Ep 62: From Disappointment to Determination: A New Path Forward with Brian Pughsley

Summary of the episode

This episode of noseyAF centers around disappointment and reflection following the 2024 election results, highlighting the importance of community, faith, and resilience. Host Stephanie Graham expresses her pride in the efforts made by individuals who supported Vice President Harris, emphasizing that their hard work should not feel wasted. Reverend Brian Pughsley joins the conversation, offering a powerful message about faith and perseverance during challenging times. He encourages listeners to strengthen their convictions and unite in their causes, reminding everyone that the fight for rights and justice continues. Together, they inspire a sense of hope and determination to push forward, regardless of the obstacles ahead.

Takeaways:

• In times of disappointment, it is essential to reflect on the effort we put into the election process.
• Reverend Brian Pusley emphasizes the importance of strengthening faith and community in challenging times.
• The podcast highlights the necessity of activism and unity within the community for future rights.
• Brian encourages listeners to stay ready and equipped to fight for their rights and the rights of others.
• Stephanie expresses gratitude for the support and dedication of those who worked for change during the election.
• The message is one of hope and resilience, reminding us that God is still in control.

About Rev Brian C. Pughsley:

Rev. Brian C. Pughsley is a multifaceted preacher, actor, rapper, writer, and podcaster dedicated to connecting with people through faith and creativity. Baptized at an early age, he answered his call to ministry on July 4, 2001, and was licensed and ordained on November 21, 2004, at Living Water Missionary Baptist Church in Hammond, Indiana, under Rev. Dr. Homer Walker, Jr.

Throughout his ministry, Rev. Brian has served in various pastoral roles, including Associate Pastor for Youth and Media Ministries at Living Water Missionary Baptist Church and Pioneer Missionary Baptist Church in South Holland, IL. His involvement has extended to youth leadership roles at Covenant United Church of Christ and New Faith Baptist Church International, where he supported ministries in prayer, media, and men’s fellowship.

Currently, Rev. Brian serves as Associate Pastor at Trinity United Church of Christ-Gary, where he also contributes as a digital pastor. In early 2023, he joined Immanuel Church Unusual in Chicago as a Digital Pastor, assisting the church's digital outreach as they launched in the area.

In 2018, Rev. Brian started a podcast, which evolved during the pandemic from entertainment-focused content to a ministry without walls, reaching people with messages of hope. A trained actor, violinist, rapper, and singer, he brings his diverse talents to each endeavor, blending artistry and ministry in meaningful ways. In his spare time, he enjoys writing, drawing, and inspiring others.

Currently, he resides in the suburbs of Chicago, IL.

Resources mentioned in this episode

Check out Brian’s podcast, Safe Haven

Organ music Terry Brandford Walk with Me performed by Gregg ”Happy Guitar” Hayes” check out the full performance here

Worship Music: Peace - Deep Instrumental Worship full video here

Connect with Brian

Instagram: @revbrianpughsley

Website: safehavenpodcast.org

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Instagram: @stephaniegraham

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Episode Credits:

Produced, Hosted, and Edited by Me, Stephanie (teaching myself audio editing!)

Lyrics: Queen Lex

Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam

Buckle up, everyone! It’s Election Day 2024, and the energy is electric! The stakes are high, the tension is real, and all eyes are on the possibility of a new Madame President. In today’s episode, host Stephanie Graham is joined by her trusted battle buddy, Stephisha YCoy Walton, to break down what this pivotal election means for us all.

Join them as they dig into the importance of voter mobilization and civic engagement, sharing their own experiences in activism, from phone banking to grassroots organizing. With passion, humor, and a few personal stories, they explore how each vote shapes our collective future and why showing up to the polls matters more than ever. Get ready for an inspiring, motivating, and sometimes funny conversation about the power of our voices—and the responsibilities we hold as citizens.

About Stephisha:

Stephisha Ycoy Walton is a God-fearing individual who lives life in the gray area of most things, focused on community impact and social justice. Passionate about financial literacy, she is dedicated to coaching, teaching, and mentoring others to improve their financial skillsets. As a licensed financial advisor, member of Oakland's Budget Advisory Commission, and credentialed teacher, Stephisha walks her purpose on purpose. She believes that financial independence is a result of consistent choices and is committed to guiding others toward financial success.

Takeaways:

• The importance of grassroots mobilization to the polls in the 2024 election is crucial.
• Financial literacy education for youth can empower them to understand money management.
• Engaging in local elections is just as vital as voting for president and vice president.
• The impact of social media on political engagement is growing and cannot be overlooked.
• Community involvement in political processes can shape the future of local education systems.
• Understanding candidate policies is essential for informed voting during elections.

