BLK ON THE SCENE

Krystyn Price, known as "KP," is a force to be reckoned with within the entertainment industry. With a degree from Western Michigan University and a master's degree from Full Sail University, she serves as the General Manager/Vice-President at The Springhill Company, founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter. Her role involves overseeing content strategy and production for the company among many other duties.

KP attributes her success to hard work and being "twice as good," plus recognizing synergies in everything she does. We delve into her journey from talent coordinator, Director of Talent for Complex and her current role as the GM / VP at Springhill. Throughout her career Krystyn has worked with top-tier talent, including industry giants like Will Smith, Kevin Hart, Pharrell, Lena Waithe, Billie Eilish, Halle Berry, Charlize Theron, and many more. In this episode she shares with hosts DeDe Brown and Jon Gist the strategy, mindset and faith that allowed her to pursue her dreams to the fullest. 

Be sure to subscribe, leave a rating and follow @BlkontheScene across social media. 

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On today’s episode of Blk on the Scene, we bring you one of the movers and shakers of the entertainment world, our guest journalist, host, producer and fashionista Brande Victorian! Brande Victorian has left an indelible mark on the industry as she's known for her authentic storytelling and viral, human-centered celebrity interviews that fulfill her childhood dream of highlighting Black female stories. From Cardi B, Kerry Washington, Daniel Kaluuya, Oprah Winfrey and more, she's navigated the realms of Hollywood with finesse and a fabulous fit + beat! 

She takes hosts DeDe Brown and Jon Gist from the start of her career in medical publishing at Wolters Kluwer Health where she became the first woman and African-American Editor-in-Chief of The Hearing Journal to landing her dream job at ESSENCE Magazine during the pandemic where she oversaw all content related to TV, film, books, music, podcast, sports, and media across print and digital, in addition to playing a pivotal role in booking talent for magazine shoots and marquee events like legendary Black Women In Hollywood issue. Now as a LA based contributor for The Hollywood Reporter and freelance journalist she continues to cover the industry across print, digital and red carpet. Also, Brande is the founder of Be Enough a lifestyle space for women who know believing you’re enough is a never- ending journey. Be sure to subscribe and leave rating + review.

Episode Mentions:

Brande Victorian - https://www.instagram.com/be_vic?igsh=cHpxd2gzZ3Q4eGtv

The Hollywood Reporter - https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/wendy-williams-guardianship-explained-lifetime-doc-1235837099/

Essence - https://www.essence.com/cardibandoffset/

Madame Noire - @MadameNoire

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On this week’s episode of Blk on the Scene, we are thrilled to welcome Jawn Murray, the incredible Executive Producer behind the Sherri Shepherd daytime talk show! Not only is Jawn an EP of the NAACP Image Award winning show, but he is an on-air personality, Producer and Brand Ambassador, that continues to leave an indelible mark on the media landscape.

Jawn is a Virginia native and proud attendee of Norfolk State University, who shares his remarkable journey from being a latchkey kid to producing one of the most acclaimed talk shows. His media prowess extends from The Tom Joyner Morning Show, TV One, CNN to The View, The Travel Channel and beyond.

Join hosts DeDe Brown and Jon Gist as they delve into Jawn's childhood, growing up as a latchkey kid, and how iconic talk shows like Jenny Jones, Rolanda Watts and Sally Jessy Raphael inspired his career trajectory. 

BLK on the Scene is not just a podcast; it's a love letter to black entertainment and representation. Don't miss out on the wisdom and insights Jawn brings to the table.

Episode Mentions:

Jawn Murray - https://www.instagram.com/jawnmurray?igsh=bzM1YjR5ZnphcTB4

Sherri Shepherd Show - https://www.instagram.com/sherrishowtv?igsh=MTNqZmNvZ3JvMGs4NQ==

Rolanda Watts - https://www.instagram.com/rolondawatts?igsh=eWRpeGJucHI1Nzk=

Be sure to follow, like and leave a rating!

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In this week’s episode, BLK on the Scene welcomes a true industry titan, BJ Coleman! With over two decades of experience, BJ is a communications executive, journalist, blogger, television personality, and world-recognized celebrity Publicist.

Dive into BJ's incredible journey as he walks us through his PR career, starting from the award-winning BET series Teen Summit, where he conducted on-air interviews with luminaries like Hillary Clinton, Method Man and LL Cool J. As a seasoned Publicist, BJ has left an indelible mark, working with iconic brands and celebrities including Kimora Lee Simmons' Baby Phat, Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, Vivica A. Fox, and more.

But it all began in Washington DC, where friends and family dubbed him "Hollywood" due to his early dreams of being in the entertainment world. Discover the trials, triumphs, and the Hollywood dream that shaped BJ's remarkable journey. A graduate of Boston College, BJ now serves as the Head of Communications and PR at Ebony Magazine.

Hosted by DeDe Brown and Jon Gist, BLK on the Scene is more than a podcast; it's a love letter to Black entertainment and representation. 💌 Join us on this electrifying ride through the stories that make our culture shine.

Ready to be part of the scene? Listen, subscribe, and rate this episode on your favorite platform. Your support keeps the BLK on the Scene community thriving! 

