THE CHAIR cover art

THE CHAIR

THE CHAIR

By: JerDrema (Dreme) V. Flynt M.Ed MBA
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I built an AWARD WINNING Podcast called THE CHAIR to highlight hair journeys. I’m a Black woman, an educator and newly minted tech entrepreneur. As people sit in THE CHAIR, you will be immersed into stories surrounding education, entrepreneurship, identity, and magic. I have built THE CHAIR platform dedicated to supporting Black and Brown people on their hair journey. Enjoy as you listen to the voices in THE CHAIR.

Learn More About THE CHAIR:


Join THE CHAIR Community for FREE:

https://growinghands.wpengine.com/


Join THE CHAIR Newsletter for FREE:

https://growinghands.wpengine.com/newsletter/


© 2026 THE CHAIR Art Social Sciences
Episodes
  • My 7th Grade Decision

    My 7th Grade Decision
    Jun 28 2026
    On this episode, I introduce you to Niyonu, an educator, group facilitator, consultant, artist, and visionary of Academy for Peace & Liberation Education. Niyonu shares her 7th grade decision that changed everything when it came to her hair. She also discusses what it means to be a mother of boys and watching them on their hair journey as well. Enjoy!Her Bio:Niyonu D. Spann is a transformational educator, organizational strategist, artist, and spiritual leader whose work bridges liberation, healing, and whole-system change. She is the founder and president of 4 Circles Beyond, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to community empowerment through education, culture, and radical inclusion. In that capacity, she leads the development of the Academy for Peace & Liberation Education (AP≤)—a visionary, tuition-free high school based in Chester, Pennsylvania—and the Teacher’s Liberation Residency, which supports educators in practicing joyfully and justly.Niyonu holds a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from Oberlin Conservatory, a Master’s in Human Resource Management/Organization Development from American University/National Training Laboratories, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Transformational Studies from the California Institute of Integral Studies. She has served as a teacher and administrator at both residential and day schools, including Oakwood Friends School and Friends Select, and as Dean at Pendle Hill, a Quaker study and retreat center.An experienced consultant and facilitator, Niyonu has worked with nonprofit boards, school districts, foundations, and international organizations on racial equity, leadership, strategic planning, and organizational transformation. Notable partners include the American Friends Service Committee, Amnesty International, Planned Parenthood (PA & NJ), University of North Carolina Greensboro, and Delaware Health and Social Services. She co-founded CEIO (Co-Creating Effective & Inclusive Organizations) in New Haven, CT—a multi-year initiative to support inclusive leadership and systems change.As founder of Beyond Diversity 101™ (BD101)—a five-day intensive workshop now in its 24th year—Niyonu has guided hundreds of individuals through deeply transformational experiences in race, power, and liberation. Her signature approach centers spirit-rooted healing, rigorous truth-telling, and community-based accountability.Also an accomplished artist and cultural worker, Niyonu founded Tribe 1, a multiracial performance ensemble dedicated to music for peace and justice. She continues to perform as a solo artist, with two albums including Spirit Fuel (2021), and leads Nuyoni Productions, a multimedia company focused on ancestral honoring, joyous living, and sound healing.Niyonu is a frequent keynote speaker and plenary presenter, with appearances at Naropa University, New England and Philadelphia Yearly Meetings, FLGBTQC Midwinter Gathering, and the Republican National Convention protests. Her writings and speeches—such as “Being Home is Heartwork” and “Letting Go of Illusion, Engaging Truth: Healing!”—are known for their spiritual rigor, emotional depth, and uncompromising call to justice.Niyonu has received numerous awards for her work, including the Candace Woman of Achievement Award (100 Black Women) and the Dorothy James Community Service Award (Media Fellowship House). In 2019, she was nominated for the Paul and Joyce Aicher Leadership in Democracy Award.Through every role she holds—as educator, executive, consultant, artist, or activist—Niyonu embodies the belief that transformation begins within and that liberation, creativity, and community restoration are not only possible—they are necessary.THE CHAIR (S2/Ep59) —My 7th Grade DecisionI’m Your AWARD WINNING Host Dreme. I’m a Black woman, an educator turned tech entrepreneur but still an educator. Building a platform called THE CHAIR is a Black and Brown centered tech platform dedicated to supporting people on their hair journey. You can design hairboards, connect to hair stylists, and share hair care tips all in one space for a more joyous and streamlined experience. AND built a AWARD WINNING podcast to share hair stories and stories surrounding identity, education, and entrepreneurship. Send us Fan MailHost & Exec Producer: Dreme Flynt, M.Ed, MBAEditor: Lila Woodbridgehttp://www.lilawoodbridge.com/Music Creators: Your Host Dreme & Seoul (@xSeoulMusicx) Learn More About THE CHAIR:Join THE CHAIR Community for FREE:http://thechair.kinsta.cloud/Join THE CHAIR Newsletter for FREE: https://growinghands.wpengine.com/newsletter/ Commercial Credits: Visionary: Your Host DremeAnimator: Ahmad Merhi https://amerhifilm.com/film Voice Actor: D. Ruff (@d_ruff3), The Poethttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFAH2cqo64U My Book:From Nowhere & Everywhere: Captured Emotions of a Beautifully Broken Love StoryMy explorations through poetry, diary entries and photography as a Black woman, an educator in ...
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    16 mins
  • Courageous Work: Roots to Petals

