The Institute of Black Imagination Podcast

In today’s episode, we explore themes of finding one’s voice, the importance of authenticity, the constancy of reinvention and what happens when you give yourself permission. Today’s conversation reminds us of the power in building a brand and not to be defined by someone else's opinion of us.

In today’s conversation we’re reminded of the power in investigation. We also explore what it means to create amidst a state of grief. And the importance of spending a life in service to others.

Today’s episode Sara shares how design has been leveraged as a tool of oppression and how everyone must be involved in the process of thinking about the world they want to create.

In this episode, we explore David’s multicultural upbringing growing up in Toronto, Canada, along with topics that range from connecting fermentation to everyday life, how photography allows him to tether his curiosity for science and fermentation, and ultimately how he’s been able to bloom in the midst of chaos. David’s story is one filled with invaluable gems and speaks to the power of leaning into curiosity.

In this episode, he shares the importance of food origins as a space for reclamation and what it means to examine who and what’s being left out of the story. We explore Stephen’s own origin story–growing up in Atlanta in the ’80s–along with topics that range from his start as a young sommelier, the implications of citizens being divorced from food culture, and ultimately how being crushed by a series of life events propelled his career forward; leading him from self-doubt to conviction.

Today’s episode we explore topics that range from the difference in Black identities between Nigeria and the United States, Luvvie's path from failing chemistry to creating one of the industry’s most popular blogs, how love shows up when you’re not paying attention, and what ultimately allowed her to finally call herself as a writer. This conversation is one that speaks to the troublemaker in all of us.

In this conversation, we discuss a wide range of topics from Eboni’s experience growing up in Brooklyn during the ’80s, to her studies of Black Theology along with her definition of Womanist Theology. Through conversation, vulnerability and curiosity eventually we land on what that pivotal moment in Eboni’s life was that ultimately propelled her to pursue her calling.

Today’s episode is with contemporary artist Kenturah Davis. Exploring language looms, and listening beyond the linen, Kenturah's work reminds us that identity requires intimacy with the unknown and oftentimes hidden portraits of ourselves.

In today’s episode, we explore themes of identity, justice, ancestry, family, and well, of course, food. Zoe’s story will inspire anyone whose path feels non-linear or circuitous. Remember, you are right where you are supposed to be…always..in all the ways. As Zoe reminds us, those whispers of the universe are always speaking to us.

Today’s episode through storytelling and poignant advice-laden gems, Estelle shares the value of being prepared, why you must stay in your craft, and how the industry has changed since she started over 20 years ago.

In the episode we discuss how it is possible to fall in love in a pandemic and what we do to protect ourselves from love and harm. If you aspire to write or create, allow this professor to guide you out of your belief in writer’s block and into your seat of messy. Sensitive content: sexual abuse and r*pe.

In today’s episode calls into question for whom we are fighting? Whose wars are worthy of discussion and what harms are so deeply ingrained within our consciousness that we ignore our own civilian casualties. As the world witnesses the 16th month of a war in Ethiopia, Timnint’s journey reminds us of the refugee, the warrior, and the heroes we often dismiss and determine unworthy of home.