This conversation was recorded live at Lumpen Radio in Chicago on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

Ep # 100: Chicago Artist Deirdre Fox on Turning Plastic Waste into Environmental Art & Visual Poetry

Summary of the episode

Chicago-based artist Deirdre Fox joins noseyAF for a live, unedited conversation from 105.5 FM Lumpen Radio about art, plastic waste, and environmental consciousness. Deirdre’s practice transforms discarded consumer packaging into drawings, fiber works, and installations that challenge how we think about disposability, permanence, and material value.

In this episode, host Stephanie Graham talks with Deirdre about her artistic journey, the idea of visual poetry, and how mindfulness—both in making and consuming—shapes her work. Together, they explore the tension between organic and synthetic materials, the limits of recycling, and the role artists play in addressing environmental responsibility through creative practice.

This conversation invites listeners to slow down, look closer, and reconsider the materials that move through their everyday lives.

What we talk about

1. Transforming plastic consumer packaging into drawings, fiber works, and installations
2. Visual poetry and storytelling through material
3. Mindfulness, consumption, and environmental responsibility
4. The evolution of Deirdre’s artistic practice from representational to abstract work
5. Making art that lives in the tension between permanence and disposability

Chapters:

• 00:00 - Introduction to noseyAF

• 02:30 - Deirdre's Artistic Journey with Plastic Waste

• 15:20 - Reflecting on Pouch Cove

• 29:36 - Finding One's Voice in Art

• 42:56 - Balancing Time and Creativity

• 52:13 - Exploring Artistic Processes and Sustainability

• 58:43 - Exploring Artistic Collaborations

All about… Deirdre Fox

You’re gonna love Deirdre they’re a Chicago-based artist turning everyday plastic waste into visually refined, quietly radical works of environmental reflection.

Deirdre Fox crochets and weaves plastic consumer packaging into drawings, fiber pieces, and drawing installations. Her work functions as personal gestures of environmental consciousness, rooted in the understanding that plastics made for convenience—like single-use bags—last far longer than intended, and that recycling alone is not an adequate solution.

Her practice questions systems of built-in obsolescence and accumulated waste, while creating visual poems that hold time, care, and material awareness. Deirdre has exhibited at FlexSpace Riverside Art Center, Hyde Park Art Center, Boundary Chicago, Evanston Art Center, the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, Koehnline Museum of Art Gallery, and the Swedish American Museum, among others. She has received multiple grants from the City of Chicago and the Illinois Arts Council and maintains her studio at Mana Contemporary Chicago.

Sponsor Shoutout 💖

This episode is brought to you by Artist Admin Hour

Get your work done with structure, with company. Check out Artist Admin Hour at missgraham.com/artistadminhour

Connect with Deirdre Fox

1. Instagram: @deirdre_fox_art
2. Website: http://www.artbydado.com/

Connect with Stephanie

1. Check out my work
2. Follow me on Instagram
3. Join the Good Stuff Only Newsletter
4. Listen to more episodes

Support & Feedback

1. Share noseyAF with friends
2. Rate & Review the Show
3. Buy Pins & Prints | Shop Art

Episode Credits

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

Recorded Live at Lumpen Radio

Lyrics: Queen Lex

Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam

Cover Art + Branding: Emma McGoldrick

EP# 99 The Rise of Women’s Sports, NIL Money, and the Power of the Everyday Athlete with Angela Hollowell

✨ Episode Summary

Women’s sports are having a moment — and it’s about time.

In this episode of noseyAF, Stephanie Graham sits down with filmmaker, writer, and Melanin MVP founder Angela Hollowell to talk about the rise of women’s sports, the impact of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) money, and why the idea of the “everyday athlete” might change how we think about movement altogether.

We get into how women athletes, especially women of color, are finally getting visibility, how branding and social media have reshaped college and pro sports, and why athleticism doesn’t have to look one specific way. From glam on the court to cycling for joy, this conversation explores how creativity, confidence, and culture show up in sports — and in life.

If you’ve ever thought “sports aren’t really for me,” this episode might change your mind.

