noseyAF: Conversations about Art, Activism, and Social Change

Ep #:107 The Introvert’s Guide to Speaking Up with Mahlena-Rae Johnson Summary of the episode Public speaking can be intimidating—especially for introverts. In this episode of nosey AF: conversations about art, activism, and social change, Stephanie talks with speaker, comedian, and author Mahlena-Rae Johnson, who calls herself the Professor X for introverted edtech CEOs with stage fright. For more than two decades, Mahlena has helped leaders learn how to communicate clearly and confidently, whether they’re pitching ideas, presenting on stage, or navigating everyday professional conversations. In this conversation, we explore what it means to be an introvert in leadership, why public speaking is so challenging for so many people, and how preparation, self-awareness, and practice can transform presenting into something much more enjoyable. Mahlena also shares insights from her book Speak Anyway, which encourages people to use their voices—even when fear or self-doubt shows up. If you’ve ever felt nervous about speaking in front of people, this conversation will remind you that finding your voice is a skill you can learn. What we talk about Chapters 00:2809:1219:2232:5646:09 Things We Mentioned Speak Anywayhttps://mahlenaspeaks.blogspot.com/2023/11/speak-an.html All about… Mahlena-Rae Johnson Speaker, comedian, and six-time author Mahlena-Rae Johnson describes herself as the Professor X for introverted edtech CEOs with stage fright. For more than two decades, she has helped leaders hone the superpower of public speaking and communicate their ideas with clarity and confidence. Her work focuses on helping founders and professionals—especially in the education technology space—develop communication skills that make pitching, presenting, and everyday leadership conversations easier and more authentic. Mahlena has been featured on CBC Kids, The Great Canadian Woman Podcast, BusinessBecause, and more. Connect with Mahlena-Rae Johnson Instagram: @mahlenasguidetolife Website: https://mahlenaspeaks.blogspot.com/ Book: Speak Anyway Connect with Stephanie Join the Good Stuff Only NewsletterListen to more episodes Support & Feedback Share Nosey AF with friendsRate & Review the ShowBuy Pins & PrintsShop Art Episode Credits Hosted by: Stephanie Graham Edited By Risha Brown Lyrics: Queen Lex Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam Cover Art: Emma McGoldrick

Ep # 106: Consistency Over Perfection: Briana Clearly on Making 12 Films in a Year This episode was recorded live on Saturday February 28th, 2026 at Lumpen Radio. Summary of the episode In this live, unedited episode recorded at Lumpen Radio 105.5 FM in Chicago, I sit down with Chicago filmmaker Briana Clearly to talk about what it really means to choose consistency over perfection. Briana took on the ambitious challenge of making 12 films in 12 months — and then turned that experiment into a community-driven initiative called Filmmakers Mixtape. In this conversation, we unpack how committing to one film a month transforms not just your craft, but your mindset. We talk about creative blocks, releasing work before it feels “ready,” building artistic community without ego, and why making good films is actually a side effect — not the point. If you’re an artist stuck in perfectionism, a filmmaker craving momentum, or someone who needs a reminder to just make the thing anyway, this episode is for you. What we talk about (you know… casually) Filmmakers Mixtape Things We Mentioned Filmmakers MixtapeLeague of Their Own ChicagoBrain StudiosLumpen Radio All about... Briana Clearly You’re gonna love Briana Clearly — she’s a collaborative director, community builder, and the creative force behind Filmmakers Mixtape, a 12-month filmmaking challenge designed to help artists prioritize process over perfection. A former Navy sailor turned Chicago-based filmmaker, Briana is deeply committed to telling stories centered on Black women, friendship, and lived experience — always inviting audiences into conversation rather than spectacle. She believes filmmaking is a practice, not a performance. And honestly? That energy is contagious. Chapters: • 00:00 - Introduction to noseyAF • 09:02 - Exploring Filmmaking and Personal Storytelling • 20:54 - Exploring the Dynamics of Friendship in Storytelling • 31:56 - The Birth of Filmmakers Mixtape • 41:32 - The Importance of Vulnerability in Filmmaking • 50:41 - Exploring New Art Practices • 59:01 - The Art of Filmmaking Sponsor Shoutout 💖 This episode is brought to you by Artist Admin Hour. Every Wednesday from 7–9pm CT, artists gather on Zoom to tackle the admin we’ve all been avoiding — grant applications, budgets, residency forms, invoices, all of it. Because behind every exhibition is a clear budget. Admin is the flex. Join us at: artistadminhour.com Connect with Briana Clearly @brianaclearly@filmmakersmixtapehttps://www.brianaclearly.com/ More ways to connect: stephanie@missgraham.comCheck out my workFollow me on InstagramListen to more episodes Support & Feedback Share noseyAF with friendsRate & Review the ShowBuy Pins & Prints | Shop Art Episode Credits Produced, Hosted, and Edited by Me, Stephanie (teaching myself audio editing!) Lyrics: Queen Lex Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam

Episode 106: Why Welcoming Everyone Gets Complicated with Garland Fuller What this episode is about: What does it actually take to build a space where people feel like they belong? Garland Fuller — culture consultant and founder of Third Space Academy — has made it her life's work to answer that question. We get into the gap between what organizations say they value and how they actually operate, why "I want everyone to come" is a lot trickier than it sounds, and what intentional community building really looks like in practice. This one hit close to home — I share what I've been learning building my pop-up cinema project on Chicago's south side through the Change Collective fellowship, and Garland brings the strategic clarity to help it all click. Let's get into it: What is a culture consultant, actually? Garland breaks down the "people, place, program" framework and why culture is often the unseen force shaping how organizations actually operate — not just what's on the mission statement Values: aspiration vs. reality — Why integrity and service are on everyone's list, what it actually means to walk the talk, and when it might be time to update values that no longer fit who your org has become Third spaces are disappearing (or getting expensive) — From libraries to record shops to country clubs, Garland explains the spectrum of third spaces and who's really being invited in The "I want everyone to come" trap — Why all-ages, all-inclusive spaces are aspirational but tricky, with real examples from Stephanie's micro cinema project (Poetic Justice vs. Disney night, anyone?) Building the Community Impact Collective — Garland's digital sanctuary for femmes who are done fitting into boxes, why she built it for community over solo learning, and the Show and Tell Mondays that keep it real Adapt or die: organizations that are going stale — A real talk about churches, legacy orgs, and what happens when your next generation isn't in your current membership Practical strategies: surveying, focus groups, and why anonymous matters Leadership advice that hits: People are watching you in the small moments more than the big keynotes Chapters: • 00:08 - Introducing the Guest • 07:20 - Understanding Culture and Values in Organizations • 16:55 - Creating All-Age Spaces: Building Community Connections • 19:00 - Exploring Community Engagement • 31:27 - Building Community and Support in Creative Spaces • 36:14 - Facilitation and Empathy in Group Dynamics • 44:21 - Facilitation and Engagement in Education • 48:21 - Creating Third Spaces: Starting from Your Why Things We Mentioned Third Space Academy — Garland's coaching program for leaders building intentional community spaces Community Impact Collective — Garland's digital community for femmes and changemakers The Change Collective Fellowship — the civic leadership fellowship Stephanie participated in that sparked her pop-up cinema project Soho House — referenced as an example of an exclusive, membership-based third space Ray Oldenburg's concept of "third spaces" — the sociological framework underlying this whole convo (optional — confirm

Thank you for listening to noseyAF! So happy to have your ears! This Conversation was recorded live for Lumpen Radio Ep #104: Joe Schupbach: Care Is the Curriculum SUMMARY What does care really look like — beyond Valentine's Day chocolates and heart-shaped cards? In this episode of noseyAF, Stephanie Graham sits down with Joe Schupbach, a mission-driven educator, theater maker, and instructional coach with over two decades of experience in public education, nonprofits, and community-centered theater. Together they explore care as a daily practice: in classrooms, in collaborative creative spaces, in our neighborhoods, and in ourselves. Joe shares how he stumbled into creative leadership, what trauma-informed teaching really means in practice, and why experiential learning matters more than ever in today's schools. The conversation moves through faith and identity, the joys of cooking as connection, and ends with a rallying call to get nosy about your local schools — and to support live, in-person art. WHAT WE GET INTO 💬 You know when a conversation just goes everywhere in the best way? That's this one. Here's a taste of what Joe and Steph cover: 00:26 — Introduction to noseyAF 01:15 — Care as a daily ritual: not just something you perform on Valentine's Day, but how it shows up in classrooms, rehearsal rooms, and community spaces every single day 08:35 — How Joe accidentally fell into creative leadership — starting as a teaching artist right out of college and slowly becoming the person leading the room 18:06 — What trauma-informed teaching actually looks like on the ground, and why instructional coaches like Joe are changing the game in Chicago high schools 27:02 — Art-making during and after COVID-19 — how the pandemic forced a reckoning with what live, communal performance means and why it still matters 32:29 — Faith, identity, and how the personal bleeds into the professional for educators and artists alike 41:43 — Cooking as a love language: a genuinely delightful tangent about how preparing food for people is one of the most caring acts you can do 53:11 — How non-parents and non-teachers can meaningfully support local educators — including the surprisingly powerful role of Local School Councils (LSCs) THINGS WE MENTIONED 🔗 Embarc Chicago — Joe's organization, working with 17 high schools in the Chicago area → embarckchicago.org josephschubach.com — Joe's personal site for artistic work, directing, and collaborations Change Collective Fellowship — the leadership program Joe and Stephanie both participated in Looking Glass Theatre — one of Joe's longtime artistic collaborators PlayMakers Laboratory, The Neo-Futurists, The Ruffians, Salonathon, The Paper Machete — Chicago theater orgs Joe has worked with DonorsChoose — mentioned as a way to directly support classroom supply needs Local School Councils (LSCs) — the elected, community-based governing bodies of every Chicago Public School (and yes, you can be on one even if you don't have kids in the school!) ALL ABOUT JOE SCHUPBACH 🎭 You're gonna love Joe — he's a two-MFA-having, theater-making, trauma-informed teaching wizard who genuinely believes

