Tag Archives: planet noun podcast

Artists, People, Places, Podcast-Episodes, Travel, Uncategorized, Visual

Rodd Quinn’s journey from pen sketches to full time artist?

Meet Rodd’s piece titled “Lost in D.C.” And there’s a story behind it…it’s literally lost–at last word, it was somewhere in Washington D.C. Learn more about this missing work of art on Rodd’s Instagram profile. (Photo courtesy of Rodd Quinn)

Welcome to Planet Noun where it’s all about the People, Places, Things and Ideas that teach us, prompt us to make a difference and do more with what life presents.

Episode 38 is another installment in the COVID catch-up series…I’ve been chatting with past guests on Planet Noun—to find out how they’ve been faring during this rough year…known as 2020.

This time, I’m catching up with someone I met a couple of years ago…at what was my full time job…. We met at an event in Washington, D.C., and I wanted to interview him for a story I was going to file with the radio station where I worked. 

That’s where it started…and we’ve been chatting online about him coming on the show…then the pandemic hit….and at last… here he is! 

Rodd Quinn. (Photo courtesy of Rodd Quinn)

Rodd Quinn’s his name…and I was intrigued because during the interview for work, I found out he was a traveling artist.  Look…by now, you know that anyone who has the courage to follow their dreams — intrigues me!

Well, let’s get to it…Meet Rodd Quinn… he joined Planet Noun— from Laredo Texas…

Take a listen to the fascinating story of Road Quinn–a traveling visual artist who I met him while covering a street festival for work a couple of years ago.

Thanks for listening to Planet Noun and our guest was Rodd Quinn. Learn more about him and his adventures on social media:

You can find him at a couple of spots on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/roddquinnartt/

https://www.instagram.com/roddquinn/

Don’t forget to follow us on Social Media… Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. There are links to those platforms in the side nav bars. We’re on SoundCloud–that’s one way you can listen to the show. You can also stop byApple Podcasts and rate the show. OHHHH, and we’re on Spotify now. That’s another place where you can listen.

Thanks again for stopping by!

Hey, do me a favor and you, too: Drop a kind and positive word to someone in your life–whether it’s an email, a social media message, a word via phone, a voice note—just to brighten another’s day…and expecting nothing in return. Even a smile works–and if you’re wearing a mask–smiling eyes will do!

Until next time, take care!

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Podcast-Episodes, Uncategorized

Sister friend chat: Pandemic coping & thriving amid persistent racism

Sometimes you just need to talk it out with friends…to catch up, to listen, to process and share.  Welcome to this conversation with a longtime friend.  A fantastic friend with a beautiful mind—one who is a constant wonder, one who I admire, one who I am constantly learning from and inspired by.

Our relationship has often been symbiotic.  When we were in the same classes, she learned by teaching, and I learned by ingesting and we both learn by doing.  

Welcome to Planet Noun, where it’s all about the people, places, things and ideas that teach us, prompt us to make a difference and do more with what life presents…

Joining me—is a repeat guest…my dear friend Pamela “RareEpiphany” Best….A renaissance woman, indeed. 

Last time she was on the show, we caught up to each other in Philadelphia…and recorded our conversation between there and New Jersey…sometimes in her rental car…another part during an old-school slumber party in her hotel room. It was mostly about her erotic poetry book—Soul Kisses (https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/rareepiphany)

This time—we’re talking via Zoom. 

So Rare and I talk about a range of things….starting with this COVID-19 pandemic that’s turned us all topsy turvy and how it’s affected her. We also get into how the never-ending soul and structural pandemic of racism in America hit close to home this year.

One tidbit of info I learned from my friend:  George Floyd was an extended family member of hers. She also tells me about the concerns she has for her teen son as he navigates through a world that isn’t always primed to see the best in him because of his skin color and, as he matures, his stature.  

Let’s get to the conversation…on Planet Noun.

Thanks for listening to Planet Noun where it’s all about the people, places, things and ideas that teach us, prompt us to make a difference and do more with what life presents…

You’ve been listening to my friend Pamela “Rare Epiphany” Best….we Zoomed for about three hours that day…so more of our conversation could show up in later episodes.

Catch up with her on social media on Instagram and Facebook.  

Don’t forget to follow Planet Noun on Social Media… Facebook, Instagram and Twitter…We’re on SoundCloud…. Oh, and please stop by Apple Podcasts and rate the show!