🗣️ What We Get Into

• Why women’s sports are finally getting real attention
• How NIL money changed the game for college athletes
• What an “everyday athlete” actually is — and why it matters
• Glam, femininity, and breaking outdated ideas of athleticism
• The pressure young athletes face in the age of social media
• Filmmaking, creativity, and finding balance without burning out

⏱️ Chapters

• 00:11 — Welcome & setting the scene
• 00:35 — The rise of women’s sports + NIL money
• 11:22 — How Melanin MVP came to be
• 17:06 — Everyday athletes & redefining movement
• 23:19 — Reality TV, Alabama, and cultural detours
• 27:30 — Documentary filmmaking & creative process
• 37:14 — Balance, focus, and doing less better
• 46:03 — Sports relationships & team dynamics
• 48:24 — Melanin MVP Awards brainstorm 👀
• 55:54 — The yearbook idea & what’s next

🔗 Things We Mentioned

• Melanin MVP – Newsletter + podcast spotlighting women athletes of color
• The Melanin MVP Cross-Training Quiz (not for the weak, apparently 😭)
• NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) legislation

🌟 All About Angela Hollowell

You’re gonna love Angela — she’s thoughtful, hilarious, deeply intentional, and casually changing how we think about sports and storytelling.

Angela Hollowell is the founder of Rootful Media, a creative documentary film production company based in Durham, North Carolina. She’s also the host of the video podcasts Honey & Hustle and Melanin MVP.

Her work centers Southern voices and explores the outdoors, health equity, environmental justice, and social impact — all through a thoughtful, culture-forward lens. Beyond filmmaking, Angela helps visual storytellers and creative entrepreneurs grow their audience and build meaningful creative businesses.

When she’s not working, you can find her outside, on a bike, or enjoying a fruity beer or margarita with friends 🍹.

🔌 Connect with Angela

• Instagram: @honeyhustlepod
• Website: https://www.angelahollowell.com/
• Newsletter / Podcast: Melanin MVP

👋🏾 Connect with Stephanie

• ✨ Check out my work
• 📸 Follow me on Instagram
• 💌 Join the Good Stuff Only Newsletter
• 🎧 Listen to more episodes

🫶🏾 Support the Show

• Share nosey AF with a friend
• Rate & Review the Show
• Buy Pins & Prints | Shop Art

🎬 Episode Credits

Produced, hosted, by me, Stephanie

Lyrics: Queen Lex

Episode Edited by: Risha Brown

Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam

Ep #98: Print Your Legacy: Lawrence Nalls on Multi-Generational Photography and Pride

Summary of the episode

Lawrence Nalls, managing photographer of Forty Photography, shares the profound journey of building a multi-generational Chicago photography studio rooted in legacy, storytelling, and community service. In this conversation, Lawrence reveals how his father's Vietnam War documentation sparked a family tradition that's now entering its third generation. We explore the emotional weight of photography as both art form and responsibility, the importance of print over digital, and why Lawrence believes every photograph should make you feel something. From learning to "figure it out" with his first camera to teaching his sons the business, Lawrence offers candid insights on building trust with clients, the hard lessons of running a creative business (yes, take deposits!), and how to help people see past their insecurities to capture pride. This episode is a masterclass in intentional photography, sustainable creative practice, and the power of printed images to preserve family legacy.

What we're getting into

You know how some conversations just feel like sitting down with someone who's lived it and learned it? That's this whole episode.

• The origin story of Forty Photography - from Vietnam War footage to a thriving multi-generational studio
• Why prints matter more than digital files - and how Lawrence shifted his entire practice around this philosophy
• The business side of photography - storage systems, deposits, redundancy, and the stuff nobody talks about
• Building trust and managing client insecurities - including Lawrence's "word bank" technique for portrait sessions
• Keeping enthusiasm alive after 19 years - the daily present philosophy and why relationships are wealth
• Film vs. digital and intentionality - how shooting film shaped Lawrence's approach to digital photography
• Parenting, sports, and passing down the legacy - raising two sons in the family business

Folks and Things We Mentioned

• Forty Photography - Lawrence's multi-generational Chicago photography studio
• John H. White - Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer and church friend who inspired Lawrence
• Gordon Parks - Legendary photographer and director of Shaft
• Annie Leibovitz - Renowned portrait photographer
• Richard Avedon - Fashion and portrait photographer
• Sarah Oliphant - Artist who hand-paints canvases for photography backgrounds
• Chicago Alliance of African American Photographers (CAAAP) - Organization focused on documenting Black life with pride
• Rainbow Beach - Lawrence's "happy place" on Chicago's South Side
• Artist Admin Hour - Stephanie's Wednesday accountability sessions for artists (artistadminhour.com)

