THE CHAIR

JerDrema (Dreme) V. Flynt, M.Ed, MBA

I built an AWARD WINNING Podcast called THE CHAIR to highlight hair journeys. I’m a Black woman, an educator and newly minted tech entrepreneur. As people sit in THE CHAIR, you will be immersed into stories surrounding education, entrepreneurship, identity, and magic. I have built THE CHAIR platform dedicated to supporting Black and Brown people on their hair journey. Enjoy as you listen to the voices in THE CHAIR. Learn More About THE CHAIR: Join THE CHAIR Community for FREE: https://growinghands.wpengine.com/ Join THE CHAIR Newsletter for FREE: https://growinghands.wpengine.com/newsletter/

  1. Because I Said I Would

    2D AGO

    Because I Said I Would

    On this episode, Dr. Yvette, a first generation Mexican lets us in her hair journey. She shares stories about what it means to keep a promise to herself and shaving her head, deciding on bangs, and educating family along the way. Enjoy!  Her Bio:  Yvette Ramirez is a first generation Mexican American physical therapist who lives in Chicago. She graduated from Lake Forest College with her degree in biology and received her doctorate in physical therapy from Rosalind Franklin University. She currently resides in the West Loop and when not working, enjoys weight lifting, baking, and exploring the city with her fiancé and friends.  THE CHAIR (S2/Ep50) —Because I Said I Would I’m Your AWARD WINNING Host Dreme.  I’m a Black woman, an educator turned tech entrepreneur but still an educator. Building a platform called THE CHAIR is a Black and Brown centered tech platform dedicated to supporting people on their hair journey. You can design hairboards, connect to hair stylists, and share hair care tips all in one space for a more joyous and streamlined experience. AND built a AWARD WINNING podcast to share hair stories and stories surrounding identity, education, and entrepreneurship.  Send us Fan Mail Host & Exec Producer:  Dreme Flynt, M.Ed, MBA Editor: Lila Woodbridge http://www.lilawoodbridge.com/ Music Creators: Your Host Dreme & Seoul (@xSeoulMusicx)  Learn More About THE CHAIR: Join THE CHAIR Community for FREE: https://growinghands.wpengine.com/ Join THE CHAIR Newsletter for FREE: https://growinghands.wpengine.com/newsletter/ Commercial Credits: Visionary: Your Host Dreme Animator: Ahmad Merhi  https://amerhifilm.com/film Voice Actor: D. Ruff (@d_ruff3),  The Poet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFAH2cqo64U My Book: From Nowhere & Everywhere: Captured Emotions of a Beautifully Broken Love Story My explorations through poetry, diary entries and photography as a Black woman, an educator in Guangzhou, China. Website -  https://www.lulu.com/en...

    23 min
  2. A Person Mechanic

    2D AGO

    A Person Mechanic

    On this episode, Dr. Yvette gives access into her world of physical therapy, how she defines being a person mechanic and helps us think about hardware, software, and why its importance to have skills in both. Enjoy!  Her Bio:  Yvette Ramirez is a first generation Mexican American physical therapist who lives in Chicago. She graduated from Lake Forest College with her degree in biology and received her doctorate in physical therapy from Rosalind Franklin University. She currently resides in the West Loop and when not working, enjoys weight lifting, baking, and exploring the city with her fiancé and friends.  THE CHAIR (S2/Ep49) — A Person Mechanic I’m Your AWARD WINNING Host Dreme.  I’m a Black woman, an educator turned tech entrepreneur but still an educator. Building a platform called THE CHAIR is a Black and Brown centered tech platform dedicated to supporting people on their hair journey. You can design hairboards, connect to hair stylists, and share hair care tips all in one space for a more joyous and streamlined experience. AND built a AWARD WINNING podcast to share hair stories and stories surrounding identity, education, and entrepreneurship.  Send us Fan Mail Host & Exec Producer:  Dreme Flynt, M.Ed, MBA Editor: Lila Woodbridge http://www.lilawoodbridge.com/ Music Creators: Your Host Dreme & Seoul (@xSeoulMusicx)  Learn More About THE CHAIR: Join THE CHAIR Community for FREE: https://growinghands.wpengine.com/ Join THE CHAIR Newsletter for FREE: https://growinghands.wpengine.com/newsletter/ Commercial Credits: Visionary: Your Host Dreme Animator: Ahmad Merhi  https://amerhifilm.com/film Voice Actor: D. Ruff (@d_ruff3),  The Poet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFAH2cqo64U My Book: From Nowhere & Everywhere: Captured Emotions of a Beautifully Broken Love Story My explorations through poetry, diary entries and photography as a Black woman, an educator in Guangzhou, China. Website -  https://www.lulu.com/en...

