Keipeki Sessions

Keipeki

Keipeki Sessions is rooted in the art of storytelling and believes stories are essential connectors to the human experience. Nicole, the host of Keipeki Sessions, leads interesting and inspired conversations through the world of storytelling for the reader, the author and the listener. There is an art to this, and Keipeki is interested in sharing that art in a space for all who wish to engage, especially underrepresented voices. Keipeki wants to emphasize the importance of unique and authentic voices in storytelling.

Episodes

  1. 4d ago ·  Video

    Keipeki Sessions - Black Music Month Tribute Ep. 3

    Visit Us Exploring the literary architecture of rap music. where rhythm, repetition, memory, and resistance become storytelling. Bars as poems. Hooks as refrains. The culture as the canon. We Gon’ Be Alright: Bars, Blues and the Line Exploring the literary architecture of rap music. where rhythm, repetition, memory, and resistance become storytelling. Bars as poems. Hooks as refrains. The culture as the canon. Chatmosa Session - Keipeki Sessions - Black Music Month Tribute Ep. 3 In the latest episode of the Keipeki Sessions, titled “Black Music Month Tribute Ep. 3,” the hosts engage in a profound exploration of the intersection between song lyrics and poetry, highlighting Kendrick Lamar’s iconic track "Alright." This session invites listeners to consider how such lyrics function as literature, sparking a conversation that traverses historical and artistic boundaries. Opening with a striking declaration from the song, “We com b, alright. We com b, alright,” the hosts set the stage for a nuanced examination of repetition in poetry, framing it as a device laden with meaning. As one of the hosts notes, “the words don’t change, but the line changes because everything around the line has changed.” This assertion encourages the audience to delve deeper into how the contextual evolution of a repeated phrase, such as “alright,” transforms its significance throughout the song. The discussion navigates the song's architecture, drawing parallels not only to poetry but also to the broader literary tradition. Kendrick's refrain serves not only as a lyrical hook but as a profound statement of resilience—its meaning morphing with each repetition. The first instance resonates with gallows humor amidst grief; the second wrestles with self-doubt; and the third conveys irony in the face of success’s hollow promises. In this context, the repetition becomes “the spine that the verses hang off of,” showcasing how form and content intertwine to amplify meaning. Reflecting on the lineage of spoken word and its roots in African American poetry, the hosts reference luminaries such as Langston Hughes and Amiri Baraka. They underscore Hughes’s contention that the blues—a vernacular of the black experience—can bear the full weight of literary significance. As they articulate, “the craft is actually the politics,” a principle that holds true from the Harlem Renaissance to contemporary hip-hop. Listeners are invited to ponder why poetry transitioned from the written page to the microphone, with the hosts asserting that the accessibility of performance allowed black voices to resonate more fully within their communities. “The mic was closer to where the tradition had started,” one host emphasizes, outlining a journey from the confines of the literary establishment to the vibrancy of communal expression. A significant pivot in the conversation arises when discussing the impact of Lamar’s work beyond the studio, particularly amid social movements like Black Lives Matter. The hosts pose a thought-provoking question: “When does the song stop being the song and become text that belongs to everyone?” As chants of “we gon' be alright” echo in protests, they express the idea that such lines transcend their original authorship, illustrat Click to https://chatmosa.com/live/summary/LMN4889SODMLCA46YIQ7CEID14931 to learn more about this episode and see the visuals being shared on the jumbotron.

