It's Personal Podcast

Gary R. Gray Jr
  • 4.5 (10)
  • ARTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
It's Personal Podcast

Welcome to ItsPersonalPodcast hosted by Gary R. Gray Jr. Gary is a teacher in Manila (Philippines). He enjoys talking with anyone who is willing to listen and share their stories with him. On this podcast you will find a talk series from Gary in which he dives deep into his childhood and current life. He takes the time to dissect his decision making and "accomplishments" up until now, and if he is truly living a full life. On his second podcast series #ItsPersonal, Gary speaks with educators, authors, teachers, parents, people from all walks of life on who they are behind the computer. His mission is to speak with those from the Global Majority, and listen. He takes guest on a ride down memory lane, asking personal questions about identity and true meaning of life. It's not your typical pod. And don't expect professional editing. You can find Gary on all social media platforms @GaryRGrayJr

  1. EP.140 Jess is a public health professor, but in all her free time, she's a passionate artist.

    FEB 11 · VIDEO

    EP.140 Jess is a public health professor, but in all her free time, she's a passionate artist.

    I had the pleasure of speaking with Jess Owens-Young. By day, Jess is a public health professor, but in all her free time, she's a passionate artist. Her work beautifully captures the essence of living as a Black person in the U.S., exploring various dimensions of Black life through acrylics, oil pastels, and inks. Jess also creates digital illustrations that reflect these themes, often focusing on life in the interior, including houseplants and other living beings.  She draws inspiration from notable artists like William H. Johnson, Elizabeth Catlett, Alice Neel, Jordan Casteel, Amy Sherald, and Henry Taylor. If you're interested in collaborating or collecting some of her artwork, be sure to follow her on Instagram or reach out directly! Join me as we delve into her artistic journey and the stories behind her incredible work.  Website: https://jessowensyoung.myportfolio.com/paintings Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/truthofstrength/ Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ByJessOwensYoung

    44 min
  2. EP.139 Black Muslim author, Rahma Mohamed shares story growing up in Canada

    FEB 5 · VIDEO

    EP.139 Black Muslim author, Rahma Mohamed shares story growing up in Canada

    I talk to Rahma Mohamed, who was born and raised in Hargeisa, Somaliland. At just eight years old, her family immigrated to Canada, where they settled in Quebec. Rahma faced many challenges as she entered her first formal school, grappling with the French language while being the only Black Muslim girl in her class. Despite experiencing bullying, she persevered and became the first in her family to graduate from university, mastering both French and English.   website: https://rahmarodaah.com/pages/about-us  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rahmarodaah/  facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rahmarodaah  x: https://x.com/rahmarodaah

    26 min
  3. EP.138 Hanna Cha Caldecott Honor Award-Winning Illustrator and Writer & Illustrator

    2024-10-30 · VIDEO

    EP.138 Hanna Cha Caldecott Honor Award-Winning Illustrator and Writer & Illustrator

    Hanna Cha, a Caldecott Honor award-winning illustrator and writer known for her enchanting storytelling through art. Hanna shares her journey from a vagabond life between Seoul and the U.S. to becoming the creator of beloved books like *Tiny Feet Between the Mountains* and *The Truth about Dragons*. Learn about her creative process and what inspires her whimsical illustrations. With insights into her experiences at the Rhode Island School of Design and life in Boston with her cuddly cat Hobac, Hanna invites you to explore the magic of daydreams and the stories they can create. Tune in for a delightful conversation that celebrates imagination and artistry!

