It's Personal Podcast

In this episode, I chat with the insightful Nina Mata—author of A Place for Fire and The Legend of the Hummingbird. We dive into her journey as a writer, debut children's book NEW, the cultural roots that inspire her stories, and how nature, family, and heritage intertwine in her work. Nina shares her thoughts on crafting stories that celebrate resilience, belonging, and the magic found in everyday moments. This conversation is rich with warmth, wisdom, and the power of storytelling. 📚 A Place for Fire and The Legend of the Hummingbird are available wherever books are sold! Follow Nina Mata: 📸 Instagram: @nina.mata 🐦 Twitter/X: @NinaMataWrites 🌐 Website: www.ninamata.com

In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Betty C. Tang—author and illustrator of the powerful graphic novel Parachute Kids. We talk about her childhood, the real-life inspirations behind her work, and how identity, immigration, and family shaped the heart of her storytelling. Betty opens up about the emotional roots of Parachute Kids and what it means to tell stories that matter. This one’s full of heart, art, and personal truth. 📚 Parachute Kids is available wherever books are sold! Follow Betty C. Tang: 📸 Instagram: @bettyctang 🐦 Twitter/X: @bettyctang 🌐 Website: www.bettytang.com

Quartez Harris, a poet and teaching artist whose work has earned him numerous accolades, including the Ohio Poetry Association’s Poet of the Year for his collection We Made it to School Alive. Quartez is set to release his debut picture book, Go Tell It: How James Baldwin Became a Writer, with Little Brown in January 2025. Born in Springfield, Ohio, he faced significant challenges due to a learning disability but found strength in words. As a second-grade teacher, he captured his students' voices and experiences, inspiring his impactful poetry. Join us as we explore his journey, the stories behind his work, and his commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices in literature. Listen to audio versions here: Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/t... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2f3XyNg... Zencastr: https://zencastr.com/It-s-Personal-Po...

I’m excited to introduce you to Jenissa Graham, a Literary Agent at BookEnds Literary Agency. Jenissa began her publishing career at Writers House, starting as an intern and working her way up to the Subrights department as the Global Licensing and Media Rights Assistant. In 2022, she joined BookEnds Literary as an Associate Agent and Subrights Manager, where she began building her client list while also supporting the agency in Film/TV, Merchandise, and Audio. In 2024, she transitioned to agenting full-time. As a first-generation Jamaican American, Jenissa is deeply passionate about increasing BIPOC representation in publishing and is always looking for new underrepresented authors. Currently based in New York, when she’s not reading submissions, writing, or adding to her “maybe one day I’ll read” pile, you can find her binging reruns of her favorite shows, fiddling with her tarot decks, or stressing over her beloved plants, Pacific, Ted, and Teddy. Join me as we explore her journey in the publishing world and her commitment to amplifying diverse voices. Listen to audio versions here: Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/t... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2f3XyNg... Zencastr: https://zencastr.com/It-s-Personal-Po...

I had the pleasure of speaking with Jess Owens-Young. By day, Jess is a public health professor, but in all her free time, she’s a passionate artist. Her work beautifully captures the essence of living as a Black person in the U.S., exploring various dimensions of Black life through acrylics, oil pastels, and inks. Jess also creates digital illustrations that reflect these themes, often focusing on life in the interior, including houseplants and other living beings. She draws inspiration from notable artists like William H. Johnson, Elizabeth Catlett, Alice Neel, Jordan Casteel, Amy Sherald, and Henry Taylor. If you’re interested in collaborating or collecting some of her artwork, be sure to follow her on Instagram or reach out directly! Join me as we delve into her artistic journey and the stories behind her incredible work. Website: https://jessowensyoung.myportfolio.com/paintings Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/truthofstrength/ Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ByJessOwensYoung

I talk to Rahma Mohamed, who was born and raised in Hargeisa, Somaliland. At just eight years old, her family immigrated to Canada, where they settled in Quebec. Rahma faced many challenges as she entered her first formal school, grappling with the French language while being the only Black Muslim girl in her class. Despite experiencing bullying, she persevered and became the first in her family to graduate from university, mastering both French and English. website: https://rahmarodaah.com/pages/about-us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rahmarodaah/ facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rahmarodaah x: https://x.com/rahmarodaah