    36 min
  3. Stir the Pot!

    MAY 10

    Stir the Pot!

    On this episode, Arielle shares how she sees her whiteness and what it looks like to be an activist and an advocate in the nursing realm. Enjoy! Her Bio:  I was born in North Carolina to a military family. I was raised in Medford, MA by my dad, my mom (who is actually my aunt but I call my mom because she raised me like I was her own child), and my god mother with my adopted sister.  I grew up with a love for music, soccer, being outdoors and a love for animals. Growing up, I unfortunately watched my adopted sister struggle with mental health.  I grew up taking care of her even though I was five years younger. One year after coming home from camp, my sister voluntarily left the family. This was a pivotal point in my life as it shot my self esteem, increased my anxiety, and sent me into years of depression.  Experiencing my sister is a huge part of why I decided to become a nurse, so I didn’t feel helpless when it came to medical emergencies, and I could make other people feel understood and heard. I graduated from Matignon High School with honors and completing my freshmen year  at Anna Maria College. My first day of my freshmen year, I found out my mom had endometrial cancer (she’s  cancer free now). I also experienced my first toxic relationship which led me into a really bad depression. I voluntarily admitted myself for a psychiatric hold and this is when I found out that I was diagnosed with Bipolar 2.  An old friend thought I might like Florida so my sophomore year I moved  to attend the University of Tampa where I discovered a 4 year college wasn’t for me. I transferred to do an Associate program and focused on my mental health. I got a job at a level 1 trauma center during Covid as a transporter. I worked my way up to a nurse technician while in school. When I graduated nursing school, I took the first med surg job I was offered helping gastrointestinal patients including those with cancer. While working, I obtained my BSN through an online program. After, I transitioned to a Medical Intensive Care unit where I fell in love with caring for people in their most critical moments and even some of their end of life. It solidified my want to go into Palliative care. I am working on my Masters Degree in Nursing for Family Nursing Practice. Send us Fan Mail Host & Exec Producer:  Dreme Flynt, M.Ed, MBA Editor: Lila Woodbridge http://www.lilawoodbridge.com/ Music Creators: Your Host Dreme & Seoul (@xSeoulMusicx)  Learn More About THE CHAIR: Join THE CHAIR Community for FREE: https://growinghands.wpengine.com/ Join THE CHAIR Newsletter for FREE: https://growinghands.wpengine.com/newsletter/ Commercial Credits: Visionary: Your Host Dreme Animator: Ahmad Merhi  https://amerhifilm.com/film Voice Actor: D. Ruff (@d_ruff3),  The Poet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFAH2cqo64U My Book: From Nowhere & Everywhere: Captured Emotions of a Beautifully Broken Love Story My explorations through poetry, diary entries and photography as a Black woman, an educator in Guangzhou, China. Website -  https://www.lulu.com/en...

