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.
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

The Art of Balance: Meg Franklin on Life, Cats, and Painting Dreams

In this vibrant episode of the Nosy AF Podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with the incredibly talented artist Meg Franklin. Meg's journey from the picturesque landscapes of Georgia to the bustling art scene of New York and back again is a tale of passion, creativity, and the pursuit of an artist's dream. Meg shared her experiences of living in New York for 15 years, her eventual return to Georgia, and the accidental acquisition of a bunch of cats. We delved into her dream of ditching the re...

Jan 31, 202453 minSeason 4Ep. 46

noseyAF Classic: Israelite Speed Dating: A Unique Approach to Finding Love

🎙️ Another Classic noseyAF Episode! This is a rebroadcast of an enlightening conversation with Mr. Andre, a Hebrew Israelite, in one of my favorite episodes! This special discussion emerged from my curiosity about a group often misunderstood as radical and unwelcoming. Prompted by critical social media posts, I invited Andre to tackle all the "really crazy questions" about his faith, including the challenges of dating as a Hebrew Israelite. Andre illuminates the beliefs of Hebrew Israelites, re...

Jan 28, 202451 minSeason 4Ep. 45

noseyAF Classic-Wandering Together: The Nomadic Family Lifestyle with Abby McNair

Welcome back to a brand new year of NoseyAF! I'm joined in the studio by my friend and filmmaker, Ife, as we kick off the year by revisiting a classic episode from 2018. Today, we invite you to join us in the excitement as we replay an inspiring conversation with the dynamic force behind "All We Do Is Wander," Abby McNair. Abby's journey began when her husband Dion was given the option to retire, propelling them to fully embrace a nomadic lifestyle. In early 2017, they meticulously crafted a pla...

Jan 02, 202447 minSeason 4Ep. 44

Wrapping Up 2023: Creativity, Growth, and Friendship with Award-Winning Filmmaker Ife Olatunji

Happy Holidays, Y'all! Welcome to noseyAF! This year has been a tough one for me, but a constant source of joy has been this podcast project and connecting with so many incredible artists, including you! Thank you so much for being a part of this journey. I’m taking some time off until after the new year to rest, reflect, plan, and kick! But before I go, let's dive into a special episode. Joining me is the amazing filmmaker and friend, Ife Olatunji. In this fun, spontaneous conversation, we disc...

Dec 19, 202337 minSeason 4Ep. 43

Achieving Wellness & Conquering Stress with Kristal Holmes

Get ready for another exciting dive into the world of wellness on noseyAF! This week, join Stephanie and special guest Crystal Holmes, the powerhouse health coach, attorney, and creator of the 'Go Hard Chick' movement. Discover the secrets to holistic wellness as they unravel the pillars extending beyond the gym – from emotional and environmental to financial, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual well-being. Crystal shares her journey of triumphing over autoimmune disease and her missio...

Nov 21, 202357 minSeason 4Ep. 41

Shaping Newfoundland's Artistic Legacy with James Baird

In this episode of the podcast, host Stephanie Graham interviews James Baird, the founder of the James Baird Gallery and the Pooch Cove residency in Newfoundland. James shares his journey in shaping the artistic landscape of Newfoundland, from running convenience stores to owning a bookstore and launching a newspaper. He discusses his passion for art and the joy of connecting artists with the vibrant tapestry of Pooch Cove. James emphasizes the importance of saying yes and being open to new oppo...

Nov 07, 202335 minSeason 4Ep. 40

Art, Authenticity, and Advocacy with Najee Dorsey

🎨 Dive into the vibrant art world in the latest "Nosey AF" episode! Join Stephanie as she gets up close and personal with the art mogul Najee Dorsey, the brilliant mind behind Black Art in America. Have you ever wondered what separates a mere art 'buyer' from a passio http://www.instagram.com/@blackartinamerica_ nate 'collector'? Dorsey unravels this and more, sharing his transformative journey from a budding artist to an industry icon. Discover the magnetic pull between business strategies and...

Oct 17, 202353 minSeason 4Ep. 39

Magical Forests & Neon Dreams: Immersing in the Vivid Canvases of Sheri Rush

Another artist is in the building in this exciting episode of the Nosy AF Podcast!! Continuing with the On the Rock series, host Stephanie sits down with artist Sheri Rush for a captivating conversation about her journey as an artist and her upcoming exhibition " Situations of Liminality and Transformation." Sheri's large-scale abstract paintings, filled with vibrant colors and magical forest landscapes, have wowed audiences for years. Stephanie describes Sheri's work as immersive and animated, ...

Sep 27, 202355 minSeason 4Ep. 38

Pioneering Women, Paintings, and Prairies with Susannah Papish and Melissa Potter

Welcome back to another episode of noseyAF! Episode 37!! I am still keeping the series going with the "On the Rock" series! In this engaging episode, artists Melissa Potter and Susannah Papish are two incredible women I spoke to while I was at my residency in Pouch Cove. In this conversation, I delve into their journeys within the art realm and their collaborative project, "Invisible Labors." Melissa touches upon her unorthodox route into the arts, spurred by her mother's encouragement. At the s...

