In this episode of KeyBARD, Thembi sits down with Broadway veteran, writer, composer, director, and educator Lee Summers for a powerful conversation about artistry, legacy, Black music, and intellectual property.

Lee made his Broadway debut in the original Broadway production of Dreamgirls, where he began studying what he calls “actor-proof” storytelling, which he describes as work that withstands changing casts and changing times. That early experience shaped a decades-long career spanning performance, writing, directing, and teaching.

His work highlights many genres of Black music, through his off-Broadway musical From My Hometown (now licensed across the U.S. and Canada -- bring it to your town!) to his funk-driven Broadway-bound project The Funkentine Rapture, to his tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, and so many more exciting projects.

He is also the creator of the album Soulriginals, a celebration of classic soul that reflects the musical DNA woven throughout his theatrical work.

• Learn more about Lee Summers and his work at his website
• Take a look at The Funkentine Rapture 
• Check out his album Soulriginals
• Follow Lee Summers on Instagram

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

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• Instagram: @Keybard_IG
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In this episode, Thembi sits down with Dr. Dan Miller, The Copyright Detective, for a timely and practical conversation about copyright, authorship, and the quickly emerging relevance of artificial intelligence. As AI tools become part of everyday creative workflows, Dr. Miller helps break down what creatives need to know to protect their work.

Dr. Miller explains what “copyrightability” actually means, the difference between AI-generated and AI-assisted content, why “fair use” is often misunderstood, and one important action that creators should take within 90 days of completing an artistic work.

Dan Miller, PhD is known as The Copyright Detective. With a background in higher education and years of experience working with authors, publishers, and creatives, Dan helps demystify copyright law and intellectual property, particularly as it intersects with emerging technology and AI. He is a frequent speaker, educator, and advocate for creators learning how to protect and enforce their rights in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Resources & Links

• The Copyright Detective: copyrightdetective.com
• U.S. Copyright Office
• The Authors Guild
• Plagiarism Today 

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

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• Instagram: @Keybard_IG
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This episode’s conversation is with Paige Hernandez, a critically acclaimed and award-winning  multidisciplinary creative whose work is rooted in inclusion, multicultural identities, youth development, and hip-hop culture. 

She’s a performer, director, choreographer, playwright, leader in the performing arts community, and just an all-out dope person!

Paige has traveled the world using performance as a tool of community-building, education, self-awareness, and joy for many different cultures.

In our conversation we talked about her artistic process, what it’s like to perform with her family members, how her identity informs her work, and what it means to be one of the most produced artists for Theatre for Young Audiences in the United States.

Learn more at Paige's Website

Purchase B-FLY Entertainment Gear

Connect with Paige on Facebook and Instagram

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

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• Instagram: @Keybard_IG
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Dr. Albert Bramante is a New York-based talent agent, psychology professor, certified hypnotist, and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) practitioner whose new book, Rise Above the Script, challenges actors to overcome imposter syndrome and self-sabotage.

Connect with Dr. Bramante:

• Albert Bramante's Instagram 
• Albert Bramante's Linked In
• Purchase Rise Above the Script

Mentioned: Grit by Angela Duckworth

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

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Host Thembi Duncan speaks with JT Dorsey, former professional soccer player and founder of the JT Dorsey Foundation, about how the game of soccer has become a powerful tool for guiding young people toward greatness.

Coach-Mentor JT shares how an elementary school teacher first introduced him to the sport, and how that moment evolved into a lifelong commitment to youth development. 

He reflects on lessons in discipline, fatherhood, and consistency, and how the Foundation’s programs create lasting change by helping young people grow in academics, character, and community engagement.

Learn more about the JT Dorsey Foundation here: https://www.jtdorsey.org/

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

• Spotify: Follow, Rate, and Share
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• Instagram: @Keybard_IG
• Facebook: The KeyBARD Podcast

In this episode, Thembi sits down with Dr. Julie Donley, a leadership coach, award-winning author, and behavioral health expert with nearly three decades of experience helping people lead with empathy and purpose.

Dr. Donley shares insights from her latest book and opens up about how leaders can balance empathy with accountability, manage emotional labor, and navigate the rise of AI in the workplace without losing the human touch.

Dr. Donley's Books

Leading at the Speed of People: Strategies for Success in a Fast-Paced World

Does Change Have to be so H.A.R.D.? Eight Strategies for Making Change Easier

The Journey called YOU: A Roadmap to Self-Discovery and Acceptance

Get in touch with Dr. Donley

Dr. Donley's Linked In Profile

Dr. Donley's Website

Dr. Donley's YouTube Channel 

Online Course: Leading at the Speed of People

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

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• Instagram: @Keybard_IG
• Facebook: The KeyBARD Podcast

In this episode of KeyBARD, Thembi sits down with Karen Saxon, music educator, performer, and co-founder of Ansari Saxon Productions. 

