1 10 Fighting Disinformation and Elevating Diverse Voices with Martina Guzman

• Verdad - An AI tool that monitors Spanish-language radio for mis/disinformation

Change the Reel website

Martina Guzman

CHANGE THE REEL with Piper and Monique

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Executive Producers: Monique Velasquez and Piper Kessler

Producer: Arielle Morten

Director/Editor: Simon Beery

Copyright 2025 Monique & Piper

From her childhood in Southern California where she first recognized social disparities, to serving in the military, and now leading Onyx Therapy Group, Dr. LaNail Plummer's journey embodies what it means to create safe spaces through authentic representation. In this powerful episode, we explore how building community and staying true to yourself can transform mental health services for marginalized communities.

In a time of social uncertainty and increased mental health awareness, Dr. Plummer's approach to creating psychologically safe spaces for both clients and practitioners is revolutionary. Her work demonstrates how representation in mental health isn't just about visibility—it's about creating environments where Black, Brown, and LGBTQ+ individuals can heal and flourish.

Building from Natural Gifts

Growing up as a military brat with a single father, Dr. Plummer's entrepreneurial spirit emerged early when she started a school store in middle school and developed a buddy program for military children relocating to new bases. Her curiosity about decision-making (sparked by a childhood misunderstanding about "serial killers") led her to study psychology, where she found her natural analytical abilities aligned perfectly with her desire to help others.

Creating Impact Through Visibility

Initially hiding her identity as a member of the LGBTQ+ community during her military service and early career, Dr. Plummer eventually recognized that authenticity was essential to her purpose. When she came out at age 33, she embraced this aspect of herself as a gift that enhanced her ability to connect with and serve clients. This visibility extended beyond personal freedom—it created representation for others seeking therapists who understood their lived experiences.

Building Community Through Mental Health

One of Dr. Plummer's proudest achievements has been creating Onyx Therapy Group as a psychologically safe haven where both clients and staff can be their authentic selves. By focusing on making her staff feel "good and safe and seen and heard," she creates a ripple effect: "What I give to my staff, they give to their clients, and the clients give that to their community."

Authentic Leadership

The person behind the business matters as much as the services offered. Dr. Plummer's experience demonstrates how building psychological safety in the workplace creates better outcomes for everyone involved. Her approach includes giving staff direct access to leadership, flexibility in scheduling, and the freedom to use their voices without fear.

Building Sustainable Success

Creating balance through boundaries is crucial for sustainable success. Dr. Plummer manages multiple roles—CEO, department chair, therapist, and author—by setting clear boundaries around media consumption, time management, and energy allocation. This grounding allows her to lead effectively while continuing to grow personally and professionally.

Looking Forward

Change the Reel isn't just about sharing success stories—it's about changing the narrative of what healing looks like. Through Dr. Plummer's journey from curious child to celebrated mental health leader, we see how embracing your authentic self can create ripples of change throughout an industry. Each safe space she creates becomes an opportunity to honor ancestral wisdom while creating new pathways to healing.

Stories and Examples Featured:

Throughout this episode, Dr. Plummer shares personal stories about her childhood entrepreneurial ventures, her time in the military, her experience coming out at age 33, her approach to supporting staff during difficult times, and her journey to

S1 E8 Going Live: How to Leverage Video Streaming for Real Business Impact

In this episode of Change the Reel, Monique and Piper dive into the world of live video streaming – sharing compelling statistics, practical strategies, and overcoming the common objections that keep many business owners from embracing this powerful tool. Whether you're a nonprofit, small business, or service provider, this conversation offers valuable insights on connecting authentically with your audience through live content. #LiveStreaming #ContentStrategy #VideoMarketing

The statistics don't lie – video continues to dominate digital engagement. With 99% of marketers saying videos help increase customer understanding of their products and services, and live content creating deeper audience connections, now is the time to incorporate live streaming into your business strategy. As Monique shares, "Brands get the most video views in quarter one and quarter four," making this the perfect moment to plan your live content approach. #BusinessStrategy #DigitalEngagement #VideoStats

Live streaming is video or audio broadcast in real-time (or near real-time), differentiating it from on-demand content. This immediacy creates authentic connections with audiences who increasingly prefer the spontaneity and transparency of live interactions. Whether you're hosting a Q&A, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, or providing expert commentary, live content offers versatility traditional media can't match. #RealTimeContent #DigitalCommunication #AuthenticVideo

Live streaming isn't limited to one format. From interviews and talk show-style presentations to behind-the-scenes glimpses and live field reports, the possibilities are endless. Piper explains that behind-the-scenes content "gets your audience excited and they can see what it is you're doing...it has a different feel to it." These real-time peeks into your process build both interest and trust with your community. #ContentIdeas #BehindTheScenes #LiveEvents

