noseyAF: Conversations about Art, Activism, and Social Change – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Ep 58: Hosting with Heart: Breaking the Rules of Traditional Entertaining

“The heart of hospitality isn’t about impressing others but making them feel welcome.”

— Saanya Ali

Welcome back to episode 58 of nosyAF!

In this episode of nosyAF: Conversations About Art, Activism, and Social Change, host Stephanie sits down with Saanya Ali, founder of Soiree, to discuss how she is hosting with heart and redefining hospitality through her creative and joyful approach to gatherings. Saanya shares how hosting can move beyond stress and formality, focusing instead on connection and generosity. From her international upbringing to her passion for food and community, Saanya highlights how hospitality can be as simple as pizza on the floor with friends, emphasizing that the experience is about people, not perfection.

🍜Hosting with heart means prioritizing connection over perfection and making everyone feel valued and at home.

🍕A dinner party doesn’t have to be elaborate. It can be pizza on the floor—the connection matters," says Saanya.

🍽️ By breaking down the barriers to hosting, Saanya shows everyone can create memorable experiences, no matter the setting.

🥂Hospitality is about generosity and bringing people together, whether at a lavish event or a casual get-together.

Saanya Ali is a storyteller, writer, self-trained chef, and community-builder. She founded SOIRÉE, a platform that simplifies hosting for a new generation of entertainers. Born in Switzerland to South Asian parents and having traveled to over 65 countries, Saanya is fascinated by how food connects people across cultures and traditions. For her, a shared meal is more than just food—it's a way to break down barriers, tell stories, and bring people closer to their roots and communities.

After graduating from NYU's Gallatin School with a focus on Mixed Media Storytelling and Human Rights, Saanya worked at Well+Good before leaving in 2022 to focus full-time on SOIRÉE. The platform offers playful, practical solutions for Gen Z hosts, prioritizing authenticity, creativity, and accessibility over perfection.

At heart, Saanya is a curious third-culture kid who passionately believes in the power of food and connection. Her journey, from her multicultural upbringing to her extensive travels, has reinforced her belief that food is a universal language that can bridge cultural gaps and foster meaningful connection.

• SOIRÉE Website
• Sign up for the Saanya’s newsletter: SOIRÉE

“We dont need a run of show!”

"Food is a universal language—it brings people together, and that's what hospitality is all about."

"The heart of hospitality isn’t about impressing others but making them feel welcome.”

Connect with Saanya

Instagram: @justsoiree

Website: https://www.justsoiree.com/

Connect with Stephanie

Instagram: @stephaniegraham

Email: stephanie@missgraham.com

Check out my art and projects

Enjoy my work? 

Ep 57: Black Male Friendship: A Love You Bro Update

Summary of the episode:

In this episode of noseyAF, host Stephanie invites Black men living in Chicago to participate in her ongoing photography project titled "Love You Bro." Launched in 2018, the project aims to document the unique bonds of friendship among Black men through photography. Stephanie shares her inspiration for the project, which stemmed from her personal observations of the loyalty and camaraderie in these friendships. Listeners can learn more about the project and find a link to sign up for the photography session scheduled for October 6th at a studio in Chicago. Join the conversation about art, activism, and the importance of friendship in the Black community.

Topics discussed:

• Inspiration Behind the Love You Bro Project
• Significance of Friendship
• Come to the Photo Session!!

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Signup to come to the Love You Bro Portrait Session
• Love You Bro Project
• Whitney Bradshaw’s Outcry Project

Connect with Stephanie

Instagram: @stephaniegraham

Email: stephanie@missgraham.com

Check out my art and projects

More Episodes at noseyaf.com

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Episode Credits:

Produced, Hosted, and Edited by Me, Stephanie (teaching myself audio editing!)

