I'm a TV Director who has worked with networks like OWN and brands like Essence. I'm a lover of documentaries and I am obsessed with the show "Survivor". And this is my home. I love talking about TV, spirituality and books and that's what this podcast is all about. Here on the Creative Women Wanted podcast, I'm going to have discussions about the business and art of tv, digital video, documentaries & books with creative women in the entertainment industry and women who love entertainment.
I didn't think I'd be able to show up this week but I needed to share how I've been feeling.
I'm grieving.
I'm grieving a path, a journey, a dream I wanted for over 10 years. I'm grieving a version of me that was so focused in one direction. I'm grieving the version of me that was willing to participate in the industry as is.
My values have changed and what I'm willing to sacrifice for my dreams is different.
This year deeply encouraged me to redefine how I saw success. Even the word success feels problematic to me sometimes. Historically success has been taught as external achievement and my desire is to feel in internally aligned.
In this episode I talk about the two things I'm unsubscribing from and how I'm measuring the quality of my life.
With the release of my latest endeavor, channel nine, I've had to work on my thoughts and beliefs. I also talked through some affirmations with my therapist that I'm sharing here.
PLUS! A little prayer at the end. It was on my heart.
In this episode, I share a conversation I had with my therapist that led to this topic. This podcast has been a space to process and share my learnings in pursuing art in real time.
Here's what I discuss:
At some point, my value was tied to work and my dream was tied to being chosen. Not anymore. I invited my fiancé, Syd Jones, to talk about this because she is a safe space for me talk about this with vulnerability.
As I evolve, this podcast is evolving. Since inception, it's been about women in film and television but we are more than what we do. We are humans. And that's what I'm focused on moving forward.
I'm pivoting to becoming a full-time artist and the journey has been paved with insecurities. I talk about those insecurities in this episode. I have no backup plan for my current direction so the only way forward is to face the insecurities and process them.
I have permission to start and stop something as I please. I do not have to do something for a long time to be "successful". We're talking about it today.
I'm very motivated by my goals and the vision for my future but I'm clear, I need ways to find joy and be content in this season. The waiting season. The in-between where I want to go and where I am now. I need it bad.
In this episode I talk about:
Tasha and I met in 2018 while working Summit 21, presented by Blavity and 21Ninety. I was volunteering and she was WORKING. I was drawn to her focus and her ability to remain calm in such a busy time. Since we connected a few years ago, Tasha has founded Black Girls In Media,a networking organization commited to support and uplift minority women in the media industry and we're talking about in on today's episode.
Here's what you can expect:
I'm so thankful that I get to tell these stories
After listening to an episode of Kimberly Brown's Your Next Move podcast, I knew I wanted to have her on this season. Through her podcast, Kimberly shares leadership tips and tricks for those of us who want to create opportunities for ourselves and build career strategies that work.
Here's what we're talking about on today's episode:
I'm really excited to bring this conversation to the Creative Women Wanted Podcast. To read Kimberly's book, Your Next Move Best Move: Transitioning To A Career You'll Love, click here.
Today I am celebrating FIVEyears of recovery from bulimia, an eating addiction. I trulycannot believe I'm even here today to share these type of learnings with you. Because HONEY, five years ago - I could notsee this for myself. Early recovery was so painful that the only way I made it through those first few months, was by taking it moment by moment.
But without that eating disorder and without that very dark period in my life - I wouldn't be where I am or who I am.
Today, healing, health and wellness are a big part of my life and in today's episode I'm talking about:
I was an subscriber to The Create Daily years ago and a fan of Screenwriter/Producer/Director Felicia Pride's work beginning with Really Love so it is an honor to have her on the podcast today. Her outlook on life as an artist is refreshing and in a season that, for me, is extremely challenging, her perspective comes right on time.
Here's what we're talking about in today's episode:
After watching the Harry & Meghan documentary and finding out today's guest worked on the series, I reached out to inquire if she'd be interested in being on the podcast. . She was down! And I'm so happy that Stephanie said "yes!" because our conversation was so refreshing. (It was also straight to the point like Stephanie herself.)
The thing I enjoy most about today's guest, that I think you'll enjoy as well, is her sense of clarity. She knows what she wants and she knows what she needs to do to get there. Here's what we're talking about in today's episode:
Stephanie is a brilliant woman.
If you like this episode, please subscribe, rate and review.
This is a stream of consciousness. And it was on my heart. The work this year has not looked like the work I'm traditionally used to. It's been more spiritual than it ever has been. And in this season, God has called me to embrace and embody how I was literally designed. The beautiful thing that has emerged is that my findings are now my guiding light. My discoveries have led me to my next steps and things are feeling more aligned. Hard and challenging, still, but aligned. My Saturn in Capricorn in my 1st House said that if I can learn to bear the weight of my own pressure and pressure from outside sources, my accomplishments will be astonishing. I already agree.
