Talking Tech With Creatives

Stella Oni

Talking Tech with Creatives is the biweekly podcast exploring how technology is transforming the creative industries — from publishing and fashion to filmmaking, music, design, and entrepreneurship. Hosted by UK-based author and tech advocate Stella Oni, each episode features inspiring conversations with creatives, founders, innovators, and cultural leaders using digital tools to disrupt industries and tell powerful stories. We cover topics like:  • How artists and writers are using AI and digital tools  • Innovation in storytelling and immersive experiences  • Publishing tech, NFTs, and the business of creativity  • Building sustainable creative careers in a digital world Whether you’re a writer, designer, entrepreneur, or just tech-curious — you’ll find practical insights and bold ideas to future-proof your creative work. Subscribe and tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and YouTube.

  1. 12/12/2025

    Black Writing, Bold Futures: Dr Kadija Sesay on Activism, Archives, and Technology

    Dr Kadija George Sesay has spent decades championing Black writers, preserving overlooked stories, and building Pan-African literary networks that stretch across continents. In this rich conversation, I sit down with her to explore what it really means to decolonise the bookshelf and ensure that our stories are not only published, but preserved for future generations. Kadija speaks about founding Sable LitMag, curating festivals such as the International Black Speculative Writing Festival, and her extensive work with radical independent presses. She explains how Pan-Africanism operates in practice, why independent publishing and ownership are crucial, and how collective memory and community gatherings help us keep our histories alive. We also discuss how technology, online platforms, and now AI can support preservation and access without losing the heart of the work. Kadija shares her excitement about her upcoming Fulbright journey to the United States, her ongoing research into Black publishers and Pan-Africanism, and what she hopes future readers and scholars will discover about the Black writing emerging today. If you care about literature, archives, cultural memory, or how our stories survive in a rapidly changing world, this episode offers a powerful and generous masterclass.   If you enjoyed the episode, consider sharing it with someone who loves books, archives, or Black history.   Connect with Kadija LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kadija-sesay-00323b4/ Interview on Africa in Words: https://africainwords.com/2022/03/23/qa-scholar-activist-kadija-sesay-on-afripoetree/ Review of the International Black Speculative Writing Festival (Vector Magazine): https://vector-bsfa.com/2024/02/27/review-of-the-international-black-speculative-writing-festival-2024/   Connect with me About me: https://stellaonithewriter.com/about/ Podcast website: https://talkingtechwithcreatives.com/episodes Substack: https://stellaoni.substack.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TalkingTechWithCreatives LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stella-oni-065788140/ Thank you for reading and listening. I hope this episode leaves you thinking about your own role in preserving stories, and the ways you can share what you know with the people coming after you.  ISSN 2978-8307

    1 min

  2. 11/19/2025

    From Lion King to Iwaju: Hamid Ibrahim of Kugali Media on Building African Worlds That Travel - ep 28

    In this episode, I speak with Hamid Ibrahim, creator and production designer of Iwaju, the groundbreaking Afro-futuristic series produced in collaboration between Kugali Media and Disney. We dive into his journey from portrait artist, to Hollywood VFX work on films such as The Lion King, Dumbo and Doctor Dolittle, to building one of the most important African creative IP houses of our time. Hamid shares the origins of Iwaju, how a BBC interview unexpectedly led Disney to their door, and what it took to build a futuristic Lagos that resonated globally. We talk about African IP, ownership, investment, the realities of raising funds as an African founder, and why authentic stories still matter in an age increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. If you care about African storytelling, animation, technology, creativity or the future of global IP, this conversation offers valuable insight. Highlights: • How Kugali Media caught the attention of Disney • The making of Iwaju and its cultural impact • African IP as a global asset • The business realities behind storytelling • AI and what it can and cannot replace • Why meaning and authenticity still matter • Building creative businesses without a roadmap   Guest Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hamidibrahimportfolio Instagram (Kugali): https://www.instagram.com/kugalimedia LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/hamid-ibrahim-564892a7 Twitter: https://x.com/hamid_portfolio   My Links: About Stella: https://stellaonithewriter.com/about Podcast Website: https://talkingtechwithcreatives.com/episodes YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TalkingTechWithCreatives Substack: https://stellaoni.substack.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stella-oni-065788140      ISSN 2978-8307

