Creative Roots Podcast

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In this episode of the Creative Roots Podcast, Tae sits down with Terrance McLeod, filmmaker and cinematographer, to break down his creative journey and how he successfully released his film “A Season For Love” on Tubi, along with platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube.

Terrance shares what the independent filmmaking process really looks like-from understanding the fundamentals of cinematography and storytelling, to building the right crew, collaborating effectively, and managing stress while bringing a vision to life. This conversation is packed with practical insight for indie filmmakers, cinematographers, video creators, and creatives looking to get their work seen on streaming platforms.

If you’re trying to learn how films get distributed, how to move as an independent filmmaker, or how to stay grounded while creating at a high level, this episode delivers real game with no fluff.

Topics Covered:
• Indie filmmaking & film distribution
• Getting a movie on Tubi, Amazon Prime & Apple TV
• Cinematography basics every filmmaker should know
• Building a crew & creative collaboration
• Managing stress in the creative process

Subscribe for more conversations with filmmakers, artists, and creators
Like & comment if you’re working on a film or creative project
Share this episode with someone chasing their first release

Support the show

Thanks for listening! If this episode hit home, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share it with a fellow creative on their journey. 

Where to find us:

Website:

www.creativerootspodcast.com

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeRootsPodcast

IG/TikTok:

https://www.instagram.com/creativeroots.podcast

https://www.tiktok.com/@creativeroots.podcast

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/CreativeRootsPodcast

Tae-@taewiththeedits
Shamar-@alanluxstudios

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In this episode of Creative Roots, Tae sits down with a graduating classmate and trusted professional, Natasha - a licensed therapist, speaker, writer, and Founder of Up Company, PLLC.

Titled “2026: Ambitious Goals and Mental Health,” this conversation hits a necessary balance: dreaming big while protecting your mental well-being.

With so many creatives - including past guests and Tae himself - openly navigating anxiety, burnout, pressure, and self-doubt, it was time to bring in an expert who understands both ambition and mental health.

We discuss:
Setting ambitious personal and professional goals without self-destruction
Mental health challenges creatives often ignore until it’s too late
Content creation, consistency, and emotional sustainability
How to recognize when hustle culture is doing more harm than good
Practical ways to check in with yourself while still pushing forward

This is an hour-long conversation full of perspective, clarity, and real gems for anyone building toward their next chapter.

If you’re planning for 2026, feeling the weight of expectations, or trying to grow without losing yourself - this episode is required listening.

Tap in and share this episode.
Mental health conversations save careers, relationships, and lives.

Like the video
Comment with your biggest takeaway
Subscribe for more real conversations rooted in creativity, growth, and truth

New episodes weekly on Creative Roots.

Support the show

Thanks for listening! If this episode hit home, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share it with a fellow creative on their journey. 

Where to find us:

Website:

www.creativerootspodcast.com

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeRootsPodcast

IG/TikTok:

https://www.instagram.com/creativeroots.podcast

https://www.tiktok.com/@creativeroots.podcast

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/CreativeRootsPodcast

Tae-@taewiththeedits
Shamar-@alanluxstudios

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Creative Roots, Tae sits down with Kashh - a music artist, photographer, and model who’s actively building across multiple creative lanes.

This conversation gets straight to the point. No filler. No surface-level talk.

We break down:
What it really means to take your craft seriously
The business mindset creatives need to sustain momentum
Parallels between music production and photography
Why discipline and intention matter more than talent alone
How to move smarter, not louder, in creative industries

From cameras to music, branding to work ethic, this episode delivers practical insight for creatives who are ready to stop playing and start building.

If you’re a musician, photographer, content creator, or creative entrepreneur, this one’s for you.

Tap in!
If this episode brings value:
Like the video
Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway
Subscribe for more conversations rooted in creativity, business, and real growth
New episodes weekly on Creative Roots.

Support the show

Thanks for listening! If this episode hit home, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share it with a fellow creative on their journey. 

Where to find us:

Website:

www.creativerootspodcast.com

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeRootsPodcast

IG/TikTok:

https://www.instagram.com/creativeroots.podcast

https://www.tiktok.com/@creativeroots.podcast

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/CreativeRootsPodcast

Tae-@taewiththeedits
Shamar-@alanluxstudios

Send us Fan Mail

Happy New Year!

If your creative life looks exactly the same next year as it does right now…
 that’s not bad luck. That’s a choice.

In this New Year’s Day episode of Creative Roots Podcast, Tae sits down with Shamar and Deana G for a real, honest conversation creatives don’t usually want to have, but desperately need. No fluff. No motivational clichés. Just a straight-up creative reset to start 2026 with clarity, consistency, and intention.

We break down the creative red flags we all ignore, the excuses we disguise as “strategy,” and why another year of “planning” without execution isn’t going to cut it.