I remember listening to "The 1619 Project" podcast during the pandemic and being enamored with the quality of storytelling and with the depth of story. I had never heard our history told with such specificity and care. So when I found out Hulu and The Onyx Collective were adapting "The 1619 Project" for television, I knew I would watch. So I am delighted to have one of the director's and producer's, Naimah Jabali-Nash,
Here's what we're talking about:
"The 1619 Project" is a history lesson unlike any lesson we've had before.
I've been following Courtney for awhile so I love that we can now have a fun, honest and very transparent conversation about her career and her life outside of work.
Here's what we're talking about on today's episode:
Courtney's Instagram: @courtneyrwhitaker
My journey in finding confidence in my creativity has been a rocky and vulnerable one. I'm talking about that and the theme for season two in this episode.
I'm back for a quick recap of 2022! Because it. has. been. a YEAR.
I won't keep you long because I want you to hear the episode but here's what I'm talking about on Episode 25:
Once I learned my Human Design earlier this year, I felt a deep liberation that I didn't even know I needed and it's one of the reasons I started this podcast and one of the reasons I was able to move out to LA with ease.
Here's what we're talking about in today's episode:
Resources:
Genetic Matrix- (to run your HD Chart) https://affiliate.geneticmatrix.com/idevaffiliate.php?id=4573
Books:
Human Design Soul Map. Code:
DIAMONDE takes 10% off all orders until December 31st, 2022
https://www.jasmoon.space/offerings/p/soulmap
This episode will help you differentiate between what you want to do vs. what you should do.
Almost two years ago, I made the decision to do more of what I want and less of what I think I should do. Or what others think I should. Or what social media gurus and industry experts think I should do.
Of course, I am open to ideas and to other's perspectives but at the end of the day, my life - my decisions. I get to decide what I do with this life.
Nakia almost makes me cry. This journey is so emotional.
About this episode:
Instagram: @screenwriteher_
Website: damnwriteoriginals.com
Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Nakia Stephens, award-winning screenwriter and independent filmmaker has always been influenced by Black culture and southern flair, which, coupled with studying creative writing in places like Shanghai, Beijing, and Ghana, helped to cultivate her passion for human connection through storytelling.
Nakia has had over 25 of her screenplays, all amplifying marginalized groups but especially Black women and girls, produced to screen including her most notable projects: Suga Water, Cream x Coffee, Noise, and Novella.
Nakia has been featured and recognized for her work by festivals and platforms such as Forbes, Deadline, the NAACP Image Awards, BLAVITY, ABFF, The Tom Joyner Morning Show, and Black Girls Rock! She also garnered partnerships and licensing deals with major media outlets such as Revolt TV, Black&Sexy TV, Fox Soul, and BET and AspireTV, just to name a few. Under her recent development deal, Nakia has penned and executive produced numerous short form projects with Earvin "Magic" Johnson's cable network, aspireTV.
About the episode:
Instagram: @screenwriteher_
Website: damnwriteoriginals.com
This episode nearly brought me to tears. Jonterri's passion and persistence in creating a life inside of her dream - inspiring.
About today's guest:Jonterri Gadson is a former creative writing professor who chose TV over tenure. She most recently served as a writer on Netflix’s THE UPSHAWS. She has been a staff writer on HBO’S A BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW, NBC’s Making It with Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman, The Kelly Clarkson Show and Adult Swim’s half-hour comedy Bird Girl. Additionally, she was a Comedy Consulting Producer on 12 Dates of Christmas (HBO Max) writing comedic host copy for Natasha Rothwell and a writer for NBC’s upcoming Ultimate Slip ‘N Slide, writing comedic host copy for Bobby Moynihan and Ron Funches.
What we're talking about in today's episode:
More about today's guest:
She won Kevin Hart’s LOL Film Fellowship for a short she wrote/directed and premiered at the American Black Film Festival. Her pilot script won Best Comedy Script at the New York Television Festival where she won development deals with OneX and Topic Studios. She’s an alum of the NBC Late Night Writers Workshop, New York Stage & Film Filmmakers Lab, Refinery29 & TBS Riot Comedy Writers Lab and the IFP Project Forum. She’s published three poetry books, including the full-length poetry collection Blues Triumphant (YesYes Books).
For more episodes like this, like, subscribe, rate and review!
