3 APR 2024 · On this Women's History Month episode of The Smarty Art Brother, we look at women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields. Join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of emergency management specialist, Latoya Simmons, a remarkable woman whose expertise has been pivotal in navigating some of the most critical health crises of our time. Today's Guest Latoya Simmons (https://www.instagram.com/royaltycosplay/) is an Emergency Management Specialist specializing in responding to infectious disease outbreaks and natural disasters. She has helped investigate numerous national and international outbreaks such as COVID-19, Ebola, and Zika for the state of Kentucky, at the Office of the Surgeon General of the United States, and the at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)   Today's Cohost/Guest Stephanie (https://www.instagram.com/bonafidesteph/) been telling stories since she was a child. Her interest in the written word started with short stories and journal entries about run-ins with classroom bullies and graduated to reporting on the dilemma of being a closeted teenager by the time she was a high school student. That knack for words developed into a career as a journalist accumulating bylines in publications like the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Tennessean, Chicago Tribune and the Virginian-Pilot. Outside of journalism, she's worked in nonprofit communications and executive produced and co-created "What's the Word?," a podcast with a comedic take on culture and social issues dissected by two Southern Black girls. Show Notes  - https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsf23315/report/executive-summary - https://www.eeoc.gov/special-topics-annual-report-women-stem#_Toc97287802 - https://www.careergirls.org/ - https://www.spreaker.com/episode/mental-health-in-the-black-community--57636910

12 FEB 2024 · As Katt Williams and Monique have shown us, comedians are no strangers to a good ol' fashioned feud. Whether it's a clash of comedic styles, personal rivalries, or just plain old-fashioned ego battles, we'll uncover the stories behind the punchlines, punch-ups and putdowns. Today’s Guest Stephanie (https://www.instagram.com/bonafidesteph/) been telling stories since she was a child. Her interest in the written word started with short stories and journal entries about run-ins with classroom bullies and graduated to reporting on the dilemma of being a closeted teenager by the time she was a high school student. That knack for words developed into a career as a journalist accumulating bylines in publications like the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Tennessean, Chicago Tribune and the Virginian-Pilot. Outside of journalism, she's worked in nonprofit communications and executive produced and co-created "What's the Word?," a podcast with a comedic take on culture and social issues dissected by two Southern Black girls. References - https://youtu.be/8oRRZiRQxTs?feature=shared - https://youtu.be/q1PVr6AeUT0?feature=shared - https://youtu.be/4xWRbKr-xUU?feature=shared - https://www.cracked.com/image-pictofact-7319-13-comedian-feuds-we-didnt-know-about Credits Music: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-sensei-21145/ by prazkhanal Logo by https://www.instagram.com/d.fu.studios/ Edited by http://www.thejmackmedia.com/ Episode art from Adobe Stock

15 NOV 2023 · In this episode, we sit down with the esteemed Licensed Professional Counselor, Charnel Jackson, LPC, to dive into the critical topic of mental health. Charnel shares her personal journey, highlighting her passion for mental health advocacy and the impact she has made in her community. We discuss the importance of prioritizing mental well-being, dispelling common misconceptions and addressing the stigma around seeking therapy. If you're looking for professional guidance, Charnel is available for counseling services, speaking engagements, corporate training, podcast appearances, and motivational speaking. Connect with her on https://bit.ly/cjacksonlpc. Credits Music: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-sensei-21145/ by prazkhanal Logo by https://www.instagram.com/d.fu.studios/ Edited by http://www.thejmackmedia.com

11 OCT 2023 · The top the black sitcoms (Cosby Show, A Different World, Living Single,Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Martin, etc) are pretty much set in stone but what about the lesser known ones that helped bolster the culture? Today I'm talking with former reporter turned DEI expert Samantha Fletcher, to discuss some black sitcoms that hold a special place in our hearts even if they didn't get the accolades some other shows received. References https://www.ebony.com/these-are-the-10-highest-rated-black-sitcoms/ This is a top 10 list of favorites Samantha has been watching lately that she loves for their comedy and/or writing, in no particular order. - Chappelle's Show - Insecure - Abbott Elementary - Run the world - The Chi - Grand Crew - Rap Shit - Bel-Air - The Boondocks - Half & Half Follow Samantha - https://www.samanthafletcher.com/ - https://www.tiktok.com/@blackharvardmama - https://twitter.com/just_samanthaf - https://www.instagram.com/just_samanthaf/ Shoot Your Shot Find out more about "Technology, Innovation, and Education Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity" at https://www.tie-die.com/. Credits Music: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-sensei-21145/ by prazkhanal Logo by https://www.instagram.com/d.fu.studios/ Edited by http://www.thejmackmedia.com

