noseyAF: Conversations about Art, Activism, and Social Change - podcast cover

noseyAF: Conversations about Art, Activism, and Social Change

Stephanie Grahamwww.noseyaf.com
Want to make creative work that actually matters?
On noseyAF, you'll eavesdrop on honest, behind-the-scenes conversations between working artists, filmmakers, and community organizers who are building bold, culture-shifting projects—and sharing exactly how they do it. I'm Stephanie Graham, a multidisciplinary artist and filmmaker, and these are the conversations I actually want to have: unfiltered talks about creative breakthroughs, activist hustle, messy pivots, and daily practices that make a difference. Sure, we cover the basics—who they are, what they do, and how they got started—but we also get nosy: How do they make decisions? What keeps them going? How do they pay their bills and stay true to their vision? Every other week, I share these raw, energizing convos that fuel my own practice—and might just spark something in yours. Whether you're an artist, curator, cultural worker, or someone who loves peeking behind the curtain, you’ll walk away with practical strategies, real talk, and unexpected inspiration. The best stories live in the details—and the most powerful creativity happens when we get wonderfully nosy about what really drives us.
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Episodes

Wellness in Our Communities: Breaking Barriers and Building Access with Health Coach Kristal Holmes (noseyAF Classic)

EP #76 noseyAF Classic: Wellness in Our Communities: Breaking Barriers and Building Access with Health Coach Kristal Holmes Summary of the episode This noseyAF Classic is packed with empowerment, inspiration, and real talk about true holistic wellness. Originally aired in November 2023, this episode features Kristal Holmes — attorney, health coach, mother, and the force behind the Go Hard Chick movement. Kristal shares her powerful journey from living with autoimmune disease to becoming an advoc...

Jun 17, 202557 minSeason 6Ep. 76

Art Isn’t Always Easy: Friendship, Parenting & Self-Definition with Kimmy Noonen

Ep # 75: Art Isn’t Always Easy: Friendship, Parenting & Self-Definition with Kimmy Noonen Recorded Live at Lumpen Radio: May 24, 2025 Summary of the episode Kimmy Noonen Joined my Live on Lumpen Radio! This episode is basically two friends—me, Stephanie, and Kimmy Noonan—chatting about all the messy, beautiful stuff that happens when art meets real life. Kimmy opens up about how becoming a mom changed her whole creative vibe and the struggle to stay true to herself while juggling all the exp...

Jun 03, 20251 hrSeason 6Ep. 75

Navigating Grief through Sculpture: Bobbi Meier’s Story

Ep 74: Navigating Grief through Sculpture: Bobbi Meier’s Story “Grief doesn’t have to be gray. It can be neon, it can be soft, it can be joyful.”- Bobbi Meier Summary of the episode In this episode of noseyAF, we explore navigating grief through sculpture with Chicago-based artist Bobbi Meier. Bobbi’s journey as an artist is intimately shaped by personal loss and the emotional complexities of caregiving, grief, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Through her tactile, vibrant sculptures—which she calls “s...

May 13, 202552 minSeason 6Ep. 74

Alberto Aguilar on Making Art from Everyday Life

Ep 73: Alberto Aguilar on Making Art from Everyday Life Summary of the Episode: In this episode of noseyAF: Conversations About Art, Activism, and Social Change , artist and host Stephanie Graham sits down with Alberto Aguilar, a multidisciplinary artist known for transforming everyday moments and interactions into meaningful creative expressions. The conversation explores how Aguilar weaves art into the rhythms of family, teaching, and community life. If you’ve ever wondered how to sustain crea...

Apr 29, 202557 minSeason 5Ep. 73

Mastering the Art of Growth: Insights from Kenyatta Griggs

Ep # 72: Mastering the Art of Growth: Insights from Kenyatta Griggs “Every experience is a tool—what you build is up to you.”- Kenyatta Griggs Summary of the episode Its the last episode of Season 5 of noseyAF and we are closing out with a wonderful conversation with Kenyatta Griggs! Kenyatta Griggs (Dr Yatta!), is an esteemed barber, author, and filmmaker, exemplifying the intersection of personal development and hip hop culture. His influential platform, Hip Hop Motivation, serves as a beacon ...

Apr 27, 20251 hr 27 minSeason 5Ep. 72

Faux Fur, Circus Stories, Feelings, and Soft Power with Catie Burrill

Ep 71- noseyAF Live! : Faux Fur, Circus Stories, Feelings, and Soft Power with Catie Burrill “Textile work has always been a silent language, especially among women.”- Catie Burrill Summary of the episode: The inaugural episode of noseyAF on Lumpen Radio introduces host Stephanie Graham and her signature blend of curiosity, creativity, and community. In this candid conversation, Stephanie sits down with Chicago-based fiber artist Catie Burrill to discuss the intersection of art, activism, and so...

