Remy Lai is an author/illustrator for kids! She lives in Brisbane, Australia, where you can often find her exploring the woods with her two dogs, Poop-Roller and Bossy Boots! On this podcast you can listen to Remy talk about her childhood growing up in Singapore (Born in Indonesia). She also shares some of the ups and downs of being on more untraditional career paths as her siblings and family members. Talking to Remy, you will find many things to love. One thing that stands out for me the most ...
Apr 16, 2021•30 min
Lamar Giles writes for teens and adults across multiple genres, with work appearing on numerous Best Of lists each and every year. He is the author of the acclaimed novels Fake ID, Endangered, Overturned, Spin, The Last Last-Day-of-Summer, Not So Pure and Simple, and The Last Mirror on the Left as well as numerous pieces of short fiction. He is a founding member of We Need Diverse Books and resides in Virginia with his wife. On this podcast, Lamar chats in detail about his grandparents (specific...
Apr 11, 2021•27 min
Lisa Wool-Rim Sjöblom is a Swedish-Korean comic book artist-illustrator and graphic designer. Based in New Zealand, with her partner and two children. On this podcast, Lisa talks about the things she misses, family traditions, movies, and once giving up on art. Something I truly love about this chat is Lisa's perspective on motherhood and work. We talk specifically about family dynamics and work-life balance. You can find Lisa on the following accounts: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chung...
Apr 11, 2021•25 min
Jarrett J. Krosoczka is the New York Times bestselling author/illustrator behind more than 40 books for young readers! (stole this from his website) And he's literally in millions of classrooms around the world. In this episode of #ItsPersonal, Jarrett chats about his love for being a dad and what that looks like during these unconventional times. Of course, we talk about his family's love for animals (dogs) and how they've been an important part of their journey. Someone even comes to say hello...
Apr 02, 2021•42 min
Nidhi Chanani shares some exciting news about PASHMINA and how it will be created into a Netflix movie! She also talks about how it all went down! We also get to find out one of Nidhi's secret hobbies. I bet you can never guess? She now enjoys this more than ever and often shares it with her family and friends. Lastly, have you ever wondered how Nidhi got into art? And why she creates the work that she does? Nidhi lays it all out for us on ItsPersonal. Website: https://everydayloveart.com/bio/ T...
Apr 01, 2021•23 min
Dapo Adeola is a British–Nigerian illustrator. He's published a variety of books and has worked with a variety of authors. His work covers important topics such as stereotypes and race. On this podcast, Dapo shares it all. We take a trip down memory lane and talk about his road to creating books and sharing them with the world. He explains with great detail some of the ups and downs of the process, and how it has helped him grow as a creator. Dapo talks about his close friend Nathan Bryon and th...
Mar 30, 2021•44 min
Amelia, Anti-Bias & Anti-Racist Organizer, and founder of Sankofa Learning Center. A space for Black children and families to re-imagine education chats life, work, and free time (when she has it). In this episode, Amelia talks about her childhood growing up in a single-parent household, catholic school, being a momma, and dancing for fun. She also shares a tip on how to get out of a tiff with a loved one :-) Amelia shares why community is important and its influence on her family identity. ...
Mar 27, 2021•24 min
Oronde Kkairi is one of my favorite artists. His style and work make my soul happy. His mixture of colors, and use of 80s-90s references of djaying, hoops, and kicks, is music to my ears. In this episode, we go inside the mind of the artist to understand, how being an artist happened, and the steps it took to get where he is today. We talk teacher influence and mentors that look like us (Black). We also discuss the importance of Black art in the community. Website: https://www.instagram.com/oron...
Mar 22, 2021•22 min
Alyssa Gray-Tyghter, B.Ed, M.Ed, PhD(c), is an educator, academic, writer, speaker and supa Momma! Her academic work focuses on anti-Black racism and Indigenous epistemologies. She shares a lot of her work online, and has done workshops with a variety of organizations. On this podcast, Alyssa talks about what it is like to be Black, growing up in Canada. She shares her family history, and what school during the 90s looked like for her. Later in the podcast, Alyssa shares her family traditions, a...
Mar 20, 2021•36 min
The legend Javaka Steptoe drops by to talk about teacher influence, what's next, and family. Javaka is one of the most humble beings I've ever talked to. He's an American author and illustrator, won the 2017 Caldecott Medal as well as the American Library Association for his picture book Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean- Michel Basquiat. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Javaka was the son of John Steptoe (Legendary author/illustrator. Following in his father's footsteps he took the ...