    1h 26m

  3. 11/02/2025

    Rasheda Ashanti Malcolm on Building Platforms for Women Writers - ep 27

    This week I have a lively conversation with author and literary activist Rasheda Ashanti Malcolm about building platforms for women of colour from the 1990s to today. Rasheda traces her path from founding Candace magazine to writing fiction, creating the WILDE Foundation, running writing retreats in Jamaica, and launching the H&F Writers’ Festival in West London. We explore how technology and community remove old gatekeepers, the healing power of journaling, and WILDE’s future plans to expand retreats, mentorship, and international collaborations. It is an inspiring story of creativity, persistence, and the ongoing work of empowering women’s voices through literature, activism, and connection. Key takeaways: • Community and craft can coexist and strengthen each other. • Journaling helps survivors find voice and confidence. • Technology widens access and continuity beyond physical events. • WILDE seeks collaborators, mentors, and publishing partners to platform emerging writers. We also spent time talking about Jamaica, where Rasheda runs her writing retreats and where I recently attended the Calabash Festival. Sadly, the country has since been hit by Hurricane Melissa and suffered devastating damage. Journalist Nadine White has compiled a helpful list of trusted aid sources here: Hurricane Melissa – How Can We Help   Please do your due diligence before making any donation. You can read more of Nadine White’s reporting here: https://www.independent.co.uk/author/nadine-white. Explore more: Talking Tech with Creatives – talkingtechwithcreatives.com Podcast Instagram – @talkingtechwithcreatives My author website – stellaonithewriter.com Author Instagram – @stellaonithewriter Rasheda Ashanti Malcolm – @ashantirashedaauthor H&F Writers’ Festival – handfwritersfestival.co.uk H&F Writers’ Festival Instagram – @hfwritersfest If you enjoy these conversations, subscribe to Talking Tech with Creatives, follow us on Instagram, and share the episode to help amplify the stories of women shaping creativity and culture.    ISSN 2978-8307

    52 min

  4. 10/12/2025

    Inside the Publishing World: A Literary Agent’s View with Francesca Riccardi - ep 26

    In this episode of Talking Tech with Creatives, I sit down with my literary agent, Francesca Riccardi of Kate Nash Literary Agency, to unpack how publishing really works. Drawing on her 15 years at publishers like Harper Collins, Atlantic Books, and Canelo, Francesca explains the differences between traditional, indie, and self-publishing; what agents actually do; and how deals, rights, and marketing come together. We also talk frankly about author income, why building community matters, and how AI is reshaping the industry and what protections authors need. If you’re a writer, or curious about the business of books—this conversation will help you navigate the landscape with clarity.    ISSN 2978-8307

    1h 29m

  5. 09/04/2025

    Reimagining Entrepreneurship: Dr. Carlton Brown on Race, Data, and Doing the Work - ep 25

    In this powerful episode of Talking Tech with Creatives, I’m joined by Dr. Carlton Brown, founder of the UK Black Business Entrepreneurs Conference (BBEC), business strategist, and author of the Black Entrepreneurs Report. Dr. Brown shares his personal journey from watching his Jamaican mother run blues parties and the community padner financial schemes to becoming a leading voice for change in UK entrepreneurship. We discuss what’s really holding Black business owners back—and what must change, from biased lending to lack of market access. We explore:  • The “race paradox” and what the data reveals  • His vision behind BBEC and its real impact (like a founder getting into                 450 Tesco stores)  • Why the US and UK differ in Black entrepreneurial culture  • How tech and AI are being used to level the playing field  • What the future of inclusive business could look like If you care about innovation, inclusion, and building an equitable business landscape, this episode is a must-listen. Mentioned in this episode: Www.thebbec.com Www.aspire-consultancy.co.uk LinkedIn Dr Carlton Brown  Instagram : @BBEC_UK   Previous guests include:  • Ajay Chowdhury – Tech entrepreneur and author of the Kamil Rahman crime      series  • Nanna S. Soenya – Founder of Fundhership   • Obi Asika – Creative industries leader and co-founder of Storm360  • Corina Goetz – Middle East business strategist and founder of Star-CaT  • Jendella Benson – Author and Head of Editorial at Black Ballad Follow the podcast and never miss an episode. Host: Stella Oni | Instagram : @stellaonithewriter, @talkingtechwithcreatives Watch on YouTube: @TalkingTechWithCreatives Links to organisations mentioned on the podcast: Foundervine  WeConnect #TalkingTechWithCreatives #BBEC #DrCarltonBrown #BlackEntrepreneursUK #BusinessEquity #RaceParadox #TechAndInclusion #Innovation #DiversityInBusiness

