In this episode, I reunite with Jonaki Ray (who I met in 2019 as a co-recipient of the Iceland Writers Retreat Alumni Award) to explore the themes of home, belonging, and the delicate dance between art and science in her poetry collection, Firefly Memories.

Part memoir and travelogue, Firefly Memories is a poignant collection that speaks to the struggles of belonging, blending beauty, food, and memory to confront hardship and heartache and redefining home and the search for safe places.

Whether you’re at home or in search of one, you’ll be inspired by Jonaki’s take on telling the truth and telling it slant.

Show highlights

0:00 – Introduction

2:47 – From scientist to artist: Jonaki’s journey

11:25 – Introduction to Firefly Memories

12:45 – Verdigris: Excerpt from Firefly Memories

15:06 – The goal and complexities of creating the collection

20:12 – Juxtaposing beauty and rejection

25:28 – Blending science and art in poetry

29:25 – Telling the truth with sensitivity

34:11 – Writing about the past and the present

38:42 – What writing from home looks like

41:35 – Appreciation and end

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Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/A-4pqaWn2E4

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Guest’s links

Buy Firefly Memories: https://www.coppercoin.co.in/product-page/firefly-memories

Follow Jonaki on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonaki_stories/

Follow Jonaki on X: https://x.com/jona_writes

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Host’s links

Find out more about the show: https://www.journeyoftheart.com/

Follow Journey of the Art on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/journeyoftheartpod/

Book a one-on-one with Lola: https://wordcaps.com/coaching/

In this episode, I sit down with A.K. Herman, Caribbean poet and fiction writer, to discuss her latest work, The Believers. This compelling collection of eight short stories, mostly set in Trinidad and Tobago, explores themes of religion, politics, love, sex, and spirituality. A.K.’s storytelling pays homage to the storytelling traditions of the Caribbean.

A Goodreads Editors’ December Book Pick, The Believers captivates with its seasoned storytelling. A.K. shares the inspirations behind her writing, the cultural and spiritual influences shaping her narratives, and how she grew as a student of literature.

If you’d like to know what I think of A.K.’s book, skip to 6:00 of the show! 😊

Also, if you’d like to get your own copy of the book, and I highly recommend that you do if you’re a fan of Toni Morrison, you can do so here (link below).

Got any thoughts about this episode or want to suggest authors you’d like to see on the show? Send me your thoughts!

Show highlights

0:00 – Introduction

2:03 – AK’s journey into writing

6:00 – Lola’s high-level review of the book

7:30 – Sex as communication

10:35 – Theme of spirituality

16:19 – Writing about violence

22:57 – On the theme of spiritual vengeance

27:23 – On identity and rejection on the basis of language

33:11 – Allegory in The Iridescent Blue-Black Boy with Wings (After Márquez)

40:36 – Advice for writers who don't have an MFA

45:29 – The writing/publishing process of The Believers

48:03 – Appreciation and end

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Guest’s links

Buy The Believers: https://www.akherman.com/books

Follow A.K. on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a.k.herman/

Follow A.K. Herman on X: https://x.com/akherman_author

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Host’s links

Find out more about the show: https://www.journeyoftheart.com/

Follow Lola on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/journeyoftheartpod/

Book a one-on-one with Lola: https://wordcaps.com/coaching/

If you’re a freelance artist wondering if there’s a secret to landing big clients in your industry, there is, and this episode will tell you what it is! Episode 14 of the podcast is with Feyisayo Oyebisi (aka Feyzo!), who I've known for over ten years.

Feyzo! is a makeup artist and special effects professional who has worked on the biggest productions in Nigeria’s movie industry, including A Naija Christmas and Everybody Loves Jenifa, which is currently in cinemas.

Feyzo!, who calls herself The Billionaire Makeup Artist, is also a two-time AMVCA nominee.

In this light-hearted yet serious chat, she shares the secret to landing big clients and the hardest thing about being a makeup artist in Nigeria's movie industry.

Show highlights

0:00 – Introduction

2:39 – This or that questions

3:24 – Feyzo’s journey into artistry

10:55 – The hardest thing about being a makeup artist in the movie industry

12:51 – The process of preparing for a character

22:13 – Managing the makeup/SFX team

28:07 – Handling unexpected challenges on set

37:45 – The secret to landing big clients

43:00 – Impact of the AMVCA on her career

45:13 – The importance of professional development

47:12 – A word to her future self

48:13 – Appreciation and end

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Watch on Youtube: https://youtube.com/@journeyoftheartpod?si=eDeQrPxScePjcpfT?sub_confirmation=1

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Guest’s links

Follow Feyzo! on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feyzomua/

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Host’s links

Find out more about the show: https://www.journeyoftheart.com/

Follow JOA on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/journeyoftheartpod/

Book a one-on-one with Lola: https://wordcaps.com/coaching/