Advertise on podcast: In the Telling

In this episode of In the Telling (Season 5, Episode 43): A Global Black Family Podcast, Miranda Mims and Steven G. Fullwood sit down with William “Bill” A. Johnson Jr., the former mayor of Rochester, New York, educator, writer, and longtime public servant. Born and raised in Lynchburg, Virginia, during the Jim Crow era, Johnson reflects on the people and experiences that shaped his life and career. At the heart of the conversation are two influential men: his paternal grandfather, Holmes Johnson Sr., who became a father figure and instilled in him the importance of education, independence, civic engagement, and finding his voice; and his father, William A. Johnson Sr., whose life and choices offered a different set of lessons about family, responsibility, and legacy. Johnson shares stories of growing up in the segregated South, discovering family secrets among his mother's papers decades later, traveling between Lynchburg and Washington, D.C., and finding his path from a young writer to a political science professor, National Urban League leader, and historic three-term mayor of Rochester. Throughout the conversation, he considers how the lessons we inherit—both intentional and unintended—shape who we become. Ultimately, this is a conversation about the power of looking back. “I want to leave a memory," he told us. Johnson encourages us to tell our stories, preserve our memories, and leave something behind for the generations who come after us.  📺 Watch the Full Conversation on YouTube! We’ve launched our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nomadic Archivists Project YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠—watch this episode in living color! For more podcasts, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nomadic Archivists Project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.nomadicarchivistsproject.com/in-the-telling-podcast Original music by Sean Bempong Designs by Christopher Stalling Episode produced by Tanya M. Beltran

In this episode of In the Telling (Season 5, Episode 42), we sit down with Negarra Kudumu, a healer, priestess, and cultural worker, to explore the power of family stories, memory, and firsthand knowledge. Kudumu reflects on her grandmother, Ella Christine, whose childhood was shaped by family separation during the Great Migration from Georgia to Chicago. As a child, Kudumu was captivated by her grandmother’s unwavering insistence on telling what she knew to be true, a lesson that shaped her understanding of memory, storytelling, and who has the authority to tell a family’s history. Kudumu offers an intimate portrait of a woman whose experiences—and ways of navigating the world—continue to shape her life. The conversation considers how the stories we inherit carry both the pain and resilience of previous generations, and how those stories become a source of knowledge and guidance.  📺 Watch the Full Conversation on YouTube! We’ve launched our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nomadic Archivists Project YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠—watch this episode in living color! For more podcasts, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nomadic Archivists Project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.nomadicarchivistsproject.com/in-the-telling-podcast Original music by Sean Bempong Designs by Christopher Stalling Episode produced by Tanya M. Beltran

In this moving episode of In the Telling (Season 5, Episode 41), Constance “Connie” Gross—born in Harlem in 1937 and now approaching 89—reflects on a life shaped by intuition, reinvention, caregiving, and community. With warmth, candor, and humor, she recalls growing up in Harlem during the 1940s, where Black families built rich and meaningful lives despite the realities of segregation. Her memories of strong parenting, neighborhood care, and community accountability reveal the foundations of her independent spirit. Connie also shares the deeply personal story of her move to Rochester, New York, in 1982. Following what she describes as an undeniable inner knowing that her life was about to change, she left New York City and began a new chapter as an entrepreneur, creating businesses that served local residents and small businesses during Rochester’s industrial era. At the heart of the conversation is Connie’s experience caring for her mother through Alzheimer’s disease and, years later, confronting memory changes of her own. She reflects on the challenges of caregiving, the grief of losing her mother long before her death, and the realities of adapting to changes in her own memory. With remarkable honesty and grace, Connie speaks about acceptance, resilience, and the everyday practices that help her continue living fully and with purpose. 📺 Watch the Full Conversation on YouTube! We’ve launched our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nomadic Archivists Project YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠—watch this episode in living color! For more podcasts, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nomadic Archivists Project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.nomadicarchivistsproject.com/in-the-telling-podcast Original music by Sean Bempong Designs by Christopher Stalling Episode produced by Tanya M. Beltran