Ep #103: Mental Health for Expats — Building Community Abroad with Moved With Peace Summary of the Episode What really happens after you move abroad and the honeymoon phase wears off? In this episode of noseyAF, host Stephanie Graham sits down with writer and community-builder Stephanie Rubinato to talk honestly about mental health for expats, postpartum depression, and the emotional realities of building a life far from home. Living abroad is often portrayed as dreamy and effortless—but this conversation pulls back the curtain on what’s usually left out. Stephanie shares her personal experience navigating postpartum depression after moving to Italy, the isolation many immigrants and expats feel, and why community care is just as important as cultural immersion. Together, they unpack slow living, creative burnout, friendship shifts, and what it really takes to build meaningful support systems abroad. This episode is a grounding, honest reminder that moving overseas doesn’t magically solve everything—and that seeking help, sharing resources, and building community is part of the journey. What We Talk About (aka: the real stuff you don’t see on Instagram 🇮🇹) Chapters 00:08 – Introduction to the Guest 03:07 – Navigating Mental Health Challenges as an Expat 22:32 – Navigating the Creative Chaos 35:51 – Building Community Abroad 39:51 – Navigating Friendships and Family Dynamics Things We Mentioned Moved With Peace – Stephanie’s community-centered project for immigrants and expats Therapy resources & finding culturally aligned mental health support abroad Slow living, journaling, affirmations, and grounding practices The upcoming Italian Reset Retreat (launching 2027) All about… Stephanie Rubinato You’re gonna love Stephanie Rubinato — she’s a writer, community-builder, and calm-in-the-chaos type of creative. Stephanie Rubinato is a writer and content strategist living in Italy, creating honest, grounded stories through Moved With Peace and Stephanie Rubinato Media. Her work centers slow living, self-trust, mental health, and building community—especially for immigrants and expats navigating life far from home. Through her writing, video projects, and upcoming retreats, Stephanie reminds us that we don’t have to do it all—we just have to do what’s real. Connect with Stephanie Rubinato Instagram: @movedwithpeace Website: movedwithpeace.com YouTube: Moved With Peace Connect with Stephanie

Ep #102: Getting Dressed Is Identity Work How Personal Style Opens Doors with Stylist Kyla Summary of the episode Ever had a full-blown meltdown trying to figure out what to wear? Personal stylist Kyla gets it—and she's here to tell you that your closet struggles go way deeper than just "not having the right clothes." In this episode, we're diving into the psychology of personal style, why taking your image seriously is actually a power move (not vanity), and how getting dressed every single day is identity work in disguise. Kyla shares her journey from tech career to personal styling, breaks down why smart women absolutely DO care about their appearance, and explains how your closet might be signaling things about you that you didn't even realize. We talk about the "sexy Trinity," why you should only shop four times a year (yes, really), and how showing up ready to be seen has opened doors Kyla never expected. If you've ever felt invisible, stuck in leggings, or like your wardrobe doesn't match who you're becoming, this conversation is for you. What we're getting into Chapters: • 00:18 - Introducing Kyla: A New Perspective on Fashion • 06:01 - The Journey of Identity and Image • 19:12 - The Psychology of Personal Style • 28:27 - Understanding Consumerism and Personal Style • 45:11 - The Power of Style and Presence Things We Mentioned Kyla's Closet Essentials Checklistkylanotkayla.comMaster Class on Feeling SexyThe Sexy Trinity:Capsule Wardrobe conceptFashion Psychology

Ep #101: Freedom, Flexibility, and Filling the Gap: How Melquea Smith Built a Creative Life Through Children's Book Illustration Summary In this episode, I sit down with Melquea Smith, a children's book illustrator, author, and world traveler who's redefining what it means to build a creative life on your own terms. Fresh off five weeks in Belgium (with cats and a chicken!), Melquea shares how losing her nonprofit job became the catalyst for going full-time as an illustrator, why representation in children's books matters deeply, and how she's scaling her art through Brown Sugar Graphics—a clip art membership celebrating Black and Brown kids in all their beautiful diversity. We get into the nitty-gritty of how picture books actually get made, what authors should look for when hiring an illustrator, and why visual storytelling is so much more than "just drawing." Plus, Melquea drops gems on building a sustainable creative business, navigating perfectionism, and finding alignment between your work, your values, and your joy. If you've ever wondered what goes into those gorgeous picture books, dreamed of going location-independent as a creative, or just need permission to imagine a different way of living—this one's for you. Chapters What We Talk About actual Things We Mentioned

