KeyBARD
Thembi Duncan
Welcome to the KeyBARD Podcast, hosted by Artist/Educator Thembi Duncan.
In each episode, Thembi sits down with trailblazers, visionaries, and innovators who are shaping the landscape of our world. From distinguished educators to acclaimed artists and tech pioneers, KeyBARD offers a platform for thought-provoking conversations that transcend boundaries and spark new ideas.
Whether you're passionate about the arts, intrigued by technology, or committed to advancing education, KeyBARD has something for everyone.
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Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768
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Top 10 KeyBARD Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best KeyBARD episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to KeyBARD for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite KeyBARD episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
07/09/24 • 41 min
Helynsia Brown: Leading with Purpose in Tech and Social Justice
In this episode of KeyBARD, host Thembi Duncan speaks with Helynsia Brown, a technology executive whose career spans the U.S. Air Force, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Women Donors Network.
With a deep commitment to service, purpose, and social justice, Helynsia shares how technology can drive equity and change. From her early days in the military to leading major cultural institutions, she provides insights into the intersection of tech, leadership, and advocacy.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How Helynsia’s military background shaped her tech career
✅ The role of technology in preserving cultural history
✅ How women and people of color are reshaping the tech industry
✅ Why social justice and purpose matter in leadership
✅ The impact of technology on philanthropy and advocacy
About Helynsia Brown:
Helynsia Brown is a technology executive and advocate with a career dedicated to leveraging tech for social good. She has led digital initiatives at major institutions and currently works with the Women Donors Network, driving innovation, equity, and systemic change.
Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768
KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan.
Theme music by Sycho Sid.
Listen and Connect:
- Spotify: Follow, Rate, and Share
- Apple Podcasts: Subscribe, Review, and Rate
- Instagram: @Keybard_IG
- Facebook: The KeyBARD Podcast
07/12/24 • 36 min
In this episode of KeyBARD, host Thembi Duncan sits down with Michael Lavine, a celebrated music director, performance coach, sheet music expert, and Broadway archivist. With a career spanning decades, Michael has worked with legends like Stephen Sondheim, John Kander, Adolph Green, Betty Comden, Craig Carnelia, Hugh Martin, and Sheldon Harnick.
Michael shares how his passion for collecting sheet music led him to amass one of the world’s largest private collections—a treasure trove of Broadway history. He also reflects on his global experiences teaching musical theater, offering insights into how the art form resonates across cultures.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How Michael built one of the largest private sheet music collections
✅ The importance of preserving Broadway’s musical history
✅ Behind-the-scenes stories from working with Broadway legends
✅ How musical theater connects cultures around the world
✅ The evolution of music direction, coaching, and performance
About Michael Lavine:
Michael Lavine is a renowned music director, conductor, performance coach, and archivist, known for his deep knowledge of Broadway history and sheet music preservation. He has worked with theater icons worldwide, helping performers refine their craft and bringing forgotten musical treasures back to life.
Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768
KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan.
Theme music by Sycho Sid.
Listen and Connect:
- Spotify: Follow, Rate, and Share
- Apple Podcasts: Subscribe, Review, and Rate
- Instagram: @Keybard_IG
- Facebook: The KeyBARD Podcast
09/25/24 • 65 min
S1. E20.
“There's always an aspect of joy, because otherwise, what's the point?”
In this episode, Thembi speaks with playwright, poet, and artistic leader Farah Lawal Harris about her journey as a breast cancer survivor and how her experiences have influenced her approach to storytelling, leadership, and wellness. Farah shares how the challenges she has faced, both personal and professional, have refined her as an artist and leader.
Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768
KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan.
Theme music by Sycho Sid.
Listen and Connect:
- Spotify: Follow, Rate, and Share
- Apple Podcasts: Subscribe, Review, and Rate
- Instagram: @Keybard_IG
- Facebook: The KeyBARD Podcast
02/11/25 • 49 min
Thembi talks with Jose Moreno, Founder and CEO of Neulight, an ed-tech company leveraging AI to help K-12 educators support student success.
In this episode, we discuss:
✅ What it’s like to transition from streaming tech to education
✅ How AI can revolutionize student interventions
✅ The impact of leadership styles on company culture
✅ Bias in AI and strategies to mitigate it
✅ Why sitting all day might be worse than smoking (seriously!)
Plus, Jose breaks down his vision for Neulight, a company tackling real problems in education while challenging the traditional startup hustle.
Neulight Website – Try their free version of IntelliTier
Connect with Jose Moreno on LinkedIn
Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768
KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan.
Theme music by Sycho Sid.
Listen and Connect:
- Spotify: Follow, Rate, and Share
- Apple Podcasts: Subscribe, Review, and Rate
- Instagram: @Keybard_IG
- Facebook: The KeyBARD Podcast
03/26/25 • 60 min
From Military Leadership to Instructional Design: Dr. Dwayne Wood on AI, Education, and Rethinking Grading
In this episode of KeyBARD, host Thembi Duncan interviews Dr. Dwayne Wood, an educator, instructional designer, and military veteran with over 22 years of experience in the U.S. Army. Now a leader in instructional design and curriculum development, Dr. Wood shares how his military background shaped his approach to education, leadership, and mentorship.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How military leadership naturally cultivates teaching skills
✅ Why Dr. Wood challenges traditional grading systems
✅ The role of AI in education and its impact on instructional design
✅ How discipline fuels innovation in learning and development
✅ Dr. Wood’s journey from the Army to instructional design
About Dr. Dwayne Wood:
Dr. Dwayne Wood is a distinguished educator, instructional designer, and curriculum developer who specializes in creating engaging learning experiences for adult learners. His expertise spans instructional design, AI in education, and innovative assessment strategies.
Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768
KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan.
Theme music by Sycho Sid.
Listen and Connect:
- Spotify: Follow, Rate, and Share
- Apple Podcasts: Subscribe, Review, and Rate
- Instagram: @Keybard_IG
- Facebook: The KeyBARD Podcast
04/23/25 • 50 min
This episode of KeyBARD features Jared Redick, an award-winning, sought-after master teacher, choreographer, and coach whose leadership has shaped the global dance community.
A third-generation ballet dancer, Jared blends a deep respect for classical traditions with an innovative approach to contemporary work.
He currently serves as a full professor and Assistant Dean of Dance at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), one of the nation’s top conservatories.
Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768
KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan.
Theme music by Sycho Sid.
Listen and Connect:
- Spotify: Follow, Rate, and Share
- Apple Podcasts: Subscribe, Review, and Rate
- Instagram: @Keybard_IG
- Facebook: The KeyBARD Podcast
04/30/24 • 60 min
S1.E5.
Arts and culture visionary Michael J. Bobbitt joins Thembi this week to discuss the pressing need for systemic change in the arts sector. In his role as Executive Director of Mass Cultural Council, Michael "walks the walk" and consistently implements innovation and sparks paradigm shift in the agency.
In this rich discussion, Michael also talks about the double-edged sword of grantmaking, the challenges of change management, and what the arts sector must do to survive.
Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768
KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan.
Theme music by Sycho Sid.
Listen and Connect:
- Spotify: Follow, Rate, and Share
- Apple Podcasts: Subscribe, Review, and Rate
- Instagram: @Keybard_IG
- Facebook: The KeyBARD Podcast
04/03/25 • 46 min
Keta Newborn: A Life Rewritten Through Theatre
There are moments in life when everything seems set—the destination clear, the plan solid. And then, something unexpected happens, shifting everything we thought we knew. Today’s guest, Keta Newborn, knows this journey well.
After 12 years as a computer engineer, Keta faced a life-altering challenge that forced her to rethink everything. But rather than letting it define her, she found a new purpose—one rooted in storytelling, creativity, and the magic of live theatre.
In this episode, we discuss:
🎭 The unexpected turn that led her from tech to theatre
🙏 How faith and resilience shaped her artistic journey
✍🏾 The power of storytelling as a tool for healing and transformation
Grab Keta's book: So Emotional
Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768
KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan.
Theme music by Sycho Sid.
Listen and Connect:
- Spotify: Follow, Rate, and Share
- Apple Podcasts: Subscribe, Review, and Rate
- Instagram: @Keybard_IG
- Facebook: The KeyBARD Podcast
04/14/25 • 45 min
Dr. Ilke Demir, Senior Staff Research Scientist, Intel
What makes us human in the age of artificial intelligence?
In this episode, Thembi speaks with Dr. Ilke Demir, a pioneering research scientist whose work explores the intersection of AI, digital integrity, and creative technology.
From detecting deepfakes using biological signals to defending artists’ rights in an AI-saturated world, Dr. Demir offers a grounded, compelling perspective on authenticity, innovation, and the emotional labor of being a woman in STEM -- and much more!
Explore FaceCatcher
More on Dr. Demir
Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768
KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan.
Theme music by Sycho Sid.
Listen and Connect:
- Spotify: Follow, Rate, and Share
- Apple Podcasts: Subscribe, Review, and Rate
- Instagram: @Keybard_IG
- Facebook: The KeyBARD Podcast
07/05/24 • 52 min
Sam Lewis: The Art of Theatrical & Film Design in a Tech-Driven World
In this episode of KeyBARD, host Thembi Duncan interviews Sam Lewis, an omni-media artist and designer whose innovative craftsmanship spans multiple artistic disciplines.
Sam reflects on his earliest memories of working with his hands, which ignited a lifelong passion for creating immersive visual experiences. He breaks down his process for theatrical set design—from the first script reading to the final build—and shares insights into the evolving world of film and stage production.
Plus, stick around for Sam’s thoughts on artificial intelligence and its impact on artists in today’s rapidly changing creative landscape.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How Sam Lewis developed his multidisciplinary artistic approach
✅ The step-by-step process of theatrical set design
✅ The intersection of craftsmanship, storytelling, and technology
✅ Sam’s take on AI’s influence on artists and creative industries
✅ The evolution of theater and film design in a digital era
About Sam Lewis:
Sam Lewis is a renowned artist and designer known for his work in theater, film, and multimedia art. His designs merge technical precision with creative storytelling, bringing visionary concepts to life.
Explore Sam’s work: https://madebysam.com/
Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768
KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan.
Theme music by Sycho Sid.
Listen and Connect:
- Spotify: Follow, Rate, and Share
- Apple Podcasts: Subscribe, Review, and Rate
- Instagram: @Keybard_IG
- Facebook: The KeyBARD Podcast
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FAQ
How many episodes does KeyBARD have?
KeyBARD currently has 30 episodes available.
What topics does KeyBARD cover?
The podcast is about Instructional Design, Conversation, Podcasts, Technology, Education, Arts, Artificial Intelligence, Innovation and Performing Arts.
What is the most popular episode on KeyBARD?
The episode title 'S1.E4 | Nwabisa Plaatjie: Empowerment and Sustainability in South African Theatre' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on KeyBARD?
The average episode length on KeyBARD is 63 minutes.
How often are episodes of KeyBARD released?
Episodes of KeyBARD are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of KeyBARD?
The first episode of KeyBARD was released on Mar 29, 2024.
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