CHI EYE

Hey CHI EYE! I’m back and better! Happy Stress Awareness Month. I just got back on track with my mental health personally. So I pray you all are on a similar journey. If you aren’t there yet; I hope this episode speaks to you.In this heartfelt conversation, I sit down with my friend Anna—an emerging mental health professional currently pursuing her master’s and bringing real-world experience from her time working in mental health hospitals. She is also a researcher and putting together a dissertation on autism in women.Together, we explore the layered realities of mental illness and the quiet (and not-so-quiet) strength women bring to their healing journeys. Men, don’t worry. We address you too!We talk about what resilience really looks like, the unique pressures people face when navigating mental health challenges, and the power of vulnerability as a tool for growth. Anna shares insights from the field, stories of triumph, and thoughts on what it means to hold space—for others and for yourself.This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt like they had to break down to rebuild, and anyone who believes in the healing power of community, conversation, and care.Follow Anna: @annapechtel on IGFollow Jocelyn: @womanistwoo Follow the pod: @chieyepod on IGCONTACT: chieyepod@gmail.com

Me’Lo aka The Generation Hero (TGH) aka Ms. Shero is an artist, storyteller, and motivator whose work blends music, inspiration, and empowerment. Through her soulful sound and thought-provoking messages, she uplifts audiences with themes of self-love, resilience, and purpose. Whether through her music, motivational reflections, or dynamic presence, Me’Lo is dedicated to being a voice of encouragement for this generation. Her latest work showcases her commitment to creating art that not only moves people but also reminds them of their own strength. She’s also a culinary expert! So check out her food endeavors as well.On this episode we talk about her hip-hop upbringing, creative pursuits, and personal philosophies to close out Women’s History Month.Follow Me’Lo on IG: https://www.instagram.com/melothegenerationhero?igsh=MTg4cTc1c284czR4OA==Follow Jocelyn (host) @womanistwoo everywhere. 💯Follow the show @chieyepod on IG.Want to come on the show? Email: chieyepod@gmail.comThank you for listening!—Music: “Cold Brew” by RA (commercial music from uppbeat.io)

Today on CHI EYE we have on my good friend joJB. Their artist bio goes as follows:“joJB (they/he/she) is an interdisciplinary, multi-genred songwriter and performing artist from the Chicagoland area. The product of an L.A. transplant and a South Side Gospel guru, their music is deeply influenced by the sounds they were surrounded by in their childhood as well as contemporary singer-songwriters, nostalgic melodies and lyrical depth.Blue Dream, joJB's debut solo project was commissioned by producer/rapper/Millennial House CEO Chris Berry. The project addresses love and loss as experienced during 2020's historic pandemic and the equally global need for Black liberation.Still Dreaming... is joJB's full-length follow-up to Blue Dream. The album explores the musings of a nameless pop star and their experiences with life, love and the game.”—Listen along to their music and this episode. Support their merch and upcoming shows. And follow them at these links:https://linktr.ee/joJB?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYTbFVSA8uh-SxN4ItOuzJWR3b9hCWYET2FbSSY9kv1szShcqCVZyPk_7Y_aem_VQolTr9lFmBSoR81ZtevLAMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/cold-brewLicense code: UNZ8KQMUFJUL3FDQ

Today on CHI EYE we welcome LaNijah Flagg. She is a current doctoral student at University of Chicago in their Physics program. When she's not studying or in the lab; you can catch LaNijah pursuing dance dreams via Diamond MVMT and other classes. Some of her dance credits include John Legend and Sheila E. You can follow her at @nijah.f on Instagram. - You can follow the host Jocelyn @womanistwoo everywhere. Follow the show @chieyepod on Instagram. If you'd like to be on the show email chieyepod@gmail.com.

Emani "Mogul Mani" Figaro is a creative entrepreneur, consultant, and community connector. Although, she splits her time between Chicago and Atlanta; Emani's work has taken her all over the country and the globe. She graced CHI EYE with warmth and wisdom in the early summer or 2024 amidst her Mogul Minds series. She founded Maison Mogul Consulting Foundation, which according to the website, "was born from a vision to catalyze positive change in education, entrepreneurship, and education... [And they] strive to provide educational resources, foster an entrepreneurial spirit, and build resilient communities through impactful programs and initiatives." --- If you're interested in working with Maison Mogul check out their site. You can follow Emani on Instagram @mogulmanii And check out her business pages: @godisacreative_ & @maisonmogulconsulting :) --- You can follow the host, Jocelyn, @womanistwoo everywhere. If you'd like to be on CHI EYE, DM Jocelyn or email chieyepod@gmail.com.