27 SEP 2023 · In this week’s episode, we have special guest D. Fu of https://dfustudios.wixsite.com/portfolio. She's an aspiring storyboard artist currently studying animation at the prestigious Savannah College of Art and Design. Join us we unravel the world of animation and dispel misconceptions surrounding this art form. D.Fu sheds light on the diverse industries that benefit from animation, sharing insights into the pivotal role of storyboarding in movies and the intricate animation pipeline. Tune in as we explore the fascinating journey of an animator and gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and innovation that goes into bringing animated stories to life Animator Resources - https://www.cartoonbrew.com/ - https://storyboardart.org/ - https://www.animationmentor.com/ - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-animators-survival-kit-richard-williams/1122176350 Art Books (for inspiration) - https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/3002-422/The-Legend-of-Zelda-Breath-of-the-Wild--Creating-a-Champion-HC - https://www.abramsbooks.com/product/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-the-art-of-the-movie_9781419763991/ - https://www.chroniclebooks.com/products/the-art-of-luca Software - https://procreate.com/ - https://www.toonboom.com/ (Makes of Storyboard Pro and Harmony) - https://www.blender.org/ Shoot Your Shot - https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ D.Fu Sudios: https://www.instagram.com/d.fu.studios/ | https://twitter.com/dfustudios Credits Music: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-sensei-21145/ by prazkhanal Logo by https://www.instagram.com/d.fu.studios/ Edited by http://www.thejmackmedia.com

8 MAR 2023 · Journalism has gone from one of the most respected and trusted fields to one of the most hated and divisive. The fourth estate has even been described by some as the “enemy of the people”. This newfound dislike couldn’t happen overnight, so what caused journalism to be put on the same level as used car salesmen, strip mall lawyers and Hydra? How many of their problems are self-inflicted and what can be done to solve them? About the guest Fredrick Batiste is a communications instructor at Houston Community College and Sam Houston State University. He also currently contributes to HBCUSports.com.Batiste graduated from Southern University and A&M College with bachelors and masters degrees before spending six years covering news and sports at the Hammond (La.) Daily Star. He earned awards for his news writing and sports columns while working in Hammond.Fredrick is currently the College Media Association’s vice president for member training. A Louisiana native now living in the Houston area, Batiste seeks proper South Louisiana food without having to drive back home for it. A fan of professional wrestling, he jokes that everything is pro wrestling when you really think about it. Follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/FredBatiste. Fred’s Five journalism movies to watch https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074119/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1: Dustin Hoffman and Robert Redford dramatize Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward’s efforts to break the Watergate scandal story. I recommend watching it, along with “Frost/Nixon”, to get some fictionalized perspectives of the reports and the Nixon White House. Added note: Woodward & Bernstein were keynotes at MediaFest 22, a joint convention of the Society of Professional Journalists, College Media Association, and the Associated Collegiate Press. I actually rode on an elevator of Bob Woodward, and the journalism nerd in me was in awe. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074119/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1: Washington Post’s tangling with the government over publishing the Pentagon Papers. Great performances throughout from an all-star cast, and they really captured the tension created by having a hot story that would put them in direct conflict with the government. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0443706/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0: We’re all detectives in a sense, right? Another all-star cast. And a cat-and-mouse game between the journalists, police and the Zodiac Killer. The crazy thing that no one knows who the Zodiac is/was makes this even more thrilling. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1895587/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1: All-star cast. Shows how important investigative reporting is and how hard it is. Also, it’s great to hear the actual reporters reflect on this stuff on YouTube. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1216491/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1: Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner, not Hailee Steinfeld) stars as reporter Gary Webb, who finds the links between cocaine flooding Black and brown neighborhoods and military actions in Nicaragua. Then all hell breaks loose. It is through his reporting we find out who Freeway Ricky Ross is. Gary Webb is an American hero. ——— Honorable mentions: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0870111/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0181875/ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2872718/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0433383/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1 Credits Music: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-sensei-21145/ by prazkhanal Logo by https://www.instagram.com/d.fu.studios/ Edited by http://www.thejmackmedia.com

15 FEB 2023 · Today, we are diving into the world of Black Urban Legends with our special guest and Urban Legend fan, Stephanie. Join us as we explore some of the most mysterious, and maybe even laughable stories that have been passed down through generations in the Black community. Let’s start with Tupac being alive, shall we. Folklore or facts? Stephanie Toone (https://www.instagram.com/bonafidesteph/) has been telling stories since she was a child. Her interest in the written word started with short stories and journal entries about run-ins with classroom bullies and graduated to reporting on the dilemma of being a closeted teenager by the time she was a high school student. That knack for words developed into a career as a journalist accumulating bylines in publications like the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Tennessean, Chicago Tribune and the Virginian-Pilot. Outside of journalism, she's worked in nonprofit communications and executive produced and co-created "What's the Word?," a podcast with a comedic take on culture and social issues dissected by two Southern Black girls. References/Show Notes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2k0CW3GrZc - https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresingeek/permalink/1386749751385868/ Music: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-sensei-21145/ by prazkhanal

14 FEB 2023 · Get ready for the Smarty Art Brother on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. I have some very smart friends and this is a chance for me to talk with them on a variety of issues. Sometimes it will be fun. Sometimes it may be serious (hopefully not too often). I want to keep it lighthearted and conversational. Every other week I will have a couple of people on and we will discuss something that interests us. Music: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-sensei-21145/ by prazkhanal