somindboggling journeys

In this episode, we chat with performer, theatre maker and director Melissa Mowry. Melissa is at the helm of the reimagined classic tale of Dracula called “Dracula, A Feminist Revenge Fantasy Story, Really?” written by playwright Kate Hamill. This play challenges long-held societal norms about what it means to be a woman, a wife, a lady and a mother. It also harkens current times with the ‘Me Too’...

In this episode, we chat with playwright Serena Norr of "Agency for the Lost." You may remember Serena from when we first spoke to her and the cast of the short play "Vitality and Purpose." We are collaborating again - now our 4th time - on Serena's full-length play "Agency for the Lost" which explores childhood abandonment, how that abandonment plays out in adult...

As "somindboggling journeys" enters its sixth season, I reflect back on the podcast's first published episode, where I was, who I was with and how it felt taking a big step in the direction of a dream. The Links: Black Alumni Weekend @ UVA University of Virginia McIntire School of Commerce Subscribe / Like / Comment / Leave a Review ────────────────────────────  Follow along on Insta...

For this episode, I sit down with actor/children's book author Ebbe Bassey to put a spotlight on Ebbe's journey as a mother of a young girl with Down syndrome, Anoushka. As today is World Down Syndrome Day, Ebbe shares the various challenges that she's had to come up against which inspired her to write her first children's book, "Anoushka's Extraordinary Heroes," dedi...

Past podcast guest Kadeem Alphanso Fyffe returns to the podcast, and this time he brings Dr. Morgan Maxwell to discuss their collaboration on the creation of the one-of-a-kind Gigi Luxury Hands-Free Pumping Robe by For Me Maternity. They share their journey from the initial concept to the final product, highlighting the importance of functionality and innovation. The robe features hands-free pumpi...

We are lucky to have filmmaker and multi-hyphenate Tony Clomax on this episode of 'somindboggling journeys.' His journey is 'somindboggling' indeed as he wears the hats of: creator, director, screenwriter, producer, editor and tenured-track professor. He shares what it's like juggling all the things and what he's experienced and learned along the way. This chat is really ey...

Meet the writer and cast for the upcoming short play "Vitality and Purpose." Writer Serena Norr created the characters of Delfie, Clarence, Frau and Dr. Frau to examine how we determine what truly makes us feel happy and whole. This play will be brought to life by Emily Leibert, Stephanie Williams and Brian Uhrich, directed by me. The play goes up at The Tank on Saturday, February 10 at...

In this episode, Kyera [pronounced ky-ra] discusses her journey as a singer, writer, and entrepreneur. She shares her passion for natural hair care and the inspiration behind her e-book “Hair Symphony: The Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering Your Hair Type.” Kyera emphasizes the importance of embracing one's hair texture and all its uniqueness. She also talks about her music career, collaborations...

Join me this week as I sit down with actor Lauren Foster-Lee. I loved this chat with Lauren, as she reminds me of myself when I first started out on this #somindboggling journey and needed to (1) adjust to new surroundings (2) adjust to new ways of being and (3) set out on an unknown path while also managing and planning for the "in-between." So many times when we hear about people livin...

If you have lived long enough, you've experienced a hardship or two. As we get older, the realities of life rear its not-so-pretty head whether in the form of sickness and/or death, disappointments, heartbreak, injustice and/or atrocities on a larger level. Life be life’ing, as they say. So when there are moments of magic and glimmers of hope, we have to embrace them and inhale the fresh scent...

In this episode, meet one of my long-time friends - of over 30 years! - loving mother and supportive friend Kimon and her sweet, smart-as-a-whip daughter, Kambry. With summer vacation coming to a close and the new school year beginning, moms are kicking it into high-gear. Listen in as Kimon shares how she balances encouraging Kambry's independence while also honoring her mama bear instincts, h...

In the previous episode, I shared an update on the status of my insurance. On this episode, we have insurance specialist for artists who is also an actor, Jim Bracchitta, on the show to help us demystify the process of keeping ourselves insured while on our artistic paths. As the Associate Director of Health Services for the Entertainment Community Fund (formerly called The Actors Fund), Jim takes...

Here's a life/artist update with Summer 2023 underway! The Links: Listen to  Episode 1 of Season 4  to hear why Steph and I started " The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron The Entertainment Fund (formerly known as 'The Actors Fund') as a resource for health care understanding and support Getting annual mammograms Steven Pressfield's "The War of Art" on Resistan...

