Phae’s Place

If you’re a writer, director, performer, or dreamer trying to turn your talent into a real career, this conversation will challenge and encourage you. This week, we speak with director, Tyler Russell, and he reveals he best creative careers are built long before anyone is watching—and why the work you do in the waiting season can change everything. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why preparation...

September is Gospel Music Heritage Month and branding and image architect PJ Owens is here to help us celebrate! He shares how you can build a signature presence whether you're an artist, stylist, entrepreneur, or creative trying to stand out in a crowded industry. In this episode, you'll discover: Why Gospel styling has to balance fashion, respect, and individuality The fashion rule PJ lo...

Diana Ross didn’t just perform—she turned a sold-out concert into a masterclass on longevity, stage presence, and making every person in the room feel seen. Phaedra reviews the concert and what aspiring artists can gather. You’ll discover: Longevity in the entertainment industry  The power of Motown The importance of connecting with your audience  Tune in to learn how to building a successful care...

Welcome to a new season of Phae’s Place! This week, Phaedra talks with her classmate, Astrid Rotenberry, about building a career as a professional actor. Astrid shares how her love for acting began in childhood and what she’s learned about auditioning, casting, and finding confidence in a competitive industry. You’ll learn: How Belmont University’s training and internship opportunities helped shap...

In this special anniversary episode, Phaedra takes listeners on a joyful trip down memory lane, celebrating the incredible guests who have helped make the show unforgettable. Each conversation is packed with inspiration, behind-the-scenes stories, laughter, and real advice for pursuing your dreams. You’ll discover: Practical advice Funny moments Growth Come celebrate with us and remember that fear...

This special look back gathers the voices and insights that have shaped Phase Place , from mentors and creatives to industry pros, authors, and artists. Phaedra reflects on the conversations that pushed her forward and highlights the wisdom that listeners can carry into their own journey of pursuing their dreams.  In this episode, you’ll discover: Practical advice Funny moments Growth If you need...

What would you trade for the right role, the right team, or the right shot at your dream? Phaedra turns that question into a fast, funny, and surprisingly revealing game, forcing the real career math every creative knows but rarely says out loud. You'll discover: • If you’re serious about building a career in the entertainment industry • Philosophies that guide you in pursuing your dreams • How to...

The advice every aspiring comedy writer needs is not about talent, it is about building a life that can hold your dream. Jonterri Gadson, writer for A Black Lady Sketch Show and The Upshaws , reveals how she went from poetry and professorship to TV rooms.   You’ll discover: How she landed her first TV writing job How writers groups and classes can lead to reps, referrals, and long-term community H...

Are doubts holding you back from hitting the high notes of your potential? Andriana Seay, a seasoned classical and contemporary singer, reveals her journey from childhood dreams in Indiana to touring with major acts, and the pivotal moments that made her pursue a professional singing career. With her blend of classical training and soulful style, she shares how to find your voice's true colors and...

In this hilarious and eye-opening episode, Phaedra unveils the absurd yet surprisingly practical "Bills" she wishes industry insiders would enact. She takes us on a rollercoaster journey through the playful, provocative, and genuinely useful changes that could empower aspiring entertainers and burned-out veterans alike.  You’ll discover: A playful critique of industry clichés with a sharp, humorou...

Breakthrough moments and real talk about the craft of acting, dreams, and authentic success—these are just a few reasons why you need to hear from Aldriah Burt. This episode is packed with lessons for every aspiring artist and creative. Plus, she reveals how she’s building a revolutionary platform—Curtain Call Connections—to empower artists and enthusiasts alike. You'll discover: How entrepreneurs...

Join us as Phaedra talks with the iconic, Jayne Kennedy! From her groundbreaking journey in Hollywood to her new memoir, Jayne Kennedy’s story is a masterclass in resilience, vision, and redefining success at every stage. She reveals the fundamental importance of having a clear vision, sticking to your goals, and embracing roles beyond the traditional actor’s path.  In this episode, you'll discove...

This episode is for the screenwriters! We’re talking about tips that will help you push your scripts from good to great.  Phaedra reveals her personal process for editing and refining—because good stories are built, not born. Tune in to learn how to unlock you’re story’s full potential. You will discover: Strategies to help with crafting authentic dialogue How analyzing comps will assist in making...