In this episode, we cover:

• Creative habits put on trial in Creative Court
• The most ignored creative red flags (waiting on motivation, hiding goals, over-researching, inconsistency)
• Hard truths creatives avoid, but already know
 • Why structure beats motivation every time
 • The difference between creativity and clarity
 • A Practical Reset (no vision boards required)
• What it really means to ship something publicly instead of just talking about it

This episode isn’t about tearing creatives down, it’s about calling us up. If any of this feels obvious… that’s the point.

Questions we challenge you with:

• What are you pretending not to know?
 • What would have to change for you not to regret this year?
 • If nothing changed for the next 3 years… would you be okay with that?

This is a creative wake-up call, a mindset shift, and a conversation meant to spark action, not applause.

Join the conversation:
Drop a comment and tell us:
• One creative red flag you’re fixing this month
• One thing you’re cutting
• One thing you’re committing to
• One thing you’re shipping publicly in Q1

If you’re a creative, entrepreneur, artist, podcaster, filmmaker, designer, or builder, this episode is for you.

Like, subscribe, and share this episode with a creative who needs to hear it—especially if that creative is you.

Maono PD200W Microphone:
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Support the show

Thanks for listening! If this episode hit home, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share it with a fellow creative on their journey. 

Where to find us:

Website:

www.creativerootspodcast.com

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeRootsPodcast

IG/TikTok:

https://www.instagram.com/creativeroots.podcast

https://www.tiktok.com/@creativeroots.podcast

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/CreativeRootsPodcast

Tae-@taewiththeedits
Shamar-@alanluxstudios

Send us Fan Mail

This episode is a celebration of community.

From past guests to live-event moments, this highlight reel brings together the voices, stories, and energy that make Creative Roots Podcast what it is. Set to our theme song, you’ll see clips from conversations, laughs, real moments, and the live experience that reminded us why this platform exists in the first place.

Creative Roots was built to give creatives a space to be seen, heard, and respected - not just for what they make, but for who they are. This highlight video is a thank you to every guest who trusted us with their story, every supporter who showed up, and everyone who believes in building community through creativity.

If you’ve been rocking with us since the beginning - or you’re just discovering the podcast - this one’s for you.

More conversations. More creatives. Deeper roots.

If you recognize yourself — or someone you know — drop a comment below.
Make sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help the community grow.

Support the show

Thanks for listening! If this episode hit home, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share it with a fellow creative on their journey. 

Where to find us:

Website:

www.creativerootspodcast.com

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeRootsPodcast

IG/TikTok:

https://www.instagram.com/creativeroots.podcast

https://www.tiktok.com/@creativeroots.podcast

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/CreativeRootsPodcast

Tae-@taewiththeedits
Shamar-@alanluxstudios

Send us Fan Mail

Creative Roots Podcast went LIVE for a special holiday celebration - The Night Before Christmas - and it was nothing short of powerful.

In this 4-hour live experience, we welcomed returning guests, a live studio audience, and our online community to celebrate creativity, growth, and the journey we’ve all been on together. From mini-conversations and rapid-fire games to audience interaction, giveaways, and real talk, this night was about honoring the roots of our creative community and reflecting on how far we’ve come.

This wasn’t just a podcast episode - it was a moment.

Whether you joined us live or you’re watching the replay, this special captures the heart of Creative Roots: authentic conversations, shared experiences, and creating space for creatives to be seen and heard.

Thank you to everyone who pulled up, participated, and continues to support Creative Roots Podcast and Charlotte Podcast Studio.

What you’ll see in this live special:
– Returning Creative Roots guests
– Live audience interaction
– Games, trivia, and giveaways
– Creative conversations and reflections
– Community celebration

Recorded live at Charlotte Podcast Studio

If this episode resonates with you, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with creatives who are building, evolving, and staying rooted in their purpose.

Support the show

Thanks for listening! If this episode hit home, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share it with a fellow creative on their journey. 

Where to find us:

Website:

www.creativerootspodcast.com

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeRootsPodcast

IG/TikTok:

https://www.instagram.com/creativeroots.podcast

https://www.tiktok.com/@creativeroots.podcast

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/CreativeRootsPodcast

Tae-@taewiththeedits
Shamar-@alanluxstudios

Send us Fan Mail

This episode features Stori Daniel, Charlotte Podcast Studio’s longest-running podcaster — and that longevity is no accident.

Stori’s podcast explores mental health, wellness, healing, and real-life conversations that many people avoid but desperately need. In this sit-down with Tae, we unpack her journey into podcasting, the impact of childhood trauma, and how those lived experiences shaped the voice and purpose behind her show.

We also talk strategy - how she consistently books guests, builds trust with her audience, and sustains a podcast over time without burning out. This conversation goes deep, touching on vulnerability, growth, and what it really means to create content that serves people instead of chasing numbers.

