In this episode, Ian Von sits down with legendary screenwriter and producer Michael Elliot, whose pen has shaped some of the most beloved depictions of Black love and Black life on screen. From Brown Sugar and Just Wright to Like Mike and Netflix’s Ruth & Boaz, Michael breaks down how he found storytelling in his 30s, the very real grind behind his Hollywood break, and why love remains the center of his work.

They dive deep into:

Why Black love stories don’t always get box office support—even when the culture reveres them.

How R&B and hip hop literally birthed Brown Sugar.

The tension between our appetite for crime/drama versus romance on screen.

How faith, sensitivity, and emotional honesty became Michael’s “superpower” as a writer.

The impact of streaming and new formats (like vertical storytelling) on Black creators.

The conversation is equal parts masterclass, testimony, and love letter to Black romance in film.

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Ian Von catches up with Phabo backstage in New Orleans during his tour run with Ari Lennox for an honest conversation about life on the road, performing for Ari’s loyal R&B audience, and how every city brings a different energy to the show.

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In this special live episode, Ian Von sits down backstage at Tipitina’s with powerhouse singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Sam Pounds, along with his musical collaborators Family Company. Fresh off soundcheck and just minutes before showtime, they break down Sam’s journey from North Carolina church roots to producing for Jamie Foxx and Snoop Dogg, crafting the Day Shift theme song, and ultimately landing on the legendary Death Row Records.

They dive into why real instruments, live arrangements, and human feel still matter in an AI-driven era, how they channel the spirit of the late 60s/early 70s soul greats, and why this New Orleans show is one of the most important of Sam’s career. The crew also touches on the new single “Queen”, the sound and philosophy of Family Company, and what it means to build a tribe that’s committed to real R&B and soul.

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Ian Von sits down with Denmark-born, London-based artist Marie Dahlstrøm to explore her journey from a small town with no R&B scene to becoming a standout voice in UK modern soul. They discuss her independent approach, move to London, and how motherhood has reshaped her creativity and vulnerability.

Marie breaks down her albums Like Sand and Good Life, plus her latest single “Frostbite.” The conversation also touches on gospel’s influence on R&B, the value of real musicianship, and making honest, emotionally grounded music while balancing art, family, and mental health.

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In this episode, Ian Von sits down with rising R&B artist RJ The Weirdo to unpack his unique sound, his bold honesty in songwriting, and his mission to bring accountability and emotion back to R&B.

RJ opens up about the story behind his name, the influence of his father and Dallas’ diverse music scene, and how genre-bending, vulnerability, and raw truth shape his music. He and Ian dig into the culture of “toxic” relationships, why honest male perspectives matter, and how R&B can once again be a space where men and women truly hear each other.

They also walk through RJ’s debut project At Least She’s Beautiful—from the headspace he was in while creating it, to standout tracks like “Perfect One” (feat. Ty Dolla $ign) and “Tricks Are For Kids.” RJ shares how fatherhood softened and deepened his love for women, the guilt and grind of pursuing music while parenting, and how being homeless in L.A. and ghostwriting led him to being signed to Ty Dolla $ign & Leon Thomas’ EZMNY.

This is a powerful, vulnerable conversation about artistry, manhood, love, and the beauty of just telling the truth.

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In this episode of Can We Talk? R&B Podcast, host Ian Von sits down with rising R&B artist Marc Lo) a singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist making serious waves.

From his roots in church and musical theater to working with artists like Justin Bieber, Dua Lipa, Miley Cyrus, and Teddy Swims, Mark shares his journey and why he’s now stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist.

We dive into his upcoming album 11 Days, the stories behind “Marvel,” “Interest,” and “Money, I Used to Love You,” and how he blends R&B, soul, pop, and global influences into a fresh, timeless sound.

Plus, a deeper conversation on the meaning of R&B, his influences, and why gratitude is at the center of his life right now.

