Best Thembi Duncan Podcasts (2025)

1
Using AI to Reshape Real Estate Investing with William Hollis 57:51

Play Pause

15d ago57:51

57:51

Send us a text 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 environm…

1
Ethical Web Design and Digital Storytelling with Warren Wilansky 26:25

19d ago26:25

26:25

Send us a text 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…

1
Shaping Theatre through Black Women’s Stories with Fatima Quander 55:42

1M ago55:42

55:42

Send us a text 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 directin…

1
Theatre, Film, and Building Community with J.J. Johnson Part 2 1:00:11

2M ago1:00:11

1:00:11

Send us a text Part 2 of 2 Our discussion continues with actor, writer, and teaching artist J.J. Johnson taking us deeper into his creative process. 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. He also reflects on th…

1
Stories of Black Boy Joy with J.J. Johnson Part 1 41:36

2M ago41:36

41:36

Send us a text 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…

1
Transformational Leadership in Performing Arts and Education with Jared Redick 50:40

2M ago50:40

50:40

Send us a text 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. A third-generation ballet dancer, Jared blends a deep respect for classical traditions with an innovative approach to contemporary work. He currently serves as …

1
What Makes Us Human in the Age of AI? with Dr. Ilke Demir 45:33

2M ago45:33

45:33

Send us a text 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. From detecting deepfakes using biological signals…

1
Placing Black LGBTQIA+ Stories Center Stage with Alan Sharpe 57:57

3M ago57:57

57:57

Send us a text 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 …

1
Faith and the Strength to Begin Again with Keta Newborn 46:44

3M ago46:44

46:44

Send us a text 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-alteri…

1
Instructional Design that Meets the Moment with Dr. Dwayne Wood 1:00:48

3M ago1:00:48

1:00:48

Send us a text 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 cur…

1
Crafting Theatre with Love at the Root with Keith Hamilton Cobb Part 2 59:11

3M ago59:11

59:11

Send us a text 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…

1
Shifting the Paradigm of American Theatre-making with Keith Hamilton Cobb Part 2 1:09:49

3M ago1:09:49

1:09:49

Send us a text What kind of art would you create if money was no object? What stories would you tell? It’s a powerful question, but in American theatre, too few artists ever get to explore it. 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 prio…

1
Artistic Integrity in American Theatre with Keith Hamilton Cobb Part 1 1:14:19

4M ago1:14:19

1:14:19

Send us a text 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 a…

1
From Netflix to Neulight with Jose Moreno 49:13

4M ago49:13

49:13

Send us a text 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 ✅ How AI can revolutionize student interventions ✅ The impact of leadership styles on company culture…

1
Season 1 Recap with Nadia Duncan 14:51

4M ago14:51

14:51

Send us a text 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. 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 pod…

1
Joy, Healing, and the Power of Storytelling with Farah Lawal Harris 1:05:50

9M ago1:05:50

1:05:50

Send us a text 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 th…

1
Exploring Identity and Emotion in Children’s Books with Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich 1:06:27

10M ago1:06:27

1:06:27

Send us a text 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 …

1
Building Children's Self-Esteem Through Hip-Hop with Chad Harper 55:09

10M ago55:09

55:09

Send us a text 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 commu…

1
Crafting Theatre of Empowerment and Transformation with Caleen Sinnette Jennings 1:16:13

11M ago1:16:13

1:16:13

Send us a text 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 playw…

1
Building a Legacy of Originality and Artistic Innovation with W.Ellington Felton 2:02:30

11M ago2:02:30

2:02:30

Send us a text 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…

1
Preserving Broadway’s Musical Treasures with Michael Lavine 36:58

11M ago36:58

36:58

Send us a text 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 Shel…

1
Driving Equity and Innovation in Technology with Helynsia Brown 41:41

12M ago41:41

41:41

Send us a text 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 …

1
Craftsmanship in Film and Theatre with Sam Lewis 52:23

12M ago52:23

52:23

Send us a text 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 pass…

1
Improving Social Emotional Health Through Theatre with Lynne Streeter Childress 1:05:02

12M ago1:05:02

1:05:02

Send us a text 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 …

1
Exploring Brain Patterns and Knowledge Structures in EdTech with Roy Clariana 1:27:03

1y ago1:27:03

1:27:03

Send us a text 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 exami…

1
Centering Black Womxn and Girls through a Hip-Hop Pedagogy with Goldie Patrick 2:27:07

1y ago2:27:07

2:27:07

Send us a text 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. This dynamic conversation also covers Goldie's h…

1
Inspiring Change in the Classroom and Beyond with Dr. Giani Clarkson 1:31:29

1y ago1:31:29

1:31:29

Send us a text 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…

1
Revolutionizing Education with Artificial Intelligence with Dan McCreary 1:17:58

1y ago1:17:58

1:17:58

Send us a text 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 Ste…

1
The Power of Passion and Authenticity in Education with Wil Green II 56:14

1y ago56:14

56:14

Send us a text 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. Wil talks about the city that made him, Buffalo, NY, …

1
Amplifying Black Voices through Performance and Pedagogy with Naila Ansari Carbonell Catilo 52:11

1y ago52:11

52:11

Send us a text 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, …

1
Leading Innovative Growth in the Arts Sector with Michael J. Bobbitt 1:00:40

1y ago1:00:40

1:00:40

Send us a text 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, …

1
Empowerment and Sustainability in South African Theatre with Nwabisa Plaatjie 1:17:32

1y ago1:17:32

1:17:32

Send us a text 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 r…

1
Exploring Identity and Experimenting with Theatrical Forms with Psalmayene 24 47:21

1y ago47:21

47:21

Send us a text 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 Richar…

1
Transforming American Education with Charles Reigeluth 37:27

1y ago37:27

37:27

Send us a text 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, schola…

1
Performing at the Intersection of Arts and Education with Ayesis Clay 58:18

1y ago58:18

58:18

Send us a text 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 u…