  2. Jun 22 ·  Video

    Keipeki Sessions - Black Music Month Tribute Ep. 2

    Visit Us We’re back with another thought-provoking episode of the Keipeki Sessions in celebration of Black Music Month! In this installment, we dive deep into the iconic track "The Message" by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. Key insights from this session illuminate the essence of storytelling in music. The message in “The Message” We’re back with another thought-provoking episode of the Keipeki Sessions in celebration of Black Music Month! In this installment, we dive deep into the iconic track "The Message" by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. Key insights from this session illuminate the essence of storytelling in music. Chatmosa Session - Keipeki Sessions - Black Music Month Tribute Ep. 2In the second installment of the Keipeki Sessions' Black Music Month tribute, host Nicole takes an in-depth look at the monumental track "The Message" by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. Centering the conversation around the raw and visceral storytelling of the 1982 classic, Nicole invites listeners to consider how the song operates not just as a musical piece, but as a narrative filled with life and stark realism. The session's depth reveals how hip-hop serves as a genre of witness literature, confronting real societal issues in under three minutes—a feat that traditional written works take hours to convey.Nicole opens the discussion with evocative spoken lines from the track that paint an unvarnished picture of urban life. “Broken glass everywhere,” she recites, immediately immersing the listener in the neon-lit underbelly of the Bronx. Nicole emphasizes that this is more than a song; it is a document that challenges listeners to engage deeply with the conditions it depicts. “What happens when you read the message? What do you see that you don’t hear?” she asks, inviting reflection on the importance of specificity in storytelling—a hallmark of both hip-hop and realist literature.Throughout the session, one of Nicole's poignant observations is the portrayal of the environment as a living, breathing character in the narrative. She argues, “The setting isn’t static... rats described almost like a stalking giant.” By blending vivid lyrical imagery with a critique of social realism, she skillfully pulls listeners into a world that is both familiar and foreign. The overarching theme of movement—both literal and figurative—pervades the discussion as Nicole skillfully transitions between the external conditions and the internal psychological impacts on the narrator.An essential thread of the conversation revolves around the idea that while the physical landscape of the Bronx has changed significantly since the song's release—thanks to gentrification—the systemic issues of poverty and marginalization remain startlingly relevant. Nicole points out, “The architecture is the same building, just different paint on the same foundation,” highlighting how the struggles documented in "The Message" resonate with contemporary issues.A particularly significant moment arises when discussing the artistic reluctance in the creation of "The Message." Nicole reveals that Melly Mel and his crew initially hesitated to record the track, deeming the subject matter too grim for entertainment. This sense of discomfort around truth-telling leads to an exploration of the balance between documentary realism and exploitation. “When does social realism become exploit Click to https://chatmosa.com/live/summary/0BPTJDDFYLNKM5R9KW4WCEID14918 to learn more about this episode and see the visuals being shared on the jumbotron.

  3. Jun 14 ·  Video

    Keipeki Sessions - Black Music Month Tribute Ep. 1

    Visit Us Sam Cooke's "A Change  Gonna Come" became the anthem of the Civil Rights Movement. In this discussion we pay tribute to Sam and the literary genius behind a song that reads like a freedom memoir personal, painful, and full of a hope that refuses to die. Keipeki Publishing pays tribute to Black Music Month with this series of songs and literature. Sam Cooke's "A Change  Gonna Come" became the anthem of the Civil Rights Movement. In this discussion we pay tribute to Sam and the literary genius behind a song that reads like a freedom memoir personal, painful, and full of a hope that refuses to die. Chatmosa Session - Keipeki Sessions - Black Music Month Tribute Ep. 1 In the inaugural episode of the "Keipeki Sessions' Black Music Month Tribute," host Nicole ushers in an insightful exploration of music's literary qualities, with a focus on how Black music serves as the heartbeat of American culture. As June marks both Pride Month and Black Music Month, Nicole expresses her passion for uncovering narratives woven into song lyrics, emphasizing that "Black music is the pillar of American music." This episode takes a deep dive into Sam Cooke's iconic anthem, "A Change Is Gonna Come," a poignant reflection of the civil rights movement. Nicole's approach is akin to a close reading in a literature class; she methodically dissects the song's verses and refrains, unpacking their weighty meanings. She argues that Cooke's reference to being "born by the river" is more than a geographical detail; it's a statement about identity, revealing the realities of life on the margins of American society. Notable moments from the session include Nicole's commentary on the refrain, "It's been a long time coming, but I know a change is gonna come." She highlights the evolution of the phrase with each recurrence, illustrating how it conveys not triumph but a weary patience—an endurance shaped by collective suffering. "Hope itself has become a practice, a discipline, an almost a burden," she reflects, encouraging listeners to consider how this refrain resonates differently as it accumulates meaning throughout the song. Nicole beautifully draws connections between Cooke's work and the broader tradition of Black American literature, invoking figures like Frederick Douglass and James Baldwin. She elegantly asserts that Cooke's articulation of personal experience resonates universally, making it a powerful political statement at a time when storytelling was a means of asserting visibility and identity. Throughout the discussion, the interplay between personal narrative and collective experience is underscored. Nicole challenges the audience to reflect on the relationship between singular and communal stories. She poses provocative questions about contemporary artistic expression amidst the current climate of hyperspecificity and identity politics, asking, "Is there still room for this kind of art?" In a related challenge, she invites listeners to immerse themselves in Cooke's song and identify a line they believe could spark an entire narrative. Nicole encourages this engagement to foster a dialogue triumphing the artisti Click to https://chatmosa.com/live/summary/W3VJU3B4DS86Y4OIAWAKCEID14878 to learn more about this episode and see the visuals being shared on the jumbotron.

