It's Personal Podcast

Gary R. Gray Jr
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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. 143 Betty C. Tang on Parachute Kids, Identity, and Growing Up Immigrant

    6D AGO · VIDEO

    Ep. 143 Betty C. Tang on Parachute Kids, Identity, and Growing Up Immigrant

    In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Betty C. Tang—author and illustrator of the powerful graphic novel Parachute Kids. We talk about her childhood, the real-life inspirations behind her work, and how identity, immigration, and family shaped the heart of her storytelling. Betty opens up about the emotional roots of Parachute Kids and what it means to tell stories that matter. This one's full of heart, art, and personal truth. 📚 Parachute Kids is available wherever books are sold! Follow Betty C. Tang: 📸 Instagram: @bettyctang [https://www.instagram.com/bettyctang] 🐦 Twitter/X: @bettyctang [https://twitter.com/bettyctang] 🌐 Website: www.bettytang.com [http://www.bettytang.com/]

    39 min
  2. EP.142 Quartez Harris chats NEW BOOK and what happen on his writing journey

    MAR 5 · VIDEO

    EP.142 Quartez Harris chats NEW BOOK and what happen on his writing journey

    Quartez Harris, a poet and teaching artist whose work has earned him numerous accolades, including the Ohio Poetry Association's Poet of the Year for his collection We Made it to School Alive. Quartez is set to release his debut picture book, Go Tell It: How James Baldwin Became a Writer, with Little Brown in January 2025.   Born in Springfield, Ohio, he faced significant challenges due to a learning disability but found strength in words. As a second-grade teacher, he captured his students' voices and experiences, inspiring his impactful poetry. Join us as we explore his journey, the stories behind his work, and his commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices in literature.   Listen to audio versions here:  Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/t.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjY5Q2x4NElWWWozd2JFRWUxbWh6SC1Kd1Zfd3xBQ3Jtc0tra01aNFdvVXQzazE5MVBiOVpWQzAtOThMWHJ2c21VSzlid29OUWxOOWkxZEFGVEpWSFRjdm5neUMzTUZsbUN3VE9sVEgxUEZXb2lXSHJxbHFCNHdQYmVXUjZZZmFCWmlhcUwwMVFkcTZaX000S3o5SQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fca%2Fpodcast%2Ft..&v=zQcM1I9hgN4].  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2f3XyNg.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGxTWG1ITmU0X3lDSUloQ1kxbWNWaWhPbkthUXxBQ3Jtc0ttaXQ4TmZHUGtlSEpqNFUxeC1EbDhaa2RUU2RPTmp4WExnNmcyQkV0WE5nc0xncUZkSlZ1LWx5UHl3QlZnb1RHQnNuR0R5LWZ5NnZsc3Q1ZW5kRjdDak1sUjB1R2hPZl9qaVhXSlV1ZWJpZk93V3VjOA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fopen.spotify.com%2Fshow%2F2f3XyNg..&v=zQcM1I9hgN4].  Zencastr: https://zencastr.com/It-s-Personal-Po.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVZpN0lmaFdhUXpTNk1iSlhpZzZwNmVNOF82UXxBQ3Jtc0tsWTd2LVhjWE5wUkZJY0RDclpmRU12NDVBU3U2Uzd6S055N1Q5cWozOFM4U1hfSndFM3FuV0FVaDd0RXJpRlc5WWo0SVp5WFBKY3NhdUdyZjhEMEdrS2VIREhmcV93WEhYTzZsZWZJN3RpY0pMS1Bybw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fzencastr.com%2FIt-s-Personal-Po..&v=zQcM1I9hgN4].

    48 min
  3. Ep. 141 Lit Agent TELLS ALL about the industry, and what's it like to edit manuscripts

    FEB 26 · VIDEO

    Ep. 141 Lit Agent TELLS ALL about the industry, and what's it like to edit manuscripts

    I'm excited to introduce you to Jenissa Graham, a Literary Agent at BookEnds Literary Agency. Jenissa began her publishing career at Writers House, starting as an intern and working her way up to the Subrights department as the Global Licensing and Media Rights Assistant. In 2022, she joined BookEnds Literary as an Associate Agent and Subrights Manager, where she began building her client list while also supporting the agency in Film/TV, Merchandise, and Audio. In 2024, she transitioned to agenting full-time.  As a first-generation Jamaican American, Jenissa is deeply passionate about increasing BIPOC representation in publishing and is always looking for new underrepresented authors. Currently based in New York, when she's not reading submissions, writing, or adding to her "maybe one day I'll read" pile, you can find her binging reruns of her favorite shows, fiddling with her tarot decks, or stressing over her beloved plants, Pacific, Ted, and Teddy. Join me as we explore her journey in the publishing world and her commitment to amplifying diverse voices.  Listen to audio versions here:  Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/t.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa1pBY1NvRXl5MEdzSURsQmZ3cWtLQXVvQnkxUXxBQ3Jtc0tsRllyZEFpRThvYmtYUVFrc1FjOWZxNjRoS1pnTzV1UXg0bXZuZXcwcFhLakN0R01uV1ZQc3VuT3FQTy16Nlk3RC1YOEU4eG9VN0dYV0FhQnplMkVJTTU3M3NUQTZpMURyMWpwM1M3TzhkallSSXVJMA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fca%2Fpodcast%2Ft..&v=9T-PBPrxNMU].  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2f3XyNg.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnV5dTUtNG0yV0VTQ3UySHVFYzFJRkpFZTRMQXxBQ3Jtc0ttWjVoVW5nNFdITERsdl9JMEVnelNITkFJbUNQXzN0SzhodnNOdkJsOHJVaUtJVlZ1YlFqYm9lTjRObVpMN2dBTndhLWxWdGFGdVFEM2cxV2RBZ3RxMGo4Q2dORzlOeFhGMDhVdEwzbXZOOG1QVkg3Zw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fopen.spotify.com%2Fshow%2F2f3XyNg..&v=9T-PBPrxNMU].  Zencastr: https://zencastr.com/It-s-Personal-Po.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbktYUHJGdmJKNFlBUDE5LWcyUmRRNXFBanlDQXxBQ3Jtc0tuWkR5NThmTUdKOXVweE1DdDJUcFBFT2RUdC1IbXpQcjQ0OVlva0ZySVJnejlHUFVyUDRJSGVuMXBMc1NQc1E5S0lqSkU1X243T2pWYzU5a3ZFQ0hjM0xUb1BwQ255UWVYRlJrS3IwYjlKYVVwOEdGMA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fzencastr.com%2FIt-s-Personal-Po..&v=9T-PBPrxNMU].

    32 min
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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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
      156
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © All rights reserved
    • Show Website
      It's Personal Podcast

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