Personal: diamondewilliamson.com Company: thirdandwonderproductions.com
If you're interested in award shows or learning how to pivot in this industry of ours, you'll love this episode.
With over 12 years of experience in television production, NC native, Krystal Knight has been engaged in a range of broadcast productions, including short docu-series, talk shows, concert specials, and live productions. Inspired by other storytellers, both past and present, Knight holds a strong interest in delivering compelling stories, meaningful, buzz-worthy content, and purpose-driven projects.
Check out some of sis' credits:
Here's what we're talking about on today's episode:
If you like this episode, please like and subscribe! Rate + review :D
We're all artists in some form or fashion. It may not be in the traditional sense but what is traditional anyway?
One of my jobs through this podcast is to speak to and support your inner artist and today, that's what I'm doing!
Here's what's happening in today's life episode:
If you're in need of some encouragement or a new perspective, you'll love this episode.
I've admired the work QC (Quality Control Music) has been doing with Quality Films since the inception. What they are doing is really genius so getting the opportunity to talk to Quality Films' Director of Development, Kandace Brown, is super exciting to me.
I have so many questions about their content and strategy and Kandace answered them.
On today's episode we discuss:
More information on Kandace:
Kandace Brown: Director of Development for Quality Films. Runs development for the music label Quality Control Music’s TV/Film production arm, overseeing the department’s creative development roster for all platforms and across all content genres, including scripted film, television, and documentary, reality, formats, competition, podcasts and more. Helping build and grow the department with content including “Untrapped: The Story of Lil Baby” on Amazon Prime Video, the upcoming premium doc series “The Impact ATL” on BET+, and just wrapped production on the company’s first two scripted films, “Waterboyz” and a hybrid animated live-action movie “Takeover”, both starring Quavo of the hip-hop mega group the Migos.
Previously, Kandace worked in scripted and non-scripted at Michael Strahan’s SMAC Entertainment where she worked on Hip-Hop star Wiz Khalifa’s Apple Music Doc “Behind The Cam” and Football legend Deion Sander’s 30 For 30 on ESPN. Prior to SMAC, Kandace was at BET Networks working in the original programming, music programming, and talent relations departments where she worked on the network’s tentpoles including BET Awards, Black Girls Rock!, Social Awards, BET Hip Hop Awards and the Soul Train Awards. Additionally, she worked on the teams that shepherded ”The New Edition Story” and “The Bobby Brown Story” amongst others.
We're headed to a different department in television today and that is social media marketing! I'm excited to dig in here because as a Director and Producer listening to Tori Carter, my brain was like WHOA. Because there's so much to know and think about when it comes to working in social at networks and streamers.
Here's what we're talking about today:
About today's guest:
Keturah “Tori” Carter is an accomplished social marketer + creative storyteller. As the current Senior Team Lead of Brand Social at Hulu, Tori uses her skillset to lead creative campaigns on social in support of Hulu’s original content slate while finding new, innovative ways to engage Hulu’s diverse streamers. In addition, Tori empowers everyone around her to use their innate creativity to not only best represent the corporate brand but to challenge themselves to think bigger and find their professional spark.
Tori has impacted various brands with her attention to detail and the extreme level of grace she brings to each new project she touches. At the age of 27, Tori has been able to lead high-level campaigns for brands like BET, Paramount, Bravo, SYFY, and more! From dominating social with 30 million views in one night with her creative vision for social for the 2020 BET Awards to igniting the “Bravoholics” ahead of the launch of season 6 of Real Housewives of Potomac - her passion for marketing both entertains and empowers an audience to move has managed to bring each company she touches a series of consistent wins.
Watching documentaries, specifically about someone's story, always reminds me that greatness takes times.
I don't want a microwave career. I am building a career that will last beyond me. You feel me?
In this episode, I'm talking about these seven podcasts:
If you like this episode, before sure rate, review and subscribe!
As a spiritual being who is creative and who desires to live (and is living) a creative life, I need affirmations and prayer that affirm those parts of me.
What I've shared on today's podcast are from a book that's absolutely changed my life:
The Artist's Way.
We should all know Monique Taylor.
With her list of credits, she almost certainly has produced a show you've watched or heard of.
Monique knows how to create compelling tv that keeps audiences wanting more seasons and we're getting into how she does it on this episode of Creative Women Wanted.
Monique Taylor has worked on shows like:
In this episode, we talk about:
We also get into what she's watching, loving and her secret YouTube obsessions.
If you like this episode, please rate and review it. Please also subscribe by clicking the follow button on your podcast app.
My 33rd birthday is coming up and I am more excited than I've ever been.
My spiritual practice is deeper than it's been.
I'm more self-aware.