Apr 14, 202559 minSeason 5Ep. 71

🎉 Big News: noseyAF Is Now a Live Radio Show!

Ep 70:🎉 Big News: noseyAF Is Now a Live Radio Show! Summary of the episode Friends!! Stephanie’s got a mic, a mixing board, and a whole new way to be nosy. This is your official heads-up: noseyAF is now a live radio show on Lumpen Radio in Chicago 105.5FM , and you’re invited to the party. Here’s the what, why, and how — plus a teaser of what went down in our very first broadcast. Resources mentioned in this episode Bonnie DeShong Howard Stern Lumpen Radio Bad At Sports Chicago Art Department C...

Apr 14, 20254 minSeason 5Ep. 70

Liberation, Softness, and A Good Ol’ Banjo with EbonyJanice

Ep # 69: Liberation, Softness, and A Good Ol’ Banjo “I'm brilliant because my ancestors were brilliant.” - EbonyJanice Welcome to episode 69, Liberation, Softness, and A Good Ol’ Banjo! This episode invites you to reflect on your own journey toward softness, wholeness, and unapologetic self-expression. Whether you’re an artist, activist, or simply someone looking to heal, EbonyJanice’s insights will leave you feeling inspired and ready to embrace your truth. ✨ Episode Summary In this robust conv...

Mar 20, 20251 hr 2 minSeason 5Ep. 69

Jewelry, Tech, and Staying Authentic with Helen with the Gold Teeth

Ep #68: Jewelry, Tech & Authenticity with Helen with the Gold Teeth Summary of the episode Helen with the Gold Teeth is here! Y’all, this episode is a treat. Helen Harris, aka Helen with the Gold Teeth , shares her incredible journey from engineering to luxury jewelry, proving that sometimes, the best career moves are the unexpected ones. We dive into her philosophy on accessible luxury, the personal storytelling behind her work, and how she’s redefining what high-end jewelry can be—especial...

Feb 19, 202554 minSeason 5Ep. 68

From Nosey to Necessary: The Impact of Evanston Made

Welcome to episode 67: From nosey to necessary: The Impact of Evantson Made with Lisa Degliantoni "I started this work at 40, which just goes to show that it’s never too late to begin something new and impactful" - Lisa Degliantoni Summary of the episode Today's conversation centers on the vital role of community arts education and advocacy, delivered with profound insights from Lisa Degliantoni, a dedicated advocate for artists in her community. As the founder and co-director of Evanston Made, ...

Feb 04, 202550 minSeason 5Ep. 67

Embrace the Real You: Ditch the 'New Year, New You' Myth

Ep 66: Embrace the Real You: Ditch the 'New Year, New You' Myth Summary of the episode The latest episode of noseyAF dives into the concept of self-acceptance versus the pervasive "New Year, New You" mentality that often pressures individuals to completely reinvent themselves each January. Host Stephanie Graham reflects on her own experiences and goals from the past year, emphasizing the importance of self-trust and embracing who we already are. Guest Valerie Friedlander expands on this idea, di...

Dec 31, 202439 minSeason 5Ep. 66

Saint Nick Sets The Record Straight

Ep 65: Saint Nick Sets The Record Straight Summary of the episode Get ready for a magical holiday treat as our friends of Modern Dadhood, Adam and Mark, sit down for an exclusive interview with Santa Claus himself!! I know so wild! This special episode is designed for the entire family, making it a perfect way to spark joy and excitement in the hearts of children and parents alike. Adam dives into some of the kids' biggest questions about Santa, covering everything from how he manages to visit e...

Dec 24, 202431 minSeason 5Ep. 65

From Art to Aid: Eric von Haynes on Creating Community Connections

Ep 64: From Art to Aid: Eric von Haynes on Creating Community Connections Summary of the episode: Today’s conversation centers on the critical distinction between mutual aid and charity, as articulated by our guest, Eric von Haynes. Eric emphasizes that mutual aid is rooted in reciprocity and community connection, contrasting it with the more transactional nature of charity. He shares insights from his extensive work in mutual aid initiatives, including the Love Fridge project, which provides co...

