エピソード

  • What we wish we knew before becoming Faculty – Episode 089
    2025/08/25
    At the conclusion of Season 6 - we’re at a crossroads and it’s…a lot. Jeremy and Kyla pull back the curtain on the raw, real struggles of life as faculty—juggling the impossible trifecta of research, teaching, and endless service. In another installation of the Black-ademic series, they don’t sugarcoat the burnout, boundary battles, or the constant hustle to keep academia from swallowing you whole. This episode dives deep into their personal wins and failures, revealing the hidden costs of “success” in higher education. Along the way, they celebrate the game-changing voices they’ve featured this season and reflect on powerful moments from the Podcast Summit and upcoming conferences. If you think academia is just about books and lectures, think again. This is about community, mentorship, and fighting to find real meaning in a system built to wear you down.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 17 分
  • Felecia, Uninterrupted – Episode 088
    2025/08/11
    Felecia Hatcher joins Kyla and Jeremy to share her inspiring journey from a diverse career in experiential marketing to becoming the CEO of Pharrell Williams' Black Ambition Opportunity Incorporated. Felecia discusses the importance of challenging traditional educational paths, her passion for empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs, and building resilience through innovation. Her candid reflections highlight the significance of pursuing dreams despite obstacles, fostering inclusive innovation, and leveraging unique opportunities for those with world-bending ideas. Discover Felecia's insights on breaking barriers and building a legacy for future entrepreneurs.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 19 分
  • Jumping into the Deep End – Episode 087
    2025/07/28
    Join Jeremy and Kyla as they engage with Dr. Quincy K. Brown, an influential figure in STEM policy and education. Quincy shares her inspiring journey from growing up in the Bronx to becoming an established expert in computer science and policy. Learn about her transitions from academia to policy-making, her work in the White House, and her venture into entrepreneurship with Futures and Innovation. Explore how community, education, and perseverance have shaped her path and the impact she continues to have on future generations in STEM.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 34 分
  • She Did It First – Episode 086
    2025/07/14
    Dr. Sandra K. Johnson made history as the first Black woman to earn a PhD in computer engineering — and she’s just getting started. In this inspiring conversation, she joins hosts Kyla and Jeremy to share her journey from Louisiana to IBM, her leap into fintech and venture capital, and how she's empowering the next generation of African diaspora entrepreneurs. Tune in for insights on resilience, innovation, and thriving in spaces where few have gone before.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 41 分
  • Retweets and Receipts – Episode 085
    2025/06/30
    This week, Kyla and Jeremy are joined by the brilliant and hilarious Dr. André Brock, Associate Professor at Georgia Tech and certified expert in all things digital culture. They dive into how Black communities—especially Black women—have shaped the online world, from memes to movements. Dr. Brock breaks down the magic of “distributed Blackness,” why African American rhetoric matters in tech, and how the internet just wouldn't be the same without a little (okay, a lot of) Black excellence. It’s smart, it’s funny, and it might just change the way you see your timeline. Tune in for hot takes, real talk, and maybe a few tweets worth quoting.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 18 分
  • Drawn To Greatness – Episode 084
    2025/06/16
    In this episode, the multitalented, multifaceted Deborah A. Anderson, dives into the nuances of balancing roles as an academic, animator, and influencer, emphasizing the importance of representation and access to animation careers for Black and brown communities. The discussion unfolds around her creation of Black Women Animator, aiming to demystify the animation industry for aspiring creatives. Deborah’s insights on the impact of technology and AI on animation underline the critical intersection of art, culture, and innovation.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 18 分
  • Buck Bottom to Top of the Academic Ladder – Episode 083
    2025/06/02
    In this inspiring episode of Modern Figures Podcast, hosts Kyla McMullen and Jeremy Waisome sit down with Dr. Cheryl D. Seals, the Charles E. Barkley Professor of Computer Science and Software Engineering at Auburn University. From her early days in Louisiana to becoming a powerhouse in user experience, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence, Dr. Seals shares the pivotal moments that shaped her path in tech.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 18 分
  • Research as an Act of Resistance – Episode 082
    2025/05/19
    Our esteemed hosts, Dr. Kyla McMullen and Dr. Jeremy Waisome, check in for some mid-season updates in their academic and research endeavors, including mentoring new students and navigating grant funding challenges. Special guest Dr. Amber Johnson pops in to share our involvement in various projects, including a Small Business and Research Grant from the NSF. Don’t miss this episode because we discuss travel grants and opportunities to become a Modern Figures Influencer! BONUS: Stick around for an important update at the end of the episode.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 28 分