Chapters:

• 00:00 - Introduction to the Conversation

• 06:49 - The Legacy of 4D Photography

• 12:36 - The Transition to Digital Photography

• 15:50 - Documenting Family Memories

• 22:50 - Capturing Moments: The Art of Photography and Trust

• 34:11 - Managing a Photography Business: Insights from Experience

• 42:12 - Lessons Learned from Hard Experiences

• 44:32 - The Importance of Sports in Parenting

• 49:44 - Exploring Photography and Relationships

• 56:15 - Reflections on the Podcast Journey

All about Lawrence

You're gonna love Lawrence—he's a third-generation photographer, cigar enthusiast, devoted father, and the kind of creative who believes every photo should evoke a sense of pride. His studio, Forty Photography (named after doctors told his father he'd be lucky to live to 40 after Vietnam War injuries—he's turning 80 next month!), serves families, schools, and organizations across Chicago. Lawrence approaches photography with intention, encouraging clients to think beyond social media and put their memories on the wall. He's also the guy who will absolutely not participate in your negative self-talk during a photo session—instead, he'll have you build a word bank of how you want to feel, then help you embody it.

Connect with Lawrence Nalls

• Instagram: @fortyphotography
• Website: fortyphotography.com
• Location: Bridgeport, Chicago

Come to the Studio? 🪑✨

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→ Join artists, curators, and art lovers getting Good Stuff Only

More ways to connect:

• Email: [email protected]
• Check out my work
• Follow me on Instagram: @stephaniegraham
• Listen to more episodes

Support & Feedback

• Share noseyAF with friends
• Rate & Review the Show
• Buy Pins & Prints | Shop Art

Episode Credits

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

Theme Music Lyrics: Queen Lex

Theme Music Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam

Recorded Live at Lumpen Radio, Chicago

This episode was recorded live on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Lumpen Radio in Chicago.

Ep #97: OUTCRY Project: How Collective Scream Sessions Create Radical Empathy and Healing with Whitney Bradshaw

Thank you for listening to noseyAF! So happy to have your ears!

This conversation was recorded live at Lumpen Radio on Saturday, December 13, 2025

Summary of the episode

What does it look like to be out loud together? In this powerful episode, artist and activist Whitney Bradshaw shares the story behind OUTCRY—her groundbreaking social practice project that brings women, non-binary, and genderqueer people together for collective scream sessions centered on healing, resistance, and radical empathy.

Born from the intersection of the MeToo movement and the 2016 election,OUTCRY creates intentionally intersectional spaces where participants practice speaking up and out for themselves, release trauma held in their bodies, and build unexpected community with strangers. Over seven years, Whitney has facilitated nearly 80 sessions in 14 states, photographing more than 530 participants in moments of raw emotional power.

We get the skinny on what actually happens during these two-hour sessions, the science behind why screaming makes us 7% stronger, and how radical empathy can transform both personal healing and collective action. Plus, we talk about the new documentary film OUTCRY: Alchemists of Rage, somatic therapy, scream boxes, and why our culture desperately needs more spaces for collective grieving.

Key Takeaways:

• The OUTCRY project serves as a transformative platform for collective healing and empowerment, particularly for marginalized communities
• Screaming is not merely an act of expression; it serves as a therapeutic mechanism that fosters resilience, emotional release, and literally makes you 7% stronger
• Whitney Bradshaw's work emphasizes the importance of radical empathy, encouraging participants to engage deeply with diverse experiences across intersectional identities
• The sessions facilitate a unique environment where individuals can practice voicing their truths in front of strangers, contributing to personal and communal growth and often forming lasting friendships and activist networks

Resources & Links:

• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
• 21C Museum Hotel Louisville (current exhibition through end of December 2025)

Chapters

• 00:09 - Introduction to Motivation and Self-Reflection
• 01:38 - Introducing OUTCRY: A Collective Healing Experience
• 17:14 - Voices Unleashed: The Power of Sharing Stories
• 22:50 - The Importance of Expressing Anger
• 27:11 - Introduction to Radical Empathy
• 41:41 - The Evolution of OUTCRY
• 51:10 - The Evolution of OUTCRY: A Journey of Healing and Art
• 55:57 - Exploring Artistic Identity and New Projects

All about Whitney

You're gonna love Whitney she's a powerhouse artist, activist, and the kind of person who invites neighbors over to scream in her living room (and bakes banana bread for the occasion).

