The Curiosity Podcast: What's Up with...?

Filmmaker Chase Parker joins me to chat about creative resilience.Right now, in this 2025, the job market for creatives is historically competitive. There are people in the market who didn't imagine being unemployed, underemployed or functionally unemployed (what is that, right?)Chase has made it as a creative, not in tv & film, music or fashion but in -- healthcare!We chat about what it's like to produce videos for a healthcare company; how his experience working in healthcare is different from TV & film; and what golf has to do with any of this.I hope this episode inspires you to get more creative in how you think about your creative skills.Host and Executive Producer: Jennifer BrownEditor: Chase ParkerShow Art By: London GrayDistributed by: BlakOWND Productions, LLC

To unpack science, I invited Wilbren Gwin on this episode. He’s a S.T.E.M teacher for Van Siclen Community Middle School in Brooklyn, New York. Despite being famous for giving lunch detentions, Gwin is beloved by students. He’s been teaching for 13 years, graduated from Central State University and is a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity.We talked about the definition of science; how he even got interested in science; how science and spirituality complement one another; and what Bigfoot has to do with science. Yes, we talked about Bigfoot, y’all…stay with me…Host and Executive Producer: Jennifer BrownEditor: Chase ParkerProducer: Latrice LauveShow Art By: London GrayDistributed by: BlakOWND Productions, LLC

This episode features Tayo Ola. He is a popular chef, whose work has been featured in Forbes, Black Enterprise and Good Morning America.Currently, he hosts and curates a supper club called Ebi-Ayo Supper Club here in New York. It originated in Los Angeles, but Tayo decided to bring it on over to the East Coast, and man, it has been a big success! What makes his supper club unique is that he is marrying Nigerian and Italian cuisines, which have birthed dishes like fried fufu gnocchi with oxtail and lobster jollof rice. Yum!Learn more about Tayo Ola here:https://dinnerwithtayo.com/dinnerseries/Host and Executive Producer: Jennifer BrownEditor: Chase ParkerProducer: Latrice LauveShow Art By: London GrayDistributed by: BlakOWND Productions, LLC

This episode features Mallory with the Flowers. She’s a florist and owns an experiential floral studio in Los Angeles that she says is “inspired by people, to inspire people.” She has appeared on an episode of the HBO series “Insecure”; has had multiple interviews with outlets like the LA Times and Good Day LA; and creates arrangements for brand activations and corporate events.She’s truly made a name for herself! But what matters most, in her work, is designing arrangements that are deeply personal and intentional…and she’s passing this honorable mission on to her newest flower, her baby Mabel.Learn more about Mallory with the Flowers here:https://www.mallorywiththeflowers.com/Host and Executive Producer: Jennifer BrownEditor: Chase ParkerProducer: Latrice LauveShow Art By: London GrayDistributed by: BlakOWND Productions, LLC

This episode features Dr. Marlene Daut. She is the author of “The First and Last King of Haiti." It is the essential biography of the controversial rebel, traitor, and only king of Haiti, Henri Christophe. She is also the Professor of French and African Diaspora Studies at Yale University. We talked about Henri Christophe, his trajectory from formerly enslaved to King; what he contributed to Haiti, and the very tragic way that he ended his life. In addition, Dr. Daut offered her insights on Haiti today; what’s affecting the turmoil; and President Donald Trump’s comments about Haitian immigrants eating “the cats and the dogs" in Springfield, OH. Learn more about Dr. Marlene Daut at: https://afamstudies.yale.edu/people/marlene-daut Host and Executive Producer: Jennifer Brown Editor: Chase Parker Producer: Latrice Lauve Show Art By: London Gray Distributed by: BlakOWND Productions, LLC

In today’s episode, I explore my curiosity with living abroad in South Africa. I chatted with Kori Hale, the CEO and Founder of Culturebanx, an online magazine that covers the intersection of business, technology and innovation for people of color. In 2024, she moved to South Africa for just a month. But in that short time, she learned about something called: load shedding, which are widespread and frequent blackouts. Uh-oh. She ended up moving back to the States because of this huge inconvenience. In addition to load shedding, we talked about culture, employment and transportation. Follow Kori Hale at: IG: culturebanx Host and Executive Producer: Jennifer Brown Editor: Chase Parker Producer: Latrice Lauve Show Art By: London Gray Distributed by: BlakOWND Productions, LLC

