I See What You Mean with April Kae

After three seasons and interviewing dozens of creatives, this is the last episode that I will be releasing, at least for now. In this episode, I share the real story behind my viral video and all the things behind the scenes that I had never talked about before. Let's get into it!01:48 • Steps To Going Viral12:09 • Create Without Burning Out22:10 • How To Get Management27:10 • What's Next For MeMeet the team!Host + Producer: https://www.instagram.com/aprilkae/Assistant Producer: https://www.instagram.com/jalena.nyc/

“You'll never find freedom trying to be understood by someone else.”How many of your life choices are based on the perception of others? Today I'm talking with Annika Hansteen-Izora, an art director, designer, and author. Talking all about self-indulgence, dreaming, and pacing your creative projects—this episode left me speechless and inspired.00:56 •  Are You Understood?08:17 • Resources for Creatives19:18 • What Really Is Tenderness?27:26 • Reimagining Social Media35:14 • The Meaning Behind Your DreamsFollow Annika on IG: https://www.instagram.com/annika.izora/Follow the show: instagram.com/iseewhatyoumean.coGet weekly creativity tips: iseewhatyoumean.co Meet the team! Host + Producer: instagram.com/aprilkae.nyc Assistant Producer: instagram.com/jalena.nyc

What is one universal career tip you would tell your younger self? Today I'm chatting with Jen Winston about her best piece of advice for new writers and creatives. Jen is a creative director and writer working at the intersection of sex, technology, and pop culture. Celebrating the release of her new book, Greedy, we cover it all from liberation to burnout and boundaries.00:44 •  Liberation From Introspection11:28 •  Coping With Burnout17:22 •  Advice for Writers26:34 •  Side Hustle and Day Jobs31:49 •  Intimacy and BoundariesFollow Jen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/jenerous/Follow the show: instagram.com/iseewhatyoumean.coGet weekly creativity tips: iseewhatyoumean.co Meet the team! Host + Producer: instagram.com/aprilkae.nyc Assistant Producer: instagram.com/jalena.nyc

“When we're asking for our worth, it has to be a collective effort.”Sitting down with Tommy Franklin, we dive deeper into self-advocacy and why community organization matters. Tommy shares insight from being the President of indie production company Special Menu Productions, host of “Weapon of Choice Podcast,” and the star, director, and producer of the short film “WHITE TEARS.”00:52 • Are You Really 'Woke?'13:04 • Facing Flaky People 26:13 • Get Out Of A Rut29:27 • Reclaim Your Worth43:00 •  "I WANT To Be Ostracized”WATCH WHITE TEARS: https://vimeo.com/570757971Follow Tommy on IG: https://www.instagram.com/wisedoesmatter/Follow the show: instagram.com/iseewhatyoumean.coGet weekly creativity tips: iseewhatyoumean.co Meet the team! Host + Producer: instagram.com/aprilkae.nyc Assistant Producer: instagram.com/jalena.nyc

“My fears are rewriting my story, and I can't always live anticipating the worst.”In the spirit of Halloween, we're sitting down with Maay Brice and Joshua Monroe to talk all about facing your fears. Joshua and Maay are both founders of The Neighborhood Watch channel and are hosts of the second annual Halloween film festival, “Spookems.”Grab some popcorn (or candy corn), and let's get into it!01:17 • Gaming for Love07:35 • The Magic of Horror19:24 • Facing Your in Fear25:53 • Finding Comfort in Discomfort 31:49 • How To Be More IntentionalFollow Maay on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ahmaayzing/Follow Joshua on IG: https://www.instagram.com/imjmonroe/Follow the show: instagram.com/iseewhatyoumean.coGet weekly creativity tips: iseewhatyoumean.co Meet the team! Host + Producer: instagram.com/aprilkae.nyc Assistant Producer: instagram.com/jalena.nyc

“My truth evolves because I evolve.”What is your truth, and why is it hard to pinpoint? Today I'm talking with Darian Harvin. Darian is a reporter based in LA, covering beauty at the intersection of politics and pop culture. You've probably read her work interviewing powerhouses like Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, and Tracee Ellis Ross.If you've been stuck in a rut or isolated recently, this episode is especially for you.00:50 • Pressures of Social Media12:09 • Pop Culture Rebellion14:50 • What Is Your Truth?20:51 • Finding Your Future Career  26:06 • Self-love Is Your Birthright30:06 • The Secret to Cold EmailsFollow Darian on IG: https://www.instagram.com/darian/Follow the show: instagram.com/iseewhatyoumean.coGet weekly creativity tips: iseewhatyoumean.co Meet the team! Host + Producer: instagram.com/aprilkae.nyc Assistant Producer: instagram.com/jalena.nyc