Thanks again for stopping by… until next time, take care!

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Books, Ideas, People, Things, Uncategorized, Writers

Leaving all dreams on the table with author Keosha Turner

You want dreams.  Well dreams cost. 

If you don’t remember Debbie Allen uttering those words on the television show Fame, we can’t be friends.  

Kidding!

But seriously,  what I’ve learned from interviewing folks on the 30 previous episodes of Planet Noun, is that there’s a cost to realizing goals and aspirations.  Even when it seems like luck, trust and believe—there’s a lot of work that goes into being ready for that “lucky” break and being ready when opportunity calls.

Today’s guest is Keosha Turner—a woman who has a busy life, but she manages to write fantasy books in her spare time, like a page turner called The Disappearance of Magda Harden.

In this conversation, learn more about Keosha’s path to writing, and her writing plans.  

I’ll have to circle back to see if anything has changed, because this episode was recorded a little before the COVID-19 ish hit the fan and a national emergency was declared in the United States.

So if you’re looking for something new to read—even as things are opening back up…check out Keosha Turner!

And good news—the second installment of the Magda Harden Series will be out in July…that means not only one, but two of Keosha’s books for your spring/summer reading list!

Oh, and if you don’t know that “Fame” reference I referred to earlier, that means I’m getting old…and you’re about to get schooled, lol:

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Books, Ideas, People, Podcast-Episodes

When disappointment steers you to bet on yourself with David Arrington

There’s a quote that says — move boldly in the direction of your dreams. I love that one…but Sometimes we all need….wait…let me speak for myself….I need a nudge to get me moving in the direction of those dreams, aspirations, and goals written in all those notebooks around the house. Is this you? Do you know someone like this? Either way—keep reading.

“What I do is I accelerate your success. That’s the funny thing about coaching. When you work with me, you’re fundamentally getting a force multiplier.” —Dr. David Arrington, COO of Arrington Coaching Click To Tweet

My guest today is Doctor David Arrington, COO of Arrington Coaching…author of the book “Promotable: How to Demonstrate Your Value, Highlight Your Potential & Land Your Next Promotion.”

We talk about a bunch of things…from the book he released in February, to the role his family plays in the business, lessons learned along his life and business journeys, and lessons he hopes his children glean from his experiences.

So some disclosure here—I’ve known David for YEARS. We met through the woman who would become his wife. But I met her during our high school years in Los Angeles. We went to the same school for a time.

A few years later, we met David and they hit it off. I have the honor of being one of the people who can say — I was present as part of his origin story unfolded.

Well, let’s get to it with Dr. David Arrington of Arrington Coaching — right here on Planet Noun.

Learn more about what Dr. Arrington’s company can do for you and your organization at the Arrington Coaching website.

You can also explore the various courses available at David’s training site—Arrington Training. Offerings at Arrington Coaching include free and premium courses.

One good thing about books is you can read those during pandemics, when you have to shelter in place or are abiding by stay at home orders. Dr. Arrington’s paperback is available from Amazon. So is the e-book.

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Ideas, People, Podcast-Episodes, Uncategorized

Get moving by getting unstuck with author Fredrick Bussey

So…who ARE you?

I can’t help but think of Alice in Wonderland—the Disney movie…and the caterpillar with the hookah…asking Alice this question while blowing smokey designs in her face.

No smoke here…but the question remains the same.  

Who ARE YOU?

What are you here to do?

What’s your gift?

No, I’m not talking about something you got for a birthday or holiday—if you celebrate those.

I’m talking about something that’s special about YOU…something that you were BORN with—that no one else can do just like you.

I’m not talking about a skill like playing an music instrument.

I’m not talking about talents either…but gifts. 

But what’s the difference, you ask?  That’s what today’s guest on Planet Noun is discussing in this episode. Fredrick Bussey also wrote a book about it. 

So let’s get right into it…he’s a dad…a speaker and entrepreneur…founder of marketing and branding consultancy IconStatus…his work? Helping brands and individuals to convey their stories with more power.

More from Fredrick Bussey author of the book “Breaking Orbit: Rip Out of the Regular by Unearthing the Power Within” on Planet Noun.

Learn more about Bussey via his social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram:

Purchase a hard or e-copy of his book on Amazon:

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Creators-Business Owners, Health, People, Things, Uncategorized

Episode 25: A skin problem + healthy solution = a skincare biz

So my sister and I met up for Essence Fest during the summer…it was the event’s 25th anniversary. And we had a BALL! We mainly went there this year for the music and the marketplace that showcased all of these black-owned and produced product.