    1h 2m

  6. 08/10/2025

    From Shazam to Bestselling Crime Fiction: Ajay Chowdhury on Tech, Creativity & Storytelling - ep 24

    In this episode of Talking Tech with Creatives, I sit down with prize winning crime fiction author and tech entrepreneur Ajay Chowdhury. His career journey spans co-founding Shazam, leading innovative tech ventures, and writing the  Kamal Rahman series. Ajay shares how his early years in India shaped his creative and business mindset, why food, culture, and immigrant experiences run through his fiction, and his frank views on diversity in publishing and the future of AI in writing. We dive into: Building Shazam and seeing it become a global tech phenomenon Winning a major crime writing prize with The Waiter — and how it changed his life Writing authentic immigrant narratives with humour, heart, and high stakes Food as a storytelling device and the joy of making readers hungry Using AI to enhance creativity without replacing the writer’s voice The shifting landscape of tech innovation in publishing and beyond Navigating identity, risk-taking, and success across cultures Whether you’re a writer, tech enthusiast, or just love a gripping story, this conversation blends creativity, innovation, and real-world insights in a way that only Ajay can deliver. Listen now to discover: How to balance creativity and technology in your career, why failure is part of the journey, and what the future holds for both crime fiction and AI. Talking Tech with Creatives podcast Website: https://talkingtechwithcreatives.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TalkingTechWithCreatives Instagram: @talkingtechwithcreatives Host: @stellaonithewriter   Links & Resources Mentioned: Ajay’s Website: https://www.ajaychowdhury.com Ajay on Instagram: @ajaychowdhurywriter Get Ajay’s free interactive thriller here: https://theinvitation.ajaychowdhury.com

    56 min

  7. 07/22/2025

    Women, Wealth, and Change: Nanna S Soenya’s Fight for Inclusive Funding - ep 23

    In this episode of Talking Tech with Creatives, I sit down with the dynamic Nana S Soenya, founder of Omega Seven Global Limited. Nanna shares her powerful journey—from her early life in Ghana to becoming a passionate advocate for women’s rights in Mexico. We talk openly about the systemic challenges black and brown women face when trying to secure funding for their ventures. Nana breaks down how she’s tackling these barriers head-on through her bold new initiative, Fundhership, which aims to reshape the funding landscape for women of colour in the UK. This conversation goes beyond funding. Nanna also opens up about her background in high-end hospitality, her love for permaculture, and how she manages to balance a life filled with advocacy, innovation, and personal growth. Whether you’re passionate about women’s empowerment, social justice, tech-enabled funding solutions, or just curious about what it takes to challenge the status quo, this is a must-listen episode. Join me for this inspiring and thought-provoking conversation.

    1h 17m

  8. 06/25/2025

    PropTech, Power & Purpose: Dr. Chenai Gondo on Leading in UK Real Estate and African Startups - ep 22

    In this episode of Talking Tech with Creatives, host Stella Oni speaks with Dr. Chenai Gondo—a British-Zimbabwean award-winning business strategist and entrepreneur. With a rich background in real estate, PropTech, sustainability, and corporate leadership, Dr. Gondo shares her unconventional journey from synthetic chemist to tech-savvy executive leading multimillion-pound M&A deals and digital transformation projects across Europe and Africa. We explore: What exactly is PropTech and why it matters Strategy 101 for both executives and entrepreneurs How AI is shaping business and real estate today Her personal creative journey as a short story writer and passionate gardener Lessons on leadership, visibility, and self-belief as a Black woman in exclusive industries If you’re curious about PropTech, African innovation, business strategy, and the power of creativity in tech, this episode offers inspiration, insight, and a few laughs.

    1h 5m
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About

Talking Tech with Creatives is the biweekly podcast exploring how technology is transforming the creative industries — from publishing and fashion to filmmaking, music, design, and entrepreneurship. Hosted by UK-based author and tech advocate Stella Oni, each episode features inspiring conversations with creatives, founders, innovators, and cultural leaders using digital tools to disrupt industries and tell powerful stories. We cover topics like:  • How artists and writers are using AI and digital tools  • Innovation in storytelling and immersive experiences  • Publishing tech, NFTs, and the business of creativity  • Building sustainable creative careers in a digital world Whether you’re a writer, designer, entrepreneur, or just tech-curious — you’ll find practical insights and bold ideas to future-proof your creative work. Subscribe and tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and YouTube.

Information

  • Creator
    Stella Oni
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Talking Tech With Creatives