Best Garyrgrayjr Podcasts (2024)

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EP. 128 Ellen Oh, STUCK between cultures and WRITING for Middle School 42:32

2h ago42:32

42:32

Acclaimed children's book author Ellen Oh takes us on a captivating journey, sharing insights into her diverse literary portfolio and the personal experiences that have shaped her writing. From her early days as a lawyer and college instructor to her transition into the world of children's literature, explore Ellen's path to literary success. Delve…

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EP. 127 Fredrick Joseph, speaks on family, Palestine, and Sports 43:26

5d ago43:26

43:26

Fredrick Joseph, New York Times Best Selling author, thought-provoking speaker, and advocate for equity and social justice, joins us for a captivating conversation. Fredrick will discuss his new poetry collection "We Alive, Beloved," which explores a new genre that seeks to find joy in moments of difficulty. Whether illuminating the beauty of being…

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EP. 126 Saadia Faruqi on Ali the Great and early Influences during her writing career 20:59

11M ago20:59

20:59

As we sit down with Saadia Faruqi, a talented writer and advocate for diversity in children's literature. Saadia shares her inspiring journey of writing books that resonate with her daughter, with a strong desire for her to see herself represented in literature. We explore the importance of having range in writing, capturing the early years, middle…

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EP. 125 Antonio Michael Downing, Orphan Blue, Black Grandma's & creative freedom 35:46

11M ago35:46

35:46

Join us on this episode of the podcast as we dive deep into the life and experiences of Antonio Michael Downing, author, musician, and speaker. Antonio shares his journey growing up in Toronto and the profound influence his grandmother had on his life and family. We explore the pressures that people of color face when creating and the challenges of…

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EP. 124 Ekiuwa Aire, exploring African history and representation, and influences 15:45

11M ago15:45

15:45

Join us on this episode of the podcast as we chat with Ekiuwa Aire, founder of Our Ancestories. Ekiuwa shares her experiences growing up in boarding school in Nigeria and how her family, especially her kids, inspired her to write books that represent African history and culture. She also discusses her biggest influence, Vasti Harrison, and how her …

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EP. 123 Jennifer N. Baker talks FORGIVE ME NOT and early environment 39:39

12M ago39:39

39:39

Jennifer Baker was named the 2019 Publishers Weekly Star Watch “SuperStar” because her “varied work championing diversity in publishing has made her an indispensable fixture in the book business.” She is the recipient of a 2017 NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellowship and a 2017 Queens Council on the Arts New Work Grant (as well as the QCA Jr. Board Artistic E…

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EP. 122 Nawal Qarooni talks being a Momma and the lit world she lives in 20:38

1y ago20:38

20:38

Nawal Qarooni is an educator, writer, and adjunct professor who supports a holistic approach to literacy instruction and family experiences in schools across the country. Drawing on her work as an inquiry-based leader, mother, and proud daughter of immigrants, Nawal's pedagogy is centered on the rich and authentic learning all families gift their c…

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EP. 121 Breanna J. McDaniel hard truths and new books 31:41

1y ago31:41

31:41

Breanna J. McDaniel (she/her/hers) is the co-founder of REIYL (Researchers Exploring Inclusive Youth Literature) and an author. She’s published in myriad academic journals, an academic anthology and her debut picture book Hands Up! was published with Dial Books in 2019, while her newest picture book Impossible Moon was published with Denene Millner…

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EP. 120 Jamila Reddy on the art of living, the south and family 29:33

1y ago29:33

29:33

Jamila is such a warm soul. In 2017 Jamila created a lifestyle design coaching methodology to help people find intentional, aligned, and strategic ways to transform their lives into what they want them to be.Jamila is also the host of a podcast called Deliberate and Doing it Afraid, where stories, reflections, and revelations are shared. On Its Per…

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EP. 119 C.G Esperanza on never being a reader and one of six siblings 19:46

1y ago19:46

19:46

Born the second of six cool kids. The South Bronx is where he first opened his eyelids. A land shrouded in bright-colored decay, the birthplace of graffiti and the hip-hop DJ! He paints fantasy worlds of elephants, and castles too! Accompanying this wonder is some whimsical truth. Charles has a voice that is seldom heard. A fusion of jazz, distorte…

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EP. 118 Ashley Franklin on The Little Mermaid, motherhood and early schooling 32:55

