Courageous Creativity

Friendship is the most important thing in my life. Thank you John,

From the streets of Roosevelt, NY, to today's podcast! 🎙️ This week, I'm catching up with my dear friend John C. Smith, and we're reflecting on the power of community and the journey of growth. We'll share our experiences of growing up in Roosevelt in the 80s and how those formative years shaped who we are today. Join us on the Courageous Creativity Show for a truly special conversation. #RooseveltCommunity #GrowingUp80s #LifeLessons #FriendshipJourney #CourageousCreativity

Jason returns and shares how to keep going as an actor!

 
JASON C. LOUDER: A Master Storyteller!
His Most Powerful Appearance Yet!
Film, TV, and the Heart of Babatunde
Discover the Courage to Tell Your Unique Story!

I'm concerned but hopeful (for the future).

It's interesting to see all the things we see on the news, and we all have some anxiety. Keeping our values first puts us in the best position to maintain our productivity moving forward. https://winstonawilson.com Join the show, and let's talk about your system and life.
https://winstonawilson.com

Tarnesha Small shares her journey from Columbus to Film and Creative Success.

This conversation will inspire you.  Tarnesha is an amazing person with an incredible story.  
Tarnesha Small is the daughter of two army veterans, father Carlton J Robinson and mother Annie Robinson. After her parents retired, they raised her and her two older sisters in Columbus, Ga. As a child she always had a passion to entertain and has a background in singing, dancing, cheering, and modeling (commercial print and runway). Once she decided to officially pursue acting on a professional level, she began training with seasoned Emmy Award Winning Actor/Writer GregAlan Williams. More recently she's trained with celebrity coach Sarah Mornell.Tarnesha made her first television appearance on CBS's The Inspectors as Wanda Sellick. She's best known for her recurring role as Traci on FOX's Our Kind of People, her recurring appearance on Celebrity Prank Wars executive produced by Kevin Hart and Nick Cannon and her thrilling lead performance in BET's Distorted playing the role of Rae.

2024 was a creative year. The future is bright.

"Hey everyone, it's Winston here, and I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for an amazing year. This year has been a journey filled with incredible experiences and the support of some truly wonderful people.
I'm especially grateful for my men's group from Buckhead Church. These guys are incredible. They recently went above and beyond by delivering meals to a family member in need for two whole weeks. It's a powerful reminder of the impact of community and the importance of supporting each other.
Beyond my church group, I've had the privilege of being part of some amazing organizations this year. The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival and the Atlanta Dramatists have provided incredible opportunities for growth and inspiration. My "Modified by MS" men's group has also been a source of unwavering support and camaraderie.
On a personal note, I've been deeply inspired by Tiago Forte's "PARA" method. It's revolutionized how I approach knowledge management and productivity. In the realm of entertainment, "Arcane" captivated me with its stunning visuals and compelling story, while "Dune: Part Two" delivered breathtaking visuals and a powerful exploration of destiny.
As we move into the new year, I'm filled with hope and excitement for the future. I'm eager to continue learning, growing, and connecting with all of you.
If you're enjoying this podcast, please consider subscribing and sharing it with your friends. Your support means the world to me.
Thank you again for an incredible year. Here's to an even brighter future!"
https://www.winstonawilson.com
https://atlantabtf.org
https://atlantadramatisits.org.

Three years of MS. Thank you A.I. How do you keep going? My story to God.

I love A.I. (for the most part).  I uploaded some of my letters to Notebook LM (from Google) and the hosts created this awesome conversation.   
 
 

"Dying to Learn" is a powerful story about school shootings. Leroy Barrett shares his journey.

"Welcome to the Courageous Creativity show where we dive deep into the stories that shape our world and explore the art that inspires change. We’ll be talking about one of the most pressing issues of our time—school shootings and their devastating impact on families, communities, and society as a whole. Joining me is Leroy Barrett, the brilliant writer and creator behind the thought-provoking film "Dying to Learn."

A Voice for the Voiceless: Jeanette Hill on the Power of Black Storytelling

Join us for a captivating conversation with Jeanette Hill, an award-winning playwright who's using her words to illuminate the complexities of Black life. From exploring themes of racism and domestic abuse to advocating for mental health awareness, Jeanette's work is a powerful force for social change.
In this episode, we delve into the inspiration behind her plays, the challenges she's faced as a Black woman in the theater industry, and her unwavering commitment to telling authentic stories. Discover how Jeanette's collaboration with community organizations and her involvement in prestigious theater festivals is making a lasting impact. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from a truly inspiring artist.
https://www.jeanettehill.com/
https://risingtidescharity.org
 

Thank you from Lyrics!

 
"Hey everyone, it's Winston here. I'm still riding high from the incredible response to my play, LYRICS. The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival was an absolute dream, and I'm so grateful to everyone who came out to see it.
A huge shoutout to our amazing cast and crew. Your talent, hard work, and dedication brought LYRICS to life in a way I could never have imagined. Thank you for your incredible performances and for making this experience so special.
And of course, a massive thank you to the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival for providing us with this incredible platform. Your support means the world to me.
If you missed LYRICS at the festival, don't worry! You can still follow the journey of this play on our website [Website Link] and on Instagram @lyrics_theplay. Stay tuned for updates on future performances and behind-the-scenes content.
Once again, thank you all for your love and support. I'm so excited to see what the future holds for LYRICS. Until next time!"

What do you see when you look in the Mirror? I share what I see when I see it.

We all have a familiar experience, one we share countless times a day. We stand before a mirror. In my case glance at it when I’m on my way to the you-know-where. Sometimes it's a glance, checking our hair or outfit. Other times, it's a more deliberate moment, taking stock of ourselves. When you look at the mirrors what is one thing you usually notice
But have you ever stopped to think about what a mirror truly reflects? It shows us not just our physical appearance, but also our emotional state, our energy, and perhaps most importantly – our choices. In my case it lets me know I probably shouldn’t have had that desert. The truth is, we constantly reflect on the world around us. i will share with you what I see, what I do , and hopefully what we can all do.
Now, I know for myself, living with MS, those reflections can sometimes be challenging. There are days when symptoms attempt to dim my usual spark. The limitations of the disease can be frustrating. But here's the thing, the mirror doesn't lie, and that's a good thing. It's a constant reminder to prioritize self-care.
My mornings now begin with twenty minutes of gentle exercise. It might not seem like much, but it sets the tone for the day. Just like a mirror reflects the light we shine on it, prioritizing my health allows me to shine brighter for myself and my loved ones.
Speaking of loved ones, spending time with family is a non-negotiable. My Mom turns 88 in a month and my Dad is 83 in a few weeks. Their love and story fuels me. Their laughter, their support – those are the true reflections of a life well-lived. They inspire me to fight, to keep pushing forward, and to use the challenges I face to build a better life, not just for myself, but for them.
The future can feel daunting sometimes, but the mirror offers a powerful tool – perspective. It allows me to see how far I've come, and how much I've overcome. That perspective fuels my hope for the days ahead.
So, take a moment the next time you stand before a mirror. Reflect not just on your appearance, but on your life. Are you prioritizing your well-being? Are you nurturing your relationships? Are you building a future you can be proud of?
Today, I challenge you to use that reflection as a call to action. Make a change, big or small, that will positively impact your life. For those of us living with chronic illness, let's use our challenges as inspiration to live even fuller lives. Let's become reflections of resilience, of strength, and hope.