This conversation was recorded live at Lumpen Radio in Chicago on Saturday, January 10, 2026. Ep # 100: Chicago Artist Deirdre Fox on Turning Plastic Waste into Environmental Art & Visual Poetry Summary of the episode Chicago-based artist Deirdre Fox joins noseyAF for a live, unedited conversation from 105.5 FM Lumpen Radio about art, plastic waste, and environmental consciousness. Deirdre’s practice transforms discarded consumer packaging into drawings, fiber works, and installations that challenge how we think about disposability, permanence, and material value. In this episode, host Stephanie Graham talks with Deirdre about her artistic journey, the idea of visual poetry, and how mindfulness—both in making and consuming—shapes her work. Together, they explore the tension between organic and synthetic materials, the limits of recycling, and the role artists play in addressing environmental responsibility through creative practice. This conversation invites listeners to slow down, look closer, and reconsider the materials that move through their everyday lives. What we talk about Chapters: • 00:00 - Introduction to noseyAF • 02:30 - Deirdre's Artistic Journey with Plastic Waste • 15:20 - Reflecting on Pouch Cove • 29:36 - Finding One's Voice in Art • 42:56 - Balancing Time and Creativity • 52:13 - Exploring Artistic Processes and Sustainability • 58:43 - Exploring Artistic Collaborations All about… Deirdre Fox You’re gonna love Deirdre they’re a Chicago-based artist turning everyday plastic waste into visually refined, quietly radical works of environmental reflection. Deirdre Fox crochets and weaves plastic consumer packaging into drawings, fiber pieces, and drawing installations. Her work functions as personal gestures of environmental consciousness, rooted in the understanding that plastics made for convenience—like single-use bags—last far longer than intended, and that recycling alone is not an adequate solution. Her practice questions systems of built-in obsolescence and accumulated waste, while creating visual poems that hold time, care, and material awareness. Deirdre has exhibited at FlexSpace Riverside Art Center, Hyde Park Art Center, Boundary Chicago, Evanston Art Center, the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, Koehnline Museum of Art Gallery, and the Swedish American Museum, among others. She has received multiple grants from the City of Chicago and the Illinois Arts Council and maintains her studio at Mana Contemporary Chicago. Sponsor Shoutout 💖 This episode is brought to you by Artist Admin Hour Get your work done with structure, with company. Check out Artist Admin Hour at missgraham.com/artistadminhour Connect with Deirdre Fox @deirdre_fox_art

EP# 99 The Rise of Women’s Sports, NIL Money, and the Power of the Everyday Athlete with Angela Hollowell ✨ Episode Summary Women’s sports are having a moment — and it’s about time. In this episode of noseyAF, Stephanie Graham sits down with filmmaker, writer, and Melanin MVP founder Angela Hollowell to talk about the rise of women’s sports, the impact of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) money, and why the idea of the “everyday athlete” might change how we think about movement altogether. We get into how women athletes, especially women of color, are finally getting visibility, how branding and social media have reshaped college and pro sports, and why athleticism doesn’t have to look one specific way. From glam on the court to cycling for joy, this conversation explores how creativity, confidence, and culture show up in sports — and in life. If you’ve ever thought “sports aren’t really for me,” this episode might change your mind. 🗣️ What We Get Into ⏱️ Chapters 🔗 Things We Mentioned Melanin MVPMelanin MVP Cross-Training QuizNIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) legislation 🌟 All About Angela Hollowell You’re gonna love Angela — she’s thoughtful, hilarious, deeply intentional, and casually changing how we think about sports and storytelling. Angela Hollowell is the founder of Rootful Media, a creative documentary film production company based in Durham, North Carolina. She’s also the host of the video podcasts Honey & Hustle and Melanin MVP. Her work centers Southern voices and explores the outdoors, health equity, environmental justice, and social impact — all through a thoughtful, culture-forward lens. Beyond filmmaking, Angela helps visual storytellers and creative entrepreneurs grow their audience and build meaningful creative businesses. When she’s not working, you can find her outside, on a bike, or enjoying a fruity beer or margarita with friends 🍹. 🔌 Connect with Angela @honeyhustlepodhttps://www.angelahollowell.com/

Ep #98: Print Your Legacy: Lawrence Nalls on Multi-Generational Photography and Pride Summary of the episode Lawrence Nalls, managing photographer of Forty Photography, shares the profound journey of building a multi-generational Chicago photography studio rooted in legacy, storytelling, and community service. In this conversation, Lawrence reveals how his father's Vietnam War documentation sparked a family tradition that's now entering its third generation. We explore the emotional weight of photography as both art form and responsibility, the importance of print over digital, and why Lawrence believes every photograph should make you feel something. From learning to "figure it out" with his first camera to teaching his sons the business, Lawrence offers candid insights on building trust with clients, the hard lessons of running a creative business (yes, take deposits!), and how to help people see past their insecurities to capture pride. This episode is a masterclass in intentional photography, sustainable creative practice, and the power of printed images to preserve family legacy. What we're getting into You know how some conversations just feel like sitting down with someone who's lived it and learned it? That's this whole episode. The origin story of Forty PhotographyWhy prints matter more than digital filesThe business side of photographyBuilding trust and managing client insecuritiesKeeping enthusiasm alive after 19 yearsFilm vs. digital and intentionalityParenting, sports, and passing down the legacy Folks and Things We Mentioned Forty Photography John H. WhiteGordon Parks Annie LeibovitzRichard AvedonSarah OliphantChicago Alliance of African American Photographers (CAAAP)Rainbow BeachArtist Admin Hour

