The Empress Diaries

Join musician Calista Kazuko and Team Empress as we embark on a wondrous adventure and begin to try and answer the question, 'What does it mean to be womxn in 2020?' With fabulous special Empress guest stars, fascinating discussions and a whole load of laughs along the way! The Empress Diaries is gratefully supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. For early bird podcasts and exclusive content including full-length interview videos, please join us on the Empress app at: https://calistakazuko.fan.direct  👑  The Empress will see you now... Support the show (https://calistakazuko.fan.direct)

👑 Wowwee we have done it, we’ve finished our debut season of this wondrous lil podcast! For our final episode, Calista and her Mama Empress Chika take a look back at this special season, all the fabulous guests, the laughs, the tears and a whole load of love. ♡Along with reminiscing on this crazy year, we also look forward to the year to come with our final top tips segment - ‘5 top tips for moving into 2021 with fabulous vibes only!’With our eternal thanks to Arts Council England for making this podcast possible, our dear Gem, all the fabulous Empress guests for sharing their love and time, and to every single person who tuned in and made this podcast so very special. At the start of this magical journey we asked ourselves ‘what does it mean to be a woman in 2020?’ Well… the answer to that question is ‘NOTHING & EVERYTHING!’ (in the most fabulous way possible!) Every single person has their own voice, their own story, their own experiences and identity. We are woman, we are teachers, we are students, we are trying, we are parents, we are children, we are one, WE ARE EMPRESS! See you in 2021 - in the meantime have a beautiful holiday season and best of luck discovering your ikigai ;) 🖤Don’t be a stranger, join us on the Empress app for more lovely chats: https://calistakazuko.fan.direct/ 👑Tune in to the 'EMPRESS' at: https://ffm.to/empress 🎧Resources for musicians:helpmusicians.org.ukmusicmindsmatter.org.ukmusiciansunion.org.ukbapam.org.ukthefac.orgWith humongous thanks to all our super special Empress guest stars:Dr Chika Robertson (The Music Mind Spirit Trust): musicmindspirittrust.comChi-chi Nwanoku OBE: chi-chinwanoku.comPhoebe Hugh: uk.linkedin.com/in/phoebehughFlorence Schechter (Vagina Museum): vaginamuseum.co.ukNikki Giant (Plan International UK): plan-uk.orgMelanie Davis (REST Project, Change Grow Live): changegrowlive.orgRosi Croom (Faultress): faultress.comBumi Thomas ‘Broken Silence’: backl.ink/142477896CJ Bellwether: instagram.com/MXSIEGEEnya Belak-Gupta: enya-belak.comDr Angela Kennedy: innovatingforwellbeing.co.uk/meet-usChloe Johnson (Extra Magic Consulting): extramagic.consultingEleni Skarpari (Echo Wants Her Voice Back): echowantshervoiceback.comGeorge Alexander Thompson (House of Kiyote): instagram.com/houseofkiyoteChanel & the Circus: chanelandthecircus.com🎵 This episode we talk music and : Ikigai, self-love, emotions, memories, creativity, kindness, empowerment, exploration, wellbeing, connection, history, positivity, learning, progression, reflection, gratitude and self-love 🖤 Support the show (https://calistakazuko.fan.direct)

