The Takeback Podcast

The Takeback Podcast Welcome to The Takeback Podcast, where women of color creatives come together to inspire, empower, an

Hosted by Jess Pillay, an Indo-Fijian-American independent singer/songwriter, and Angelica De Anda, a Mexican-American licensed mental health counselor and singer, each episode explores and elevates the stories of women of color who are artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, writers, and more as they navigate and take back creative environments that weren't necessarily designed with them in mind. Visit thetakebackpodcast.com to learn more and join the creative revolution.

WE’VE MOVED TO YOUTUBE! 🎧📣Catch up on—or re-listen to—your favorite episodes  of The Takeback Podcast on our brand new Y...
12/30/2022

WE’VE MOVED TO YOUTUBE! 🎧📣

Catch up on—or re-listen to—your favorite episodes of The Takeback Podcast on our brand new YouTube channel!

We are in the process of transitioning away from all other listening platforms, but you can find all 14 episodes of our show in their new permanent home at: youtube.com/ (or just search The Takeback Podcast on YouTube).

Thank you again for all your support this season. We’re officially signing off, but we’ll still see you around! Be sure to follow us on our individual accounts if you don’t already:
Jess Pillay —
Angelica De Anda —

Happy New Year,
Jess and Angelica
+ Stephanie,
Sam, Dan, and Robin!

♥️♥️♥️

PLEASE READ!! Well, friends. It’s time. We are devastated to announce that we are ending . Our next episode (Episode 14)...
12/21/2022

PLEASE READ!!

Well, friends. It’s time. We are devastated to announce that we are ending . Our next episode (Episode 14) will be our FINAL EPISODE.

Many factors contributed to this outrageously difficult decision—which you can read more about by swiping through this post. But ultimately, we want to express our gratitude.

>To our incredible guests: THANK YOU for sharing your stories with us and trusting us to hold them. Thank you for being shining examples of what it means to TAKE BACK THE SYSTEM. All of you are incredible, and it was a true honor to get to meet and interview you.

>To our listeners: Whether you listened to a single episode or the entire season, THANK YOU for giving us a chance. There are over 2 million podcasts in the world, so the fact that you chose to spend any time with ours means a lot. We hope these stories moved, inspired, challenged, and empowered you.

>To our powerhouse team of volunteers: THANK YOU for giving your time, talents, and resources to bring this podcast to life! Words cannot express how much we love and appreciate each one of you.

>To our friends, families, and colleagues: THANK YOU for supporting us from the sidelines. We never would have made it this far without your support.

Our final episode will be available on Monday, December 26th. Please join us for this bittersweet conclusion to The Takeback Podcast, and keep an eye on this space for some final thoughts coming soon.

BTW: We aren’t going anywhere as far as our other creative projects go! will continue performing, recording, and processing life through song, and will continue empowering BIWOC through her mental health counseling services and content. Stay in touch with us by following our individual IG accounts if you don’t already. Let’s keep tearing down and taking back the system together!

In Solidarity,
Jess & Angelica

12/14/2022

Most of us have experienced professional or creative burnout—and so has Izzie Chea. In Episode 13, shares her experience with burnout, and how she learned to set boundaries for herself, her family, and her business in order to foster sustainability and balance. If you’ve overcome burnout (or are currently trying to overcome it), what are some strategies that have helped you? What steps can we take to prevent burnout, especially as women of color creatives?

12/12/2022

Dominican-Mexican-American content creator, music educator, storyteller, and mental health advocate joins us for Episode 13 of the Takeback Podcast! Izzie discusses how she transformed her piano teaching business into a mostly virtual learning format during the pandemic and gets super candid about her struggles with burnout as a Latina creative entrepreneur. She also talks about her ADHD diagnosis that she received as an adult and how she's utilized social media to empower herself and others who might be navigating similar issues or diagnoses. Check the episode out wherever you listen to podcasts, and let us know if Izzie’s story resonates with you!

11/30/2022

We asked .duncalfe.author if she noticed any intersections between her creative process as a writer and the racial justice/anti-racism work she does. She was delightfully candid and shared how she sometimes struggles with a “zero to 60” mentality. (We can completely relate!) But social justice work, like creative work, requires slow and steady persistence. Otherwise, we’re susceptible to discouragement, lack of motivation, and worse: burnout.