Whitney Bradshaw is an artist, activist, educator, curator, former social worker, and documentary film producer whose practice is dedicated to healing and empowerment while boldly confronting the social systems that marginalize and oppress. She is the creator of OUTCRY, an ongoing social practice project that has been exhibited widely across the United States, with solo shows at Atlanta Contemporary, the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, the DePaul Art Museum, Villanova University Art Gallery, Moreau Galleries at St. Mary's College, the 21c Museum Hotel Louisville, and Wave Pool Contemporary Art Fulfillment Center.

Her photographs are held in prominent collections including the Museum of Contemporary Photography, the DePaul Art Museum, Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, the Hall Art and Technology Foundation, and the Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell Collection and have been featured in Ms. Magazine, The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, NewCity Magazine, and Vogue.

Both Whitney and OUTCRY are the subject of a short documentary film titled OUTCRY: Alchemists of Rage directed by Clare Major and produced by Frankly Speaking Films. The film premiered at the Frameline Film Festival in San Francisco in June 2024 and was shortlisted for the International Documentary Association's Best Short Film Award of 2024.

In Fall 2023, Whitney was named one of NewCity Magazine's "50 Chicago Artists' Artists." She currently serves as curator at the Lubeznik Center for the Arts in Michigan City, Indiana, following earlier roles as chair of the visual arts conservatory at the Chicago High School for the Arts, curator of the esteemed LaSalle Bank Photography Collection, and adjunct professor of photography at Columbia College Chicago. Before her curatorial and educational career, she worked as a social worker supporting survivors of sexual abuse and assault, families of children with disabilities, and adults with disabilities.

Whitney holds an MFA in Photography from Columbia College Chicago and a BA in Sociology and Women's Studies from Eastern Illinois University, where she helped establish the interdisciplinary Women's Studies program in 1988 and became its first graduate in 1991.

Recent Press on Whitney:

• Ms. Magazine: "Screaming for Change"
• NewCity: "Feminine Gaze Feminine Rage OUTCRY" by Zara Yost (August 8, 2024)
• NewCity's Top 50 Chicago Artists' Artists
• Ms. Magazine: "Whitney Bradshaw's OUTCRY"

Sponsor Shoutout 💖

This episode is brought to you by Artist Admin Hour

Every Wednesday, 7 to 9pm Central, artists show up on Zoom to tackle what we've been avoiding: residency applications, grant apps, budgets, invoices, whatever's on your list. Two hours of body doubling with structure, no shame, and real community. $25 to $45 a month gets you in. But if that's not doable, email me—getting this done is very important, and we will make it work.

Stop letting admin sabotage your practice. Join us today at Artist Admin Hour.

Connect with Whitney

• Website: WhitneyBradshaw.com
• Instagram: @thewhitneybradshaw
• Film Website: OUTCRYfilm.com
• Whitney's Linktree : For upcoming screenings, exhibitions, and sessions
• Coming Up: The Feminist Art Project's Special Session at the College Art Association National Conference in Chicago on Feb 21

More ways to connect:

• Email: [email protected]
• Check out my work
• Follow me on Instagram: @stephaniegraham
• Listen to more episodes

Support & Feedback

• Share noseyAF with friends
• Rate & Review the Show
• Buy Pins & Prints | Shop Art

Episode Credits

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

Lyrics: Queen Lex

Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam

Photo of Whitney by Jamie Kelter Davis for Seriously Badass Women

Ep #96: Bring the Avalanche: How to Turn Rejection Into Motivation — with Maurice Proffitt

“Trust yourself. This world will try to tell you otherwise every single day.”- Maurice Proffitt

This conversation was recorded live at Lumpen Radio on Saturday November 22, 2025

Summary of the episode

In this episode, we sit down with Chicago creative and producer Maurice Proffitt to talk about creative rejection, the fear of success, and what it really takes to build a career without waiting for permission. Maurice shares the moments that shaped him: the childhood spark that made him a storyteller, the brutal rejection that changed his entire trajectory, and how he learned to turn setbacks into motivation.

If you’ve ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or right on the edge of something big—but scared to leap—this conversation will give you fuel.