  4. Jun 2 ·  Video

    Why we don't tell our own stories until...

    This session explores why we tend to tell our own stories only when crisis forces our hand. Inspired by an unexpected exchange at a graduation party that turned into something far more personal, this episode sits with a simple but loaded question: why do we wait?  This session explores why we tend to tell our own stories only when crisis forces our hand. Inspired by an unexpected exchange at a graduation party that turned into something far more personal, this episode sits with a simple but loaded question: why do we wait?  Chatmosa Session - Why We Don't Tell Our Own Stories Until We're in CrisisIn the latest Chatmosa session, host Nicole dives deep into a compelling exploration of our storytelling habits, particularly why we often reserve personal narratives for moments of crisis. This reflective conversation emerges from Nicole's own experience at a graduation party where an innocuous question led her to share a poignant snippet of her life story an account about meeting her brother later in life, a tale seldom spoken yet profoundly impactful.Nicole opens the session by acknowledging the busy month that preceded it, filled with travel and significant life events. This backdrop of reflection laid the groundwork for her core question: why do we withhold our personal stories until they’re laced with crisis? She highlights the prevalent themes in our storytelling, noting, “Crisis gives us permission when something has broken open... when we stop asking ourselves whether the story is worth telling."Throughout the conversation, Nicole identifies the narrative lanes we typically gravitate towards crisis, work, and family. Each of these areas seems to provide a socially acceptable context for sharing; “The quiet doesn't often make it into the story,” she observes, emphasizing how mundane experiences are frequently left untold. This selective storytelling raises a critical point: what intrinsic value do our everyday experiences hold compared to the climactic tales of struggle and survival?Key takeaways from the session focus on the permission we give ourselves to share our stories. Crisis narratives become a vessel for connection because they necessitate a witness to hold the weight of our experiences. “What happened to the everyday story?” Nicole challenges listeners, urging them to consider the untold yet transformative moments that quietly shape our perspectives. She laments the societal tendency to seek resolution before sharing, arguing that “the ongoing, unresolved, still unfolding story, we hold that one back.”Nicole passionately advocates for shifting this narrative, inviting her audience to explore those everyday stories relationships that shifted their worldviews, childhood memories without neat conclusions, or simply what a current season of life feels like beyond superficial exchanges. “What would you tell if it didn’t need a reason?” becomes a central question, encouraging self-reflection and deeper connection.Reflecting on her own breakthrough moment at the graduation party, she shares, “I’m learning to trust that impulse to let the story be out there before everything.” This openness frames vulnerability as a component of authentic storytelling, suggesting that sharing doesn’t have to wait for clarity or resolution.The session concludes with Nicole extending an invitation to her listeners to reflect on the stories they’ve yet to tell. She emphasizes that all forms of storytelling be it through a voice memo, journal en Click to https://chatmosa.com/live/summary/QJY16AA91C4Q6NB4PC2ICEID14835 to learn more about this episode and see the visuals being shared on the jumbotron.