1y ago32:55

32:55

Ashley Franklin is a professional chaser—of ideas, dreams, and, most often, her kids. She is the author of Not Quite Snow White and a contributor to Once Upon an Eid, a collection of brilliant Muslim voices and stories. Ashley lives in Arkansas with her husband, Michael, and her children, Bilal and Mikhail. You can visit her online at www.ashleyfra…

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EP. 117 Charlene Carr chats adult writing, siblings, and travel life 19:16

1y ago19:16

19:16

Charlene has always loved writing. She grew up reading Dickens and Tolkien and Bronte. When she turned to contemporary books, too many were predictable, with characters that felt like paper doll cut-outs. It took time but, through the misses, she found books full of realistic characters, who messed up like the rest of us. Those were the books she w…

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EP. 116 Sarah Roughley talks about Ontario, Canada, writing journey and fantasy. 22:49

1y ago22:49

22:49

Sarah Roughley talks about growing up in Southern Ontario writing stories about freakish little girls with powers because she secretly wanted to be one.Sarah is also an educator/professor , and has her PhD in English.She prides herself on wiring pieces on writing pieces about young girls that have super powers!.On ItsPersonal, Sarah talks what she …

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EP. 115.Danielle Murrell Cox talks supportive momma, growing up in Canada and ART 23:46

1y ago23:46

23:46

Danielle Murrell Cox is from Montreal Quebec. She is a creator of all things. She graduated from Dawson College in 2011, and is now a graphic designer, illustrator, freelancer, and business owner.Danielle is best know for her self-published coloring books Black Queens and Black Kinds, which went viral on social media and gave her the opportunity to…

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EP. 114 Nadine Presley talks The City of Jasmine, writing community, and family. 26:53

1y ago26:53

26:53

Nadine Presley talks about her writing journey, her family, and her first book, The City of Jasmine (set for 2025). Nadine has lived in multiple places and has experienced a lot throughout her travels. During this podcast, Nadine talks specifically about how she started writing, and why it is important to create Syrian stories to represent herself …

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EP. 113 Janae Marks on motherhood, friendships, NYC and pandemic writing 27:36

2y ago27:36

27:36

Janae Marks is the author of critically acclaimed middle grade novels, From the Desk of Zoe Washington and A Soft Place to Land, as well as the forthcoming novel On Air with Zoe Washington. She has an MFA in Writing for Children from The New School, and lives in Connecticut with her husband, daughter and miniature schnauzer named Cookie.Janae chats…

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EP. 112 Jyoti Rajan Gopal talks new books, NYC, and family :-) 34:14

2y ago34:14

34:14

Jyoti Rajan Gopal is a writer, mom and Kindergarten teacher. Growing up, she lived in Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, India and China. Twenty-eight years ago, she moved to New York and now lives in Yonkers in a quirky old Victorian, with her husband and two daughters. Her favorite place in the house is the wrap around porch where she loves to gather …

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EP. 111 Jerome & Jarrett Pumphrey on writing journey, fatherhood and books! 23:34

2y ago23:34

23:34

Jarrett has been a storyteller most his life, both on his own and in collaboration with Jerome. While their earliest work remains locked in a drawer—the key long lost for good measure—their first co-authored book, Creepy Things Are Scaring Me, was published by HarperCollins in 2003.Jerome is a designer, illustrator, and writer, originally from Hous…

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EP. 110 Tracy Badua on motherhood, Cali and first book! 24:51

2y ago24:51

24:51

Tracy Badua is a Filipino American author of books about young people with sunny hearts in a sometimes stormy world. According to her grandmother, Tracy inherited this love of the written word from her great-grandfather, a school teacher in the Philippines. To Tracy, this means writing is in her blood, and she continues this family tradition by tel…

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EP. 109 Dane Liu on living in many places, being "goodenough" and new books! 27:48

2y ago27:48

27:48

Dane Liu believes in the power of stories to affirm, transport, and transform. Her debut for young readers FRIENDS ARE FRIENDS, FOREVER is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, an Indie Next Pick, and a Best Book of the Year from The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books. Dane was born in China and moved to the US and Canada when sh…

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EP. 108 Julian Randall (PART II)on his NEW essay collection and tornado runinng 22:11