Ep #97: Outcry Project: How Collective Scream Sessions Create Radical Empathy and Healing with Whitney Bradshaw Thank you for listening to noseyAF! So happy to have your ears! This conversation was recorded live at Lumpen Radio on Saturday, December 13, 2025 Summary of the episode What does it look like to be allowed together? In this powerful episode, artist and activist Whitney Bradshaw shares the story behind Outcry—her groundbreaking social practice project that brings women, non-binary, and genderqueer people together for collective scream sessions centered on healing, resistance, and radical empathy. Born from the intersection of the MeToo movement and the 2016 election, Outcry creates intentionally intersectional spaces where participants practice speaking up and out for themselves, release trauma held in their bodies, and build unexpected community with strangers. Over seven years, Whitney has facilitated nearly 80 sessions in 14 states, photographing more than 530 participants in moments of raw emotional power. We get the skinny on what actually happens during these two-hour sessions, the science behind why screaming makes us 7% stronger, and how radical empathy can transform both personal healing and collective action. Plus, we talk about the new documentary film Outcry: Alchemists of Rage, somatic therapy, scream boxes, and why our culture desperately needs more spaces for collective grieving. Key Takeaways: Resources & Links: The Body Keeps the Score21C Museum Hotel Louisville (current exhibition through end of December 2025) Chapters All about Whitney You're gonna love Whitney she's a powerhouse artist, activist, and the kind of person who invites neighbors over to scream in her living room (and bakes banana bread for the occasion). Whitney Bradshaw is an artist, activist, educator, curator, former social worker, and documentary film producer whose practice is dedicated to healing and empowerment while boldly confronting the social systems that marginalize and oppress. She is the creator of OUTCRY, an ongoing social practice project that has been exhibited widely across the United States, with solo shows at Atlanta Contemporary, the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, the DePaul Art Museum, Villanova University Art Gallery, Moreau Galleries at St. Mary's College,...

Ep #96: Bring the Avalanche: How to Turn Rejection Into Motivation — with Maurice Proffitt “Trust yourself. This world will try to tell you otherwise every single day.”- Maurice Proffitt This conversation was recorded live at Lumpen Radio on Saturday November 22, 2025 Summary of the episode In this episode, we sit down with Chicago creative and producer Maurice Proffitt to talk about creative rejection, the fear of success, and what it really takes to build a career without waiting for permission. Maurice shares the moments that shaped him: the childhood spark that made him a storyteller, the brutal rejection that changed his entire trajectory, and how he learned to turn setbacks into motivation. If you’ve ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or right on the edge of something big—but scared to leap—this conversation will give you fuel. What we talk about reallyrejection into motivationfear of success“Enough is enough — I’m building my own lane.” Things We Mentioned Rejection Proof: How I Beat Fear and Became Invincible Through 100 Days of Rejection by Jia Jiang (affiliate link) “Broke AF” web series B-Side Studios Dreamscape Theatre Batman Begins — “Why do we fall?” reference Chapters: 00:23 - Introduction to Self-Expression 01:51 - The Fear of Success 12:24 - Navigating the Creative Landscape 19:33 - The Heartbreak of Rejection 24:33 - The Concept of B-Side Productions 31:51 - Identity and Growing Up in Schaumburg 36:15 - The Journey of Friendship and Creativity 44:11 - Transition to Filmmaking and Editing 51:01 - Resilience in the Face of Adversity 54:43 - The Journey of a Show: From Preparation to Performance All about... Maurice Proffitt You're gonna love Maurice Proffitt—he’s a filmmaker, theatre producer, community-builder, and creative force whose work centers the stories and voices usually overlooked. From theater to film to building his own production companies, Maurice is all about creating space for the hidden gems, the B-sides, and the people who don’t fit the mold. Sponsor Shoutout 💖 This episode is brought to you by Artist Admin Hour. Admin is the flex—and your practice deserves it. Join us Wednesdays, 7–9pm CT for structured co-working that helps you get things off your list and out of your head. Learn more: artistadminhour.com Connect with Maurice Proffit Instagram:

Ever wonder what a creative life really looks like beyond the highlight reel? I'm Stephanie Graham, an artist and filmmaker, and I host noseyAF conversations about art, activism, and social change. I ask the kind of honest questions that make people go, "Ooh, good one". We'll talk about when you knew you had to make a project, how you really handle rejection, and where the weirdest place inspiration struck. We have rich, fun, and honest talks with artists, activists, and everyday legends who are out here doing the work that matters. We get into the breakthroughs, the 3 AM doubts, the side hustles funding it all, and the messy, messy pivots. If you want actionable, inspiring conversations that spark ideas and curiosity, subscribe to noseyAF today. Let's get nosy and curious together Mentioned in this episode: The Empowered and Embodied Show Kim Romain and Louise Neil, along with their refreshingly honest guests, invite you on an entertaining and insightful exploration of what it means to be human. From personal breakthroughs to the stumbles of everyday life, The Empowered & Embodied Show dives headfirst into what it truly means to be gloriously, messily human. This isn't your typical self-help podcast – it's a no-holds-barred exploration of the laughter, tears, and "what the heck just happened?" moments that shape our lives. Whether you're riding high on a wave of success or wading through the swamp of self-doubt, Kim and Louise unpack the sometimes crunchy realities and unexpected joys of personal growth with wit, wisdom, and a healthy dose of self-deprecation – because let's face it, becoming your best self is anything but a straight line! Empowered and Embodied Show