Lyrics: Queen Lex

Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam

Welcome to noseyAF, continuing on with the On the Rock Series, where we dive deep into the intriguing realm of art and creativity. I'm thrilled to introduce our esteemed guest today, Marie Lannoo, a Canadian artist whose boundary-breaking work continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Born in Simcoe, Ontario, and raised in Delhi, Ontario, Lannoo's artistic journey has taken her to the vibrant landscape of Saskatchewan, where she has flourished as a painter primarily based in Saskatoon. Known for her mesmerizing abstract paintings.

Lannoo's creations tantalize the senses with their layered colors and intricate textures, challenging us to explore the nuances of perception and form.

Throughout her illustrious career, Lannoo has garnered recognition and support from esteemed institutions, including grants from the Saskatchewan Arts Board. Her recent publication, "In Extremis," offers a profound glimpse into her exploration of light and color, enriched by thought-provoking essays from Robin Kingsburgh, Leah Taylor, and Robert Youds. Additionally, Lannoo's involvement with 330g—an independent artist-run space in Saskatoon—underscores her commitment to nurturing artistic dialogue and collaboration within the community.

But before we delve into our conversation with Marie, I want to extend an invitation to our listeners. We're planning our first Q+A episode, and we want to hear from you! Whether you have burning questions about Marie's artistry, her creative process, or anything else related to the world of art, we want to hear them. Head over to our Instagram page @noseyAFpod and leave your questions in the comments. Your curiosity could shape the direction of our upcoming episodes! Now, without further ado, let's unravel the colorful world of Marie Lannoo.

Connect with Marie Lannoo

Instagram: @marielannoo5

Website: https://marielannoo.com/

Check out Marie's Book 

Connect with Stephanie

Instagram: @noseyaf

Check out my art and projects

More Episodes at noseyaf.com

Ask Me a Question: https://castfeedback.com/noseyaf

Rate and Review the show

Share noseyAF with your friends

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In this episode, we delve into the spunky, bright, and warm world of Conny Goelz Schmitt, a renowned collage artist and sculptor whose work is deeply influenced by her rich multicultural experiences. Conny's journey spans continents, from her upbringing in Germany to her time in Taiwan and eventual settling in the United States. She seamlessly integrates elements of her diverse cultural background through her art, drawing inspiration from German artistry's meticulous attention to detail, the vibrant retro aesthetics of 1980s Taiwan, and the boundless creativity of the American pioneering spirit. Her profound connection with vintage books lies at the core of Conny's artistic expression. She shares her evolution from 2D collages to intricate 3D sculptures, experimenting with various levels of complexity and materials such as wallpaper and enamel. Despite exploring different mediums, Conny's unwavering dedication to books as her primary medium remains unwavering. For her, books serve as a conduit for time travel, bridging the past with the future and igniting a continuous stream of creative ideas. During our conversation, Conny reflects on her recent residency in Pouch Cove, delving into the projects she worked on and the inspiration she drew from the serene coastal surroundings. We explore the underlying reasons behind her choice of books as a medium and her profound attachment to them, prompting her to question the essence of her creative journey and the inexhaustible wellspring of ideas that fuels her passion.

Finally, we discuss Conny's unique perspective on cultural similarities from her immersive experiences in Germany, Taiwan, and the United States. Through her keen observations, she unveils unexpected connections that transcend geographical boundaries, highlighting the universal language of art that resonates across diverse cultures.

Conny is a joy, and I hope you enjoy this conversation!