Imagine turning a childhood love for singing into a thriving cultural empire. That’s exactly what happened when Ahmaya-Knoelle along with her parents, Vy Higgensen and Ken Wydro ventured into the world of theatre. In this conversation, she shares her inspiring story —from growing up in Harlem, inspired by gospel, to building the Mama Foundation for the Arts, which has provided over 20 years of mus...

This week host, Phaedra, shares the history of Black Music Appreciation Month as well as what aspiring artists can glean from the career of Victoria Monét. Although we may want  immediate results, strategy rooted in resilience turns small beginnings into long-term success. In this episode, you’ll discover: Practical tips for independent artists  The importance of strategic branding How lessons fro...

This week, one of the most influential figures in Gospel Music and television, Dr. Bobby Jones, helps us celebrate Black Music Appreciation Month. From a self-taught musician to a media pioneer, he is credited with the longest-running original series in cable history! You'll learn: how he mastered his craft without formal training, turning humble beginnings into a multi-decade empire. his unique a...

Guess who’s helping us celebrate Black Music Appreciation Month? Freda Payne shares how she navigated early fame, turned down management from Berry Gordy, and hit superstardom with her iconic hit "Band of Gold."  You'll uncover: Behind-the-scenes stories that shaped her career Lessons learned about success in the music industry Insights into longevity in the entertainment world Discover the incred...

Happy Black Music Appreciation Month! Join us for an episode of Mentor Monday as Phaedra discusses the life, work, career and dream of music executive, Berry Gordy. He revolutionized the American entertainment industry by transforming Motown from a Detroit dream into a worldwide phenomenon. Discover how a poem, a boxing obsession, and a simple assembly-line mindset shaped the legendary music mogul...

Join Phaedra as she gives a deep analysis of the biopic, Michael , that unpacks not just the story, but the artistry hidden within every frame. From Nia Long’s powerful subtlety to Coleman Domingo’s empathetic Joe Jackson, learn how casting, wardrobe, and direction shape our perception of prominent figures—and why it matters to every aspiring creative. You'll discover: The secret language of “look...

Most people settle for just one dream—Dawnn Lewis defies that norm by building a multi-faceted career in entertainment, inspiring others to harness every talent they possess. From Broadway to TV, her journey proves that embracing all of your gifts can unlock doors you never imagined.  You’ll discover: The inspiration behind the theme song of A Different World How to leverage your unique talents as...

Have you ever felt stuck or doubted your storytelling chops? This episode will give you the blueprint for turning raw inspiration into a Hollywood-ready screenplay. Ryan Engle, the mind behind blockbuster hits like Rampage and The Beast , shares the inside scoop on his writing rituals, from how he develops characters for specific actors to navigating the turbulent waters of studio feedback.  You&#...

Join in the second part of our conversation with actress, Starletta DuPois! In true mentor fashion, she shares candid stories from her decades-long career and wisdom that offers a blueprint for living with integrity, love, and resilience. In this episode, you’ll discover: • How to balance a full time job while pursuing your dreams • Why forgiveness is the key for success. • What keeps her motivate...

Unlock the extraordinary journey of Starletta DuPois—an actress whose lifetime of resilience, social justice advocacy, and artistic brilliance redefines what it means to succeed against all odds. From humble beginnings in Philadelphia to Broadway stardom, her story reveals the  power of gambling on oneself and embracing every struggle as a stepping stone. In this episode, you’ll discover: What are...

Director, Christine Swanson, stops by Phae’s Place to share honest lessons that shaped her career. She explores how embracing mistakes and stepping into her ‘majesty,’ transformed her leadership and artistry. In this inspiring episode, you'll discover: How a chance moment at Notre Dame and a conversation with Spike Lee ignited her passion for filmmaking. What were some of the behind-the-scenes...

From a childhood dream of being a professional tap dancer to skyrocketing as a writer on hits like Netflix’s The Witcher , Rae’s story reveals the true hustle behind breaking into Hollywood without conventional training. She is dedicated to empowering Black Creatives as well as other People of Color through her business, In the Cut LA, sharing insider knowledge to democratize access in entertainme...