The most powerful aspect of live streaming is its ability to facilitate real-time, two-way communication. Unlike traditional content, live video allows for immediate audience engagement through comments, questions, and reactions. This interaction builds community and provides valuable insights – including unexpected ways customers might be using your products or services that you hadn't considered. #AudienceEngagement #CommunityBuilding #InteractiveContent

"I can hear some of you thinking, I don't have time for this. I can't do this. Ain't nobody got time for this." Monique addresses the fears and objections that typically prevent business owners from embracing live video – from concerns about being camera-shy to worries about technical difficulties. By acknowledging these valid concerns and offering practical solutions, she demonstrates that these barriers are often more psychological than practical. #OvercomingFear #BusinessGrowth #ComfortZone

Many professionals worry that going live makes the content "about me, me, me." However, as Monique explains, "Your voice is important to push that message out." When you focus on your mission and how you serve others, live video becomes about your audience, not you. This mindset shift can transform how you approach content creation and help overcome self-consciousness. #MissionDriven #PurposefulContent #BusinessMessaging

Taking that first step requires courage, but the potential impact is worth it. By focusing on your mission, who you serve, and the problems you solve, you can move past hesitation and embrace live...

In this episode of Change the Reel, Monique and Piper sit down with documentary filmmaker and ethical storytelling champion Natalie Bullock Brown. From her journey through Howard University's film program to her work with the Documentary Accountability Working Group (DAWG), Natalie shares powerful insights on authentic representation and the responsibility filmmakers have to their subjects. #RepresentationMatters #DocumentaryFilm #EthicalStorytelling

As media continues to shape our understanding of communities and cultures, who tells the story matters as much as the story itself. Natalie's work advocates for filmmakers to be "more thoughtful, intentional, and transparent about their filmmaking practices in their relationships with their participants." This approach isn't just about fairness—it results in better, more authentic storytelling. #AuthenticVoices #MediaEthics #FilmIndustry

Natalie initially went to Howard University planning to write for television shows like "A Different World," but discovering Marlon Riggs' groundbreaking documentary work changed her trajectory entirely. This pivotal moment showed her what documentary film could accomplish—giving voice to underrepresented communities while creating artistically powerful content. #FilmEducation #CareerPath #DocFilm

Through a series of connections beginning with jazz musicians at Lincoln Center, Natalie eventually found her way to Ken Burns' production company. Her story highlights how relationships and networking create opportunities, particularly for women of color in an industry where representation behind the camera remains limited. #WomenInFilm #NetworkingInFilm #CareerDevelopment

As Distinguished Director of the Documentary Accountability Working Group, Natalie helped develop a framework that emphasizes care, consent, collaboration, and ethical storytelling. This approach begins with a critical "reflection" phase where filmmakers examine their proximity to stories and their potential biases. #FilmEthics #DocumentaryPractice #Accountability

While representation matters, Natalie emphasizes that it's not simply about who tells the story—it's about the filmmaker's commitment to doing internal work to overcome blind spots and biases. This often means bringing in team members with closer proximity to the stories being told. #Collaboration #DiverseTeams #StorytellingEthics

Natalie shares her experience creating production teams that reflect diversity in gender, ethnicity, and experience. From her first all-women crew to her current collaborative approach with various filmmakers, she demonstrates how intentional hiring creates better working environments and ultimately better films. #InclusiveHiring #ProductionTeams #DiversityInFilm

Both Monique and Piper note how Natalie's sets stand out for their comfort and organization—a testament to what's possible when productions prioritize inclusive environments. This approach allows talent and crew to bring their authentic selves to the work without the "heavy armor" often needed in less welcoming spaces. #SetCulture #FilmProduction #InclusiveWorkplaces

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on how filmmakers can avoid perpetuating stereotypes or exploiting communities through their work. Natalie emphasizes that without proper reflection and intentionality, filmmakers risk continuing harmful narratives...

1 6 Creating Content That Matters: Community Engagement and Social Impact

In this episode of Change the Reel, Monique and Piper explore the essential relationship between content creation, community engagement, and making a meaningful social impact. From their new office space, they share insights on how businesses, nonprofits, and government entities can create content that truly connects with their communities.

In a digital landscape flooded with content, simply posting videos or podcasts isn't enough. The real power comes from creating two-way communication that engages your community authentically and measures tangible impact. As Monique emphasizes, "It is not a video or a podcast alone. It has to be packaged with other things. It has to become two-way communication."

Who is your audience? What are their needs? Where do they gather? The answers vary dramatically depending on your location, industry, and mission. Monique and Piper share examples from their experience working with different municipalities where what works in one community completely fails in another just miles away.