    Courageous Work: Roots to Petals
    Jun 28 2026
    On this episode, I introduce you to Niyonu, an educator, group facilitator, consultant, artist, and visionary of Academy for Peace & Liberation Education. We dive into topics surrounding education, organizational development, and what it means to develop courage beginning from your roots. Enjoy!Her Bio:Niyonu D. Spann is a transformational educator, organizational strategist, artist, and spiritual leader whose work bridges liberation, healing, and whole-system change. She is the founder and president of 4 Circles Beyond, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to community empowerment through education, culture, and radical inclusion. In that capacity, she leads the development of the Academy for Peace & Liberation Education (AP≤)—a visionary, tuition-free high school based in Chester, Pennsylvania—and the Teacher’s Liberation Residency, which supports educators in practicing joyfully and justly.Niyonu holds a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from Oberlin Conservatory, a Master’s in Human Resource Management/Organization Development from American University/National Training Laboratories, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Transformational Studies from the California Institute of Integral Studies. She has served as a teacher and administrator at both residential and day schools, including Oakwood Friends School and Friends Select, and as Dean at Pendle Hill, a Quaker study and retreat center.An experienced consultant and facilitator, Niyonu has worked with nonprofit boards, school districts, foundations, and international organizations on racial equity, leadership, strategic planning, and organizational transformation. Notable partners include the American Friends Service Committee, Amnesty International, Planned Parenthood (PA & NJ), University of North Carolina Greensboro, and Delaware Health and Social Services. She co-founded CEIO (Co-Creating Effective & Inclusive Organizations) in New Haven, CT—a multi-year initiative to support inclusive leadership and systems change.As founder of Beyond Diversity 101™ (BD101)—a five-day intensive workshop now in its 24th year—Niyonu has guided hundreds of individuals through deeply transformational experiences in race, power, and liberation. Her signature approach centers spirit-rooted healing, rigorous truth-telling, and community-based accountability.Also an accomplished artist and cultural worker, Niyonu founded Tribe 1, a multiracial performance ensemble dedicated to music for peace and justice. She continues to perform as a solo artist, with two albums including Spirit Fuel (2021), and leads Nuyoni Productions, a multimedia company focused on ancestral honoring, joyous living, and sound healing.Niyonu is a frequent keynote speaker and plenary presenter, with appearances at Naropa University, New England and Philadelphia Yearly Meetings, FLGBTQC Midwinter Gathering, and the Republican National Convention protests. Her writings and speeches—such as “Being Home is Heartwork” and “Letting Go of Illusion, Engaging Truth: Healing!”—are known for their spiritual rigor, emotional depth, and uncompromising call to justice.Niyonu has received numerous awards for her work, including the Candace Woman of Achievement Award (100 Black Women) and the Dorothy James Community Service Award (Media Fellowship House). In 2019, she was nominated for the Paul and Joyce Aicher Leadership in Democracy Award.Through every role she holds—as educator, executive, consultant, artist, or activist—Niyonu embodies the belief that transformation begins within and that liberation, creativity, and community restoration are not only possible—they are necessary.THE CHAIR (S2/Ep58) —Courageous Work:Roots to PetalsI’m Your AWARD WINNING Host Dreme. I’m a Black woman, an educator turned tech entrepreneur but still an educator. Building a platform called THE CHAIR is a Black and Brown centered tech platform dedicated to supporting people on their hair journey. You can design hairboards, connect to hair stylists, and share hair care tips all in one space for a more joyous and streamlined experience. AND built a AWARD WINNING podcast to share hair stories and stories surrounding identity, education, and entrepreneurship. Send us Fan MailHost & Exec Producer: Dreme Flynt, M.Ed, MBAEditor: Lila Woodbridgehttp://www.lilawoodbridge.com/Music Creators: Your Host Dreme & Seoul (@xSeoulMusicx) Learn More About THE CHAIR:Join THE CHAIR Community for FREE:http://thechair.kinsta.cloud/Join THE CHAIR Newsletter for FREE: https://growinghands.wpengine.com/newsletter/ Commercial Credits: Visionary: Your Host DremeAnimator: Ahmad Merhi https://amerhifilm.com/film Voice Actor: D. Ruff (@d_ruff3), The Poethttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFAH2cqo64U My Book:From Nowhere & Everywhere: Captured Emotions of a Beautifully Broken Love StoryMy explorations through poetry, diary entries and photography as a Black woman, an educator in Guangzhou, China.Website - https://www.lulu.com/en...
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    36 mins
  • Building Spaces