Karen shares:

• Why she “tripped into” teaching and what keeps her in the classroom.
• The biggest lesson she’s learned from her students after over 25 years of teaching.
• What authenticity means in her work and in her life.
• The role of representation in her journey, from seeing Kathleen Battle on stage to co-founding a Black woman–owned production company.
• What freedom means to her...

...and so much more!

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

• Spotify: Follow, Rate, and Share
• Apple Podcasts: Subscribe, Review, and Rate
• Instagram: @Keybard_IG
• Facebook: The KeyBARD Podcast

In this episode of KeyBARD, Thembi sits down with the brilliant and beloved Jefferson A. Russell, a powerhouse stage actor and resident company member of Everyman Theatre in Baltimore, MD, USA. Jefferson’s path has taken him from law enforcement to the footlights, and his reflections on joy, grief, resilience, and the evolution of his artistry are profoundly moving.

They discuss:

• How childhood experiences shaped his artistic lens
• Navigating the American theatre landscape
• August Wilson's impact on theatre and Black actors
• The founding and importance of Galvanize DC
• What it means to live your dream

...and so much more!

Click here to learn more about Jefferson A. Russell

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

• Spotify: Follow, Rate, and Share
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Host Thembi Duncan welcomes Victoria Forsman and Jessica Slayback, co-founders of The REALM (Redesigning Education and Living Meaningfully), a vibrant educational community in Santa Monica California that’s been changing the way kids learn for 15 years.

They share their inspiration for creating REALM and describe what it takes to create a thriving student-centered learning model in today’s world. They also cover:

• Why traditional school models fail so many kids (and adults)
• How Vicky and Jessie’s different life paths led them to a shared vision
• What it means to personalize learning for every student
• How The REALM balances structure, freedom, and innovation

...and so much more!

REALM Website: https://www.realmlearning.com/

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

• Spotify: Follow, Rate, and Share
• Apple Podcasts: Subscribe, Review, and Rate
• Instagram: @Keybard_IG
• Facebook: The KeyBARD Podcast

In this episode of KeyBARD, host Thembi Duncan talks with award-winning actor, director, and educator Deidra LaWan Starnes for an unfiltered conversation about her lifelong career in theatre. With honesty, humor, and heart, Deidra reflects on what it means to lead in the American theatre as a woman of faith.

We talk about:

• Her journey through the arts
• The role of her faith in her self-actualization and habits of mind
• The power of “getting ugly” onstage
• Navigating criticism and unfair reviews
• Mentorship, community, and the need for love and respect in the field

...and much more!

This conversation is for artists who are called to lead, creatives wrestling with ego and calling, and anyone learning to trust the voice within.

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

• Spotify: Follow, Rate, and Share
• Apple Podcasts: Subscribe, Review, and Rate
• Instagram: @Keybard_IG
• Facebook: The KeyBARD Podcast

Sharon Dunlevy shares her journey from special education to foster care advocacy, offering deep insights on trauma-informed education, caregiver collaboration, and what it takes to truly support vulnerable kids in school. We talk about:

• Why childhood trauma is a brain response, not just an event
• What teachers and schools often miss about foster care
• The importance of individualized education and inclusive classrooms
• How to build real, healing partnerships between educators and caregivers
• The emotional labor of advocacy and how she protects her well-being
• What gives her hope about the future of foster care and education reform

Sharon's Website

Free Manual: Improving the Educational Outcomes of Children in Foster Care

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

• Spotify: Follow, Rate, and Share
• Apple Podcasts: Subscribe, Review, and Rate
• Instagram: @Keybard_IG
• Facebook: The KeyBARD Podcast

In this episode of KeyBARD, Thembi sits down with William Hollis (or just “Hollis”), a self-taught software engineer, real estate investor, and now the founder and CEO of Raise AI, a platform using agentic artificial intelligence to revolutionize how capital is raised.

He talks about growing up in Hollis, Queens, and how his environment shaped not just his worldview but his work ethic. Hollis also shares how a DIY spirit, curiosity, and a whole lot of trial and error led him from taking apart his family’s first computer to leading a tech company that changes how real estate deals are made.

William Hollis' Website: https://williamhollis.com/

RAISE AI's Website: https://theraiseai.com/ai-agents

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

• Spotify: Follow, Rate, and Share
• Apple Podcasts: Subscribe, Review, and Rate
• Instagram: @Keybard_IG
• Facebook: The KeyBARD Podcast

In this episode, Thembi sits down with Warren Wilansky, founder and president of Plank, a digital agency with more than 25 years of experience designing meaningful, accessible, and story-driven websites.

Warren shares how his background in history and storytelling shaped his approach to ethical web design and how Plank has remained a trusted partner for organizations in the arts, higher education, and the nonprofit sector. 