In this episode of In the Telling (Season 5, Episode 40), Miranda Mims and Steven G. Fullwood sit down with multidisciplinary artist, oral historian, and archivist Germaine Ingram to explore the intersections of family history, memory, and dignity. Grounded in her upbringing in Philadelphia and her parents’ migration from Georgia, Ingram reflects on a formative childhood experience during a road trip to the segregated South, where her mother’s quiet but resolute defiance in the face of racial terror left a lasting impression. Through this powerful story, Ingram examines how dignity is asserted in constrained and dangerous circumstances, connecting personal memory to broader histories of anti-Black violence and resilience. The conversation weaves together themes of improvisation, cultural preservation, and the ongoing struggle to protect and honor Black histories, underscoring the urgency of storytelling as both an act of resistance and care. 📺 Watch the Full Conversation on YouTube! We’ve launched our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nomadic Archivists Project YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠—watch this episode in living color! For more podcasts, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nomadic Archivists Project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.nomadicarchivistsproject.com/in-the-telling-podcast Original music by Sean Bempong Designs by Christopher Stalling Episode produced by Tanya M. Beltran

In this episode of In the Telling (Season 5, Episode 39), we’re joined by Louie A. Ortiz-Fonseca (he/they), a Philadelphia-born queer creative, storyteller, and advocate living with HIV. The creator of Gran Varones, a digital project centering LGBTQ pop culture, history, and community storytelling through a Black LatinX lens, Louie brings humor, candor, and sharp cultural insight to everything he does. He also hosts Kikis with Louie, a YouTube series created for and with LGBTQ youth. In our conversation, Louie reflects on the powerful influence of his mother on his worldview, the joys and responsibilities of parenting, and the ongoing work of gently breaking long-held family silences. With wit, warmth, and wisdom, Louie shares how music, memory, and community storytelling become tools for healing, advocacy, and redefining what strength and love can look like. Get to know Louie:Kikis With Louie: https://youtu.be/tL3qJIym6fs?si=BV5rnpjnpP1Q1SkIGran Varones: Louie Ortiz-Fonseca and a Decade of Documenting Queer Latinx Stories: https://www.thedownload.news/community/gran-varones-louie-ortiz-fonseca-and-a-decade-of-documenting-queer-latinx-stories/LGBTQ&A: Louie A. Ortiz-Fonseca: https://www.phillymag.com/news/2016/07/15/lgbtqa-louie-a-ortiz-fonseca/Afrotaino: https://www.afrotaino.com/spotlights/louieortizfonseca 📺 Watch the Full Conversation on YouTube! We’ve launched our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nomadic Archivists Project YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠—watch this episode in living color! For more podcasts, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nomadic Archivists Project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.nomadicarchivistsproject.com/in-the-telling-podcast Original music by Sean Bempong Designs by Christopher Stalling Episode produced by Tanya M. Beltran

This episode of In The Telling (Season 5, Episode 38) traces one Black family’s journey in rural Louisiana through memory, labor, and inheritance. In this episode, Erin Scott shares stories of her 90-year-old grandfather—a carpenter, preacher, and community builder—whose life bridges sharecropping, segregation, and land ownership. From walking miles to a one-room schoolhouse to building homes brick by brick, Erin reflects on how land, church, and self-sufficiency shaped her family’s survival and sense of belonging. This conversation explores how history lives in houses, gardens, and Sunday rituals—and how telling these stories becomes a way of keeping Black memory alive across generations. 📺 Watch the Full Conversation on YouTube! We’ve launched our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nomadic Archivists Project YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠—watch this episode in living color! For more podcasts, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nomadic Archivists Project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.nomadicarchivistsproject.com/in-the-telling-podcast Original music by Sean Bempong Designs by Christopher Stalling Episode produced by Tanya M. Beltran

