noseyAF: Conversations about Art, Activism, and Social Change

Stephanie Graham
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Want to hear how real artists actually make it work? noseyAF is the show where we skip the glossy bios and get into the messy, creative, human parts of building a life in the arts. I’m Stephanie Graham, an artist, filmmaker, and professionally nosy person, and every episode I talk with working artists, filmmakers, organizers, and culture-shifters about what’s really behind their projects: the decisions, the doubts, the money stuff, the pivots, and the “how do you keep going?” moments. No hustle propaganda. No gatekeeping. No pretending it’s easy. Just honest, energizing conversations that fuel your creative life and remind you you’re not alone. If you’re an artist, curator, cultural worker, or just someone who loves peeking behind the curtain, noseyAF gives you real talk, practical ideas, and the creative spark you didn’t know you needed.

  1. Consistency Over Perfection: Briana Clearly on Making 12 Films in a Year

    1D AGO

    Consistency Over Perfection: Briana Clearly on Making 12 Films in a Year

    Ep # 106: Consistency Over Perfection: Briana Clearly on Making 12 Films in a YearThis episode was recorded live on Saturday February 28th, 2026 at Lumpen Radio. Summary of the episodeIn this live, unedited episode recorded at Lumpen Radio 105.5 FM in Chicago, I sit down with Chicago filmmaker Briana Clearly to talk about what it really means to choose consistency over perfection. Briana took on the ambitious challenge of making 12 films in 12 months — and then turned that experiment into a community-driven initiative called Filmmakers Mixtape. In this conversation, we unpack how committing to one film a month transforms not just your craft, but your mindset. We talk about creative blocks, releasing work before it feels “ready,” building artistic community without ego, and why making good films is actually a side effect — not the point. If you’re an artist stuck in perfectionism, a filmmaker craving momentum, or someone who needs a reminder to just make the thing anyway, this episode is for you. What we talk about (you know… casually)Making 12 films in 12 months (and why you don’t need money to do it)Why consistency beats perfection every timeBuilding Filmmakers Mixtape from a personal challenge into a cohortHow community makes better art (and better artists)Briana’s journey from the Navy to film schoolMentorship, vulnerability, and learning to take feedbackThe dream of friendship-centered dramediesReleasing work publicly — even when it feels scary Things We MentionedFilmmakers MixtapeLeague of Their Own ChicagoBrain StudiosLumpen Radio All about... Briana ClearlyYou’re gonna love Briana Clearly — she’s a collaborative director, community builder, and the creative force behind Filmmakers Mixtape, a 12-month filmmaking challenge designed to help artists prioritize process over perfection. A former Navy sailor turned Chicago-based filmmaker, Briana is deeply committed to telling stories centered on Black women, friendship, and lived experience — always inviting audiences into conversation rather than spectacle. She believes filmmaking is a practice, not a performance. And honestly? That energy is contagious. Chapters: • 00:00 - Introduction to noseyAF • 09:02 - Exploring Filmmaking and Personal Storytelling • 20:54 - Exploring the Dynamics of Friendship in Storytelling • 31:56 - The Birth of Filmmakers Mixtape • 41:32 - The Importance of Vulnerability in Filmmaking • 50:41 - Exploring New Art Practices • 59:01 - The Art of Filmmaking Sponsor Shoutout 💖This episode is brought to you by Artist Admin Hour. Every Wednesday from 7–9pm CT, artists gather on Zoom to tackle the admin we’ve all been avoiding — grant applications, budgets, residency forms, invoices, all of it. Because behind every exhibition is a clear budget. Admin is the flex. Join us at: artistadminhour.com Connect with Briana ClearlyInstagram: @brianaclearlyFilmmakers Mixtape: @filmmakersmixtapeWebsite: https://www.brianaclearly.com/ More ways to connect:Email: stephanie@missgraham.comCheck out my workFollow me on InstagramListen to more episodes Support & FeedbackShare noseyAF with friendsRate & Review the ShowBuy Pins & Prints | Shop Art Episode CreditsProduced, Hosted, and Edited by Me, Stephanie (teaching myself audio editing!) Lyrics: Queen Lex Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam

    1h 2m
  2. Why Welcoming Everyone Gets Complicated with Garland Fuller

    FEB 24

    Why Welcoming Everyone Gets Complicated with Garland Fuller

    Episode 106: Why Welcoming Everyone Gets Complicated with Garland Fuller What this episode is about: What does it actually take to build a space where people feel like they belong? Garland Fuller — culture consultant and founder of Third Space Academy — has made it her life's work to answer that question. We get into the gap between what organizations say they value and how they actually operate, why "I want everyone to come" is a lot trickier than it sounds, and what intentional community building really looks like in practice. This one hit close to home — I share what I've been learning building my pop-up cinema project on Chicago's south side through the Change Collective fellowship, and Garland brings the strategic clarity to help it all click. Let's get into it: What is a culture consultant, actually? Garland breaks down the "people, place, program" framework and why culture is often the unseen force shaping how organizations actually operate — not just what's on the mission statement Values: aspiration vs. reality — Why integrity and service are on everyone's list, what it actually means to walk the talk, and when it might be time to update values that no longer fit who your org has become Third spaces are disappearing (or getting expensive) — From libraries to record shops to country clubs, Garland explains the spectrum of third spaces and who's really being invited in The "I want everyone to come" trap — Why all-ages, all-inclusive spaces are aspirational but tricky, with real examples from Stephanie's micro cinema project (Poetic Justice vs. Disney night, anyone?) Building the Community Impact Collective — Garland's digital sanctuary for femmes who are done fitting into boxes, why she built it for community over solo learning, and the Show and Tell Mondays that keep it real Adapt or die: organizations that are going stale — A real talk about churches, legacy orgs, and what happens when your next generation isn't in your current membership Practical strategies: surveying, focus groups, and why anonymous matters Leadership advice that hits: People are watching you in the small moments more than the big keynotes Chapters: • 00:08 - Introducing the Guest • 07:20 - Understanding Culture and Values in Organizations • 16:55 - Creating All-Age Spaces: Building Community Connections • 19:00 - Exploring Community Engagement • 31:27 - Building Community and Support in Creative Spaces • 36:14 - Facilitation and Empathy in Group Dynamics • 44:21 - Facilitation and Engagement in Education • 48:21 - Creating Third Spaces: Starting from Your Why Things We Mentioned Third Space Academy — Garland's coaching program for leaders building intentional community spaces Community Impact Collective — Garland's digital community for femmes and changemakers The Change Collective Fellowship — the civic leadership fellowship Stephanie participated in that sparked her pop-up cinema project Soho House — referenced as an example of an exclusive, membership-based third space Ray Oldenburg's concept of "third spaces" — the sociological framework underlying this whole convo (optional — confirm if mentioned explicitly) All about... Garland You're gonna love Garland — she's an award-winning People Strategist with over 15 years of expertise in HR, talent acquisition, employee engagement, and training. She's also an adjunct professor at the USC Price School and Principal Consultant at Fuller Circle Consulting, where she helps organizations build optimal, inclusive workplaces. Oh, and she founded Third Space Academy — so yeah, she's been busy. Connect with Garland Instagram Website Community Impact Collective Connect with Stephanie Check out my work Follow me on Instagram Join the Good Stuff Only Newsletter Listen to more episodes Support & Feedback Share noseyAF with friends Rate & Review the Show Buy Pins & Prints | Shop Art Episode Credits Produced, Hosted, and Edited by Risha Brown Lyrics: Queen Lex Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam

    54 min
  3. Joe Schupbach: Care Is the Curriculum

    FEB 17

    Joe Schupbach: Care Is the Curriculum

    Thank you for listening to noseyAF! So happy to have your ears! This Conversation was recorded live for Lumpen Radio Ep #104: Joe Schupbach: Care Is the Curriculum SUMMARY What does care really look like — beyond Valentine's Day chocolates and heart-shaped cards? In this episode of noseyAF, Stephanie Graham sits down with Joe Schupbach, a mission-driven educator, theater maker, and instructional coach with over two decades of experience in public education, nonprofits, and community-centered theater. Together they explore care as a daily practice: in classrooms, in collaborative creative spaces, in our neighborhoods, and in ourselves. Joe shares how he stumbled into creative leadership, what trauma-informed teaching really means in practice, and why experiential learning matters more than ever in today's schools. The conversation moves through faith and identity, the joys of cooking as connection, and ends with a rallying call to get nosy about your local schools — and to support live, in-person art. WHAT WE GET INTO 💬 You know when a conversation just goes everywhere in the best way? That's this one. Here's a taste of what Joe and Steph cover: 00:26 — Introduction to noseyAF 01:15 — Care as a daily ritual: not just something you perform on Valentine's Day, but how it shows up in classrooms, rehearsal rooms, and community spaces every single day 08:35 — How Joe accidentally fell into creative leadership — starting as a teaching artist right out of college and slowly becoming the person leading the room 18:06 — What trauma-informed teaching actually looks like on the ground, and why instructional coaches like Joe are changing the game in Chicago high schools 27:02 — Art-making during and after COVID-19 — how the pandemic forced a reckoning with what live, communal performance means and why it still matters 32:29 — Faith, identity, and how the personal bleeds into the professional for educators and artists alike 41:43 — Cooking as a love language: a genuinely delightful tangent about how preparing food for people is one of the most caring acts you can do 53:11 — How non-parents and non-teachers can meaningfully support local educators — including the surprisingly powerful role of Local School Councils (LSCs) THINGS WE MENTIONED 🔗 Embarc Chicago — Joe's organization, working with 17 high schools in the Chicago area → embarcchicago.org josephschupbach.com— Joe's personal site for artistic work, directing, and collaborations Change Collective Fellowship — the leadership program Joe and Stephanie both participated in Looking Glass Theatre — one of Joe's longtime artistic collaborators PlayMakers Laboratory, The Neo-Futurists, The Ruffians, Salonathon, The Paper Machete — Chicago theater orgs Joe has worked with DonorsChoose — mentioned as a way to directly support classroom supply needs Local School Councils (LSCs) — the elected, community-based governing bodies of every Chicago Public School (and yes, you can be on one even if you don't have kids in the school!) ALL ABOUT JOE SCHUPBACH 🎭 You're gonna love Joe — he's a two-MFA-having, theater-making, trauma-informed teaching wizard who genuinely believes care is the foundation of everything. Joe Schupbach is an educator, writer, and director with 22 years of experience in public education, experimental community-based theatre, and nonprofit administration. He is a facilitator and instructional coach and currently serves as Head of Experiential Coaching at Embarc. Joe has been a frequent artistic collaborator with The Midwives, The Neo-Futurists, The Paper Machete, PlayMakers Laboratory, Pocket Guide To Hell, The Ruffians, and Salonathon. Joe holds two MFAs and is a proud Chicago Public Schools graduate. He was a 2024 fellow with Change Collective and is currently leading the Chicago Cohort of Change Collective fellows. SPONSOR SHOUTOUT 💖 Come work with us at Artist Admin Hour , and get your work done. CONNECT WITH JOE Website: josephschupbach.com Instagram: @joeschupbach More ways to connect: Email: stephanie@missgraham.com Check out my work Follow me on Instagram @stephaniegraham Listen to more episodes Support & Feedback Share noseyAF with friends Rate & Review the Show Buy Pins & Prints | Shop Art Episode Credits Produced, Hosted, and Edited by Me, Stephanie (teaching myself audio editing!) Lyrics: Queen Lex Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam

    1 hr
  4. Mental Health for Expats — Building Community Abroad with Moved With Peace

