The Devyn Zoolander Show Devyn Swain

Actress Shakirah Stephens joins the show to discuss her journey to becoming the talented performing artist that she is today. Some of her noteworthy performances include playing “Dussie Mae” in The Pittsburgh Playwrights Theater Company’s production of “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” in 2018. In addition, Shakirah portrayed the featured role of “Beverly Harrison” in New Horizon Theater’s production of “One Monkey Don’t Stop No Show” in 2022. Toward the end of the episode, Shakirah and I trade stories about our time working as background actors in Netflix’s original film “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom: A Legacy Brought To Screen” based on Pittsburgh native August Wilson’s play “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” Enjoy the show!

TRIGGER WARNING! This episode contains content that some may find disturbing. Kyrie Curving is the host of a podcast called “Talk That Talk.” Her podcast primarily focuses on nourishing your mental health as well as social commentary on issues pertaining to race and gender. In addition to her podcast, Kyrie is the owner of a business called “KyrieKreations” where she creates customized artwork for her customer’s clothing. She is a painter as well. When she’s not listening to G Herbo, Kyrie is a proud single mom. Around the 1 hour mark of this episode, Kyrie talks about a time when someone took advantage of her and how that traumatic experience changed the way she navigates through life forever. Thank you Kyrie for your willingness to have this crucial conversation with me.

KDKA Meteorologist Mary Ours stops by to talk about her journey to becoming a star news contributor on television in Pittsburgh, PA. Mary is unlike most people that work in the news industry because she brings the same bubbly, fearless energy on-camera that she has when she’s performing at karaoke surrounded by friends. A 2012 Point Park graduate, Mary earned her broadcast meteorology certification through Mississippi State University. Also before becoming a meteorologist, Mary briefly worked as a news reporter. She loves to sing and dance on TikTok with her family, friends, and coworkers. That said, Mary is very serious about standing up for herself when some viewers resort to body shaming her or criticizing her just for having fun. She is a breath of fresh air and I loved how open she was during our conversation. Make sure you listen to the whole episode because Mary sang a lot on this episode.

Wedding photographer Melissa Jean A.K.A. “Mel” stops by to talk about her business, Photographs by Melissa Jean. As a person with a “creative career,” I really enjoyed listening to all of the jobs that Mel worked before she concluded that committing to her passion full-time is the only way that she will be fulfilled in her life. When she’s not taking pictures, Mel enjoys headbanging to heavy metal music. Enjoy this thoughtful conversation between two artists.

Actress Melessie Clark, born in Philadelphia and raised in Greensburg, PA, stops by the show to talk about her career as a theatrical actress. Melessie has been involved in multiple theater productions including Alhambra’s “Dreamgirls,” and the August Wilson play “Two Trains Running.” She honed her singing and acting skills at Point Park University, graduating with her BFA in Musical Theater in 2015. In this episode, we talk a lot about the impact that her theater training has had on her career as well as the differences between performing in New York City versus performing in Pittsburgh. So sit back, relax, and enjoy a smooth conversation with the Magnificent Melessie Clark!

“Art In The Clouds Clothing” owner LJ Wright stops by to talk about his journey to becoming an award-winning clothing designer in Pittsburgh, PA. Also we go back and forth about the ways in which Black men can exude healthy masculinity. This episode definitely reminded me that I need to create more space for Black men to talk about our issues on my show.