Resources Mentioned:

• World Economic Forum
• Great Awakening Documentary (I think this is it)

Episode Summary:

With the 2024 election looming on the horizon, Stephanie Graham and Stephisha Ekoy Walton engage listeners in an impassioned discussion about the power of voting and grassroots activism. The episode captures the palpable tension and excitement of election day as the hosts reflect on their experiences mobilizing voters in their communities. Stephanie shares her personal stakes and concerns, emphasizing how the election’s outcome could significantly impact the lives of marginalized individuals and families. Through their candid conversation, they highlight the urgency of civic engagement, encouraging listeners to recognize their roles within the democratic process and to take action.

The discussion broadens to encompass the significance of financial literacy as a tool for empowerment. Stephisha, with her background as a licensed financial advisor, emphasizes the importance of educating young people about personal finance as a means of breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering independence. The hosts share inspiring stories of their community initiatives aimed at teaching financial skills, and they discuss how these efforts can create a more informed electorate. This emphasis on financial literacy intertwines with their advocacy for social justice, illustrating how understanding economic systems can enhance one’s ability to navigate the political landscape effectively.

As the episode unfolds, Stephanie and Stephisha reflect on the narratives surrounding Vice President Kamala Harris and the importance of a nuanced understanding of her role in the political arena. They address the criticisms she has faced while emphasizing her commitment to the communities she serves. This dialogue encourages listeners to critically evaluate political narratives and to seek out candidates who prioritize equity and justice. Through their engaging and relatable conversation, this episode serves as both a motivational call to action and a reminder of the power of individual voices in shaping the future of our communities.

Chapters:

• 00:05 - Intro: Welcome to Nosy AF

• 00:35 - It's Election Day: Feeling Nervous

• 00:52 - Introducing Stephisha Ekoy Walton

• 01:06 - Mobilizing for the Election

• 00:27 - Understanding What's at Stake

• 03:31 - Getting Involved: Community Engagement

• 03:36 - The Importance of Voting

• 17:21 - Financial Literacy and Community Impact

• 34:20 - Taking Action: Teaching Youth Financial Skills

• 04:27 - Closing Thoughts: Celebrating Change

Connect with Stephisha

Instagram: @sycoywalton

Connect with Stephanie

Instagram: @stephaniegraham

Email: [email protected]

Check out my art and projects

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Episode Credits:

Produced, Hosted, and Edited by Me, Stephanie (teaching myself audio editing!)

Lyrics: Queen Lex

Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam

Special thanks this episode to Amanda McGrane, KO Meyers, and Dave Jackson

Ep 60: Doom-Scrolling and Daily Joys

Summary of this episode

In this episode of noseyAF, host Stephanie shares candid, one-take thoughts on navigating the emotional weight of the current election cycle. She opens up about being glued to the news and refreshing social media while dealing with the uncertainty that comes with it. Stephanie hopes these reflections will resonate with listeners and offer a bit of support during these overwhelming times.

She also gives a shoutout to her podcast bestie, Paulette Erato, and her incredible work organizing the Latinas in Podcasting Summit, an event that brought together both new and experienced podcasters.

Stephanie would love to hear from you, too—how are you holding up? Reach out and let her know!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Paulette's Podcast La Vida Más Chévere

Latinas in Podcasting Summit

Mindful Marketing Podcast: pod.link/1390672198

Check Your Voter Registration Status

Connect with Stephanie:

Instagram: @stephaniegraham

Email: [email protected]

Check out my art and projects

Enjoy my work? Join my studio newsletter

More Episodes at noseyaf.com

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Episode Credits:

Produced, Hosted, and Edited by Me, Stephanie (teaching myself audio editing!)

Lyrics: Queen Lex

Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam

Join Stephanie Graham as she talks about her enamel pins and shares exciting news about her upcoming debut as a vendor at a holiday market. With a passion for creativity and conversation, Stephanie reflects on her journey of making quirky, limited-edition pins that spark joy and connection. From her inspiration at a local artist gallery to her fun designs like the "Freedom Kahlo" and "I Need a Baker," she opens up about her artistic process and the stories behind her creations. Get ready for some fun insights, a catchy new beat for a podcast segment, and a heartfelt invitation to support local creatives. Tune in for a bright, engaging discussion that feels like chatting with your best friend!

