In this episode, I chat with the insightful Nina Mata—author of A Place for Fire and The Legend of the Hummingbird. We dive into her journey as a writer, debut children's book NEW, the cultural roots that inspire her stories, and how nature, family, and heritage intertwine in her work. Nina shares her thoughts on crafting stories that celebrate resilience, belonging, and the magic found in everyday moments. This conversation is rich with warmth, wisdom, and the power of storytelling.

📚 A Place for Fire and The Legend of the Hummingbird are available wherever books are sold!

Follow Nina Mata:
📸 Instagram: @nina.mata
🐦 Twitter/X: @NinaMataWrites
🌐 Website: www.ninamata.com [http://www.ninamata.com/]

Ep. 144 Nina Mata on her debut picture NEW, family and writing for celebrities 

In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Betty C. Tang—author and illustrator of the powerful graphic novel Parachute Kids. We talk about her childhood, the real-life inspirations behind her work, and how identity, immigration, and family shaped the heart of her storytelling. Betty opens up about the emotional roots of Parachute Kids and what it means to tell stories that matter. This one’s full of heart, art, and personal truth.

📚 Parachute Kids is available wherever books are sold!

Follow Betty C. Tang:
📸 Instagram: @bettyctang [https://www.instagram.com/bettyctang]
🐦 Twitter/X: @bettyctang [https://twitter.com/bettyctang]
🌐 Website: www.bettytang.com [http://www.bettytang.com/]

Ep. 143 Betty C. Tang on Parachute Kids, Identity, and Growing Up Immigrant 

Quartez Harris, a poet and teaching artist whose work has earned him numerous accolades, including the Ohio Poetry Association’s Poet of the Year for his collection We Made it to School Alive. Quartez is set to release his debut picture book, Go Tell It: How James Baldwin Became a Writer, with Little Brown in January 2025.   Born in Springfield, Ohio, he faced significant challenges due to a learning disability but found strength in words. As a second-grade teacher, he captured his students' voices and experiences, inspiring his impactful poetry. Join us as we explore his journey, the stories behind his work, and his commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices in literature.  

Listen to audio versions here: 

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/t.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjY5Q2x4NElWWWozd2JFRWUxbWh6SC1Kd1Zfd3xBQ3Jtc0tra01aNFdvVXQzazE5MVBiOVpWQzAtOThMWHJ2c21VSzlid29OUWxOOWkxZEFGVEpWSFRjdm5neUMzTUZsbUN3VE9sVEgxUEZXb2lXSHJxbHFCNHdQYmVXUjZZZmFCWmlhcUwwMVFkcTZaX000S3o5SQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fca%2Fpodcast%2Ft..&v=zQcM1I9hgN4]. 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2f3XyNg.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGxTWG1ITmU0X3lDSUloQ1kxbWNWaWhPbkthUXxBQ3Jtc0ttaXQ4TmZHUGtlSEpqNFUxeC1EbDhaa2RUU2RPTmp4WExnNmcyQkV0WE5nc0xncUZkSlZ1LWx5UHl3QlZnb1RHQnNuR0R5LWZ5NnZsc3Q1ZW5kRjdDak1sUjB1R2hPZl9qaVhXSlV1ZWJpZk93V3VjOA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fopen.spotify.com%2Fshow%2F2f3XyNg..&v=zQcM1I9hgN4]. 

Zencastr: https://zencastr.com/It-s-Personal-Po.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVZpN0lmaFdhUXpTNk1iSlhpZzZwNmVNOF82UXxBQ3Jtc0tsWTd2LVhjWE5wUkZJY0RDclpmRU12NDVBU3U2Uzd6S055N1Q5cWozOFM4U1hfSndFM3FuV0FVaDd0RXJpRlc5WWo0SVp5WFBKY3NhdUdyZjhEMEdrS2VIREhmcV93WEhYTzZsZWZJN3RpY0pMS1Bybw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fzencastr.com%2FIt-s-Personal-Po..&v=zQcM1I9hgN4].

EP.142 Quartez Harris chats NEW BOOK and what happen on his writing journey

I’m excited to introduce you to Jenissa Graham, a Literary Agent at BookEnds Literary Agency. Jenissa began her publishing career at Writers House, starting as an intern and working her way up to the Subrights department as the Global Licensing and Media Rights Assistant. In 2022, she joined BookEnds Literary as an Associate Agent and Subrights Manager, where she began building her client list while also supporting the agency in Film/TV, Merchandise, and Audio. In 2024, she transitioned to agenting full-time.  As a first-generation Jamaican American, Jenissa is deeply passionate about increasing BIPOC representation in publishing and is always looking for new underrepresented authors. Currently based in New York, when she’s not reading submissions, writing, or adding to her “maybe one day I’ll read” pile, you can find her binging reruns of her favorite shows, fiddling with her tarot decks, or stressing over her beloved plants, Pacific, Ted, and Teddy. Join me as we explore her journey in the publishing world and her commitment to amplifying diverse voices.  Listen to audio versions here: 