In this episode, I answer questions from YOU, the I See What You Mean community.If you follow me online, you know that I've gone from 80K to over 320K followers over the past 9 months. Navigating this networking tool is challenging, and I want to share tips and a more in-depth look into my story of going viral. Regardless of your takeaway, remember to KEEP CREATING!00:34 • Do You Need Social Media?11:26 • Importance of Boundaries27:41 • Downsides of Social Media43:55 • How To Go Viral51:34 • Balancing Mental HealthFollow the show: https://www.instagram.com/iseewhatyoumean.co/Get weekly creativity tips: https://iseewhatyoumean.coMeet the team!Host + Producer: https://www.instagram.com/aprilkae.nyc/Assistant Producer: https://www.instagram.com/jalena.nyc/

“If art is an expression of emotion, how can you create without taking the time to check in with yourself or your collaborators.” To kick off this new season, we're checking in with Indigo Mateo and Richie Reseda. They're both incredible musicians and they're the team behind Question Culture. Diving into conversations about cultivating deeper connections, we couldn't ask for a better start to this next chapter of I See What You Mean.01:03 • Intro to the Arts 09:20 • No More Struggling Artists 11:18 • the Impact of Music 29:14 • Tips for All Creatives 38:04 • The Key to Collaborations 45:00 • Embracing ChallengesFollow Indigo on IG: @indigomateo Follow Richie on IG: @richieresedaFollow I See What You Mean: @iseewhatyoumean.coMeet the team! Host + Producer: @aprilkae.nyc Assistant Producer: @jalena.nyc

"I started as a 25-year-old intern, with no experience, in a sea of people with film degrees."This week we're joined by Jazzmyne Robbins, diversity and inclusion consultant at Buzzfeed and an all-around icon. If you've been online anytime in the past five years, you've definitely seen her and her work. In this episode, Jazzmyne recounts her story leading up to where she is today and shares how you can embrace your most authentic self.00:42 • Confronting Conformity10:13 • Fashion And Self-Discovery 26:20 • Embracing The Spotlight32:39 • How To Speak Up38:35 • Balancing Emotions Follow Jazzmyne on IG: @jazzmynejayFollow "I See What You Mean": @aprilspodcastMeet the team!Host + Producer: @aprilkae.nycAudio Editor + Copy Writer: @jalena.nyc

"For 30 days, suspend disbelief that what you want is impossible and just see what happens."Are your dreams unattainable, or are you just underestimating yourself? This week we're speaking with Tourmaline, a filmmaker based in New York City, to talk about Freedom Dreaming and why you should start doing it. Tourmaline's work is featured in TIME 100 as well as the MoMa and Brooklyn museum.01:05 • 00:50 Perspective Shifts08:06 • Perks Of Superficiality21:00 • Freedom Dreaming25:10 • Be The Main Character31:01 • Follow Your Intuition39:06 • Unlocking Your PowerFollow Tourmaline on IG: @tourmaliiineFollow "I See What You Mean": @aprilspodcastMeet the team!Host + Producer: @aprilkae.nycAudio Editor + Copy Writer: @jalena.nyc

"My work lives online. So [with art] I'm thinking in terms of legacy."This week, we are diving into what it means to decolonize the creative process. Joining us is Kimmortal, a musician and illustrator who was recognized as having one of the top albums of the year by CBC. They were also nominated in the 2020 "Hip Hop and Rap" category of Breakout West Music Awards.01:05 • Being An Outcast08:06 • Hustle Culture21:00 • Stop Self-Sabotage25:10 • Decolonizing Creativity31:01 • We Need Discomfort39:06 • An End To Gaslighting 44:20 • How To Be An AllyFollow Kimmortal on IG: @kimmortaltheartistFollow "I See What You Mean": @aprilspodcastMeet the team!Host + Producer: @aprilkae.nyc Audio Editor + Copy Writer: @jalena.nyc