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• 2nd Annual Film Workers Holiday Market
• Graham Cracker Pin Company
• Devening Projects
• Cine City Studios
• IATSE Local 476
• IATSE Local 800

Takeaways:

• Stephanie Graham introduces her creative journey from filmmaking to starting her pin business.
• The upcoming holiday market will be Stephanie's first experience as a vendor showcasing her pins.
• Graham Cracker Pin Company focuses on quirky, limited-edition enamel pins that spark conversations.
• The inspiration for her pins came from an artist's gallery visit that inspired her creativity.
• Stephanie shares her unique designs, including a Frida Kahlo pin that reflects her identity.
• The holiday market supports fellow filmmakers, showcasing their talents beyond the film industry.

Connect with Stephanie

Instagram: @stephaniegraham

Email: [email protected]

Check out my art and projects

Enjoy my work? Join my studio newsletter

More Episodes at noseyaf.com

Please leave me feedback or send me a message:

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Episode Credits:

Produced, Hosted, and Edited by Me, Stephanie (teaching myself audio editing!)

Lyrics: Queen Lex

Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam

Ep 58: Hosting with Heart: Breaking the Rules of Traditional Entertaining

“The heart of hospitality isn’t about impressing others but making them feel welcome.”

— Saanya Ali

Summary of the episode

Welcome back to episode 58 of nosyAF!

In this episode of nosyAF: Conversations About Art, Activism, and Social Change, host Stephanie sits down with Saanya Ali, founder of Soiree, to discuss how she is hosting with heart and redefining hospitality through her creative and joyful approach to gatherings. Saanya shares how hosting can move beyond stress and formality, focusing instead on connection and generosity. From her international upbringing to her passion for food and community, Saanya highlights how hospitality can be as simple as pizza on the floor with friends, emphasizing that the experience is about people, not perfection.

Topics discussed:

🍜Hosting with heart means prioritizing connection over perfection and making everyone feel valued and at home.

🍕A dinner party doesn’t have to be elaborate. It can be pizza on the floor—the connection matters," says Saanya.

🍽️ By breaking down the barriers to hosting, Saanya shows everyone can create memorable experiences, no matter the setting.

🥂Hospitality is about generosity and bringing people together, whether at a lavish event or a casual get-together.

All About Saanya:

Saanya Ali is a storyteller, writer, self-trained chef, and community-builder. She founded SOIRÉE, a platform that simplifies hosting for a new generation of entertainers. Born in Switzerland to South Asian parents and having traveled to over 65 countries, Saanya is fascinated by how food connects people across cultures and traditions. For her, a shared meal is more than just food—it's a way to break down barriers, tell stories, and bring people closer to their roots and communities.

After graduating from NYU's Gallatin School with a focus on Mixed Media Storytelling and Human Rights, Saanya worked at Well+Good before leaving in 2022 to focus full-time on SOIRÉE. The platform offers playful, practical solutions for Gen Z hosts, prioritizing authenticity, creativity, and accessibility over perfection.

At heart, Saanya is a curious third-culture kid who passionately believes in the power of food and connection. Her journey, from her multicultural upbringing to her extensive travels, has reinforced her belief that food is a universal language that can bridge cultural gaps and foster meaningful connection.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• SOIRÉE Website
• Sign up for the Saanya’s newsletter: SOIRÉE

Noteworthy quotes from this episode

“We dont need a run of show!”

"Food is a universal language—it brings people together, and that's what hospitality is all about."

"The heart of hospitality isn’t about impressing others but making them feel welcome.”

Connect with Saanya

Instagram: @justsoiree

Website: https://www.justsoiree.com/

Connect with Stephanie

Instagram: @stephaniegraham

Email: [email protected]

Check out my art and projects

Enjoy my work? Join my studio newsletter

More Episodes at noseyaf.com

Please leave me feedback or send me a message:

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Episode Credits:

Produced, Hosted, and Edited by Me, Stephanie (teaching myself audio editing!)

Lyrics: Queen Lex

Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam

Ep 57: Black Male Friendship: A Love You Bro Update

Summary of the episode:

In this episode of noseyAF, host Stephanie invites Black men living in Chicago to participate in her ongoing photography project titled "Love You Bro." Launched in 2018, the project aims to document the unique bonds of friendship among Black men through photography. Stephanie shares her inspiration for the project, which stemmed from her personal observations of the loyalty and camaraderie in these friendships. Listeners can learn more about the project and find a link to sign up for the photography session scheduled for October 6th at a studio in Chicago. Join the conversation about art, activism, and the importance of friendship in the Black community.

Topics discussed:

• Inspiration Behind the Love You Bro Project
• Significance of Friendship
• Come to the Photo Session!!