  5. May 9 ·  Video

    Why This Story? The Plaza and the Panopticon

    Read Here Maisha is discussing her essay "The Plaza and the Panopticon", where she discusses her very personal journey of motherhood, the lure and failure of social media, and how very tiresome it all can be. Why This Story - The Plaza and the Panopticon Maisha is discussing her essay "The Plaza and the Panopticon", where she discusses her very personal journey of motherhood, the lure and failure of social media, and how very tiresome it all can be. Chatmosa Session - Why This Story? The Plaza and the PanopticonIn our latest Chatmosa Session titled "Why This Story? The Plaza and the Panopticon," host Nicole engages in a compelling conversation with Maisha Cole Perri the writer behind the thought-provoking essay, "The Plaza and the Panopticon." Their discussion weaves through the nuances of motherhood, societal expectations, and the pervasive influence of social media, all framed by Maisha's evocative metaphorical explorations of her life experiences.The session begins with a warm welcome to Maisha, who expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share her work. Nicole describes the essay as a refreshing and raw examination of the intersections between personal and societal narratives. “It is very honest, very raw, very open and very vulnerable,” she states, setting the tone for an engaging dialogue.Key to the conversation is Maisha's compelling analogy between the architecture of her home, the surveillance of social media, and the pervasive oversight reminiscent of a Panopticon a term initially coined by philosopher Jeremy Bentham. As Maisha explains, "The community we moved into was not your traditional suburb... being right next to a mental institution brought a layer of history that colored my experience." This architectural critique serves to illuminate her sense of entrapment and scrutiny in both her domestic life and the digital realm, providing fertile ground for her reflections on motherhood and existence in today's world.Throughout the discussion, Maisha's candidness about her experiences resonates deeply. When Nicole asks her about the intended audience of her essay, Maisha replies, “I would say all of the above... if I'm not honest, then what am I doing?” This commitment to authenticity fuels her narrative and invites readers—especially new mothers grappling with the complexities of raising children amidst societal pressures—to find solidarity and understanding in her choices and struggles.A poignant moment arises as Maisha reflects on the challenges of postpartum depression. "I was in survival mode," she acknowledges, revealing the internal conflicts that many new mothers face. As the conversation progresses, Nicole and Maisha discuss the ways social media, particularly platforms like TikTok, can both connect and isolate individuals. Maisha explains how these online spaces can become a source of validation, saying, “I recognize the slippery slope... I was looking for acceptance that I didn't know I was missing in real life.”One of the most powerful takeaways from the session is Maisha's realization that self-forgiveness and community support are crucial in navigating the tumultuous journey of motherhood. She emphasizes, “None of us are meant to be as isolated as capitalism makes us,” shedding light on the systemic isolation many people experience and the need for Click to https://chatmosa.com/live/summary/AEPYGSP1IYO850XAFYA6CEID14739 to learn more about this episode and see the visuals being shared on the jumbotron.

  6. May 6 ·  Video

    Why This Story?