What we talk about

• A friendly deep-dive into what it really means to grow as an artist.
• Turning rejection into motivation
• Overcoming the fear of success and leveling up
• Growing up Black in Schaumburg and finding your “B-side” identity
• Why you should stop asking for permission and create anyway
• Building B-Side Productions and Dreamscape
• Friendship, community, and the people who hold you up
• Maurices first web series “Broke AF,” filmmaking, and learning to edit
• The moment he said: “Enough is enough — I’m building my own lane.”

Things We Mentioned

Rejection Proof: How I Beat Fear and Became Invincible Through 100 Days of Rejection by Jia Jiang (affiliate link)

“Broke AF” web series

B-Side Studios

Dreamscape Theatre

Batman Begins — “Why do we fall?” reference

Chapters:

00:23 - Introduction to Self-Expression

01:51 - The Fear of Success

12:24 - Navigating the Creative Landscape

19:33 - The Heartbreak of Rejection

24:33 - The Concept of B-Side Productions

31:51 - Identity and Growing Up in Schaumburg

36:15 - The Journey of Friendship and Creativity

44:11 - Transition to Filmmaking and Editing

51:01 - Resilience in the Face of Adversity

54:43 - The Journey of a Show: From Preparation to Performance

All about... Maurice Proffitt

You're gonna love Maurice Proffitt—he’s a filmmaker, theatre producer, community-builder, and creative force whose work centers the stories and voices usually overlooked. From theater to film to building his own production companies, Maurice is all about creating space for the hidden gems, the B-sides, and the people who don’t fit the mold.

Sponsor Shoutout 💖

This episode is brought to you by Artist Admin Hour.

Admin is the flex—and your practice deserves it. Join us Wednesdays, 7–9pm CT for structured co-working that helps you get things off your list and out of your head.

Learn more: artistadminhour.com

Connect with Maurice Proffit

Instagram: @mrproffit

Website: https://www.dreamscapetheatre.com/

More ways to connect:

Email: [email protected]

Check out my work

Follow on Instagram @stephaniegraham

Listen to more episodes

Support & Feedback

Share noseyAF with a friend

Rate & Review on your podcast platform

Buy Pins & Prints | Shop Art

Episode Credits

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

Lyrics: Queen Lex

Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam

Artist Admin Hour instrumental by Soundroll

Ever wonder what a creative life really looks like beyond the highlight reel?

I'm Stephanie Graham, an artist and filmmaker, and I host noseyAF conversations about art, activism, and social change. I ask the kind of honest questions that make people go, "Ooh, good one".

We'll talk about when you knew you had to make a project, how you really handle rejection, and where the weirdest place inspiration struck. We have rich, fun, and honest talks with artists, activists, and everyday legends who are out here doing the work that matters. We get into the breakthroughs, the 3 AM doubts, the side hustles funding it all, and the messy, messy pivots.

If you want actionable, inspiring conversations that spark ideas and curiosity, subscribe to noseyAF today. Let's get nosy and curious together

Ep # 95: Queer History Is Everywhere: Dr. Kate Henry on Archives, Rhetoric & Lisa Ben

Summary of the episode

Hey its Stephanie here! In this episode of noseyAF, we get into queer history, archives, and public scholarship with Dr. Kate Henry — writer, scholar, poet, and creator of Lisa Benography, a public scholarship project documenting Lisa Ben, the woman behind the first known lesbian magazine in the U.S. Kate and I talk about the magic and messiness of archives, what feminist historiography actually is, and how queer stories survive even when institutions try to erase them.

We also get into creative writing, rhetoric, butch/femme histories, and what it means to consider your own life an archive. It’s tender, nerdy, funny, and honestly one of my favorite conversations.