So we were meandering through one aisle…and a gentleman approached us and started talking to us about our skin. We were both satisfied with our current products but wanted to learn more about this brand. Then he introduced us to the product line creator…who is today’s guest on Planet Noun…

So we tried the moisturizer on our hands…and were impressed with how our skin felt…supple-soft…and the product had no heavy scent…another plus for us.

Now sis and are loving Three Notes Skincare!

But how did this business get started?
Simple…It started with an issue that needed a solution.

Take a listen to Tanzania Crew—founder of Three Notes Skincare—on Planet Noun.

00:00—A skin problem needs a solution

24:38—The meaning of Three Notes

35:30—Good news for the company

Today’s guest—Tanzania Crew—founder of Three Notes Skincare. She joined me from the Memphis area. We met at Essence Fest where there were LOTS of quality products for sale in their marketplace at the convention center in New Orleans.

Learn more about Three Note Skincare and purchase products on the Three Notes website.

And on social media:

Instagram
Facebook
Twitter

Additional Links

Here are some other products and sites Tanzania mentioned during out chat:

Doughful website: An online marketplace for folks who create doughful deserts to those who plan events where such artfully crafted treats are served up and eaten. Learn more on the Doughful website: https://www.doughful.com

The Pupp Cleanse
This book sparked from the time when Tanzania got a rash after the birth of one of her children. She developed an intense rash and chronicles the process she used to eradicate hers.

As an amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases

http://www.pupppcleanse.com

Three Notes on Essence.com



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Artists, Love and Relationships, Music, People, Podcast-Episodes, Things, Uncategorized

EPISODE 20: If We Could Only Talk—a chat with singer- songwriter, a cappella arranger N’Namdi O. Bryant

When you know what you do best, sticking to your guns—as singer-songwriter PJ Morton writes and sings—is how to get your life’s work done.

Today’s podcast guest is N’Namdi Olufemi Bryant, a singer-songwriter and host of the podcast “For the Love of A Cappella.” We get into some themes of his latest album during this episode. It’s titled “If We Could Only Talk.” 

So N’Namdi and I had been talking about doing a podcast together for MONTHS, but as usual, life takes on its own plans. We were going to have him on before an album release earlier this year, then tech difficulties took over his project.

But the idea was still in both of our orbits. So—lookie here—I saw on Instagram that N’Namdi was in Washington, D.C. I said to myself—GIRL…..let’s make this happen! If you don’t ask him if he’ll have time for an interview—it’s an automatic no!

I asked if he had an time to chat. He said yes, and here it is! It all worked out.

So we met up at the Mansion on O Street. It’s a tourist destination located just off the bustling Dupont Circle, and has a fascinating trove of history tied to it. It’s also where N’Namdi sometimes performs.

There are so many themes to this podcast, and to preserve the integrity of the conversation flow, I tried not to do too much lifting and pasting of interview parts. We talk about negative self-talk, and what N’Namdi does to overcome that hurdle. Also—a discussion on imperfection and about the different ways he stretched his vocal range.

During our talk I learned some things I didn’t know in the decades since we last saw each other.

So let’s get right to the conversation, where we start talking about his podcast “For the Love of A Capella,”and where he got the idea for his program.

===========

07:55-Why it took him more than 10 years to complete one particular song arrangement

11:05—The makings and stories behind his current project “If We Could Only Talk”

21:30—How Kermit the Frog came up in our conversation

26:06—The road to vocal range

31:51—The time we talked about skylines and smog

33:39—Homeless in Huntsville, Ala. and Nashville

49:59—The part about albums, hilarious singing telegram and touching ride-share driver stories


That was N’Namdi Bryant…singer, songwriter, musical arranger…lover of a cappella! His new project “If We Could Only Talk” and his other albums are available on various online platforms–including iTunes.

Learn more about his projects on his website—The Acappellian.
You can also connect with him via social media:
Facebook
Instagram

Remember to also follow Planet Noun on Social Media, and to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and please rate the show.

Thanks again for stopping by Planet Noun. Until next time, take care!