Ep # 95: Queer History Is Everywhere: Dr. Kate Henry on Archives, Rhetoric & Lisa Ben Summary of the episode Hey its Stephanie here! In this episode of noseyAF, we get into queer history, archives, and public scholarship with Dr. Kate Henry — writer, scholar, poet, and creator of Lisa Benography, a public scholarship project documenting Lisa Ben, the woman behind the first known lesbian magazine in the U.S. Kate and I talk about the magic and messiness of archives, what feminist historiography actually is, and how queer stories survive even when institutions try to erase them. We also get into creative writing, rhetoric, butch/femme histories, and what it means to consider your own life an archive. It’s tender, nerdy, funny, and honestly one of my favorite conversations. What we talk about Things We Mentioned Lisa Benography websiteONE Archives at the USC Libraries“Vice Versa”The book Overlooked by The New York TimesPatrick Kelly biography project by Dr. Eric Darnell PritchardMagazine of Horror / sci-fi fanzines (Lisa Ben’s “Tigrina” work) Chapters: All about Dr. Kate Henry Dr. Kate Henry is a Productivity Coach who specializes in sustainable and well-being-oriented productivity for folks working on academic writing projects. Kate holds an MFA in Creative Writing and a PhD in Rhetoric and Composition, and she researches and publishes as a public scholar. She's the author of the newsletter "Tending," the host of the podcast "Honing In," and she lives in Boston, MA, with her spouse, two cats, and a 7-pound chihuahua. Connect with Dr. Kate Henry Instagram: @thetendingyear Website: https://katehenry.com/ Newsletter: Tending with Dr. Kate Henry Podcast:

Ep # 94 : Plant-Based Entrepreneur Niehla Ollie: From Beauty Industry to Homegirl’s Hummus This episode was recorded live on Saturday November 8th at Lumpen Radio in Chicago. Summary of the episode This week on noseyAF, I’m talking with Niehla Ollie, the creative behind Homegirl’s Hummus. After more than 20 years in the fashion and beauty world, Niehla had a late-night hummus craving in Milwaukee that changed everything. What started as a midnight snack moment turned into a full-on business built on flavor, love, and community. Niehla opens up about loss, faith, and starting over, and we get into how food can heal and connect people. She shares what it’s really like to run a food business, the importance of taking care of yourself while chasing your dreams, and why kindness and a good dip go a long way. This conversation is full of heart, hustle, and hummus — the perfect combo. Chapters: • 00:17 - A New Beginning • 06:08 - The Origin of Homegirls Hummus • 12:40 - Transitioning to Healthy Eating Choices • 19:22 - Navigating Dietary Restrictions During the Holidays • 22:57 - The Journey of Homegirl Hummus • 32:06 - The Importance of Self-Care • 45:34 - Faith and Business: A Journey of Hope • 52:15 - Exploring the World of Hummus and Beyond • 56:11 - The Art of Entertaining What we talk about How Niehla went from beauty industry boss to hummus queen The story behind Homegirl’s Hummus and how it started with one late-night craving Why plant-based eating doesn’t have to be complicated or boring Handling grief, growth, and entrepreneurship with faith and flavor The real talk about self-care and staying grounded while building something new All about… Niehla Ollie You’re gonna love Niehla Ollie (aka Niehla O). After more than 20 years in fashion and beauty, she wanted to help people feel good from the inside out. That led her to create Homegirl’s Hummus, a plant-based brand that’s all about community, creativity, and connection. She started making hummus for friends in L.A. back in 2016, and after moving back home to Chicago — and through some major life changes — she decided to go all in. In 2021, Homegirl’s Hummus was officially born, spreading love (and hummus) one scoop at a time. Connect with Niehla Instagram: @homegirlshummus Website: homegirlshummus.com More ways to connect: Email Check out my work Follow me on Instagram Listen to more episodes Support & Feedback Share noseyAF with friends Rate & Review the Show Buy Pins & Prints | Shop Art Episode Credits Produced, Hosted, and Edited by Me, Stephanie (teaching myself audio editing!) Lyrics: Queen Lex Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam

