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’ movement and the discussion around choice, coercion and consent. These themes are all highlighted through Hamill’s campy writing and Mowry’s brilliant direction. Be sure to check out the final performances with the Virginia Stage Company at the Wells Theatre in Norfolk, Va through Sunday, November 3.

Listen in as Melissa shares a bit about where she’s from, where she’s been and where she’s going with rest and self-care being at the forefront of it all.

The Links:

Tickets for the show

https://www.vastage.org/dracula

Melissa Mowry’s official website

https://www.melissamowry.com/

Melissa Mowry’s Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/melissa.mowry/

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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 relationships, the dark side of corporate culture and ultimately what it means to find and be found. Come join us for our staged reading on the evening of Monday, June 3rd at the Flea Theater in New York City.

The Links:

Tickets for the Staged Reading

Serena Norr's official website

Serena Norr's Instagram

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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

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Podcast intro/outro music provided by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ DJ Dilemma⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://officialdilemma.com/

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," dedicated to her daughter. The illustrated book aims to spotlight other courageous, resilient beings who have Down syndrome. Ebbe wrote this book to change the stigma around disabilities, explaining that the focus should actually be on their abilities. We discuss the importance of representation and challenging prejudices. Anoushka even graces us with her presence during our chat!

We also delve into our respective acting journeys, working 9-5 jobs while in pursuit of our dreams, and the goal of having multiple streams of income by branching into other artistic endeavors. Ebbe shares how the influence of her Nigerian background inspires her drive and impacts her decision making. We also talk about the importance of celebrating stepping out on faith and putting action into motion and highlighting the journey to success and not just focusing on the end result.

We also touch on celebrity culture, with Ebbe sharing her long-held love for Wendy Williams who we send positive vibrations to and wish well during her difficult time.

00:00 - Intro and welcome
02:23 - Early acting career and the benefit of working on short films
05:49 - The Necessity of pivoting in the industry
07:25 - Working 9-5 jobs while pursuing the dream
10:06 - The influence of Maggie Flanagan and her acting studio
25:32 - Imagination and creativity in acting
26:13 - Ebbe's Nigerian background, influence and expectation
31:30 - The power of encouragement from a partner
32:04 - Ebbe speaks on being a big Wendy Williams fan
35:05 - Bettina shares more of the inspiration behind the "somindboggling journeys" podcast
36:30 - The importance of representation in media
38:27 - The journey to success and the value of every step along the way
43:19 - Anoushka's "Extraordinary Heroes"
44:50 - Addressing the stigma around Down syndrome
46:10 - Challenging and changing negative narratives
59:16 - Highlighting the achievements of people with Down syndrome
01:06:29 - Advocating for Anoushka's education and care
01:18:23 - The symbolism of the "Extraordinary Heroes" book
01:23:49 - The Illustrator of the book
01:25:46 - Legal considerations and sourcing information
01:32:23 - Spotlighting independent bookstores
01:36:18 - How to connect and keep updated with Ebbe and Anoushka

The Links:

Ebbe Bassey Instagram

Daughter Anoushka's Instagram

Buy this book from Black Dot Bookstore

Buy this book from Kindred Thoughts Bookstore

Buy this book from Barnes and Nobles

Publishing a Book with Ingram Spark

Maggie Flanigan Acting Studio

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Podcast intro/outro music provided by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ DJ Dilemma⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://officialdilemma.com/

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 pumping access, a satin-lined hood, a weighted blanket feel, built-in bust support and multiple pockets. They also discuss the process of patenting the product and the benefits of joining the Amazon Black Business Accelerator program. They also discuss the lengthy journey of product development and the importance of not letting any barriers stop you. Finally, they highlight the gift of support and luxury that their product provides for expectant mothers.

The Links:

Gigi Luxury Hands-Free Maternity Robe

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Podcast intro/outro music provided by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ DJ Dilemma⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠https://officialdilemma.com/

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 eye-opening because it sheds light on the fact that there's nothing easy or smooth about pursuing and living the dream. There are obstacles and challenges along the way that ultimately serve to fine-tune the artist and his craft. We leave no stone un-turned. I even had the opportunity to grill him on the 3...no 4! auditions of past that I've had of his, but didn't book LOL. All in good fun though! Tune in and watch/listen to the many nuggets Tony drops.

00:00 - Who is Tony Clomax?

02:20 - Tony Clomax, the tenured-track professor

11:40 - Tony Clomax, the creator/director

22:35 - Tony Clomax, the screenwriter-for-hire

33:15 - How he handled mayhem on set and having to make a crucial last minute decision that changed the course of the project

41:30 - Tony's ideal project

43:30 - The REAL reason why I asked Tony to come onto the podcast :)

46:47 - Tony Clomax, the editor

48:00 - How Tony stays healthy

51:46 - The pursuit of good sleep, something we all strive for + projects he's working on

53:40 - What's been "somindboggling" for Tony thus far on his journey

The Links:

Tony Clomax Instagram

Tony Clomax on iMDb

Tony Clomax Professor at Prairie View A&M University

Tony Clomax on Vimeo

Tony Clomax on YouTube

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Podcast intro/outro music provided by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ DJ Dilemma⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠https://officialdilemma.com/

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 3pm EST and again on Monday, February 12 at 7pm EST.

Click below for more info + tix:

https://thetanknyc.org/calendar-1/cut-edge-ten-min-playfest

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Podcast intro/outro music provided by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ DJ Dilemma⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠https://officialdilemma.com/

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 with artists like Carlos Santana and Goya Menor, and her forthcoming album. Kyera shares her experiences working in Hollywood as well as the challenges and opportunities in the entertainment industry. Viewers and listeners will be moved by Kyera’s fearlessness and unapologetic confidence, inspiring us all to expand our self-belief in pursuing our dreams.

00:00 - How Kyera and I connected (hint: a previous guest on the show who you all loved)

03:22 - Kyera’s love for natural hair, her hair care philosophy, her ‘Hair Symphony’ e-book and self-created ‘Look, Don't Touch’ hair conditioner and song

10:00 - Who remembers the ‘Wave Nouveau?’

11:19 - Fusing music and hair care in the marketing

12:40 - Magical musical collaborations and Kyera’s forthcoming album

23:45 - How Kyera has found her flow

25:39 - Kindred fire signs

26:30 - Kyera’s storied Hollywood background, featuring some of Black Hollywood’s favorite talents, television shows and a throwback to epic shared birthday parties

35:43 - Kyera shares her most #somindboggling moments

42:04 - Kyera’s empowering message to women

The Links:

Passion Amapiano Remix by Kyera ft Goya Menor [Official Music Video]

⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maSdQc_Nt8s⁠

Look, Don’t Touch! By Kyera - The Natural Hair Anthem [Official Music Video]

⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgXdxXr2FDk

‘Hair Symphony: The Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering Your Hair Type’ e-book

https://shop.kyera.world/collections/e-books

‘Look, Don’t Touch’ hair detangling conditioner

https://shop.kyera.world/products/look-don

Kyera’s Official Website

https://shop.kyera.world/pages/my-story

Kyera’s Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/kyeraworld/

Kyera’s Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/KyeraWorld/

Kyera’s Music

https://linktr.ee/KyeraWorld

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Follow along on Facebook Somindboggling Journeys⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/somindboggling/⁠

Podcast intro/outro music provided by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ DJ Dilemma⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠https://officialdilemma.com/