Life is flowing.
In today's episode, I talk about:
My birthday is August 11th and the perfect gift would be for you to rate and review this podcast. I'm so serious - best present!
Diamondewilliamson.com
@therealdiamonde
Being a woman rapper is very different than being a rapper. Being a Black woman rapper - a totally different thing. But for us Black women, the hotties, the icy girls, the city girls, it's the rap girls that are giving us the lingo and the anthems we need year round.
When we want to twerk, it's Megan, it's Caresha, it's Big Latto. When we want to vibe, it's Syd Jones, it's Doechii. And with the help of social media, we not only love their music, but we are growing to love the women themselves.
Issa Rae's newest project, Rap Sh!t, gives us the behind the scenes of this world, this life of being a rap girl and today, I'm speaking to one of Rap Shit's writers, Nina Gloster-Burrell (@writeher) who has a deep passion for stories about Black women. You'll find out more in our conversation.
In today's episode, we talk about:
and more! Enjoy my conversation with Nina and if you like this episode, please leave a review and rate the podcast.
Diamondewilliamson.com
I've been watching some great television lately and I have been itching to talk about them all so on this episode, I'm talking about five shows/documentaries that have been keep my attention.
If you like this episode, if you're watching what I'm watching, go ahead and rate, review and subscribe to the podcast by hitting the "follow" button.
Your review helps me continue to grow our community of Black women who create.
Cheers!
As creatives, as freelancers, having an entrepreneurial mindset is super beneficial.
Whether you're on the hunt for your next gig, have a side hustle or are interested in what it looks like to be a full-time entrepreneur - one of these six shows will definitely speak to you!
I really don't.
Like "success", it's one of those words that we all get to define for ourselves but I just don't believe in it's use for the creative journey.
I don't think it's possible.
Danehsia Ferguson is a Producer with an extensive storytelling and creative background. The girl knows how to tell a story, produce a moment and produce talent that is both new and established. She's so skilled, ya'll. Imagine: in one minute she can produce Wendy from RHOP and in the next minute, she can produce a scene with Tracey Ellis Ross. TALENTED.
Her credits include:
Danehsia and I talk about what it likes to bring humanity and emotions and consideration to this work because these stories aren't just happening. They are produced and Danehsia produces differently. I'm so excited for you all to hear this episode.
Danehsia's Instagram: @danehsia
I spent 2014 - some of 2021 supporting the entrepreneur in me. The business woman. The CEO.
So my focus was income. By almost any means necessary.
2022 has been all about supporting the artist in me. The creative.
So my focus is creating a life a love with art as my North Star and an understanding that income (wealth) will always follow.
Which is why I made the decision to move to LA.
The emotions, the changes, the lessons I've experienced since moving out here two weeks ago are shaking things up in a way I couldn't have planned for. But this is what is required of me to build a life with my art at the heart.
The Creative Women Wanted podcast is for the creative Black woman and will featuring stories of creative Black women and on this episode, I want to share more of my story. What it's like in real time to make sacrifices for the creative life.
If you're ready to make some sacrifices or do things differently for the sake of your purpose and passion, this one is for you.
In episode I talk about how:
Cheers to the sacrifices! They will always end up worth it.
Selling Sunset is the new standard for real estate reality.
In this episode, I am talking about The Selling Sunset and:
I cannot believe I finally got to talk to Oprah.
While I believe this was a lifetime in the making, in this podcast, I'm sharing the details that led up to the moment when I finally got to talk to my girl.
I watch a lot of TV. A lot of good things and a lot of things I can't even finish because what am I watching??
Here are the seven best things I've watched this year so far and three things that I just absolutely cannot recommend to anyone.
Seriously.
How did I get into television?
It wasn't a straight path and it continues to be a little bit all over the place but like Steve Jobs says, "You cannot connect the dots looking forward, you can only connect the dots looking backwards."
And now, my story makes sense. I'm so grateful for my journey and I'm excited to share it with you on this episode from being a photographer in college for Mattie James to being the CEO of my production company since 2017 all the while dealing with an eating disorder and the annoying and sometimes hating ass voice in my head. Whew, she be hating or she be scared but that voice - has almost stopped me from doing so much. I talk more about that in later episodes. Here's my journey. Here's how I got here.
I have a podcast! This is wild.
Why do I have a podcast?
What is it about?
Why the name?
You've got questions!
And this podcast answers that.
This podcast is my home. My safe space to talk about three of my favorite things: TV, spirituality and books. Why? I'll tell you more in this episode.
I'll also tell you what type of episodes you can expect, segments, all of that! This is the beginning of the Creative Women Wanted podcast.