Welcome to The Curiosity Podcast. In today’s episode, I explore my curiosity with voice acting. Today’s guest is actor Gary L. Gray. You may know him best as the adorable Nelson Tibideaux on “The Cosby Show.” But! He’s ventured into voice acting. And over the years, he’s been very successful at it. Fallout 4 as Teddy Wright. The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron as A.J. Creed: Rise to Glory as himself. And The Fairly Odd Parents, which has returned in a new iteration called: A New Wish. And yes, he plays AJ again. But this time, all grown up. We talked all about voice acting - what makes a good voice actor; do live actors consider voice actors a tier below them?; would he choose Cree Summer over James Earl Jones in a voice actor VERZUZ; and he challenges all creators to think of their project as future voice acting projects instead of just live action. Good challenge, right? So, Let’s get into my curiosity! What’s up with voice acting featuring Gary L. Gray. Follow Gary L. Gray at: IG: garylgray X: GaryLGray TikTok: mr.garylgray Host and Executive Producer: Jennifer Brown Editor: Chase Parker Producer: Latrice Lauve Show Art By: London Gray Distributed by: BlakOWND Productions, LLC

Welcome to The Curiosity Podcast. In today’s episode, I explore my curiosity with preserving the family legacy. Today’s guest is Patricia Smith Griffin. Ms. Patricia preserves the inspiring heritage of early Ohio settlers, John Isaac Davis and his daughter, Charity Davis Caesar Broady through organizations called Charity’s Children Project, Inc. and The Legacy of Charity’s Children, LLC (TLCC). We talked about tips for how to preserve one’s family legacy; what to do if you don’t really like your family but need to preserve your family’s legacy; which keepsakes are a little more sacred than others; and a personal story about how Ms. Patricia’s aunts “incubated” her during a really tough time in her life. So, Let’s get into my curiosity! What’s up with Family Legacy featuring Patricia Smith Griffin. Follow Patricia Smith Griffin: https://www.charityschildren.org/ Host and Executive Producer: Jennifer Brown Editor: Chase Parker Producer: Latrice Lauve Show Art By: London Gray Distributed by: BlakOWND Productions, LLC

In today’s episode, I explore my curiosity with Miles Morales. My guest is David Betancourt. He is the former comic book culture writer for "The Washington Post." He has helped shape Miles Morales’ character in books like “Spider-man: Stories from the Spiderverse,” which is his latest, and he also has a personal relationship with the character. Like Miles, David is also Puerto Rican and Black American! We talked about why Miles Morales is an animated character instead of live action; whether Shameik Moore delivers as Miles' voice; Why Miles has his mother's last name; and I put him through a Spiderman VERZUZ. Follow David Betancourt: Twitter: adcfanboy Editor, Collectibles at The Athletic IG: davidbetancourtt Host and Executive Producer: Jennifer Brown Editor: Edonis Bacaj Producer: Latrice Lauve Show Art By: London Gray Distributed by: BlakOWND Productions, LLC

In today’s episode, I explore my curiosity with books. My guest is Traci Thomas. She is the creator and host of the critically acclaimed literary podcast, “The Stacks.” She is a passionate champion of books, a monthly contributor on NPR’s Here & Now, and a columnist for shereads.com. We talked about the definition of books; how audiobooks are a more accessible way to read; why book covers are so important; and why she’s not interested in reading the Bible although it is the #1 bestselling book in the world. Follow Traci Thomas: IG: thestackspod Host and Executive Producer: Jennifer Brown Editor: Chase Parker Producer: Latrice Lauve Show Art By: London Gray Distributed by: BlakOWND Productions, LLC