Today on CHI EYE, we're premiering an episode featuring Neelam Warren-Pal (they/them), a 22-year-old creative. Be on the lookout for their upcoming podcast, Hip-Hop Don't Stop. This episode was originally recorded in April 2024. Follow Neelam @taurusflorista Follow Jocelyn @womanistwoo Do you want to be on the show? Email chieyepod@gmail.com

Desiree McCray entered the world, hailing from Chicago, Illinois. A womanist scholar and writer, she channels her creativity into crafting poetry and scholarly research, delving into themes of race, gender, class, and the intersection of black religion and culture. She has presented “Black Women and Unintelligible Grief: Faith that Moves Us Forward” at Princeton Theological Seminary and the Race, Religion and Social Justice Conference by Tri-Faith Initiative and the University of Nebraska-Omaha. McCray also will engage as a scholar presenting independent research at the Black Feminist Symposium themed “Count It All Joy” hosted by the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee on the topic “Combating Black Trauma Porn: Black Joy as Resistance" (February 2024). In addition, McCray released two collections of poems: "Hope Among Other Foods" (2021) and "Send A Refreshing" (2023). Their womanist work is forthcoming in "Femme Literati: Mixtape Anthology for Black Women Edition Three," "Gal's Guide Anthology," and "RAGE Zine." Her chapbook "My Sisters Look Like God" (June 2024) is highly anticipated with Abode Press. Armed with a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Missouri--Columbia (2018), McCray serves as a writer, minister of justice, and educator. Desiree McCray (she/her/they/them) is a passionate and versatile professional who combines their skills and experience in writing, job placement services, trauma-informed pastoral care, community relations, and creative ideation to empower job seekers and faith communities. With over 10 years of preaching and over 5 years of working in the not-for-profit industry, Desiree has a proven track record of creating social impact and delivering dynamic messages. Follow Des Substack & IG: @blaccwhoaman Pod: Prophetic Sista Girl

Today on CHI EYE we have a first: a group conversation. Bartholomew the Photographer & the lovely Songiné agreed to speak with Jocelyn about their personal pursuits and time with Healthy Hood Chicago. According to Healthy Hood’s website it “is a community based, non-profit organization based in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago.” Both Bart and Songine are active members within the Healthy Hood Chicago community. Songine is a creative, writer, screen printer, organizer, Peace Circle Keeper, book club leader, and inspiring voice. Bart is a creative, father, photographer, filmmaker, host, teacher, and superhero to Chicago. Today we talked about their love of Chicago, community contributions, lessons learned from leading, creative lives, and much more. Follow: Healthy Hood Chi @healthyhoodchi Songiné @songinec Bart @chicity_monstar @bartholomewthephotographa Jocelyn @womanistwoo Show @chieyepod Contact chieyepod@gmail.com

This is an encore episode of CHI EYE, because he celebrated his birthday with a very cool (and gate-kept) shendig a couple of months ago. He invited me to a joyous cookout with dozens of cool black people. Today’s guest is Jihad Kheperu who is a writer, filmmaker, rapper, and podcaster who helps young people with social and emotional learning (SEL) in Chicago. In this episode we discuss what makes Chicago special, his upcoming book and the roots of “cool” in black cultures. Follow his Instagram pages @BLCKPRVLG and @howtobeacoolblackguy to keep up with his work. And to reiterate: this was originally recorded and uploaded during Black History Month of 2024. This is an encore posting. I hope you enjoy.

Zay Lewis is a Midwest born rapper/producer with deep NYC family roots. His soulful delivery and production style blend the two regions and make for a style that draws from the past while sounding like the future. Zay has opened for the likes of A$AP Ferg, Buddy and Kelela. He prides himself on his ability to work a crowd an leave it all on the stage show after show after show. I am so grateful that he agreed to come on the podcast to talk about his upbringing, spiritual beliefs, and vast, creative catalogue. Follow Zay @zaylewismusic (TikTok & Instagram), @zaylewismusic07 (Twitter).

