In this episode of HEARD. Afros and Audio Interview Series, host Talib Jasir introduces guest Stephanie Cole. Stephanie celebrates her birthday and shares her journey into podcasting inspired by the community formed around the TV show 'Scandal.'

She discusses her podcast 'Audio Oasis Storytelling,' where she tells engaging short stories about life in Harlem, and how she created her 'Vocal Velvet Audio' series. Stephanie highlights her passion for leadership, comedy, and storytelling. She delves into her upbringing, filled with books and Greek mythology, which influenced her love for storytelling. Stephanie emphasizes the importance of community support in podcasting, reflected in her experience at the Afros & Audio Podcast Festival She also discusses her future aspirations, including voice talent and narration opportunities.

00:00 Introduction and Birthday Celebration
00:56 Inspiration Behind Audio Oasis Storytelling
01:06 The Scandal Community and Podcasting Beginnings
04:45 Creating Short, Impactful Stories
07:15 Harlem Life and the Bodega Episode
09:13 Leadership and Storytelling
10:54 Vocal Velvet and Macaroni and Cheese
16:34 Dreams and Aspirations
19:16 Childhood and Love for Books
20:40 Greek Mythology and Storytelling
25:11 The Boy and the Chariot of the Sun
26:39 A Childhood Memory in Harlem
27:51 The Power of Storytelling
28:22 Connecting with the Podcast Audience
29:21 Evolution of Audio Oasis Storytelling
30:12 Creating the Vocal Velvet Series
33:33 The Importance of Folktales
35:46 Starting a Podcast Journey
40:44 Future Goals and Aspirations
41:58 The Afros and Audios Experience
46:23 Final Thoughts and How to Support

To learn more about Stephanie visit: https://www.stephanieycole.com/vocal-velvet-bio

Listen to Vocal Velvet: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4FuvHbkL7Xlyuyq9JGzlQK?si=1871eb3cbfe4483a

Follow Audio Oasis Storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/company/audio-oasis-storytelling-podcast/posts/?feedView=all

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.