noseyAF: Conversations about Art, Activism, and Social Change

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, discussing how societal expectations can lead to feelings of inadequacy and the harmful messaging that something is inherently wrong with us. Instead of striving to become someone new, the conversation encourages listeners to reclaim their true selves and recognize the value of their unique identities. This thought-provoking dialogue invites everyone to step into 2025 with self-acceptance and a commitment to honoring their authentic selves.

Takeaways:

• The New Year, new you mantra is often toxic, pushing unrealistic expectations on individuals.
• Instead of trying to reinvent ourselves, we should focus on reclaiming our true selves.
• Reflecting on the past year can help us set more authentic intentions for the future.
• Building self-trust is key to personal development, rather than conforming to external pressures.
• Embracing who we are allows for more genuine connections with ourselves and others.
• Recognizing that our perceived flaws can actually be strengths is essential for growth.

Chapters:

• 00:01 - Welcome to Nosy: Conversations About Art and Activism
• 04:16 - Embracing the New Year as Your True Self
• 14:38 - Reclaiming Yourself: The Journey to Authenticity
• 17:59 - Embracing Your True Self
• 26:30 - Understanding Self Through Personality Assessments
• 34:15 - Building Self Trust and Relationships

All about Valerie

Valerie is a compassionate and creative coach dedicated to helping individuals, particularly women, break free from internalized patterns that limit their potential. With a deep understanding of societal pressures and the unique challenges faced by empathetic individuals, Valerie empowers clients to align with their most powerful selves and channel their energy toward meaningful work.

Her coaching philosophy emphasizes that transforming internalized patterns not only amplifies one’s impact on the world but also fosters intentional, joyful relationships in all areas of life. Known for her empathetic and engaging style, Valerie guides clients through a creative and fun process that honors their humanity and intuition, uncovering personalized solutions that lead to lasting change.

Resources mentioned in this episode

Flow Mastery Group Coaching

Create Your Flow Course

You Were Born For This by Chani Nicholas

🚨Lofi Beats for you to lay on the couch!🚨

Fun Personality Tests:

Myers Brigg

Enneagram (read up on this one though folks have wild ideas about it)

SHOW NOTES

As the calendar turns to 2025, Stephanie Graham reflects on the whirlwind of experiences and challenges that shaped 2024. In this engaging conversation, she discusses the importance of self-reflection and personal growth, especially at year-end. Stephanie encourages listeners to embrace their authentic selves rather than succumbing to the societal pressures of the 'New Year, New You' mantra that has pervaded our culture. Highlighting her own experiences with unmet goals and the lessons learned, she emphasizes celebrating achievements, no matter the scale, and fostering a supportive community that embraces individuality. The episode culminates in a special feature from Valerie Friedlander, who delves into the toxic nature of the 'New Year, New You' ideology, advocating instead for self-acceptance and trust. Listeners are invited to embark on a journey of reclaiming their identities and envisioning a year that honors who they truly are, rather than who they feel pressured to become.

Va...

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 discography, which includes around 32 albums. We also explore the challenges of being a multi-talented artist and how Pugs navigates people's attempts to pigeonhole him. Pugs shares fascinating stories about his early career, including his time working at the Chicago Children's Museum and how he balanced his art with various day jobs.

Pugs reveals the importance of choosing oneself, especially as an artist. He recounts a pivotal moment when he decided to pursue his dreams over job security. We also discuss the power of community and how he founded the Nacrobats, a hip-hop crew that started in 1993 and grew to include over 200 members.

One of the highlights of our conversation is Pugs' approach to his art, which he describes as highly detailed and research-driven. Whether painting, making music, or designing fashion, Pugs emphasizes the importance of layers and details in his work.

We also discuss his latest project, "Mookie on the South Side," a multi-disciplinary work that includes paintings, installations, and an album. Pugs explains how he sees his projects as mini-movies, each with a beginning, middle, and end.

Towards the end of the episode, we delve into Pugs' style and his time as the creative director for the fashion line Iridium. He shares insights into how he plans his outfits and the importance of having a versatile wardrobe.

This episode is a treasure trove of insights and stories from one of Chicago's most dynamic artists. Whether you're an aspiring artist or just a fan of creative expression, you won't want to miss this conversation with Pugs Atomz.

Thanks for tuning in. Pugs' fashion brand, Usuwe, offers some stylish and unique pieces.

Topics discussed:

• Pugs Atomz’s Multifaceted Career: The episode explores Pugs' various artistic endeavors, including his music, painting, sculpture, and fashion design.
• The Artist's Journey: Pugs discusses his early career, challenges, and the importance of choosing oneself as an artist. He also shares insights into the power of community and his experiences with the Nacrobats.
• Pugs' Creative Process and Projects: The episode delves into Pugs' approach to his art, including his focus on detail and research. He also discusses his latest project, "Mookie on the South Side," and his style.

