It's Personal Podcast

Jessica Kim spends time talking about a variety of topics. We start with Stand Up, Yumi Chung, a middle-grade novel you NEED to read right now! Jessica talks about the characters in the book, and who's personalities do they match up with from people in her family. Jessica also talks about her writing journey and how rejection letters never got in her way from following her dream to be an author. T...

In this episode of ItsPersonal Podcast, Christina, author of The Black Kids, chats about her love for reading. We dive into her inspiration behind pursuing writing, and her family's thoughts on her journey. Christina shares memories of her childhood in private school, and why its important that publishers continue to share stories for Black and Brown kids. Christina is a happy soul. This is a podc...

Derrick Barnes and Gordan C. James have been working together for some time now. You might know one of the two New York Times best-selling picture books Crown: Ode to the Fresh CUt & I'M Every Good Thing. In this chat we get personal. Both creators share thoughts about raising Black children, spending time with their partners, and what Black Joy means to them. Not only do both Gordan and Derrick t...

Mahogany L. Browne is easily one of the best in the game. You may know her for titles such as WOKE, Black Girl Magic, Woke Baby & most recently Chlorine Sky, but she's been writing for years now. She has paved the way for so many Black writers doing it today. On ItsPersonal, Mahogany chats about her family and being raised by a community. She speaks about her grandmother and the influence she's ha...

Ben Philippe is special. Not only is he hilarious, but amazing writing. On this episode, I truly do not know if I've laughed more with anyone. Ben keeps the listeners on their toes with every experience he shares. He is open and honest about everything. Ben talks about his relationship with his mother and father, and how even though they are divorced, he sees a lot of both of them in him. He also...

Renee Watson is a legend. Truly. She's been in the writing game for some time now and continues to produce amazing books for the world. In this podcast, she spends time talking about what it means to be the youngest of 5 and being raised by the community. She takes us on a walk down memory lane and shares with us painful memories of middle school and the experiences she faced during this time. At...

If you haven't, stop and go right to Charnaie Gordon's Instagram page. Before you go, prepare to spend hours, writing down books you want in your home or classroom. Charnaie is one of the many queens online sharing diverse texts and how to use them in the classroom. Charnaie is not only an online sensation when it comes to diverse text, she is also an author! This year (2021) you will get to see h...

Ainara's love for reading shines bright in every post she shares online. She is the ultimate storyteller and one of a kind book talker! During this chat, you will hear from 11-year-old Ainara, the creator of AinarasBookshelf on Instagram, and the importance of abandoning books, finding books you love, and helping her younger siblings foster a love of literacy. This is a podcast you have to share w...

J. Elle just released her debut book Wings of Ebony to the world and what a treat to the world it is. During this podcast, J. Elle talks specifically about why it is important for Black and Brown kids to see themselves in fantasy. She shares why it is important for Black and Brown kids to see themselves in fantasy worlds with powers unlike anyone has seen before. Throughout the podcast, you will a...

Christine Platt chats about her new book the AFROMINIMALIST’S GUIDE TO LIVING WITH LESS, how she stays motivated, and her life’s purpose. During our chat you will get a deep dive on Christine's minmalist journey and how it all started. You will also get to listen to her books and the importance of representation. Website: https://www.christineaplatt.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/christineaplat...

Elise Bryant is a gem! Her debut Novel Happily Ever After is an instant classic. She takes romance and all the "messy" that happens within it and makes it beautiful. On this podcast, we talk about being a debut author during this time and some of the challenges. We also talk about mentors and where her guidance comes from in regards to storytelling and structure. Later we chat about who does the c...

Joanna Ho is a special soul. She took the time during her busy week to chat with me about her new book Eyes That Kiss In The Corners and life being a Mom. Something I love about Joanna is her continuous love to put work into the world that holds value. Hold’s value and sticks in a way that helps society become more equitable for those in the global majority. Along with the amazing work she is givi...