    19 min
  4. Crazy is Not a Diagnosis

    MAY 10

    Crazy is Not a Diagnosis

    On this episode, Arielle brings us into her world as an intensive care nurse, destimatizes what it means to live with bipolar 2, and helping us all think more critically about  mental health. Enjoy!  Her Bio:  I was born in North Carolina to a military family. I was raised in Medford, MA by my dad, my mom (who is actually my aunt but I call my mom because she raised me  as her own), and my god mother with my adopted sister.  I grew up with a love for music, soccer, being outdoors and a love for animals. Growing up, I unfortunately watched my adopted sister struggle with mental health.  I grew up taking care of her even though I was five years younger. One year after coming home from camp, my sister voluntarily left the family. This was a pivotal point in my life as it shot my self esteem, increased my anxiety, and sent me into years of depression.  Experiencing my sister is a huge part of why I decided to become a nurse, so I didn’t feel helpless when it came to medical emergencies, and I could make other people feel understood and heard. I graduated from Matignon High School with honors and completing my freshmen year  at Anna Maria College. My first day of my freshmen year, I found out my mom had endometrial cancer (she’s  cancer free now). I also experienced my first toxic relationship which led me into a really bad depression. I voluntarily admitted myself for a psychiatric hold and this is when I found out that I was diagnosed with Bipolar 2.  An old friend thought I might like Florida so my sophomore year I moved  to attend the University of Tampa where I discovered a 4 year college wasn’t for me. I transferred to do an Associate program and focused on my mental health. I got a job at a level 1 trauma center during Covid as a transporter. I worked my way up to a nurse technician while in school. When I graduated nursing school, I took the first med surg job I was offered helping gastrointestinal patients including those with cancer. While working, I obtained my BSN through an online program. After, I transitioned to a Medical Intensive Care unit where I fell in love with caring for people in their most critical moments and even some of their end of life. It solidified my want to go into Palliative care. I am working on my Masters Degree in Nursing for Family Nursing Pra Send us Fan Mail Host & Exec Producer:  Dreme Flynt, M.Ed, MBA Editor: Lila Woodbridge http://www.lilawoodbridge.com/ Music Creators: Your Host Dreme & Seoul (@xSeoulMusicx)  Learn More About THE CHAIR: Join THE CHAIR Community for FREE: https://growinghands.wpengine.com/ Join THE CHAIR Newsletter for FREE: https://growinghands.wpengine.com/newsletter/ Commercial Credits: Visionary: Your Host Dreme Animator: Ahmad Merhi  https://amerhifilm.com/film Voice Actor: D. Ruff (@d_ruff3),  The Poet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFAH2cqo64U My Book: From Nowhere & Everywhere: Captured Emotions of a Beautifully Broken Love Story My explorations through poetry, diary entries and photography as a Black woman, an educator in Guangzhou, China. Website -  https://www.lulu.com/en...

    26 min
  5. Dear Diary: What's Good Men Math?

    MAY 3

    Dear Diary: What's Good Men Math?

    On this episode, it is a live recording of my Trappings of Masculinity Roundtable where I had the opportunity to discuss with five Black men from various sectors of youth work and community activism about the trappings of masculinity within the patriarchy and how they redefine it for themselves and the youth they serve.  Their Bios: D.Ruff is a 2 time Boston Music Award Spoken Word Artist Of The Year nominee. D is a Roxbury-bred artist, performer, educator, artivist, and host. He co-hosted ”if you can Feel It, you can Speak It” Open Mic movement for 16 years. Most of his poems stem from personal experiences and observations, ranging from love and heartbreak to inequality and culture.  Kyle Umemba, cofounder of Let It Fly Classic and passionate community advocate. After 8 years at PwC, he transitioned to full-time entrepreneurship, focusing on creating opportunities for underserved communities through youth programs, scholarships, and mentorship.  Mitch Gayns is a 35 year old content creating contrarian from just north of Boston. Often described as "the guy you'd least want to argue with" he's doing his best these days to put his powers of persuasion (and occasional annoyance) to good use as a psuedo-parent to two teens, youth basketball referee and social media commentator from time to time.  Aljemall Peeples serves as the co-founder and director of Mike & Al's Basketball League and successfully continues the legacy established 25 years ago. Their organization transcends the typical scope of a basketball program; it functions as a violence prevention initiative designed to provide a constructive and positive outlet for youth between the ages of 10 and 21. He dedicates himself to ensuring the safety and protection of the young people in Grove Hall advocating for a cultural ethos that extends beyond athletics. Thaddeus Miles is a community-centered leader with more than 30 years of experience advancing equity, wellness, and opportunity in the affordable housing sector. His work has always been rooted in this core belief: people thrive when they feel valued, connected and supported to live full and healthy lives. Additionally, he photographs Black life in moments of thriving and writes stories and heart whispers that honor the courage to keep going.  Send us Fan Mail Host & Exec Producer:  Dreme Flynt, M.Ed, MBA Editor: Lila Woodbridge http://www.lilawoodbridge.com/ Music Creators: Your Host Dreme & Seoul (@xSeoulMusicx)  Learn More About THE CHAIR: Join THE CHAIR Community for FREE: https://growinghands.wpengine.com/ Join THE CHAIR Newsletter for FREE: https://growinghands.wpengine.com/newsletter/ Commercial Credits: Visionary: Your Host Dreme Animator: Ahmad Merhi  https://amerhifilm.com/film Voice Actor: D. Ruff (@d_ruff3),  The Poet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFAH2cqo64U My Book: From Nowhere & Everywhere: Captured Emotions of a Beautifully Broken Love Story My explorations through poetry, diary entries and photography as a Black woman, an educator in Guangzhou, China. Website -  https://www.lulu.com/en...

