More Than Graphics Podcast

Guts

This month, our theme is GUTS, and we're talking to the incredible Monèt Noelle Marshall! Monèt Noelle Marshall is a visionary artist, cultural strategist, and storyteller whose work spans theater, film, public art, and even meditation. Monèt is the Founding Artistic Director of MOJOAA Performing Arts Company, where she amplifies Black playwrights and creates immersive works that challenge us to think deeply about identity, race, and belonging. Her work has gained national attention, including a feature in Gucci’s Chime for Change zine in collaboration with the African American Policy Forum, where she used storytelling to elevate critical social justice issues. She’s also the writer behind a deeply resonant meditation for Black women that has garnered over 100,000 views on YouTube, creating a healing space for listeners to reconnect with themselves and their power. Whether through directing award-winning projects like Escape to Freedom or co-founding initiatives like Grounded Possibilities, Monèt’s work is a masterclass in using art to inspire change. She’s here to share her insights, her journey, and how she’s shaping a world where art and justice go hand in hand. 00:00:00 - Introduction and Welcome 00:00:19 - Hosts Introduction 00:00:30 - MTG Podcast Overview 00:00:41 - Today's Topic: Guts 00:00:59 - Priscilla's New Collaboration 00:01:29 - Defining Guts 00:02:20 - Guest Introduction: Monáe Noel Marshall 00:03:47 - Monáe's Artistic Journey 00:04:27 - Art as a Tool for Social Change 00:05:41 - Balancing Beauty and Impact in Art 00:06:13 - Monáe's Personal Truths and Storytelling 00:08:07 - Creating Art for Community 00:09:42 - Founding M-O-J-O-A-A Performing Arts Company 00:11:22 - Living and Creating Art in the South 00:12:40 - Meditation for Black Women 00:15:04 - Impact of Monáe's Meditation 00:18:06 - Desired Impact of Art 00:21:04 - Art as Matchmaking and Connection 00:22:07 - Art as Evidence of Culture 00:24:10 - Immersive Art Experiences 00:28:41 - Audience Impact Stories 00:30:31 - Capitalism and Art 00:31:01 - Intergenerational Conversations 00:33:18 - Influence on Younger Generations 00:36:04 - Middle School Challenges 00:37:03 - Challenging and Pushing Boundaries 00:37:45 - Seasonal Nature of Courage 00:38:55 - Optimism for the Future 00:40:25 - Where to Find Monáe Noel Marshall 00:41:23 - Closing Remarks and Call to Action FOLLOW MONET: www.monetisart.com [http://www.monetisart.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExQ0RrRHJWSXJxaXprQlFtbgEei3ngAToww9be6Q7ORWyOwNMkFEnC8aXgAHfZMPC4zYJZeGIeOBf--lz774w_aem_NyTeeIn7nKHFElm2M1rhzQ] IG & Threads: @monetisart Linkedin: Monet Noelle Marshall FOLLOW MTG:⁠⁠ www.mtgthepodcast.com⁠⁠ facebook.com/mtgthepodcast instagram.com/mtgthepodcast⁠ CO-HOSTS IG: ⁠⁠@octanedesigns⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠@bougienursebabe⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠@getsillycreative⁠

Tarnish

In this episode of the More Than Graphics podcast, hosts Danielle, Cicely, and Priscilla dive into the thought-provoking topic of "tarnish." They explore the dual meaning of tarnish as both something aged and worn, and the process of refining and polishing to reveal its true shine. The conversation touches on sensitive and raw experiences, emphasizing the importance of discussing these issues within the tech and creative industries, particularly for women and minorities. Join the hosts as they invite a special guest to share insights and personal stories, fostering an open dialogue about the challenges and triumphs in their journeys. Tune in for an enlightening and transparent discussion that encourages growth and resilience. Didi Hairston, the creator of the DWD experience, is a talented writer, public speaker, podcaster, and devoted mother. She also serves as the host of The Breaking the Mask Podcast. [00:01:02] The concept of tarnish. [00:04:05] The value of resilience. [00:11:10] Death to the superwoman. [00:12:55] Healthcare disparities in maternal care. [00:17:57] Cultural nuances in therapy. [00:20:11] Parental issues and mental health. [00:27:44] Mental illness and personal image. [00:30:00] Trauma and memory triggers. [00:36:19] The dangers of masking. [00:41:23] No winning in wearing a mask. [00:43:11] Hard conversations in parenting. [00:50:17] Change the language around mental health. [00:51:50] Setting boundaries in parenting. [00:56:35] Autonomy in parenting. [00:58:24] Polishing self-confidence through style. [01:03:14] Journey toward healing and support. [01:06:46] It wasn't your fault. FOLLOW MTG:⁠⁠ www.mtgthepodcast.com⁠⁠ facebook.com/mtgthepodcast instagram.com/mtgthepodcast⁠ CO-HOSTS IG: ⁠⁠@octanedesigns⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠@bougienursebabe⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠@getsillycreative⁠