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Signup to come to the Love You Bro Portrait Session
• Love You Bro Project
• Whitney Bradshaw’s Outcry Project

Connect with Stephanie

Instagram: @stephaniegraham

Email: [email protected]

Check out my art and projects

More Episodes at noseyaf.com

Leave me feedback or send me a message:

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Episode Credits:

Produced, Hosted, and Edited by Me, Stephanie (teaching myself audio editing!)

Lyrics: Queen Lex

Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam

Ep 56: Choosing You: Art, Family, Community

🎨👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🤎✊🏾

"You got to choose you." - Pug Atomz, Prince of Art 😎 IFYKYK

Hey friends, welcome back to another episode of nosey AF! Today, we have an incredibly versatile Chicago artist, Pugs Atomz, on the show. Pugs is a true Renaissance man, excelling as an emcee, painter, sculptor, fashion designer, and more. In this episode, we dive deep into his multifaceted creative journey.

Episode Summary:

We start by discussing Pugs' impressive discography, which includes around 32 albums. We also explore the challenges of being a multi-talented artist and how Pugs navigates people's attempts to pigeonhole him. Pugs shares fascinating stories about his early career, including his time working at the Chicago Children's Museum and how he balanced his art with various day jobs.

Pugs reveals the importance of choosing oneself, especially as an artist. He recounts a pivotal moment when he decided to pursue his dreams over job security. We also discuss the power of community and how he founded the Nacrobats, a hip-hop crew that started in 1993 and grew to include over 200 members.

One of the highlights of our conversation is Pugs' approach to his art, which he describes as highly detailed and research-driven. Whether painting, making music, or designing fashion, Pugs emphasizes the importance of layers and details in his work.

We also discuss his latest project, "Mookie on the South Side," a multi-disciplinary work that includes paintings, installations, and an album. Pugs explains how he sees his projects as mini-movies, each with a beginning, middle, and end.

Towards the end of the episode, we delve into Pugs' style and his time as the creative director for the fashion line Iridium. He shares insights into how he plans his outfits and the importance of having a versatile wardrobe.

This episode is a treasure trove of insights and stories from one of Chicago's most dynamic artists. Whether you're an aspiring artist or just a fan of creative expression, you won't want to miss this conversation with Pugs Atomz.

Thanks for tuning in. Pugs' fashion brand, Usuwe, offers some stylish and unique pieces.

Topics discussed:

• Pugs Atomz’s Multifaceted Career: The episode explores Pugs' various artistic endeavors, including his music, painting, sculpture, and fashion design.
• The Artist's Journey: Pugs discusses his early career, challenges, and the importance of choosing oneself as an artist. He also shares insights into the power of community and his experiences with the Nacrobats.
• Pugs' Creative Process and Projects: The episode delves into Pugs' approach to his art, including his focus on detail and research. He also discusses his latest project, "Mookie on the South Side," and his style.

Pugs Atomz Bio:

Pugs Atomz is a multi-talented artist—a designer, muralist, rapper, and radio host. Inspired by his Chicago upbringing and artistic mother, he explored visual arts and music. In the 1990s, he co-founded The Nacrobats collective, releasing albums and solidifying himself in hip-hop.

After attending art school, Pugs released his debut album in 2000 and toured internationally. He documented his life as a graffiti artist through music and art installations. His social commentary led to involvement with anti-violence movements.

Pugs' international tours with DJ Vadim sparked a passion for fashion. He designed for major brands and co-founded Iridium Clothing, which attracted celebrities and cultivated young talent. He now runs his brand, Usuwe, and contributes to public art projects through co-founded initiatives.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Nas “Book of Rhymes”
• Pugs Atomz “Playing with matches “
• Meet Me At Dr. Wax Painting
• Englewood Arts Collective
• Usuwe
• Iridium Clothing
• noseyAF "Paying For Art Opportunities" (last episode I referenced)

In our conversation, I mentioned that Pugs has been interviewed many times. Here is another Conversation I found on YouTube where Pugs discusses his latest Project, "Mookie on the Southside," with producer DJ Real One interviewed by the project engineer, Justin “Zesto” Quiñones, who also has a YouTube channel. I know nothing about music production, so I thought this discussion was interesting; watch it here.

Sponsor Shoutout

UsUWe (pronounced Us-you-we) is a brand offering t-shirts, paintings, music, videos, and activations to reflect the emotions of us, you, and we. It's a time capsule of events and great memories.

I made Pugs' brand, UsUWe, a sponsor of this week's episode just for fun because he was on the show. I own a few things from UsUWe and bought his clothes as gifts. It's good stuff!