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/t.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa1pBY1NvRXl5MEdzSURsQmZ3cWtLQXVvQnkxUXxBQ3Jtc0tsRllyZEFpRThvYmtYUVFrc1FjOWZxNjRoS1pnTzV1UXg0bXZuZXcwcFhLakN0R01uV1ZQc3VuT3FQTy16Nlk3RC1YOEU4eG9VN0dYV0FhQnplMkVJTTU3M3NUQTZpMURyMWpwM1M3TzhkallSSXVJMA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fca%2Fpodcast%2Ft..&v=9T-PBPrxNMU]. 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2f3XyNg.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnV5dTUtNG0yV0VTQ3UySHVFYzFJRkpFZTRMQXxBQ3Jtc0ttWjVoVW5nNFdITERsdl9JMEVnelNITkFJbUNQXzN0SzhodnNOdkJsOHJVaUtJVlZ1YlFqYm9lTjRObVpMN2dBTndhLWxWdGFGdVFEM2cxV2RBZ3RxMGo4Q2dORzlOeFhGMDhVdEwzbXZOOG1QVkg3Zw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fopen.spotify.com%2Fshow%2F2f3XyNg..&v=9T-PBPrxNMU]. 

Zencastr: https://zencastr.com/It-s-Personal-Po.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbktYUHJGdmJKNFlBUDE5LWcyUmRRNXFBanlDQXxBQ3Jtc0tuWkR5NThmTUdKOXVweE1DdDJUcFBFT2RUdC1IbXpQcjQ0OVlva0ZySVJnejlHUFVyUDRJSGVuMXBMc1NQc1E5S0lqSkU1X243T2pWYzU5a3ZFQ0hjM0xUb1BwQ255UWVYRlJrS3IwYjlKYVVwOEdGMA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fzencastr.com%2FIt-s-Personal-Po..&v=9T-PBPrxNMU].

Ep. 141 Lit Agent TELLS ALL about the industry, and what's it like to edit manuscripts

I had the pleasure of speaking with Jess Owens-Young. By day, Jess is a public health professor, but in all her free time, she’s a passionate artist. Her work beautifully captures the essence of living as a Black person in the U.S., exploring various dimensions of Black life through acrylics, oil pastels, and inks. Jess also creates digital illustrations that reflect these themes, often focusing on life in the interior, including houseplants and other living beings.  She draws inspiration from notable artists like William H. Johnson, Elizabeth Catlett, Alice Neel, Jordan Casteel, Amy Sherald, and Henry Taylor. If you’re interested in collaborating or collecting some of her artwork, be sure to follow her on Instagram or reach out directly! Join me as we delve into her artistic journey and the stories behind her incredible work.  Website: https://jessowensyoung.myportfolio.com/paintings Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/truthofstrength/ Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ByJessOwensYoung

EP.140 Jess is a public health professor, but in all her free time, she’s a passionate artist.

I talk to Rahma Mohamed, who was born and raised in Hargeisa, Somaliland. At just eight years old, her family immigrated to Canada, where they settled in Quebec. Rahma faced many challenges as she entered her first formal school, grappling with the French language while being the only Black Muslim girl in her class. Despite experiencing bullying, she persevered and became the first in her family to graduate from university, mastering both French and English.  

website: https://rahmarodaah.com/pages/about-us 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rahmarodaah/ 

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rahmarodaah 

x: https://x.com/rahmarodaah

EP.139 Black Muslim author, Rahma Mohamed shares story growing up in Canada

Hanna Cha, a Caldecott Honor award-winning illustrator and writer known for her enchanting storytelling through art. Hanna shares her journey from a vagabond life between Seoul and the U.S. to becoming the creator of beloved books like *Tiny Feet Between the Mountains* and *The Truth about Dragons*. Learn about her creative process and what inspires her whimsical illustrations. With insights into her experiences at the Rhode Island School of Design and life in Boston with her cuddly cat Hobac, Hanna invites you to explore the magic of daydreams and the stories they can create. Tune in for a delightful conversation that celebrates imagination and artistry!

EP.138 Hanna Cha Caldecott Honor Award-Winning Illustrator and Writer & Illustrator

Nikki Grimes was born in Harlem and spent her childhood moving through various neighborhoods in New York. As a foster child from a broken home, she faced constant farewells to new friends. In this challenging environment, reading and writing became her lifelines. When she had no one to confide in, Grimes poured her thoughts and feelings into poems and stories. An enthusiastic reader, she would check out library books during the day and read late into the night with a flashlight.