This episode of In The Telling (Season 5, Episode 37) is about family, memory, and the places where we once felt safest without fully understanding why. Through memories of roller-coaster rides shared with her father and extended family, writer Lyzette Wanzer revisits a childhood shaped by laughter, ritual, and belonging—moments that helped define what family felt like at its best. Lyzette Wanzer is a San Francisco writer, editor, and writing workshop instructor. Her work appears in over thirty literary journals, magazines, books, and newspapers. Library Journal named her book, TRAUMA, TRESSES, & TRUTH: Untangling Our Hair Through Personal Narratives … a Top 10 Best Social Sciences Book. Her articles have appeared in Essay Daily, The Naked Truth, and the San Francisco University High School Journal. Her research interests include professional development for creative writers, Black feminism, critical race theory, and the lyrical essay form. Lyzette is a contributor to LYRIC ESSAY AS RESISTANCE: Truth from the Margins and THE CHALK CIRCLE: Intercultural Prizewinning Essays.  You can learn more about Lyzette and her work by visiting her website: www.lyzettewanzermfa.com 📺 Watch the Full Conversation on YouTube! We’ve launched our ⁠⁠⁠⁠Nomadic Archivists Project YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠—watch this episode in living color! For more podcasts, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Nomadic Archivists Project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.nomadicarchivistsproject.com/in-the-telling-podcast Original music by Sean Bempong Designs by Christopher Stalling Episode produced by Tanya M. Beltran

In this episode of In the Telling (Season 5, Episode 36), hosts Miranda and Steven sit down with The Beards for a warm, grounded conversation about how families turn everyday life into lasting legacy. Martha Perine Beard (Mobile, AL) and Savoyd Beard (Haywood County, TN → Memphis) reflect on growing up in the segregated South and the family ethic that shaped their lives—study hard, show up, and bring someone with you. Martha traces a path from a mother who fiercely protected her study time to scholarships at Clark and Washington University in St. Louis, and ultimately to breaking barriers at the Federal Reserve. Savoyd shares how an aunt’s nudge toward band—and a relentless practice routine—carried him from farm roads to Washington, D.C., performing with the U.S. Army Band. Together they talk about faith, extended kin, and keeping family land; about caretaking elders and supporting each other’s callings; and about passing lessons forward: remove “can’t,” lead with character and preparation, and record your own history—names, dates, stories—so the next generation can stand on it. It’s a warm, clear-eyed conversation about love, work, and the everyday choices that become legacy. 📺 Watch the Full Conversation on YouTube! We’ve launched our ⁠⁠⁠Nomadic Archivists Project YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠—watch this episode in living color! For more podcasts, ⁠⁠⁠Nomadic Archivists Project⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.nomadicarchivistsproject.com/in-the-telling-podcast Original music by Sean Bempong Designs by Christopher Stalling Music video of Savoyd Beard by Lee Levingston Perine Episode produced by Tanya M. Beltran

In this season’s premiere episode of In the Telling (Season 5, Episode 35), Miranda Mims and Steven G. Fullwood speak with renowned Zimbabwean scholar, archivist, ethnomusicologist, filmmaker, and author Joyce Jenje Makwenda, whose four decades of work document Zimbabwe’s early urban life through music, women’s histories, and community storytelling. Raised by six parents across Gwatemba, Bulawayo, and Mbare, Joyce reflects on her grandparents’ house of ancestors and the kitchen as a sacred space built by women—where storytelling, childbirth, and remembrance intertwined to preserve family and culture. She traces how memory travels from pre-colonial hearths to township streets where jazz played by the gate, revealing how home, heritage, and everyday acts of resilience shape collective history. Her message is clear and enduring: “Documentation, documentation, documentation.” Selected Music from the album Four Daughters: Muchato Kumusha To learn more about our guest and her work, check out the following links: ​Unpacking significance of the kitchen: https://www.heraldonline.co.zw/unpacking-significance-of-the-kitchen/​Zimbabwe Township Music Documentary: https://youtu.be/K-IAOlM250g?si=qKxxC7YJQfH3l4A1 📺 Watch the Full Conversation on YouTube! We’ve launched our ⁠⁠Nomadic Archivists Project YouTube channel⁠⁠—watch this episode in living color! For more podcasts, ⁠⁠Nomadic Archivists Project⁠⁠⁠: https://www.nomadicarchivistsproject.com/in-the-telling-podcast Original music by Sean Bempong Designs by Christopher Stalling Episode produced by Tanya M. Beltran

