meet the staff!
Lily Ouellet
Editor-in-Chief+Founder/Publication Director
Hey y’all! I’m Lily, a Louisiana native passionate about grilled cheeses, the Jonas Brothers, disposable cameras, Descartes’ philosophies, and badly-made horror movies. (in no particular order) I created Soul Talk as a way to share the thoughts of others that I would never have run-into otherwise simply because I believe everyone has something to say that’s worth my time. You can probably find me working on this very website, editing a Soul Talk issue, or chatting with this amazing team.
@lilyouellet_
Olivia Platt
Visual Art Director
My name is Olivia, but everyone knows me as Lil, and I am a Sydney-based photographer who shoots exclusively on film. I am particularly drawn to creative projects and love collaborating with fellow artists. Being able to make people feel confident and help them express their creative visions through my photography is something that is so close to my heart.
@lilsvisual www.lilsvisual.com
column editors
Soleil Engin
Music Column Editor
Hello! My name is Soleil Engin (she/her) and I am nineteen years old. I am a second year at the University of Chicago double majoring in Public Policy and Medical Anthropology with a minor in Human Rights. I am pursuing a career in health equity… and maybe ESG? Who knows. I grew up in the LA DIY punk scene, going to shows at The Smell every weekend. It was at The Smell that I bought my first ever zine and became inspired to start writing poetry and music. My poetry has been featured in Trash Mag, 1HumanJournal, Tea and Cake Magazine, and Verses Magazine. In addition to SoulTalk, I am also a staff writer for Slumber Mag. Having played guitar for the past decade, I am passionate about creating gender-inclusive creative spaces for women, trans folx, and gnb folx. I also write and produce music with my band, Puddlejumper, and have been playing guitar since I was seven. When I’m not playing guitar or studying for my classes, you can find me ranting about hardcore punk or skating around campus.
@puddlejumprrr @puddlepoems
Gemma Raso
Film Column Editor
Hey! I’m Gem, and can either be found sitting in front of a TV being sucked into a (probably Robert Eggers) film, getting sweaty at a doof or on the dancefloor, or getting into a heated ‘discussion’ about how we need to destroy the patriarchy, and how the climate crisis is rooted in colonialism. I’m easily identifiable by my big curls and loud voice. Looking forward to all the articles and conversations to come from this opportunity!
@scaryyspiice
Kerry Michelle
Culture Column Editor
Hi My name is Kerry and I’m a writer. I have an affinity for polaroid cameras, old Hollywood movies, Britney Spears, and anything written by Carrie Fisher. My writing usually consists of anything I find interesting like analyzing pop culture, fashion, relationships, or just personal experiences in my life.
https://thekerrymichelle.contently.com @kerrymichellee
visual artists
Holly Sherlock
Hi I’m Holly a 22 year old visual artist, illustrator and bedroom writer from the UK. I enjoy using philosophy and societal/cultural observation to inform both my art and writing. I believe we create who we present to the world by becoming ‘patchwork people’ who collect and accumulate identity.
@hj.sherlock
Olive Pitschner
Pleasure to meet you! I’m a freelance film and digital photographer, designer, and art director based in Toronto. My inspirations range from campy b horror movies to Diane Arbus, Kafka, punk music, and whoever took pictures of my mom in the late 80s. I like to keep a sense of comedy and kitsch about my work, and balance it with a photojournalism style portrayal of folks of all sizes and expressions. It’s my privilege to capture people as they are in this moment in time, this side of the multiverse.
www.opitschner.com @oliveepitschner
writers
Maddy Mckenna
nistHi! I’m Maddy and I’m a 21 year old student from London, UK. I’m an Activism and Education columnist at Soul Talk, because I am super passionate about the environment, human rights issues and feminism. I study English and Spanish at uni and did a year abroad (well not quite… thanks Corona!) in Madrid last year which was incredible!! I’m still in love with Spanish culture and I definitely want to write more about it. Currently I’m obsessed with reading and One Direction, but other music favourites include Lennon Stella, King Princess and Ariana Grande.
