The New U Podcast

The New U Podcast Episode #12 - Host Marcus Geeter digs deep with Ebony Haith - best known for appearing on Cycle 1 of America’s Next Top Model in 2003.

Ebony Haith — America’s Next Top Model Star and Advocate Ebony Haith is best known for appearing on Cycle 1 of America’s Next Top Model in 2003, where she finished in 7th place. Haith grew up in a local beauty salon, where her grandmother instilled in her the belief that she was “Black and beautiful”. She was just 24 when she entered the competition, and her openness about being in a relationship with a woman made her the show’s first openly gay contestant. On ANTM and Representation Haith’s casting was a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ visibility on mainstream TV at the time. However, she later reflected that being outed in 2002 was risky and that the show’s production often steered her into a “narrative” of being an “angry” or “aggressive” Black woman. She says she felt pressured to “be still” rather than challenge that portrayal, and that the treatment — including criticism of her skin and hair texture — fed into that stereotype. In one famous moment, she rolled her eyes during a prayer circle, which she later explained was a reaction to the narrative being pushed on her. Post-ANTM Career After the show, Haith signed with Downtown and Uptown Model Management and appeared in Esquire magazine, winning the 2007 “Hostess of the Year” award. She also posed for Height magazine in 2011 alongside Cycle 11 and 17 alum Sheena Sakai. In 2020, she clarified a mispronunciation of another contestant’s name on Instagram, showing her continued engagement with her audience. Current Work and Advocacy As of 2025, Haith is working on funding for a one-woman show. She has spoken publicly about the long time it took to heal from the misrepresentation she faced on ANTM, acknowledging that the show’s focus on ratings sometimes overshadowed fairness. She remains close to her partner, Ka, and continues to be active in public life. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The New U Eposide #11 Host Marcus Geeter Connects with High-Fashion Icon - Mr. George Simonton — Fashion Designer and Educator

George Simonton — Fashion Designer and Educator George Simonton is a seasoned American fashion designer and educator, best known for his work in high-end tailored garments, sportswear, and garment construction. He has built a career spanning over four decades, serving as President and Head Designer at George Simonton Inc. and as a design director at Item House Inc., one of the nation’s leading women’s outerwear manufacturers. Career Highlights * George Simonton Inc. (1985–Present): Created high-end collections for corporate women, socialites, and celebrities, sold at prestigious retailers such as Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and specialty stores. * Item House Inc. (2007–Present): Oversaw design and manufacturing for multiple women’s outerwear labels, including Kristen Blake, Forecaster of Boston, Pendleton, Sachi, and Artifacts. * QVC (2005–Present): Served as a leading sportswear designer, known for his detailed presentations and attention to fit and construction. * Education: Earned a Bachelor of Science from the State University of New York and studied fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), where he also received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2009–2010. Awards and Recognition * Rising Star Award from QVC (2007). * Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching from FIT (2009–2010). Design Style and Legacy Simonton is celebrated for his contemporary tailored and sportswear designs, innovative use of fabric and trim development, and strong emphasis on garment fit and construction. He was known for pioneering the cold shoulder look years before it became mainstream QVC. His presentations were noted for their meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship, and his clothing was praised for its quality, fit, and timeless appeal. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The New U Podcast Episode #10 - Lisa Datz — Award Winning Actress, Director, Writer, and Voice Artist. Lead in the Broadway Play Titanic!

Host of The New U Podcast Marcus Geeter sits down with Lisa Datz — Actress, Director, Writer, and Voice Artist. Lisa Datz is an American actress, director, writer, producer, and voice-over artist known for her work across film, television, theatre, and video games. Born April 24, 1979, in Evanston, Illinois, she is a bi-coastal talent with a career spanning over two decades IMDb+1. Early Career and Theatre Datz made her Broadway debut in the Tony Award–winning original cast of Titanic, and later starred opposite Patrick Wilson in The Full Monty. She earned critical acclaim Off-Broadway as Yitzhak in Hedwig and the Angry Inch and received a Jeff Award nomination for Violet IMDb+1. She has also performed in Pulitzer Prize–nominated plays like Three Days of Rain and appeared in the critically acclaimed For the Record series IMDb. Television and Film Her TV credits include: FBI: Most Wanted (CBS) as Detective Carmen Schmidt Elementary (CBS) opposite Lucy Liu Bones (FOX) opposite John Boyd Castle (ABC) opposite Nathan Fillion IMDb+2 Film highlights include: Time Out of Mind (Oren Moverman) The Perfect Holiday opposite Gabrielle Union The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water Ghost Town IMDb+1 Voice Work and Video Games Datz is internationally recognized for her voice performance as Jessica LeClerk in Rockstar Games’ Red Dead Redemption 2 and Red Dead Online, as well as in Gotham Knights from Warner Bros. Games IMDb+1. Directing and Writing In 2023, Datz wrote, directed, and starred in Life of Riley, a short film she created during the pandemic. The project earned multiple festival awards, including the Jury Prize at the Los Angeles International Film Festival and Best International Short at the London Independent Film Festival Lisa Datz+1. She has also been named a Rising Female Director to Discover by the American Film Market Lisa Datz. Personal Interests A former competitive figure skater and current equestrian, Datz enjoys horseback riding, skating, hip-hop dancing, hiking, practicing Spanish, and traveling IMDb+1. In summary: Lisa Datz is a versatile, award-nominated performer whose career spans stage, screen, and voice work, with notable achievements in theatre, television, film, and gaming. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The New U Podcast Episode #9 - Sensational songstress herself, Ms. Shannon Wright

Get ready for an exciting and heartwarming episode as The New U Podcast host, Marcus Geeter, welcomes the sensational songstress herself, Ms. Shannon Wright, for a joy-filled and inspiring interview. Shannon is a dazzling force of creativity—singer, actor, model, voice-over artist, comedy improvisor, distinguished Toastmaster keynote storyteller, author, and designer. Beyond her countless talents, she shines as a devoted wife and loving mother of two wonderful children. Shannon’s story is a testament to the power of love and resilience, showing how the heart of a family can overcome any obstacle. Her warmth, passion, and unstoppable spirit light up every room, making her an inspiration to all. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The New U Makeup 101 – Part 2, Episode 8

The New U Makeup 101 – Part 2, Episode 8 Join us for Episode 8 of “The New U Makeup 101 – Part 2” as acclaimed makeup artist Marcus Geeter shares his expert advice for achieving a flawless look. In this episode, Marcus breaks down the next essential steps, including: * Choosing the right powders, creams, and foundations for your skin type * Mastering skin hydration for a smooth base * Understanding the differences between BB and CC creams—and when to use each As a special bonus, Marcus reads letters from viewers, sharing real-life questions and stories. Don’t miss this episode packed with professional tips and insider secrets for your best makeup yet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.