Do you struggle with the all-or-nothing mindset that Querida described in Episode 12? If so, please know that you are not a failure when times get tough. This work is hard! There will be roadblocks, naysayers, and moments when you might feel like giving up. But don’t. Every ounce of progress is…well, progress! You got this!

Listen now to Episode 12 of The Takeback Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

11/28/2022

What do pink flamingos, Oprah, daily naps, and Enneagram 6s have in common? You might need to listen to episode 12 to find out! In this week’s episode, author, podcaster, community activist, and blogger .duncalfe.author reflects on the parallels between her social justice work and her creative life. She also discusses the ups and downs of resilience, her nonlinear road to education, and the importance of balancing short term enthusiasm with long term effectiveness in community activism. Don’t forget to check out the links in our shownotes for resources shared by Querida in this week’s episode!

11/16/2022

For many creatives of color, it’s easy to feel chained to the idea of perfection. reminds us that none of us are perfect and that our superpower is in being vulnerable and showing our authentic selves through our creative work. Through true creative authenticity, we can foster community, especially with other creatives of color. If you haven’t listened to this week’s episode, we invite you to hear Katie’s journey of leaning into her authenticity, showing up in underrepresented spaces, and finding her community. Let us know your favorite part of Episode 11 in the comments below!

11/14/2022

In Episode 11, Honduran-born beauty blogger, YouTuber, and social worker shares how she shows up in underrepresented spaces, especially for the Latinx community. Katie, Jess, and Angelica discuss Katie’s many creative passions and how she uses social media, make-up, and blogging to encourage and build community with others. We hope this episode encourages, inspires, and empowers you in your own creative journey, especially in finding mentors and creating boundaries. Don’t forget to check out the links in our shownotes to see which BIWOC businesses and brands Katie recommends in this episode!

10/26/2022

Could there be any benefits to imposter syndrome? What if the uncertainty that comes with imposter syndrome actually offers us an opportunity for growth? In Episode 10, and ponder this idea, and explore how we might transform self-doubt into curiosity and receptivity.

10/24/2022

This week, the Takeback Podcast celebrates its 10th episode!! And what better way to celebrate this milestone than by discussing its all-too-common companion, imposter syndrome? If you’ve experienced imposter syndrome, you’re not alone. It’s a theme in almost all of our previous episodes, so we’re doing a deep dive into how it affects all of us, including women of color creatives. Join and as they discuss their experiences with imposter syndrome, and offer advice on how to fight back when it strikes. We hope these resources will inspire you to take back your creative confidence!

10/19/2022

We love this advice from Manuela Guillén in Episode 9 about the power of storytelling and the role that art can play in community building. It’s so easy to think about visual art as an individual or isolating creative pursuit, but is proof that one’s art journey can be wonderfully communal. Check out the episode now on your favorite podcast platform, and please be sure to support Manuela’s art! You can find information about her Etsy shop and her Patreon in our latest show notes. Thank you, Manuela, for sharing your story on our show!

10/17/2022

Our guest on Episode 9 is ! Manuela Guillén is a Latina freelance visual artist, art educator, and small business owner based in Philadelphia. In this episode, she discusses just how potent art can be in advocacy work, personal healing, and community building. Head on over to your favorite podcast platform (or use the link in our bio) to hear what she has to say about her favorite street art creation experiences, her artistic influences, and how she uses her art to create a safe space for people in her life. The episode is available wherever you get your podcasts. As always, don’t forget to give us a rating and review so that more people can discover this podcast!

Hello there! My name is Robin, and I’m happy to be joining The Takeback Podcast team as a copy editor.I’m a lifelong lov...
10/12/2022

Hello there! My name is Robin, and I’m happy to be joining The Takeback Podcast team as a copy editor.

I’m a lifelong lover of stories in all forms, and I’ve seen how stories affect change in ourselves and in the world. It’s vitally important that we attend to the stories of marginalized people—whose stories have too often gone unheard—which is why I love the vision of The Takeback Podcast, and the work it’s doing to amplify those voices.

Here are some fun facts about me:

1. I love playing video games, and have owned every Nintendo system since the SNES.
2. I’ve known for 12 years now! We both started work at the same office on the same day and quickly bonded over our shared nerdiness.
3. I adore The Lord of the Rings so much that I used to annually reread (consecutively!) The Silmarillion, The Hobbit, and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. It’s been a while since I’ve been able to do that, though. 😉
4. I love hiking, but I’ll never be an outdoorsman. I’m always the straggler at the back of the group.

