Akello Stone
Professor // Author // Host // Actor //Content Creator
BIO
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Stone is an explorer of life who has worn and continues to wear many hats. He is fascinated by the science of human behavior & the formation and navigation of identities, new and emerging technologies, and the power of interpersonal communication. He appreciates the wonders of nature, the beauty of architectural design, food and drink, Eastern philosophies, health & wellness, and video production.
Stone has been an adjunct sociology professor for nearly 20 years, teaching everything from research methods to courses on social problems and gender both in-person and online. He has also been a commercial actor and host for the last 13 years. He enthusiastically volunteers his time as a board member and mentor with numerous youth serving NPOs. Stone recently released the book Seeking Selfdom in the Age of Selfies which offers readers a multidisciplinary approach towards getting to know themselves on a more profound and meaningful level. The book was subsequently followed up with a podcast series called, “Seeking Selfdom—Going Deeper (2021)" that explores the ideas and perspectives shared in the book in greater depth. |
Seeking Selfdom in the Age of Selfies:
A Personal Exposition in a Public Format
"This book is more than just words on a page, but embodies the totality of who I have defined myself to be."
This book right here . . . a true homegrown effort. I even taught myself Illustrator so that I could design and layout the cover. The project was a monumental effort for someone like me, someone who hates sitting still for too long—but it was necessary when writing something of this length. Interweaving higher level ideas with everyday experiences and making it accessible, interesting, and meaningful to the reader was always at the forefront of this project. In retrospect, I can hardly believe I accomplished this within my lifetime! I believe that we all have a book inside our minds but putting it down into words is another thing.
SELECTED READER REVIEWS
"The author digs deep into the exploration of how and what makes us whom we are while not claiming to have the answers. His honesty, vulnerability, and intimacy are refreshing. His theories are thoughtful and complex but written in a digestible manner. It made me want to explore and talk about my own identity." —Nicole
"To be able to take complexities, subdue them, and interchange them in written prose to assist the reader in walking more deeply in selfdom can only be classified as genius...his book is a beautiful and beneficial contribution for the betterment of humankind." —Tony
"Seeking Selfdom in the Age of Selfies is an important book that anyone can gain benefit from reading. I found myself taking photos of and highlighting passages over and over again." —Nico
This book right here . . . a true homegrown effort. I even taught myself Illustrator so that I could design and layout the cover. The project was a monumental effort for someone like me, someone who hates sitting still for too long—but it was necessary when writing something of this length. Interweaving higher level ideas with everyday experiences and making it accessible, interesting, and meaningful to the reader was always at the forefront of this project. In retrospect, I can hardly believe I accomplished this within my lifetime! I believe that we all have a book inside our minds but putting it down into words is another thing.
SELECTED READER REVIEWS
"The author digs deep into the exploration of how and what makes us whom we are while not claiming to have the answers. His honesty, vulnerability, and intimacy are refreshing. His theories are thoughtful and complex but written in a digestible manner. It made me want to explore and talk about my own identity." —Nicole
"To be able to take complexities, subdue them, and interchange them in written prose to assist the reader in walking more deeply in selfdom can only be classified as genius...his book is a beautiful and beneficial contribution for the betterment of humankind." —Tony
"Seeking Selfdom in the Age of Selfies is an important book that anyone can gain benefit from reading. I found myself taking photos of and highlighting passages over and over again." —Nico
Interviews and Podcast Appearances
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[CLICK IMAGE ABOVE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE]
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THE "SEEKING SELFDOM—GOING DEEPER" PODCAST
I couldn't wait to delve deeper into the ideas and insights published in my book so I have created my first podcast series. This limited series, composed of 13 episodes that each correspond to a chapter in the book, will answer 3 complex questions and take listeners into a deep dive in the ways in which I view and interact with the world. The podcast will be available in video format on youtube and audio format, available wherever you listen to podcasts!
Sociology Professor
In 2001, I left my corporate job in downtown in San Francisco and moved to Los Angeles to accomplish two things: (1) to find opportunities to help other people develop themselves and pursue their goals and reams, and (2) to pursue my own goals and dreams of being an on-camera host. The path has been nothing close to a straight line, but I gain something for each and every experience that I have—paid or unpaid.
Being a sociology professor keeps me connected to the pulse of youth, the persistence of those re-entering college as a full-fledged adults, and the latest "thinking" about human behavior and society. Creating meaningful digital content is always a part of my workflow—and always will be! In addition to creating content, like #pushing50, I have been in a number of videos that look at human behavior. A few are below.