Hanna Cha, a Caldecott Honor award-winning illustrator and writer known for her enchanting storytelling through art. Hanna shares her journey from a vagabond life between Seoul and the U.S. to becoming the creator of beloved books like *Tiny Feet Between the Mountains* and *The Truth about Dragons*. Learn about her creative process and what inspires her whimsical illustrations. With insights into her experiences at the Rhode Island School of Design and life in Boston with her cuddly cat Hobac, Hanna invites you to explore the magic of daydreams and the stories they can create. Tune in for a delightful conversation that celebrates imagination and artistry!

Nikki Grimes was born in Harlem and spent her childhood moving through various neighborhoods in New York. As a foster child from a broken home, she faced constant farewells to new friends. In this challenging environment, reading and writing became her lifelines. When she had no one to confide in, Grimes poured her thoughts and feelings into poems and stories. An enthusiastic reader, she would check out library books during the day and read late into the night with a flashlight. Website: https://nikkigrimes.com/ Instagram: poetrynikki X: https://x.com/nikkigrimes9?ref_src=tw...

Jason Reynolds shares his thoughts on life, the transformative power of storytelling, and the deep influence of his mother throughout his journey. We dive into his latest work, 24 Seconds from Now, which he describes as a love story for the ages, highlighting the intricate connections between love, identity, and personal growth. Our conversation explores the vital importance of normalizing anxiety and vulnerability, discussing how these themes resonate not only in Jason's writing but also in our everyday lives. We touch on the challenges and hardships that come with embracing our true selves, and how sharing our experiences can foster understanding and connection. The episode offers valuable insights into resilience, identity, and the strength we derive from our shared human experiences. Website: https://www.jasonwritesbooks.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonreynolds83/ X: https://x.com/JasonReynolds83

Samira Ahmed discusses her new book, This Book Won't Burn, which explores family life and the alarming issue of book bans in America. In this episode, Ahmed dives into the importance of storytelling and the challenges faced by diverse voices in today's literary world. She reflects on her experiences growing up in a multicultural family and how those experiences shaped her writing. Listeners can expect a thoughtful conversation about the intersection of literature, identity, and advocacy, along with personal insights on navigating the complexities of family dynamics in a changing world. Website: https://samiraahmed.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sam_aye_ahm/ X: https://x.com/sam_aye_ahm Listen to audio versions here: Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/t... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2f3XyNg... Zencastr: https://zencastr.com/It-s-Personal-Po...

Cozbi A. Cabrera: Illustrating and Writer for Young Readers with Representation in Mind Acclaimed children's book author and illustrator Cozbi Cabrera takes us on a journey through her creative process, sharing intimate moments from her childhood that have deeply influenced her goal of providing authentic representation for young readers through her work. In this episode, Cozbi opens up about her path to becoming a published author and illustrator, the mentors who have guided her along the way, and the importance of diverse storytelling for children. She provides a behind-the-scenes look at how she brings her vibrant illustrations and heartwarming narratives to life, always striving to mirror the rich tapestry of human experience. Whether you're an aspiring creator, a parent seeking meaningful books, or simply someone who appreciates the power of children's literature, this conversation with Cozbi Cabrera will surely inspire and delight. Tune in to this insightful dive into the world of inclusive, representative storytelling for young audiences. Listen to audio versions here: Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/t... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2f3XyNg... Zencastr: https://zencastr.com/It-s-Personal-Po... Website: https://www.cozbi.com/q4r7drqsugu7ile... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cozbi/?hl=en X: https://x.com/CozbiHandmade

Michael Arceneaux shares COPING WITH LOSS of his mother and the essays in his new book "I Finally Bought Some Jordans" that reflect on his close relationship with his mom and the complexities of family. Arceneaux discusses the mix of humor and heavy issues in his writing, including topics like personal finance, celebrity encounters, and navigating the pandemic. His candid reflections on family, grief, and his journey to self-acceptance provide an intimate look into his life and creative process. Listen to audio versions here: Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/t... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2f3XyNg... Google: https://tinyurl.com/4zb86e8p Zencastr: https://zencastr.com/It-s-Personal-Po... Website: https://www.michael-arceneaux.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youngsinick/ X: https://x.com/youngsinick Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.arceneaux