Episode mentions:

BJ Coleman - https://www.instagram.com/abjcoleman?igsh=NDM3MG12Nm9kMmIx

Ebony - https://www.instagram.com/ebonymagazine?igsh=MXVtdmkyYzhnb3JvMA==

Vivica A. Fox book Every Day I’m Hustling - https://www.amazon.com/Every-Day-Hustling-Vivica-Fox/dp/1250134455?nodl=1&dplnkId=5ceac757-c1ad-4210-9c91-c51939a29f0d

Naomi Campbell - https://www.instagram.com/naomi?igsh=cjJ6eWI3dGo3cWJx

Baby Phat - https://www.instagram.com/babyphat?igsh=aW9nNGxlZmVxZXJ3

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This special Black History Month and Fashion Week episode of Blk on the Scene features @SadeMims, the Founder and Creative Director of EDAS, a modern lifestyle brand making waves in the fashion world! 

Founded in 2015 by the visionary Sade Mims, EDAS is more than just a brand; it's a community-driven movement. Rooted in storytelling, careful craftsmanship, and community building, EDAS is taking the accessories sector by storm. Featured in Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Architectural Digest, and more, EDAS is a testament to innovation and conscious design. 

Join co-hosts Jon Gist and DeDe Brown as they dive deep into Sade's journey, her inspirations, and the heart behind EDAS including the following key takeaways:

Be sure to subscribe, leave a review and rating!

Episode mentions:

Sade Mims - https://www.instagram.com/sademims?igsh=NHRoa3pjcmZoNHBp

Edas - https://edas.store/collections/bags/products/cynthiabucketbag

Edas X Warby Parker -https://edas.store/collections/bags/products/edas-x-warby-parker-sling-bag

Sade’s Twin, Aesthetician, Samantha Mims 

https://www.instagram.com/samsaa?igsh=MTYzMGU5Mnc0OWE4bA==

Stylist & Entrepreneur Khalilah Beavers - https://www.instagram.com/khalilahbeavers?igsh=MThjYjFiZGlwaHRyOQ==

Stylist & Creative Director Mecca James Williams- https://www.instagram.com/meccajw?igsh=MXBueng3OHZlc3RnMA==

Dominique Drakeford Sustainability Consultant - https://www.instagram.com/dominiquedrakeford?igsh=OXZrb2Zuc2NhazBh

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🎙️ Dive into the electrifying world of Hollywood success with actor Greg Tarzan Davis in the Season Five kick-off episode of BLK on the Scene. From uncovering his origins of growing up in New Orleans, LA and his unique moniker to sharing intimate reflections on the impact of his background on his career, Greg Tarzan Davis is a star on the rise having appeared in the hit TV show Grey’s Anatomy to two back-to-back blockbuster movies TOP GUN: MAVERICK and MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: DEAD RECKONING. He takes listeners on a captivating journey filled with triumphs, challenges and invaluable insights.

Through candid discussions on how Denzel Washington inspired him to become an actor, his “I don’t get tired - I can’t get tired” work ethic, navigating hidden fees in the industry, and addressing gaps in traditional acting education, Davis offers a wealth of wisdom for aspiring talents. Reflecting on the power of manifesting and beliefs, he emphasizes the importance of resilience, determination, and community support in achieving success.

Closing with heartfelt words of motivation, Davis leaves listeners inspired to embark on their own journey of self-discovery and artistic exploration. Tune in now to BLK on the Scene and join the conversation! Be sure to subscribe, leave a review and rating.🎬✨

Greg Tarzan Davis - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/gregtarzandavis/?hl=en⁠

Greg Tarzan Davis on Grey’s Anatomy - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSsGqGvwNFg⁠

Denzel Washington’s Iconic Training Day monologue - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJ3Ph5nzJUQ⁠

Abbot Elementary - ⁠https://abc.com/shows/abbott-elementary⁠

The Equalizer 3 - ⁠https://www.sonypictures.com/movies/theequalizer3

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On the final episode of season 4 of BLK ON THE SCENE we are ending on a very high note - with the multi-talented, multi-hyphenate Steve Jones! Steve is a former marketing executive turned producer and content creator who has worked with such notables as Oprah Winfrey and Jennifer Lopez. He executive produced OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network Presents: Inside Waco’s Wearable Art Gala Special featuring Tyler Perry, Viola Davis, and three seasons of OWN’s NAACP nominated record-breaking docu-series, BLACK LOVE. 

DeDe and Jon talked with Steve about how he got his start, plus his passion for educating aspiring entertainment professionals on the inner workings of the industry through a panel series he created entitled Hollywood Confidential, which has hosted thousands of attendees with over 500 million digital impressions. Most recently, Tyrese Gibson graced the stage with Steve, and past guests include Regina King, Angela Bassett, Tiffany Haddish, Sterling K. Brown, Issa Rae, Snoop Dogg and more. Additionally, Steve openly shared one of the most challenging times in his life both creatively and financially, and how faith, friends AND therapy helped him through it. Trust us, when we say his inspirational story is the perfect end to a season filled with stories of hope, life and career pivots plus twists, turns and triumphs. 

