I am beyond thrilled to catch up with Actress, Director & Writer Marishka S. Phillips whom I haven't spoken to since 2021, when live theatre was beginning to open up after the Global Pandemic.

I am very honored Marishka remembered me & wanted my help to get the word out about her NEW  scripted podcast, I AM CHARLIE: THE TEENAGE YEARS.

In this NEW interview, Marishka once again answered my call, but this time around she shares:

• Why she wanted to premiere I AM CHARLIE as a scripted podcast
• What she hopes listeners come away with after hearing the podcast
• Advice she would give her teenage self
• Memories of her first crush
• So much more

Connect with Marishka: Website, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube

I AM CHARLIE: THE TEENAGE YEARS is a scripted podcast series created to give voice to a culture and generation grappling with fear, identity, and acceptance in a complex world. At the heart of the story is CHARLENE “CHARLIE” REAVES, a bright, curious, and courageous Jamaican-American teenager coming of age in a society—and a culture—that often condemns who she is. Through her eyes, we explore the tension between tradition and self-expression, family and individuality, shame and self-love.

Charlie’s world is full of laughter, love, and conflict. Her Jamaican roots run deep, but so do the expectations and taboos that surround her. As she struggles to reconcile her identity as a queer young woman with the values of her upbringing, she often feels trapped in what she calls her “dirty little secret.”

Her journey is painful and beautiful—marked by moments of heartbreak, resilience, and revelation. Through friendships, family bonds, and first loves, Charlie encounters jealousy, insecurities, and the universal growing pains of adolescence.

Her story reminds us that the challenges of becoming oneself transcend ethnicity, culture, and economic background. Yet, Charlie is no victim—she is a fighter. As she learns to love herself and embrace her truth, she discovers the power of authenticity and self-acceptance.

She dreams of a better world, one where love is not feared but celebrated—and she begins by shining her own light to provoke change.

I AM CHARLIE: THE TEENAGE YEARS promises to take listeners on an honest, heartfelt, and visceral journey—a story of identity, courage, and the unyielding pursuit of freedom to simply be.

Listen to I AM CHARLIE: THE TEENAGE YEARS on your favorite podcatcher: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio

I AM CHARLIE: THE TEENAGE YEARS Podcast Artwork

1. How did you come up with the idea forI AM CHARLIE: THE TEENAGE YEARS? I came up with the idea for I AM CHARLIE: THE TEENAGE YEARS, from the original screenplay I Am Charlie. I did a zoom reading of the original and my production company Muidem picked it up.

They approached me with the question to write a podcast to build an audience for Charlie the Grown-up. After giving it some thought, and coming up with this concept, I became very excited about telling our audience how Charlie becomes Charlie.

2. I love how the story is told from adult Charlie's perspective. Why was it important to format the story/podcast in this manner? As mentioned before, the original premise is about Grown-up Charlie. I knew I needed her voice to help tell the story. I also wanted to pull in the mature and young audience.

3. Since the story is told from adult Charlie looking back on her teenage years, what would adult Marishka tell teenage Marishka? I would tell Marishka, you're not a puppet. You get to define who you are. Find yourself and live your truth.

Marishka S. Phillips at 19 Years Old
Photo Courtesy of Marishka S. Phillips Social Media

4. What is it about yours & Nicolette Ellis' creative visions that made you realize this would be a good collaboration? I love Nicolette Ellis. She is one of my theatre babies. Not only is she an amazing Actor, she's an appealing writer. I needed her youthful perspective. I knew it would work. She said yes! I couldn't have been more thrilled.

5. Why did you want to premiere this as a scripted podcast over a theatrical stage piece, TV show or movie? I believe it's a great way to gain exposure and followers. At the same time, perhaps our sponsors will give us earning power to fund our film and the TV series of I Am Charlie. And it's fun!

6. What do you hope listeners come away with after listening to this series? Listening to important stories can open your mind, your heart, and help you lose judgements. If you can relate to any character that you hear, it's worth staying along for the journey.

People get held up on stigmas and society's phobias. I am hoping to break those barriers and build a bridge to us understanding each other better.

I want people to walk away with the empathy to allow others to pursue their own happiness. It's a human right. As long as you don't set out to hurt anyone.

I AM CHARLIE promo image
Photo Courtesy of Marishka S. Phillips

7. I LOVE that part of the story takes place on Coney Island, a place I have come to create many fond memories at. Why was it important for you to include this historic amusement park in your story? Coney Island was and still is my happy place. My fondest memory is of our family going there and having the best days ever.

My maternal grandmother, Rosa Lee, would let us sneak under the turnstile! That's where the adventures began. Just getting there! There was freedom at Coney Island. I remember it before all the shit.

