Verbally Effective

In this episode, we sit down with Tennessee State Representative Gloria Johnson, who has dedicated her life to fighting for justice and standing up for those left out or left behind. A special education teacher for 27 years, Gloria became fed up with elected officials attacking the rights of public school students and teachers. As a member of the “Tennessee Three,” she demanded that Republican politicians in Nashville stop the nonsense and pass gun safety laws to prevent future shootings. Now, Gloria is running for U.S. Senate with a mission to shift power back to working and middle-class families. She is committed to lowering costs for Tennessee families, expanding access to affordable healthcare, protecting reproductive freedom, passing common-sense gun safety measures, and increasing funding for public schools. Tune in as we discuss her journey, her vision for Tennessee, and why she’s ready to bring real change to Washington.

Cecily Wilborn, an Arkansas native and Full Sail University Music Production graduate, has quickly risen in the music scene with her self-produced hit single "Southern Man," which garnered over 4 million streams worldwide in its first year. As an independent artist under JayWil Entertainment, Cecily has performed alongside notable artists like King George and West Love, captivating audiences at venues such as BB King’s in Memphis, the Essence Festival, The Apollo, and the FedEx Forum. Her music is a unique blend of Blues, RnB, Country, Pop, Gospel, and Southern influences, reflecting her roots and versatility. Cecily recently released her new album, *Kuntry Gurl Playlist,* featuring tracks like "Party" and "Red Cup Blues," in partnership with OneRPM. Growing up in the small town of Marianna, Arkansas, with a population of about 3,500, Cecily, a Preacher's Kid, comes from a musically gifted family. In this episode, she shares the challenges of navigating the music industry, particularly working with her husband as her manager, and reflects on the personal and professional shifts she has faced, including the loss of her brother Cecil during the launch of her new album. Enjoy the soulful sounds and stories of Cecily Wilborn.

Meet Racheal Shantel from Collierville, TN—an inspiring force in urban development and community empowerment. With two bachelor’s degrees in Interior Design and Commercial Construction Management, a master’s in Urban and Regional Planning, and founder of Mane Up Memphis, Racheal is dedicated to uplifting Memphis through financial literacy, education, and community engagement. She's also a content creator, culture influencer, fitness enthusiast, and motivational speaker. Tune in as we explore her journey, passion for change, and her pursuit of a PhD in Urban Affairs in 2025.

Join me for episode 295 as I sit down with East Memphis native Cameron Hill, also known as Cam The Artist. This extraordinary young talent has created stunning pieces of art using grey, red, and purple as his primary colors. Cam shares how a pivotal moment of violence pushed him to pursue his artistry seriously. His work has garnered admiration in Memphis and beyond. Tune in to discover Cam's vision for Memphis, hear incredible stories of his viral art moments, and learn about his upcoming participation in the Cooper Young Festival and Paint Memphis 2024. Don't miss this inspiring episode!

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Kenneth Muhammad, a former inmate turned advocate for restorative justice in the Mid-South. Kenneth shares his transformative journey from incarceration to becoming a key figure in the movement for justice reform. Discover how his experiences have shaped his mission to promote healing, accountability, and positive change within the community. Join us for an inspiring conversation about redemption, resilience, and the power of restorative practices to create a more just and equitable society. Don’t miss this eye-opening episode!

She's your favorite songwriter's favorite songwriter! Grammy Award-winning songwriter Crystal Nicole joins me for episode 293. With over 20 years of experience, Crystal has penned chart-topping hits for Beyoncé, Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Janet Jackson, JLo, Jennifer Hudson, Camila Cabello, Chris Brown, Monica, Lecrae, and many more. Now, she's stepping into the spotlight with her single, "Won't Stop," featuring Christian Hip Hop sensation Lecrae. Tune in as we explore Crystal's journey, starting with a pivotal opportunity from Jermaine Dupri that opened countless doors in the industry. Discover her songwriting process and hear about unique experiences with some of your favorite artists. We also discuss the impact of AI and streaming in the music business and the intricacies of songwriter credits. Crystal shares valuable advice for aspiring songwriters and reveals how she's seamlessly transitioned into the gospel music realm.