🍰 ‘When you don’t know what else to do - smash a cake in your face!’ We are joined this episode with a fabulous guest co-presenter, House of Kiyote’s George Alexander Thompson! Multi-talented artist, costume designer and fabulous human George is a massive part of Team Empress and we are delighted to have him join our podcast. 👑Calista & George discuss all things fabulous from the creative process, email etiquette, Marie Antoinette (with a brief exploration of the history and politics of THAT famous quote…) cake smoodging, body positivity, dangerous beauty standards and the unrealistic pressures from social media. We have borrowed George from the brilliant podcast ‘Artists That Work’ (thank you and big ups Rah Petherbridge!) As two artists navigating the world of podcasting, our top tips for artists section this episode is all about PODCASTING - advice for starting out and the little pearls of wisdom we’ve learned along the way. 🖤We are also joined by sensational super special guest Chanel & the Circus for some serious self-love! 🎪WE’RE RUNNING THE FOLLOWING SPECIAL CAMPAIGNS! PLEASE FIND US @CalistaKazuko @HouseofKiyote to get involved!COMMUNITY MADE CAKE SMOODGE FILM! 🍰Upload a pic/vid of an epic cake smoodge (cake in face / face in cake) and tag us to be a part of our beautiful community made cake smoodge video for National Cake Day on 26th Nov.LOVE HATS! 🎩 (bringing joy to the world with some friendly email etiquette!)Come up with your own email sign off (your own royal seal if you will) which perfectly represents you!Upload a pic with your new sensational sign off and tag us in by 15th Nov)One lucky participant will win an original piece of artwork from George and a signed Empress vinyl! ‘Love Hats, Gxx’'Stay safe and stay fabulous, Calista 🌸’George Alexander ThompsonHouse of Kiyote: https://www.instagram.com/houseofkiyote/ ‘Artists That Work’ Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Lgn5dSGUEHtrAkuv0wxjW?si=w0kFD5IKSP63KUVfN7YTFA FOR LIMITED EDITION EMPRESS BUNDLES INCLUDING ORIGINAL ARTWORK FROM GEORGE PLEASE VISIT: www.bighairbigshoes.com Chanel & the CircusWebsite: www.chanelandthecircus.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chanelandthecircus/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3hXXv2noAETM90hqUoZ5Te?si=aobqjJr5SlW2vyd9QaOoxw ‘The Last Time’ Music Video: https://youtu.be/7xppoUwMtXA Listen to ’CAKE’ and the 'EMPRESS' album at: https://ffm.to/empress 🎧🎵 This episode we talk music and : art, cake, 2020, history, storytelling, email etiquette, podcasting, creativity, wellbeing, exploration, empowerment, body positivity and self-love 🖤 Support the show (https://calistakazuko.fan.direct)

👑 Hysterical historical women or a ’fake news’ story? Starting with Elizabeth Báthory, dubbed history’s most prolific female serial killer, we explore how women have been portrayed in the arts throughout history and how now’s the time to reclaim the narrative! We are delighted to be joined by super special Empress guest star, playwright Stephanie Martin. With 50/50 gender equality in theatre writing still a work in progress, it’s essential we tell our own story! 🎭Also… Back by popular demand, our ‘top tips for working artists’ feature continues with a fabulous chat with music agent Lorraine Solomons on, ‘how to stay in the game as a performing artist during Covid’. 🎵💃Lorraine - Live music agent & founder of SE Music SE Music: http://www.semusic.org  To see the interview video with Steph & Calista in full please join us on the Empress app at: https://shop.gigrev.com/calistakazuko 👑Stephanie Martin - https://www.unitedagents.co.uk/stephanie-martin-0 Twitter: @steph_martin_*Fact check* "Last year the National's Olivier Theatre premiered more David Hare plays than plays by living female playwrights."2019 BBC article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-47747855 Kate Marlais: https://twitter.com/katemarlais ‘Modulate’: https://www.timetomodulate.org  Thank you Jaycee for your request for us to talk about… hand-washing!! 🧼If you would like to have your topic talked about please leave us a podcast review and then e-mail empress.diaries2020@gmail.com with the topic of your choice! You will be notified by email if your topic has been chosen. 🎎Listen to ’S.S. Lizzie’ and the 'EMPRESS' album at: https://ffm.to/empress 🎧🎵 This episode we talk music and : theatre, writing, history, storytelling, songwriting, performing, motivation, inspiration, self-love, mental health, wellbeing, creativity, equality and empowerment 🖤Support the show (https://calistakazuko.fan.direct)