8. After listening to the first episode, I was very drawn into the story. Without giving too much away, we quickly get introduced to Charlie's love interest. What do you remember most about your first crush? That's interesting. I grew up around mostly adults touring with my mom, Sandra Reaves-Phillips, who has recently passed. But once I got back, I was in 7th grade a year early. Yes, I'm smart!

I had a crush on an identical twin. Those two boys were the crush of many a girls. He had a girlfriend at the time. I almost got beat up!  But, I eventually started dating him in high school and beyond.

Sandra Reaves-Phiillips
NAACP Awards In Memoriam
Photo Courtesy of Marishka S. Phillips Social Media

9. In addition to writing this podcast, you also directed it. What differences & similarities does directing a podcast have as compared to your theatrical directing? The only difference is No Blocking! LOL.

I have to do all the same work. Character development, Scene Objectives, conflicts, Beats and actions. All those things that make for great storytelling. I get to use my coaching skills as well.

10. How has writing this podcast helped you find your voice in a way your previous projects have not? Writing this project, I am about to share the inner thoughts, feelings and ideas I had as a young lady growing up in this world. More often than not, I just didn't know.

I am able to give all my questions, curiosities, and vulnerabilities over to Charlie. It's been a very courageous journey of discoveries.

11. What is something we didn't get to talk about in this interview that you'd like my audience to know? I want to start an I Am Charlie campaign. I truly believe that there is some Charlie in all of us. No matter gender, color, or religion. We all had to grow up in this world, often not having our say.

My name is Marishka and I Am Charlie. That's what I want people to put on video and send it to [email protected].

Find us on IG and YouTube for our video presentations of the podcast.

Thank you for having me. I am so very happy you enjoyed the 1st episode.

Always love Adam!

More Marishka S. Phillips Interviews:

2020 (Listen Here): Down To Eartha & Marishka's acting method The Marishka Method
2021 (Watch Here): The Amazing Adventures of a Woman In Need

Marishka S. Phillips, Photo Credit: Khalil Kavon

More on Marishka S. Phillips:

Marishka is a native New Yorker, Brooklyn born. She started performing at the age of 8.

At age 13, she appeared in a European tour of RAISIN and further developed her talents at Alvin Ailey’s School of Dance, Broadway Dance Center (scholarship) and Fordham University.

By the age of 19, she landed a featured role and understudy to the star on Broadway, in the musical UPTOWN: IT’S HOT, directed by Maurice Hines. She went on to perform in such musicals as BUBBLIN’ BROWN SUGAR, FAME: THE MUSICAL, THE WIZ and THE ME NOBODY KNOWS.

When living in Los Angeles, she did character work and was the stand-in actress on the last two seasons of A DIFFERENT WORLD, the spin-off of THE COSBY SHOW, in which she also appeared.

Marishka spent 10 years traveling back and forth to Europe, 8 countries in all, performing in various musicals. Including, TRIBUTE TO THE BLUES BROTHERS, LUDWIG: THE MUSICAL and TEATRO PIAZZO. She has had recordings released on Hinterland Records in 2002 and Mole Listening Pearls in 2007, both in Germany.

She has been studying with her mentor Ms. Susan Batson since 2002. Since, she has been cast as OTHELLO, in an all female cast, STAGE AND SCREEN, directed by Hinton Battle. She starred in the 2006 N.Y. Fringe Festival in ABSOLUTE FLIGHT, and earned an AUDELCO nomination for her portrayal of Young Ethel Waters in Woody King’s production of SWEET MAMA STRINGBEAN. Marishka has been seen in Euripides’ MEDEA at the National Black Theatre and various other off-Broadway productions.

She has toured and performed with recording artists Sean “P Diddy” Combs, Latin recording star Christian Castro, and Cece Winan. Most recently Marishka was assistant acting coach along with Susan Batson for Deborah Cox as Josephine Baker. She has also worked with Tasha Smith, Kerri Washington, Nicole Beharie Brown, Naima Mora, Rafael Sadiiq, Terri Vaughn, Tami Roman, Jeniffer Williams, Daisha Graf,  Nafessa Williams, Taja V Simpson, Rob Morgan to name a few. Marishka made her film directorial debut with “Love Always, Eartha”. Now she also serves as Casting Director.

Marishka takes a very organic and spiritual approach to the craft of acting. “When I walk into the studio, I never know what’s gonna happen”. I approach this craft with Divine Humility. I give 210% and I don’t expect anything less from the actors. I like to work with the actor’s awareness. Our instrument is where everything lies. We have to be willing to access it and give yourself absolute permission to express your truth, without judgement. “Know Thyself”. I’m patient with the actor, because my hope for you is to be the best you can be. “The first way into your intimacy is through listening and really hearing”. Come explore your spirit, therein lies your freedom!!!!