Topics discussed: • Cultural Fusion in Art: • The Timeless Medium of Vintage Books • Exploring Creativity and Collaboration. About Conny: Conny Goelz Schmitt is a collage artist and sculptor who spent her youth in Germany, moved to Taiwan in her twenties, and relocated to the US in 1996. Having been immersed in three very different cultures, she is drawn to hard edge painting influenced by the German “attention to detail”, the retro color palette reminiscent of Taiwan in the 80s, and the very often experimental and creative pioneering spirit of Americans. Her medium of choice is almost without exception the vintage book. In Germany she studied Sinology and German Literature at Eberhard Karls University in Tuebingen. She was named Sculptor of the Year by Chief Curator of Boston University, Kate McNamara in CAA’s 69th Members’ Prize Show. In 2016, Paul C. Ha, Director of the List Visual Art Center at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, selected her work for the Best Multi Media Prize in CAA’s National Prize Show. She was awarded a fellowship to the Vermont Studio Center for 2020. Besides exhibiting at Kathryn Markel Fine Arts, New York, NY and Hidell Brooks Gallery in Charlotte, her work has been featured at Galerie Biesenbach, Cologne (Germany), the Cultural Association of Rosa Venerini, Viterbo (Italy), The Painting Center, New York, Site: Brooklyn, New York, The Danforth Art Museum, Framingham, MA, among others. Conny has a studio in Beverly, Massachusetts.

Connect with Conny Gölz Schmitt Conny’s Instagram Conny’s Website Connect with Stephanie Instagram:

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 regular job to paint full-time, free from the distractions of office life.

Throughout the episode, we explored Meg's artistic process, including her transition from painting on velvet to using vibrant colors on black backgrounds. Meg's work is influenced by the color palettes of her childhood, Muppets, and even the movie Fantasia, which she watches repeatedly for inspiration.

We also touched on the importance of networking in New York and how Meg has adapted to connecting with the art world digitally since moving back to Georgia. Meg's insights into what makes a good painting and her criteria for her own work provided a fascinating glimpse into the mind of an artist.

Meg and I discussed the benefits of art residencies, like the one we both attended at Pooch Cove, and how such experiences can rejuvenate an artist's creativity. We also touched on the darker side of the art world, including the recent tragedy involving the Titanic submarine expedition near Newfoundland, where we had our residency.

As always, I aim to bring you closer to the lives of fascinating individuals, and Meg Franklin's story is no exception. Her blend of humor, artistic insight, and candid sharing made for an inspiring and entertaining episode. So grab your paintbrushes, and let's dive into the colorful world of Meg Franklin on this episode of Nosy AF.

Remember to stay connected and let me know your thoughts on the episode. And if you're curious about my own art and film projects, check out my website at MissGraham.com. Until next time, keep being curious and nosy about the world around you!

Topics discussed:

• Meg's Vibrant Color Palette
• The Necessity of New York for Artistic Success
• The Importance of Artist Friendships

I made this bio about Meg:(well me and Chat GPT did)

Meg Franklin, a painter originally from Georgia, embarked on a creative journey that led her to New York, where she resided for about 15 years. Despite her rich educational background, including an MFA in Painting from the New York Academy of Art in 2013, an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Florida in 2007, and a BA in English from Washington and Lee University in 2004, Meg felt the magnetic pull of her Southern roots. Now back in Georgia, she finds inspiration for her art in the serene charm of her home state.

Meg's artistic achievements are highlighted by solo and two-person exhibitions, such as the collaborative "Appetite of Ghosts" with Marcia Resnick at Turn Gallery, New York, NY, in 2019, and solo shows like "Gloryland" at Occulus Gallery, Pacific Design Center, Los Angeles, CA, and "Small, Small World" at Marvin Gardens, Ridgewood, NY, both in 2018. Her contributions extend to various group exhibitions, showcasing her work in cities like London, San Francisco, and Brooklyn.

In addition to her visual accomplishments, Meg has left her mark in literary circles. Noteworthy publications include features in "The Coastal Post," where Jen Shepard explored "The Hazy Identity of Objects" in November 2017, and "The Cluster Mag," which showcased "Not-Men" in May 2013. Roxy Kirshenbaum delved into Meg's artistry in "The Artists: Meg Franklin" for "The WILD

🎙️ 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, revealing their perspective that African Americans are the descendants of biblical Israelites. We explore historical perspectives, cultural practices, and the impact of the transatlantic slave trade on shaping their identity.

Addressing negative stereotypes, particularly those surrounding street preachers, Andre emphasizes the diversity of thought within the Hebrew Israelite community.