In this episode, I explore my curiosity with journalism. To unpack journalism, I asked Marquise Francis to join me. He is a young and super smart journalist who hails from the prestigious Syracuse University; worked for Yahoo! News and currently, is a correspondent for NBC News. We talked about the definition of journalism; why truth matters in journalism; who gets to approve the stories that we all consume; and his take on NABJ’s controversial decision to host Donald Trump at their conference back in July 2024. *Please note this conversation was recorded before the results of the 2024 Presidential election. Follow Marquise Francis: IG: themarquisef Host and Executive Producer: Jennifer Brown Editor: Edonis Bacaj Producer: Latrice Lauve Show Art By: London Gray Distributed by: BlakOWND Productions, LLC

In today’s episode, I explore my curiosity with my favorite topic in the world - Jesus! To unpack my continuing curiosity with Him, I’m joined by Pastor Tyler Burns and Dr. Jemar Tisby. They’re the hosts of the podcast "Pass the Mic," and every week, they address the core concerns of Black Christians. Most of this conversation was with Tyler, so we talked about who Jesus is; what do we owe Jesus?; What makes Jesus laugh; and Tyler’s own journey with his friendship with Jesus. And when Dr. Tisby joins near the end of the episode, he offers a more social justice profile of Jesus that many can relate to today. Follow Pastor Tyler Burns: https://www.risecitypensacola.com/ https://www.instagram.com/burnsclan_/?hl=en Follow Dr. Jemar Tisby: https://jemartisby.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jemartisby/?hl=en Host and Executive Producer: Jennifer Brown Editor: Chase Parker Producer: Latrice Lauve Show Art By: London Gray Distributed by: BlakOWND Productions, LLC

Welcome to The Curiosity Podcast. In today’s episode, I explore my curiosity with medicine. To unpack my curiosity with medicine, I’m joined by Dr. Amy Gueye, an OBGYN who studied at Johns Hopkins University. What makes her the perfect person to chat with is that, in addition to her extensive medical training, Dr. Gueye has pursued further education in herbal and functional medicine. She understands the importance of a root cause-oriented approach to medical care. In this conversation, we talked about the definition of medicine; what specific substances are medicine and what substances are poison; how our emotions play a part in physical manifestation of disease; and the key to identifying a healthcare provider. Follow Dr. Gueye: www.drholda.com Host and Executive Producer: Jennifer Brown Editor: Chase Parker Producer: Latrice Lauve Show Art By: London Gray Distributed by: BlakOWND Productions, LLC

In this episode, I explore my curiosity with poetry. To unpack my curiosity with poetry, I’m joined by Lynne Thompson, former Poet Laureate for the City of Los Angeles and author of several collections, including the most recent one - "Blue on a Blue Palette." We talked about what poetry is and is not; how poetry is needed in all seasons of life; and how one of her spiciest poems “Among Peaches” is inspiring me to have more sexually transparent conversations with my mom. Follow Lynne: IG: letpms Buy Her Collections at: boaeditions.org amazon.com bookshop.org https://www.lynnethompson.us/ Host and Executive Producer: Jennifer Brown Editor: Chase Parker Producer: Latrice Lauve Show Art By: London Gray Distributed by: BlakOWND Productions, LLC

In this episode, Jennifer explores her curiosity with astrology. She is joined by Dayna Nuckolls, an astrologer, who professionally goes by the name “The People’s Oracle.” We explored the definition of astrology; got transparent about our Apostolic upbringing; got bold about what Beyoncé actually promotes, according to the stars; and I got to guess what sign she was off sheer zodiac pattern recognition. Follow Dayna at: https://thepeoplesoracle.com/ IG: @peoplesoracle Twitter: @peoplesoracle Host and Executive Producer: Jennifer Brown Editor: Chase Parker Producer: Latrice Lauve Show Art By: London Gray Distributed by: BlakOWND Productions, LLC

In this episode, Jennifer explores her curiosity with affirmative action. She is joined by Dr. Donna J. Nichol, author of “Black Woman on Board: Claudia Hampton, The California State University, and The Fight to Save Affirmative Action." We talked about the Supreme Court’s outlaw of race-conscious affirmative action in college admissions; How Asian-American students are being used as opponents of affirmative action; and we get down to the bare bones definition of affirmative action and why it’s still needed today in higher education. Follow Dr. Donna J. Nichol: FaceBook: @deejaenic Instagram: @blackwomanonboard X/Twitter: @donnajnicol Host and Executive Producer: Jennifer Brown Editor: Edonis Bacaj Producer: Latrice Lauve Show Art By: London Gray Distributed by: BlakOWND Productions, LLC

