8. In this episode of Words Are Life, we sit down with Martina Barksdale, a multimedia powerhouse and Director of Communications for VisitLEX. From acting in New York City to hosting Everyday Kentucky on WKYT, Martina has dedicated her career to storytelling—shining a light on culture, community, and the voices that often go unheard.

Martina opens up about her journey as a Black woman in media, navigating an industry where representation matters but isn’t always present. She shares the pivotal moments that shaped her perspective—the realization of what it truly means to show up in spaces that weren’t always designed for her and how she’s used her platform to challenge the status quo.

But beyond storytelling, Martina embodies the audacity to create—to build spaces of inclusion, acceptance, and belonging where marginalized communities don’t just exist but thrive. She shares how a little bit of delusion, boldness, and unwavering belief fuels her drive to disrupt norms, amplify Black voices, and cultivate spaces that shift culture. Through projects like SoulFeast Week, she’s proving that representation isn’t just about visibility—it’s about ownership, celebration, and impact.

Join us for a powerful conversation about breaking barriers, trusting your vision (even when others don’t see it), and creating the world you want to see. Martina’s insight, passion, and fearless creativity will leave you inspired to own your story, take up space, and move forward with audacity.

Follow Martina: @martibarksdale
Learn more about SoulFeast Week: soulfeastweek.com