Sejahari Saulter-Villegas is a poet, model, writer, film director, rapper, actor, and stylist. This promising renaissance artist hails from Chi-Town and is currently based in London. Sejahari recently completed his Masters in Race Media and Social Justice in the UK. He invited me to the art exhibition he’s currently working on. The Poetry Making Playground by Kuumba Lynx will take place April-May 2024. In this episode, we touched on major city life, creating with & for the dejected and/or divine, fashion around the world, Chicago’s revolutionary currents, and Sejahari’s experience with fatherhood so far. Follow him here: https://www.instagram.com/sejah_ari?igsh=MXF5c2hvZmFmMXc3Mw== @sejah_ari on IG Follow me the host @womanistwoo everywhere

Bólú Watife is an infinite creator with experience in fashion, film, dance, writing, creative direction, and overall fierceness. Her modeling career began in Illinois and even took her to NYFW and LAFW heights. She is a rising leader, designer, and organizer in Chicago’s creative community. From curating open mics to helping other creatives bring their visions to fruition, Bólú’s got the keys. So she agreed to share some gems from her journey on CHI EYE. Follow her Instagram pages: https://www.instagram.com/bosthetics?igsh=aml1cXNoYTU5ZDAx https://www.instagram.com/theeluprint?igsh=Nm1mNDNjZGFlOGNp https://www.instagram.com/_tifetalk_?igsh=eTRkMTFycnN3eG9h Follow the host: @womanistwoo everywhere

DeAngelo Davis is an actor, writer, director, and producer from the south suburbs of Chicago living in Los Angeles, CA. He has appeared in movies on HBO Max, Amazon Prime, some of your favorite game shows, and independent projects of his own. You can keep up with him on Instagram @deangelodavis23, and his email is deangelodavis222@gmail.com !

Born and raised in the south suburbs of Chicago, IL, Regina Hoyles is a multi-faceted storyteller and performer. She is an award-winning filmmaker who got her start in the entertainment industry as early as nine years old. She is a graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts where she received her BFA in Drama and minored in the Business of Entertainment. Regina created NAPS, an original web series which screened at festivals such as NYU’s Fusion Film Festival and NYC Webfest . Regina wrote, produced, directed, and starred in her first short film entitled ADULLAM which premiered as an official selection in the 2020 Bentonville Film Festival and is now airing on REVOLT TV’s anthology series, “Short and Fresh”. Adullam was awarded Best Black Lens Film at the 2020 Sidewalk Film Festival as well as Best Narrative Film in the 2020 Argo’s Untold Stories Short Film Awards. She is the Founder/Producer of her boutique production company RLH Productions, which serves as an umbrella to her own work as well as a resource to other emerging artists particularly amplifying Black voices and all their complexities across genres. She produced the short film TENDER (dir. Felicia Pride) which received the Lionsgate/STARZ Producer Award at the 2020 Blackstar Film Festival. As an actor, she can be seen featured on shows such as THE MARVELOUS MS. MAISEL (Amazon), THE CHI (Showtime), ALL RISE (OWN) and 9-1-1: LONE STAR (FOX). She is currently a writer for a new animated Disney series. Find Regina’s work here: Website: www.reginahoyles.com Instagram and Twitter: @reginahoyles Production company: www.rlhprod.com Production company IG: @rlhproductions “And the LORD answered me: ‘Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.’” —Habakkuk 2:2

Chicago based artist, Christian JaLon agreed to talk with me about her new album, Unmixed Unmastered (Mine), where she explores worship, rest, responsibility, and empowerment. I was first introduced to Christian JaLon through the promo for this album. The music videos for “Ego Tripping.” and “Restoration.” are already beautiful, but the lyrics full of wisdom and the Word blew me away. They encapsulate what another psalmist articulates: “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭91:1-2‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Christian JaLon is an artist who knows this well. So, speaking with her after such a soul-stirring release was a blessing. You can follow her online @ChristianJaLon

brief description of CHI EYE by the host: Jocelyn@womanistwooEnjoy the chai! ☕️