our first international interview, this Egyptian-born, Ottawa-based creative powerhouse gives us the inside scoop on her creative inspiration from her culture through her faith.  We learn about her journey from her first open mic to hosting open mics of her own – and how she’s growing to merge her professional and personal passions into an amazing opportunity for artists and writers to speak their words in safe and sacred spaces. Connect with Sandra: On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandraspoesy/ at her next event: https://linktr.ee/sandraspoesy

Y’all are not ready for this! In one of our warmest conversations yet, we’re talking to Dr. Andrea Jacobo – a multi-lingual spoken word artist, storyteller, and community health organizer. She is first generation Afro-Dominican American, and her creative expression stems from her cultural roots and upbringing. Her writing is a tool to connect bridges across communities, disciplines, borders, and cultures.  As you’ll learn in this episode, Andrea is talking to us on the heels of a BIG WIN. We’ll learn more about why she believes that community-centered, people-centered approaches are key to addressing health inequities. Her passion for community health, our culture, and the craft of writing are a few of the things we jump into today.  We hope you enjoy it as much as we did!  Moments: 1:40 Meet Andrea 5:48 Andrea and her community experience a historic win in Memphis, TN 15:50 Using our degrees, grad school, and getting a doctorate 20:50 Redefining health in our communities 27:05 Thinking about health looks like beyond diet and questioning health metrics 36:20 Ancestral healing, and what healing looks like to us today 47:20 Thoughts on writing 53:00 Where we find community 55:50 Creating a legacy 1:09:15 Astrology apps 1:13:00 Earth is ghetto Connect with Andrea: On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeway4dre/ On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-jacobo-b7ab3146/

This episode is a masterclass for early entrepreneurs. We have the pleasure of talking to Valerie Diaz and Gelly Guzman, the founders of Raices Media - two Dominican women based in Miami by way of Rhode Island. Their story– from early-life creatives to entrepreneurs in multiple joint ventures– is nothing short of inspiring.  As you’ll hear, Raices Media sets out to empower creators to share their stories, nurture talent, and shape meaningful narratives across diverse communities, fostering innovation and lasting impact. Needless to say, their mission was a perfect match for the work we’re doing here at narrative, making this conversation that much more special. Moments: 1:23 Meet Valerie 2:05 Meet Gelly 4:20 Learn about Raices Media 6:15: Competitive edge 10:30 How Raices is expanding 13:00 Landing the first client 17:30 Cultivating relationships with clients 19:45 Having a cofounder 29:00 Balancing personal & professional 35:00 The "aha" moment 41:00 Narrative and amplifying our stories 43:20 Creative process 50:00 Advice for entrepreneurs Connect with Raices Media: On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raicesmedia/ Website: https://www.raicesmediaco.com/ Valerie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejefacreator/ Gelly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gelsandra_guzman/

We're so happy to be in community with Massiel Alfonso, a Dominican writer, poet, and author of the soul-stirring book, "Handful of Poems." Her book was awarded First Place in the Poetry Collections category of the 30th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards. Massiel's verses delve into the complexities of love, scars of trauma, and the profound journey of self-love. Her work has been published in Dominican writers Cuenticos Chapbook, La Libreta, Spanglish Voces, The Acentos Review, and more. In today's conversation, we cover what it's like growing up New York-Dominican, diving head-first into your craft, betting on yourself above all else, and so much more. Moments: 1:25 Meet Massiel 3:35 Childhood fashion phases 5:00 Discovering writing as a talent 13:20 How our upbringing shapes our creativity 17:50 Publishing her first book 21:15 Advice to first-time authors 25:05 Favorite writers 33:40 Poetry and music 47:10 Massiel's writing workshops 1:01 Quitting your 9-5 to pursue your passion 1:18 Massiel's favorite quote, singer, and more. Connect with Massiel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mas_si_el/ Visit her website to order her book, register for workshops, and more: https://massielalfonso.square.site