🤖 Omg lol brb wtf, fb friends, tweet me, insta famous, cancelled, DELETED… as we move further into a digital world it’s increasingly important we know how to stay safe, stay sane and ‘groovy of brain’! This week’s episode of The Empress Diaries explores the ups and downs of social media and the wonderful world wide web! Speaking from an artists point of view Calista shares her experiences of navigating the online landscape and expert music consultant Chloe Johnson offers some fabulous top tips for artists. We are also joined by sensational singer/songwriter Eleni Skarpari aka Echo for wonderful chats on songwriting, tiktok tangles and mythological inspiration! 💙For podcast interview videos and many more exclusives please join us on the Empress app at: https://calistakazuko.fan.direct 👑Chloe Johnson - Founder & Head Consultant, Extra Magic ConsultingWebsite: www.extramagic.consulting   instagram: @extramagicconsulting Echo Wants Her Voice Back aka Eleni SkarpariWebsite: https://echowantshervoiceback.comBandcamp: https://echowantshervoiceback.bandcamp.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echowantshervoiceback Listen to ‘Sick Like Me’ at: https://ffm.to/sicklikeme 🎧🎵 This episode we talk music and : being an artist, advice, social media, privacy, mental health, wellbeing creativity, songwriting, inspiration, communication, connection and positivity 🖤Support the show (https://calistakazuko.fan.direct)

👑 This week we take a magical trip down musical memory lane with episode 6, ‘Dear Self… musical memories & medicine’ 🎵As we begin to adjust to the ‘new normal’, it’s more important than ever that we look after our mental and physical health. Joined by special guests musician Dr Chika Robertson (Calista’s Mama Empress!) and consultant phycologist Dr Angela Kennedy, we explore how we can use art as medicine and the importance of staying connected.As Angela says, ‘Culture is what makes us human.’ 🖤Please join us for the ‘Connection Through Music’ concert series. These are free shows offering music, connection and wellbeing every Thursday evening at 7pm via Zoom. Hosted by Paras Wellbeing with the NHS, Angela, Chika and Professor Nigel Osbourne.Find details at: https://www.paraswellbeing.co.uk/wellbeinglive Dr Chika Robertson - Musician and Academy ProfessorThe Music Mind Spirit Trust, including Songtrees and YAMA: https://musicmindspirittrust.comX-System: https://www.x-system.co.uk Dr Angela Kennedy - Consultant Clinical Psychologisthttps://www.innovatingforwellbeing.co.uk/meet-usListen to 'Dear Sabotage' and the 'EMPRESS' album at: https://ffm.to/empress 🎧🎵 This episode we talk music and : memories, mental health, medicine, therapy, family, nature, health, wellbeing, emotions, expression, identity, connection, community, family and love 🖤Support the show (https://calistakazuko.fan.direct)

👑 The second part of this special 2-part episode continues as we start to explore the ‘making-of’ the Empress campaign (as well as some lovely tree-hugging chat 🙃).We are joined by the talent behind the ‘Ode to Genevieve’ film, the fabulous Enya Belak Gupta. Enya is a multitalented artist, filmmaker, photographer, dancer, choreographer and storyteller and we loved learning tales from her fascinating journey (bundled in pink’n’green love!) 💗💚Enya Belak-Gupta: http://www.enya-belak.com ’S p a c e Between’ visual storytelling: http://www.enya-belak.com/project/space-between-2/ ‘Ode to Genevieve’ film made by guest Enya Belak Gupta and starring guest CJ Bellwether: https://youtu.be/z2lLau5G4Mk Part 1 of this episode talks all things gender (or non-gender!) as we share stories and perspectives from a cisgender, transgender and non-binary experience with special guest CJ. This week's artwork features polaroids of CJ and the team taken on the 'Ode to Genevieve' film shoot.Gem and I also share some of the beautiful Empress stories featured on the Empress Diaries blog. To see more please visit: www.theempressdiaries.comTo nominate an Empress in your life to be featured on the blog and future podcast dedications please email: empress.diaries2020@gmail.com Featured songs:‘Mother’ - Mark Glentworth: https://youtu.be/lwEV00PyJfM‘Goddess Vibes’ - Aruba Red: https://youtu.be/TnI40oHCSog Many thanks to the beautiful Empress nominations featured in this podcast from Christina, Melanie and Graham. Graham J Macey's amazing book 'On the Road with Heitor' is available on Amazon.Thank you Gem for the glorious soundbed during the stories too!Thank you Ali the Bari for your wonderful podcast review and nominated topic - ‘takeaway food’!If you would like to have your topic talked about please leave us a podcast review and then e-mail empress.diaries2020@gmail.com with the topic of your choice (nothing too gross please!) You will be notified by email if your topic has been chosen. 🎎🎵 This episode we talk music and : women, celebration, empowerment, friendship, filmmaking, dance, photography, expression, story-telling, language, connection, food, nature and tree-hugging ⚘Support the show (https://calistakazuko.fan.direct)