Dec 18, 20241 hr 13 minSeason 5Ep. 64

First-Time Vendor: My Experience at a Holiday Market

Ep 63: First-Time Vendor: My Experience at a Holiday Market Summary of the episode: Hey friends, welcome back to noseyAF ! In this solo episode, Stephanie Graham reflects on the whirlwind of 2024 as December kicks off. Stephanie shares her experience as a first-time vendor at the 476 2nd Annual Holiday Market, hosted by her film union, IATSE. From setting up a cute booth with her cousin Brandy of Poor Little Rich Girl to selling her tiny, inspired pins, Stephanie dives into what it was like to s...

Dec 10, 202413 minSeason 5Ep. 63

From Disappointment to Determination: A New Path Forward

Ep 62: From Disappointment to Determination: A New Path Forward with Brian Pughsley Summary of the episode This episode of noseyAF centers around disappointment and reflection following the 2024 election results, highlighting the importance of community, faith, and resilience. Host Stephanie Graham expresses her pride in the efforts made by individuals who supported Vice President Harris, emphasizing that their hard work should not feel wasted. Reverend Brian Pughsley joins the conversation, off...

Nov 12, 202411 minSeason 5Ep. 62

Get Up, Get Out, and Vote: A nosy AF Election Special with Stephisha Ycoy-Walton

Buckle up, everyone! It’s Election Day 2024, and the energy is electric! The stakes are high, the tension is real, and all eyes are on the possibility of a new Madame President. In today’s episode, host Stephanie Graham is joined by her trusted battle buddy, Stephisha YCoy Walton, to break down what this pivotal election means for us all. Join them as they dig into the importance of voter mobilization and civic engagement, sharing their own experiences in activism, from phone banking to grassroo...

Nov 05, 202445 minSeason 5Ep. 61

Doom-Scrolling and Daily Joys

Ep 60: Doom-Scrolling and Daily Joys Summary of this episode In this episode of noseyAF , host Stephanie shares candid, one-take thoughts on navigating the emotional weight of the current election cycle. She opens up about being glued to the news and refreshing social media while dealing with the uncertainty that comes with it. Stephanie hopes these reflections will resonate with listeners and offer a bit of support during these overwhelming times. She also gives a shoutout to her podcast bestie...

Oct 30, 202412 minSeason 5Ep. 60

From Artist to Entrepreneur: Join My Holiday Market Adventure!

Join Stephanie Graham as she talks about her enamel pins and shares exciting news about her upcoming debut as a vendor at a holiday market. With a passion for creativity and conversation, Stephanie reflects on her journey of making quirky, limited-edition pins that spark joy and connection. From her inspiration at a local artist gallery to her fun designs like the "Freedom Kahlo" and "I Need a Baker," she opens up about her artistic process and the stories behind her creations. Get ready for som...

Oct 15, 202410 minSeason 5Ep. 59

Hosting with Heart: Breaking the Rules of Traditional Entertaining

Ep 58: Hosting with Heart: Breaking the Rules of Traditional Entertaining “The heart of hospitality isn’t about impressing others but making them feel welcome.” — Saanya Ali Summary of the episode Welcome back to episode 58 of nosyAF ! In this episode of nosyAF: Conversations About Art, Activism, and Social Change , host Stephanie sits down with Saanya Ali, founder of Soiree, to discuss how she is hosting with heart and redefining hospitality through her creative and joyful approach to gathering...

Oct 08, 202440 minSeason 5Ep. 58

Black Male Friendship: A Love You Bro Update

Ep 57: Black Male Friendship: A Love You Bro Update Summary of the episode: In this episode of noseyAF, host Stephanie invites Black men living in Chicago to participate in her ongoing photography project titled "Love You Bro." Launched in 2018, the project aims to document the unique bonds of friendship among Black men through photography. Stephanie shares her inspiration for the project, which stemmed from her personal observations of the loyalty and camaraderie in these friendships. Listeners...

Sep 24, 202410 minSeason 5Ep. 57

Choosing You: Art, Family, Community with Pugs Atomz

Ep 56: Choosing You: Art, Family, Community 🎨👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🤎✊🏾 "You got to choose you." - Pug Atomz, Prince of Art 😎 IFYKYK Hey friends, welcome back to another episode of nosey AF! Today, we have an incredibly versatile Chicago artist, Pugs Atomz, on the show. Pugs is a true Renaissance man, excelling as an emcee, painter, sculptor, fashion designer, and more. In this episode, we dive deep into his multifaceted creative journey. Episode Summary: We start by discussing Pugs' impressive discogra...

Sep 17, 202456 minSeason 5Ep. 56

The Pros and Cons of Paying for Art Opportunities

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of art submissions. Stephanie answers a listener's burning question: Is it worth paying an entry fee for art opportunities? She breaks down the importance of thorough research, emphasizing the value of understanding the hosting organization, juror, and curator. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting , this episode offers practical advice on navigating the complex landscape of art opportunities with confidence and clarity. Topics discussed: ...