Discover the intriguing aspects of their lifestyle, from creating self-sustaining communities to navigating challenges in a society operating on a Christian calendar.

Listeners' questions, addressed with candor by Andre, highlight the difficulty of maintaining religious observances in a world that doesn't always accommodate them.

This episode breaks down barriers and misconceptions, showcasing the power of open dialogue for understanding and respecting different beliefs and practices.

If you enjoyed this eye-opening episode, please rate, review, and share the show. Check out my website, missgraham.com, and my pin company, Graham Cracker Pins, to support the podcast. Wishing you a blessed week, and stay nosy, my friends! peace✌🏾✌🏾

Follow @stephaniegraham and @noseyAFpod on instagram

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 plan, sold everything, and leaped into a life of constant exploration. From the vibrant streets of Mexico to the serene landscapes of Japan, the McNairs have traversed diverse destinations, generously sharing their experiences and inspiring others to prioritize travel in their lives.

Throughout our conversation, Abby reflects on the challenges and rewards of nomadic living, emphasizing the significance of meticulous planning and the unwavering support of their community. The McNairs aren't just advocates; they embody living proof that transforming dreams of a nomadic lifestyle into reality is possible. Through their company, TLC Travel Life Coaching, they guide those aspiring to make travel a priority and assist families in embracing the nomadic lifestyle.

As we replay this episode, we delve into poignant topics such as black travel, alternative schooling, and the pivotal decisions that led the McNairs on their extraordinary journey. Join us in rediscovering the wisdom and insights generously shared by Abby.

If you haven't already, follow Abby and her family on Instagram (@allwedoiswander) and explore their adventures on their website at https://www.allwedoiswander.com/.

We're eager to hear your thoughts on this episode! Reach out to us through email or visit www.noseyaf.com to send us a message. And, of course, don't forget to rate, review, and share NoseyAF if you find joy and inspiration in our conversations.

Happy listening, and here's to a year filled with thrilling adventures and uplifting stories!

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 discuss the highs and lows of 2023, share plans for 2024, and indulge in one of our favorite activities – daydreaming.

2024, here we come! I'd love to hear how you're spending the end of the year and what you're thinking about for the new year. Drop me an email at stephanie@missgraham.com.

About Ife:

Ife Olatunji is a distinguished and award-winning independent visual anthropologist and documentary filmmaker. Her passion for exploring diverse cultures has earned her recognition for producing short documentaries during extensive anthropological fieldwork in locations such as India, Chicago, the UK, and beyond. Her portfolio includes captivating music and dance videos, as well as thought-provoking experimental non-fiction and observational cinema.

Thank you for being a part of this podcast journey. I wish you all a fantastic holiday season and look forward to an exciting 2024!

Connect with Ife:

Instagram: @freedom_lvrfilms

Website: freedomloverfilms.com

Connect with Stephanie:

Instagram: @stephaniegraham | @noseyafpod

Website: missgraham.com | noseyaf.com

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 mission to guide others to fuller lives. Uncover stress management strategies, challenge the norms of wellness advertising, and explore a future where health services are accessible to everyone. Tune in for practical tips, lively discussions, and a vision for embracing overall health with these dynamic voices. Don't miss this engaging episode packed with empowerment and insights! Thank God for Kristal!!

Connect with Kristal!

Instagram: @gohardchick

Website: gohardchick.com

Connect with Stephanie

Instagram: @stephaniegraham                     @noseyafpod

Website: missgraham.com                  noseyaf.com

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 opportunities. He also shares his thoughts on art collecting, encouraging people to buy what they love and not to focus on art as an investment. Overall, James provides insights into his unique approach to art and his commitment to creating a welcoming and inspiring environment for artists.

Connect with James

Instagram: @james.baird.gallery                     @pouchcove_org

Website: pouchcove.org                  jamesbaird.com

Connect with Stephanie

Instagram: @stephaniegraham                     @noseyafpod

Website: missgraham.com                  noseyaf.com