    FEB 10

    Mental Health for Expats — Building Community Abroad with Moved With Peace

    Ep #103: Mental Health for Expats — Building Community Abroad with Moved With Peace Summary of the Episode What really happens after you move abroad and the honeymoon phase wears off? In this episode of noseyAF, host Stephanie Graham sits down with writer and community-builder Stephanie Rubinato to talk honestly about mental health for expats, postpartum depression, and the emotional realities of building a life far from home. Living abroad is often portrayed as dreamy and effortless—but this conversation pulls back the curtain on what’s usually left out. Stephanie shares her personal experience navigating postpartum depression after moving to Italy, the isolation many immigrants and expats feel, and why community care is just as important as cultural immersion. Together, they unpack slow living, creative burnout, friendship shifts, and what it really takes to build meaningful support systems abroad. This episode is a grounding, honest reminder that moving overseas doesn’t magically solve everything—and that seeking help, sharing resources, and building community is part of the journey. What We Talk About (aka: the real stuff you don’t see on Instagram 🇮🇹) Mental health challenges for immigrants, expats, and digital nomadsPostpartum depression while living abroadThe gap between “aesthetic expat life” and realityBuilding community through Moved With PeaceSlow living, self-trust, and creative rhythmsFriendship shifts, boundaries, and nourishmentWhy vulnerability is a form of survival (not weakness) Chapters 00:08 – Introduction to the Guest 03:07 – Navigating Mental Health Challenges as an Expat 22:32 – Navigating the Creative Chaos 35:51 – Building Community Abroad 39:51 – Navigating Friendships and Family Dynamics Things We Mentioned Moved With Peace – Stephanie’s community-centered project for immigrants and expats Therapy resources & finding culturally aligned mental health support abroad Slow living, journaling, affirmations, and grounding practices The upcoming Italian Reset Retreat (launching 2027) All about… Stephanie Rubinato You’re gonna love Stephanie Rubinato — she’s a writer, community-builder, and calm-in-the-chaos type of creative. Stephanie Rubinato is a writer and content strategist living in Italy, creating honest, grounded stories through Moved With Peace and Stephanie Rubinato Media. Her work centers slow living, self-trust, mental health, and building community—especially for immigrants and expats navigating life far from home. Through her writing, video projects, and upcoming retreats, Stephanie reminds us that we don’t have to do it all—we just have to do what’s real. Connect with Stephanie Rubinato Instagram: @movedwithpeace Website: movedwithpeace.com YouTube: Moved With Peace Connect with Stephanie Check out my work Follow me on Instagram Join the Good Stuff Only Newsletter Listen to more episodes Support & Feedback Share noseyAF with friends Rate & Review the Show Buy Pins & Prints | Shop Art Episode Credits Produced, Hosted by Me, Stephanie Edited By: Risha Brown Cover Art + Branding: Emma McGoldrick Lyrics: Queen Lex Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam

    45 min
  5. Getting Dressed Is Identity Work How Personal Style Opens Doors with Stylist Kyla

    FEB 3

    Getting Dressed Is Identity Work How Personal Style Opens Doors with Stylist Kyla