    Read Here Many people mistake usefulness for love. The real villain is not other people, it is the belief that you must shrink to belong. Spiritual awakening often begins with disgust, exhaustion, and betrayal. Boundaries can feel like violence to people who benefited from your lack of them. Power is not becoming someone new, it is understanding who you are at your core and embracing it. These are the themes found in Naomi's Reclamation. Why This Story? Many people mistake usefulness for love. The real villain is not other people, it is the belief that you must shrink to belong. Spiritual awakening often begins with disgust, exhaustion, and betrayal. Boundaries can feel like violence to people who benefited from your lack of them. Power is not becoming someone new, it is understanding who you are at your core and embracing it. These are the themes found in Naomi's Reclamation. Chatmosa Session - Why This Story? In our latest Chatmosa session, host Nicole dives deep into the genesis of her own narrative, "Naomi's Reclamation," as part of her new series, "Why This Story?" With an engaging blend of personal insight and thematic exploration, Nicole invites listeners to reflect on the intricacies of storytelling, the nuances of identity, and the reclamation of self-worth. The conversation begins with Nicole setting the stage for her audience: “I hope you enjoy the ride and enjoy listening to my inspiration.” She aims to reveal the layers behind her work while maintaining an air of intrigue, ensuring that listeners will feel compelled to experience the story for themselves. At its core, "Naomi's Reclamation" masquerades as a fantasy yet delves into the deeply personal and painful reality of a woman negotiating her self-worth. Nicole boldly states, "it's about what happens when a woman overlooks her own value," challenging the audience to consider the often-overlooked dynamics of self-perception and the societal expectations placed upon women. Through her protagonist, Naomi, Nicole crafts a character who embodies strength and capability—yet struggles with the impulse to be needed rather than loved for her authentic self. Key moments from the session underscore the themes of over-functioning and emotional labor. “Her problem isn’t lack. Her problem is that all those gifts... are pointed outward into the world,” Nicole explains. This poignant observation sheds light on the societal pressures many women face, where their value is tied to their utility rather than their essence. Naomi's journey represents a universal struggle—a reminder that many find themselves in relationships where their identities are shaped by others' needs. The interplay between Naomi's friends serves as a vehicle for broader commentary on interpersonal dynamics. Nicole urges listeners to consider introspection: “Do they truly see you, or do they choose not to see you?” Here, Nicole highlights the often-painful reality of being perceived only through the lens of what one can offer, inviting her audience to explore their own relationships and the hidden costs of emotional investment. As she unfo Click to https://chatmosa.com/live/summary/R87TZIAN5K136TVHMLQTCEID14733 to learn more about this episode and see the visuals being shared on the jumbotron.

  7. May 5 ·  Video

    Keipeki Sessions - The Intro

    Visit Us Keipeki is a boutique publishing house dedicated to stories that enhance the human experience. We celebrate bold writers, diverse voices, and the power of storytelling. Introduction to Keipeki Digital Publishing - Where Stories Come Alive Keipeki is a boutique publishing house dedicated to stories that enhance the human experience. We celebrate bold writers, diverse voices, and the power of storytelling. Chatmosa Session - Keipeki Sessions - The Intro In our inaugural session of the Keipeki Sessions, host Nicole welcomes listeners to a passionate exploration of storytelling through the lens of her digital publishing venture, Keipeki. Right from the start, she establishes a warm and engaging atmosphere, acknowledging the irony of yet another podcast while enthusiastically sharing her mission: to champion underrepresented storytellers and celebrate the unique voices that deserve to be heard. Nicole introduces Keipeki, a term derived from Swahili meaning "unique" or "one of a kind," which perfectly encapsulates the essence of the platform. As she articulates, "stories are unique—they are unique to the person telling them and to the person receiving them." This foundational belief forms the backbone of Keipeki's endeavor to create a space for stories that might otherwise go overlooked in traditional publishing's often exclusive landscape. Throughout the conversation, Nicole likens the traditional publishing scene to high school cliques, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and originality: "There is room for originality and for truth and for voice." She acknowledges the challenges both writers and readers face in a market saturated with content, particularly as the rise of self-publishing sometimes leads to brilliant voices being drowned out. By positioning Keipeki as a bridge between traditional and self-publishing, Nicole aims to address this gap, offering a platform that values authentic storytelling and fosters connections between emerging writers and discerning readers. Key takeaways from the session include Nicole’s commitment to digital publishing, which she believes is where the audience currently resides. This approach not only allows for a broader reach but also provides writers with the flexibility to craft meaningful narratives without the constraints often present in traditional publishing. "We want you to have emotion and discovery and movement," she emphasizes, highlighting Keipeki's aim of creating intentional experiences for readers. The session offers actionable insights, particularly for aspiring writers unsure of their path. Nicole encourages them to embrace their unique stories and voices, assuring them that in Keipeki, they will find a supportive environment that values originality and depth. She reassures potential readers, stating, "If you love originality, you belong here," inviting them to embark on this exciting journey of discovery together. As the session wraps up, Nicole expresses gratitude for the audience's time and invites them to join her on this remarkable journey with Keipeki, declaring, "We’re just getting started." This spirited introduction casts a vibrant light on the potential of storytelling and Click to https://chatmosa.com/live/summary/HC2BBB5BHFU4S3IDA9UYCEID14729 to learn more about this episode and see the visuals being shared on the jumbotron.