What we talk about

• How Dr. Kate first stumbled into queer history and feminist historiography
• The wild, brilliant, and deeply influential life of Lisa Ben
• Why archives matter — and how everyday people create them
• The difference between academic scholarship and public scholarship (and how to make knowledge accessible)
• Creative writing, rhetoric, and the “moves” queer creators make under censorship
• A juicy tangent on personal archives, family keepsakes, and documenting our own lives
• How queer histories survive through scraps, letters, love, and community care

Things We Mentioned

• Lisa Benography website (Kate’s public scholarship project)
• ONE Archives at the USC Libraries (where Lisa Ben’s papers live)
• “Vice Versa” — the first known lesbian magazine in the U.S.
• The book Overlooked by The New York Times (Kate is cited in the Lisa Ben entry)
• Patrick Kelly biography project by Dr. Eric Darnell Pritchard
• Magazine of Horror / sci-fi fanzines (Lisa Ben’s “Tigrina” work)

Chapters:

• 00:09 - Exploring Queer History: The Legacy of Lisa Ben
• 09:06 - Public Scholarship and Queer Histories
• 24:11 - The Impact of Lisa Ben and Queer Archives
• 34:53 - The Legacy of Lisa Ben: Documenting Queer Histories
• 47:01 - The Evolution of Personal and Public Scholarship

All about Dr. Kate Henry

Dr. Kate Henry is a Productivity Coach who specializes in sustainable and well-being-oriented productivity for folks working on academic writing projects. Kate holds an MFA in Creative Writing and a PhD in Rhetoric and Composition, and she researches and publishes as a public scholar. She's the author of the newsletter "Tending," the host of the podcast "Honing In," and she lives in Boston, MA, with her spouse, two cats, and a 7-pound chihuahua.

Connect with Dr. Kate Henry

Instagram: @thetendingyear

Website: https://katehenry.com/

Newsletter: Tending with Dr. Kate Henry

Podcast: Honing In

🚨 Also, as I mentioned in the episode, Dr. Kate is a productivity coach. If you need your life together, hit her up in December. She will open her books for new Success & Accountability Coaching Clients who want to work together in 2026.

Connect with Stephanie

Check out my work

Follow me on Instagram

Join the Good Stuff Only Newsletter

Listen to more episodes

Support & Feedback

Share noseyAF with friends

Rate & Review the Show

Buy Pins & Prints | Shop Art

Episode Credits

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

Lyrics: Queen Lex

Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam

Ep # 94 : Plant-Based Entrepreneur Niehla Ollie: From Beauty Industry to Homegirl’s Hummus

This episode was recorded live on Saturday November 8th at Lumpen Radio in Chicago.

Summary of the episode

This week on noseyAF, I’m talking with Niehla Ollie, the creative behind Homegirl’s Hummus. After more than 20 years in the fashion and beauty world, Niehla had a late-night hummus craving in Milwaukee that changed everything. What started as a midnight snack moment turned into a full-on business built on flavor, love, and community.

Niehla opens up about loss, faith, and starting over, and we get into how food can heal and connect people. She shares what it’s really like to run a food business, the importance of taking care of yourself while chasing your dreams, and why kindness and a good dip go a long way.

This conversation is full of heart, hustle, and hummus — the perfect combo.

Chapters:

• 00:17 - A New Beginning

• 06:08 - The Origin of Homegirls Hummus

• 12:40 - Transitioning to Healthy Eating Choices

• 19:22 - Navigating Dietary Restrictions During the Holidays

• 22:57 - The Journey of Homegirl Hummus

• 32:06 - The Importance of Self-Care

• 45:34 - Faith and Business: A Journey of Hope

• 52:15 - Exploring the World of Hummus and Beyond

• 56:11 - The Art of Entertaining

What we talk about

How Niehla went from beauty industry boss to hummus queen

The story behind Homegirl’s Hummus and how it started with one late-night craving

Why plant-based eating doesn’t have to be complicated or boring

Handling grief, growth, and entrepreneurship with faith and flavor

The real talk about self-care and staying grounded while building something new

All about… Niehla Ollie

You’re gonna love Niehla Ollie (aka Niehla O). After more than 20 years in fashion and beauty, she wanted to help people feel good from the inside out. That led her to create Homegirl’s Hummus, a plant-based brand that’s all about community, creativity, and connection.

She started making hummus for friends in L.A. back in 2016, and after moving back home to Chicago — and through some major life changes — she decided to go all in. In 2021, Homegirl’s Hummus was officially born, spreading love (and hummus) one scoop at a time.