    Ep #102: Getting Dressed Is Identity Work How Personal Style Opens Doors with Stylist Kyla Summary of the episode Ever had a full-blown meltdown trying to figure out what to wear? Personal stylist Kyla gets it—and she's here to tell you that your closet struggles go way deeper than just "not having the right clothes." In this episode, we're diving into the psychology of personal style, why taking your image seriously is actually a power move (not vanity), and how getting dressed every single day is identity work in disguise. Kyla shares her journey from tech career to personal styling, breaks down why smart women absolutely DO care about their appearance, and explains how your closet might be signaling things about you that you didn't even realize. We talk about the "sexy Trinity," why you should only shop four times a year (yes, really), and how showing up ready to be seen has opened doors Kyla never expected. If you've ever felt invisible, stuck in leggings, or like your wardrobe doesn't match who you're becoming, this conversation is for you. What we're getting into Why correcting people on your name is actually about claiming your presence (and how Kyla turned it into a whole brand)The connection between personal style and leadership—and why the "charismatic guy" gets ahead while brilliant women stay in the backgroundHow your closet reveals your mental state (spoiler: if it's cluttered, your mind probably is too)The three S's of feeling sexy: skin, support, and subject (aka the sexy Trinity)Why you should NEVER shop more than four times a yearThe difference between transactional styling and transformational stylingHow to build a mix-and-matchable wardrobe that actually serves youWhy talent isn't enough—and how Kyla's style helped her land opportunities she never saw comingThe real reason you have a closet full of clothes but "nothing to wear" Chapters: • 00:18 - Introducing Kyla: A New Perspective on Fashion • 06:01 - The Journey of Identity and Image • 19:12 - The Psychology of Personal Style • 28:27 - Understanding Consumerism and Personal Style • 45:11 - The Power of Style and Presence Things We Mentioned Kyla's Closet Essentials Checklist - $2 resource with styling lesson (available at kylanotkayla.com)Master Class on Feeling Sexy - Kyla's course on the three S's of sexy styleThe Sexy Trinity: Skin, Support, SubjectCapsule Wardrobe concept - Cyclical seasonal approach to your closetFashion Psychology - The real psychological impact of what you wearTech industry & remote work culture - Kyla's background before stylingThe Caribbean - Where Kyla spent two years before returning to the US All about Kyla You're gonna love Kyla—she's a personal stylist, former tech professional, and the woman behind "It's Kyla Not Kayla." She's equal parts practical systems guru (Virgo Moon energy) and woo-woo manifestation queen, and she truly believes your style is the biggest manifestation tool you have at any price point. Kyla helps creative women show up ready to be seen through transformational styling that goes way beyond just picking out cute outfits. She's all about identity work, closet psychology, and making sure you're the subject—not the object—in your own life. Connect with Kyla Website: kylanotkayla.comInstagram: @itskylanotkayla Noteworthy Quotes"You can be wildly successful at something you were never meant to do." "Smart women don't avoid caring about their appearance—they're strategic about it." "Every day when you get dressed, it is the daily practice of identity work. Who am I being? Who am I becoming?" "If your closet is cluttered, your mind is cluttered. If you are hiding in dull or shapeless clothing, you're trying to hide." "Style is not supposed to be a costume. It's supposed to be something that supports you through your life." "Your style is the biggest manifestation tool that you have at your disposal at any price point, at any stage in life." "Stay ready so you don't have to get ready." "Nobody should be shopping more than four times a year. It's a hill I'm willing to die on." Connect with Stephanie Check out my workFollow me on InstagramJoin the Good Stuff Only NewsletterListen to more episodes Support & Feedback Share noseyAF with friendsRate & Review the ShowBuy Pins & Prints | Shop Art Episode Credits Produced and hosted by me! Edited by Risha Brown Lyrics: Queen Lex Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam Cover Art and Branding: Emma McGoldrick

    52 min
  6. Freedom, Flexibility, and Filling the Gap: How Melquea Smith Built a Creative Life Through Children's Book Illustration

    JAN 20

    Freedom, Flexibility, and Filling the Gap: How Melquea Smith Built a Creative Life Through Children's Book Illustration