  8. Apr 30 ·  Video

    The Workbooks

    Visit Us Writing tools that help you get through rewrites, and assist with foundational issues and structure. Writing tools that help you get through rewrites, and assist with foundational issues and structure. # Keipeki Session - The WorkbooksIn the latest installment of the Keipeki Sessions, host Nicole dives deep into the essential tools crafted for writers navigating the complex world of storytelling. Drawing from over 25 years of experience in the television and publishing industries, Nicole shares her insights on the author-reader relationship and the creative process, while unveiling a set of workbooks designed to help writers overcome common obstacles.Nicole opens by reflecting on her extensive background, mentioning, "I've spent my career around story and story development," ensuring listeners understand the depth of expertise behind these resources. The crux of this session rests on a common struggle: the feeling of being *stuck* during the writing process. Nicole emphasizes that this feeling often stems from a lack of clarity, rather than motivation, which many writers mistakenly believe is their primary challenge.She identifies several points where writers frequently encounter roadblocks: forcing a story in the wrong direction, avoiding difficult character decisions, and becoming overwhelmed by real-life responsibilities. Perhaps most poignantly, she notes, "We writers like to compare ourselves... and that comparison can truly become the thief of joy." This recognition of shared struggles offers a sense of camaraderie among listeners, reminding them that they are not alone in their creative endeavors.### Key Takeaways and Workbook FeaturesThroughout the session, Nicole introduces several workbooks that aim to address these challenges, emphasizing their practicality and user-friendliness:1. Screen Viability Worksheet: A free download for writers doubting if their story could translate to film or television. It prompts critical considerations about scene strength, conflict, and emotional engagement, helping grasp whether their narratives stand a chance in Hollywood.2. Story Concept Stress Test: This resource, also free, helps writers evaluate their story's foundation. Nicole stresses the importance of a strong concept, saying, "Not every great idea is meant to be a novel," hinting at the possibility of shorter formats being more appropriate for certain stories.3. Three-Act Structural Clarity Guide: Nicole highlights that most structural problems in writing aren’t hidden but rather stem from misplaced beats. This 20-page diagnostic tool provides a scoring system to direct revision energies efficiently.4. Story Diagnostic System: A comprehensive guide for those who have finished a manuscript but are facing rejections. By breaking down elements like pacing and character motivation, it offers solutions to persistent issues, as Nicole shares her personal experience using this diagnostic herself.5. Logline and Pitch Packet: Aimed at assisting writers who are prepared to query or pitch their work, this packet helps refine stories into succinct loglines, vital for clarity and engagement with potential agents or publishers.Nicole invites writers to engage with these tools according to their specific needs, summarizing, “If something feels wrong, but you can’t name it, then do the deep dive into the Story Diagnostic System.” She encourages listeners Click to https://chatmosa.com/live/summary/IN8ZCZ9TFS0G89M3SAONCEID14714 to learn more about this episode and see the visuals being shared on the jumbotron.

About

Keipeki Sessions is rooted in the art of storytelling and believes stories are essential connectors to the human experience. Nicole, the host of Keipeki Sessions, leads interesting and inspired conversations through the world of storytelling for the reader, the author and the listener. There is an art to this, and Keipeki is interested in sharing that art in a space for all who wish to engage, especially underrepresented voices. Keipeki wants to emphasize the importance of unique and authentic voices in storytelling.