@maddymck19
Meredith Trahan
Hi! I’m Meredith, I’m seventeen, and I’m a music and culture columnist for Soultalk Magazine. I’m a vegetarian who lives in Louisiana. (lol) I’ve been singing and playing piano since I was very young, and I’ve recently picked up guitar and bass! Music is my one true passion. Some of my hobbies are hanging out with my friends, listening to music, procrastinating (oops), singing, and playing instruments! Some of my favorite artists are Led Zeppelin, John Mayer, Clairo, Wallows, Lizzy McAlpine, Frank Ocean, Audioslave, Soundgarden, Kings of Leon, and Leon Bridges! I’m extremely passionate about love, and activism! :))
@meredith.trahan
Marie Attia
Hi! I'm Marie. I am a French photographer, designer, freelance filmmaker, painter and fashion addict! My goal is to portray the kind of beauty people often don't see straight away. I love spending hours experimenting with clothing and makeup, cooking and eating good food while watching Netflix, and making inspirational moodboards.
marieattia9.wixsite.com/portfolio @toskayugen
Ella McKee
Hi! My name’s Ella and I write for the music column here :) I’m 18 and based in London but go to uni in Dublin. I’m super passionate about the environment, interior design, sustainable and second hand fashion, and of course, music! My current music obsessions include Duster and Oscar Peterson, but my all time favourite would have to be Alex G, or maybe David Berman.
@elllamckee spotify: ellamckee75
Kaitlyn Bo
Hi! I’m Kaitlyn, a 19 year old student and also a film columnist for Soul Talk :) My life consists of watching old movies, practicing my baking skills, taking pics on my film camera, and reading mystery novels. I’ve watched a lot of movies and shows in my free time so I’m excited to take my ideas and bring them to life! I love fashion, architecture, walking around nyc, and, of course, Frank Ocean.
@kvitlynbo
Vidhi Midha
Hello, you! I'm Vidhi Midha, a 21 year old writer based in Chandigarh, India. My work is fuelled by some personal experiences, observations and the everlasting urge to know all I can about anything that catches my eye. I love reading, and I'm currently focused on reading Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Kafka, Jhumpa Lahiri to name some and I find myself drifting towards Psychology and Philosophy next. You'll probably catch me humming to Indie, Folk Rock, Rock or something alike. I'll always say yes to brownies, long walks, new ideas, music and any recommendations.
archaicmemorabilia.wordpress.com
@vidhimidha06
Shaeley Hicks
Hi! I’m Shay! I am a short story columnist for Soul Talk Magazine. When I am not writing you can find me adding music to my 150+ unnecessary playlists on Spotify, reading a book (at the moment I recommend anything by Murakami), or just chasing sunsets in my car while probably belting out a Elton John song. I can’t go a day without coffee or running and I am a concert enthusiast whenever there’s not a pandemic going on. I like tea before bed and handwriting my notes. Most importantly I absolutely love writing and channeling my energy towards it - which is why I am here! Hope you enjoy!
@shaeleyhicks
Imogen Brown
Hi everyone! My name is Imogen, I’m from NYC, and I generally write for the music/culture side of the webzine. I joined Soul Talk because it is truly this generation at its best; I love how supportive, expressive, and creative our team is, and the prospect of sharing our work with you is so exciting! I hope you’ll leave the website feeling inspired to create, contribute, or use your voice in some way. Current obsessions include: my dad’s cassette collection, plot holes in the Twilight saga, Heinz baked beans, and Ella Fitzgerald Christmas tunes.
@imo.27
Emma Miszewski
Hi everyone! My name is Emma, i’m a fifteen year old majoring in musical theatre at Idyllwild Arts Boarding School in Los Angeles. I’m currently interning as music columnist for SoulTalk! I grew up on Janis Joplin and James Brown, and have been pretty obsessed with music ever since! I love everything from Mitski, to the Violent Femmes, to Otis Redding. I hope to incorporate politics into my music analysis, seeing as they so often go hand in hand! You can find me on instagram and spotify @emmamiszewski
Olivia Wilson
Hi everyone! My name is Olivia and I’m an 18-year-old student and freelance writer based in Asheville, North Carolina. I write on a vast abundance of topics here at Soul Talk, but I primarily gage my focus on the music column! Some of my personal passions include activism and speaking on political and social issues/injustices, music (of course), creative directing and writing, and so on! I hope to attend university in the fall of this year with a major in Journalism. It’s my privilege to be a part of this absolutely wonderful team of humans, and to have the opportunity to share not only my experiences, but the work of others, too!
@funkhunny
Deja Magee
Hey there! My name is Deja. I’m 23 years old, a writer/poet, and aLA Native. I love anything from Astrology, film, or music (I’m a sucker for good animated movies/tv shows and rom-coms). You can either catch me analyzing my or someone’s chart, singing to the top of my lungs or dancing, or watching a comfort movie. I also love exploring LA and finding new places. Coming back to those newfound places and sharing it with others is one of my favorite things to do. You can also catch me at the beach soaking up the sun’s rays and listening to the waves crash on the shore. I’m so excited to start writing for Soul Talk Magazine and share my thoughts with everyone!