Poet, writer, and educator Dr. Tony Keith Jr. makes his debut with a powerful YA memoir in verse, tracing his journey from being a closeted gay Black teen battling poverty, racism, and homophobia to becoming an openly gay first-generation college student who finds freedom in poetry. The audio experience is a true delight, with Tony's writing and narration shared with such passion and joy - it truly sounds like a rap album! Tony dreams about life after high school, where his poetic voice can find freedom on the stage and page. But the Boogeyman has been following Tony since he was six years old. First, the Boogeyman was after his Blackness, but Tony has learned It knows more than that: Tony wants to be the first in his family to attend college, but there's no path to follow. He also has feelings for boys, desires that don't align with the script he thinks is set for him and his girlfriend, Blu. Despite a supportive network of family and friends, Tony doesn't breathe a word to anyone about his feelings. As he grapples with his sexuality and moves from high school to college, he struggles with loneliness while finding solace in gay chat rooms and writing poetry. But how do you find your poetic voice when you are hiding the most important parts of yourself? And how do you escape the Boogeyman when it's lurking inside you? Grab your copy of this powerful memoir today Grab your copy of this powerful memoir today! Listen to audio versions here: Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/t... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2f3XyNg... Zencastr: https://zencastr.com/It-s-Personal-Po... Website: https://www.tonykeithjr.com/ Instagram:  / tonykeithjr facebook:  / tonykeithjr X:  / tonykeithjr

Artist and author Gracey Zhang shares insights into her diverse creative portfolio and the personal experiences that have shaped her art and writing. From her early days exploring the world through her travels, to her immersion in the vibrant art scene at one of the top art schools in the world, Gracey's path to artistic success has been a winding and inspiring one. Delve into the inspirations behind her beautiful picture books and her deep appreciation for the power of visual storytelling. Discover how Gracey's own experiences navigating different cultures have influenced the rich tapestry of her work, imbuing her narratives with a sense of wonder and a celebration of diversity. Join us as we unpack Gracey's passion for creating relatable and empowering stories, and learn how her unique artistic style, honed through her mastery of a mysterious mission paintbrush, has captivated readers of all ages. Prepare to be inspired by Gracey's incredible talent and her mission to share the beauty of the world through her art and words. As we explore the next chapter of her creative journey, we can't wait to see what Gracey Zhang will bring to the world of children's literature and beyond. Listen to audio versions here: Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-grayarea-podcast/id1433551931?mt=2 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2f3XyNgnVLk0rqEeebK57y?si=CDLYL6_iRMeGNQaxC7pmAA Zencastr: https://zencastr.com/It-s-Personal-Podcast Website: https://www.graceyzhang.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graceyyz Be: https://www.behance.net/graceyzhang

Luana Horry, a passionate SENIOR EDITOR at HARPERCOLLINS Children's Books, who is revolutionizing the world of children's literature. Born and raised in Jamaica, Queens, a hub of extraordinary talents, Luana has made it her mission to diversify the publishing industry and amplify underrepresented voices. As a trailblazer in her field, Luana has worked on beloved titles such as "Not Quite Snow White" and "My Hair," championing stories that reflect the rich diversity of our world. Her unwavering dedication to inclusive content has transformed the landscape of children's books, ensuring that every child can see themselves reflected in the pages they read. Luana's vision extends beyond just representation - she aspires to empower Black authors to explore a wide range of genres, moving beyond the confines of trauma-focused narratives. By cultivating diverse and innovative storytelling, she aims to inspire young readers and foster a deeper understanding of the human experience. With collaborations that span from Pete the Cat to renowned figures like Dwayne Wade and LeBron James, Luana's impact on the publishing world is undeniable. Listen to audio versions here: Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-grayarea-podcast/id1433551931?mt=2 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2f3XyNgnVLk0rqEeebK57y?si=CDLYL6_iRMeGNQaxC7pmAA Zencastr: https://zencastr.com/It-s-Personal-Podcast Soundcloud: https://shorturl.at/xamld