Pugs Atomz Bio:

Pugs Atomz is a multi-talented artist—a designer, muralist, rapper, and radio host. Inspired by his Chicago upbringing and artistic mother, he explored visual arts and music. In the 1990s, he co-founded The Nacrobats collective, releasing albums and solidifying himself in hip-hop.

After attending art school, Pugs released his debut album in 2000 and toured internationally. He documented his life as a graffiti artist through music and art installations. His social commentary led to involvement with anti-violence movements.

Pugs' international tours with DJ Vadim sparked a passion for fashion. He designed for major brands and co-founded Iridium Clothing, which attracted celebrities and cultivated young talent. He now runs his brand, Usuwe, and contributes to public art projects through co-founded initiatives.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Nas “Book of Rhymes”
• Pugs Atomz “Playing with matches “
• Meet Me At Dr. Wax Painting
• Englewood Arts Collective
• Usuwe
• Iridium Clothing
• noseyAF "Paying For Art Opportunities" (last episode I referenced)

In our conversation, I ment...

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 every home in one night to the secrets behind the elves and the Christmas spirit. With Santa's warm and humorous responses, listeners will be enchanted by the magic of the season and the importance of belief. Join Adam and Mark as they explore the world of Santa Claus and share heartfelt moments that embody the true spirit of Christmas.

Listeners are in for a treat as they dive into a special holiday episode of Nosy AF, where the magic of Christmas comes alive with an exclusive interview featuring Santa Claus. Stephanie sets the festive tone, inviting families to gather their little ones for a delightful experience that blends wonder with heartfelt insights. The episode unfolds through a lively dialogue between Adam and Santa, exploring an array of whimsical topics such as how Santa manages to visit every child in one night, the significance of believing in Santa, and the role of his helpers around the world. With humor and charm, Santa shares stories from the North Pole, vividly depicting his preparations and the joy he spreads each year.

As the conversation progresses, listeners are treated to Santa's perspective on the importance of kindness and belief, not just during the holiday season but throughout the entire year. The hosts engage in thoughtful reflections about what it means to be part of a supportive community, especially during the holidays, as Mark shares his gratitude towards Adam for assisting him in preparing for Christmas while he was under the weather. This genuine moment of friendship resonates deeply, serving as a reminder of the true spirit of the season—supporting one another and cherishing connections. With Santa's comforting presence and the hosts' personal anecdotes, this episode encapsulates the essence of Christmas, leaving listeners inspired and filled with holiday cheer as they embark on their own holiday traditions.

Takeaways:

• This holiday episode features a special interview with Santa Claus, perfect for family listening.
• Santa emphasizes the importance of belief and kindness, encouraging children to keep the magic alive.
• Listeners learn about the busy life of Santa Claus and his workshop during December.
• The conversation highlights the joy of holiday traditions, such as Elf on the Shelf.
• Adam and Mark discuss how Santa manages to visit homes without chimneys using magic.
• The episode also touches on the significance of community support during the holiday season.

Chapters:

• 00:10 - Introducing a Special Episode
• 05:31 - Interview with Santa Claus
• 09:46 - The Secrets of Santa Claus
• 19:30 - The Origins of Santa Claus
• 28:44 - The Holiday Spirit and Support

About Modern Dadhood Podcast :

Adam Flaherty and Marc Checket are two dads from suburban New England. And while they might think they’re pretty funny and cool, the world clearly does NOT need another white dude ramble-cast.

That’s why Modern Dadhood explores what it really means to be a "dad" in 2024 through candid, authentic, and often hilarious conversations with diverse dads of all walks of life... including famous dads, NOT famous dads, dads-to-be, step dads, grand dads, trans dads, and more.

By celebrating present, engaged parenting and commiserating over common fatherhood challenges, listeners will gain new perspectives and feel empowered to become more present and mindful fathers, raising the next generation of kick-ass, world changing kids.

The show features relatable anecdotes from the hosts' own lives, recurring segments like Instant Regrets, Kisses & Disses, and Confessions, and plenty of thoughts on the good, the bad, and the ridiculous.

Expect a healthy dose of laughter, sincerity, vulnerability, and 90s nostalgia in each biweekly episode.

Notable guests include actor Terry O'Quinn (Lost, The Stepfather), SNL alum Bobby Moynihan, MSNBC anchor Craig Melvin, Sesame Street's Emilio Delgado, and comedians Chris Gethard, Rory Scovel, and Michael Ian Black.

Resources mentioned in this episode

Ep 64 Episode about Reciprocity and Mutual Aid with Eric Von Haynes