KeyBARD
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.Subscribe to stay up to date!Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768
The REALM: Redesigning Education with Victoria Forsman and Jessica Slayback
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Host Thembi Duncan welcomes Victoria Forsman and Jessica Slayback, co-founders of The REALM (Redesigning Education and Living Meaningfully), a vibrant educational community in Santa Monica California that’s been changing the way kids learn for 15 years.
They share their inspiration for creating REALM and describe what it takes to create a thriving student-centered learning model in today’s world. They also cover:
Why traditional school models fail so many kids (and adults)How Vicky and Jessie’s different life paths led them to a shared visionWhat it mea...Faith and Fearlessness in Theatre with Deidra LaWan Starnes
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In this episode of KeyBARD, host Thembi Duncan talks with award-winning actor, director, and educator Deidra LaWan Starnes for an unfiltered conversation about her lifelong career in theatre. With honesty, humor, and heart, Deidra reflects on what it means to lead in the American theatre as a woman of faith.
We talk about:
Her journey through the artsThe role of her faith in her self-actualization and habits of mindThe power of “getting ugly” onstageNavigating criticism and unfair reviewsMentorship, community, and the need for love and respect in the field...Advocating for Children in Foster Care with Sharon Dunlevy
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Sharon Dunlevy shares her journey from special education to foster care advocacy, offering deep insights on trauma-informed education, caregiver collaboration, and what it takes to truly support vulnerable kids in school. We talk about:
Why childhood trauma is a brain response, not just an eventWhat teachers and schools often miss about foster careThe importance of individualized education and inclusive classroomsHow to build real, healing partnerships between educators and caregiversThe emotional labor of advocacy and how she protects her well-beingWhat gives her hope about the future of foster care and education...Using AI to Reshape Real Estate Investing with William Hollis
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In this episode of KeyBARD, Thembi sits down with William Hollis (or just “Hollis”), a self-taught software engineer, real estate investor, and now the founder and CEO of Raise AI, a platform using agentic artificial intelligence to revolutionize how capital is raised.
He talks about growing up in Hollis, Queens, and how his environment shaped not just his worldview but his work ethic. Hollis also shares how a DIY spirit, curiosity, and a whole lot of trial and error led him from taking apart his family’s first...
Ethical Web Design and Digital Storytelling with Warren Wilansky
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In this episode, Thembi sits down with Warren Wilansky, founder and president of Plank, a digital agency with more than 25 years of experience designing meaningful, accessible, and story-driven websites.
Warren shares how his background in history and storytelling shaped his approach to ethical web design and how Plank has remained a trusted partner for organizations in the arts, higher education, and the nonprofit sector.Â
Warren's Website: https://warrenwilansky.com/
Plank: https://plank.co/en/
Ethical Web Collective: h...
Shaping Theatre through Black Women’s Stories with Fatima Quander
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In this episode of KeyBARD, I sit down with actor, director, and educator Fatima Quander, whose 20+ year career in theater is deeply rooted in research, collaboration, and cultural responsibility.
We talk about everything from her first spark of inspiration in a second-grade classroom closet to her current work, teaching and directing at the University of Maryland.Â
Fatima shares how she approaches directing through an actor’s lens, how she creates joyful and intentional rehearsal spaces, and why centering Black women is not a choice, but a natural, nec...
Theatre, Film, and Building Community with J.J. Johnson Part 2
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Part 2 of 2
Our discussion continues with actor, writer, and teaching artist J.J. Johnson taking us deeper into his creative process.Â
He shares what it’s like to navigate the vulnerability, pressure, and freedom of creating a solo theatre piece, as well as the intensely collaborative nature of writing for film.Â
He also reflects on the origins of Galvanize, a truly special network for Black theatricals in the DMV, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025.Â
Connect with J.J.:
IG/Threads
...
Stories of Black Boy Joy with J.J. Johnson Part 1
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In Part One of this two-part conversation, Thembi sits down with actor, writer, and teaching artist James J. Johnson, known to many as J.J.