Sep 10, 202426 minSeason 5Ep. 55

Summer 2024 ⛱️ Update-Get Ready for Season 5

Hey, nosey friends! I'm just popping in to share some exciting updates about noseyAF. What You'll Learn: When Season 5 is dropping About the new noseyAF Dispatch newsletter Fun Chicago Events: Chicago Art Department's 20th Anniversary Crystal Ball September 14th: Calling all art enthusiasts! Join the glamorous celebration with code STEPHANIE for 10% off tickets. Get your Crystal Ball tickets here Terrain Exhibitions Fundraiser: Garden Party September 21st: Enjoy art, food, and music at the River...

Aug 13, 20248 minEp. 54

Celebrating 50 Episodes: A noseyAF Q&A Special

Hey there, noseyAF fam! Stephanie Graham here, and guess what? We're hitting a significant milestone with our 50th episode, and it's a Q&A special, baby! I'm seriously feeling the love from all of you fantastic listeners, whether you've been rocking with us since day one or just hopping on board. Seriously, your support means the world to me, and I'm beyond stoked to celebrate this momentous occasion with every one of you. So, what's in store for this special ep? Well, get ready to dive deep...

Aug 13, 202435 minSeason 4Ep. 50

Calling All Grocery Owners, Food Experts & Community Artists! Be a Podcast Guest

This episode is a call to action for listeners! Stephanie, the host, is looking for guests for future episodes of noseyAF. Folks I'm looking for: Grocery store owners and managers to discuss the challenges and rewards of running a local store and its impact on communities. Food economists or urban planners to explore the concept of food deserts and its impact on neighborhoods. Artists with a community-engaged art practice to discuss creating art that benefits the community and can be a business ...

Jun 11, 20247 minEp. 53

Listen Now: Studio Noize

Introducing the podcast Studio Noize! where creativity meets conversation! Join host Jamaal Barber on a journey into the vibrant world of Black creatives who are reshaping the art scene. Whether renowned artists like Deborah Roberts and Bisa Butler or emerging talents making their mark, Studio Noize offers intimate, behind-the-scenes access to their stories and inspirations. With each episode, Jamaal invites listeners into the studios of these remarkable individuals, exploring the passion, dedic...

May 21, 20249 minEp. 52

Atlanta, Prints and Podcasts with Jamaal Barber

Atlanta, Prints, and Podcasts with Jamaal Barber Hey Everyone!! Welcome to another episode of another noseyAF!!! This is episode 51! Summary of the episode In this episode I enjoyed sitting with the incredibly talented artist and printmaker Jamal Barber. Jamal, a Virginia native now deeply embedded in the Atlanta art scene, shares his journey from stumbling upon a screen printing demo to becoming a full-fledged artist passionate about the craft. We delve into the intricacies of printmaking, disc...

Apr 16, 202456 minEp. 51

Textures, Tones and Cirque Colors with Alyane Spafford

Welcome back to noseyAF . Today, we're wrapping up our On the Rock Series by chatting with artist Alayne Spafford. But first, a heads-up: Next episode, it's all about you. I'll be answering your questions, so send them over via email or DM on Instagram. Alayne Spafford is an Edmonton-based visual artist. Originally from Saskatchewan, she spent time in Montreal and worked at Cirque du Soleil before settling in Alberta to focus on painting full-time. Her work explores the balance between chaos and...

Mar 12, 202443 minSeason 4Ep. 49

Hues of Insight with Marie Lannoo

Welcome to noseyAF, continuing on with the On the Rock Series, where we dive deep into the intriguing realm of art and creativity. I'm thrilled to introduce our esteemed guest today, Marie Lannoo, a Canadian artist whose boundary-breaking work continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Born in Simcoe, Ontario, and raised in Delhi, Ontario, Lannoo's artistic journey has taken her to the vibrant landscape of Saskatchewan, where she has flourished as a painter primarily based in Saskatoon. Known f...

Feb 27, 202453 minSeason 4Ep. 48

Beyond the Bindings: Exploring Artistic Narrative with Conny Gölz Schmitt

In this episode, we delve into the spunky, bright, and warm world of Conny Goelz Schmitt, a renowned collage artist and sculptor whose work is deeply influenced by her rich multicultural experiences. Conny's journey spans continents, from her upbringing in Germany to her time in Taiwan and eventual settling in the United States. She seamlessly integrates elements of her diverse cultural background through her art, drawing inspiration from German artistry's meticulous attention to detail, the vib...

Feb 13, 202443 minSeason 4Ep. 47
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