Warren's Website: https://warrenwilansky.com/

Plank: https://plank.co/en/

Ethical Web Collective: https://ethicalwebcollective.plank.co/

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

• Spotify: Follow, Rate, and Share
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• Instagram: @Keybard_IG
• Facebook: The KeyBARD Podcast

In this episode of KeyBARD, I sit down with actor, director, and educator Fatima Quander, whose 20+ year career in theater is deeply rooted in research, collaboration, and cultural responsibility.

We talk about everything from her first spark of inspiration in a second-grade classroom closet to her current work, teaching and directing at the University of Maryland. 

Fatima shares how she approaches directing through an actor’s lens, how she creates joyful and intentional rehearsal spaces, and why centering Black women is not a choice, but a natural, necessary truth in her practice.

She reflects on her time with FRESHH Inc. Theatre Company, building community with Black girls and women, and why For Colored Girls belongs right alongside Shakespeare in the canon.

🔗 Learn more about Fatima's work: fatimaquander.com

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

• Spotify: Follow, Rate, and Share
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• Instagram: @Keybard_IG
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Part 2 of 2

Our discussion continues with actor, writer, and teaching artist J.J. Johnson taking us deeper into his creative process. 

He shares what it’s like to navigate the vulnerability, pressure, and freedom of creating a solo theatre piece, as well as the intensely collaborative nature of writing for film. 

He also reflects on the origins of Galvanize, a truly special network for Black theatricals in the DMV, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025. 

Connect with J.J.:

IG/Threads

Facebook

TikTok

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

• Spotify: Follow, Rate, and Share
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• Instagram: @Keybard_IG
• Facebook: The KeyBARD Podcast

In Part One of this two-part conversation, Thembi sits down with actor, writer, and teaching artist James J. Johnson, known to many as J.J.

He opens up about growing up as a quirky, intelligent, and imaginative kid in the small town of Front Royal, Virginia, and we dive into his earliest artistic influences, how humor became his tool for connection, the evolution of his creative process, and the semi-autobiographical play that brought his childhood friends to the theatre for the very first time. 

Connect with J.J.:

IG/Threads

Facebook

TikTok

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

• Spotify: Follow, Rate, and Share
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• Instagram: @Keybard_IG
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This episode of KeyBARD features Jared Redick, an award-winning, sought-after master teacher, choreographer, and coach whose leadership has shaped the global dance community. 

A third-generation ballet dancer, Jared blends a deep respect for classical traditions with an innovative approach to contemporary work. 

He currently serves as a full professor and Assistant Dean of Dance at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), one of the nation’s top conservatories.

Jared's Website

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

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Dr. Ilke Demir, Senior Staff Research Scientist, Intel

What makes us human in the age of artificial intelligence?

In this episode, Thembi speaks with Dr. Ilke Demir, a pioneering research scientist whose work explores the intersection of AI, digital integrity, and creative technology. 

From detecting deepfakes using biological signals to defending artists’ rights in an AI-saturated world, Dr. Demir offers a grounded, compelling perspective on authenticity, innovation, and the emotional labor of being a woman in STEM -- and much more!

Explore FaceCatcher

More on Dr. Demir

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

• Spotify: Follow, Rate, and Share
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• Instagram: @Keybard_IG
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Alan Sharpe, ACT

What does it take to build a theatrical legacy that centers the lives and truths of Black LGBTQIA+ folx? In this episode, Thembi sits down with prolific playwright, director, and founder of the African American Collective Theatre (ACT), Alan Sharpe, whose work spans decades of dedication to sharing the full range of Black queer experiences. 

• Alan's lifelong artistic journey
• Why Washington, D.C. is the setting for most of his work
• How he accidentally created one of the first Black web series
• Artists that influenced him and shaped his work
• How ACT has created community, mentorship, and visibility for generations of Black queer artists

Learn more about Alan Sharpe at https://alansharpe.org/.

Learn more about ACT at https://a-act.org/.

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

• Spotify: Follow, Rate, and Share
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• Instagram: @Keybard_IG
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Keta Newborn: A Life Rewritten Through Theatre

There are moments in life when everything seems set—the destination clear, the plan solid. And then, something unexpected happens, shifting everything we thought we knew. Today’s guest, Keta Newborn, knows this journey well.

After 12 years as a computer engineer, Keta faced a life-altering challenge that forced her to rethink everything. But rather than letting it define her, she found a new purpose—one rooted in storytelling, creativity, and the magic of live theatre.