He opens up about growing up as a quirky, intelligent, and imaginative kid in the small town of Front Royal, Virginia, and we dive into his earliest artistic influences, how humor became his tool for connection, the evolution of his creative process, and the semi-autobiographical play that brought his childhood friends to the theatre for the very first time.Â
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Transformational Leadership in Performing Arts and Education with Jared Redick
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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.Â
A third-generation ballet dancer, Jared blends a deep respect for classical traditions with an innovative approach to contemporary work.Â
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.
Jared's Website
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What Makes Us Human in the Age of AI? with Dr. Ilke Demir
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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.Â
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!
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<...Placing Black LGBTQIA+ Stories Center Stage with Alan Sharpe
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Alan Sharpe, ACT
What does it take to build a theatrical legacy that centers the lives and truths of Black LGBTQIA+ folx? In this episode, Thembi sits down with prolific playwright, director, and founder of the African American Collective Theatre (ACT), Alan Sharpe, whose work spans decades of dedication to sharing the full range of Black queer experiences.Â
Alan's lifelong artistic journeyWhy Washington, D.C. is the setting for most of his workHow he accidentally created one of the first Black web seriesArtists that i...Faith and the Strength to Begin Again with Keta Newborn
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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 e...
Instructional Design that Meets the Moment with Dr. Dwayne Wood
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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:
âś… How military leadership naturally cultivates teaching skills
âś… Why Dr. Wood c...
Crafting Theatre with Love at the Root with Eric Ruffin
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In this episode, I sit down with acclaimed director and educator Eric Ruffin to explore the artistry, history, and purpose that fuel his work. We talk about his unexpected journey from actor, to Navy submariner, to visionary theatre director, and how his lived experiences have shaped the way he tells stories.
Eric shares his insights on:
 ✅ Theatre as a tool for visibility and healing
 ✅ The responsibility of Black artists in storytelling
 ✅ How directing is an act of love and transformation
 ✅ The power of bold design choices in t...
Shifting the Paradigm of American Theatre-making with Keith Hamilton Cobb Part 2
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What kind of art would you create if money was no object? What stories would you tell?Â
It’s a powerful question, but in American theatre, too few artists ever get to explore it. Â
In Part 2 of my conversation with actor/playwright Keith Hamilton Cobb, we unpack what it really takes to make meaningful work in an industry that often prioritizes profit over process. We discuss:
Art Without Limits – What theatre could look like if artists had unlimited time, resources, and creative freedomCuriosity as a Radi...Artistic Integrity in American Theatre with Keith Hamilton Cobb Part 1
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In this episode I speak with award-winning actor and playwright Keith Hamilton Cobb, and this conversation was so rich that I had to split it into two parts. In part 1, we talk about Keith’s training and his early years as an actor. We get into a really nuanced conversation about the commercialization of acting, barriers that Black actors face on stage and on screen, and the ideal process for developing story and character in American theatre.
We also get into his groundbreaking play, American Moor, and the way he developed th...
From Netflix to Neulight with Jose Moreno
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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
âś… How AI can revolutionize student interventions
âś… The impact of leadership styles on company culture
âś… Bias in AI and strategies to mitigate it
âś… Why sitting all day might be worse than smoking (seriously!)Â
Plus, Jose breaks down his vision for Neulight, a company tackling real problems in education...
Season 1 Recap with Nadia Duncan
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What in the world is a KeyBARD, anyway? In this episode, I sit down with my daughter Nadia to reflect on the first season of the pod and look ahead to Season 2.Â
We get into the heart of why I started the podcast, from the joy of deep conversations with brilliant minds to the behind-the-scenes realities of producing an independent podcast.
Internal music by u_98o9hlkn7r on Pixabay (YouTube Content ID)
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Joy, Healing, and the Power of Storytelling with Farah Lawal Harris
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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/host...
Exploring Identity and Emotion in Children’s Books with Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich
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The Power of Storytelling: Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich on Writing, Identity & Empowering Young Readers
“Story was just the foundation of my life.”
In this episode of KeyBARD, host Thembi Duncan speaks with award-winning author and educator Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, whose work explores themes of family, migration, and the rich storytelling traditions of the African diaspora. A Jamaican Nigerian New Yorker, Olugbemisola weaves her cultural identity into her writing, creating compelling children's literature that resonates with young readers.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
âś… How storytelling fosters...