Warren Patten Jr. is a leadership coach, award-winning author and speaker for TEDx Orangemound. In 2022, he started Patten Entertrainment with a focus on leadership skills, profit productivity, people culture, and employee retention. Mr. Patten is also the author of "Father Knowts: Being A Better Father On Purpose" and 2X Award-Winning children’s book titled "Can We Go Out And Play?" Warren will be one of eleven speakers at the Inaugural TEDx Orange Mound Event in Memphis, TN on Saturday, June 22nd. Take a listen as Warren takes us on a journey detailing his upbringing, love for music and vision for the future.

Anthony Sain is the host of the Anthony Sain Show with Bluff City Media as well was the founder of Asylum Media Group - an organization created to provide mentorship to young up and coming journalists and content creators. He is a father and an advocate for the youth of the city of Memphis. Tune in to hear Anthony's journey in addition to plenty of sports talk. With the WNBA at the tip of everyone's tongues you know we had to chime in on the latest updates.

Whitehaven native, Brandy J. Flynn, is a licensed therapist, officiant and cancer survivor. She is a luminary committed to empowering our communities to be resilient and transparent as it relates to mental health. Featured in numerous media outlets, Brandy has been in the counseling field for over two decades and has a growing private practice which includes conducting therapy, training for corporations, speaking engagements, and media correspondence. Take a listen as we touch on sorority and fraternity members denouncing their organizations, hot takes from the WNBA and a hilarious segment of "R&B Finish the line..."

North Memphis native, Simone Santana, known to many as Simone the Mastermind or YellaBizBae, is a multifaceted individual with diverse talents and expertise including operations specialist, marketing strategist, author, podcaster and speaker. Simone provides creators and solopreneurs with a simplified understanding of digital marketing strategies that are essential for online growth. Take a listen as she dives into a few client success stories, her new podcast "Dear God, Lettuce Pray," in addition to her passion for the cannabis world.

Memphis-based photojournalist and interdisciplinary artist Ariel J. Cobbert joins me for episode 288. In 2018, Cobbert received her BA in Print Journalism and African American Studies from the University of Mississippi. Her work has since featured in national publications including the New York Times, National Geographic, Bloomberg, CNN, and the Huffington Post, among others. She presently works as an independent photographer and as a Photography Program Curator at Memphis Public Libraries. Tune in to hear her journey and the amazing programming she curates at Cossitt Library.

As one of the South's foremost Black-led arts organizations and a rare ballet company with a BIPOC dancer roster, Collage Dance is reshaping cultural paradigms. Through transformative arts education, captivating performances, and advocacy for diversity, Collage Dance has left an indelible mark on the Southern dance landscape. In this episode, I sit down with Collage Dance's founding executive director, Marcellus Harper, and professional dancer, Victoria Jaenson, to delve into their experiences. Marcellus emphasizes the organization's dedication to keeping ballet relevant and accessible to their communities. Victoria shares her journey as a professional ballet dancer, reflecting on her inaugural season and the vital support from the Memphis community. They also offer a sneak peek into next weekend's premiere of ELEVATE. Featuring Luminescent by Black composer Joseph Bologne, Bluff City Blues inspired by Memphis music, and the regional debut of the acclaimed ballet Chroma, accompanied by the live score of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. With a London choreography team imparting their expertise, this Royal Ballet-inspired performance promises a groundbreaking fusion of music, movement, and artistry. Prepare to be captivated by an unforgettable experience unlike anything seen before. Tickets start at just $20 currently and Verbally Effective listeners can unlock the code by tuning in for a steep discount on Ticketmaster to get a pair of tickets for the price of one! Access tickets for ELEVATE at collagedance.org or call with any questions at 901-800-1873.

Get ready to laugh out loud! Our latest podcast episode features the hilarious and talented comedian, Alex Thomas! Join us as we dive into the world of comedy, hear Alex's side-splitting stories, learn about his golf venture INGLEWOODS, and get an inside look at his journey in the entertainment industry. Don't miss this uproarious episode - tune in now!

Meet Christine Weinreich, the Executive Director of the Memphis Library Foundation and a dedicated advocate for education and literacy. Armed with a law degree from the Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Christine strongly believes in the transformative power of education to drive individual success and foster community development. Her unwavering passion lies in ensuring equitable access to essential educational resources for all members of the community. In our podcast conversation, Christine delves into the structure and current programming initiatives of the Memphis Public Library system. Through her insights, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the diverse array of resources and services available in our public libraries, particularly in light of cultural and technological advancements. By tuning in, you'll have the opportunity to broaden your perception of libraries in 2024. Join us as we explore the evolving role of libraries as dynamic hubs of learning, innovation, and community engagement. Let's reimagine the possibilities together!