Is internalized oppression holding you back?Today, we’re joined by Julian Gavino, a model, activist, and writer whose work focuses on trans and disability activism. Julian recounts his journey recognizing his prejudice and highlights the importance of healing through cultivating a supportive community.01:05 • Breaking Away From Tradition07:00 • What Is “Real Art”?13:37 • How To Spark Motivation16:11 • Recognizing Your Biases 27:05 • Activism Burnout35:37 • Why Creativity Is Healing42:11 • Rebuilding Support Systems CW: This episode lightly touches on suicide.Follow Julian on IG: @thedisabledhippieFollow "I See What You Mean": @aprilspodcastMeet the team!Host + Producer: @aprilkae.nyc Editor + Copy Writer: @jalena.nyc

Are you struggling with burnout—because you haven’t cultivated healthy boundaries?Today we're joined by Minaa B, a wellness coach, therapist, writer, and mental health educator, regularly featured in Ebony, Vogue, and Bustle. Minaa highlights the importance of recognizing your limitations and describes why it’s crucial to incorporate your feelings into your creative work.01:05 • The Person Behind The Bio07:40 • How To Set Boundaries19:50 • Key Questions For Creatives23:00 • Finding Social Media Balance34:26 • Ways To Deal With Pushback43:45 • Emotions Enhance CreativityCW: 01:05-07:40 discusses suicide and depression

This week, Shehab (Isis) Awad joins us to discuss the power of gratitude, manifestation, and mindfulness. Shehab is an independent curator and writer based in New York City. He/she highlights queer and marginalized practices, and her/his writing has appeared in a variety of publications, including the Brooklyn Rail and ArtAsiaPacific Magazine. Shehab is also the Founding Director of Executive Care, a non-profit launching in Spring 2022 that aims to end artist exploitation.01:10 • Fueling Creativity09:20 • No More Struggling Artists20:49 • Growing From Discomfort28:45 • Keeping Your Haters Close35:32 • Manifestation And Magic 41:02 • You Are Not Your Trauma47:39 • Resources All Artists Need54:28 • It's Important To Be GraciousFollow Shehab on IG: @shehabebeFollow "I See What You Mean": @aprilspodcastMeet the team!Host + Producer: @aprilkae.nycMarketing Manager: @niaraimanii Editor + Copy Writer: @jalena.nyc

Do you have to speak loudly to speak up?This week, we're joined by Marco Pave, a hip-hop artist, advocate, and independent label owner. Marco has shared the stage with artists including Mobb Deep, Waka Flocka, Young Dolph, and now he's here to talk about the importance of recognizing your power and influence—and why you should redefine what success means to you.01:12 • Learn To Love Your Forward08:44 • Advice To Find Your Purpose11:54 • Dangers Of External Validation20:46 • Speak Up Without Shouting30:57 • How To Feel Seen And Heard41:00 • Strategies To Get Out Of A RutFollow Marco on IG: @kingofmarcoFollow "I See What You Mean": @aprilspodcastHost: @aprilkae.nyc

Highlighting life-changing experiences and their impact on the creative process, I had the honor of speaking with Dr. Jessica Zucker, psychologist, author, and creator of #IHadAMiscarriage.In this episode, we dive deeper into Dr. Jessica Zucker’s personal journey and the importance of sharing your story. As Jessica mentions, "Sharing our stories allows us to understand that vulnerability is being human, and being human means that we are flawed. And we can be loved and find joy in all of that."04:34 • Reflecting On Trauma10:50 • Using Writing To Find Purpose14:10 • How Therapy Boosts Creativity19:46 • External And Internal Pressure28:50 • Silence-Stigma-Shame Cycle41:04 • Why You Must Share Your StoryFollow Jessica on IG: @IHadAMiscarriageFollow "I See What You Mean": @aprilspodcastHost: @aprilkae.nyc

Chatting about career, food, music, and finding hobbies, today we dive into the importance of recognizing all of your facets.Joined by Nikita Richardson we cover the ins and outs of career and personal life balance. Nikita is also an all-around passionate creative who continually inspires those around her to not be defined by one narrative.08:00 | Cultivating Community11:13 | Love of Music20:50 | Being a “Jack of All Trades” 30:27 | Constructive Criticism33:17 | Importance of Speaking Up40:27 | Getting A Hobby46:51 | Finding The Right CollaboratorsFollow Nikita on IG: @nomnomnikitaFollow “I See What You Mean”: @aprilspodcastHost: @aprilkae.nyc

Today we’re joined by Nikki Kaplowitz, a costume designer, fine artist, and musician specializing in Afrofuturist queer stories and style. She’s also my sister—my actual flesh and blood sister. We discuss her must-haves to stay creative, why Instagram is so frustrating, and how New York City compares to Austin.

