Black Women Amplified Podcast

There are voices you hear, and then there are voices you feel. This week on Black Women Amplified, we sit with the incomparable Wendy Moten, an artist whose career has been defined not just by talent but by staying power, faith, and a deep understanding of who she is.From her breakout moment in 1992 to her unforgettable appearance on The Voice in 2020, Wendy’s journey stretches across decades of an industry that is constantly shifting. What stands out is not just longevity, but the way she has continued to evolve without losing herself. She shares what it really looks like to keep going when the spotlight changes, when the industry shifts, and when your path no longer fits the mold you were given.In this conversation, Wendy opens up about the early days and what it felt like stepping into visibility, and how those first moments shaped everything that followed. She speaks candidly about the choices she made to step away from traditional industry routes, including her decision to tour globally with Julio Iglesias, and how that experience expanded her view of what a career in music could be.We also explore the foundation beneath the voice. Wendy reflects on how her upbringing and the legacy of the civil rights movement shaped her courage, her discipline, and her commitment to excellence. There is a throughline of faith in her story. Not performative, but steady. The kind that carries you when nothing else makes sense.What makes Wendy’s journey so compelling is her range, both musically and personally. She has moved seamlessly across genres such as country, jazz, and soul, never asking permission and never shrinking herself to fit expectations. That versatility is not accidental. It is the result of knowing your gift and honoring it fully.At the heart of it all is connection. Wendy does not just sing songs; she creates moments where people feel seen. In a world that often asks you to narrow who you are, her story is a reminder that your fullness is your power.This episode is about more than music. It is about endurance. It is about trusting your path even when it looks different than what you imagined. It is about the quiet confidence that comes from knowing exactly who you are.In This Episode, We Discuss:Building a career that lasts beyond trendsThe decision to step away from traditional industry expectationsWhat global touring taught her about artistry and audienceHow history and lived experience shape confidence and voiceMoving across genres without losing identityThe discipline behind longevity in musicCreating connection through your workWhy This Conversation MattersWendy’s story grounds us in something real. A career built over time, shaped by decisions that did not always make sense on paper, but made sense in her spirit.There is a steadiness in her journey. The kind that comes from doing the work, staying committed, and trusting your own timing even when the industry, or the world around you, is moving fast and expecting quick results.What she offers here is perspective. You can take a different route. You can pivot. You can expand. You can do it without losing the core of who you are.This conversation is for anyone standing at a crossroads, questioning their next move, or wondering if it is too late to redefine what success looks like on their own terms.

For more than 30 years, Icey Parks has been a quiet force across film, television, and theater. She began behind the stages of Broadway, running wardrobe departments and shaping how stories are told through costume. That foundation carried her into a career spanning more than 80 projects.You may not know her name, but you have seen her work. From American Gangster to Nurse Jackie, Oz, Luke Cage, and Pose, her imprint is woven into the culture.In this rare conversation, Icey opens up about her journey, her discipline, and what it takes to sustain a career behind the scenes at the highest level. We also talk about her latest project, The Color Purple, produced by Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg, and the responsibility of helping bring powerful stories to life.Icey does not do interviews, which makes this moment a true gift. This is a look into the life of a woman whose work has always spoken for itself.In This Episode, We Talk About:Building a 30-year career behind the scenes in film, television, and theaterStarting in Broadway wardrobe and developing a creative foundationThe role of costume in storytelling and character developmentWorking across iconic productions and shaping cultural momentsHer work on The Color Purple and what continues to inspire herLongevity, discipline, and staying power in a competitive industryWhy This Episode Matters:This conversation offers a rare perspective on the women who shape what we see, even when they are not in front of the camera. It is a reminder that legacy is not always loud, but it is always felt.Listen & Subscribe:If this episode resonates with you, subscribe, rate, and review Black Women Amplified. Your support helps us continue to share these powerful stories.