From Houston to Memphis, DJ 007 has been a powerhouse on the turntables. With roots in radio from a young age, DJ 007's passion for music and spotlighting creative talent has been unwavering. Making his mark in Memphis, he held it down on-air and in the club scene at both Hot 107.1FM and K97FM. At iHeartRadio, DJ 007 pioneered Indie Day Radio, showcasing top music talent worldwide. Now, in 2024, find DJ 007 back in Houston, TX, continuing to push boundaries in music and media. Tune in and enjoy the journey!

LeMoyne Owen College is a four-year liberal arts college located in Memphis, TN that provides a transformative experience for students with a proud tradition of educating notable alumni. Last week I sat down for a live podcast at the historic Cossitt Library with Interim President, Dr. Christopher B. Davis, Director of Alumni Relations, Dr. June Chinn-Jointer and Emeritus Professor, Dr. Clarence Christian to have a conversation about the past, present and future of the institution. Situated in the heart of the historic Soulsville district, LeMoyne Owen College has always been a constant in the South Memphis community for education, mobilization and empowerment for blacks. Dating back to 1862, LeMoyne Owen College is Memphis' only historically black college and proud to be one of just over 100 such institutions remaining nation-wide. Take a listen as our distinguished panel discusses the founding and early years of LeMoyne Owen College and its significance within the HBCU community. The college faced many transformations over the years and was at the forefront of civil rights efforts in the city of Memphis. With a very strong alumni, many notable graduates have walked the halls of Steele Hall who continue to support and guide its direction. The college is currently revamping its brand now coined as "The Source" with a plethora of innovative initiatives underway. On this podcast, you will discover the strategic efforts in place for the growth and development of Memphis' only HBCU, LeMoyne Owen College.

Alfred Kainga is a talented acclaimed Zimbabwean-born comedian based in the United States, celebrated for his engaging stand-up comedy performances. He’s renowned for his distinctive storytelling style and humor, often delving into various facets of everyday life, cultural nuances, and societal observations. Kainga has been celebrated for his remarkable talent in captivating audiences with his wit and charm. He often crafts comedic material from his experiences and keen observations, resonating with a wide array of people. His contributions have made a significant impact on the comedy scene, both in Zimbabwe and on an international scale. Take a listen as Alfred talks to Ena about his African roots, his transition into comedy and how he's able to appeal to diverse audiences in the comedy space.

I sit down with creator Delvin “DeshowMercy” Young on episode 281! His journey begins leaving Dallas, TX at a young age settling in Memphis with his grandmother. After graduating from Raleigh-Egypt High School, Delvin moved to Hollywood, CA and was discovered by a movie director. He began acting and modeling and later suffered a severe injury that changed the trajectory of his life. It was during this difficult time where he discovered photography and began his healing process. His work has been featured in numerous magazines and he’s worked with a plethora of celebrities.

Take a listen to this exclusive VE episode with comedians Cocoa Brown, Big Vino and Skeet Carter. We learn quite a bit about the challenges women face in the comedy industry including some of the expectations surrounding content. You'll notice that pay inequities are a huge part of this world as well. However, we ultimately shine light on the amazing brand and community that Cocoa Brown has built in the areas of comedy, acting and education. If you're ready to laugh and learn a few things about comedy life tune in!

Westwood native Camille Leigh's photographic journey stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication and passion for her craft. Following her graduation from the University of Memphis in 2010, where she earned a degree in Spanish and Philosophy, she could have ventured into a teaching career. However, life had different plans for her. Today, with an impressive eleven years of experience behind the lens, Camille has solidified her position as one of Memphis' most sought-after photographers. She has a remarkable ability to create a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for her subjects, ensuring that they feel at ease in front of her camera. She is on a mission to destigmatize people's beliefs about their photography skills, encouraging them to overcome their fears and self-doubts, resulting in the creation of lasting memories. Camille's passion isn't limited to her own photography; it extends to nurturing the future of the field. Behind the camera, she is dedicated to teaching and mentoring the next generation of photographers and leaders. Through mentorship programs and hands-on training, Camille guides individuals who aspire to do more than simply take pictures. She seeks out those with ambition, a desire to develop their skills, and a commitment to serving others. Discover more about Camille's formative years, how she began to build her clientele, unique photography adventures and how she is passing the torch in her industry.