In this episode, Jennifer is joined by Willis Cooks, a skydiving enthusiast, who has been featured in NBC News, Black Enterprise, and The Houston Chronicle. We talked about how losing a bet forced him to skydive; how 700 - 800 skydives isn’t really a lot; and how Fresh Heir Boogie, an Instagram chat for skydivers of color, is inspiring more enthusiasts and professionals. Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:35 The name Willis Cooks 03:35 I Skydived Because I Lost a Bet 15:35 ...and My Girlfriend Jumped Out of a Plane 19:35 First Thought Outside the Plane 21:50 Floating, Not Plunging, in the Air 26:18 Bitten by the Skydiving Bug 28:18 Getting More Black Skydivers 31:56 Getting Licensed in 2020 35:46 on Being a Therapist 38:05 Skydiving is Expensive 39:47 Skydiving Taught Me Accountability 43:47 Outro Follow Willis Cooks IG: https://www.instagram.com/williscooks/?hl=en IG: https://www.instagram.com/freshheiradventures/?hl=en Host and Executive Producer: Jennifer Brown Editor: Chase Parker Producer: Latrice Lauve Show Art By: London Gray Distributed by: BlakOWND Productions, LLC

In this episode, Jennifer explores her curiosity with being the first. That can mean being First generation American. Being The firstborn. Or The first to make six figures in your family. Jennifer is joined by Regine Dorismond, a New York State licensed Social Worker and co-founder of BeMorr, a New York City based wellness community. We talked about how to help first generation women of color break free from rescuing others; what burdens and privileges come with being the first; and how failure can be seen as detrimental when you’re heralded as the first. Follow Regine Dorismond: https://www.bemorrcounseling.com/ https://www.facebook.com/bemorrcounseling/ https://www.instagram.com/bemorrcounseling/ Host and Executive Producer: Jennifer Brown Editor: Edonis Bacaj Producer: Latrice Lauve Show Art By: London Gray Distributed by: BlakOWND Productions, LLC

In this episode, Jennifer invites Dr. Treshonda Baucom, licensed mental health counselor in the state of Florida, to unpack her curiosity with emotions. Dr. Treshonda has been featured in Medium magazine, Authority Magazine, has made many appearances on WESH in Daytona Beach, and has her own practice called Enriched Life Counseling & Consulting LLC. We talked about the definition of emotions. What are emotions? How emotions and feelings are different. Why it’s important to re-evaluate feelings that no longer serve us. What does it mean to be an emotional person? And like all things, how your childhood plays a big, big role in navigating your emotions. Follow Dr. Treshonda: IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.treshondabaucom/?hl=en Website: https://enrichedlifecounseling.com/ Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:35 What are Emotions? 06:53 Do Child Emotions Surface in Adulthood? 08:45 How to Manage Anxiety 12:00 Do We Need Therapists to Link Emotions with Feelings? 14:38 What is an Emotional Person? 19:30 Feelings are Just Feelings 23:00 What Do Emotions Reveal about Us? 30:51 Are there people with no emotions? 35:20 on Children's Emotions 40:37 Resources for Parents 46:10 What Would you like to add? Host and Executive Producer: Jennifer Brown Editor: Chase Parker Producer: Latrice Lauve Show Art By: London Gray Distributed by: BlakOWND Productions, LLC

Jennifer explores her curiosity with living abroad, an experience she's bound to have some day. She asked Mac Kendema, Video Game Producer and Writer, to join this episode because he’s doing just that! Living abroad! Originally from Minnesota, Mac packed up his things and moved to Asia! I’m gonna be mum about what country at the moment because I want you to guess, but for him, it’s been quite the ride…especially as a Liberian-American from the Midwest. Follow Mac Kendema: TikTok: TikTok: @borderlessconversations YT:  @BT_conversations  Clock Out at 2: https://bt-games-mac.itch.io/clock-out-at-2 IG: https://www.instagram.com/btranslations_/ Episode CORRECTION: Kendema is pronounced Ken-Dee-Mah Host and Executive Producer: Jennifer Brown Editor: Edonis Bacaj Producer: Latrice Lauve Show Art By: London Gray Distributed by: BlakOWND Productions, LLC