Thank you for listening to Blk on the Scene. We hope to see you back for Season 5 of the show in Fall 2023. In the interim please check out seasons 1- 3, and be sure to subscribe, leave a review and rating.

Episode Mentions:

Steve Jones - https://www.instagram.com/iamstevejones/?hl=en

Hollywood Confidential - https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodconfidential/?hl=en

Ohio State University - https://www.osu.edu/

A Different World - ​​https://youtu.be/JeoYAw26sos

SWV - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=976b8TPPFJU

Escape - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_BTEFAVwjU

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This week’s episode features one of our hosts' favorite people, Jonathan Kirkland. Kirkland as we like to call him is one of the most creative individuals, his brain works in such a unique way and as he says, he has always been smart. Growing up in Connecticut, he never loved hearing the word and has always been someone who pushes limits. From New York to Los Angeles to now Dallas, Kirkland has been a disruptor in his career and he takes us on a fun journey full of laughs, life lessons and an attempt at a run for Mayor of Los Angeles. From his young 20’s to now being Head of Marketing & Brand at BLK, Kirkland will keep you entertained on this amazing episode of BLK on the Scene. Tap in to learn more about Kirkland and his wonderful journey. 

Thank you for listening to Blk on the Scene. We hope that you will tune in for more exciting guests and conversations from this season. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review and rating.

Episode Mentions:

Jonathan Kirkland LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanckirkland/

North Carolina A&T University - https://www.ncat.edu/

Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc. - https://www.kappaalphapsi1911.com/kapsi/s/

BLK Dating App - https://www.blk-app.com/

Vax That Thang Up - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pa_gk3X5UEE

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From a little boy growing up in Chocolate City to a distinguished and influential change agent in Hollywood, John Gibson the first Vice President of the Motion Picture Association’s (MPA) Diversity, Equity & Inclusion program is blazing trails across the entertainment industry. He works across all of the major motion picture studios, TV networks and streamers where he strategizes and cultivates key partnerships with over 50 leading organizations such as the American Black Film Festival, Atlanta Film Society, Georgia Latino Film Festival, New York Latino Film Festival and the Entertainment Industry College Outreach Program, of whose advisory boards he serves on and many other groups working tirelessly to promote gender equality, diversity and inclusion, and ‘authentic’ cultural representation. Additionally, he oversees multicultural initiatives, while also managing the MPA’s partnerships with national civil rights, non-profits, and multicultural groups as part of the association’s outreach to leading third-party organizations. John takes hosts DeDe and Jon on his very circuitous journey from real estate and politics to the entertainment industry where his passion for equity, civil rights and keen sense of diplomacy have prepared him to gracefully navigate the precarious waters of championing DEI in entertainment. 

Tap in to learn more about John and his mission to help make the industry look like the community it aims to serve. 

Thank you for listening to Blk on the Scene. We hope that you will tune in for more exciting guests and conversations from this season. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review and rating.

Episode Mentions:

John Gibson - https://www.theqgentleman.com/post/2022-06-john-gibson-ten-years-motion-picture-association

Motion Picture Association - https://www.motionpictures.org/

American Black Film Festival - https://www.abff.com/miami/

Urbanworld Film Festival - https://urbanworld.org/

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Right in time for CultureCon LA, we are thrilled to welcome the CEO and Founder of CultureCon and The Creative Collective, Imani Ellis on this week’s episode. 

If you’ve been under a rock for the past 5 years and don’t know what CultureCon is, please allow us to school you… CultureCon is a community dedicated to facilitating brave spaces for Black and Brown creatives that was born in Imani’s one-bedroom apartment as a means to foster meaningful connection. 

It is the fastest-growing community and festival for and by creatives of color that has hosted past speakers such as Tracee Ellis Ross, Will Smith, Regina King, John Legend, Spike Lee, Lena Waithe, and so many more. Imani built TheCCNYC while climbing the corporate ladder at NBCUniversal where she started as a page over ten years ago to Vice-President of Communications, Unscripted TV Publicity for Bravo. Imani shares her journey from a young girl growing up as a preacher’s kid who loved ballet but left it behind to pursue track - ultimately winning a track scholarship to Vanderbilt University - to moving to NYC to pursue a career in Public Relations. 

Her passion for community, inclusion and access has positioned er to be recognized as the "2021 Breakthrough Creative" by Ebony Magazine and a "Diversity Champion" by Adweek. Imani has been recognized by Forbes as a "Visionary" and "One To Watch" by Black Enterprise.

If you’ve been trying to figure out how to tap into your creative passion and hold down your 9-to-5 this is the episode for you! Thanks for listening to Blk on the Scene. We hope that you will tune in for more exciting guests and conversations from this season. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review and rating.

Episode Mentions:

Imani Ellis - https://www.instagram.com/imaniimani/?hl=en

The Creative Collective NYC - https://www.culturecon.theccnyc.com/

Culture Con - https://www.instagram.com/culturecon/?hl=en

Clarie's - https://www.claires.com/us/

Vanderbilt University - https://www.vanderbilt.edu/

Bravo - https://www.instagram.com/bravotv/?hl=en

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