Some communities are highly tech-savvy, making digital messaging effective. Others are more rural with significant "digital divides" that require physical signage, flyers, and in-person meetings. Understanding these dynamics is crucial before creating content for community engagement.

For businesses and nonprofits, your community isn't defined by geographic boundaries but by who you serve. As Piper explains, "That becomes what your community is." Whether you're helping "brown dogs" (as in their nonprofit example) or specific business clients, clearly defining your community focus helps create more effective content.

Being your authentic self on camera creates powerful connections. When viewers see someone expressing thoughts they've been having privately, they suddenly feel less alone - creating community through shared experience and validation.

Content that drives real community engagement must be:

• Truthful and accurate
• Consistent in delivery and messaging
• Aligned with your mission
• Informative and useful

The most powerful content invites response and creates dialogue. This means designing content with mechanisms for feedback, whether through comments, surveys, direct calls to action, or measurable outcomes like program sign-ups.

True community engagement can't be measured by likes and views alone. What real-world actions resulted from your content? As Monique points out, you need "a mechanism on the backside of the communication, or along with the comments in the communication, to measure that or to drive that."

Being open to community feedback can transform your approach. This requires a mindset shift for many business owners who are accustomed to making all decisions independently. Listening to your community often reveals blind spots in your strategy and creates opportunities for deeper connection.

Building community takes time. One-off content rarely makes an impact - consistency in both publishing and messaging builds the trust needed for meaningful engagement. As Piper notes, "You have to put things out on a schedule over and over."

No matter what sector you're in – business, nonprofit, or government – you're part of a community. Creating content that genuinely engages that community requires understanding their unique needs, being authentic in your communication, and creating opportunities...

1 5 Finding Your Authentic Voice - A Conversation with Chef Queen Precious-Jewel

From the Bronx kitchen where she first learned to cook, to appearing on Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars and building a thriving personal chef business, Chef Queen Precious-Jewel's journey embodies what it means to change the narrative through authentic representation. In this powerful episode, we explore how staying true to yourself can transform not just your own story, but create space for others to do the same.

In a culinary world often defined by traditional credentials and mainstream representation, Queen's story challenges us to rethink what makes a "real" chef. Her journey from self-taught cook to successful business owner shows how embracing your authentic voice - complete with its unique accents, experiences, and perspectives - can become your greatest strength.

Building from the Ground Up

Growing up in a Bronx family of six siblings, QueenPrecious-Jewel's culinary education began in her mother Beverly's kitchen, where vegetarian cooking and cultural fusion were daily lessons. Rather than pursuing formal culinary training, she chose to honor her roots and develop her own style - a decision that would later become one of her greatest assets. As she puts it, "I didn't want to be tainted... if you're authentically saying I am cooking the way my ancestors cooked, then learn those influences."

Initially hiding her identity as a Black, Muslim, LGBTQ+ chef when starting her catering business, Queen Precious-Jewel discovered that showing her true self actually helped the business grow. When she finally put her face to the brand, clients responded to the authenticity she brought to every dish and interaction. This visibility extended beyond business success - it created representation for others who didn't see themselves in the culinary world.

One of Queen Precious-Jewel's proudest achievements has been creating spaces where authentic stories can flourish through food. After pivoting from large-scale catering to intimate 15-person dining experiences, she found her true passion: creating personalized culinary experiences that honor both tradition and innovation. Her work with aspiring chefs, particularly through programs like Job Corps, shows how representation can inspire the next generation to pursue their dreams.

The story behind the brand matters as much as the product itself. Queen Precious-Jewel's experience demonstrates how being visible and vulnerable in your business can create deeper connections with clients and open unexpected opportunities. From Say Yes to the Dress to Gordon Ramsay's show, doors opened because she was willing to be authentically herself.

Creating standard operating procedures and learning to delegate were crucial steps in Queen Precious-Jewel's business evolution. Her partnership with wife Jay showed how important it is to have support systems and clear processes, especially when pursuing new opportunities requires stepping away from day-to-day operations.

Change the Reel isn't just about sharing success stories - it's about changing the narrative of what success looks like. Through Queen Precious-Jewel's journey from home cook to celebrated chef, we see how embracing your authentic voice can create ripples of change throughout an industry. Each plate she serves becomes an opportunity to honor tradition while creating space for new stories to emerge.

Throughout this episode, Queen Precious-Jewel shares personal stories about her family's influence on her cooking, her...

1 4 Let’s Talk Nonprofit Video: Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck

We know nonprofits work with precious dollars, and every investment needs to count. In this episode, we're breaking down five practical ways to make your video content work harder for your mission. No fancy jargon, just real strategies that get results.