Ep 93: Stop Overthinking Your Brand: A Real Talk Guide for Creative Entrepreneurs Summary of the episode In this episode of noseyAF, I sit down with brand designer and website strategist Bridget Baker to demystify the overwhelming world of branding for artists and creative entrepreneurs. Bridget shares her journey from professional dancer and choreographer to helping people build authentic brands that actually reflect who they are—not who they think they should be. We dig into why branding feels so intimidating, how to give yourself permission to be yourself online, and why perfection is the enemy of connection. Bridget breaks down the difference between personal and business brands, explains when (and if) you should worry about brand consistency, and shares practical advice for creative people who contain multitudes. If you've ever felt paralyzed by the pressure to have perfectly polished brand photos, matching color palettes, or a "professional" online presence, this conversation is for you. Topics discussed: Why branding feels overwhelming and how to give yourself permission to be authenticThe difference between personal and business brands (and what to do when you ARE the business)How minimalism and organization principles apply to brand strategyWhen to update your brand colors, photos, and messaging (spoiler: it's more flexible than you think)Building community through co-working spaces like Write Shit MondaysThe problem with AI-generated brand content and homogenized aestheticsPractical first steps for clarifying your brand based on what you actually want your life to look like Chapters: • 00:14 - Introduction to Bridget Baker • 06:57 - The Intersection of Personal and Business Branding • 12:25 - Evolving Brand Stories • 17:41 - The Role of Minimalism in Branding • 26:28 - The Journey to Website Branding • 37:06 - Exploring Community and Connections • 38:43 - The Evolution of Write Shit Mondays • 46:20 - Understanding Branding Flexibility All About Bridget Bridget Baker specializes in working with coaches, consultants, therapists, organizers, and overall, people who help people. Her superpower is giving you the permission you need to brand your BIZ the way YOU want to. She's been a minimalist since before it was trendy, and organized her friends' closets for fun as a kid (true story!) Simplifying spaces and creating more room to play are her jam. That, coupled with a background in dance and choreography led her to want to find a way to use both her creative and organizational passions. Sprinkle in some writing and consulting, and over the past 15 years, she's built a business that has given her the flexibility and freedom to work from anywhere. Building brands and websites is the place where she combines all those skills and helps people let go of the cluttered ideas about their brands, and create the space for something they love. Resources mentioned in this episode Write Shit Mondays Bridget's Website Noteworthy quotes from this episode "Branding is your behavior. It's your personality. What has you go buy that color of Stanley mug? It's not just Instagram telling you—it's like, pink is my thing." "This thing that's...

Ep #92: Voices of Survival — A Conversation with Filmmaker James Coney Thank you for listening to noseyAF! So happy to have your ears! Good Stuff Only 💅🏾 Fresh art, messy ideas, tiny victories, wild inspirations, candid stories, fun secrets, and the occasional surprise—straight from my studio to your inbox. Join artists, curators, gallerists, and art lovers getting first looks at new work 1-2x a month. → Subscribe to Good Stuff Only This episode of noseyAF was recorded live on Lumpen Radio on October 25, 2025, and features filmmaker James Coney, founder of Joyful Rebellion Films and creator of the short film “There Are No Words”. The film takes inspiration from Chanel Miller’s powerful victim impact statement, and James joins me to talk about what it means to tell survivor-centered stories with care, empathy, and intention. We get into how he brought together 35 actresses to collectively voice Chanel’s words, how filmmaking can serve as healing, and why representation behind the camera matters just as much as what we see on screen. It’s a tender, thoughtful conversation about the ways art can open hearts, challenge silence, and spark community healing. What We Talk About Things We Mentioned “Know My Name” by Chanel Miller All About James Coney James Coney has been a movie lover since childhood — Amadeus was his first big-screen obsession. After earning a film degree from Columbia College Chicago, he worked in TV production on shows like Judge Mathis, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Steve Harvey, and America’s Got Talent. In 2015, he founded Joyful Rebellion Films — a company committed to fearless storytelling that challenges silence and celebrates authenticity. There Are No Words continues that mission by amplifying the voices of survivors and using film as a tool for empathy and awareness. 🎬 Instagram: @joyfulrebellionfilms 🌐 Website: joyfulrebellionfilms.com Takeaways 💭 Art can be a form of healing.Representation behind the camera matters.Listening is powerful. Chapters • 00:04 - Live from Lumpen Radio: Meet James Coney • 03:29 - How “There Are No Words” Came to Be • 19:33 - Filmmaking Through a Pandemic • 28:26 - Building a Safe Set for Survivors • 42:06 - Why Representation and Empathy Matter More ways to connect: stephanie@missgraham.comCheck...

Ep #91: The Power of Intentional Community Building with Lindsey Lerner Summary of the Episode Hey friends! In this episode, I’m talking with Lindsey Lerner community builder, photographer, and creative strategist who’s all about shaking things up. Lindsey calls herself “allergic to the status quo,” and once you hear her talk, you’ll totally get why. Her project, Field Notes from the Work in the Wild, captures people in those quiet, in-between moments before the big break, before the outcome when they’re just doing the work and figuring things out. We talked about how capitalism affects the way we see value, what it really means to build community that matters, and how slowing down to notice the “messy middle” can actually be where the magic lives. This one’s full of heart, honesty, and a few mic-drop moments. I promise it’ll have you thinking about creativity, care, and community in a whole new way. Topics We Got Into Field Notes from the Work in the Wild Takeaways Chapters: • 00:07 - Introducing Lindsay Lerner • 01:10 - Navigating Personal Power and Community Values • 15:32 - Understanding Community vs. Audience • 18:25 - The Evolution of Community in the Digital Age • 32:32 - Stepping Into Your Element • 37:41 - The Concept of Portfolio Careers • 45:24 - Creative Retreat Planning All About Lindsey: Lindsey Lerner is a photographer, interviewer, and strategist reshaping how we witness work, identity, and belonging. Through her project Field Notes from the Work (and the Wild), she captures people in their element — before the performance, before the polished story, before the world takes notice. Her work documents the rituals, questions, and quiet shifts that shape how people show up, offering a new lens on creativity, leadership, and meaningful change. Lindsey speaks on the power of being fully seen, the stories we overlook, and how honoring the work behind the work transforms the way we build, connect, and live. Noteworthy quotes from Lindsey “You do have a sense of power and agency if you want to take accountability for the work you’re doing day to day.” “When you have a community, there’s actual relationship. It’s not one way — it’s connection, it’s care, it’s reciprocity.” “It’s not about reinventing yourself — it’s about riding the waves and listening to what’s real right now.” Connect with Lindsey Lerner Instagram: @lindseylerner Website: https://www.lindseylerner.com/ Connect & Stay...