    Ep #101: Freedom, Flexibility, and Filling the Gap: How Melquea Smith Built a Creative Life Through Children's Book Illustration Summary In this episode, I sit down with Melquea Smith, a children's book illustrator, author, and world traveler who's redefining what it means to build a creative life on your own terms. Fresh off five weeks in Belgium (with cats and a chicken!), Melquea shares how losing her nonprofit job became the catalyst for going full-time as an illustrator, why representation in children's books matters deeply, and how she's scaling her art through Brown Sugar Graphics—a clip art membership celebrating Black and Brown kids in all their beautiful diversity. We get into the nitty-gritty of how picture books actually get made, what authors should look for when hiring an illustrator, and why visual storytelling is so much more than "just drawing." Plus, Melquea drops gems on building a sustainable creative business, navigating perfectionism, and finding alignment between your work, your values, and your joy. If you've ever wondered what goes into those gorgeous picture books, dreamed of going location-independent as a creative, or just need permission to imagine a different way of living—this one's for you. Chapters 00:19 - Introducing Melquea Smith: A Visionary in Children's Literature10:13 - Navigating Change: Embracing Freedom and Creativity20:00 - Transitioning to Children's Illustration35:06 - The Importance of Representation in Children's Literature56:41 - The Journey of Creating Diverse Clip Art01:02:01 - The Creative Journey of Brown Sugar Graphics What We Talk About How Melquea networked like a pro at the American Library Association Conference with custom postcards and a manuscript wish listLosing a job in the nonprofit world and choosing full-time illustration instead of going back to corporateLiving and working abroad: five weeks in Belgium, falling in love with the Netherlands, and becoming a global citizenThe actual process of illustrating a children's book—from thumbnails to color scripting to final artWhy illustrators aren't just "drawers"—they're visual storytellers, marketers, and business ownersThe severe lack of diverse, high-quality clip art featuring Black and Brown kidsHow Brown Sugar Graphics is filling that gap with joyful, authentic representations of kids with different skin tones, hair textures, body types, abilities, and moreWhat authors should know before hiring an illustrator (hint: it's not just about the art)The power of email lists, the exhaustion of social media, and showing up where it matters most Things We Mentioned American Library Association (ALA) Conference – A major event for librarians, publishers, and children's book creatorsManuscript Wish List (MSWL) – A tool agents, editors, and illustrators use to share what kinds of projects they're looking forRoom to Read – An organization fighting illiteracy globally; Melquea illustrated Two Homes in Omar's Heart for themThe Biggest Gift of All – Picture book illustrated by Melquea, written by Luda Goglushko, published by Cluedus PressThe Time Machine – Picture book illustrated by Melquea, written by Pauline David Sachs, published by Cardinal Rule PressDeviantArt – An early online platform for artists (nostalgic vibes for millennials!)Dream Machine Course by Chris Oatley – The course that helped Melquea choose her creative pathLiz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership – The inspiration behind Melquea's membership modelBrown Sugar Graphics – Melquea's clip art membership featuring diverse illustrations of Black and Brown kids ($9/month)IngramSpark – A self-publishing platform for authorsTeacher Pay Teachers – A marketplace for educational resourcesLittle Women Atlanta – Reality TV show Stephanie loves (and a great example of representation mattering!) All About Melquea Smith You're gonna love Melquea—she's a children's book illustrator, author, full-time creative, and certified world traveler who's all about Black and Brown joy, imagination, and possibility on the page. With over two decades of illustration experience and a background in nonprofit fundraising, she brings storytelling, strategy, and serious skill to every project. She's illustrated multiple picture books, co-founded a local cosplay group, rocks blue box braids and piercings with pride, and is currently plotting her move to the Netherlands. Basically, she's living proof that you can build a creative life that's aligned with your values, your body, and your joy. Connect with Melquea Smith Website: prettykittypaintings.com (click the pink "Surprise" button for 3 free illustrations!)Brown Sugar Graphics: Join the membership for $9/month and get weekly diverse clip art featuring Black and Brown kidsInstagram: Follow Melquea for behind-the-scenes illustration work, travel stories, and creative business insights Come to the Studio? 🪑✨ Good Stuff Only 💅🏾 Fresh art, messy ideas, tiny victories, wild inspirations, candid stories, fun secrets, and the occasional surprise—straight from my studio to your inbox. Join artists, curators, gallerists, and art lovers getting first looks at new work 1-2x a month. Good Stuff Only subscribers get: 👀 First Looks — New artwork, pins, films, and projects before anyone else 📖 Studio Stories — The messy, honest behind-the-scenes of making art IRL 🎉 Good Vibes Only — Candid updates and occasional treats 📅 What's Next — Exhibition invites, screenings, releases, and art happenings → Subscribe to Good Stuff Only More Ways to ConnectEmail: stephanie@missgraham.comCheck out my work: missgraham.comFollow me on Instagram: @stephaniegrahamListen to more episodes: noseyAF.com Support & FeedbackShare noseyAF with friendsa...

