We're getting trauma-informed on today's episode as we talk with Shianne Kennedy, an artist, model, and current barista; Savannah's been her home base for about three years now, and she's got quite some stories to tell. Don and Shi talk growth in the face of adversity throughout her life- from her experiences growing up in a low income military family in Jacksonville, to venturing out as an adult, to the struggles she faces now and how she continues to overcome. They explore how trauma affects the expression of masculine and feminine in our lives, and how these attitudes influence Shi's artistic alter ego as Kennedy. Her partner Moo weighs in for a few extra stories too.
YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6qbZkGNIPL5Psz-YzjU2dfSlPxKHD57i
We're taking a quick trip across the sea in today's episode as Don speaks to Svetlana Kurkalova, an American-born Russian, freelance illustrator, and creator of autobiographical Webtoon Diary of a Russian-American. The two talk all things Russian culture and its differences to American life, each with unique perspectives. They also share how each approaches world language and culture as a whole, including Svet's personal approach to the tumultuous Russian political landscape. You can read the Diary at https://www.webtoons.com/en/challenge/diary-of-a-russian-american/list?title_no=448143 and see her full portfolio at svetlanakurkalova.squarespace.com.
YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6qbZkGNIPL5Psz-YzjU2dfSlPxKHD57i
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/donvphoenix
In today's episode, Don interviews a fellow creative, Tamara Isaak-Harrington, who's done it all: SCAD grad, painting instructor, local musician, and now published illustrator of Fishing in the Rain. Together, they discuss the perpetual nature of the creative process, her strategies for finding inspiration and keeping motivation, and the projects she's been most excited about lately. Tamara also discusses her upbringing as a Russian adoptee and how she's redefined family for herself along the way.
See more of Tamara's work at www.isaakharrington.com and buy the book at www.fishingintherain.net
YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6qbZkGNIPL5Psz-YzjU2dfSlPxKHD57i
We're getting a lot smarter on today's episode as Donovan interviews Lydia Kapp, a writer, actress, and well-rounded academic. Coming from a diverse theater, humanities, and linguistics background and pursuing an MA in humanities at Ralston College, the two discuss all types of stories and their cultural significance across time, plus what they reveal about the human experience as a whole. She shares her studies of world religions as historical texts and how they impact her world outlook. And later, both Don and Lydia get personal about their spiritual journeys.
You can follow Lydia's work on her IG and Twitter @tallkapp.
YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6qbZkGNIPL5Psz-YzjU2dfSlPxKHD57i
Things are about to get controversial in today's episode as Donovan brings in his longtime friends and fellow hospitality employees Isaac, Ty, and Laine. The subject: critiques of our socioeconomic climate, discussing what practices could best replace the system, and the human factors involved in doing so from their perspectives. Ty discusses the injustices he witnessed working in a fish processing plant in remote Alaska, while Isaac and Laine deep-dive into how language influences our values and why Isaac believes everyone needs to be learning Greek. We'll also discover if our gang is truly down with Birds Aren't Real, and argue who'd really be first to push the red button if the US ever went to nuclear war.
YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6qbZkGNIPL5Psz-YzjU2dfSlPxKHD57i
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/donvphoenix
So nice we talked to him twice. In today's episode, we bring back Shakur for a second, even more gripping conversation-- even our beloved sound tech Abby weighs in. That's right, it's conspiracy time. What's hiding under the miles of undiscovered ocean? Why did the Germans build a secret base in the Arctic during WWII? Did a ghost really attack Shakur's friend in the woods? But before that, we cap off our previous conversation with some asides on family dynamics and ✨toys✨
YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6qbZkGNIPL5Psz-YzjU2dfSlPxKHD57i
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/donvphoenix
Just what the hell is a "U-Haul lesbian", anyway? In the christening pilot of Humans of Savannah, Donovan sits down with Shakur Heidelberg, an ex-Army turned Savannah bartender and entrepreneur. With his military background, Shakur has traveled around the world quite a few times...and with it seen his fair share of the dating pool. We find out what exactly about modern dating he loves and hates plus the dealbreaker of his near-miss engagement. And later, as conversation gets spicy, our sound tech gives both our cohosts a culture lesson.
YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6qbZkGNIPL5Psz-YzjU2dfSlPxKHD57i
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/donvphoenix