    31 min
  4. EP.137 Nikki Grimes Rhymes and Reasons: Exploring Children's Poetry

    2024-10-21 · VIDEO

    EP.137 Nikki Grimes Rhymes and Reasons: Exploring Children's Poetry

    Nikki Grimes was born in Harlem and spent her childhood moving through various neighborhoods in New York. As a foster child from a broken home, she faced constant farewells to new friends. In this challenging environment, reading and writing became her lifelines. When she had no one to confide in, Grimes poured her thoughts and feelings into poems and stories. An enthusiastic reader, she would check out library books during the day and read late into the night with a flashlight. Website: https://nikkigrimes.com/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbURkS2JVWE02d1QtZ2RoTjRQeEUzcm5XS1o5QXxBQ3Jtc0trbVQ3QTBldE90elFodHZfQkhaMDNaNkJfUUFIeERFdmE5NTNJWHFncG1jUk5BZWEwUy1SSDhGZHAtN2Y4LWhfRFNhSER1OFNaNndYZ1NJNXpEbFBrRFh4NjBscS1nV2lyWk83bGJXc2V4bkhmNTM5TQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fnikkigrimes.com%2F&v=oRL3LQcQCfQ] Instagram:  poetrynikki   X: https://x.com/nikkigrimes9?ref_src=tw... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVE4eWZlaUZVWFNoVzZwYVRnQXdUaFhBS1hvd3xBQ3Jtc0traWlfaXRhcnVmWGR5UEI0OGt0TVA2R21mdUVBQ1g1V1BNTHdLWUtMU2FtRjFsZC1FZW8yVklESkNwcHYtcGJRQVd4UnBWMXp3R3VESTZxVldyY0U5X2FXQ0dpM3J0RzVEcUc3bHVuSHpUUTlXSXFlUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fnikkigrimes9%3Fref_src%3Dtwsrc%255Egoogle%257Ctwcamp%255Eserp%257Ctwgr%255Eauthor&v=oRL3LQcQCfQ]

    37 min
  5. EP. 136 Jason Reynolds on Finding Strength in Vulnerability: Discussion on 24 Seconds From Now

    2024-10-08 · VIDEO

    EP. 136 Jason Reynolds on Finding Strength in Vulnerability: Discussion on 24 Seconds From Now

    Jason Reynolds shares his thoughts on life, the transformative power of storytelling, and the deep influence of his mother throughout his journey. We dive into his latest work, 24 Seconds from Now, which he describes as a love story for the ages, highlighting the intricate connections between love, identity, and personal growth.   Our conversation explores the vital importance of normalizing anxiety and vulnerability, discussing how these themes resonate not only in Jason's writing but also in our everyday lives. We touch on the challenges and hardships that come with embracing our true selves, and how sharing our experiences can foster understanding and connection.  The episode offers valuable insights into resilience, identity, and the strength we derive from our shared human experiences.    Website: https://www.jasonwritesbooks.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonreynolds83/  X: https://x.com/JasonReynolds83

    44 min

  6. 2024-10-06 · VIDEO

    EP. 135 Banned Books, Life and Samira Ahmed

    Samira Ahmed discusses her new book, This Book Won't Burn, which explores family life and the alarming issue of book bans in America. In this episode, Ahmed dives into the importance of storytelling and the challenges faced by diverse voices in today's literary world. She reflects on her experiences growing up in a multicultural family and how those experiences shaped her writing. Listeners can expect a thoughtful conversation about the intersection of literature, identity, and advocacy, along with personal insights on navigating the complexities of family dynamics in a changing world. Website: https://samiraahmed.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sam_aye_ahm/ X: https://x.com/sam_aye_ahm Listen to audio versions here:   Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/t.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVNKSGtJYjIxMjI2cTBCYzBYd0RBX3M0cUg3QXxBQ3Jtc0trSGdKR1FSdDc5YzJObnNYWnVqSnlodEhjQlg0SmlteXF0S2NLWVZfZ2E3MThEUVVnWEpjQ3dEY050YWI2UG1fZzU4MExFMWFkZHpHRG9BLVIzbXN0SGp6RkZld0ROMmZFMTBxS2tSMjVwWDVEcVJBdw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fca%2Fpodcast%2Ft..&v=9XVwsgU8lWQ].   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2f3XyNg.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFdvQS1nSU1HdWNCR256clZkd3ZzTUI0Z0ZHd3xBQ3Jtc0treWZRclZycG53STBHeXJNSWVGYWduLW1xRExpQ19MTk5XZlEtYnF1TzFCQ0x6cUtiYWc5LU1jbVpEOU5BMHJJM1hSTWhkYkI2a3ZnOGVPMU9iN3BnVnR2R0xBSU9ZSzlza1dzRmpvZFBraHJrckJ3SQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fopen.spotify.com%2Fshow%2F2f3XyNg..&v=9XVwsgU8lWQ].    Zencastr: https://zencastr.com/It-s-Personal-Po.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEZBVFpCZ0JxZzFfUDlJdk1wSFBKNUxHX0x6QXxBQ3Jtc0trTU1oVVRJZW54WWNpbUhUa3NCcVJCaENnRFhaLU9DTTJvdThMcjUxYXBtTHJQcVVFNzVCdGZGQ25XZEk1M19wMHVtOHkwT2ZRcllLMzVuOFdtY3JCX0tQUDU0UUFQTFJTTG0yRExRT0ZnR1J4T0E2OA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fzencastr.com%2FIt-s-Personal-Po..&v=9XVwsgU8lWQ].