    1h 15m
  7. Chicago Artist Deirdre Fox on Turning Plastic Waste into Environmental Art & Visual Poetry

    JAN 13

    Chicago Artist Deirdre Fox on Turning Plastic Waste into Environmental Art & Visual Poetry

    This conversation was recorded live at Lumpen Radio in Chicago on Saturday, January 10, 2026. Ep # 100: Chicago Artist Deirdre Fox on Turning Plastic Waste into Environmental Art & Visual Poetry Summary of the episode Chicago-based artist Deirdre Fox joins noseyAF for a live, unedited conversation from 105.5 FM Lumpen Radio about art, plastic waste, and environmental consciousness. Deirdre’s practice transforms discarded consumer packaging into drawings, fiber works, and installations that challenge how we think about disposability, permanence, and material value. In this episode, host Stephanie Graham talks with Deirdre about her artistic journey, the idea of visual poetry, and how mindfulness—both in making and consuming—shapes her work. Together, they explore the tension between organic and synthetic materials, the limits of recycling, and the role artists play in addressing environmental responsibility through creative practice. This conversation invites listeners to slow down, look closer, and reconsider the materials that move through their everyday lives. What we talk aboutTransforming plastic consumer packaging into drawings, fiber works, and installationsVisual poetry and storytelling through materialMindfulness, consumption, and environmental responsibilityThe evolution of Deirdre’s artistic practice from representational to abstract workMaking art that lives in the tension between permanence and disposability Chapters: • 00:00 - Introduction to noseyAF • 02:30 - Deirdre's Artistic Journey with Plastic Waste • 15:20 - Reflecting on Pouch Cove • 29:36 - Finding One's Voice in Art • 42:56 - Balancing Time and Creativity • 52:13 - Exploring Artistic Processes and Sustainability • 58:43 - Exploring Artistic Collaborations All about… Deirdre FoxYou’re gonna love Deirdre they’re a Chicago-based artist turning everyday plastic waste into visually refined, quietly radical works of environmental reflection. Deirdre Fox crochets and weaves plastic consumer packaging into drawings, fiber pieces, and drawing installations. Her work functions as personal gestures of environmental consciousness, rooted in the understanding that plastics made for convenience—like single-use bags—last far longer than intended, and that recycling alone is not an adequate solution. Her practice questions systems of built-in obsolescence and accumulated waste, while creating visual poems that hold time, care, and material awareness. Deirdre has exhibited at FlexSpace Riverside Art Center, Hyde Park Art Center, Boundary Chicago, Evanston Art Center, the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, Koehnline Museum of Art Gallery, and the Swedish American Museum, among others. She has received multiple grants from the City of Chicago and the Illinois Arts Council and maintains her studio at Mana Contemporary Chicago. Sponsor Shoutout 💖This episode is brought to you by Artist Admin Hour Get your work done with structure, with company. Check out Artist Admin Hour at missgraham.com/artistadminhour Connect with Deirdre FoxInstagram: @deirdre_fox_artWebsite: http://www.artbydado.com/ Connect with Stephanie Check out my workFollow me on InstagramJoin the Good Stuff Only NewsletterListen to more episodes Support & Feedback Share noseyAF with friendsRate & Review the ShowBuy Pins & Prints | Shop Art Episode Credits Produced, Hosted, and Edited by Me, Stephanie (teaching myself audio editing!) Recorded Live at Lumpen Radio Lyrics: Queen Lex Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam Cover Art + Branding: Emma McGoldrick

    1h 2m
  8. The Rise of Women’s Sports, NIL Money, and the Power of the Everyday Athlete