Alleanna Harris is an illustrator and artist from Willingboo, New Jersy. On this episode, Alleanna goes into detail about her transition from architecture school to design and animation. Alleanna talks favorite teachers, doodling in church and her art/design inspiration. If you are looking to understand the kid lit illustration world a little more, Alleanna's chat will definitely help you in that...

Trevor is an inquiry-based learning master. Today on ITSPERSONAL Trevor chats about growing up as a little boy and bullying and transitioning between schools at a young age. Trevor also gives advice for educators dealing with distance learning and the current pandemic- looking closer at empathy and how we can use this to foster a better learning experience for students in today's new learning stru...

Scott Bayer is a busy father with an awesome family. While helping at home with an awesome kid and new puppy, Scott still manages to help educators around the world talk about books and start important conversations in their classrooms around equity and race. Listen to Scott share his story growing up, traveling the world and building a family. Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lyricalswordz Blog: http...

On this podcast Cody chats with me about his favorite power rangers, family and pop culture. One thing (well I have many but) I love about Cody is his honesty. He chats about his early family life and schooling, along with his move to New York to teach! Cody's authentic voice needs to be heard, and I know you will do a lot of learning listening to the wisdom he has to share. Twitter: https://twitt...

Dr. Erica B-Rivera spends time chatting about her life as a Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer with A LOT of staff members. She shares specific examples about her childhood in which she experienced racism, and deep thoughts about her identity and who she is. Dr. Erica B-Rivera talks about how parents can start the conversation around race at home. You are going to need a pen and a pad for this one!...

Candice IIoh chats being a new author during covid-19, her family household and schooling as a child growing up. Candice also goes in depth about her love for dance and the role it has played in her life thus far. She also talks about mentors who have helped her throughout the process of being a new author. instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becomher/ twitter: https://twitter.com/BecomHer Order...

New York Times bestselling author Sayantani takes time out of her busy schedule to chat about her childhood home, inspiration and today's world. Sayantani holds nothing back, and shares her true feelings about the state of the world. Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sayantani16?s=21 Instagram: https://instagram.com/princesskiranmala?igshid=lbo0vm01ewdy Website: http://www.sayantanidasgupta.com/writer/

Randy does it all! On this podcast Randy talks about his university undergrad/graduate schooling experiences, along with his family, and activism work in his community. Randy shares many insights on his identity and how he started to realize it was okay to be himself, and be proud of the history, background, and experiences that he came from. instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randyribay/?hl=en...

Ibi Zoboi is simply amazing. On this podcast Ibi digs deep into her past and shares how her past experiences show up in her writing, the American Dream, and schooling in BX. Ibi shares what it means to "get out" and own a home in New Jersey. Ibi is the truth, nothing but the truth. Twitter: https://twitter.com/ibizoboi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ibizoboi/ Website: http://ibizoboi.net/

LaMar's laughter is contagious! During this podcast, LaMar chats about the process in which he takes developing critical minds, and navigating white spaces. LaMar speaks his truths and shares something you might not know about him. LaMar, thank you for being a friend. Twitter: @teachLTL Instagram: thekinglamar__

LaMar Timmons- Long is a New Yorker through and through. During this chat, LaMar talks specifically about his grandma, and some of her special recipes (no secrets revealed, he dives into the concept of building connections with students and how this truly allows educators to build community, and lastly, LaMar spends time talking about fashion. This is Part 1 of a 2 part series with LaMar. Twitter:...

Padma talked with me a few months ago, as she was winning awards Walter Award 2020; SCBWI Golden Kite Award 2020; Paterson Prize and the list goes on. Padma really gets personal and opens up about family. She shares stories about her mom and dad, in which many of her stories are influenced from. You truly do not want to miss out on this beautiful soul. Twitter: https://tinyurl.com/padmaatv Instagr...

Before anything, Natasha thank you for taking the time to speak with me. I loved getting into your world outside of the amazing author that you are. On this chat Natasha talks being a new mom, her love for cooking, family, and growing up a New Yorker! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natashaerikadiaz/?hl=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/TashiDiaz?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5E...