As we close out season 4 of In the Telling (episode 34), we’re bringing you something extra special. Not one, but two guests. We’re joined by the inimitable Robert Garcia — the self-described “world’s favorite boy girl” — a fierce, multi-talented Afro-Latinx artist, singer-songwriter, and nightlife icon whose motto, “visibility is revolutionary,” is a thread throughout Robert's work and life. And alongside him is his chosen family and firstborn in spirit, Jeremy Francisco Cruz — a New York native, makeup artist, performer, and person of trans experience who’s using his art and presence to stand in solidarity with those fighting oppression. This episode is a testament to chosen family, queer resilience, and the revolutionary act of loving each other out loud. Robert and Jeremy take us on a journey through found kinship, survival, tough love, and tender moments — reminding us how, in the words of Robert, “there’s no end as long as you’re walking this earth.” So settle in because this one is for anyone who’s ever built their own family when the world couldn’t hold them. And for those who’ve ever been mothered, mentored, or reminded to shine their light. To learn more about our guest, Robert Garcia 📺 Watch the Full Conversation on YouTube! We’ve launched our ⁠Nomadic Archivists Project YouTube channel⁠—watch this episode in living color! ⁠Nomadic Archivists Project⁠⁠: https://www.nomadicarchivistsproject.com/in-the-telling-podcast Original music by Sean Bempong Designs by Christopher Stalling Episode produced by Tanya M. Beltran

In this episode (33) of In the Telling, hosts Miranda Mims and Steven G. Fullwood engage with Tyler Andrew “Six” Nelson, a New York-based photographer and visual artist. The conversation delves into themes of identity, belonging, and safety, particularly within the context of family dynamics and personal experiences as a black trans individual. Tyler shares their insights on how their artistic practice reflects their lived experiences, the evolution of their understanding of home, and the complexities of navigating relationships with family members. The discussion highlights the importance of self-identity and the ongoing journey of understanding one's place in the world. Tyler discusses the complexities of family dynamics, particularly the challenges faced in his relationship with his biological family. They emphasize the significance of chosen family and supportive relationships in navigating identity and personal growth. Tyler also stressed the importance of self-care and prioritizing oneself, highlighting that existing authentically is not a linear process. The dialogue explores themes of emotional well-being, community, and the necessity of taking up space in one's life. To find out more about Six:  ⁠⁠⁠https://www.novifotos.com/⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/5xe9x4nd⁠⁠⁠ 📺 Watch the Full Conversation on YouTube! We’ve launched our Nomadic Archivists Project YouTube channel—watch this episode in living color! Subscribe and stay tuned for more conversations with voices from around the world. Nomadic Archivists Project⁠: https://www.nomadicarchivistsproject.com/in-the-telling-podcast Original music by Sean BempongDesigns by Christopher Stalling Episode produced by Tanya M. Beltran

In this intimate episode (32) of season four of In the Telling, co-hosts Miranda Mims and Steven G Fullwood engage in a meaningful dialogue with Dr. Van Bailey, a fashion curator and advocate for LGBTQ+ representation. Together, they examine the concepts of safety, care, and intimacy beyond conventional family dynamics. The conversation addresses mental health challenges, the vital role of a support network, and how these connections contribute to our ability to endure and flourish. Dr. Bailey recounts his experiences as a Black trans individual, highlighting the importance of his chosen family in his life and the influence of community support on mental well-being and resilience. The discussion navigates the intricacies of intimacy, accountability, and the healing required to cultivate robust, affirming relationships—particularly for Black trans individuals. The dialogue underscores the necessity of love, acceptance, and the bravery to dismantle barriers in order to nurture deeper bonds. This episode serves as a meditation on love, trust, and the individuals who stand by us in our times of need. Whether it be a close friend, a mentor, or a community that fills the gaps left by biological relatives, chosen family acts as a unifying force in our lives. If you would like to learn more about Dr. Bailey, visit https://www.drvanbailey.com. 📺 Watch the Full Conversation on YouTube! We’ve launched our Nomadic Archivists Project YouTube channel—watch this episode in living color! Subscribe and stay tuned for more conversations with voices from around the world. Nomadic Archivists Project⁠: https://www.nomadicarchivistsproject.com/in-the-telling-podcast Original music by Sean BempongDesigns by Christopher Stalling Episode produced by Tanya M. Beltran