Liliana Hopkins
Hey there, I’m Lili! I spend most of my waking hours reading or creative writing. Some of my recent favorites are East of Eden, A Hundred Years of Solitude, My Ántonia, and A Little Life. If you couldn’t tell, I’m a sucker for generational fiction. When I’m not absorbed by written fiction, you’ll find me binge-watching Mad Men, rewatching Princess Mononoke, or driving around aimlessly with the windows down and 90’s hip hop on full blast.
@liliana.hopkins
Destany Long
Hi everyone! My name is Destany Long. I am a freelance writer from Indianapolis, Indiana. Writing has been a huge part of me for as long as I can remember. I recently received my B.A in Communications and I plan to present my writings across all different avenues (although zines are my fave)! I enjoy sharing stories and I am so glad to be apart of Soul Talk. When I’m not brainstorming my next topic to write about, you can find me making Spotify playlists, grabbing coffee with friends, and spending countless hours on Reddit.
@desquisite
Amarige Trottier
Hi everyone, I’m Amarige (she/they), a writer for the film column! I’m Canadian- currently living in Ottawa while I complete my undergrad in Humanities and Anthropology at Carleton. Aside from suffering at the hands of my studies, I spend most of my time writing poetry, making memes, watching films, listening to music, and curating highly specific mood playlists. Currently, I’ve been listening to Sasha Sloan, Chappell Roan, and Ryn Weaver on repeat.
Ig: @amarigetrottier (personal) @sapphicsigh (memes)
Imogen Suhanski
Hi!! I’m Imogen, and I’m a fashion columnist here at Soul Talk! I’m seventeen from South Wales and I’m a lover of Wes Anderson films, binge watching Sex and the City (Carrie Bradshaw inspiration) and creating art. I’m really passionate about fashion and how it makes us feel, and sustainability too. My hobbies include writing and reading, and listening to music, some of my fav artists are Loyle Carner, Cocteau Twins, Arcade Fire and Frank Ocean.
@imogenisla_ spotify: @imogenisla
Dannie DiMichele
Greetings! My name is Dannie DiMichele and I work as an activism and education columnist. I’m a seventeen-year-old Southern California native where I currently live with my parents and two poodles. I am a junior attending the California School of the Arts in the Acting Conservatory. I’m a huge Shakespeare nerd, with a goal of learning every play by heart, especially As You Like It. I also love literature! My favorite authors include Jane Austen, Gabriel García Márquez and Charles Dickens. Along with acting and literature, I’m also devoted to climate activism. I’m the founder and president of the Earth Activism Club at my school where club members and I are passionate about taking meaningful steps to stop environmental destruction. I am also a member of Extinction Rebellion Youth Los Angeles, a youth-led organization that focuses on activating sustainable, eco-friendly changes around LA County. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking with my dogs, watching British comedies, and reading a good book with a nice cup of English Breakfast tea.
@theatre.lady
Laura Ogden
Hi there! I’m Laura (she/they), a books/reading columnist for Soul Talk Magazine, living and writing in Meanjin/Brisbane. I am just a little bit excited to be writing among a team of such awesome creatives. Fantasy, poetry, and classics are my true literary loves, but I’ll read pretty much anything with a spine and a good first line. At the moment I’m obsessed with Ursula K. Le Guin’s Earthsea series – a must-read! I love tattoos, meditation, and anyone brave enough to stand up against injustice.
@laugden @apocalypticwallaby
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Justina (Jeanie) Thompson
Hi, everyone! My name is Jeanie (she/her) and I am an 18-year-old Love & Sex columnist here at Soul Talk Magazine! I grew up in Philadelphia, PA but I am currently residing in Boston, MA while attending Emerson College as a Media Studies major with a minor in Marketing Communications. While at Soul Talk, my ultimate goal is to amplify and encourage the voices of other young writers and creators, especially Black women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community. Besides writing, some of my other interests include filmmaking, reading (a lot of reading!), and activism. I am so incredibly grateful to share my work with the STM audience and to work amongst such amazing staff! I hope that by reading my words, you feel seen and heard.
Instagram: @filmschoolgf/Letterbox’d: @puffbarshawty
Faith Maddox
Hello! My name is Faith Maddox (she/they) and I’m a 21-year-old writer currently based in Kansas. I’m a recent graduate of The University of Kansas, where I received a degree in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing. My poems have been featured in KIOSK and The Portland Review, and have received honors such as the Langston Hughes Award and the William Carruth Memorial Poetry Award. I most recently released my debut album, Subtle Hauntings, with French Exit Records in February of 2022. When I’m not writing long-winded essays about intimacy, gender, and ecology, you can probably find me on a walk or re-reading my beat up copy of Play It As It Lays in the corner of a café.
https://www.faithmaddox.com/
@faaithica