09/28/2022

In episode 8 with , singer/songwriter Rani Weatherby zeros in on the importance of finding a balance between hustling to make music and prioritizing self-care–or as she puts it, the importance of taking time to “rest, recover, and reflect.” It can be difficult as women of color creatives to feel like “we have to be superwomen” and prove ourselves worthy, not just in our creative work but in life. We juggle so many responsibilities and are constantly thinking about how we are positioning ourselves in society–even on social media. We want to remind you that you belong in this space, and it’s okay to slow down!

09/26/2022

What do Prince, the Wellington Ukulele Orchestra in New Zealand, stand-up comedy, and a horse named Champagne Honeybee all have in common? You’ll have to listen to Episode 8 to find out! Join us as our special guest talks with and . There’s a lot packed into this episode, and we hope it encourages, inspires, and empowers you in your own creative journey. Be sure to check out Rani Weatherby’s music and check our shownotes for more resources and references from today’s episode!

Happy Friday! Have you listened to Episode 7 yet? We really love what  shared this week about curating one’s spaces–both...
09/16/2022

Happy Friday! Have you listened to Episode 7 yet? We really love what shared this week about curating one’s spaces–both literal spaces and online. With information and polarizing messages being thrown at us every second of every day, we couldn’t agree more with Sherry-Lynn on how essential it is for our creative health to be intentional about what we consume. A big part of curating our spaces also has to do with the company we keep. As creatives, we need fellow artists, teachers, role models, and mentors around who challenge, inspire, and encourage us to be our best.

As we reflect on our conversation with Sherry-Lynn, we invite you to join us in that process. Grab a notebook, swipe to the next slide, and take some time to write down your responses. If writing isn’t your jam, feel free to simply ponder the questions instead — or even discuss them with a friend or two.

Enjoying these reflection posts? Please share them with other creatives in your life who might benefit from them!

09/14/2022

The creative process can sometimes feel lonely — especially for BIPOC, who are severely underrepresented in mainstream creative spaces and media and don’t always have easy access to mentors and professionals who look like us. We really felt it when talked about not feeling seen or understood as a songwriter, and yet we’re so glad she pushed past her embarrassment and uncertainties and kept creating! If you’re a fellow creative, especially a WOC creative, and have ever felt the way Sherry-Lynn did, you’re not alone! Listen to this week’s episode to learn more about Sherry-Lynn’s journey of leaning into her creativity, taking risks and finding her community. We’ll also have some journal and reflection questions on Friday from this episode to help guide your reflection about your own creative journey and mentors you’ve had in your life!

09/12/2022

Our seventh episode is out now and features ! Sherry-Lynn is a powerhouse: formerly a data scientist in Silicon Valley, she now has a successful, multi-faceted creative career as a songwriter, vocalist, producer, mixer, and podcaster. In this episode, she tells us about her life growing up in Mauritius, recalls the songwriting contest that sparked her love for making music, and talks about the journey of leaving her high-paying tech job to pursue full-time creative work. She also reflects upon the surprising similarities between creating software and making music! Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and don’t forget to rate/review our show!

Happy Friday! As we reflect on this week’s episode with , we invite you to join us in that process. Grab a notebook, swi...
08/26/2022

Happy Friday! As we reflect on this week’s episode with , we invite you to join us in that process. Grab a notebook, swipe to the next slide, and take some time to write down your responses. If writing isn’t your jam, feel free to simply ponder the questions instead — or even discuss them with a friend or two.

Would you like more journal prompts like these? We’re developing some exclusive content and resources for our email subscribers, including journal and reflection prompts! Sign up today at thetakebackpodcast.com.

08/24/2022

Being a creative—especially a woman of color creative—is no easy feat. We often have so much on our plates, and sometimes, it’s easy to lose sight of the joy of creating. We love this advice from about always finding joy in our creative pursuits. As a bivocational professional, she has positioned herself in a way that allows her to continue finding joy in her writing. If you are a bivocational creative who struggles to find balance and joy, know that you are not alone. And don’t forget: your timeline is your own! Don’t let other people’s success or the rate at which they “make it” deter you from doing what you love. Keep going. Keep creating. Keep dreaming. Thanks, Chelsea, for this fantastic advice! 

