Culture Raises US

Are you holding back your best work?

On this episode of Culture Raises US, host Astor sits down with renowned
artist Hebru Brantley to talk about the importance of releasing your creativity
into the world. Hebru shares why you shouldn’t let fear or perfectionism keep
your projects hidden away, and what it truly means to “die empty.”

Tune in for a powerful conversation about the realities of being a creative,
building a legacy, and the cycles of influence that shape our communities.

Whether you’re an artist, a dreamer, or simply looking for inspiration to take
your next step, this episode will challenge you to share your gifts—before it’s
too late.

Listen now on iHeart, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your
podcasts.

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Astor sits down with Terrence Williams who is a co-founder of Inflection Point Entertainment, Culture Raises Us new production partner. They explore the essence of culture, the vision behind Inflection Point Entertainment, and the importance of authenticity in storytelling. They discuss the significance of living in the moment and embracing life's unexpected turns, emphasizing that the journey is just as important as the destination. The dialogue highlights personal growth, partnership, and the shared experiences that shape their creative endeavors.

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Welcome to a new season of Culture Raises Us—the show where culture isn’t just observed, it’s lived, challenged, and elevated. We tap in with the creators and trailblazers across music, fashion, sports, tech, and entertainment who are shaping what’s now and what’s next.

This isn’t just conversation—it’s a call to be mindful stewards of influence, and to reimagine what the future of culture can look like when we move with purpose.

Follow Culture Raises Us and press play—because culture doesn’t wait, and neither should you.

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Summary

The conversation between Astor Chambers and Shanti Das explores the concept of culture and its various facets. They discuss the importance of recognizing and preserving Black culture, which encompasses movement, people, vibration, and lifestyle.

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Summary

Mark Smith grew up in a creative family and was exposed to various cultures around the world. He initially didn't see his work as culturally relevant, but later realized the impact of his designs on the world.

His journey can be divided into four chapters: his upbringing in a creative family, his focus on art and music in high school and college, his transition from advertising to design, and his career in footwear and innovation.

Watch the full episode here

Mark emphasizes the importance of the hustle and being able to get things done. He reflects on moments when he realized the reach and influence of his work, such as seeing his logo on the streets of Europe.

• Exposure to different cultures can shape one's perspective and creativity.
• The hustle and ability to get things done are crucial in any field.
• Design and branding have a significant impact on culture.
• Personal moments of realization can highlight the influence of one's work.
• Consistency and humility are important qualities in shaping culture.
• Footwear plays a significant role in shaping overall culture.
• Mark Smith's journey can be divided into four chapters: upbringing, focus on art and music, transition to design, and career in footwear and innovation.

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Summary

The conversation delves into Laz's personal journey as a first-generation American and his commitment to championing Afro-Latinos in the entertainment industry.

Laz shares his experiences of facing challenges and setbacks but maintaining a mindset of perseverance and manifestation.

In this part of the conversation, Laz Alonso discusses the importance of resilience and the support of family and friends in overcoming challenges.

JOIN THE NEWSLETTER 📫 Be the first to hear about behind the scenes, new episode drops and live shows near you! Sign up: https://tr.ee/QJ4c7FUWBj LISTEN TO THE SHOW iTunes: http://bit.ly/3XDA3sl Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3D33sCM JOIN OUR COMMUNITY 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/cultureraisesus 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/cultureraisesus 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cultureraisesus ABOUT US Culture Raises US. It isn’t just something we’re impacted by, it’s also something we can impact. As empowered stewards of Culture, it’s time to get smart on how we can continue influencing society while breaking new grounds. On Culture Raises US, Astor Chambers invites you to join for honest, insightful, and challenging conversations with pioneering cultivators across music, fashion, tech, sports, art, and entertainment.

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Summary

The conversation explores the concept of culture and its importance. It delves into the idea that culture provides a sense of belonging and a soft landing, allowing individuals to take flight and refuel.

The discussion also touches on the importance of sharing culture and not keeping it boxed in. Trust, communication, and the willingness to do hard things are highlighted as essential components in building a culture of empowerment and progress.

In this conversation, Libra Forde shares her perspective on personal growth, self-discipline, and redefining societal norms. She emphasizes the importance of programming oneself rather than being programmed by society. Libra discusses the significance of setting boundaries and the discipline required to stick to them.

She also highlights the need for open dialogue and respect in relationships, redefining traditional roles, and measuring love in a way that goes beyond give and take.

Libra's why is to provide a healthy and elevating environment for all individuals she encounters. She encourages others to be conscious in their positioning, write their own script, and strive for freedom in all aspects of their being.

JOIN THE NEWSLETTER 📫 Be the first to hear about behind the scenes, new episode drops and live shows near you! Sign up: https://tr.ee/QJ4c7FUWBj LISTEN TO THE SHOW iTunes: http://bit.ly/3XDA3sl Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3D33sCM JOIN OUR COMMUNITY 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/cultureraisesus 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/cultureraisesus 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cultureraisesus ABOUT US Culture Raises US. It isn’t just something we’re impacted by, it’s also something we can impact. As empowered stewards of Culture, it’s time to get smart on how we can continue influencing society while breaking new grounds. On Culture Raises US, Astor Chambers invites you to join for honest, insightful, and challenging conversations with pioneering cultivators across music, fashion, tech, sports, art, and entertainment.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Summary

The conversation explores the concept of culture and its evolution over time. The speakers discuss the idea that culture existed before their generation and that they were part of shaping the youth culture in terms of music, fashion, and footwear.