Website: https://nikkigrimes.com/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbURkS2JVWE02d1QtZ2RoTjRQeEUzcm5XS1o5QXxBQ3Jtc0trbVQ3QTBldE90elFodHZfQkhaMDNaNkJfUUFIeERFdmE5NTNJWHFncG1jUk5BZWEwUy1SSDhGZHAtN2Y4LWhfRFNhSER1OFNaNndYZ1NJNXpEbFBrRFh4NjBscS1nV2lyWk83bGJXc2V4bkhmNTM5TQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fnikkigrimes.com%2F&v=oRL3LQcQCfQ]

Instagram:  poetrynikki 

 X: https://x.com/nikkigrimes9?ref_src=tw... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVE4eWZlaUZVWFNoVzZwYVRnQXdUaFhBS1hvd3xBQ3Jtc0traWlfaXRhcnVmWGR5UEI0OGt0TVA2R21mdUVBQ1g1V1BNTHdLWUtMU2FtRjFsZC1FZW8yVklESkNwcHYtcGJRQVd4UnBWMXp3R3VESTZxVldyY0U5X2FXQ0dpM3J0RzVEcUc3bHVuSHpUUTlXSXFlUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fnikkigrimes9%3Fref_src%3Dtwsrc%255Egoogle%257Ctwcamp%255Eserp%257Ctwgr%255Eauthor&v=oRL3LQcQCfQ]

EP.137 Nikki Grimes Rhymes and Reasons: Exploring Children's Poetry

Jason Reynolds shares his thoughts on life, the transformative power of storytelling, and the deep influence of his mother throughout his journey. We dive into his latest work, 24 Seconds from Now, which he describes as a love story for the ages, highlighting the intricate connections between love, identity, and personal growth.  



Our conversation explores the vital importance of normalizing anxiety and vulnerability, discussing how these themes resonate not only in Jason's writing but also in our everyday lives. We touch on the challenges and hardships that come with embracing our true selves, and how sharing our experiences can foster understanding and connection.  The episode offers valuable insights into resilience, identity, and the strength we derive from our shared human experiences.   

Website: https://www.jasonwritesbooks.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonreynolds83/ 

X: https://x.com/JasonReynolds83

EP. 136 Jason Reynolds on Finding Strength in Vulnerability: Discussion on 24 Seconds From Now

Samira Ahmed discusses her new book, This Book Won't Burn, which explores family life and the alarming issue of book bans in America.

In this episode, Ahmed dives into the importance of storytelling and the challenges faced by diverse voices in today's literary world. She reflects on her experiences growing up in a multicultural family and how those experiences shaped her writing.

Listeners can expect a thoughtful conversation about the intersection of literature, identity, and advocacy, along with personal insights on navigating the complexities of family dynamics in a changing world.

Website: https://samiraahmed.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sam_aye_ahm/
X: https://x.com/sam_aye_ahm

Listen to audio versions here:  

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/t.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVNKSGtJYjIxMjI2cTBCYzBYd0RBX3M0cUg3QXxBQ3Jtc0trSGdKR1FSdDc5YzJObnNYWnVqSnlodEhjQlg0SmlteXF0S2NLWVZfZ2E3MThEUVVnWEpjQ3dEY050YWI2UG1fZzU4MExFMWFkZHpHRG9BLVIzbXN0SGp6RkZld0ROMmZFMTBxS2tSMjVwWDVEcVJBdw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fca%2Fpodcast%2Ft..&v=9XVwsgU8lWQ].  

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2f3XyNg.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFdvQS1nSU1HdWNCR256clZkd3ZzTUI0Z0ZHd3xBQ3Jtc0treWZRclZycG53STBHeXJNSWVGYWduLW1xRExpQ19MTk5XZlEtYnF1TzFCQ0x6cUtiYWc5LU1jbVpEOU5BMHJJM1hSTWhkYkI2a3ZnOGVPMU9iN3BnVnR2R0xBSU9ZSzlza1dzRmpvZFBraHJrckJ3SQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fopen.spotify.com%2Fshow%2F2f3XyNg..&v=9XVwsgU8lWQ].   

Zencastr: https://zencastr.com/It-s-Personal-Po.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEZBVFpCZ0JxZzFfUDlJdk1wSFBKNUxHX0x6QXxBQ3Jtc0trTU1oVVRJZW54WWNpbUhUa3NCcVJCaENnRFhaLU9DTTJvdThMcjUxYXBtTHJQcVVFNzVCdGZGQ25XZEk1M19wMHVtOHkwT2ZRcllLMzVuOFdtY3JCX0tQUDU0UUFQTFJTTG0yRExRT0ZnR1J4T0E2OA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fzencastr.com%2FIt-s-Personal-Po..&v=9XVwsgU8lWQ].

EP. 135 Banned Books, Life and Samira Ahmed

Welcome to ItsPersonalPodcast, hosted by Gary R. Gray Jr.—teacher, writer, storyteller, and kid from Preston now teaching in Singapore. This ain’t your typical pod. No fancy edits. No perfect soundscapes. Just real talk. Sometimes it’s Gary, solo, diving deep—into childhood, into choices, into what it means to be growing, moving, becoming. He peels back the layers, questions his “accomplishments,” wonders out loud if he’s living a full life. It’s vulnerable. It’s honest. It’s personal.

Other times, he brings folks along—educators, authors, parents, artists, people who carry stories in their pockets and wisdom in their scars. Especially those from the Global Majority. The ones often unheard. The ones worth listening to.

Together, they talk identity, joy, loss, memory, meaning. They ride the back roads of becoming.

This space is human. Unscripted. Yours.

Find Gary everywhere @GaryRGrayJr.

Gary Gray

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