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 ───────────────…

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 Extraor…

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 …

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 w…

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 …

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 als…

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 ma…

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 h…

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 …

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…

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 R…

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 …

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 ev…

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 Meditatio…

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 h…

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 thi…

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 s…

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 i…

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 Zakki…

Merideth Hite Estevez is a professional oboist, life coach, podcast host, and guide on "The Artist’s Way." She leads both group and individual coaching sessions helping lead people back to their creative spirits. She created "Artists for Joy" as a space for creatives to reconnect with the joy that made them want to be an artist in the first place. …

Today is Monday, October 17th also known as tax extension day, and if you're like me, finances are a source of anxiety. In my first solo episode of Season 4, I open up about the stress of it all. After all, the goal of this podcast is to dismantle the idea that you need to be perfect and have everything else in your life be perfect before you can c…

We are kicking off Season 4 of Somindboggling Journeys by starting a new exploration with all of you. I am embarking on a 12-week program called "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron with today's guest - actor Stephanie Williams. The course is all about giving yourself permission to nurture your creative spirit through morning pages, artist dates, an…

This episode features child actors Lyric Angel and Cameron Keitt and their dedicated and supportive moms, Angel Dixon (Lyric Angel's mom) and Daria (Cameron's mom). The child actors give a glimpse into what it's like for them to work on set, while the moms get candid about what it's been like to raise, support and nurture child actors. The moms tou…

Kia Barbee is a storyteller, creative producer, founder of “ScriptRead,” writer of TV pilot “French Mgmt,” author of the play “Roommates” which was just showcased in New York City, and a preschool teacher. Kia talks to us about being a writer, what her process is, why she created “ScriptRead,” and what she currently has in the works. A prolific wri…

Justin Phillips and Laura Cornachio are two comedic actors who I met on the set of a Nathan's Hot Dog Commercial. They're both working actors, and we decided to sit down and have a roundtable talk all about acting. We talk about what it was like to film the commercial together, how we learned Andy Cohen was the name attachment, how a bee almost der…

Sam Valentine is the creator and founder of the One Broke Actress podcast and my co-producer here on Somindboggling Journeys. Having just wrapped her 9th season of One Broke Actress, launched a new podcast production company called Fast Forward Productions, and had a recurring role on Bosch: Legacy, Sam is a busy working actor/CEO/dog mom. She take…

Anastasia and I met on the set of NORK (2022), a new project about two friends chasing the American Dream with the goal of helping their community in Newark, New Jersey. This project is Anastasia's first lead role, and she was an absolute pro. A current student at NYU, Anastasia joined Somindboggling Journeys all the way from Madrid. She takes us t…

Marchelle Thurman is an actor, writer, producer, and director. A graduate from the NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Marchelle walks us through her journey as a multi-hyphenate. From balancing a full time corporate job while being a creative to being inspired by Issa Rae and Lena Dunham, Marchelle gets real about how the hustle never stops. Even as she…

Kenya (Robinson) is a multidisciplinary artist born, raised and currently based in Gainesville, Florida and a self-proclaimed mischief-maker. She is a performance artist, voiceover artist, writer, sculptor, painter and more who studied at the Los Angeles Technical College before going on to study at Yale University and Skowhegan School of Painting …

Welcome to our first Interlude podcast episode. I wanted to take some time in between guests to reflect on all we have shared so far this season. From Cameron's time management and Gerard's work ethic, to Morgan taking control of her career and opportunities…we see that no journeys are one in the same. I also comment on the pursuit of this podcast …

Morgan Page is a singer/songwriter, actor and producer who just released her first single: Broken Open. We met in an acting class and her fearlessness was apparent from the very first time that I met her. She just took a major step in moving over to the West Coast, where she has begun producing her own music while continuing to build her acting car…

Gerard Brown is best known for his work on Juice (1992), which launched the careers of Omar Epps, Jermaine Hopkins, Khalil Kain, and Tupac Shakur. He also wrote episodes on shows such as Spawn (1998) and Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child (1995). In this episode, Gerard shares his experience writing Juice and the "feast or famine" natu…

Welcome back to Somindboggling Journeys! In this episode, we are joined by the busiest 9-year-old I know: Cameron Keitt. We met on the set of a hot dog commercial in 2020 when the industry slowly began to pick up production on projects after the height of devastation from COVID-19. Cameron immediately blew me away with his talent, professionalism a…