Sep 12, 20231 hr 18 minSeason 4Ep. 37

Comedy as Practice and Purpose w/ Christina Anthony

Christina Anthony is a multi-talented actress, writer, vocalist, and improviser. She is originally from the Chicago comedy scene and is best known as an emeritus company member of Playmakers Lab after teaching creative writing throughout Chicago Public Schools to countless students. Christina is also an alum of the Second City e.t.c. Chicago where she co-wrote three award-nominated sketch revues and performed thousands of shows for Chicago audiences. Most recently, Christina was a series regular...

Aug 30, 20231 hr 13 minSeason 4Ep. 36

I Was Wrong about Alberto Aguilar

I thought I had Artist Alberto Aguilar all figured out, and I was wrong. LOL, I mean, not at all. Alberto Aguilar is a Chicago-based artist who works wherever he is, with whatever material is at hand, collaborating with whoever is near. It's a way of living and making that allows him to be more present in all his roles. He teaches at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the University of Illinois in Chicago, regularly exchanging with his students. He runs Mayfield, an independent art s...

Aug 15, 20231 hr 8 minSeason 4Ep. 35

Welcome to Season Four of the Nosey AF Podcast

Hello from Newfoundland!! In this episode of the Nosey AF podcast, host Stephanie Graham welcomes listeners to Season 4, Episode 34. In this episode, Stephanie shares that she is currently in Canada for an art residency in Pouch Cove. She talks about how being in a residency is important for her art resume and how it aligns with her current free time due to her TV gig ending early. She also expresses support for the ongoing writer's strike in the film industry and discusses the need for better t...

Aug 01, 202315 minSeason 4Ep. 34

Reflections and Lessons from Season 3

As Season 3 of noseyAF concludes, I reflect on all the fly girls that came through to share their projects with us and some key lessons I've learned in my creative practice and making this podcast. Thank you for another fun season of noseyAF! I enjoy making this show and connecting with people, so I'm excited about Season 4! You can find me and my work at missgraham.com Podcast Episodes www.noseyaf.com Follow Me on Instagram: @stephaniegraham...

Sep 12, 202222 minSeason 3Ep. 33

Conquering Burnout w/ Coach Ellyn Schinke

Burnout is NO Joke, yall!! I've been going through it and just trying to take the best care of myself. Through this journey of redefining balance, prioritizing rest and getting back into my creative flow, and just wanting to hang out, I came across the work of Dr. Ellyn Schnike, and she has been a solid help in me working on getting out of burnout. Btw I'm still working on it yall! Ellyn Schinke is a former scientist and certified professional coach. After spending over a decade in academic and ...

Jun 07, 20221 hr 7 minSeason 3Ep. 32

Party Girls & Startups with Astin Hayes

What's the career life of a real-life party girl? Only one lady I know can answer this question, Astin Hayes! Astin is a Chicago-based sales and marketing specialist. Astin has worked with brands such as VIBE Magazine, Chicago Cares, Inc, and Clear Channel Media & Entertainment. Currently, Astin is a Key Account Manager for Rémy Cointreau, executing multiple significant events such as concerts, live listener experiences, street team promotions, and parties! To date, Astin's most significant ...

May 10, 202249 minSeason 3Ep. 31

Art as Social Practice with Ellen Mueller

It's the 30th Episode for noseyAF yall! How exciting is that?! Today's Episode is celebrated with a conversation with Ellen Mueller, an artist, author, and educator based in Minneapolis. When I was researching social practice art, I discovered Ellen and came across her book "Some Social Practice." Ellens's work has included social practice, drawing, and time-based work. In this Episode, Ellyn tells us all about her work that explores issues related to the environment and capitalism as it affects...

Apr 20, 202242 minSeason 3Ep. 30

Self-Care, Forreal w/ Taylor Elyse Morrison

I wish I had a nickel for every time I hear the word Self Care! Anything and everything is self-care. My french fries are self-care, my new dishes are self-care, my blinds are self-care. #LAWD Thank God for Taylor getting down to the bottom of my research of what the heck self-care REALLY IS! I mean, outside of keeping my nails did, what else is there? Taylor is a self-care expert and is the founder of the wellness lifestyle brand Inner Workout. Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Bon Appetit have celebra...

Mar 22, 202236 minSeason 3Ep. 29

Halftone Prints & Artist-Run Spaces with Vic Barquin

Welcome to the noseyAF podcast! Today's guest is Vic Barquin, an artist, arts administrator, great gal, and a bomb screen printer who started Halftone Projects, an artist-run space that… well, she will tell you about it. I asked Vic about her experience being a curator and artist #atthesamedamntime Why she started her artist space, Halftone Projects, and how it benefitted her and the art community she is involved in, as well as some advice to creating your own artist space. I love Vic's work, an...

Mar 08, 202245 minSeason 3Ep. 28

Maps, Money and Men with Artist and Activist Tonika Lewis Johnson

Tonika Johnson is a photographer, social justice artist, and life-long resident of Chicago’s South Side neighborhood of Englewood. Tonikas project Folded Map was organized to develop creative educational tools & interactive projects to help educate and engage the public about how we are socially impacted by historic racial and institutional conditions that segregate Chicago and our country. Super lucky to have Tonika on episode 26 of the noseyAF podcast to talk about her latest work, the Fol...