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Chapters:

0:00 Opening & Mission of the Show

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In this episode of Can We Talk R&B, Ian Von sits down with singer, songwriter, and producer Von Waters – a Virginia native whose pen is quietly shaping the sound of modern R&B. From growing up in a tiny church-going town and moving to L.A. in a boy band, to landing placements with Chris Brown, Trey Songz, Summer Walker, and Christopher Williams, Von walks us through his journey one chapter at a time.

He shares how a DM to legendary producer Troy Taylor changed the trajectory of his career, how the pandemic dissolved his group but unlocked his songwriting bag, and why he’s intentionally taking his time before stepping forward as a solo artist. They also get into the realities of publishing deals, the grind of writing “an idea a day,” and the difference between powerhouse vocalists and what Von jokingly calls “medium singers.”

This is a candid, grounded look at what it means to come from a small town, dream big, and actually put in the work behind the scenes of today’s R&B.

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In this episode, Ian Von sits down with singer, songwriter, and producer Aaron Page to explore his journey from Connecticut to Houston and his rise as one of R&B’s most exciting new voices, including opening for Bryson Tiller and PartyNextDoor. Aaron shares how his early influences, family, and artists like Ryan Leslie and Ne-Yo shaped his sound, and breaks down the inspiration behind his project Before I Go, a raw, conversation-driven take on love and growth. They also discuss creating R&B in the modern era, Houston’s impact on his music, dream collaborations, and why love remains at the core of the genre.

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0:00 Opening + Show Intro

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In this episode, Ian Von sits down with artist, songwriter, and producer Ye Ali – widely known as the self‑proclaimed Trap House Jodeci – for a deep dive into modern R&B, collaboration, independence, and the business behind the music.

They break down Ye’s journey from Chicago and Indiana to Los Angeles, how he accidentally slid from rapping into R&B, and the moves that led to placements with Chris Brown, Jack Harlow, Kehlani, 6LACK, PartyNextDoor, and more. Ye talks about finding inspiration in Toronto’s sound, shaping his own atmospheric, sensual R&B lane, and why his music has become “get-ready-to” and pre-game music for so many fans.

The conversation also covers his upcoming collaborative EP “You & Your Homegirls”, his five‑city tour, and his growing role as a behind‑the‑scenes power player – including the story of how he helped Duran Bernard land a distro deal with Create Music Group. They get honest about credit splits, publishing pitfalls, why Ye has stayed independent, and what it really takes to keep your peace and your freedom as an artist.

If you love R&B that feels pure, vibey, and unforced – and you want game on the industry side – this episode is loaded with gems.

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In this powerful episode, Ian Von sits down with legendary vocalist Ann Nesby for an inspiring conversation on faith, legacy, artistry, and love. From her roots in church to global success with Sounds of Blackness and a thriving solo career, Ann shares the story behind “Optimistic,” her journey as an artist, and the heart behind her new R&B project Anniversary.

Packed with wisdom on music, relationships, and true success, this episode is a must-watch for fans of gospel, R&B, and message-driven music.

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Chapters:

0:00 Intro & Welcome
1:22 Early Life & Church Roots
4:40 Finding Her Path in Music
6:23 Chicago Gospel Beginnings
8:56 Theater & Sounds of Blackness Journey
11:24 Joining Sounds of Blackness
13:33 Group Origins & Growth
15:22 Making “Optimistic”
17:22 Meaning Behind “Optimistic”
19:26 Choir Culture & Nostalgia
22:12 Gospel Legends & Evolution
23:33 Solo Career & Writing Journey
28:02 Label Changes & Career Moves
29:11 ‘Anniversary’ Album Story
32:03 Full Circle with RL (Next)
33:21 Love Theme of the Album
36:03 Duet with Calvin Richardson
37:46 Love, Roles & Relationships
40:42 Message Behind the Music
42:14 Redefining Success
44:00 Advice for Young Artists
45:45 Music Business Game
47:11 Lessons from Legends
48:24 Attitude & Professionalism
49:19 Protect Your Work
50:07 Closing Thoughts & Blessings

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