Let's be honest - most marketers find video intimidating. In fact, 64% say it's their toughest content to create. But here's the thing: with over 500 million hours of video watched daily on YouTube alone, you can't afford to sit this one out. Plus, 82% of folks actually prefer live video from nonprofits.

Forget generic content. We've seen amazing results when nonprofits get personal with their video outreach. Here's what worked for us: adding personalized video messages to email campaigns. It's like having a one-on-one conversation with each donor or volunteer, just scaled up.

Remember when everyone said "keep it under two minutes"? Well, we're here to fight that notion. Our experience shows that when people care about your mission, they'll gladly watch longer content. It's not about length - it's about telling your story right.

Each social platform has its own personality, and your content needs to match. YouTube loves landscape, TikTok wants vertical, and yes, it hurts our professional souls sometimes to turn that camera sideways - but it works! Think about where your audience hangs out and meet them there.

Listen, we get it - sometimes you need something quick. But the magic happens when you tie your videos into your bigger picture. Whether it's a giving campaign or volunteer drive, having a strategy makes every video work harder for you.

This is where it gets exciting - 82% of viewers prefer live video. Why? Because it's real, it's authentic, and it lets people connect with your mission in real-time. From fundraising events to behind-the-scenes moments, live video creates instant connections.

We're not big on overwhelming you with stats, but these are worth noting:

• 85% of Facebook videos play silent (yep, captions matter!)
• Almost half of folks watch an hour+ of video weekly
• 69% would rather watch than read about your work
• 88% of organizations are happy with their video ROI

The best part? You don't need Hollywood production values. Whether you're planning your annual gala or launching a giving campaign, video can amplify your impact without breaking the bank. Consider hybrid events that combine in-person and virtual elements - we've seen this work wonders for expanding reach while keeping that personal touch.

Video doesn't have to be complicated or expensive - it just needs to be strategic. Focus on these five areas, and you'll create the kind of connections that drive real results for your mission.

Got questions about making video work for your nonprofit? Let's chat! Book a quick 15-minute strategy session with us - we'd love to help you explore the possibilities.

Hashtags: #NonprofitMarketing #VideoStrategy #NonprofitVideo #NonprofitCommunications

• Book a Strategy Session with Velasquez Media - Link to book a 15 minute call to review your video strategy and plans.
• 5 tips for nonprofits - This is where you will find the handout from this...

Been tasked with creating a video project and feeling overwhelmed? You're not alone. In this episode, Monique and Piper share their insider knowledge on working with video production teams, drawing from years of experience helping first-time producers create successful projects.

The demand for video content is everywhere – from marketing campaigns to internal communications. But here's the thing: you don't need to be a video expert to get great results. What you do need is the right approach to working with video professionals, whether you're planning months ahead or need something turned around quickly.

Every successful video project balances three essential elements: time, control, and cost. These aren't just abstract concepts – they're your practical tools for success. Time isn't just about deadlines; it's about understanding the real hours needed for quality work. Control involves knowing who makes which decisions and when. And cost? It's not just about the bottom line – it's about making smart investments in the right areas of your project.

Finding the right video team starts with asking the right questions. But here's what many first-time producers don't realize: it's not just about their portfolio or price tag. You need to understand their experience with projects like yours, their approach to timelines, and most importantly, how they handle communication. The best video teams aren't just technically skilled – they're excellent communicators who can guide you through the process.

Pre-production isn't just planning – it's where your video's success is determined. This means getting clear on everything from script development to location scouting. We break down real-world considerations like shooting ratios (spoiler: you'll need more footage than you think) and why that perfect take might require more time than expected. Understanding these elements helps you plan better and avoid costly surprises.

The secret to great video production isn't just about finding talented professionals – it's about finding the right fit for your project. This means considering factors like:

• Cultural alignment with your organization
• Communication styles that match your needs
• Understanding of your industry and audience
• Ability to work within your approval processes
• Technical capabilities that match your requirements

Language and diversity aren't just boxes to check – they're crucial elements that can make or break your project. Having Spanish-language capabilities isn't just about translation; it's about cultural understanding and authentic communication. Similarly, having diverse production teams brings different perspectives that can enhance your final product.

Planning makes perfect, but flexibility keeps projects moving. Whether you're working with a six-month timeline or a three-day turnaround, success comes from:

• Clear communication channels
• Well-defined approval processes
• Understanding of technical requirements
• Realistic budget allocation
• Strategic decision-making

Ready to take the next step in your video production journey? Connect with us at hello@velasquezmedia.com – we'd love to hear about your project and share more insights.

#VideoProduction #CorporateVideo #ContentCreation #MediaProduction #FilmCrew