37. Speaking on Reproductive Justice with Blair Imani

40. Speaking on Creative Burnout

As we come to a close on Mental Health Awareness Month this May, we figured it's time to acknowledge the elephant in the room - burnout. Unfortunately, it's something way too many of us creatives are all too familiar with, especially these days. To lead this much-needed conversation, mentee Ruby Nicholson speaks with fellow mentee Kayla Hunt and licensed Clinical Psychologist Dr. Kristie Norwood on maintaining wellness. From managing chaotic emotions to overwhelming social media feeds, this episode is a great reminder of how important it is for us creatives to know when we must choose ourselves. Speaking in First Draft is a production by Girls Write Now. Host: Kathryn Destin Producers: Kathryn Destin and Vahni Kurra Editors: Annaya Baynes, Cassidy Duncan, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra Music by Jaya Rao-Herel This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.girlswritenowmedia.org [https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

39. Speaking on Climate, Conflict, and Coverage

This week, we’re diving into the intersections of journalism, climate change, and the realities of war. Heavy? We know. In the face of the many tumultuous circumstances we are all navigating across the globe, we at Speaking in First Draft hope to foster the hard conversations that are often few and far between. Prepare to hear from astute journalists Christabel Nsiah-Buadi and Jordan Gass-Poore, who draw on their many years of experience speaking with and reporting on the communities impacted by war and the climate crisis. Please also welcome Girls Write Now mentee and recent Barnard College grad Allison Su, who leads this truly riveting and timely conversation. Speaking in First Draft is a production by Girls Write Now. Host: Kathryn Destin Producers: Kathryn Destin and Vahni Kurra Editors: Annaya Baynes, Cassidy Duncan, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra Music by Jaya Rao-Herel This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.girlswritenowmedia.org [https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

38. Speaking on Growing Older

Today’s conversation moves through creativity, time, and what it means to claim your voice no matter your age or where you begin. Let us welcome mentee Jayla Hall Cabrera, who published a book in their senior year of high school, proving that there are no rules, no boundaries, and no “right time” to put something out into the world. In conversation with mentee Sanjana Rajesh, they reflect on themes of death, choice, and the fleeting nature of time, inspired by the vignette-style storytelling in The House on Mango Street. We will also get to hear about the creative process itself: what it means to let a project or collection expand into what it wants to be, to pivot, to experiment, and to embrace change rather than resist it. Listen in for a thoughtful, reflective conversation about storytelling, growth, and the courage to create on your own terms. Speaking in First Draft is a production by Girls Write Now. Host: Kathryn Destin Producers: Kathryn Destin and Vahni Kurra Editors: Annaya Baynes, Cassidy Duncan, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra Music by Jaya Rao-Herel This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.girlswritenowmedia.org [https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

37. Speaking on Reproductive Justice with Blair Imani

Have you ever wanted your words to create positive change? Let’s welcome educator, writer, and creator of the TV show Smarter in Seconds, Blair Imani Ali! In conversation with Girls Write Now mentee Deb Coffy, they discuss their lively experiences as activists and organizers for reproductive justice, and its deep intersections across race and racism, and sociopolitical issues. From the importance of education to accessibility and intergenerationality, our guests explore just how much power you have when you use your voice. Speaking in First Draft is a production by Girls Write Now. Host: Kathryn Destin Producers: Kathryn Destin and Vahni Kurra Editors: Annaya Baynes, Cassidy Duncan, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra Music by Jaya Rao-Herel This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.girlswritenowmedia.org [https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

36. Speaking on Standup Comedy

It's April Fool's Day, and we're bringing you a special, silly episode with some very hilarious guests in our lineup! Featuring standup comedians Hollie Harper and Lai Lai Liu and cartoonist Emily Flake, this episode is all about navigating the many shapes and forms of comedy. This conversation is led by Girls Write Now Mentee Zabe Renee, a participant in our Power of Punchlines learning Journey who is currently developing their own stand-up set! So, tune in to get your week's dosage of laughter and advice from the folks who've made it their job to help you smile just a bit more. Speaking in First Draft is a production by Girls Write Now. Host: Kathryn Destin Producers: Kathryn Destin and Vahni Kurra Editors: Annaya Baynes, Cassidy Duncan, Kathryn Destin, Sally Familia, and Vahni Kurra Music by Jaya Rao-Herel This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.girlswritenowmedia.org [https://www.girlswritenowmedia.org?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]