Connect with Niehla

Instagram: @homegirlshummus

Website: homegirlshummus.com

More ways to connect:

Email

Check out my work

Follow me on Instagram

Listen to more episodes

Support & Feedback

Share noseyAF with friends

Rate & Review the Show

Buy Pins & Prints | Shop Art

Episode Credits

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

Lyrics: Queen Lex

Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam

Ep 93: Stop Overthinking Your Brand: A Real Talk Guide for Creative Entrepreneurs

Summary of the episode

In this episode of noseyAF, I sit down with brand designer and website strategist Bridget Baker to demystify the overwhelming world of branding for artists and creative entrepreneurs. Bridget shares her journey from professional dancer and choreographer to helping people build authentic brands that actually reflect who they are—not who they think they should be. We dig into why branding feels so intimidating, how to give yourself permission to be yourself online, and why perfection is the enemy of connection. Bridget breaks down the difference between personal and business brands, explains when (and if) you should worry about brand consistency, and shares practical advice for creative people who contain multitudes. If you've ever felt paralyzed by the pressure to have perfectly polished brand photos, matching color palettes, or a "professional" online presence, this conversation is for you.

Topics discussed:

• Why branding feels overwhelming and how to give yourself permission to be authentic
• The difference between personal and business brands (and what to do when you ARE the business)
• How minimalism and organization principles apply to brand strategy
• When to update your brand colors, photos, and messaging (spoiler: it's more flexible than you think)
• Building community through co-working spaces like Write Shit Mondays
• The problem with AI-generated brand content and homogenized aesthetics
• Practical first steps for clarifying your brand based on what you actually want your life to look like

Chapters:

• 00:14 - Introduction to Bridget Baker

• 06:57 - The Intersection of Personal and Business Branding

• 12:25 - Evolving Brand Stories

• 17:41 - The Role of Minimalism in Branding

• 26:28 - The Journey to Website Branding

• 37:06 - Exploring Community and Connections

• 38:43 - The Evolution of Write Shit Mondays

• 46:20 - Understanding Branding Flexibility

All About Bridget

Bridget Baker specializes in working with coaches, consultants, therapists, organizers, and overall, people who help people. Her superpower is giving you the permission you need to brand your BIZ the way YOU want to. She's been a minimalist since before it was trendy, and organized her friends' closets for fun as a kid (true story!) Simplifying spaces and creating more room to play are her jam. That, coupled with a background in dance and choreography led her to want to find a way to use both her creative and organizational passions. Sprinkle in some writing and consulting, and over the past 15 years, she's built a business that has given her the flexibility and freedom to work from anywhere. Building brands and websites is the place where she combines all those skills and helps people let go of the cluttered ideas about their brands, and create the space for something they love.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Write Shit Mondays - Bridget's free weekly co-working writing community (every Monday)
• Bridget's Website - Connect with Bridget for branding and website services

Noteworthy quotes from this episode

"Branding is your behavior. It's your personality. What has you go buy that color of Stanley mug? It's not just Instagram telling you—it's like, pink is my thing."

"This thing that's scary for you to share is probably the thing you should share because that's the thing that's going to make you the most vulnerable. That's going to have people connect with you and go, 'Oh my gosh, you're a real person.'"

"Get clear about what you really want in your life. And then you build the brand from there. You don't just go, 'What marketable skills do I have?' Because then you just get into hustle culture."

"You contain multitudes. You have these different arenas that you share with the world—your art, your work, your podcast. That's what makes it interesting."

"I'm a website therapist because I do like to dig in and really figure out the juicy underbelly of people's brands."

Connect with Bridget Baker

• Instagram: @bridgetbakerbranding
• Website: bridgetbakerbranding.com

Connect & Stay Updated

• Visit my website (Art, Projects & More)
• Follow on Instagram (@stephaniegraham)
• Join my Studio Newsletter
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Support & Feedback

• Share noseyAF with friends
• Rate & Review the Show
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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 #92: Voices of Survival — A Conversation with Filmmaker James Coney

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This episode of noseyAF was recorded live on Lumpen Radio on October 25, 2025, and features filmmaker James Coney, founder of Joyful Rebellion Films and creator of the short film “There Are No Words”.

The film takes inspiration from Chanel Miller’s powerful victim impact statement, and James joins me to talk about what it means to tell survivor-centered stories with care, empathy, and intention. We get into how he brought together 35 actresses to collectively voice Chanel’s words, how filmmaking can serve as healing, and why representation behind the camera matters just as much as what we see on screen.

It’s a tender, thoughtful conversation about the ways art can open hearts, challenge silence, and spark community healing.

