Antonisia “Nisi” Collins takes center stage as Pinocchio in Children’s Theatre Company’s production of the classic story, but playing the curious wooden boy has taught the actor a few things, too.

Collins joins host Sheree R. Curry on This Conversation Matters to talk about drawing inspiration from her 7-year-old brother, growing from CTC apprentice to company member, the physical challenge of becoming a wooden puppet and what Pinocchio can teach both children and adults about making mistakes.

“I can make that mistake, and I can move on from it,” Collins says of a lesson she is taking from the character.

And what should audiences watch for in Pinocchio? Collins offers one tease: “Maybe people fly. Maybe. Who knows?”

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Show Format
• 04:20 Early Career and Role in Pinocchio
• 08:02 Personal Inspiration for Pinocchio Role
• 09:53 Childhood and Early Acting Experience
• 12:53 Interpretation of Pinocchio Story
• 13:42 Personal Growth and Career Insights
• 14:47 Advice for Working with Children
• 15:44 Roles and Insights from Various Characters
• 18:41 Preparation and Post-Show Routine
• 23:47 Office Job and Career Goals
• 27:41 Broadway Musicals and Acting Advice

Originally airing on Power 104.7 FM in St. Paul, Minnesota, This Conversation Matters explores the people, ideas and issues shaping our communities.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch on YouTube at @ShereeCurryMedia.

#Pinocchio #AntonisiaCollins #ChildrensTheatreCompany #Theater #ThisConversationMatters

The U.S. Latino economy is now a $4.4 trillion economic force. So why do companies still underestimate Latino consumers and their influence?

For Hispanic Heritage Month, Multicultural marketing expert Liz Castells-Heard, CEO and chief strategy officer of Infusion by Castells, joins journalist Sheree R. Curry to talk about the growing economic power Latinos, wealth building and why cultural fluency matters in business.

They also discuss homeownership and investing, entrepreneurship, the wealth gap, immigrant resilience and how companies can better understand the increasingly multicultural consumers they serve.

Listen to This Conversation Matters wherever you get your podcasts, or watch on YouTube at @ShereeCurryMedia. This Conversation Matters originally airs on Power 104.7 FM in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 03:14 Multicultural Marketing
• 08:15 Starting a Radio Show
• 09:11 Career Journey and Multicultural Marketing
• 16:24 Diversity in the Workplace
• 22:20 Latino Wealth Gap
• 29:33 Wealth Building and Trust in Financial Institutions
• 32:17 The Mobility Gap and Family Support
• 36:21 Advice for Building Wealth and Assets
• 41:49 Accessing Resources and Networks for Wealth Building
• 47:45 Personal Journey and Overcoming Challenges

About This Conversation Matters: This Conversation Matters is a weekly show about the social issues shaping our communities, from race and inequality to justice, economic opportunity and overall well-being. Each week, journalist Sheree R. Curry speaks with experts and people with lived experience to help you better understand why these issues matter in our lives.

#HispanicHeritageMonth #ThisConversationMatters

Andrea Jenkins spent eight years representing Ward 8 on the Minneapolis City Council, including serving as City Council president. In this episode of This Conversation Matters, she joins host Sheree R. Curry to talk about the experiences that shaped her political leadership, the changing face of representation and why voting and local government matter.

Jenkins also reflects on making history as the first Black openly transgender woman elected to public office in the United States.

And if you think one vote can't make a difference, Jenkins has a compelling example: She won her final City Council race by just 38 votes.

Listen on YouTube @ShereeCurryMedia or wherever you get your podcasts. This Conversation Matters originally airs on Power 104.7 FM in St. Paul, Minnesota.