👑 Calista and Gem’s adventure through the wonderful world of modern womanhood reaches a fervent climax as we surmount the mountain’s peak and discuss what ‘womanhood’ means to different people. Part 1 of Episode 5 ‘Ode to G - we’re all just being total babes!’ explores gender on a personal and societal level as we share stories and perspectives from a cisgender, transgender and non-binary experience. With super special guest star CJ Bellwether.There was too much goodness to squeeze into 1 episode so we have split this episode in 2. Please join us for part 2 next week where we talk to fab filmmaker Enya Belak Gupta and enjoy the lovely dedications written in to celebrate a load of total babes! 🖤Watch the ‘Ode to Genevieve’ film starring CJ: https://youtu.be/z2lLau5G4Mk CJ Bellwether on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MXSIEGE/ CJ Mentions:‘The Femme’s Guide to the Universe’ by Shar RednourStef Sanjati‘MindOut LGBTQ+ Mental Health Service’ help/info: https://www.mindout.org.uk‘Being non-binary’: https://www.outlife.org.uk/being-non-binary Here are some fabulous links collated by Gem for further fun and discovery. Enjoy! For an insight into how trans women think about themselves and the sorts of societal stuff they have to navigate, Contrapoints (I can hear every trans person reading this groaning right now) makes funny, intelligent, fast-paced (occasionally controversial but always impeccably-reasoned) videos like this one about the shame she feels being a trans woman who's attracted to other women https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7WvHTl_Q7IBlack Dresses are a band made up of two trans women, devi and rook, and while their music goes to so many places beyond their identity as such, the work feels steeped in it. This is their very good latest album, Peaceful As Hell: https://blackdresses.bandcamp.com/album/peaceful-as-hell"trans-ness" as a phenomenon manifests in ways beyond just how trans people look - this next video is a fairly ordinary video by a VR research team, at least two of whom are non-binary, and to me this entire video is infused with a non-binaryness that's difficult to describe, perhaps best typified by their casual and well-practiced disregard for boundaries between categories, as demonstrated in work like their venn diagram house. It's also worth noting how the inherent "bodylessness" of VR might appeal to a trans sensibility https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7yLL5fJxT4One of my favourite webcomics at the moment is "Lets Get Burgers", a story about a transmasc agender cat named Knife and a trans dog named Cheddar. Again, it never comes up but it's all over the way they interact with the world and each other. https://twitter.com/i/events/1273633841115062274For an insight into how transitioning affects your sexuality, and your sexual relationship with yourself and others, you can't do better than to read Carta Monir's excellent zine "Napkin" https://www.cartamonir.com/work/napkin and there's lots of free stuff on her website too. This episode we talk music and : women, gender, self-discovery, self-love, equality, inclusion, acceptance, belonging, healing, empowerment, journey, expression and love 🖤Support the show (https://calistakazuko.fan.direct)

👑 Calista and Gem’s adventure through the wonderful world of modern womanhood continues with this special bonus episode, ‘Broken Silence’ - Beyond Borders with Bumi ThomasWe come off the Empress track temporarily for this special episode dedicated to the sensational artist Bumi Thomas. Bumi recently released her stunning new EP, ‘Broken Silence’ and we are so delighted to talk to her about her sublime music and fascinating life. We also talk about belonging with dreams for a brighter world and equality for all. 🖤In 2019 Bumi was told she faced deportation despite being born in the UK. You can learn more about Bumi’s case against the Home Office in this BBC piece:https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-49065905/bumi-thomas-british-born-jazz-artist-faces-deportation-from-the-uk In this episode we discuss immigration and belonging and refer to the following amazing projects:-‘Calais Children: A Case to Answer’ by Sue Clayton: http://calais.gebnet.co.uk Voice of Aiko - ‘W.A.D.E. - We All Deserve Equality!’: https://youtu.be/9HJq36_kXno‘WADE’ event including performance from Bumi: https://youtu.be/Tey3hWKwh6A We stand in solidarity with the Black Live’s Matter movement and everyone united in the fight for equality. Please visit: https://blacklivesmatter.com Bumi Thomas‘Broken Silence’: https://backl.ink/142477896 Bumi Thomas performs 'Black Child'  LIVE at ‘Locked in Live’ June 17th 2020: https://youtu.be/efmB6_Ez7ts Instagram: https://instagram.com/bumisees @BumiSeesTwitter: https://twitter.com/bumithomas @BumiThomasWe talk music and : women, equality, acceptance, belonging, art, healing, empowerment, journey, creativity, collaboration, family, love 🖤Support the show (https://calistakazuko.fan.direct)