In this episode, we discuss:
 🎭 The unexpected turn that led her from tech to theatre
 🙏 How faith and resilience shaped her artistic journey
 ✍🏾 The power of storytelling as a tool for healing and transformation

Grab Keta's book: So Emotional

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

• Spotify: Follow, Rate, and Share
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• Instagram: @Keybard_IG
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From Military Leadership to Instructional Design: Dr. Dwayne Wood on AI, Education, and Rethinking Grading

In this episode of KeyBARD, host Thembi Duncan interviews Dr. Dwayne Wood, an educator, instructional designer, and military veteran with over 22 years of experience in the U.S. Army. Now a leader in instructional design and curriculum development, Dr. Wood shares how his military background shaped his approach to education, leadership, and mentorship.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How military leadership naturally cultivates teaching skills
✅ Why Dr. Wood challenges traditional grading systems
✅ The role of AI in education and its impact on instructional design
✅ How discipline fuels innovation in learning and development
✅ Dr. Wood’s journey from the Army to instructional design

About Dr. Dwayne Wood:

Dr. Dwayne Wood is a distinguished educator, instructional designer, and curriculum developer who specializes in creating engaging learning experiences for adult learners. His expertise spans instructional design, AI in education, and innovative assessment strategies.

Learn about National University: https://www.nu.edu

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

• Spotify: Follow, Rate, and Share
• Apple Podcasts: Subscribe, Review, and Rate
• Instagram: @Keybard_IG
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In this episode, I sit down with acclaimed director and educator Eric Ruffin to explore the artistry, history, and purpose that fuel his work. We talk about his unexpected journey from actor, to Navy submariner, to visionary theatre director, and how his lived experiences have shaped the way he tells stories.

Eric shares his insights on:
 ✅ Theatre as a tool for visibility and healing
 ✅ The responsibility of Black artists in storytelling
 ✅ How directing is an act of love and transformation
 ✅ The power of bold design choices in theatrical worlds
 ✅ His dream of leading a theatre company that serves the community first

...and lots more! This was a rich, dynamic conversation about artistry, legacy, and how we shape culture through storytelling.

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

• Spotify: Follow, Rate, and Share
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• Instagram: @Keybard_IG
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What kind of art would you create if money was no object? What stories would you tell? 

It’s a powerful question, but in American theatre, too few artists ever get to explore it.  

In Part 2 of my conversation with actor/playwright Keith Hamilton Cobb, we unpack what it really takes to make meaningful work in an industry that often prioritizes profit over process. We discuss:

• Art Without Limits – What theatre could look like if artists had unlimited time, resources, and creative freedom
• Curiosity as a Radical Act – How deep inquiry and artistic risk-taking are becoming rarer in today’s cultural landscape
• Race, Representation, and Shakespeare – Insights from American Moor and Project Untitled on using Shakespeare's work to explore the complexities of the human condition
• Making Meaningful Work in a Profit-Driven Culture – How artists can push boundaries despite industry constraints

Learn more:

American Moor

Untitled Othello Project

Keith Hamilton Cobb's Website

Be sure to like, follow, and subscribe so you don't miss any new episodes!

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768 

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

• Spotify: Follow, Rate, and Share
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• Instagram: @Keybard_IG
• Facebook: The KeyBARD Podcast

In this episode I speak with award-winning actor and playwright Keith Hamilton Cobb, and this conversation was so rich that I had to split it into two parts. In part 1, we talk about Keith’s training and his early years as an actor. We get into a really nuanced conversation about the commercialization of acting, barriers that Black actors face on stage and on screen, and the ideal process for developing story and character in American theatre.

We also get into his groundbreaking play, American Moor, and the way he developed this piece to interrogate racism, power dynamics, and identity through the lens of a Black actor navigating an industry that prioritizes revenue over the authentic exploration of the nature of human beings.

Be sure to like, follow, and subscribe so you don't miss Part 2 or any other new episodes!

Learn more:

American Moor

Untitled Othello Project

Keith Hamilton Cobb's Website

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

• Spotify: Follow, Rate, and Share
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• Instagram: @Keybard_IG
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Thembi talks with Jose Moreno, Founder and CEO of Neulight, an ed-tech company leveraging AI to help K-12 educators support student success.

In this episode, we discuss:

✅ What it’s like to transition from streaming tech to education
✅ How AI can revolutionize student interventions
✅ The impact of leadership styles on company culture
✅ Bias in AI and strategies to mitigate it
✅ Why sitting all day might be worse than smoking (seriously!) 

Plus, Jose breaks down his vision for Neulight, a company tackling real problems in education while challenging the traditional startup hustle. 

Neulight Website – Try their free version of IntelliTier

Connect with Jose Moreno on LinkedIn

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

• Spotify: Follow, Rate, and Share
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• Instagram: @Keybard_IG
• Facebook: The KeyBARD Podcast

What in the world is a KeyBARD, anyway? In this episode, I sit down with my daughter Nadia to reflect on the first season of the pod and look ahead to Season 2. 

We get into the heart of why I started the podcast, from the joy of deep conversations with brilliant minds to the behind-the-scenes realities of producing an independent podcast.