Being a sociology professor keeps me connected to the pulse of youth, the persistence of those re-entering college as a full-fledged adults, and the latest "thinking" about human behavior and society. Creating meaningful digital content is always a part of my workflow—and always will be! In addition to creating content, like #pushing50, I have been in a number of videos that look at human behavior. A few are below.
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Actor & Improvisor
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Hosting is my passion—be it on-camera or for a live event—it just energizes me! I have developed my craft by taking improv, hosting and acting classes and workshops as well as continually "putting myself out" there so seize experiential opportunities.
I have booked more and more work over the years, mostly commercials and product spokesperson campaigns, which are a lot of fun! In 2020, I signed on with a manager and an agent, and have continue to pursue this with vigor. |
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Commercials & Hosting
I was even on a SuperBowl commercial as well as billboards and LA city buses. Talk about a surreal experience!
Bad Mochi Race Card Kickstarter Campaign.
TIVO Edge.
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Milspec extension cords.
Surgical procedure for men.
Evercast: Remote collaboration for media creators..
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Trim-Daddy clippers.
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I've even been the winner on a game show! (Yet, I have never been able to see the whole episode).
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My Skillshare class is now on YouTube
Ideate & Emanate:
Predevelopment for Content Creators
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Starting ANYTHING, taking the FIRST STEP, is incredibly challenging and brave. As much as we'd all love to jump right into our content creation, our artistry, our craft—it is important to delve into a predevelopment process. I want to share what I have learned as well as a few developmental processes I have personally used as a freelance, independent content creator and consultant.
This 6-part video series is focused on the development of skills and tools that will allow you to harness your ability to ideate, assess, strategize, and implement processes that will help to bring your ideas to life. Ideate & emanate! Webinar Presenter
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Content Creator
Yes, we can wear many, many hats during our lifetimes—or just a few. I have definitely chosen the path less traveled. I dabble in all kinds of modern digital creative creative expression. I can produce. I can write. film. I can edit. I can compose music for my content.
I have been taking photos for as long as I can remember! I specialize in "candids." I was honored to have served as lead photographer at the 2018 TEDXCrenshaw.
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WTFK Radio–A Puppet Web Series for AdultsQuirky personalities and offbeat topics converge at a listener supported radio station. Radio shows are hosted by a not-so-talented, but highly spirited, eclectic group of characters - all trying to get their message across to the listeners, that is, if they even have any!
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Meditation & Yoga Practitioner
Volunteering with youth programs has been one of my many hats since high school! Leading "Engage the Vision's" weekly meditation circle for one year was immensely rewarding.
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When we delve into something unfamiliar, most of us give up before we even get started! Remember that everyone has a starting point for everything they do. We all have a first try, a first day, a first month, but sustained commitment is what makes the difference. Keep trying, keep exploring, keep searching for that which brings you a sense of joy, purpose, peace, and tranquility. You will find it, so abandon all timelines and simply get started!
I have learned so much from this wonderful lady right here—not just yoga but life in general. We are bonded—we created a web series together and I travelled to Bali for her yoga retreat—life changing. Check out "Chocolate Twist Yoga" on YouTube!
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There is something pretty special about doing something that you never thought possible—like inversions!
Yes, I felt that—and it's okay!
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Live Event & On-Camera Hosting
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I love hosting. It makes me feel alive. It challenges me to think on my feet! It allows me to connect with people and make them feel completely comfortable in front of a crowded room or on camera. For me, this makes the moment even more special, when you can help someone push through their own insecurities and anxiety—because I know full well how that feels!
I think it is helpful to always be prepared and to be passionately tied to whatever you are communicating. Preparation need not always be something that is written down, but, instead, can be something that tumbles through your mind and subject to continual refinement until that golden moment comes and you can pull it out of your "magic hat" and feel completely secure with what you will say and how you will say it. |
I believe in being prepared to seize the moment and let your voice be heard!
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Co-Hosting with MILCK at the Hotel Cafe
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Apr 08/ 2016—Hollywood, California
Oh what a feeling have been In the presence of this Incredibly talented and equally compassionate artist and share In the experience of bringing a live, benefit concert to the people was one of my favorite moments in the "life and times." It was a dream that I secretly wished to carve out for my life. |
My First Skydiving Experience—Pure Bliss!