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Ideas

EPISODE 19—Wrangling financial loose ends before the inevitable end—with Attorney Suren G. Adams

So…who likes to talk about death?
Put your hands up.
Yeah, I don’t know many people who love the topic, especially when they’re the subject.
But death’s a certainty. You won’t have a thing to worry about after you transition from this life, but your stuff isn’t going with you. What about the things you leave behind?

Well, that’s what attorney Suren G. Adams specializes in—helping folks get their final wishes in order before death ushers them to the exit—stage left.

“This is general information from an attorney and estate planner…For detailed information on your specific situation—please seek out the advice of a reputable estate planner,” Adams tells Planet Noun.

Let’s start with her pathway to helping folks wrangle up their loose ends BEFORE the end.

Even if you don’t possess a trove of dollars, jewels, land or vacation homes, Adams recommends that anyone age 18 or over have an estate plan in place.

Adams is based in Maryland, but she recommends the websites Wealth Counsel or Elder Counsel  to help find reputable estate planners across the United States. Adams is a member of both, and recommends out of state callers to these sites.

“It usually means the person who is listed on that website is somebody that is getting very good education, because they put on really good continuing legal education courses, so that’s who I recommend to clients who call from another state that we don’t handle in terms of our licensing. We usually refer them to [those websites], because I can trust that the people on that website are, at least, getting good education, so they should be preparing a good estate plan,” Adams says.

Adams also refers clients to her book, “Leaving a Legacy Instead of a Mess.”

(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)

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Artists, People

Episode 17: Warming up for the glow up with confidence, featuring Patrick Fenison

WARNING: This episode contains cussing. And it’s not all bleeped out. So govern yourselves accordingly with earbuds and such.

The Glow Up. Been hearing a lot about that lately. First of all—what the F is that? Well, intuitively, I know what it is…but I had to consult a reputable source…

So…the Urban Dictionary tells me the Glow Up is when you go from wack-looking to gorgeous… another definition is to rise to the top from the bottom of whatever aspirational ladder a person is climbing. The Free Dictionary’s idioms section says something similar—Basically, it’s a fantastic transformation—that’s very real.

Who doesn’t want the Glow Up? I mean, who isn’t fascinated by someone’s rise from out of nowhere?

Thing is—I’ve learned—it’s hardly EVER from nowhere. The folks you love and adore today—famous folks or maybe other folks—have likely been working their tails off for YEARS in order to get the results that are now visible to lots of people.

A lot of more time-established shows and podcasts interview folks AFTER their glow has started, and there’s everything RIGHT with that.

But what about the folks who are somewhere in the middle, folks who are not quite at the top or at the bottom, but somewhere in between?

Well, today’s guest took time off of his grind to talk to me.

His name is Patrick Fenison. He’s one of many people committed to meeting their aspirations.

We start our conversation with the time Pat started recognizing his glimmer—when he KNEW he was born to be a performer.

3:45—When Pat knew performing was for him
5:42—Pat ain’t got no sense! His path to becoming a comedian
8:10—I’m going for it!
14:09—Creating a fanbase, then a move upsets hometown momentum
23:43—Everyone’s not going to believe in you; the importance of guarding curating your energy spaces with like-minded people
34:13—A story behind his video “Drop It”
46:30—Where to find Pat on social media

Find Patrick on Facebook and Instagram

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Ideas, People, Podcast-Episodes, Uncategorized

EPISODE 12: Getting all up in the family’s body business on Thanksgiving


Thanksgiving is almost here! That means it’s almost time to throw down on all those bounties that’ll grace our holiday tables this week!

Thanksgiving is also Family Health History Day… A time to discuss and learn more…. Diseases or health events that tend to run in your family…

Yeah… I know that  is NOT a sexy discussion to have while passing the lamb, ham, turkey, chicken, greens, potatoes, tomatoes—you name it.

But if you’re family is gathering for this holiday or any other one—could be an opportune time to consider easing in those not so appetizing discussions about your family health portrait…. Just try to time it when Cousin so-and-so is NOT about to fork a piece of sweet-tater pie in their mouth.

My guest today is Doctor LaKeischa McMillan… she hosts the Housecall with Dr. Mac Podcast… In addition to doctoring, she also mothers and wifes (It’s my podcast, I can make up words). The cast is a joint venture with her husband, Wendell.

So Dr. Mac joins us with the skinny… or the fat—depending on how you throw down in the kitchen—on having unsexy conversations about family health during Thanksgiving or any season when family gathers.

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