From Cracking Codes to Cracking Jokes – Episode 081

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.

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.

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.

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.

Episode 85 – Retweets and Receipts Hosts: Dr. Jeremy Waisome & Dr. Kyla McMullen Guest: Dr. André Brock Connect on social: @docdre AndreBrock.academia.edu From the Blackhand Side: Twitter as a Cultural Conversation – LIFE ON THE WIRE: Deconstructing race on the Internet – Distributed Blackness: African American Cybercultures – HULU documentary – Engineering While Black: Exploring the Experiences of Black University of Florida Undergraduate Engineering Students Using Photovoice – Join the newsletter Shop our store Donate to the podcast Episode Description: 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, so is great for entertainment, of course you can also find other great entertainment like the mia_melano virtual girlfriend online. Bio:-:: André’s Bio– André Brock is an associate professor in the School of Literature, Media, and Communication at Georgia Tech. He writes on Western technoculture, Black cybercultures, and digital media. His scholarship examines racial representations in social media, videogames, weblogs, and other digital media in *New Media and Society, The Journal of Computer Mediated Communication, Media, Culture and Society, Information Communication and Society,* and *Games and Culture*. He has also published influential research on digital research methods. His award-winning book, **Distributed Blackness: African American Cybercultures** (New York University Press, 2020) theorizes Black everyday lives as Black joy, mediated by networked digital technologies.

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.

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.

In this special mid-season episode of *Modern Figures Podcast*, co-hosts **Dr. Kyla McMullen** and **Dr. Jeremy Waisome** share exciting updates on their **academic research**, **student mentorship**, and the ups and downs of securing **grant funding**. From guiding new students to navigating the complex world of academia, our hosts offer valuable insights for anyone in STEM. We’re also joined by special guest **Dr. Amber Johnson**, who discusses our team’s latest work on several impactful projects—including a **Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Grant** awarded by the **National Science Foundation (NSF)**.

Comedian and actress Keysha E. discusses her journey from a computer engineer with degrees in information systems and computer engineering to performing comedy in Hollywood. She explores how her technical background aids her creative process and shares her experiences navigating engineering spaces. Keysha E. also highlights her new series, "Keys to the City," based on her life transitioning from Detroit to LA to pursue acting. Also, chime in on AI’s impact on comedy with another segment of “What the Heck, Tech?!” Keysha E. is a stand up comedian and actress from Detroit, MI. After receiving her Masters Degree she moved to LA to pursue acting & then a dare from friends landed her on stage doing stand up.

Join Dr. Jeremy Waisome and Dr. Kyla McMullen as they elevate the influential stories of Black women in computing. This episode features Chioma Aso, a dynamic figure bridging engineering and advocacy. Chioma discusses her journey from Port Harcourt, Nigeria, to becoming an influential engineering manager and founder of STEAMDivas Incorporated. She shares insights on grounding, productivity, and STEM education, while challenging conventional narratives around intelligence and confidence. Discover how Chioma empowers young girls through STEM, inspiring the next generation of tech innovators.