KeyBARD

Thembi Duncan
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to the KeyBARD Podcast, hosted by Artist/Educator Thembi Duncan.In each episode, Thembi sits down with trailblazers, visionaries, and innovators who are shaping the landscape of our world. From distinguished educators to acclaimed artists and tech pioneers, KeyBARD offers a platform for thought-provoking conversations that transcend boundaries and spark new ideas.Whether you're passionate about the arts, intrigued by technology, or committed to advancing education, KeyBARD has something for everyone.Subscribe to stay up to date!Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

  1. 4d ago

    Scot Reese on Directing, Teaching, and Acting

    Send us Fan Mail Emmy Award-winning actor, director, educator, and mentor Scot Reese joins me for a conversation about his early career, television vs. theatre work, his creative process, teaching, leadership, racial battle fatigue, and more. Questions on the Table: What is your first memory of theatre, and what did it awaken in you?What led you from pursuing a career as an actor to becoming a director and educator?How has your creative process evolved from finishing your MFA at Northwestern to now?As generational distance grows between young actors and the historical work they're asked to interpret, how do you bridge that gap in the rehearsal room?What is Racial Battle Fatigue, and how has it shown up in your life?After 30 years of teaching and leading at the University of Maryland, what do you want students and former colleagues to remember about you and your work?What propelled you toward Black Theatre and Musical Theatre as areas of focus?How has the Black Theatre and Dance Symposium impacted the DMV theatre community?Myth or hard truth? Starving artist  American theatre  Racial Battle Fatigue  Mentorship  Auditions  Equity Now that you're retired, will you prioritize rest or find yourself getting pulled into more projects?Scot is notoriously off-grid, so there are no socials to share. Enjoy the interview! KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers. Theme music by Sycho Sid. Listen and Connect: Spotify: Follow, Rate, and ShareApple Podcasts: Subscribe, Review, and RateInstagram: @Keybard_IGFacebook: The KeyBARD Podcast

  2. Feb 15

    Honoring Black Music in American Theatre with Lee Summers

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of KeyBARD, Thembi sits down with Broadway veteran, writer, composer, director, and educator Lee Summers for a powerful conversation about artistry, legacy, Black music, and intellectual property. Lee made his Broadway debut in the original Broadway production of Dreamgirls, where he began studying what he calls “actor-proof” storytelling, which he describes as work that withstands changing casts and changing times. That early experience shaped a decades-long career spanning performance, writing, directing, and teaching. His work highlights many genres of Black music, through his off-Broadway musical From My Hometown (now licensed across the U.S. and Canada -- bring it to your town!) to his funk-driven Broadway-bound project The Funkentine Rapture, to his tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, and so many more exciting projects. He is also the creator of the album Soulriginals, a celebration of classic soul that reflects the musical DNA woven throughout his theatrical work. Learn more about Lee Summers and his work at his websiteTake a look at The Funkentine Rapture Check out his album SoulriginalsFollow Lee Summers on InstagramKeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers. Theme music by Sycho Sid. Listen and Connect: Spotify: Follow, Rate, and ShareApple Podcasts: Subscribe, Review, and RateInstagram: @Keybard_IGFacebook: The KeyBARD Podcast

  3. Jan 20

    Protecting Intellectual Property with Dan Miller, The Copyright Detective

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Thembi sits down with Dr. Dan Miller, The Copyright Detective, for a timely and practical conversation about copyright, authorship, and the quickly emerging relevance of artificial intelligence. As AI tools become part of everyday creative workflows, Dr. Miller helps break down what creatives need to know to protect their work. Dr. Miller explains what “copyrightability” actually means, the difference between AI-generated and AI-assisted content, why “fair use” is often misunderstood, and one important action that creators should take within 90 days of completing an artistic work. Dan Miller, PhD is known as The Copyright Detective. With a background in higher education and years of experience working with authors, publishers, and creatives, Dan helps demystify copyright law and intellectual property, particularly as it intersects with emerging technology and AI. He is a frequent speaker, educator, and advocate for creators learning how to protect and enforce their rights in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Resources & Links The Copyright Detective: copyrightdetective.comU.S. Copyright OfficeThe Authors GuildPlagiarism Today KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers. Theme music by Sycho Sid. Listen and Connect: Spotify: Follow, Rate, and ShareApple Podcasts: Subscribe, Review, and RateInstagram: @Keybard_IGFacebook: The KeyBARD Podcast