What We Talk About

• How “There Are No Words” came to life
• James’s creative process and why he chose 35 actresses to share Chanel Miller’s words
• What it means to create a safe and supportive set
• The connection between filmmaking, empathy, and activism
• How storytelling can inspire understanding and change

Things We Mentioned

“Know My Name” by Chanel Miller

All About James Coney

James Coney has been a movie lover since childhood — Amadeus was his first big-screen obsession. After earning a film degree from Columbia College Chicago, he worked in TV production on shows like Judge Mathis, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Steve Harvey, and America’s Got Talent.

In 2015, he founded Joyful Rebellion Films — a company committed to fearless storytelling that challenges silence and celebrates authenticity. There Are No Words continues that mission by amplifying the voices of survivors and using film as a tool for empathy and awareness.

🎬 Instagram: @joyfulrebellionfilms

🌐 Website: joyfulrebellionfilms.com

Takeaways 💭

• Art can be a form of healing. James shows how filmmaking can hold space for pain, reflection, and transformation — both for artists and audiences.
• Representation behind the camera matters. Centering women’s voices in every part of the process changed the way this story was told and received.
• Listening is powerful. When we take the time to truly hear survivor stories, we open the door to empathy, connection, and lasting change.

Chapters

• 00:04 - Live from Lumpen Radio: Meet James Coney

• 03:29 - How “There Are No Words” Came to Be

• 19:33 - Filmmaking Through a Pandemic

• 28:26 - Building a Safe Set for Survivors

• 42:06 - Why Representation and Empathy Matter

More ways to connect:

• Email: [email protected]
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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 #91: The Power of Intentional Community Building with Lindsey Lerner

Summary of the Episode

Hey friends! In this episode, I’m talking with Lindsey Lerner community builder, photographer, and creative strategist who’s all about shaking things up. Lindsey calls herself “allergic to the status quo,” and once you hear her talk, you’ll totally get why.

Her project, Field Notes from the Work in the Wild, captures people in those quiet, in-between moments before the big break, before the outcome when they’re just doing the work and figuring things out. We talked about how capitalism affects the way we see value, what it really means to build community that matters, and how slowing down to notice the “messy middle” can actually be where the magic lives.

This one’s full of heart, honesty, and a few mic-drop moments. I promise it’ll have you thinking about creativity, care, and community in a whole new way.

Topics We Got Into

• What intentional community building really looks like (and what it’s not)
• How capitalism shapes the way we value ourselves and others
• The inspiration behind Field Notes from the Work in the Wild
• Owning your power and agency in work and life
• The difference between having an audience, fans, and a true community
• Curiosity and vulnerability as creative superpowers
• What it means to be “allergic to the status quo”

Takeaways

• You have more power and agency than you might think use it with intention.
• A real community isn’t just followers or fans it’s about connection, care, and reciprocity.
• The in-between moments matter. That’s where growth, creativity, and clarity show up.
• It’s okay to question the systems you’re in and to define value on your own terms.
• You’re allowed to be more than one thing artist, dreamer, strategist, whatever lights you up.
• Don’t skip the messy middle it’s where the good stuff happens.

Chapters:

• 00:07 - Introducing Lindsay Lerner

• 01:10 - Navigating Personal Power and Community Values

• 15:32 - Understanding Community vs. Audience

• 18:25 - The Evolution of Community in the Digital Age

• 32:32 - Stepping Into Your Element

• 37:41 - The Concept of Portfolio Careers

• 45:24 - Creative Retreat Planning

All About Lindsey:

Lindsey Lerner is a photographer, interviewer, and strategist reshaping how we witness work, identity, and belonging. Through her project Field Notes from the Work (and the Wild), she captures people in their element — before the performance, before the polished story, before the world takes notice. Her work documents the rituals, questions, and quiet shifts that shape how people show up, offering a new lens on creativity, leadership, and meaningful change.

Lindsey speaks on the power of being fully seen, the stories we overlook, and how honoring the work behind the work transforms the way we build, connect, and live.

Noteworthy quotes from Lindsey

“You do have a sense of power and agency if you want to take accountability for the work you’re doing day to day.”

“When you have a community, there’s actual relationship. It’s not one way — it’s connection, it’s care, it’s reciprocity.”

“It’s not about reinventing yourself — it’s about riding the waves and listening to what’s real right now.”

Connect with Lindsey Lerner

Instagram: @lindseylerner

Website: https://www.lindseylerner.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