2y ago22:11

22:11

Julian Randall is a Living Queer Black poet from Chicago. He has received fellowships from Cave Canem, CantoMundo, Callaloo, BOAAT, and the Watering Hole. Julian is the recipient of a Pushcart Prize. Julian is the winner of the 2019 Betty Berzon Emerging Writer Award from the Publishing Triangle.On this podcast (part 2 of 2) Julian talks about The …

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EP. 107 Julian Randall on first book, moms and pops, and family history 36:07

2y ago36:07

36:07

Julian Randall is a Living Queer Black poet from Chicago. He has received fellowships from Cave Canem, CantoMundo, Callaloo, BOAAT, and the Watering Hole. Julian is the recipient of a Pushcart Prize. Julian is the winner of the 2019 Betty Berzon Emerging Writer Award from the Publishing Triangle. On this podcast (part 1 of 2) Julian talks in-depth …

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#ItsPersonal Podcast IV 106.Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich on freedom to read, storytelling and media 28:53

2y ago28:53

28:53

Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich was born in New York and later moved A LOT. She's spent a lot of time in many different countries, so she was a new kid in many different places (up until 8th grade).On this podcast, Olugbemisola shares childhood stories with her parents, the freedom to read, the feeling of being in different schools, and the impact of…

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#ItsPersonal Podcast IV 105.Erika Meza's writing journey, banned books and new projects! 34:16

2+ y ago34:16

34:16

Erika Meza is a Mexican Migrant, who loves tacos and doodling! After studying graphic design (and moving houses nearly 30 times)She lived in a dungeon with a princess in Paris to attend the Illustration program at ENSAD, which got her addicted to chocolate éclairs and 2 am bike rides by the river.Erika now lives with a cat in the UK where she works…

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#ItsPersonal Podcast IV 104. Ashley Woodfolk 's day in the life, being a momma, NEW BOOKS! 48:36

2+ y ago48:36

48:36

Ashley Woodfolk is the ultimate reader and writer. She graduated from Rutgers University and worked in children's book publishing for over a decade. She is now a full-time mom and writer and lives in Brooklyn her husband, dog, and the cutest baby in the world. Some of her books include The Beauty That Remains, When You Were Everything, Blackout and…

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#ItsPersonal Podcast IV 103. Derek Desierto on moving, creative process and family support 29:15

2+ y ago29:15

29:15

Derek Desierto is a Vancouver-based illustrator whose books with Eva Chen include the New York Times bestseller Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes. Currently, he is living the dream as a freelance artist for animated TV shows and picture books. His ultimate goal in life is to meet Oprah and become one of her Favorite Things. On this podcast, Dere…

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#ItsPersonal Podcast IV 102. Anne Wynter is chats new author, momma life and advice for writers 23:24

2+ y ago23:24

23:24

Anne Wynter has always loved to write; advertisements, poems, test questions, short stories, illegible grocery lists, press releases, white papers, and plays. But her love is with children's books. When she is not writing, she enjoys reading, running, and puzzling through an idea for a new book, or spending time with her husband, two sons, and cat …

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#ItsPersonal Podcast IV 101. Andrea Wang shares early childhood, winning awards and reading love 28:09

2+ y ago28:09

28:09

Andrea Wang is an acclaimed author of children’s books. Her book Watercress was awarded the Caldecott Medal, a Newbery Honor, the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature, a New England Book Award, and a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor. Her other books, The Many Meanings of Meilan, Magic Ramen, and The Nian Monster, have also received awards and st…

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#ItsPersonal Podcast IV 100. Jerry Craft and his creative influence, home life and "spare time" 25:27

2+ y ago25:27

25:27

Jerry Craft is the New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of the graphic novels New Kid and Class Act. New Kid is the only book in history to win the John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children’s literature (2020); the Kirkus Prize for Young Readers’ Literature (2019), and the Coretta Scott King Author Award for …

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#ItsPersonal Podcast IV 99. Andre Fenton chats childhood, Nova Scotia, and discovering spoken word 25:04

2+ y ago25:04

25:04

On this podcast, Gary talks with spoken word artist/author Andrew Fenton, from North End Halifax, Nova Scotia. This is a special podcast for Gary, for he speaks with someone from home who has been writing amazing books for some time now.Andre chats representation in text growing up in Nova Scotia at a young age. He also shares his writing journey, …

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#ItsPersonal Podcast IV 98.Deesha Philyaw speaks on screen writing, family and pandemic writing 29:48