Ep 90: Using Art to Process Climate Anxiety and Loss: Katherine Seichen Rosing Summary of the episode In this deeply personal conversation, Madison-based artist Katherine Steichen Rosing shares how she uses immersive installations and abstract paintings to explore climate anxiety, environmental loss, and the intricate connections between forests and watersheds. Katherine opens up about processing grief through art—from losing her mother to witnessing climate change's impact on the landscapes she loves. She discusses her journey from childhood camping trips around Lake Superior to creating large-scale installations that examine carbon cycles, water systems, and atmospheric rivers. This episode offers insight into how artists can channel eco-anxiety into meaningful creative work while addressing urgent environmental issues through beauty and immersion. Chapters: • 00:25 - Exploring the Connections Between Art and Nature • 05:26 - The Connection Between Nature and Art • 12:25 - The Interconnectedness of Trees • 13:25 - The Importance of Trees in Urban Life • 22:24 - The Artistic Process: Navigating Uncertainty • 27:46 - The Impact of Climate Spirits on Art • 31:23 - Exploring Residencies and Nature's Influence on Art • 39:30 - Navigating Artistic Challenges • 45:39 - Exploring the Artist's Mind: Decisions and Vulnerability • 49:54 - Environmental Awareness and Individual Action Topics discussed: All about Katherine Steichen Rosing: Katherine Steichen Rosing creates immersive installations and intricate abstract paintings that explore environmental processes linking forests and watersheds, including the carbon and water cycles. Based in Madison, Wisconsin, her work has been exhibited in museums and galleries across the United States and abroad. She has received numerous grants and awards, including the Forward Art Prize and the Madison Arts Commission/Wisconsin Arts Board Individual Artist Fellowship. She earned an MFA in painting and drawing from Northern Illinois University, taught at universities and colleges in Madison and Chicago, and is represented by Kim Storage Gallery in Milwaukee and Groveland Gallery in Minneapolis. Resources mentioned in this episode Susan SimardTrout Lake Research StationSt. Croix Watershed Research StationPouch Cove FoundationARC GalleryGreta Thunberg Upcoming exhibitions Solo Exhibition at K. Stecker Gallery, Ripon College, Ripon, Wisconsin Opens: October 17, 2025 Artist Talk: October 17,...

Ep #89: Danielle Scruggs: Curating the Future of Black Filmmaking This conversation was recorded live in person on Saturday, September 27, 20205, at Lumpen Radio in Chicago. Summary of the episode In this episode of noseyAF, Stephanie talks with Danielle Scruggs—Chicago-based photo editor, photographer, writer, curator, and founder of Black Women Directors. Danielle recently curated File Under: Horror, a program spotlighting horror shorts by Black women and non-binary filmmakers. Together, they dive into why representation in film matters, how horror can be a powerful tool for storytelling, and the ways community sustains creative practice. Danielle also shares insights from organizing the Chicago Film Symposium, a celebration of Black filmmakers that fosters connection between artists and audiences. This conversation explores the intersection of art, activism, and community building, while honoring the unique voices shaping the future of cinema. What we talk about Black Women DirectorsFile Under: HorrorChicago Film Symposium Chapters Things We Mentioned Black Women DirectorsChicago Film Symposium All about Danielle Scruggs You’re gonna love Danielle !—she’s a visionary curator, photo editor, and community builder who founded Black Women Directors to archive and amplify the work of Black women and non-binary filmmakers. Danielle A. Scruggs (she/her) is a Chicago-based photo editor, photographer, writer, and curator with over 15 years of experience in photojournalism, curation, and film programming. She is the founder of Black Women Directors, a digital archive and curatorial platform celebrating the work of Black women and nonbinary filmmakers, featured in outlets like Marie Claire, The Cut, Blavity, and the British Film Institute. Danielle has worked as a photo editor at The Wall Street Journal, Getty Images, Vox Media, and ESPN. Sponsor Shoutout 💖 This episode is brought to you by Artist Admin Hour Artist Admin Hour is a weekly virtual co-working session for artists who need accountability and space to tackle the emails, grants, and admin that keep their practices moving forward. Come for the structure, stay for the community. Sign up at www.ArtistAdminHour.com Connect with Danielle Scruggs Black Women Directors InstagramDanielle’s WebsiteBlack Women Directors Website Connect with Stephanie