Shop Usuwe here: https://usuwe.threadless.com/

Check out Usuwe and support Pugs Atomz!

Note: In the episode, I mistakenly said "USUWE93" instead of "Usuwe." I apologize for the error.

Connect with Pugs Atomz

Instagram: @pugsatomz

Website: https://www.pugsatomz.com/

Connect with Stephanie

Instagram: @stephaniegraham

Email: [email protected]

Check out my art and projects

Enjoy my work? Join my studio newsletter

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Episode Credits:

Produced, Hosted, and Edited by Me, Stephanie (teaching myself audio editing!)

Lyrics: Queen Lex

Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of art submissions. Stephanie answers a listener's burning question: Is it worth paying an entry fee for art opportunities? She breaks down the importance of thorough research, emphasizing the value of understanding the hosting organization, juror, and curator.

Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting , this episode offers practical advice on navigating the complex landscape of art opportunities with confidence and clarity.

Topics discussed:

🔍Researching Art Opportunities: How to dig deep into an organization's history, the juror's style, and the curator's vision.

🔍Setting Financial Boundaries: Creating a budget and limiting monthly spending on entry fees.

🔍DIY vs. External Opportunities: Weighing the pros and cons of producing your own exhibition vs. applying to external art calls.

🔍Maximizing Your Investment: How to choose opportunities that align with your artistic goals and offer the best potential return.

Connect with Stephanie

Instagram: @stephaniegraham

Email: [email protected]

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Hey, nosey friends! I'm just popping in to share some exciting updates about noseyAF.

What You'll Learn:

• When Season 5 is dropping
• About the new noseyAF Dispatch newsletter

Fun Chicago Events:

Chicago Art Department's 20th Anniversary Crystal Ball September 14th:

Calling all art enthusiasts! Join the glamorous celebration with code STEPHANIE for 10% off tickets.

Get your Crystal Ball tickets here

Terrain Exhibitions Fundraiser: Garden Party September 21st:

Enjoy art, food, and music at the Riverside Art Center.

Get your Early Bird tickets now!

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Join the "Get Your Butt Up Club" Mondays @10am CST through August:

Motivate yourself and knock out those tedious tasks!

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Learn about sponsorship opportunities

Hey there, noseyAF fam! Stephanie Graham here, and guess what? We're hitting a significant milestone with our 50th episode, and it's a Q&A special, baby! I'm seriously feeling the love from all of you fantastic listeners, whether you've been rocking with us since day one or just hopping on board. Seriously, your support means the world to me, and I'm beyond stoked to celebrate this momentous occasion with every one of you.

So, what's in store for this special ep?

Well, get ready to dive deep into all sorts of topics as I spill the beans on my summer plans (Summertime Chi vibes, anyone?), reminisce about my very first artwork, and even dish on which Real Housewife could make it big in the visual art scene. Plus, we're tackling the big question of how to bring creativity into those oh-so-serious corporate settings and diving into the ultimate goal of our beloved podcast.

This is only possible with your fantastic questions and the vibrant noseyAF community we've built together. Seriously, you all are the real MVPs. And hey, the fun doesn't stop here! We've got more epic episodes, bonus content, and surprises lined up for Season Five, so you better stay tuned, stay curious, and keep those questions coming. Do you want to join the convo or share your thoughts? Hit me at [email protected], slide into those show notes, and leave feedback. Until next time, noseyAF friends, keep being curious and remarkable, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Hit up Kristyn Edwards if you need help with leadership
• Meg Franklin on noseyAF
• Check out Julia Cameron's The Artist Way

Connect with Stephanie

Instagram:

@stephaniegraham

@noseyafpod           

Check out my art and projects. 

More Episodes at noseyaf.com

Leave me feedback or send me a message.

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Partner with the show

This episode is a call to action for listeners! Stephanie, the host, is looking for guests for future episodes of noseyAF.

Folks I'm looking for:

• Grocery store owners and managers to discuss the challenges and rewards of running a local store and its impact on communities.
• Food economists or urban planners to explore the concept of food deserts and its impact on neighborhoods.
• Artists with a community-engaged art practice to discuss creating art that benefits the community and can be a business model.
• Sneaker resellers to delve into the world of sneaker reselling culture and how people make money reselling sneakers.
• Etiquette coaches and dinner party masters to discuss the art of throwing a dinner party and proper etiquette.

If you know anyone, please send me a email , Thanks you so much for your help!

Connect with Stephanie

Instagram: @stephaniegraham

Email: [email protected]

Check out my art and projects 

More Episodes at noseyaf.com

Leave me feedback or send me a message: https://castfeedback.com/noseyaf

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