2+ y ago29:48

29:48

What an honor to speak with the one and only Deesha Philyaw. Deesha's book Secret Lives of Church Ladies won the 2021 Pen/Faulkner Award, 2020/21 Story Prize, 2020 LA Times Book Prize and was a Finalist 2020 National Book For Fiction.On this podcast, Deesha speaks about her family in Jacksonville, and their influences on her upbringing. What it was…

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#ItsPersonal III 97. Sarah Suk talks Made In Korea, Hi-Chews & Canada! 23:28

3y ago23:28

23:28

Sarah Suk (pronounced like soup with a K) lives in Vancouver, Canada where she writes stories and admires mountains. When she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the water, taking film photos, or eating a bowl of bingsu. On this episode, listen to Sarah talk about her new book Made In Korea, along with the yummy treats she enjoys. Sarah …

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#ItsPersonal III 96.Gail D. Villanueva joins with a friend, talks representation in books and pets! 30:37

3y ago30:37

30:37

Gail D. Villanueva is the author of Sugar and Spite, and debut novel, My Fate According to the Butterfly! She was born in the Philippines, in which she currently lives, and enjoys her many pets at home (dogs, ducks, turtles, cats and random birds)On this episode Gail shares her experience talking with kids about books, and the importance of represe…

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#ItsPersonal III 95. Tami Charles talks new math, York and raising a Black son 27:30

3y ago27:30

27:30

Tami Charles is the New York Times bestselling author of All Because You Matter, and many other books for children and young adults. On this podcast she stops by to talk all things personal. She starts with live and times during the pandemic, new math, educational influences and writing during covid-19.Later Tami shares some important insights on r…

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#ItsPersonal III 94. Shelly Anand talks her name, family transitions and raising mixed raced kids 33:55

3y ago33:55

33:55

Shelly Anand was born and (mostly) raised in Georgia by immigrant parents from India. Besides writing amazing books, Shelly is a civil and human rights attorney for immigrants and workers from marginalized communities.On this podcast, Shelly talks about how her name changed over time. She talks about her families transition to America, and what tho…

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#ItsPersonal 93. Lanesha Tabb talks faith, family, and fun! 23:41

3y ago23:41

23:41

Lanesha Tabb is a rockstar Momma and Educator! On this podcast, Lanesha talks specifically about how she became a Kindergarten teacher for so many years, and how this passion came about.Later Lanesha tells us about the role faith has played in her life growing up, and how she fosters these traditions in her life currently. From early morning Sunday…

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#ItsPersonal III 92. Debbi Michko Florence talks writing, zoology, and bringing a snake home! 25:53

3y ago25:53

25:53

Debbi is an award winning author who writes amazing books for children. Some of her titles include Keep it Together, Keiko Carter, and the upcoming companion novel Just Be Cool, Jenna Sakai, the Jasmine Toguchi chapter book series and many other books for children.Did you know that Debbi has a degree in Zoology? Did you know that Debbi once brought…

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#ItsPersonal III 91. Namrata Tripathi & Special Guest, chats being a mom, publishing and leadership. 56:12

3y ago56:12

56:12

Namrata Tripathi stops by with a special guest! You have to listen to find out who it is! We start our chat talking about the many hats that Namrata wears daily. This leads us into leadership, and her role as a VP & publisher at the amazing Kokila, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers.We spend time talking about Namrata's experience being a mother, …

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#ItsPersonal III 90. Neha Sobti talks road blocks, love and books! 21:22

3y ago21:22

21:22

Neha Sobti drops by and chats with us about the many roadblocks in the current work that she does for schools and educators. Neha is an educator/admin/organizer/writer working out of New York City. Her work is rooted in a love for making change and moving the dial a little, each and every day in hopes of creating spaces that are equitable.Neha's wo…

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#ItsPersonal III 89. Rajani LaRocca shares childhood love for reading and family traditions 19:51

3y ago19:51

19:51

Rajani LaRocca was born in Bangalore, India, and immigrated to the U.S as a baby. She later spent her childhood in Louisville, Kentucky. On this podcast, Rajani shares what her day looks like as a primary care physician. Yup! She not only writes amazing books. She also has been taking care of humans as a physician since 2001!Rajani talks about fami…

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#ItsPersonal III 88. Amélie Wen Zhao shares family history, new reads and secret hobbies! 18:26