Building Children's Self-Esteem Through Hip-Hop with Chad Harper
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In this episode of KeyBARD, Host Thembi Duncan sits down with Chad Harper, founder and CEO of Hip Hop Saves Lives, a social entrepreneurship that uses hip-hop as a tool for education, empowerment, and global connection. Chad shares his journey from Cleveland, Ohio to New York City, where he combined his passions for hip-hop and community service to create a curriculum that teaches humanity through hip-hop.
Learn more about Chad and his work with Hip Hop Saves Lives and check out the single I'm Just Like You on YouTube.
...
Crafting Theatre of Empowerment and Transformation with Caleen Sinnette Jennings
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S1. E17. "I wanted to write the roles that I wish somebody would write for me."
Thembi talks with Caleen Sinnette Jennings about her journey as an actor, director, playwright, educator, and arts leader, including her memories of being introduced to Shakespeare in an international school in Nigeria, her motivation for becoming a playwright, her creative process, and why she believes she is "an everlasting learner."
Caleen Sinnette Jennings has had seven plays published by Dramatic Publishing Company, and her play Classyass appears in 7 play anthologies. She has been n...
Building a Legacy of Originality and Artistic Innovation with W.Ellington Felton
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In this episode of KeyBARD, singer, poet, actor, and emcee W.Ellington Felton opens up about his artistic journey, creative process, and love for teaching. He talks with host Thembi Duncan about his vision for turning 50, the different eras of his work, and what it means to truly be free.
Introspective. Loquacious. Giving. Insightful. Passionate. Honest. Transparent. Artist. W.Ellington Felton has long been described as a renaissance man and a ranter of his own thoughts, but if you talk to him or see him perform, it may all make sense.Â
Preserving Broadway’s Musical Treasures with Michael Lavine
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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 insi...
Driving Equity and Innovation in Technology with Helynsia Brown
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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...
Craftsmanship in Film and Theatre with Sam Lewis
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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 prod...
Improving Social Emotional Health Through Theatre with Lynne Streeter Childress
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In this episode, multi-talented theatre artist Lynne Streeter Childress shares her journey through 30 years of working in professional theatre, focusing on her extensive work in theatre for young audiences (TYA).
Lynne Streeter Childress is a playwright, actor, teaching artist, singer, director, and the founder and artistic director of Building Better People Productions, an organization based in Annapolis, MD, that uses theatre-based shows, workshops and classes based in themes of empathy, kindness, respect and the things that make us all better people. Â
This is her 30th year in professional theatre, w...
Exploring Brain Patterns and Knowledge Structures in EdTech with Roy Clariana
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In this episode, Dr. Roy Clariana describes his journey from the Peace Corps, through corporate training, and into academia, where he's been a tenured professor in Learning Design and Technology at Penn State University since 1997.
His recently completed 5-year National Science Foundation research project with colleague Ping Li examined how the implicit concept structure of texts influences fMRI brain patterns of activation and eye-track fixations of sixth graders and of adults when reading.
Roy’s current 3-year NSF project has developed a browser-based free open-education resource writing tool called Gr...
Centering Black Womxn and Girls through a Hip-Hop Pedagogy with Goldie Patrick
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S1.E10.
Thembi talks with brilliant playwright, poet, screenwriter, director, and cultural worker Goldie Patrick about the cities and cultures that shaped her identity and artistry, her innovative theatre projects, and her belief that Black liberation begins with Black womxn and girls.Â
This dynamic conversation also covers Goldie's hip-hop pedagogy, how she encourages vulnerability in her work, and her thoughts on the broader implications of the Kendrick Lamar/Drake rivalry.
For over 20 years Goldie E. Patrick has been passionately working, living, and building artistic collaborations in theatre. A...
Inspiring Change in the Classroom and Beyond with Dr. Giani Clarkson
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S1.E9.
In this wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Giani Clarkson joins Thembi to discuss his journey as an educator, the importance of mentorship and cultural representation in education, his approach to teaching civic engagement, and he even lets us in on which Abbott Elementary character that he most identifies with.
