This month, our theme is GUTS, and we're talking to the incredible Monèt Noelle Marshall!
Monèt Noelle Marshall is a visionary artist, cultural strategist, and storyteller whose work spans theater, film, public art, and even meditation. Monèt is the Founding Artistic Director of MOJOAA Performing Arts Company, where she amplifies Black playwrights and creates immersive works that challenge us to think deeply about identity, race, and belonging.
Her work has gained national attention, including a feature in Gucci’s Chime for Change zine in collaboration with the African American Policy Forum, where she used storytelling to elevate critical social justice issues. She’s also the writer behind a deeply resonant meditation for Black women that has garnered over 100,000 views on YouTube, creating a healing space for listeners to reconnect with themselves and their power.
Whether through directing award-winning projects like Escape to Freedom or co-founding initiatives like Grounded Possibilities, Monèt’s work is a masterclass in using art to inspire change. She’s here to share her insights, her journey, and how she’s shaping a world where art and justice go hand in hand.
00:00:00 - Introduction and Welcome
00:00:19 - Hosts Introduction
00:00:30 - MTG Podcast Overview
00:00:41 - Today's Topic: Guts
00:00:59 - Priscilla's New Collaboration
00:01:29 - Defining Guts
00:02:20 - Guest Introduction: Monáe Noel Marshall
00:03:47 - Monáe's Artistic Journey
00:04:27 - Art as a Tool for Social Change
00:05:41 - Balancing Beauty and Impact in Art
00:06:13 - Monáe's Personal Truths and Storytelling
00:08:07 - Creating Art for Community
00:09:42 - Founding M-O-J-O-A-A Performing Arts Company
00:11:22 - Living and Creating Art in the South
00:12:40 - Meditation for Black Women
00:15:04 - Impact of Monáe's Meditation
00:18:06 - Desired Impact of Art
00:21:04 - Art as Matchmaking and Connection
00:22:07 - Art as Evidence of Culture
00:24:10 - Immersive Art Experiences
00:28:41 - Audience Impact Stories
00:30:31 - Capitalism and Art
00:31:01 - Intergenerational Conversations
00:33:18 - Influence on Younger Generations
00:36:04 - Middle School Challenges
00:37:03 - Challenging and Pushing Boundaries
00:37:45 - Seasonal Nature of Courage
00:38:55 - Optimism for the Future
00:40:25 - Where to Find Monáe Noel Marshall
00:41:23 - Closing Remarks and Call to Action
FOLLOW MONET:
IG & Threads: @monetisart
Linkedin: Monet Noelle Marshall
FOLLOW MTG:
www.mtgthepodcast.com
facebook.com/mtgthepodcast
instagram.com/mtgthepodcast
CO-HOSTS IG: @octanedesigns / @bougienursebabe / @getsillycreative