3y ago18:26

18:26

Amélie has always loved to write. Born in Paris and raised in a multicultural community in Beijing, Amélie has multiple identities that have made her who she is today.On this episode, Amélie talks about living in multiple places and how these communities have impacted her growth as a professional. She also shares what it means to be a financial pro…

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#ItsPersonal III 87. Dr. Sonja Cherry Paul shares education, daughter love and book recommendations! 35:56

3y ago35:56

35:56

I am not really sure what Dr. Sonja Cherry Paul can't do. I mean, not only is she an amazing person, she really has an awesome story and provides so much to the world. Her work focuses on anti-bias and anti-racist pedagogy. She develops a curriculum (Heinemann) for educators and schools. She's co-founder/facilitator of Institue for Racal Equity in …

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#ItsPersonal III 85. Brandy Colbert chats writing at a young age and high school! 23:34

3y ago23:34

23:34

Brandy is such a joy! During this podcast, the award-winning author chats about her early writing experiences growing up, and how it felt taking on a less traditional path in regards to her carreer. Brandy has writing a variety of books for young people. Her books have been chosen for many awards and placed in libraries around the world. But what e…

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#ItsPersonal III 86. Brittany K. Barnett shares grandma's influence, dinner time and a reading list! 19:06

3y ago19:06

19:06

Brittany K. Barnett is an attorney, author, and entrepreneur. Her memoir, A Knock at Midnight, was published by The Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, on September 8, 2020 (via website: https://www.brittanykbarnett.com/about)On ItsPersonalPodcast Brittany shares deep insights on her grandmother, and her influence on the fam…

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#ItsPersonal III 84. Remy Lai on her new book, childhood and hobbies! 29:40

3y ago29:40

29:40

Remy Lai is an author/illustrator for kids! She lives in Brisbane, Australia, where you can often find her exploring the woods with her two dogs, Poop-Roller and Bossy Boots!On this podcast you can listen to Remy talk about her childhood growing up in Singapore (Born in Indonesia). She also shares some of the ups and downs of being on more untradit…

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#ItsPersonal III 83. Lamar Giles shares his family history, past schooling and Black nerds 27:11

3y ago27:11

27:11

Lamar Giles writes for teens and adults across multiple genres, with work appearing on numerous Best Of lists each and every year. He is the author of the acclaimed novels Fake ID, Endangered, Overturned, Spin, The Last Last-Day-of-Summer, Not So Pure and Simple, and The Last Mirror on the Left as well as numerous pieces of short fiction. He is a f…

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#ItsPersonalPodcast III 82. Lisa Wool-Rim Sjöblom talks being an adoptee, Korean food and art! 25:25

3y ago25:25

25:25

Lisa Wool-Rim Sjöblom is a Swedish-Korean comic book artist-illustrator and graphic designer. Based in New Zealand, with her partner and two children.On this podcast, Lisa talks about the things she misses, family traditions, movies, and once giving up on art. Something I truly love about this chat is Lisa's perspective on motherhood and work. We t…

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#ItsPersonal III 81. Jarrett J. Krosoczka on being a dad, family pets and story behind Hey Kiddo! 41:49

3y ago41:49

41:49

Jarrett J. Krosoczka is the New York Times bestselling author/illustrator behind more than 40 books for young readers! (stole this from his website) And he's literally in millions of classrooms around the world. In this episode of #ItsPersonal, Jarrett chats about his love for being a dad and what that looks like during these unconventional times.O…

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#ItsPersonal III 80. Nidhi Chanani shares new hobbies, netflix movie and growing up an artist 23:05

3y ago23:05

23:05

Nidhi Chanani shares some exciting news about PASHMINA and how it will be created into a Netflix movie! She also talks about how it all went down!We also get to find out one of Nidhi's secret hobbies. I bet you can never guess? She now enjoys this more than ever and often shares it with her family and friends.Lastly, have you ever wondered how Nidh…

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#ItsPersonal III 79. Dapo Adeola explains his highs and lows with publishing, and so much more! 44:22

3y ago44:22

44:22

Dapo Adeola is a British–Nigerian illustrator. He's published a variety of books and has worked with a variety of authors. His work covers important topics such as stereotypes and race.On this podcast, Dapo shares it all. We take a trip down memory lane and talk about his road to creating books and sharing them with the world. He explains with grea…

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Garyrgrayjr Podcasts

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