Best SELLING AUTHOR, Nick Brooks, the mind behind the critically acclaimed novel "The Promise Boys," talks about RELATIONSHIPS, and the music industry. Nick delves deep into the personal experiences that have shaped his literary journey, from his time creating music and working with renowned record labels, to the profound impact of becoming a "girl dad" and the importance of amplifying Black and Brown voices. Discover how these unique facets of Nick's life have infused his writing with a raw authenticity that explores the complexities of fatherhood, relationships, and the power of community. Listen to audio versions here: Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-grayarea-podcast/id1433551931?mt=2 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2f3XyNgnVLk0rqEeebK57y?si=CDLYL6_iRMeGNQaxC7pmAA Google: https://tinyurl.com/4zb86e8p Zencastr: https://zencastr.com/It-s-Personal-Podcast Website: https://www.thenickbrooks.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialnickbrooks/ X: https://twitter.com/whoisnickbrooks TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@officialnickbrooks?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM8r_HKBgxXGU4y4qtAzyhw

Acclaimed children's book author Ellen Oh takes us on a captivating journey, sharing insights into her diverse literary portfolio and the personal experiences that have shaped her writing. From her early days as a lawyer and college instructor to her transition into the world of children's literature, explore Ellen's path to literary success. Delve into the inspirations behind her middle grade novels and her love for this age group. Discover how Ellen's own experiences navigating the complexities of being caught between two cultures - American and Asian - have influenced her narratives and characters. Join us as we unpack Ellen's passion for creating diverse, relatable stories for young readers. Learn how her involvement with the "We Need Diverse Books" organization has empowered her to champion representation and inclusion in the world of children's literature. Prepare to be inspired by Ellen's unique voice and her mission to uplift underrepresented experiences through the power of storytelling. Website: https://www.ellenoh.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elloecho/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theellenoh X: https://twitter.com/elloellenoh

Fredrick Joseph, New York Times Best Selling author, thought-provoking speaker, and advocate for equity and social justice, joins us for a captivating conversation. Fredrick will discuss his new poetry collection "We Alive, Beloved," which explores a new genre that seeks to find joy in moments of difficulty. Whether illuminating the beauty of being Black, highlighting the hope that can be found in childhood, or sharing intimate truths revealed on a mental health journey, this collection will appeal to both new and established readers of poetry. Fredrick's words promise to resonate within the deepest corners of your soul, leaving a mark on your heart and a renewed appreciation for the beauty of being alive. As a proud New Yorker, Fredrick will share insights into his upbringing and the cultural influences that have informed his perspectives on the world. Delving into the realms of music and sports, he'll unpack the powerful interconnections between these mediums and the pursuit of equality and liberation. Listeners can expect a dynamic and insightful dialogue as Fredrick shares his unique experiences, challenges preconceptions, and offers a blueprint for a more just and equitable future. Website: https://frederickjoseph.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fredtjoseph TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fredericktjoseph?lang=en X: https://twitter.com/fredtjoseph

As we sit down with Saadia Faruqi, a talented writer and advocate for diversity in children's literature. Saadia shares her inspiring journey of writing books that resonate with her daughter, with a strong desire for her to see herself represented in literature. We explore the importance of having range in writing, capturing the early years, middle school, and older ages to cater to a wide audience. Saadia also discusses her mission as a Pakistani American writer and the significance of discussing religion with children. Get a sneak peek into her new series, "Ali the Great," focusing on the early years, set to release on August 1st. We also delve into the exciting books that Saadia has in the pipeline for the upcoming years. Website: https://saadiafaruqi.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SaadiaFaruqi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saadiafaruqi/

Join us on this episode of the podcast as we dive deep into the life and experiences of Antonio Michael Downing, author, musician, and speaker. Antonio shares his journey growing up in Toronto and the profound influence his grandmother had on his life and family. We explore the pressures that people of color face when creating and the challenges of letting go of control when it comes to something you've built and created. Antonio also shares his perspective on life as a bounty of creativity, and the mental health tools he uses to take care of himself. Tune in to learn more about Antonio's new book "Orphan Blue" and the powerful stories he tells through his work. Follow Antonio online: Website: https://www.antoniomichaeldowning.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/John_Orpheus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnorpheus/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.orpheus.3/