    47 min
  7. EP. 134 Me & Mama author/illustrator Cozbi A. Cabrera talks poetry, life and Read Alouds

    2024-08-09 · VIDEO

    EP. 134 Me & Mama author/illustrator Cozbi A. Cabrera talks poetry, life and Read Alouds

    Cozbi A. Cabrera: Illustrating and Writer for Young Readers with Representation in Mind  Acclaimed children's book author and illustrator Cozbi Cabrera takes us on a journey through her creative process, sharing intimate moments from her childhood that have deeply influenced her goal of providing authentic representation for young readers through her work.   In this episode, Cozbi opens up about her path to becoming a published author and illustrator, the mentors who have guided her along the way, and the importance of diverse storytelling for children. She provides a behind-the-scenes look at how she brings her vibrant illustrations and heartwarming narratives to life, always striving to mirror the rich tapestry of human experience.   Whether you're an aspiring creator, a parent seeking meaningful books, or simply someone who appreciates the power of children's literature, this conversation with Cozbi Cabrera will surely inspire and delight. Tune in to this insightful dive into the world of inclusive, representative storytelling for young audiences.   Listen to audio versions here:   Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/t.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVFfbzlvNW90LXFCZnVSMkV6WGFGaHU1LUJuZ3xBQ3Jtc0trMzhjUmYycHFFSTNzZjhSYzlmcWJTOE55NjdSZm1fb1BXbWpkcnJHUmxlUm13bWJGQmVYZ3dlWW5XVEk2OXllZ25JRTF4Qk9yZGhGam80Y2hXYUpndHRpRmFwOTk5Mmc0MWIyMUpXWjJ2bTlLaFBNUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fca%2Fpodcast%2Ft..&v=9XVwsgU8lWQ].   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2f3XyNg.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTRWdTAwb2JHT0JBV0pBQmFJVDhqVWpmUWhnd3xBQ3Jtc0trWVRFdWd1S3ozcE5BTVpZVElDS3BicFZnYmNqWW1lTTBXMkFyamdnMUZMajZIdFR5MG96QlgyUXlGcXdOUVltbVhYZFNaOTJpd3pMeFQ1MEJyMjlQYldUZFI0TEZTRVMzNUlUS3B3ck0xMnB3dWs2cw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fopen.spotify.com%2Fshow%2F2f3XyNg..&v=9XVwsgU8lWQ].    Zencastr: https://zencastr.com/It-s-Personal-Po.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGdtVFdYazkyb2RiSjdSVVEwYlNSMUphb0JvQXxBQ3Jtc0tsSG1SbWZMZjdLQnRsTF9BdWNDX2t4V2gySFE5X0JzRlIxR0x1ZlhmMDY4MGRUeXlHd2VGV0FMa084U2tFVjF6eS1zWkF5eXJmQzZzTXpHWnNHMWhabldwN1JkM0tPeUxFTF9yNTd4ZXMyZE9ES01WWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fzencastr.com%2FIt-s-Personal-Po..&v=9XVwsgU8lWQ].   Website: https://www.cozbi.com/q4r7drqsugu7ile... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTA0SnFoWU1ta0tIOGFDdDBSaW1rMTZRdmpmZ3xBQ3Jtc0tsWG9pR3A5WHRLNWpzQVVMOUNoUFJJbDdadlFITXBscEhvZXVCbXpsTFpZdWJkXzFKTGRPeV9NYVozY2I5UTl1RVFYUEhfb3NzS0JpLUdhbzlhUWFHX3kya3hjcVM0cnltQm5NNDN4a3dVYWxCaC1CYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cozbi.com%2Fq4r7drqsugu7ileyo7d63pp5879y5p&v=9XVwsgU8lWQ] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cozbi/?hl=en [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjR2Q1FqNTZ1WTBiQmdMWDFGTFJoTFFvTDljUXxBQ3Jtc0tuTDR6T2UxZUZXMFI1alMtRTR0NGNtaUxoMVFkNG5sYmJjN25WWFdSdF9xR3phRFJtRllEZlh0R3A4UHptLWwtbUxUQVhRTWxLNERuM2xmMnc4YV8xZjRQWi1UR0p2eDREdFU4WlR1TmprN0NDdFdGQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fcozbi%2F%3Fhl%3Den&v=9XVwsgU8lWQ] X:  https://x.com/CozbiHandmade [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmpmZzkxZkw2emNDclhxdWtQU3poc3YzaTZ6QXxBQ3Jtc0trMTM4eWxHN0pTa3dOY0lGdnFXVEhwR2dwN3VqbDFoSmdCcnotdTkxMU9LNUlWQk9PRXl3QzA3R24yOWp1RFFhaXljS2J1ZDB0T3ZELXRIMzN5b01GYngzX09RakFZRVRxRkdBVE1nVDZBZVB2TmRrbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FCozbiHandmade&v=9XVwsgU8lWQ]