    1h 8m
  6. Black Expectations

    APR 26

    Black Expectations

    On this episode, it is a live recording of my Black Educators Roundtable where I had the opportunity to bring together educators from various touch points of our systems. We have views from social worker lens, consultants, poets, former administrators, nonprofit EDs and Founders to talk about the holes and opportunities within and around education. Enjoy Part 2 of this 2 Part conversation! Their Bios:   Cyndi Weekes Bradley has over 20 years of data-driven experience in equity including racial equity and co-creating spaces for educators that matter most to them. She has served in many education roles from teacher to administrator; and is even the Founder of her boutique equity firm - The Equity Process. She is also the co-founder and creative mind of Cynergi Healing Center. Alia is a social worker earning her MSW at Bridgewater. She holds a BA in criminology and focuses on supporting BIPOC populations through community development, policy advocacy, and post incarceration support. As a clinician, Alia works with multicultural, multilingual individuals, especially those most affected by systemic and institutional oppression.  Porsha Olayiwola is a native of Chicago who writes, lives and loves in Boston. Olayiwola is a writer, performer, educator and curator who uses afro-futurism and surrealism to examine historical and current issues in the Black, woman, and queer diasporas. She is an individual World Poetry Slam Champion, the founder of the Roxbury Poetry Festival, and author of i shimmer sometimes, too. Abdi is a curriculum designer, classroom teacher and a former district administrator in the Boston Public Schools with almost three decades of experience. Trained in educational ethnography under the mentorship of Dr. Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot at the HGSE.  D.Ruff is a 2 time Boston Music Award Spoken Word Artist Of The Year nominee. D is a Roxbury-bred artist, performer, educator, artivist, and host. He co-hosted ”if you can Feel It, you can Speak It” Open Mic movement for 16 years. Most of his poems stem from personal experiences and observations, ranging from love and heartbreak to inequality and culture.  Send us Fan Mail Host & Exec Producer:  Dreme Flynt, M.Ed, MBA Editor: Lila Woodbridge http://www.lilawoodbridge.com/ Music Creators: Your Host Dreme & Seoul (@xSeoulMusicx)  Learn More About THE CHAIR: Join THE CHAIR Community for FREE: https://growinghands.wpengine.com/ Join THE CHAIR Newsletter for FREE: https://growinghands.wpengine.com/newsletter/ Commercial Credits: Visionary: Your Host Dreme Animator: Ahmad Merhi  https://amerhifilm.com/film Voice Actor: D. Ruff (@d_ruff3),  The Poet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFAH2cqo64U My Book: From Nowhere & Everywhere: Captured Emotions of a Beautifully Broken Love Story My explorations through poetry, diary entries and photography as a Black woman, an educator in Guangzhou, China. Website -  https://www.lulu.com/en...