👑 Calista and Gem’s adventure through the wonderful world of modern womanhood continues with episode 4, ‘Benzo Belle’ - Music & Mental HealthToday’s episode is dedicated to the importance of looking after our mind, body and souls. We talk to Melanie Davis about issues surrounding prescription drugs and interview phenomenal singer/songwriter Faultress.Love your mind, love yourself! 🖤   PLEASE LEAVE US A PODCAST REVIEW! Let us know how you’re liking the show :)Then shoot us an email with any topic for discussion and we will choose a couple to chew the cud over next episode! Please also send your ‘Ode to…’ dedications for upcoming episode (story, photo, song etc). Celebrate an inspirational woman in your life to feature on upcoming podcast episode and on the Empress Diaries Blog: www.theempressdiaries.comEmail: empress.diaries2020@gmail.com or message on instagram/twitter @CalistaKazuko @WhoopsUhOh‘EMPRESS’ App: https://calistakazuko.fan.direct ‘Benzo Belle’ film by Thomas Linton & Philip Reinking: https://youtu.be/c5pUEiC9dHY Voice of Aiko - ‘Prescription Dream’ film by Enya Belak Gupta: https://youtu.be/sTXBL499kGoMelanie Davis, Senior Benzodiazepine Lead Change Grow Live, Manager of the REST Project - melanie.davis@cgl.org.ukBenzo Website with Professor Heather Ashton Manual to look up prescription drugs: https://benzo.org.uk Integrated Camden Alcohol Service (ICAS): https://www.icascamden.org.ukChange Grow Live: https://www.changegrowlive.orgREST (Recovery Experience Sleeping Pills and Tranquillisers): https://www.changegrowlive.org/recovery-experience-sleeping-pills-and-tranquillisers-restAPRIL (Adverse Psychiatric Reactions Information Link) Charity: https://www.april.org.uk ‘Medicating Normal’ film: https://medicatingnormal.com Punk 4 Mental Health: https://p4mh.com International Meaning Conference (Calista & Gem will perform on Saturday 25th July): https://meaning.org.uk Rosi Croom aka FaultressFaultress website: https://www.faultress.com Faultress ‘Marilyn’: https://youtu.be/7j2Ubzd_jf8 Faultress performs ‘Marilyn’ at Union Chapel with London Contemporary Voices: https://youtu.be/iy2n_bIXeyg Gem’s factcheck! ‘Choir singers 'synchronise their heartbeats': https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-23230411‘Inside Sessions’ on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisfaultress/ Support the show (https://calistakazuko.fan.direct)