    Building Spaces
    Jun 21 2026

    On this episode, Shanteah works in the world of construction and is a hairstylist. She shares how working in construction is leaving her imprint on her city, why she decided to go to cosmetology school, and how her love for her own hair has evolved over time. Enjoy!

    Her Bio:

    Shanteah Norfleet is a hardworking and determined professional from Massachusetts with a strong passion for growth, resilience, and self-improvement. Known for her ambition and real-life experience, she takes pride in balancing strength, independence, and authenticity in everything she does.

    With experience in labor and hands-on work, Shanteah is dedicated to building a successful future while inspiring others through perseverance and confidence. She enjoys exploring new opportunities, learning practical skills, and helping those around her.

    THE CHAIR (S2/Ep57) —Building Spaces

    I’m Your AWARD WINNING Host Dreme.

    I’m a Black woman, an educator turned tech entrepreneur but still an educator. Building a platform called THE CHAIR is a Black and Brown centered tech platform dedicated to supporting people on their hair journey. You can design hairboards, connect to hair stylists, and share hair care tips all in one space for a more joyous and streamlined experience. AND built a AWARD WINNING podcast to share hair stories and stories surrounding identity, education, and entrepreneurship.

    Send us Fan Mail

    Host & Exec Producer: Dreme Flynt, M.Ed, MBA
    Editor: Lila Woodbridge
    http://www.lilawoodbridge.com/
    Music Creators: Your Host Dreme & Seoul (@xSeoulMusicx)

    Learn More About THE CHAIR:
    Join THE CHAIR Community for FREE:
    http://thechair.kinsta.cloud/

    Join THE CHAIR Newsletter for FREE:
    https://growinghands.wpengine.com/newsletter/

    Commercial Credits:
    Visionary:     Your Host Dreme
    Animator: Ahmad Merhi
    https://amerhifilm.com/film
    Voice Actor: D. Ruff (@d_ruff3), The Poet
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFAH2cqo64U

    My Book:
    From Nowhere & Everywhere: Captured Emotions of a Beautifully Broken Love Story
    My explorations through poetry, diary entries and photography as a Black woman, an educator in Guangzhou, China.
    Website - https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/j...
    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
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