In this episode (31) of Season four of In the Telling, co-hosts Miranda and Steven sit down with movement artist, environmental justice advocate, and multi-disciplinary collaborator Ayan Felix to explore Black Southern family traditions and the power of intergenerational storytelling. Ayan shares their journey of discovering a second father in 2018, navigating the positive emotional complexities of identity, and embracing a broader, more fluid understanding of family. From Texas Zydecos to burlesque stages, from voter suppression stories to embodied resistance, this conversation weaves together themes of ancestry, queerness, and the narratives that shape us. Born to the swamps of Beaumont, TX, Ayan moved to Durham for the Duke Dance MFA program, completed in 2021. The land heavily informs their artistic practice which takes root in collaborative process with other cultural organizers, body workers, agitators, and spirits.  Their research examines pleasurable terror and Black American markers of social class with a focus on burlesque and cabaret performers.  Felix was a NCDF Artist-in-Residence and makes screendance and performances in NC, TX, and NY. Learn more about their work at ⁠movingaf.com⁠. 📺 Watch the Full Conversation on YouTube! We’ve launched our Nomadic Archivists Project YouTube channel—watch this episode in living color! Subscribe and stay tuned for more conversations with voices from around the world. Nomadic Archivists Project⁠: https://www.nomadicarchivistsproject.com/in-the-telling-podcast Original music by Sean Bempong Designs by Christopher Stalling Episode produced by Tanya M. Beltran

In this episode (30) of Season four of In the Telling, co-hosts Miranda and Steven sit down with Amir, founder of ArtsXCulture—a Black trans artist, poet, and advocate. Amir shares his compelling journey of growing up in the foster care system, navigating gender and sexuality, and ultimately finding belonging through chosen family and creative expression. Through art and poetry, he has carved out a space for healing and self-discovery while reflecting on the impact of biological and chosen family on his identity and resilience. Amir also discusses the importance of queer genealogy, his interest in uncovering LGBTQ+ ancestors, and how community spaces in Chicago and Boston have shaped his path. From his early years in the Midwest and South to building a creative and affirming network, Amir’s story is a testament to perseverance, love, and the transformative power of art. You can learn more about Amir and ArtsXCulture on his IG page: https://www.instagram.com/artsxculture/. Original music by Sean Bempong Designs by Christopher Stalling. 📺 Watch the Full Conversation on YouTube! We’ve launched our Nomadic Archivists Project YouTube channel—watch this episode in living color! Subscribe and stay tuned for more conversations with voices from around the world. Nomadic Archivists Project⁠: https://www.nomadicarchivistsproject.com/in-the-telling-podcast Original music by Sean Bempong Designs by Christopher Stalling Episode produced by Tanya M. Beltran

In this premiere episode (29) of Season Four of In the Telling, hosts Miranda Mims and Steven G. Fullwood engage in a conversation with art consultant Pacheanne Anderson. They explore themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the dynamics of family—both biological and chosen.  Pacheanne shares personal stories about their Caribbean and South Asian roots, the impact of intra-POC politics, and the importance of community in navigating their identity as a non-binary, trans-masculine individual. The discussion also delves into the significance of home, belonging, and the role of chosen family in recovery from mental health challenges, culminating in a vision for a future that embraces love, respect, and inclusivity. Pacheanne Anderson is an art consultant and art writer collaborating with art galleries & institutions, organizations, and publications that support the development and promotion of low-income, queer, Black, and PoC British artists. Pacheanne Anderson Gallery & Advisory offers a channel of access between the non-profit and commercial art sector through providing opportunities to artists directly through exhibitions, residencies, sales, and commissions. Original music by Sean Bempong Designs by Christopher Stalling 📺 Watch the Full Conversation on YouTube! We’ve launched our ⁠Nomadic Archivists Project YouTube channel⁠—watch this episode in living color! Subscribe and stay tuned for more conversations with voices from around the world. Nomadic Archivists Project: https://www.nomadicarchivistsproject.com/in-the-telling-podcast Original music by Sean Bempong Designs by Christopher Stalling Episode produced by Tanya M. Beltran