Essential Storytelling: Monice Mitchell Simms on Journalism, Creative Freedom, & Podcasting

In the third season of the Heard! Afros and Audio interview series, host engages in an in-depth conversation with Monice Mitchell Simms, an accomplished storyteller and writer. They explore Monice’s experiences interviewing legends like Toni Morrison and Maya Angelou, and how these icons influenced her approach to storytelling.

Monice shares valuable insights from her diverse creative ventures, including screenwriting, filmmaking, poetry, and podcasting. They discuss her upcoming project, ‘Works in Progress,’ a unique ‘Podcuseries’ designed to motivate and inspire writers to finish their works. With engaging anecdotes and practical advice for storytellers, this episode is a treasure trove of inspiration and knowledge.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:21 Influence of Legendary Figures on Storytelling 02:54 Favorite Works of Toni Morrison 04:20 Early Career and Interview Experiences 06:12 Creative Work Across Mediums 09:46 The Concept of Podcuseries 19:39 Challenges and Motivation for Storytellers 24:59 Crafting Meaningful Conversations 26:50 Mastering Deadlines and Productivity 27:19 The Impact of Journalism on Writing 28:25 The Power of Curiosity and Research 30:32 The Organic Flow of Conversations 35:54 The Intentionality Behind Podcasting 42:07 Defining Success and Creative Goals 44:20 Honoring Storytellers and Personal Histories 50:02 Conclusion and Future Plans

Sign up for updates for the launch of Works N Progress podcast: www.worksnprogress.com

Follow Monice: https://www.facebook.com/monice.simms or https://www.instagram.com/monicemitchellsimms

Learn more about the 7th Annual Afros & Audio Podcast Festival, October 17-19, 2025 in Baltimore, MD: https://www.afrosandaudio.com

Visit https://linktr.ee/afrosandaudio for additional information and opportunities!

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed by guests of Afros & Audio’s Black History Month interview series are their own and do not reflect the values, mission, or business of Talib Jasir, Afros & Audio, Black Podcasters Association, Vanguard Podcast Network, or any other names, podcasts, events, businesses, or organizations mentioned in the video or audio of this series unless explicitly stated.