Listen to Chelsea’s story in Episode 6–available wherever you get your podcasts.

08/22/2022

NEW EPISODE ALERT!! 🚨 We are beyond thrilled to bring you our inaugural guest interview episode featuring ! Chelsea is a Seattle-born, mixed race writer and CPA currently living on the east coast. In this episode, she talks with us about the challenges and joys of being a bivocational creative (and why she doesn’t have any foreseeable plans to quit her day job!), advises us on how to kick imposter syndrome to the curb, and tells us about some of her favorite authors, books, and music. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and don’t forget to rate/review our show!  

Believe it or not,  is doing podcast work here. (Yes, we’re serious. 😆) 🎸⚡️🎧 Tune in on Monday when episode 6 comes out ...
08/20/2022

Believe it or not, is doing podcast work here. (Yes, we’re serious. 😆) 🎸⚡️🎧 Tune in on Monday when episode 6 comes out to hear what he’s been up to!

08/10/2022

We love how connects therapy and storytelling in this week’s episode. As artists and creatives, we are storytellers. Therapy is a great tool that helps us find beauty and empowerment in our stories!

Hello! My name is Dan, and I’m excited to be joining The Takeback Podcast team as the new Project & Operations Manager.H...
08/09/2022

Hello! My name is Dan, and I’m excited to be joining The Takeback Podcast team as the new Project & Operations Manager.

Having worked in aerospace as a mechanical engineer, I regularly see the challenges that many professionals face in the STEM industry. I realize that many of these same challenges exist across various industries and creative spaces. I believe it is incredibly important to amplify stories and experiences of marginalized groups, and I am thrilled to help The Takeback Podcast carry out this vision.

Some random facts about me:

1. I played the trumpet on ’s “Telling You the Truth” 🎺 — despite not having touched a trumpet for nearly a decade. 😅
2. I am extremely good at Super Mario World on Super Nintendo. You’ll never beat me in a speed run. 🎮
3. I enjoy watching documentaries about ancient lost civilizations.
4. I like to tinker with mechanical stuff such as my square body suburban from the 80s.

08/08/2022

Episode 5 is here!! Picking up where Episode 4 left off, digs deeper into her family story and the legacy she dreams of leaving for her daughter. She also talks about the crossover between her creative work and her work as a therapist, her favorite self-care practices that she adopted during the pandemic, and gives tips on finding a therapist. Be sure to check out this week’s show notes on Spotify, Apple, Google, or wherever you listen to us to get a list of therapy directories and resource links mentioned in this episode.  

And, as always, please rate & review our show, DM us, or leave us a comment below to let us know what’s resonating with you! What did you find most helpful or relatable about this episode? We’d love to know.
 

The Takeback Team! We had a great meeting last night, where we talked about our podcasting strategy and brainstormed ide...
07/30/2022

The Takeback Team! We had a great meeting last night, where we talked about our podcasting strategy and brainstormed ideas for the future. It was so great to be together!

This quote is one of our favorite parts from episode 4; if you've already listened to it, what were some of your takeawa...
07/30/2022

This quote is one of our favorite parts from episode 4; if you've already listened to it, what were some of your takeaways?

Do people still do  ? We don’t know how social media works anymore. We’re out of touch millennials. 🤪 Regardless, here’s...
07/28/2022

Do people still do ? We don’t know how social media works anymore. We’re out of touch millennials. 🤪 Regardless, here’s an old pic of us at a music festival several summers ago. Seeing live music is one of our favorite things to do together! What’s something you love doing with your besties? Especially during the warm summer months? Tell us in the comments! 🎶☀️

07/27/2022

Happy Wednesday! To all of our listeners who are aspiring musicians: here’s some sage advice from and on the importance of practicing your instruments. Find out why they’re giving this advice in Episode 4, available wherever you listen to podcasts. If you’ve already listened, let us know — are you more of an Angelica or a Jess? Tell us in the comments!"

07/27/2022

Happy Wednesday! To all of our listeners who are aspiring musicians: here’s some sage advice from and on the importance of practicing your instruments. Find out why they’re giving this advice in Episode 4, available wherever you listen to podcasts. If you’ve already listened, let us know — are you more of an Angelica or a Jess? Tell us in the comments!

Address

Seattle, WA

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Takeback Podcast posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to The Takeback Podcast:

Videos

Share

Category