Internal music by u_98o9hlkn7r on Pixabay (YouTube Content ID)

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

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S1. E20.

“There's always an aspect of joy, because otherwise, what's the point?”

In this episode, Thembi speaks with playwright, poet, and artistic leader Farah Lawal Harris about her journey as a breast cancer survivor and how her experiences have influenced her approach to storytelling, leadership, and wellness. Farah shares how the challenges she has faced, both personal and professional, have refined her as an artist and leader.

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

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The Power of Storytelling: Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich on Writing, Identity & Empowering Young Readers

“Story was just the foundation of my life.”

In this episode of KeyBARD, host Thembi Duncan speaks with award-winning author and educator Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, whose work explores themes of family, migration, and the rich storytelling traditions of the African diaspora. A Jamaican Nigerian New Yorker, Olugbemisola weaves her cultural identity into her writing, creating compelling children's literature that resonates with young readers.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How storytelling fosters empathy and empowerment
✅ Olugbemisola’s process for crafting authentic, emotionally rich characters
✅ The importance of cultural identity in children's literature
✅ How she taps into the emotional landscape of adolescence
✅ Why diverse storytelling matters in shaping young minds

About Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich:

Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich is a renowned author and educator whose books include Operation Sisterhood, Two Naomis, 8th Grade Superzero, Someday Is Now: Clara Luper and the 1958 Oklahoma City Sit-ins, Makeda Makes a Birthday Treat, You're Breaking My Heart, The Sun Does Shine, It Doesn't Take A Genius, Makeda Makes a Mountain, and many more! She is passionate about amplifying underrepresented voices and helping young readers connect with stories that reflect their experiences.

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

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In this episode of KeyBARD, Host Thembi Duncan sits down with Chad Harper, founder and CEO of Hip Hop Saves Lives, a social entrepreneurship that uses hip-hop as a tool for education, empowerment, and global connection. Chad shares his journey from Cleveland, Ohio to New York City, where he combined his passions for hip-hop and community service to create a curriculum that teaches humanity through hip-hop.

Learn more about Chad and his work with Hip Hop Saves Lives and check out the single I'm Just Like You on YouTube.

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

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S1. E17. "I wanted to write the roles that I wish somebody would write for me."

Thembi talks with Caleen Sinnette Jennings about her journey as an actor, director, playwright, educator, and arts leader, including her memories of being introduced to Shakespeare in an international school in Nigeria, her motivation for becoming a playwright, her creative process, and why she believes she is "an everlasting learner."

Caleen Sinnette Jennings has had seven plays published by Dramatic Publishing Company, and her play Classyass appears in 7 play anthologies.  She has been nominated for 5 Helen Hayes Awards and has won awards from The Actors’ Theatre of Louisville and the Kennedy Center.  Plays in her Queens Girl Trilogy have been produced nationally and her children’s play, Darius & Twig did a Kennedy Center national tour in 2017.  She is Professor of Theatre Emerita at American University where she taught theatre for 31 years. Jennings has been commissioned to write for The Kennedy Center, Arena Stage, Signature Theatre, Imagination Stage, Roundhouse Theatre, Everyman Theatre, and South Bend Civic Theatre. She has been a faculty member of the Folger Shakespeare Library’s Teaching Shakespeare Institute since 1994, and she is Senior Consultant to the Director of the Folger Shakespeare Library. 

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

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In this episode of KeyBARD, singer, poet, actor, and emcee W.Ellington Felton opens up about his artistic journey, creative process, and love for teaching. He talks with host Thembi Duncan about his vision for turning 50, the different eras of his work, and what it means to truly be free.

Introspective. Loquacious. Giving. Insightful. Passionate. Honest. Transparent. Artist. W.Ellington Felton has long been described as a renaissance man and a ranter of his own thoughts, but if you talk to him or see him perform, it may all make sense. 

He is a DC native and son of jazz pianist Hilton C. Felton Jr., and heavily influenced by his surroundings. Growing up in Washington, DC Wes was introduced to the Fine Arts early on. Equipped at The School Without Walls with a backpack of notebooks filled with poems and rhymes, he hit the pavement running quickly making a name for himself on BET’s “Teen Summit”. He went on to study acting at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. After returning from college he went on to teach and act for Arena Stage’s “Living Stage Theatre Company” while pursuing his music career. 

In 2000 he formed the Hip Hop Soul Group “The Crossrhodes” with R&B Crooner Raheem Devaughn. He has collaborated and shared the stage with artists like Chris Rock, Meshell N’Degeocello, Dionne Farris, Eric Roberson, Common, Dave Chappelle and many more. Still a DC Resident and Single Father he has taught Oratory workshops part-time for Ford’s Theatre’s Education Department . 

With a featured role in the film “Love Dot Com” on Prime and roles in the upcoming film “The Empty Walls” and ALLBLK Network’s Season 2 of “Hush” these are just reminders that passion, training and hard work pays off. 