👑Calista and Gem’s adventure through the wonderful world of modern womanhood continues with episode 3, ‘Lady Cherry’ - a deep dive… 👑You are officially invited to join us for this deep dive in to our magical, mystical nether regions! We take a fabulous trip to the Vagina Museum with the all-knowing founder herself and talk periods with Plan International. Today we celebrate beautiful V-A-G-I-N-A-S! 🍒♥️💋🎈Released on 28th May to celebrate Menstrual Hygiene Day. ♥️Watch the ‘Lady Cherry’ music video here: https://youtu.be/a6etqA8Shhg 🍒With super special guest stars, Vagina Museum founder Florence Schechter and Nikki Giant with Plan International UK. Florence Schechter - founding director of the Vagina Museum.Vagina Museum website: https://www.vaginamuseum.co.uk ‘Muff Busters’ exhibition: https://www.vaginamuseum.co.uk/exhibitions/currentexhibition Nikki Giant - UK Girls' Rights Strategy and Development Manager, Plan International UK - @NikkiGiantPlan International UK: https://plan-uk.org‘Period poverty in lockdown’ report: https://plan-uk.org/period-poverty-in-lockdownFull covid-19 impact report: https://plan-uk.org/file/plan-uk-state-of-girls-rights-coronavirus-reportpdf/download?token=gddEAzlz‘The Truth About Period Poverty In Lockdown’ Refinery 29 piece: https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/period-poverty-coronavirus?utm_source=t.co&utm_medium=uktweet‘let’s talk. period’ facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/930695480472820/ Get in touch at: ukgirlsrights@plan-uk.orgEnjoy the full-length interview video and many more exclusives on the Empress app at: https://calistakazuko.fan.direct 👑♡ This week we talk music and : womanhood, wellbeing, women’s health, equality, expression and vaginas.🎵 Get to know our hosts through their music:-Calista Kazuko ‘EMPRESS’: https://ffm.to/empressGemini Eye: https://geminieye.bandcamp.comThe Empress Diaries is gratefully supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.Support the show (https://calistakazuko.fan.direct)

👑Calista and Gem’s adventure through the wonderful world of modern womanhood continues with episode 2, ‘Come to Mama - Female Power’! 👑From Cleopatra’s ancient Egypt to the robing rooms of today’s Inner Temple, how does the world react to female power?And talking of female power, episode 2’s fabulous super special guest stars are mother and daughter power team Chi-chi Nwanoku and Phoebe Hugh.Chi-chi Nwanoku OBE - renowned double-bassist and founder of the Chineke! foundation.Chi-chi’s website: https://www.chi-chinwanoku.com Chi-chi’s Guardian piece discussed in podcast, ‘For a 21st-century Proms, we must let the people clap when they want’: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jul/20/proms-audience-applaud-classical-musicChineke! website: https://www.chineke.org Chineke! on Britain’s got talent: https://youtu.be/DupiDw_hrr4 Chineke! at the BBC Proms: https://youtu.be/dOKGB084Hv4 Phoebe Hugh - entrepreneur and CEO founder of tech company Brolly.Phoebe’s linkedin : https://uk.linkedin.com/in/phoebehugh Phoebe in ‘Forbes 30 under 30’: https://www.forbes.com/profile/phoebe-hugh/#6096ad2f370e Brolly website: https://heybrolly.com Enjoy the full-length interview video and many more exclusives on the Empress app at: https://calistakazuko.fan.direct 👑Watch the 'Come to Mama' music video: https://youtu.be/2afv-Fb_4Tw 👑♡ This week we talk music and : tech, wellbeing, equality, motherhood, leadership, performance, expression and business.Gem talks about ‘The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)’, leading a movement against suicide, the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK and the cause of 18 deaths every day: https://www.thecalmzone.net 🎵 Get to know our hosts through their music:-Calista Kazuko ‘EMPRESS’: https://ffm.to/empressGemini Eye: https://geminieye.bandcamp.comThe Empress Diaries is gratefully supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.Support the show (https://calistakazuko.fan.direct)

👑Calista and Gem are embarking on an adventure through the wonderful world of modern womanhood and it starts - right now! Episode 1’s fabulous guest star is acclaimed violinist Chika Robertson, Calista’s own Mama Empress! 👑Enjoy the full-length interview video and many more exclusives on the Empress app at: https://calistakazuko.fan.direct This week we talk music and : wellbeing, science, motherhood, leadership, sexuality, spirituality and expression.♡ Links to lovely things discussed:-Chika Robertson and the Music Mind Spirit Trust (including Songtrees and YAMA): https://musicmindspirittrust.comPaul Robertson’s ‘Soundscapes’ book: https://soundscapes-book.com John Tavener’s ‘Towards Silence’: https://musicmindspirittrust.com/towards-silence🎵 Get to know our hosts through their music:-Calista Kazuko ‘EMPRESS’: https://ffm.to/empress Gemini Eye: https://geminieye.bandcamp.comThe Empress Diaries is gratefully supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.Support the show (https://calistakazuko.fan.direct)