On this week’s episode, you’ll learn...How to be more creative when times are tough What it means to be "a limited resource" and how to deal with itMikayla’s game-changing advice on setting (and achieving!) goalsThis is the last episode of Season 1 of I See What You Mean—we’ve officially made it to the end of 2020!I’ll be back with Season 2 in January 2021. So, subscribe to I See What You Mean wherever you get your podcasts, so you don’t miss it. You can also stay updated by following the show on Instagram @aprilspodcast.I couldn’t think of a better person to end 2020 with than Mikayla Martinez. She is a wellness coach, helping people build new habits, let go of diet culture, and achieve their goals. Mikayla is also the founder of Unmastered Co., where she guides millennial women in cultivating their own version of what wellness means to them. With her partner Alvin by her side, she is mother to a 7-year-old named Kayden and a little baby named Kai.

This is an exciting one—Yasmin Almo is the first person I’m interviewing for the podcast, who isn't already a good friend.Join Yasmin and me as we discuss how they learned humility in jail, the importance of honest and loving communication, and what makes ants so beautiful. They also share their secret for getting past self-criticism and releasing art into the world. If you’ve ever struggled to share your work, find inspiration, or build a loving community, this one's for you. I wanted to bring on an illustrator or some other kind of visual artist, and came across Yasmin on the site of my modeling agency, WeSpeak. I was instantly captivated by their bold yet flirty design and illustration style. I reached out to our agent to connect me with Yasmin, without knowing much about them beyond their artwork. As I began to learn more about Yasmin to prepare for this interview, I became enamored with their work, philosophy, and style.Yasmin is a queer Syrian and Armenian-American illustrator, designer, and outspoken advocate for individuality and self-expression through sexuality, art, and gender exploration. They grew up in a multicultural immigrant family—their father, a mathematician and linguist, and their mother, a pianist and art teacher. They credit this upbringing as hugely influential in their work.Their art has been featured in countless exhibitions from New York City to Seattle, and their creative clients include 10 Summers Records, Future, Shabazz Palaces, Eileen Fisher, and Glamour Girl Magazine. They are also a model, collaborating with the likes of Calvin Klein, CHANGE, and ID Magazine. And in 2019, they were a cast member on MTV's Real World: Atlanta.

After interviewing six different creatives—a supermodel, a podcast host, a makeup artist, a musician, a mental health influencer, and an Instagram coach—it feels like the right time to give you a chance to get to know me a little bit better.So, I’ve asked my bestie, Maay Brice, to interview me! You might remember Maay from the bonus episode I released before officially kicking off the podcast. We counted down our “top five songs to get through an emotional rough patch.” If you didn’t get a chance to listen to the episode, definitely check it out.Besides being my best friend, Maay is a yoga instructor, the Imanigold mind-body specialist, founder of “Literary Cinema,” and a genius on all things related to early childhood development and education.The story of how Maay and I met is wild. A few years back, I decided to try my hand at tattooing. I bought some stick and poke tattoo supplies online, had a convo with a tattooer friend about safety, and then posted on Instagram asking for people to practice on. Next thing you know, Maay is at my door with a cactus, and I’m tattooing a heart on her leg. Fast forward to now, the cactus is dead (I’m good at a lot, keeping plants alive is not on that list)—and I couldn’t imagine my life without Maay.I hope you enjoy learning about the journey I’ve been on as I’ve grown into who I am today and worked to live a meaningful, creative life.

Jera was born and raised in New York City, studied Fine Art in LA, and worked as a graphic designer in LA, Boston, and New York City. In 2015, living in New York, she was miserable after five soul-sucking years in a job her heart just wasn't in. She needed a change. Jera poured herself into social media, fitness, and SoulCycle, built up a formidable Instagram following—and promptly left the graphic design job to focus on her newfound passions. She hasn't looked back since.At the beginning of 2020, Jera founded the Social Media Saloon, a wildly successful 12-week coaching program to help small business owners thrive on Instagram and beyond.Join us to learn Jera's secrets to a successful career pivot, and the many other game-changing lessons she learned along the way. Listen now!