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

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In this episode of KeyBARD, host Thembi Duncan sits down with Michael Lavine, a celebrated music director, performance coach, sheet music expert, and Broadway archivist. With a career spanning decades, Michael has worked with legends like Stephen Sondheim, John Kander, Adolph Green, Betty Comden, Craig Carnelia, Hugh Martin, and Sheldon Harnick.

Michael shares how his passion for collecting sheet music led him to amass one of the world’s largest private collections—a treasure trove of Broadway history. He also reflects on his global experiences teaching musical theater, offering insights into how the art form resonates across cultures.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How Michael built one of the largest private sheet music collections
✅ The importance of preserving Broadway’s musical history
✅ Behind-the-scenes stories from working with Broadway legends
✅ How musical theater connects cultures around the world
✅ The evolution of music direction, coaching, and performance

About Michael Lavine:

Michael Lavine is a renowned music director, conductor, performance coach, and archivist, known for his deep knowledge of Broadway history and sheet music preservation. He has worked with theater icons worldwide, helping performers refine their craft and bringing forgotten musical treasures back to life.

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

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Helynsia Brown: Leading with Purpose in Tech and Social Justice

In this episode of KeyBARD, host Thembi Duncan speaks with Helynsia Brown, a technology executive whose career spans the U.S. Air Force, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Women Donors Network.

With a deep commitment to service, purpose, and social justice, Helynsia shares how technology can drive equity and change. From her early days in the military to leading major cultural institutions, she provides insights into the intersection of tech, leadership, and advocacy.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How Helynsia’s military background shaped her tech career
✅ The role of technology in preserving cultural history
✅ How women and people of color are reshaping the tech industry
✅ Why social justice and purpose matter in leadership
✅ The impact of technology on philanthropy and advocacy

About Helynsia Brown:

Helynsia Brown is a technology executive and advocate with a career dedicated to leveraging tech for social good. She has led digital initiatives at major institutions and currently works with the Women Donors Network, driving innovation, equity, and systemic change.

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

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Sam Lewis: The Art of Theatrical & Film Design in a Tech-Driven World

In this episode of KeyBARD, host Thembi Duncan interviews Sam Lewis, an omni-media artist and designer whose innovative craftsmanship spans multiple artistic disciplines.

Sam reflects on his earliest memories of working with his hands, which ignited a lifelong passion for creating immersive visual experiences. He breaks down his process for theatrical set design—from the first script reading to the final build—and shares insights into the evolving world of film and stage production.

Plus, stick around for Sam’s thoughts on artificial intelligence and its impact on artists in today’s rapidly changing creative landscape.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How Sam Lewis developed his multidisciplinary artistic approach
✅ The step-by-step process of theatrical set design
✅ The intersection of craftsmanship, storytelling, and technology
✅ Sam’s take on AI’s influence on artists and creative industries
✅ The evolution of theater and film design in a digital era

About Sam Lewis:

Sam Lewis is a renowned artist and designer known for his work in theater, film, and multimedia art. His designs merge technical precision with creative storytelling, bringing visionary concepts to life.

Explore Sam’s work: https://madebysam.com/

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

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In this episode, multi-talented theatre artist Lynne Streeter Childress shares her journey through 30 years of working in professional theatre, focusing on her extensive work in theatre for young audiences (TYA).

Lynne Streeter Childress is a playwright, actor, teaching artist, singer, director, and the founder and artistic director of Building Better People Productions, an organization based in Annapolis, MD, that uses theatre-based shows, workshops and classes based in themes of empathy, kindness, respect and the things that make us all better people.  

This is her 30th year in professional theatre, with much of that experience in theatre for young audiences.

This includes performing at the Kennedy Center, Arena Stage and Adventure Theatre, and teaching for institutions like the Folger Shakespeare Library, Everyman Theatre, and Baltimore School for the Arts. 

Through all those experiences, Lynne has seen firsthand how theatre can communicate the most important things in the clearest and most interesting of ways, especially to young people. 

Lynne is on the Arts In Education roster for the Maryland States Arts Council and the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County, and through Building Better People Productions, has worked with students served by the Arlington (VA) Humanities Project, Arts Every Day, and the Howard County Arts Council. 

Lynne, along with fellow teaching artists Khaleshia Thorpe-Price and Jennifer Ridgway, facilitates Empathy Works, a program that helps organizations discover how empathetic thinking can change their company for the better.

Contact Lynne for bookings or get involved with Better People Productions at https://bbpproductions.com/.

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

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In this episode, Dr. Roy Clariana describes his journey from the Peace Corps, through corporate training, and into academia, where he's been a tenured professor in Learning Design and Technology at Penn State University since 1997.