    JAN 6

    The Rise of Women’s Sports, NIL Money, and the Power of the Everyday Athlete

    EP# 99 The Rise of Women’s Sports, NIL Money, and the Power of the Everyday Athlete with Angela Hollowell ✨ Episode Summary Women’s sports are having a moment — and it’s about time. In this episode of noseyAF, Stephanie Graham sits down with filmmaker, writer, and Melanin MVP founder Angela Hollowell to talk about the rise of women’s sports, the impact of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) money, and why the idea of the “everyday athlete” might change how we think about movement altogether. We get into how women athletes, especially women of color, are finally getting visibility, how branding and social media have reshaped college and pro sports, and why athleticism doesn’t have to look one specific way. From glam on the court to cycling for joy, this conversation explores how creativity, confidence, and culture show up in sports — and in life. If you’ve ever thought “sports aren’t really for me,” this episode might change your mind. 🗣️ What We Get Into Why women’s sports are finally getting real attentionHow NIL money changed the game for college athletesWhat an “everyday athlete” actually is — and why it mattersGlam, femininity, and breaking outdated ideas of athleticismThe pressure young athletes face in the age of social mediaFilmmaking, creativity, and finding balance without burning out ⏱️ Chapters 00:11 — Welcome & setting the scene00:35 — The rise of women’s sports + NIL money11:22 — How Melanin MVP came to be17:06 — Everyday athletes & redefining movement23:19 — Reality TV, Alabama, and cultural detours27:30 — Documentary filmmaking & creative process37:14 — Balance, focus, and doing less better46:03 — Sports relationships & team dynamics48:24 — Melanin MVP Awards brainstorm 👀55:54 — The yearbook idea & what’s next 🔗 Things We Mentioned Melanin MVP – Newsletter + podcast spotlighting women athletes of colorThe Melanin MVP Cross-Training Quiz (not for the weak, apparently 😭)NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) legislation 🌟 All About Angela Hollowell You’re gonna love Angela — she’s thoughtful, hilarious, deeply intentional, and casually changing how we think about sports and storytelling. Angela Hollowell is the founder of Rootful Media, a creative documentary film production company based in Durham, North Carolina. She’s also the host of the video podcasts Honey & Hustle and Melanin MVP. Her work centers Southern voices and explores the outdoors, health equity, environmental justice, and social impact — all through a thoughtful, culture-forward lens. Beyond filmmaking, Angela helps visual storytellers and creative entrepreneurs grow their audience and build meaningful creative businesses. When she’s not working, you can find her outside, on a bike, or enjoying a fruity beer or margarita with friends 🍹. 🔌 Connect with Angela Instagram: @honeyhustlepodWebsite: https://www.angelahollowell.com/Newsletter / Podcast: Melanin MVP 👋🏾 Connect with Stephanie ✨ Check out my work📸 Follow me on Instagram💌 Join the Good Stuff Only Newsletter🎧 Listen to more episodes 🫶🏾 Support the Show Share nosey AF with a friendRate & Review the ShowBuy Pins & Prints | Shop Art 🎬 Episode Credits Produced, hosted, by me, Stephanie Lyrics: Queen Lex Episode Edited by: Risha Brown Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam

    59 min
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Want to hear how real artists actually make it work? noseyAF is the show where we skip the glossy bios and get into the messy, creative, human parts of building a life in the arts. I’m Stephanie Graham, an artist, filmmaker, and professionally nosy person, and every episode I talk with working artists, filmmakers, organizers, and culture-shifters about what’s really behind their projects: the decisions, the doubts, the money stuff, the pivots, and the “how do you keep going?” moments. No hustle propaganda. No gatekeeping. No pretending it’s easy. Just honest, energizing conversations that fuel your creative life and remind you you’re not alone. If you’re an artist, curator, cultural worker, or just someone who loves peeking behind the curtain, noseyAF gives you real talk, practical ideas, and the creative spark you didn’t know you needed.

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