DJ Clark Kent shares his gift of spotting great talent and his passion for understanding the details of music. He emphasizes the importance of preserving and understanding the culture while guiding the younger generation. The conversation highlights the criteria for greatness in music and the significance of what artists say and how they say it.

Takeaways

• Culture existed before their generation and has evolved over time.
• Music, fashion, and footwear have played a significant role in shaping youth culture.
• DJ Clark Kent has a gift for spotting great talent and a passion for understanding the details of music.
• Preserving and understanding the culture is important while guiding the younger generation.
• The criteria for greatness in music include what artists say and how they say it.

JOIN THE NEWSLETTER 📫 Be the first to hear about behind the scenes, new episode drops and live shows near you! Sign up: https://tr.ee/QJ4c7FUWBj LISTEN TO THE SHOW iTunes: http://bit.ly/3XDA3sl Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3D33sCM JOIN OUR COMMUNITY 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/cultureraisesus 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/cultureraisesus 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cultureraisesus ABOUT US Culture Raises US. It isn’t just something we’re impacted by, it’s also something we can impact. As empowered stewards of Culture, it’s time to get smart on how we can continue influencing society while breaking new grounds. On Culture Raises US, Astor Chambers invites you to join for honest, insightful, and challenging conversations with pioneering cultivators across music, fashion, tech, sports, art, and entertainment.

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Summary

The conversation explores the themes of patience, practice, and the influence of different cultures on art and creativity. Patience is emphasized as a necessary quality in the creative process, allowing time for clarity and growth.

Practice is seen as a key component of success, drawing parallels between sports and art. The conversation also highlights the importance of cultural influences, including the culture of ballers and the influence of music culture on art. The conversation touches on the untold stories and achievements of black Americans, emphasizing the need to tap into ancestral knowledge and celebrate everyday feats.

The discussion concludes with the impact of art on culture, particularly the influence of graffiti and visual culture on youth culture.

Takeaways

• Patience is essential in the creative process, allowing time for clarity and growth.
• Practice is a key component of success in both sports and art.
• Cultural influences play a significant role in shaping art and creativity.
• There is a need to tap into ancestral knowledge and celebrate everyday feats.
• Graffiti and visual culture have had a significant impact on youth culture.

• The Influence of Culture on Art and Creativity
• Tapping into Ancestral Knowledge and Everyday Feats

• "You have to have patience throughout this process."
• "The word for me that's always resonated was practice."
• "All athletes, entertainers are all artists."

Titles

The Influence of Culture on Art and Creativity

Tapping into Ancestral Knowledge and Everyday Feats

Sound Bites

"You have to have patience throughout this process."

"The word for me that's always resonated was practice."

"All athletes, entertainers are all artists."

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Summary Christopher Hicks discusses the evolution of Atlanta's entertainment scene and the sense of community that has allowed it to flourish.

He highlights the collaborative nature of the city, where individuals support and help each other in various fields. Hicks also mentions the growth and attention Atlanta has received, both from a population standpoint and in the political landscape.

However, he acknowledges that the city has become more crowded and may not evoke the same warmth as before. Despite this, Hicks sees opportunities for success, particularly in the film and TV space, and believes that Atlanta has the potential to launch intellectual property and drive narratives. Takeaways Atlanta's entertainment scene has evolved and grown over the years, with a strong sense of community and collaboration among individuals. The city has seen increased attention and growth, both in terms of population and political landscape.

Opportunities for success exist in the film and TV space, with Atlanta having a favorable tax credit and the potential to launch intellectual property. Despite the changes, Atlanta retains a sense of community, although it may not evoke the same warmth as before. Sound Bites "Atlanta's a crown jewel of the South. It has had the benefit of 50-plus years of Black leadership." "Atlanta has been highly competitive, but highly, highly collaborative." "There were several seeds that were planted before they're doing what they're doing that allowed Black men to think this is possible." Chapters 00:00 Christopher Hicks' Background and Passion 05:43 The Importance of Black Ownership and Recognition JOIN THE NEWSLETTER 📫 Be the first to hear about behind the scenes, new episode drops and live shows near you! Sign up: https://tr.ee/QJ4c7FUWBj LISTEN TO THE SHOW iTunes: http://bit.ly/3XDA3sl Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3D33sCM JOIN OUR COMMUNITY 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/cultureraisesus 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/cultureraisesus 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cultureraisesus ABOUT US Culture Raises US. It isn’t just something we’re impacted by, it’s also something we can impact. As empowered stewards of Culture, it’s time to get smart on how we can continue influencing society while breaking new grounds. On Culture Raises US, Astor Chambers invites you to join for honest, insightful, and challenging conversations with pioneering cultivators across music, fashion, tech, sports, art, and entertainment.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.