Mar 20, 2021•19 min
Vanessa Brantley Newton shares a little bit of everything. We start with how Art came to be in Vanessa's life, and who influenced her along the way. Later we chat about her hobbies. Apparently, we should be called her Chef Vanessa because she is mean in the kitchen. We talk favorite dishes and how Vanessa the foodie came to be. Vanessa digs into her past and how school has influenced her today. She talks specifically about the trauma and pain that it caused. Where it came from, and what helped h...
Mar 14, 2021•6 min
Tyler is one of my favorite cousins! Why? He is humble beyond many, and his heart for others is bigger than the stars. I remember watching Tyler growing up, and I noticed a very talented young man (though I'm not that much older). He is the definition of "following your dreams" because that is what he's done for his entire life. Tyler is an advocate around the world for mental health and wellness. He is often asked to speak at conferences or panels or work with youth, based on his expertise. His...
Mar 09, 2021•32 min
Jade Yasmeen is one of a kind. Her work touches your heart with every detail on the canvas. When first introduced to her work, you would guess that it is a photograph, based on the details and realism, Jade is that good of a creator. Jade stops by to chat about her favorite movies and a new love for cooking (when time permits in her busy schedule). She chats about the bloodline of artists in her family, who have motivated her to keep going and follow her dreams. Jade shares how she stays connect...
Mar 04, 2021•23 min
I want to be Mike Curato's best friend! Not only does he draw extremely well, but he also loves ICE CREAM. Mike breaks down his love for ice cream with his top 3 favorites, and how they should be made. He also shares a tip on where to find the best scoops in Massachusetts! Mike talks about his different experiences in private school vs public school. He shares moments of bullying and how this has influenced his future and how he sees the world today. He also talks briefly about his first basketb...
Mar 03, 2021•33 min
Dulce-Marie Flecha is one of my favorite people/educators online. Why? She is as real as they come. She is often sharing resources or exploring her own writing through her medium page. In this episode, Dulce-Marie talks about her love/hate for puzzles and the educational twitter world. We chat back and forth about the idea of "family" online, and if it truly means what people believe for it to mean. We chat about life and teaching during a pandemic. What our classrooms currently look like, and s...
Mar 02, 2021•20 min
Jessica Kim spends time talking about a variety of topics. We start with Stand Up, Yumi Chung, a middle-grade novel you NEED to read right now! Jessica talks about the characters in the book, and who's personalities do they match up with from people in her family. Jessica also talks about her writing journey and how rejection letters never got in her way from following her dream to be an author. This is definitely a gem of a podcast. Jessica holds nothing back and shares so many insights on a va...
Feb 21, 2021•31 min
In this episode of ItsPersonal Podcast, Christina, author of The Black Kids, chats about her love for reading. We dive into her inspiration behind pursuing writing, and her family's thoughts on her journey. Christina shares memories of her childhood in private school, and why its important that publishers continue to share stories for Black and Brown kids. Christina is a happy soul. This is a podcast you definitely do not want to miss! Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/christinahammondsreed/ W...
Feb 19, 2021•22 min
Derrick Barnes and Gordan C. James have been working together for some time now. You might know one of the two New York Times best-selling picture books Crown: Ode to the Fresh CUt & I'M Every Good Thing. In this chat we get personal. Both creators share thoughts about raising Black children, spending time with their partners, and what Black Joy means to them. Not only do both Gordan and Derrick talk about art, yet they dig inside their lives outside of the amazing work they do for literatur...
Feb 17, 2021•49 min
Mahogany L. Browne is easily one of the best in the game. You may know her for titles such as WOKE, Black Girl Magic, Woke Baby & most recently Chlorine Sky, but she's been writing for years now. She has paved the way for so many Black writers doing it today. On ItsPersonal, Mahogany chats about her family and being raised by a community. She speaks about her grandmother and the influence she's had on her growing up. We spend a significant amount of time talking about her activism/organizing...
Feb 12, 2021•19 min
Ben Philippe is special. Not only is he hilarious, but amazing writing. On this episode, I truly do not know if I've laughed more with anyone. Ben keeps the listeners on their toes with every experience he shares. He is open and honest about everything. Ben talks about his relationship with his mother and father, and how even though they are divorced, he sees a lot of both of them in him. He also chats about growing up in Canada and being the only Black kid in school, and the community. Ben wast...