    28 min
  8. EP. 133 Michael Arceneaux on Family, Loss & His Book I Finally Bought Some Jordans | Full Episode

    2024-08-02 · VIDEO

    EP. 133 Michael Arceneaux on Family, Loss & His Book I Finally Bought Some Jordans | Full Episode

    Michael Arceneaux shares COPING WITH LOSS of his mother and the essays in his new book "I Finally Bought Some Jordans" that reflect on his close relationship with his mom and the complexities of family.    Arceneaux discusses the mix of humor and heavy issues in his writing, including topics like personal finance, celebrity encounters, and navigating the pandemic. His candid reflections on family, grief, and his journey to self-acceptance provide an intimate look into his life and creative process.   Listen to audio versions here:  Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/t...  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2f3XyNg...  Google: https://tinyurl.com/4zb86e8p  Zencastr: https://zencastr.com/It-s-Personal-Po...   Website: https://www.michael-arceneaux.com/  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/youngsinick/  X: https://x.com/youngsinick  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.arceneaux

    34 min
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4.5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Welcome to ItsPersonalPodcast hosted by Gary R. Gray Jr. Gary is a teacher in Manila (Philippines). He enjoys talking with anyone who is willing to listen and share their stories with him. On this podcast you will find a talk series from Gary in which he dives deep into his childhood and current life. He takes the time to dissect his decision making and "accomplishments" up until now, and if he is truly living a full life. On his second podcast series #ItsPersonal, Gary speaks with educators, authors, teachers, parents, people from all walks of life on who they are behind the computer. His mission is to speak with those from the Global Majority, and listen. He takes guest on a ride down memory lane, asking personal questions about identity and true meaning of life. It's not your typical pod. And don't expect professional editing. You can find Gary on all social media platforms @GaryRGrayJr

Information

  • Creator
    Gary R. Gray Jr
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    153
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    It's Personal Podcast

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