Who better to unpack Jennifer's curiosity with singing than two singers? Kiarri Andrews, a musical theater singer who has acted in Rent, Ragtime, Naked Boys Singing and a recent revival of Porgy & Bess; and Ashia Vu, an R&B/soul recording artist, who is also a part of the group Love is the Answer... offer their definitions of singing; they reveal WHY they sing; and we even get into some playful discourse of what high profile singers can sustain (hold a note), sing or sang in this episode: "What's Up with...Singing?" Host and Executive Producer: Jennifer Brown Editor: Edonis Bacaj Producer: Latrice Lauve Show Art By: London Gray Distributed by: BlakOWND Productions, LLC

Jennifer explores her curiosity with ghosts, and she does so with Anastasia Washington, a real life ghostbuster (my nickname for her). Washington is a paranormal investigator, host of the paranormal podcast "Haunts and Hops," and a person who has had multiple paranormal experiences. Let's get transparent in this episode: "What's Up with...Ghosts?" Host and Executive Producer: Jennifer BrownEditor: Edonis BacajProducer: Latrice LauveShow Art By: London GrayDistributed by: BlakOWND Productions, LLC

Jennifer explores her curiosity with death. It's an experience we're all going to have (unless you're one of the 144,000). To unpack death, she is joined by Joél Simone Maldonado aka The Grave Woman. She is a licensed funeral director, embalmer, award winning death care educator, sacred grief practitioner, and proud founder of The Black Death, Grief, and Cultural Care Academy. Let's get real with death in this episode: "What's Up with...Death?" Host and Executive Producer: Jennifer Brown Editor: Edonis Bacaj Producer: Latrice Lauve Show Art By: London Gray Distributed by: BlakOWND Productions, LLC

Jennifer explores her curiosity with comedy. She chats with Jazmyn W, a successful young comedian, who offers her perspective on what comedy is; how her mom and dad inspire her comedy; what makes something funny; and why Seinfeld is not funny, among other things, in this episode: What's Up with...Comedy? Host and Executive Producer: Jennifer Brown Editor: Chase Parker Producer: Latrice Lauve Show Art By: London Gray Distributed by: BlakOWND Productions, LLC

Jennifer explores her curiosity with etiquette. What is it? Who is it for? And what's the difference between etiquette and shuckin' and jivin'? Life Etiquette Expert Juliet Mitchell offers her expertise on why etiquette is essential to live harmoniously in this world. Check out her work at: https://lifeetiquetteinstitute.com/ Host and Executive Producer: Jennifer Brown Editor: Chase Parker Producer: Latrice Lauve Show Art By: London Gray Distributed by: BlakOWND Productions, LLC

Jennifer explores her curiosity with Bid Whist. She is joined by Boxing Attorney turned Bid Whist Ambassador Lamont Jones who claims that bid whist is Blacker than spades. What?! Visit: https://gistofbidwhist.com/ Host and Executive Producer: Jennifer Brown Editor: Chase Parker Producer: Latrice Lauve Show Art By: London Gray Distributed by: BlakOWND Productions, LLC

In this episode, Jennifer explores her curiosity with Will & Jada Smith. She is joined by expert Dr. Katherine Woods, a licensed clinical psychologist, to break down why she and many others are curious about the Hollywood couple in this episode titled: "What's up with Will & Jada?" Check out Dr. Katherine's work behind PsychMinded Media: https://www.psychmindedmedia.com/ Host and Executive Producer: Jennifer Brown Editor: Chase Parker Producer: Latrice Lauve Show Art By: London Gray Distributed by: BlakOWND Productions, LLC

Get curious about what The Curiosity Podcast is all about, premiering July 4, 2024.