44. Chemda | The Iowa Idea

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The Iowa Idea: Chemda

“One minute at a time.”

In this episode of The Iowa Idea Podcast, I sit down with Chemda. Chemda was born in Israel and has lived in New York City since she was 4 years old, currently residing in Queens. She is a talk show host, writer and singer. She hosts the What’s My Name show, co-hosts as ‘The Girl’ of Keith and The Girl (KATG), a daily, award-winning comedy talk show with comedian Keith Malley. Navigating her life after having a football-sized tumor removed from her chest and getting divorced in the same year, she created OMAT – one minute at a time (https://store.keithandthegirl.com/products/omat-club). OMAT is designed to turn negative patterns into positive habits.

We discuss Chemda’s creative journey, including recording over 3,300 episodes of Keith and the Girl, being featured on the cover of The Village Voice, and dig deep into the development of OMAT. I appreciated her insights on taking care oneself and focusing on self-improvement – changing ourself, rather than trying to change others — especially the power of asking important questions and living an examined life.

It was an honor having Chemda on the podcast. I thank her for sharing her time and insights. I hope you enjoy the episode.

About Chemda

Chemda was born in Israel and has lived in New York City since she was 4 years old. She currently lives in Queens. She is a talk show host, writer and singer.

Chemda hosts the What’s My Name show, a themed talk show. She also co-hosts as ‘The Girl’ of Keith and The Girl (KATG), a daily, award-winning comedy talk show with comedian Keith Malley. Chemda’s first published book, What Do We Do Now, was released March, 2010 and went into its second printing within one week of its release. Written with KATG co-host Keith Malley, the book offers comedic yet sincere relationship advice. The book can be found anywhere books are sold.

Chemda made her first professional appearance in 1995 on well-known reggae artist Dr. Israel’s second album. Since then, she was the lead singer and choreographer for Mighty Dub Katz; featured on Comedy Central aside comedian Jeff Ross; and teamed up with Rhys Fulber (formerly of Front Line Assembly) for Conjure One as writer and singer, with songs featured on ESPN and EA Sports’ FIFA 2002.

Along with recent European tours, Chemda completed a US/Canadian tour as the sole vocalist for Conjure One, performing in venues such as Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, BC and Irving Plaza, NYC. She has recorded vocals for the follow-up album to Conjure One entitled Extraordinary Ways.

Chemda is a singer/songwriter on the album Patterns of War as part of dubstep band Dreadtone International. She recently finished recording the album for the rock-musical Viva Patshiva, and she continues to write and collaborate with various artists around the world.

Check out Chemda’s holiday album, Christmas Classics by The Girl and right now, you can download her original song Surrender at a ‘pay what you want’ price here. You can also purchase voodoolulu’s Meooow Royale, which features Chemda on vocals.

Credits

Episode produced by Spark Consulting Group (www.inspiredbyspark.com) in Iowa City, with support from Executive Podcast Solutions (https://www.executivepodcastsolutions.com/)

The Iowa Idea Podcast music written and performed by Paisley Bible (https://paisleybible.bandcamp.com/).