Feb 08, 20221 hr 1 minSeason 3Ep. 26

Coming Back From Burnout

Welcome back to a new season of the noseyAF podcast! It's been an overwhelming few years, and your girl has been on a journey, but Im ready to welcome you back with brand new episodes! I share a bit about where I have been and what to expect this season in this episode. Links mentioned in this episode: Softer Sounds Studio (my friend Amelia) Coach Ellyn's Burnout Quiz Burnout Book Episode Credits: Episode Produced by Amanda Roscoe Mayo Theme Music by Luvjonez Check out my projects: www.missgraha...

Jan 25, 202214 minSeason 3Ep. 25

024 All The Wins!

Happy 2019 Yall! I'm so excited to be back, I've missed creating this podcast and talking to you so much!! This episode I share all of your wins and a few of my losses!! Yikes! I'm ready to make 2019 the BOMB YEAR yall. Soo ready. I mentioned my State of the Union Letter and if you're interested in reading it, check it out here. I love to hear from you so hit me up at stephanie@missgraham.com See my work at www.missgraham.com Sign up to receive my StudioGraham newsletter: missgraham.com/signup F...

Jan 21, 201915 minSeason 2Ep. 24

4 Things I Learned from Black Men

Welcome to the noseyAF Podcast! This week it's just you and me, I've been photographing Black men for my new exhibition and I wanted to tell you somethings I learned that I wanted to share. I feel like I got this peek behind the curtain, and I just wanted to share some fun facts.

Oct 29, 201816 minSeason 2Ep. 23

skateboarding and punk rock in the Mexican community w/Alex Rojas

Welcome back to the noseyAF podcast Episode 22! This week we talk to my friend filmmaker Alex Rojas about punk culture in the Mexican community. Alex is a wealth of knowledge and my buddy, he schools us this episode yall. I hope you enjoy. Alex is a filmmaker in LA. Check out his work: https://www.illvillskill.com/ www.noseyaf.com www.missgraham.com

Oct 08, 201843 minSeason 2Ep. 22

this isnt a real episode

My show opened at boundary and though I had a great time! I'm so exhausted yall! I had an idea for an episode this week, and the plan for the episode just failed. I didn't want to leave you hanging. So just hear me out. Thanks for listening. Stephanie www.noseyaf.com

Oct 01, 20183 minSeason 2Ep. 21

Africans in the Jamaican Club, Going Dutch, and Tyra Banks w/Michelle G

Episode 20! It's a throwback today too! I'm sharing a So This One Guy episode with you from Michelle G. Ya see back in 2013 I thought my project So This One Guy was going to be a multimedia project but I made the project smaller and focused on video. This conversation is old but its good stuff here and I'm excited to share 2013 me with you. Enjoy! Can't wait to hear your thoughts www.noseyaf.com...

Sep 24, 201826 minSeason 2Ep. 20

Parties, Tesla, and Hip Hop OH MY! with KMoon

Yall my guest KMoon is a regular girl from the west side of Chicago that Keeps Making Opportunities Outta Nothing. I met KMoon at a mutual friends birthday party and found her super interesting. Mostly because her business names would sound like she had a full crew, but it was really just her, like who does that?! LOL Folks know KMoon because she throws parties, but she also does charity work, produces concerts, flips houses. I mean she is basically Oprah. It's my goal this episode of noseyAF yo...

Sep 17, 20181 hr 18 minSeason 2Ep. 19

90 Day Fiancé, Exhibitions and Friendship

Have yall been watching 90 Day Fiancé? Well if not get on it, its the craziest thing I've ever seen and it's making me question what friendship means. I can't wait to talk about this with you. Episode 18 OMG! I have a new exhibition coming up September 29th at boundary. I would for you to attend. Journey of a Rap Star September 29th- November 3rd, 2018. Opening Reception September 29th at 5:30-pm www.missgraham.com www.boundarychicago.space...

Sep 10, 201817 minSeason 2Ep. 18

017 doing good just because and $45 purple hands

The Million Waves Project is one of the coolest organizations I've run across in a while, and I'm excited to share them with you. So today, you and I are chatting it up with the founder of the Million Waves Project Chris Moriarty so that he can tell us not only the cool thing he does but also what its like to run a not for profit as Chris has just been doing this for seven months. It's on and popping with this episode. Its super inspiring. Oh, and there is a basic necessity giveaway too Check ou...

Sep 03, 201842 minSeason 2Ep. 17

noseyAF Season Two!

Yall! Season Two is just around the corner! I'm excited and this quick little episode is just a shout out to let you know I'm still here. I'm being vulnerable and letting yall know... I missed a deadline but I'm still here! See you soon! Season Two Starts September 3rd!

Aug 28, 20183 minSeason 2Ep. 16

015 Quality over Quantity, Baby its Episode 15

Yall we have made it to episode 15 and its all I talk about. We have made it to the final episode of Season 1 but wait...theres more!! www.noseyaf.com

Jul 30, 201816 minSeason 1Ep. 15
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android