His recently completed 5-year National Science Foundation research project with colleague Ping Li examined how the implicit concept structure of texts influences fMRI brain patterns of activation and eye-track fixations of sixth graders and of adults when reading.

Roy’s current 3-year NSF project has developed a browser-based free open-education resource writing tool called Graphical Interface of Knowledge Structure (GIKS), that provides students with immediate knowledge structure network feedback of their writing. GIKS is designed to be used both for in-class writing activities to support lecture/discussion and is also appropriate for out-of-class time writing. 

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

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S1.E10.

Thembi talks with brilliant playwright, poet, screenwriter, director, and cultural worker Goldie Patrick about the cities and cultures that shaped her identity and artistry, her innovative theatre projects, and her belief that Black liberation begins with Black womxn and girls. 

This dynamic conversation also covers Goldie's hip-hop pedagogy, how she encourages vulnerability in her work, and her thoughts on the broader implications of the Kendrick Lamar/Drake rivalry.

For over 20 years Goldie E. Patrick has been passionately working, living, and building artistic collaborations in theatre. A graduate of Howard University (BFA) and Columbia University (MFA-Playwriting), Goldie is actively working in writer's rooms and developing new works, while serving as the Director of Grants and Programming at the Dramatist Guild Foundation. 

Goldie has a unique skill in imagining and interrogating the world of the characters and the play through her "triple threat" skills and experience as a cultural worker, writer, and director. With a zealous approach to developing and collaborating, Goldie has cultivated a vast, culturally inclusive lens and praxis to her work.  

Working thoughtfully as a playwright and television writer, and director to model past contributions to the canon of works that illuminate the Black experience while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of form, style, and aesthetic.  The unique intersection of her  work as a writer, director and  cultural worker is indicative of her holistic approach to her writing.

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

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S1.E9.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Giani Clarkson joins Thembi to discuss his journey as an educator, the importance of mentorship and cultural representation in education, his approach to teaching civic engagement, and he even lets us in on which Abbott Elementary character that he most identifies with.

Dr. Giani Clarkson is a proud graduate of Dillard University and received his master's and doctorate from Concordia University. Clarkson is a chemist in the classroom, converting ungenerous personalities into individuals of great worth. Programs he has pioneered in District of Columbia Public Schools and Public Charter Schools have boosted test scores across the district and helped guide students to college and beyond. 

His mantra is simple: Every child deserves a chance to build the blueprint for their dreams and make it a reality. This message is consistent with his teaching style: pushing the envelope of conventional thinking and providing lesson plans that are relevant, and challenging, but as he says all the time..." learning covered in fun". 

He has been recognized by numerous organizations for innovations in teaching and mentoring children in civic engagement which includes community service and presenting policies to local government officials.

Clarkson also mentors 1st-year teachers through various programs at local universities. He has served as an adjunct professor at Coppin State University and the University of Maryland. Due to his expertise in the field of education and numerous accomplishments, Clarkson is now a featured editorial writer for the Dallas Weekly and several other papers across the country. 

He has won multiple awards from iCivics for excellence in social studies teaching, three Teacher of The Year awards, and won the first-ever Michelle Obama Award from the I Believe Project for excellence in teaching students about civic duties in connection to the importance of registering to vote. 

He has been selected as a Ford’s Theatre National Oratory Fellow for the past ten years. The Oratory Fellows Program gives teachers the opportunity to teach social advocacy through the power of oratory and history. Clarkson has presented on various occasions on behalf of Ford’s Theatre - discussing police brutality and gun violence. Clarkson has won Ford’s Theatre Lincoln Lead Teacher Award for his work with youth and social activism. In addition, Clarkson has recently been named a Board of Trustee Member at Ford’s Theatre. "What is important is to empower students no matter where they are from, love them through adversity, and celebrate their success." 

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

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S1.E8.

Thembi takes a deep dive into MicroSims, systems thinking, generative artificial intelligence (AI), and so much more with Dan McCreary, an AI strategist that works as head of AI for TigerGraph.

In the past, Dan worked as a VLSI circuit designer at Bell Labs and with the creators of the UNIX operating system.  He worked with Steve Jobs at NeXT Computer, and founded his own consulting firm with over 75 employees. 

His background includes topics such as scale-out enterprise knowledge graphs, high performance computing and advanced databases to support AI.  While at a healthcare company he helped create the world's largest knowledge graph. 

He is the co-author of the book "Making Sense of NoSQL" and is a frequent blogger on AI strategy.  He has been closely following the growth of knowledge graphs and generative AI. He is a huge fan of ChatGPT.

Connect with Dan on LinkedIn and read his blog on Medium, where he writes about Generative AI Strategy, knowledge graphs, software architecture, systems thinking, and storytelling.

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

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S1.E7.

For this special episode of KeyBARD, Thembi talks with the multifaceted community advocate, consultant, and educator Wil Green II. With over 28 years of experience in education and youth development, Wil brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to this dynamic conversation. 