When she was just ten years old, Kelly U. began struggling with disordered eating. Since then, she’s been on a stunning journey of recovery—and she has shared that journey with the world all along the way. From winning the Miss Friendship Ambassador Pageant to founding The Warrior Collective—a jewelry line promoting self-love—Kelly has continually beaten the odds by putting creativity and healing first.She is an Instagrammer and Youtuber collaborating with organizations and companies like Aerie, Dove, and the National Eating Disorder Association. Kelly is also a research coordinator specializing in childhood development, bringing her mental health mission to academia.On this episode of I See What You Mean, Kelly gets brutally honest about balancing creative work with an intense day job, the challenges of loving a flawed family, and why she stayed in a toxic relationship for over six years.

// Content Warning: This episode contains descriptive discussion of sexual assault, overdose, and domestic violence. // Kady Rain has been making music since she was a child, but in 2014 her career really took off after she left an abusive relationship that nearly cost her her life.Since then, the resilient Kady Rain has released countless hits, including “RAD Moves,” NPR’s 2018 Song of the Summer. She has performed at Austin City Limits Music Festival and named Austin’s Next Megastar by multiple publications, all while advocating for feminist and LGBTQIA+ causes.Join us as Kady gets brutally honest about the experiences that changed the game for her, allowing her to become the powerful person she is today. She opens up about everything from being the baddest straight-A student you’ve ever met, to the horrific ten days she spent in the hospital that changed her life.Tune in to learn how this technicolor, big-hearted songbird discovered her true potential.

This week, we’re joined by Tai Ceme. Tai is a makeup artist and entrepreneur based in Brooklyn, New York. Her work as a makeup artist has been featured in Office Magazine, Preme Magazine, Vogue Italia, Hypebae, and more. She is also the founder of Tai-Lite—a cosmetic company focusing on skincare based clean makeup—formulated for everyone and made with deep completions in mind.Tai and I met a few months back on set shooting for Universal Standard. She was doing makeup and I was modeling. Since then, they’ve brought us both back multiple times, and we’ve become fast friends—talking about everything from race to religion to our existential crises during my time in her makeup chair. I was thrilled when she agreed to be on the show.

Chinae is one of those people who possess an endless well of creativity—and more importantly, the courage to share that creativity with the world every single day. Where do all of her fresh ideas come from? How does she avoid getting burnt out? What is her approach to overcoming fear and sharing her work with the world on such a consistent basis?I talk with Chinae about all this and more as we explore her journey from growing up with a single mom in Texas, to building a successful marketing career in New York City, and finally getting fired from that marketing job—catapulting her into a wildly successful multi-faceted career.Chinae is an entrepreneur, writer, speaker, and the host of advice and lifestyle podcast “Press Send.” Really though, she’s a world-changer, igniting real conversations to support people in being their best selves. You certainly don’t want to miss her game-changing advice on this week’s episode!

The premiere episode of I See What You Mean features Khrystyana, a model and activist originally from North East Siberia. Her early years as a model were tough. After immigrating to the United States as a teenager, she moved around the country from Hawaii to California to New York City, trying to find a market that would embrace her. In 2016 she hit a low point, sleeping on couches, taking any work she could get, and in a deep depression.And that’s when things began to turn around. Khrystyana started to open up about her struggles more on social media and caught the eye of the America’s Next Top Model casting team. Around that time, Khrystyana launched the Real Catwalk, runway events hosted in public places around the world showcasing diverse bodies and identities.Since making her mark with America’s Next Top Model and the Real Catwalk, Khrystyana’s career as a model and activist continues to flourish. Today, she works with companies and organizations worldwide, hosting international empowerment events, publishing editorials, and inspiring millions. Most recently, Khrystyana became the November 2020 Playboy Playmate.

On this bonus episode of I See What You Mean, we welcome Kayla Maay Brice! In addition to being a massive music-lover, Maay is a yoga instructor, the Imanigold mind body specialist, founder of “Literary Cinema,” and a genius on all things related to early childhood development and education. Join us as we each count down our top five songs to get through an emotional rough patch.

Since relocating from Austin, Texas to New York City, April Kae has worked a dizzying array of day jobs from Wall Street to Public Radio, grown a six-figure freelance business, and built an industry-shifting modeling career, all while making music with her band and art collective Imanigold. After years of forging her own path, April is launching I See What You Mean, a podcast dedicated to the journey all creative people take. From supermodels to tech entrepreneurs, April asks creatives in a variety of fields to share their stories. Join each week for candid, enlightening, and witty conversations on creativity, personal growth, and finding meaning.