    51 min
  7. The Unfortunate Privilege

    APR 26

    The Unfortunate Privilege

    On this episode, it is a live recording of my Black Educators Roundtable where I had the opportunity to bring together educators from various touch points of our systems. We have views from a social worker lens, consultants, poets, former administrators, nonprofit EDs and Founders to talk about the holes and opportunities within and around education. Enjoy Part 1 of this 2 Part conversation! Their Bios:   Cyndi Weekes Bradley has over 20 years of data-driven experience in equity including racial equity and co-creating spaces for educators that matter most to them. She has served in many education roles from teacher to administrator; and is even the Founder of her boutique equity firm - The Equity Process. She is also the co-founder and creative mind of Cynergi Healing Center. Alia is a social worker earning her MSW at Bridgewater. She holds a BA in criminology and focuses on supporting BIPOC populations through community development, policy advocacy, and post incarceration support. As a clinician, Alia works with multicultural, multilingual individuals, especially those most affected by systemic and institutional oppression.  Porsha Olayiwola is a native of Chicago who writes, lives and loves in Boston. Olayiwola is a writer, performer, educator and curator who uses afro-futurism and surrealism to examine historical and current issues in the Black, woman, and queer diasporas. She is an individual World Poetry Slam Champion, the founder of the Roxbury Poetry Festival, and author of i shimmer sometimes, too. Abdi is a curriculum designer, classroom teacher and a former district administrator in the Boston Public Schools with almost three decades of experience. Trained in educational ethnography under the mentorship of Dr. Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot at the HGSE.  D.Ruff is a 2 time Boston Music Award Spoken Word Artist Of The Year nominee. D is a Roxbury-bred artist, performer, educator, artivist, and host. He co-hosted ”if you can Feel It, you can Speak It” Open Mic movement for 16 years. Most of his poems stem from personal experiences and observations, ranging from love and heartbreak to inequality and culture.  Send us Fan Mail Host & Exec Producer:  Dreme Flynt, M.Ed, MBA Editor: Lila Woodbridge http://www.lilawoodbridge.com/ Music Creators: Your Host Dreme & Seoul (@xSeoulMusicx)  Learn More About THE CHAIR: Join THE CHAIR Community for FREE: https://growinghands.wpengine.com/ Join THE CHAIR Newsletter for FREE: https://growinghands.wpengine.com/newsletter/ Commercial Credits: Visionary: Your Host Dreme Animator: Ahmad Merhi  https://amerhifilm.com/film Voice Actor: D. Ruff (@d_ruff3),  The Poet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFAH2cqo64U My Book: From Nowhere & Everywhere: Captured Emotions of a Beautifully Broken Love Story My explorations through poetry, diary entries and photography as a Black woman, an educator in Guangzhou, China. Website -  https://www.lulu.com/en...

    47 min
  8. It Is Time, On Repeat

    APR 19

    It Is Time, On Repeat

    On this episode, Jayde takes us on a scenic ride of what it looks like on her hair journey where every change is significant from ending the relationship with the creamy crack, doing Dominican blowouts, getting braids, and then eventually chopping it all off. She lets us in on how social media played a role in going natural and what her advice would be to Black girls everywhere. Enjoy! Her Bio:  Jayde Umemba is a digital strategist, community organizer, and all-around creative connector. By day, she leads digital content strategy, helping brands grow and engage their audiences through content development and smart strategy on social media—helping clients turn insights into action—and likes into loyal communities. Outside of work, she’s deeply rooted in community. She proudly supports and organizes with the Chelsea Black Community, co-creates vibes with Friday Five to Nine, and helps coordinate the Let It Fly Classic—a basketball tournament that’s as much about culture and community as it is about competition. Whether online or in real life, she's passionate about bringing people together, amplifying voices, and making an impact. THE CHAIR (S2/Ep43) — It Is Time, On Repeat I’m Your AWARD WINNING Host Dreme.  I’m a Black woman, an educator turned tech entrepreneur but still an educator. Building a platform called THE CHAIR is a Black and Brown centered tech platform dedicated to supporting people on their hair journey. You can design hairboards, connect to hair stylists, and share hair care tips all in one space for a more joyous and streamlined experience. AND built a AWARD WINNING podcast to share hair stories and stories surrounding identity, education, and entrepreneurship.  Send us Fan Mail Host & Exec Producer:  Dreme Flynt, M.Ed, MBA Editor: Lila Woodbridge http://www.lilawoodbridge.com/ Music Creators: Your Host Dreme & Seoul (@xSeoulMusicx)  Learn More About THE CHAIR: Join THE CHAIR Community for FREE: https://growinghands.wpengine.com/ Join THE CHAIR Newsletter for FREE: https://growinghands.wpengine.com/newsletter/ Commercial Credits: Visionary: Your Host Dreme Animator: Ahmad Merhi  https://amerhifilm.com/film Voice Actor: D. Ruff (@d_ruff3),  The Poet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFAH2cqo64U My Book: From Nowhere & Everywhere: Captured Emotions of a Beautifully Broken Love Story My explorations through poetry, diary entries and photography as a Black woman, an educator in Guangzhou, China. Website -  https://www.lulu.com/en...

    18 min
5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

I built an AWARD WINNING Podcast called THE CHAIR to highlight hair journeys. I’m a Black woman, an educator and newly minted tech entrepreneur. As people sit in THE CHAIR, you will be immersed into stories surrounding education, entrepreneurship, identity, and magic. I have built THE CHAIR platform dedicated to supporting Black and Brown people on their hair journey. Enjoy as you listen to the voices in THE CHAIR. Learn More About THE CHAIR: Join THE CHAIR Community for FREE: https://growinghands.wpengine.com/ Join THE CHAIR Newsletter for FREE: https://growinghands.wpengine.com/newsletter/