Dr. Giani Clarkson is a proud graduate of Dillard University and received his master's and doctorate from Concordia University. Clarkson is a chemist in the classroom, converting ungenerous personalities into individuals of great worth. Programs he has pioneered in District...
Revolutionizing Education with Artificial Intelligence with Dan McCreary
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S1.E8.
Thembi takes a deep dive into MicroSims, systems thinking, generative artificial intelligence (AI), and so much more with Dan McCreary, an AI strategist that works as head of AI for TigerGraph.
In the past, Dan worked as a VLSI circuit designer at Bell Labs and with the creators of the UNIX operating system. He worked with Steve Jobs at NeXT Computer, and founded his own consulting firm with over 75 employees.Â
His background includes topics such as scale-out enterprise knowledge graphs, high performance computing and advanced da...
The Power of Passion and Authenticity in Education with Wil Green II
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S1.E7.
For this special episode of KeyBARD, Thembi talks with the multifaceted community advocate, consultant, and educator Wil Green II. With over 28 years of experience in education and youth development, Wil brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to this dynamic conversation.Â
Wil talks about the city that made him, Buffalo, NY, and the way he advocates for marginalized groups and amplifies the voices of the unheard.
He is the owner and operator of Tremani Solutions, LLC, an educational consulting company dedicated to building cultural and r...
Amplifying Black Voices through Performance and Pedagogy with Naila Ansari Carbonell Catilo
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S1.E6.
In this episode, Thembi is joined by award-winning choreographer, director and performing artist, Naila Ansari, who shares her journey from the world of dance to her work as an academic and archivist.
We talk about some of her groundbreaking projects including The Movement of Joy, in which she archives the Joy of Black women, challenging dominant narratives and celebrating resilience.
Naila also discusses her innovative work in exploring the subversion of gender norms and interrogating the near absence of Black women in academia.
...
Leading Innovative Growth in the Arts Sector with Michael J. Bobbitt
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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.
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Empowerment and Sustainability in South African Theatre with Nwabisa Plaatjie
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S1.E4.
Award-winning South African playwright/director Nwabisa Plaatjie shares gems from her artistic journey as a theatre maker from a long line of storytellers.
From her groundbreaking work in Cape Town to her roots in rural South Africa, Nwabisa shares how she's reshaping cultural narratives, fostering community connections, and redefining self-care.
Nwabisa Plaatjie is an independent producer, theatre-maker, and director based in Cape Town, South Africa. She holds an MA in Theatre and Performance from the University of Cape Town, and her practice draws from traditional...
Exploring Identity and Experimenting with Theatrical Forms with Psalmayene 24
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S1.E3.
Step into the world of playwright, director, and actor Psalmayene 24 as he shares insights into his unique creative process and the powerful themes that define his theatrical body of work.
We explore his seminal hip-hop theatre piece Free Jujube Brown!, discuss his reimagining of an iconic historical interaction between Richard Wright and James Baldwin in Les Deux Noirs, and reflect of several other dynamic works that he has written, directed, or performed in throughout his career.Â
Don't miss this conversation about the essence of creativity, t...
Transforming American Education with Charles Reigeluth
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Imagine an education system with no grade levels -- or no grades at all! Imagine schools where students advance based on their mastery of the material, not just the passage of time. This is personalized, competency-based learning.
This week’s guest is Charles Reigeluth, Ph.D., an award-winning, internationally renowned author, scholar, and social scientist who has championed a transformative paradigm shift in American education for over 40 years.
In this episode, Dr. Reigeluth explains the revolutionary concept of competency-based learning and its potential to transform the landscape of American ed...
Performing at the Intersection of Arts and Education with Ayesis Clay
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Join host Thembi Duncan as she sits down for the very first episode of KeyBARD with Ayesis Clay, a distinguished educator, theatre practitioner, and nationally sought-after keynote speaker.
Ayesis shares her insights on the creative process, working with incarcerated youth, the biggest challenges of the US education system, and her unique approach to professional development, the Reignite Leadership Mastermind and School Development Series. Â
Educators, artists, and other smart people will enjoy this thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between the arts, education, and social impact!
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