And yes… Tae doesn’t go full crisscross applesauce - but one leg is tucked. You’ll understand when you watch.

This episode is for podcasters, creatives, and anyone navigating healing while building something meaningful.

If this episode resonates with you, drop a comment and share your takeaway.
Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications - we’re here for the real conversations.

Support the show

Thanks for listening! If this episode hit home, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share it with a fellow creative on their journey. 

Where to find us:

Website:

www.creativerootspodcast.com

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeRootsPodcast

IG/TikTok:

https://www.instagram.com/creativeroots.podcast

https://www.tiktok.com/@creativeroots.podcast

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/CreativeRootsPodcast

Tae-@taewiththeedits
Shamar-@alanluxstudios

Send us Fan Mail

This week, Tae sits down with someone he’s called his little brother since high school — Oliver Crooms, one of the most multi-talented creatives in Charlotte. From Spidey N Charlotte, to skilled saxophone player, to the founder of the Carolina Film Festival, Oliver does it all… and does it well.

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of film festivals, what makes a strong submission, how judges evaluate indie films, and what new filmmakers need to know before entering their first festival. We also geek out over Marvel films, storytelling, world-building, and the creative process behind the movies we love.

Oliver also shares an exclusive announcement about the Carolina Film Festival, breaks down how networking can reshape your entire career, and gives practical steps for anyone looking to break into film, production, or the creative industry.

This is a must-watch for filmmakers, creatives, and anyone chasing their vision with purpose.

Support the show

Thanks for listening! If this episode hit home, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share it with a fellow creative on their journey. 

Where to find us:

Website:

www.creativerootspodcast.com

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeRootsPodcast

IG/TikTok:

https://www.instagram.com/creativeroots.podcast

https://www.tiktok.com/@creativeroots.podcast

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/CreativeRootsPodcast

Tae-@taewiththeedits
Shamar-@alanluxstudios

Send us Fan Mail

This week, we sit down with Promyse - DJ, host, MC, philanthropist, and one of the realest guys doing it for the culture and the community. Recommended by DJ Kue One, Promyse has been putting in work for nearly 20 years, serving the people through events, charity outreach, music, and leadership.

In this episode, we break down the intricacies of DJ’ing, the art of rapping with cadence, how to read the room, and what it takes to stay sharp as a creative in today’s world. But it doesn’t stop there - this conversation gets deep. Promyse opens up about professionalism, knowing who you are, holding onto your morals and values, and why character will always outlast clout.

We’re rolling into Christmas, gearing up for the LIVE show on December 20th, and this episode sets the tone for closing the year strong.

If you’re a DJ, artist, creative, or someone grinding through your purpose, this episode will hit home.

If this episode hit you, drop a comment, share it with another creative, and hit SUBSCRIBE for more conversations with artists, dreamers, and ground-level visionaries building something real.

JOIN US LIVE
December 20th, 6pm - until
In-studio audience. Real conversations. Real celebration.
Don’t miss it.

Support the show

Thanks for listening! If this episode hit home, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share it with a fellow creative on their journey. 

Where to find us:

Website:

www.creativerootspodcast.com

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeRootsPodcast

IG/TikTok:

https://www.instagram.com/creativeroots.podcast

https://www.tiktok.com/@creativeroots.podcast

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/CreativeRootsPodcast

Tae-@taewiththeedits
Shamar-@alanluxstudios

Send us Fan Mail

We’re closing out our Thanksgiving run with a special episode featuring Tae, Shamar, and Deana - just us, laughs, and real conversation. This one feels like home.

We catch up with Deana after her internship at Alan Lux Studios, talk about how her journey is moving forward, and dive into the creative wins, challenges, and lessons we’ve all experienced this year. We share what we’re grateful for, how we’ve grown, and what’s next as Creative Roots gears up to finish the year strong.

This episode brings together food, family energy, storytelling, and real talk - the perfect way to wrap up our November Thanksgiving theme.

If you’re a creative, a podcaster, or someone who appreciates honest conversations, this one will sit with you long after the credits roll.

If this Thanksgiving Special brought you value, drop a comment with something YOU’RE grateful for this year.
Hit SUBSCRIBE and tap the bell so you don’t miss what’s coming next - including the LIVE event on December 20th.

Real conversations. Real creatives. Real community.
Let’s close the year strong!

Support the show

Thanks for listening! If this episode hit home, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share it with a fellow creative on their journey. 

Where to find us:

Website:

www.creativerootspodcast.com

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeRootsPodcast

IG/TikTok:

https://www.instagram.com/creativeroots.podcast

https://www.tiktok.com/@creativeroots.podcast

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/CreativeRootsPodcast

Tae-@taewiththeedits
Shamar-@alanluxstudios