  4. Jan 15

    Multidisciplinary Performance and Hip-Hop Culture with Paige Hernandez

    Send us Fan Mail This episode’s conversation is with Paige Hernandez, a critically acclaimed and award-winning  multidisciplinary creative whose work is rooted in inclusion, multicultural identities, youth development, and hip-hop culture.  She’s a performer, director, choreographer, playwright, leader in the performing arts community, and just an all-out dope person! Paige has traveled the world using performance as a tool of community-building, education, self-awareness, and joy for many different cultures. In our conversation we talked about her artistic process, what it’s like to perform with her family members, how her identity informs her work, and what it means to be one of the most produced artists for Theatre for Young Audiences in the United States. Learn more at Paige's Website Purchase B-FLY Entertainment Gear Connect with Paige on Facebook and Instagram KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers. Theme music by Sycho Sid. Listen and Connect: Spotify: Follow, Rate, and ShareApple Podcasts: Subscribe, Review, and RateInstagram: @Keybard_IGFacebook: The KeyBARD Podcast

  5. 10/31/2025

    Rising Above Imposter Syndrome with Dr. Albert Bramante

    Send us Fan Mail Dr. Albert Bramante is a New York-based talent agent, psychology professor, certified hypnotist, and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) practitioner whose new book, Rise Above the Script, challenges actors to overcome imposter syndrome and self-sabotage. Connect with Dr. Bramante: Albert Bramante's Instagram Albert Bramante's Linked InPurchase Rise Above the ScriptMentioned: Grit by Angela Duckworth KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers. Theme music by Sycho Sid. Listen and Connect: Spotify: Follow, Rate, and ShareApple Podcasts: Subscribe, Review, and RateInstagram: @Keybard_IGFacebook: The KeyBARD Podcast

  6. 10/18/2025

    Beyond Soccer: Mentoring Scholars and Leaders with JT Dorsey

    Send us Fan Mail Host Thembi Duncan speaks with JT Dorsey, former professional soccer player and founder of the JT Dorsey Foundation, about how the game of soccer has become a powerful tool for guiding young people toward greatness. Coach-Mentor JT shares how an elementary school teacher first introduced him to the sport, and how that moment evolved into a lifelong commitment to youth development.  He reflects on lessons in discipline, fatherhood, and consistency, and how the Foundation’s programs create lasting change by helping young people grow in academics, character, and community engagement. Learn more about the JT Dorsey Foundation here: https://www.jtdorsey.org/ KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers. Theme music by Sycho Sid. Listen and Connect: Spotify: Follow, Rate, and ShareApple Podcasts: Subscribe, Review, and RateInstagram: @Keybard_IGFacebook: The KeyBARD Podcast

  7. 10/06/2025

    Coaching Leaders in the Age of AI with Dr. Julie Donley

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Thembi sits down with Dr. Julie Donley, a leadership coach, award-winning author, and behavioral health expert with nearly three decades of experience helping people lead with empathy and purpose. Dr. Donley shares insights from her latest book and opens up about how leaders can balance empathy with accountability, manage emotional labor, and navigate the rise of AI in the workplace without losing the human touch. Dr. Donley's Books Leading at the Speed of People: Strategies for Success in a Fast-Paced World Does Change Have to be so H.A.R.D.? Eight Strategies for Making Change Easier The Journey called YOU: A Roadmap to Self-Discovery and Acceptance Get in touch with Dr. Donley Dr. Donley's Linked In Profile Dr. Donley's Website Dr. Donley's YouTube Channel  Online Course: Leading at the Speed of People KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers. Theme music by Sycho Sid. Listen and Connect: Spotify: Follow, Rate, and ShareApple Podcasts: Subscribe, Review, and RateInstagram: @Keybard_IGFacebook: The KeyBARD Podcast

  8. 09/24/2025

    Faith, Music, and Authenticity with Karen Saxon

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of KeyBARD, Thembi sits down with Karen Saxon, music educator, performer, and co-founder of Ansari Saxon Productions.  Karen shares: Why she “tripped into” teaching and what keeps her in the classroom.The biggest lesson she’s learned from her students after over 25 years of teaching.What authenticity means in her work and in her life.The role of representation in her journey, from seeing Kathleen Battle on stage to co-founding a Black woman–owned production company.What freedom means to her......and so much more! Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768 KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers. Theme music by Sycho Sid. Listen and Connect: Spotify: Follow, Rate, and ShareApple Podcasts: Subscribe, Review, and RateInstagram: @Keybard_IGFacebook: The KeyBARD Podcast

See All (47)

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Welcome to the KeyBARD Podcast, hosted by Artist/Educator Thembi Duncan.In each episode, Thembi sits down with trailblazers, visionaries, and innovators who are shaping the landscape of our world. From distinguished educators to acclaimed artists and tech pioneers, KeyBARD offers a platform for thought-provoking conversations that transcend boundaries and spark new ideas.Whether you're passionate about the arts, intrigued by technology, or committed to advancing education, KeyBARD has something for everyone.Subscribe to stay up to date!Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

Information

  • Creator
    Thembi Duncan
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 KeyBARD
  • Show Website
    KeyBARD