In a world built to break Black women down, Jen’s commitment to collective healing is an act of resistance.  Jennifer Myers wears multiple hats as a life coach, certified women’s circle facilitator, owner and host of the Open Heart Raw Story podcast, and seasoned yoga teacher and movement motivator.  With her certification in women's circle facilitation, Jen orchestrates transformative experiences through moon circles and her women-only group coaching program, Journey to the Sacred Self, guiding participants toward profound self-discovery and personal growth.  In this conversation, we celebrate a woman who has dedicated her life to helping individuals feel empowered and live purpose-driven lives. We discuss overcoming our need for perfection, setting boundaries, and building community are among the many topics of this healing conversation. Moments: 1:35 Meet Jen 8:00 Jen's professional journey in public relations 10:40 Burnout and setting boundaries 18:40 Imposter syndrome 24:40 Code-switching in Corporate America 27:50 Advice to women who want to pursue non-traditional paths 35:45 Isaiah & Jen talk about overcoming the need for perfection 45:60 Cybele shares the serendipity of meeting Jen 50:00 Building and fostering community 55:25 Jen's favorite quotes, books, movies, and more Connect with Jen: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennesis_86/Listen to her podcast, Open Heart Raw Story:  https://linktr.ee/Openheartrawstory

Cybele and Isaiah had the pleasure of talking to Shakira Hunt, the Owner and Chief Creative Director of Philly-based Shakira Hunt Creative Studio Shakira is an interior designer by training, graduating from Moore College of Art & Design, with a BFA in Interior Design, and a photographer by trade. After side hustling in photography while working a full design job, Shakira decided to take a leap of faith into full-time entrepreneurship.  Plus! At the time you’re listening to this, Shakira’s “Give My Flowers: Soft Petals” exhibition is currently on display at the Delaware Art Museum from March through September 2024. Stay tuned for more information about the inspiration behind the project.  Moments: 1:45 Meet Shakira Hunt 6:30 The spark that led to Shakira Hunt Studio 8:50 Shakira's creative process 12:30 Balancing the personal and professional 16:30 Behind "Give Me My Flowers" 20:20 Black masculinity, vulnerability and mental health in Black & Brown households 34:20 The mother wound, and "Give Me My Flowers: Soft Petals" 35:40 Shakira's favorite artist, podcasts, and film 38:30 Advice to other up & coming creatives Connect with Shakira: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shakirahunt.creativestudio/ Website: https://www.shakirahunt.com/ Give Me My Flowers: Soft Petals Exhibition: https://delart.org/event/give-me-my-flowers/

Our first guest on Ordinary Thoughts is poet, mentor, community facilitator, and author Dhayana Alejandrina!  She began her literary journey at 9 years old in Santo Domingo, continuing to write as her family migrated to the United States in 2009. Her work explores the transformative power of words, delving into inner growth, culture, identity, and healing. Alejandrina recently assumed the role of Lead Poetry and Cultural Collaborator for Afriqué Noire Magazine and is working on her second poetry collection. Tune in for a winding conversation about writing, migration, identity, hair, healing, and much more! Don’t forget to support Dhayana’s work and follow along on her journey in the links below.  Moments:  1:40 Meet Dhayana  8: 05 How language and migration shape writing and identity  18:20 Honesty and reflection in writing  21:58 Our parents' roles in our creative journeys  28:05 Natural hair, representation, and healing 41:15 Advice to aspiring artists  Connect with Dhayana:  Signed copies Agridulce : https://dhayana-alejandrina.square.site/product/agridulcebook/1 Agridulce on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Agridulce-poetry-prose-Dhayana-Alejandrina/dp/1662912064 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dhayanalejandrina/?hl=en Website: https://dhayana-alejandrina.square.site/ Creative Writing Mentorship and Workshops: https://dhayana-alejandrina.square.site/mentorship-services Feature Opportunities with Noire Magazine: https://tr.ee/LasrGfMrUA Connect with us:  blog: narrativemedia.co/blog narrative on Instagram: instagram.com/narrativemedia.co Cybele on Instagram: instagram.com/cybelina Isaiah on Instagram: instagram.com/diazmays