Ground

Join podcast sisters Cicely and Danielle as they uncover in true fashion intriguing conversations that unite the tribe. Today's themed conversation is truly grounding! Meet Kwame Terra, the Founder and CEO of bEHR Health Systems, Inc., a health tech company working to close the life expectancy gap in Black communities. In 2025, he made headlines by walking over 2 million steps in 30 days to highlight the launch of the bEHR Health app. Through his work, Kwame is on a mission to recapture the 268 million years of life lost in the Black community and make health as celebrated and accessible as culture itself. [00:02:24] Health tech in Black communities. [00:04:01] Name change for self-identity. [00:08:49] Barriers to healthcare access. [00:12:44] Healthy eating initiative during COVID. [00:16:30] Health as part of culture. [00:19:43] Community-driven health integration. [00:22:44] Building health-promoting communities. [00:25:05] Community and fitness connections. [00:28:08] Strategic planning for ambitious missions. [00:34:00] Life expectancy disparities in communities. [00:36:57] Tracking community health trends. [00:39:15] Community-based participatory research. [00:42:23] Community health needs assessment. [00:46:36] Membership-based health community experience. [00:52:34] Keep trying harder advice. [00:54:33] Creating work in space. FOLLOW KWAME: @kwameterra @behrhealth FOLLOW MTG: ⁠⁠mtgthepodcast.com⁠⁠ facebook.com/mtgthepodcast instagram.com/mtgthepodcast⁠ CO-HOSTS IG: ⁠⁠@octanedesigns⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠@bougienursebabe⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠@getsillycreative⁠

Bridges Bonus

Are you an overworked #business owner drowning in tech, constantly buying new software without seeing a true return on your #investment? Then this #podcast episode of the More Than Graphics podcast is for you! Join us as we sit down with the incredible Kronda Adair, a Black lesbian dog mom who is on a mission to empower more Black women (and all business owners!) to rest and let the robots handle the repetitive tasks.In this insightful conversation, Kronda shares her journey from web developer to tech strategist, explaining how she helps businesses "stop buying technology and start hiring technology." Discover how her Million Dollar Systems retainer and Automation Club Membership empower business owners to build a "software team" that truly supports their growth. We'll explore the power of strategic automation, streamlining your operations, and making technology work for you, not against you. Get ready to learn actionable strategies to reclaim your time, reduce overwhelm, and create systems that drive real impact. Kronda Adair is a Black lesbian dog mom who wants more Black women to rest and let the robots handle their repetitive tasks. Through her Million Dollar Systems retainer and her Automation Club Membership, she uses her knowledge and skills gained as a web developer, content marketing coach, automation service provider, and tech strategist to help overworked business owners stop buying technology and start hiring technology to build a software team that supports their business. When she’s not working, she can be found enjoying time at home with her wife, and cat, hiking or doing dog sports with her two Vizsla's, reading, cooking delicious food, or enjoying the postcard vistas of the state of Oregon. FOLLOW KRONDA: Website: https://karveldigital.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krondaadair Instagram: https://instagram.com/karveldigital Threads: https://www.threads.net/karveldigital TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@krondakarvel FOLLOW MTG: ⁠⁠mtgthepodcast.com⁠⁠ facebook.com/mtgthepodcast instagram.com/mtgthepodcast⁠ CO-HOSTS IG: ⁠⁠@octanedesigns⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠@bougienursebabe⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠@getsillycreative⁠

Bridge

For AAPI month, the More Than Graphics Podcast recently interviewed a close friend of our own podcast team and this sister convo gets ALL the way real sharing Asian American thoughts and experiences 🔥🔥🔥.    Tanya is a healthcare management consultant with ProspHire LLC, based in Pittsburgh, PA. With 25 years in the Healthcare industry, she has carved a niche for herself in data analytics and strategic planning. When asked what she does for a living, she says, "basically, people give me their data and I tell them what it means". When she's not in a data mine, she enjoys crafty pursuits like crochet, embroidery and origami. She's also a firearms enthusiast, and would spend more time on a gun range if she had it. She's the proud mother of 3 beautiful children, and the "chosen" sister of our very own Priscilla Aguila.  [00:03:05] Bridging culture, identity, experience. [00:05:28] Bridges as connection and threshold. [00:09:23] Healthcare disparities in AAPI communities. [00:12:34] Empathy in communication challenges. [00:18:43] Childhood cultural experiences. [00:21:20] Racial identity and perception. [00:27:12] Active listening and cultural exposure. [00:32:31] Empathy in understanding identities. [00:36:25] Cultural assimilation experiences. [00:39:06] Sisterhood as a support bridge. [00:44:32] Critical friendships and cultural bridges. [00:49:46] Bridging women's health disparities. [00:52:12] AI's impact on communication skills. [00:56:27] Performance expectations in leadership. [01:01:37] Creative pursuits as self-care. [01:06:02] Building bridges in corporate spaces. [01:09:11] Imposter syndrome among women. [01:14:39] Building bridges between cultures. [01:18:03] Importance of corporate culture. [01:22:42] Desert island survival tools. FOLLOW TANYA: www.prosphire.com [http://www.prosphire.com/]  FOLLOW MTG: ⁠ mtgthepodcast.com⁠⁠ facebook.com/mtgthepodcast instagram.com/mtgthepodcast⁠ CO-HOSTS IG: ⁠⁠@octanedesigns⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠@bougienursebabe⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠@getsillycreative⁠