Feb 10, 2021•41 min
Renee Watson is a legend. Truly. She's been in the writing game for some time now and continues to produce amazing books for the world. In this podcast, she spends time talking about what it means to be the youngest of 5 and being raised by the community. She takes us on a walk down memory lane and shares with us painful memories of middle school and the experiences she faced during this time. At home, she likes to spend time beating her family in Taboo and Scrabble. I can only imaging playing s...
Feb 08, 2021•18 min
If you haven't, stop and go right to Charnaie Gordon's Instagram page. Before you go, prepare to spend hours, writing down books you want in your home or classroom. Charnaie is one of the many queens online sharing diverse texts and how to use them in the classroom. Charnaie is not only an online sensation when it comes to diverse text, she is also an author! This year (2021) you will get to see her work out into the world. It is going to be AWESOME! Website: http://hereweeread.com/ Work with Ch...
Feb 06, 2021•31 min
Ainara's love for reading shines bright in every post she shares online. She is the ultimate storyteller and one of a kind book talker! During this chat, you will hear from 11-year-old Ainara, the creator of AinarasBookshelf on Instagram, and the importance of abandoning books, finding books you love, and helping her younger siblings foster a love of literacy. This is a podcast you have to share with your classroom or kids. She is a star in the making! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ainara...
Feb 04, 2021•24 min
J. Elle just released her debut book Wings of Ebony to the world and what a treat to the world it is. During this podcast, J. Elle talks specifically about why it is important for Black and Brown kids to see themselves in fantasy. She shares why it is important for Black and Brown kids to see themselves in fantasy worlds with powers unlike anyone has seen before. Throughout the podcast, you will also learn about her personal life outside of writing beautiful books. She talks about her time being...
Jan 30, 2021•29 min
Christine Platt chats about her new book the AFROMINIMALIST’S GUIDE TO LIVING WITH LESS, how she stays motivated, and her life’s purpose. During our chat you will get a deep dive on Christine's minmalist journey and how it all started. You will also get to listen to her books and the importance of representation. Website: https://www.christineaplatt.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/christineaplatt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afrominimalist/ But the Afrominimalist's Guide To Living With...
Jan 24, 2021•38 min
Elise Bryant is a gem! Her debut Novel Happily Ever After is an instant classic. She takes romance and all the "messy" that happens within it and makes it beautiful. On this podcast, we talk about being a debut author during this time and some of the challenges. We also talk about mentors and where her guidance comes from in regards to storytelling and structure. Later we chat about who does the cooking and her love for reading and how it has been passed down to her children. Website: https://el...
Jan 21, 2021•21 min
Joanna Ho is a special soul. She took the time during her busy week to chat with me about her new book Eyes That Kiss In The Corners and life being a Mom. Something I love about Joanna is her continuous love to put work into the world that holds value. Hold’s value and sticks in a way that helps society become more equitable for those in the global majority. Along with the amazing work she is giving the world through writing, she is an amazing mother and wife. She takes time to find the best che...
Jan 16, 2021•26 min
Alleanna Harris is an illustrator and artist from Willingboo, New Jersy. On this episode, Alleanna goes into detail about her transition from architecture school to design and animation. Alleanna talks favorite teachers, doodling in church and her art/design inspiration. If you are looking to understand the kid lit illustration world a little more, Alleanna's chat will definitely help you in that category. Website: https://www.alleannaharris.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/alleannaharris Insta...
Nov 07, 2020•26 min
Trevor is an inquiry-based learning master. Today on ITSPERSONAL Trevor chats about growing up as a little boy and bullying and transitioning between schools at a young age. Trevor also gives advice for educators dealing with distance learning and the current pandemic- looking closer at empathy and how we can use this to foster a better learning experience for students in today's new learning structure. Website: https://www.trevormackenzie.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tntmackenzie/ ...
Nov 07, 2020•31 min
Scott Bayer is a busy father with an awesome family. While helping at home with an awesome kid and new puppy, Scott still manages to help educators around the world talk about books and start important conversations in their classrooms around equity and race. Listen to Scott share his story growing up, traveling the world and building a family. Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lyricalswordz Blog: https://seeingtheforestforthetreesblog.wordpress.com/
Nov 05, 2020•26 min