Wil talks about the city that made him, Buffalo, NY, and the way he advocates for marginalized groups and amplifies the voices of the unheard.

He is the owner and operator of Tremani Solutions, LLC, an educational consulting company dedicated to building cultural and racial literacy and addressing conflicts within schools.

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

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S1.E6.

In this episode, Thembi is joined by award-winning choreographer, director and performing artist, Naila Ansari, who shares her journey from the world of dance to her work as an academic and archivist.

We talk about some of her groundbreaking projects including The Movement of Joy, in which she archives the Joy of Black women, challenging dominant narratives and celebrating resilience.

Naila also discusses her innovative work in exploring the subversion of gender norms and interrogating the near absence of Black women in academia.

Naila Ansari is a SUNY Buffalo State University Assistant Professor in Theater and Africana Studies. She recently served as a choreographer for Black Roots Summer, recognized for "Best Theater" by The New York Times, and was praised by Broadway World for her directing and choreography of her adaptation of Shea’s Performing Arts Center's first produced show, Once On This Island. 

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

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S1.E5.

Arts and culture visionary Michael J. Bobbitt joins Thembi this week to discuss the pressing need for systemic change in the arts sector. In his role as Executive Director of Mass Cultural Council, Michael "walks the walk" and consistently implements innovation and sparks paradigm shift in the agency.

In this rich discussion, Michael also talks about the double-edged sword of grantmaking, the challenges of change management, and what the arts sector must do to survive.

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

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S1.E4.

Award-winning South African playwright/director Nwabisa Plaatjie shares gems from her artistic journey as a theatre maker from a long line of storytellers.

From her groundbreaking work in Cape Town to her roots in rural South Africa, Nwabisa shares how she's reshaping cultural narratives, fostering community connections, and redefining self-care.

Nwabisa Plaatjie is an independent producer, theatre-maker, and director based in Cape Town, South Africa. She holds an MA in Theatre and Performance from the University of Cape Town, and her practice draws from traditional oral storytelling practices to create plays that challenge systemic discrimination in the theatre sector.

Her artistic prowess and leadership have been recognized through various special grants and commissions and support the creation of nine original pieces, with two touring internationally.  

Her latest play, Ziyana, was created through the support of the International Network For Contemporary Performing Arts’ Local Journeys for Change, Georgetown University’s Laboratory for Global Performance and Politics, where she was a Global Fellow, as well the Institute of Creative Arts, and encouraged her to make various contributions in the National Theatre and Dance Policy “Breathing New Vision into Theatre and Dance in South Africa.”

Nwabisa is devoted to stories, people, and culture. She is an alumna of the Mandela Washington Fellowship [2020/21], an IETM Global connector [2022] and an ISPA Global fellow [2022 and 2023 cohort].

From 2018 to October 2022, she coordinated and curated the Baxter’s Masambe Theatre, driving its relaunch as a space for performance, collaboration, mentorship, and networking.

In 2023 she launched her “An artist is made” project, celebrating community and recognizing the role of social and cultural capital in our creative journeys. The project was funded by the National Arts Council and included plays, workshops, an archiving project, and community building platforms. 

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

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S1.E3.

Step into the world of playwright, director, and actor Psalmayene 24 as he shares insights into his unique creative process and the powerful themes that define his theatrical body of work.

We explore his seminal hip-hop theatre piece Free Jujube Brown!, discuss his reimagining of an iconic historical interaction between Richard Wright and James Baldwin in Les Deux Noirs, and reflect of several other dynamic works that he has written, directed, or performed in throughout his career. 

Don't miss this conversation about the essence of creativity, the exploration of identity, and the profound responsibility that artists bear in shaping our cultural landscape.

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

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Imagine an education system with no grade levels -- or no grades at all! Imagine schools where students advance based on their mastery of the material, not just the passage of time. This is personalized, competency-based learning.

This week’s guest is Charles Reigeluth, Ph.D., an award-winning, internationally renowned author, scholar, and social scientist who has championed a transformative paradigm shift in American education for over 40 years.

In this episode, Dr. Reigeluth explains the revolutionary concept of competency-based learning and its potential to transform the landscape of American education.

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

Listen and Connect:

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Join host Thembi Duncan as she sits down for the very first episode of KeyBARD with Ayesis Clay, a distinguished educator, theatre practitioner, and nationally sought-after keynote speaker.

Ayesis shares her insights on the creative process, working with incarcerated youth, the biggest challenges of the US education system, and her unique approach to professional development, the Reignite Leadership Mastermind and School Development Series.  

Educators, artists, and other smart people will enjoy this thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between the arts, education, and social impact!

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan, a theater artist, educator, and tech enthusiast exploring the intersections of art, education, and technology through conversations with creative thinkers.

Theme music by Sycho Sid.

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