Kimberly Annece Henderson and Kadeem Alphanso Fyffe are former classmates and friends from Durham, NC who are now in the Big Apple pursuing their individual dreams while supporting and celebrating each other along the way. Kimberly is a historical curator and researcher who has contributed on The 1619 Project , and Kadeem is a fashion designer with extensive experience at numerous fashion labels i...

Krystle N Adams is an actor, a writer, a wife and a mother, just to name a few of her many roles. Krystle and I first met in 2018 while performing as sisters in a play written by Joan Bigwood titled "Or Current Resident." Since then, we have worked on in-person and virtual readings, including "See No Color" written by Krystle, inspired by a true event. This compelling play has...

Hey y'all hey! Today is my birthday, and I wanted to give you a little update on what's been going on. In this episode, I talk about my AM/daily routine, weekend plans leading up to my birthday and strengthening my self-love. Here's to another trip around the sun! #somindboggling The Links: Habit Share Melissa Wood Health Yasmine Cheyenne Meditations EVOLVE by Erika - Kundalini Guide S...

Andrea Coleman is a stand-up comedian, actor, writer and accomplished lawyer. She first appeared on the podcast in 2017 with Ekwa Msangi (Listen to Part I and Part 2 ) to speak about her lead role in the web series “All My Friends Are Married” by Mercedes Brazier-Thurman . Andrea shares how the pandemic changed her worldview and led her to reassess her intense workload, how her health struggles in...

Ok, so in all transparency - this is Episode #8 because the scheduling was thrown off, and I did not have an episode ready in time to post for you. Soooo there was no Episode #8 at the time (there was no Episode #2 as well - but that's coming!). I'm learning and growing, and so appreciative of you riding this wave with me. I went ahead and used this slot to take a trip down the proverbial candy-st...

Stephanie Williams is BACK! Stephanie has returned to catch us up on where she is with her artist dates + morning pages, bringing Season 4 full-circle. She shares the transformative experience she had going to Cape Town, South Africa and updates us on her one woman show. I share my own artistic growth after seeing some Broadway shows as well. Join us as Season 4 comes to a close. Here's to a softe...

Kibi Anderson is an entrepreneur, mentor, speaker, visionary and now life coach. With an extensive background in strategy, business development, media, entertainment, tech, finance, and entrepreneurship, Kibi combined her learnings and founded "Life Editor" -- a coaching offering focused on helping artists, creatives, professionals, and executives reach their highest potential. With a goal to rede...

Darlene Hope is an accomplished multi-hyphenate actor in New York City who just wrapped a production with The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. She starred in their production of "Florence and Mojo" by Alice Childress, who holds the esteemed title of being the first African American woman to win an Obie Award in 1955. With 30+ years experience in the entertainment industry (16 of those years in N...

Megan Stocker Headley and I met while resident assistants (RA's) at the University of Virginia — my alma mater. I was struck by her beautiful groundedness and ability to be completely in the moment. She studied Biology and Psychology, with a minor in Art History. Since graduating, Megan has worked as an artist, writer, food/wine restauranteur, and now therapist. Helping others heal and find their...

Miriam is an actor, lifestyle creator, and writer who joins us for this episode of the podcast. She shares what it's like juggling an acting career and life as a content creator, all while working a 9-to-5 job. She also shares what it felt like to book her first recurring role as Ramona “Pidge” Contreras in "Orange is the New Black." Listen in as she gives us a real, unfiltered account of her jour...

We are right in the middle of Season 4, and we are introducing 'The Back Track.' Our host, Bettina, checks in with a solo episode and brings listeners up-to-speed on what you may have missed. Get ready for a quick rundown on Episodes 1-5. We’re talking about personal growth, finances, the foods we eat, mental health and feeling the fear and doing it anyway.  Episode Links:  Isaiah Michae...

Zakkiya Miller is a conscious wellness educator and the creator of 'Woke & Healthy.' Her platform is all about helping women and girls heal themselves through mindful choices, aligned behaviors and healthy eating. What began as a 21-day vegan challenge and a 4-hr intermittent fasting experiment turned into a spiritual and physical renewal for Zakkiya. As she gears up for a re-branding built on...