Producer and songwriter Kimberly Shires, founder of Hear Me Roar Studio in DC, joins Emma G solo for a conversation on what it actually takes to build a safe, judgment-free space for creativity. Kimberly shares how she noticed the lack of women in the audio production world and built a studio designed specifically to change that experience, why she treats the artist, not the producer, as the true voice of a song, and how sound and frequency genuinely affect the brain and nervous system. She also shares three simple ways anyone can use music as a tool for their own mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Topics covered in this episode:

• women in music production
• safe creative spaces
• music and mental health
• sound frequency and the brain
• collaboration over competition
• songwriting
• The Washington DC music scene
• Hear Me Roar Studios

Rapper, filmmaker, and entrepreneur Erie Ave joins REALTALK with Emma G and Dinah for the Season 4 kickoff, live in studio. Erie shares the story behind his mindset "Before The Deal," how writing poetry helped him process emotion as a young Black man growing up in the DMV, and the wild true story of linking up with Rick Ross on the song "We The Ones." He also opens up about a simple mirror affirmation practice that's become part of his daily routine, and the three tools he leans on to stay mentally, physically, and spiritually grounded.

Topics covered in this episode:

• mental health for men
• self-affirmations
• hip hop and healing
• DMV music scene
• mindset coaching
• entrepreneurship
• Rick Ross
• Maybach Music
• Before The Deal
• self-worth, and
• success.

In this episode of REALTALK with Emma G and Dinah, hosts Emma G and Dinah Simpson sit down with Marya Kazmi, writer, educator, and the voice behind Brown Girl Interrupting.

Marya shares her deeply personal journey navigating identity as the daughter of immigrants from Pakistan and Bangladesh, growing up in America while balancing the expectations of family, culture, and faith. From becoming a young mother during college to later finding the courage to leave a difficult marriage after 17 years, Marya’s story is one of resilience, reflection, and ultimately choosing herself.

Through writing, storytelling, and honest conversation, Marya began dismantling the beliefs she once held about who she was supposed to be. That process of healing eventually grew into her podcast and talk series Pain to Power, where she amplifies stories of individuals who have transformed personal struggles into leadership and purpose.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Navigating identity between cultures • The courage it takes to rewrite your life story • Healing through storytelling and community • Turning pain into purpose and leadership • Why authenticity and honest dialogue are essential to personal growth

We also discuss Marya’s course Empowerment Unlocked: A Journey to Healing and Growth, a five-session program designed to help participants explore identity, unpack limiting beliefs, regulate emotions, and communicate needs with authenticity.

At its core, this episode is about reclaiming your voice—and discovering the power that comes from telling your story on your own terms.

Subscribe to REALTALK with Emma G and Dinah for conversations at the intersection of identity, music, healing, and personal transformation.