Bettina here, the host of Somindboggling Journeys! I am so excited for the third season of my podcast. Before I bring on new guests, I want to reintroduce myself, let you all know where I am in my own journey, and what I plan to bring you this season.--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/somindboggling/messageSupport …

Somingboggling Journeys is B-A-C-K for Season 3! Get ready for exciting, interesting, and always somindboggling journeys in your podcast feed every Monday with me, Bettina Goolsby. Make sure you subscribe and follow us right here! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/somindboggling/messageSupport this podcast: https:…

Isaiah Michael Joyner (@isaiahmichaelj) is the founder and owner of top concierge firm, Reserv Concierge. For the past 8+ years, Isaiah has been curating memorable experiences and providing high-level gifting for corporate clients. He has combined his expansive industry insight, fruitful relationships and warm humor and personality to share his nug…

This is part 1 of my convo with actor/producer Wunmi Fowora. Wunmi plays the role of 'Ade' in Somindboggling's upcoming short film "Hair Braid Miss." She plays an African hair braider working on Harlem's historic 125th St. in this episode we talk about what playing the role meant to Wunmi, in addition to what other roles she comes across for Africa…

We talk with Rotimi about how it felt booking and working on his first studio film, "The First Purge" and what this means for his career going forward. Creator & Host: Bettina Goolsby (@bettinagoolsby) Producers: Bettina Goolsby, Edrick Browne (@edrickbrowne) Sound: Bettina Goolsby, Kinnard Chapman (@dj_administer) Intro & outro music: DJ Dilemma (…

We talk with Sundi about her journey from college to internship to becoming a professional screenwriter. Creator & Host: Bettina Goolsby Producers: Bettina Goolsby, Edrick Browne Sound: Bettina Goolsby, Edrick Browne Intro & outro music: DJ Dilemma --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/somindboggling/messageSupport th…

We talk with Rae about her sophomore album "The Ra[e]volution" and what the journey has been like so far traveling and seeing the world through music. Creator & Host: Bettina Goolsby Producers: Bettina Goolsby, Edrick Browne Sound: Bettina Goolsby, Edrick Browne Original music: Rae Walker Intro & outro music: DJ Dilemma --- Send in a voice message:…

We talk with Kerith about her short film "A Social Life" and finding the balance between creating art and making a living. Creator & Host: Bettina Goolsby Producers: Bettina Goolsby, Edrick Browne Sound: Bettina Goolsby, Edrick Browne Music: DJ Dilemma --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/somindboggling/messageSuppor…

We talk with Huriyyah about her hit web series "Keloid," the 3 things you need to make it in the film industry, and the organization she founded - The Black TV and Film Collective. Creator & Host: Bettina Goolsby Producers: Bettina Goolsby, Edrick Browne Sound: Bettina Goolsby Music: DJ Dilemma --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotif…

This is a clip of my interview with filmmaker Ekwa Msangi. Ekwa's latest project is a short film titled "Farewell Meu Amor." Read more about Ekwa at www.ekwapics.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/somindboggling/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/somindboggling/support…

Director Ekwa Msangi & actress Andrea Coleman talk with Somindboggling Journeys about their new web series "All My Friends Are Married." Check it out online beginning Wed 4/27 at www.allmyfriendsaremarried.tv. Creator & Host: Bettina Goolsby Producers: Bettina Goolsby, Edrick Browne Sound: Edrick Browne Music: DJ Dilemma --- Send in a voice message…

Part II: "Somindboggling Journeys" sits down with director Ekwa Msangi & actress Andrea Coleman to discuss what it really looks like to pursue your dreams while living & working in New York City. Creator & Host: Bettina Goolsby Producers: Bettina Goolsby, Edrick Browne Sound: Edrick Browne Music: DJ Dilemma --- Send in a voice message: https://podc…

Los Angeles-based actor-producers Lodric Collins & Tami Jordan return to New York City for the premiere of their latest short film, "Forgiving Chris Brown." Creator & Host: Bettina Goolsby Producer: Bettina Goolsby Sound: Mike Hurst Music: DJ Dilemma --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/somindboggling/messageSupport …