CHI EYE

Anna Pechtel affirms Women’s Will to Heal

Hey CHI EYE! I’m back and better! Happy Stress Awareness Month. I just got back on track with my mental health personally. So I pray you all are on a similar journey. If you aren’t there yet; I hope this episode speaks to you. In this heartfelt conversation, I sit down with my friend Anna—an emerging mental health professional currently pursuing her master’s and bringing real-world experience from her time working in mental health hospitals. She is also a researcher and putting together a dissertation on autism in women. Together, we explore the layered realities of mental illness and the quiet (and not-so-quiet) strength women bring to their healing journeys. Men, don’t worry. We address you too! We talk about what resilience really looks like, the unique pressures people face when navigating mental health challenges, and the power of vulnerability as a tool for growth. Anna shares insights from the field, stories of triumph, and thoughts on what it means to hold space—for others and for yourself. This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt like they had to break down to rebuild, and anyone who believes in the healing power of community, conversation, and care. Follow Anna: @annapechtel on IG Follow Jocelyn: @joceliterary on IG/X/YT Follow the pod: @chieyepod on IG CONTACT: chieyepod@gmail.com

Me’Lo TGH honors Home, Hip-Hop, and Hard Work

Me’Lo aka The Generation Hero (TGH) aka Ms. Shero is an artist, storyteller, and motivator whose work blends music, inspiration, and empowerment. Through her soulful sound and thought-provoking messages, she uplifts audiences with themes of self-love, resilience, and purpose. Whether through her music, motivational reflections, or dynamic presence, Me’Lo is dedicated to being a voice of encouragement for this generation. Her latest work showcases her commitment to creating art that not only moves people but also reminds them of their own strength. She’s also a culinary expert! So check out her food endeavors as well. On this episode we talk about her hip-hop upbringing, creative pursuits, and personal philosophies to close out Women’s History Month. Follow Me’Lo on IG: https://www.instagram.com/melothegenerationhero?igsh=MTg4cTc1c284czR4OA== [https://www.instagram.com/melothegenerationhero?igsh=MTg4cTc1c284czR4OA==] Follow Jocelyn (host) @joceliterary . 💯 Follow the show @chieyepod on IG. Want to come on the show? Email: chieyepod@gmail.com Thank you for listening! — Music: “Cold Brew” by RA (commercial music from uppbeat.io)

joJB on Confidence in Creativity and Identity Continually

Today on CHI EYE we have on my good friend joJB. Their artist bio goes as follows: “joJB (they/he/she) is an interdisciplinary, multi-genred songwriter and performing artist from the Chicagoland area. The product of an L.A. transplant and a South Side Gospel guru, their music is deeply influenced by the sounds they were surrounded by in their childhood as well as contemporary singer-songwriters, nostalgic melodies and lyrical depth. Blue Dream, joJB's debut solo project was commissioned by producer/rapper/Millennial House CEO Chris Berry. The project addresses love and loss as experienced during 2020's historic pandemic and the equally global need for Black liberation. Still Dreaming... is joJB's full-length follow-up to Blue Dream. The album explores the musings of a nameless pop star and their experiences with life, love and the game.” — Listen along to their music and this episode. Support their merch and upcoming shows. And follow them at these links: https://linktr.ee/joJB?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYTbFVSA8uh-SxN4ItOuzJWR3b9hCWYET2FbSSY9kv1szShcqCVZyPk_7Y_aem_VQolTr9lFmBSoR81ZtevLA Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/cold-brew License code: UNZ8KQMUFJUL3FDQ

Nijah Flagg delivers Dynamic Dance and Doctoral Dreams

Today on CHI EYE we welcome LaNijah Flagg. She is a current doctoral student at University of Chicago in their Physics program. When she's not studying or in the lab; you can catch LaNijah pursuing dance dreams as a performer and rising choreogrpaher. A proud lifelong student of both dance and science, on this episode she talks about the connections between her scholarly research, creative passions, and community upliftment. She is the founder of BlackCapsule.Z (5013c) and just graduated with her Masters in Physics from UChicago. Some of her recent dance credits include Diamond MVMNT Chicago, John Legend, and Sheila E. You can follow her at @nijah.f on Instagram. - You can follow the host Jocelyn @joceliterary everywhere. Follow the show @chieyepod on Instagram. If you'd like to be on the show email chieyepod@gmail.com.

Emani Figaro explores Mogul Moves, Mental Health, and Memories

Emani Figaro is a creative entrepreneur, consultant, and community connector. Although, she splits her time between Chicago and Atlanta; Emani's work has taken her all over the country and the globe. She graced CHI EYE with warmth and wisdom in the early summer or 2024 amidst her Mogul Minds series. She founded Maison Mogul Consulting Foundation, which according to the website, "was born from a vision to catalyze positive change in education, entrepreneurship, and education... [And they] strive to provide educational resources, foster an entrepreneurial spirit, and build resilient communities through impactful programs and initiatives." --- If you're interested in working with Maison Mogul check out their site [https://maisonmogulstudio.com/]. You can follow Emani on Instagram @mogulmanii And check out her business pages: @godisacreative_ & @maisonmogulconsulting :)