Echo and Ember

What if the key to growth is learning to fail — and keep going anyway?

In this episode of Echo & Ember, I sit down with strategist and former industrial designer Hannah Rankin to explore how creativity, business, and identity intersect — and why embracing failure might be one of the most important skills you can develop.

We talk about her transition from packaging and experience design to brand strategy, and how true creativity isn’t just about self-expression — it’s about solving real-world problems with clarity and care.

Hannah shares insights from working with some of the world’s most recognizable brands, how to navigate feedback without falling into micromanagement, and what it takes to thrive in both agency and in-house environments.

Whether you're a creative professional or a strategist, this conversation will equip you to build better collaborations and stay grounded in your value — even when things don’t go as planned.

Season 2 of Echo & Ember is sponsored by Wizkid Creative:
https://www.wizkidcreative.com/

🎙️ Featuring Hannah Rankin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-rankin-75017a69/

📍 Hosted by Jerald Roberts II
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeraldr2/

✅ Important Links to Follow

🔗 Simplify self-employed finances with Found — your all-in-one business banking and bookkeeping solution:
http://found.com/refer/3GQHCZ

🔗 Take back your time with Reclaim — smart AI scheduling and focus time protection:
https://go.reclaim.ai/538m275tzf1n

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes and updates:
https://www.youtube.com/@visagemediapro

🔗 Stay Connected With Us

Instagram
• Echo & Ember Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/echoemberpod/
• Visage Media Production: https://www.instagram.com/visagemediapro/
• Jerald Roberts II: https://www.instagram.com/jeraldr2/

LinkedIn
• Visage Media Production: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visagemediaproduction
• Jerald Roberts II: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerald-roberts-ii

Website
• https://visagemediaproduction.com/

📩 Business Inquiries: [email protected]

What if the journey itself is the destination?

In this episode of Echo & Ember, I sit down with T Walker — hip hop artist, poet, curator, and educator — to explore the transformative power of creativity, purpose, and staying true to who you are.

We dive into his new album I Always Transform Into Myself and discuss how he balances his art, land, and education. T shares insights on creating without boundaries, leading with humility, and building community through creativity.

This conversation is all about purpose-driven artistry — and how staying obedient to your gift can lead to a meaningful creative life.

Season 2 of Echo & Ember is sponsored by Wizkid Creative:
https://www.wizkidcreative.com/

🎙️ Featuring T Walker
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twalkernc/
Website: https://www.heavyenergyuniversity.com/

📍 Hosted by Jerald Roberts II
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeraldr2/

✅ Important Links to Follow

🔗 Simplify self-employed finances with Found — your all-in-one business banking and bookkeeping solution:
http://found.com/refer/3GQHCZ

🔗 Take back your time with Reclaim — smart AI scheduling and focus time protection:
https://go.reclaim.ai/538m275tzf1n

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes and updates:
https://www.youtube.com/@visagemediapro

🔗 Stay Connected With Us

Instagram
• Echo & Ember Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/echoemberpod/
• Visage Media Production: https://www.instagram.com/visagemediapro/
• Jerald Roberts II: https://www.instagram.com/jeraldr2/

LinkedIn
• Visage Media Production: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visagemediaproduction
• Jerald Roberts II: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerald-roberts-ii

Website
• https://visagemediaproduction.com/

📩 Business Inquiries: [email protected]

What if your difference is actually your greatest creative strength?

In this episode of Echo & Ember, I sit down with Shermar — a multidisciplinary artist, curator, and mental health advocate — to explore what it means to be a modern creative in a world that constantly demands more.

We dive into reclaiming creative identity, embracing neurodiversity as a superpower, and breaking free from genre limitations and external expectations.

Shermar opens up about the delicate balance between hustle and healing, and how mindfulness and mental health are inseparable from the creative process.

Whether you're a musician, visual artist, or simply navigating life’s chaos, this episode will meet you where you are — and remind you that your creative process is valid.

Season 2 of Echo & Ember is sponsored by Wizkid Creative:
https://www.wizkidcreative.com/

🎙️ Featuring Shermar
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mx.shermar/
Listen to “Richter Scale” on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1y1Kgfe5U7HHOwOvShjFpX

📍 Hosted by Jerald Roberts II
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeraldr2/

✅ Important Links to Follow

🔗 Simplify self-employed finances with Found — your all-in-one business banking and bookkeeping solution:
http://found.com/refer/3GQHCZ

🔗 Take back your time with Reclaim — smart AI scheduling and focus time protection:
https://go.reclaim.ai/538m275tzf1n

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes and updates:
https://www.youtube.com/@visagemediapro

🔗 Stay Connected With Us

Instagram
• Echo & Ember Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/echoemberpod/
• Visage Media Production: https://www.instagram.com/visagemediapro/
• Jerald Roberts II: https://www.instagram.com/jeraldr2/

LinkedIn
• Visage Media Production: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visagemediaproduction
• Jerald Roberts II: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerald-roberts-ii

Website
• https://visagemediaproduction.com/

📩 Business Inquiries: [email protected]

What if persistence is the secret ingredient to a thriving creative life?

In this episode of Echo & Ember, I’m joined by Micah The Artyst — a multi-hyphenate creative who turned his passion for art into a full-fledged career.

From near-death experiences to massive career pivots, Micah’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and staying true to your creative path, even when the odds are stacked against you.

We explore his evolution from pencil sketches to mastering brand strategy, digital marketing, and content creation. This conversation is packed with insights for anyone ready to break free from limiting boxes and live a creative life on their own terms.

Whether you're reinventing your career or simply figuring out your next move, this episode will fuel your creative fire and remind you: creativity isn’t just a job — it’s a lifestyle.

Season 2 of Echo & Ember is sponsored by Wizkid Creative:
https://www.wizkidcreative.com/

🎙️ Featuring Micah The Artyst
Website: https://www.micahtheartyst.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/micahtheartyst/

📍 Hosted by Jerald Roberts II
https://www.instagram.com/jeraldr2/⁠

✅ Important Links to Follow

🔗 Simplify self-employed finances with Found — your all-in-one business banking and bookkeeping solution:
http://found.com/refer/3GQHCZ

🔗 Take back your time with Reclaim — smart AI scheduling and focus time protection:
https://go.reclaim.ai/538m275tzf1n

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes and updates:
https://www.youtube.com/@visagemediapro

🔗 Stay Connected With Us

Instagram
• Echo & Ember Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/echoemberpod/
• Visage Media Production: https://www.instagram.com/visagemediapro/
• Jerald Roberts II: https://www.instagram.com/jeraldr2/

LinkedIn
• Visage Media Production: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visagemediaproduction
• Jerald Roberts II: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerald-roberts-ii

Website
• https://visagemediaproduction.com/

📩 Business Inquiries: [email protected]

What if leaving your 9–5 is exactly what you need to find creative freedom?

In this episode of Echo & Ember, I sit down with David Jones — creative director and co-founder of Wizkid Creative — to explore what it really takes to leave a stable career behind and pursue your own creative path.

David shares his transition from agency life to independent business owner, offering hard-earned insights on building a passion-driven brand, finding collaborators who align with your vision, and staying grounded through uncertainty.

If you’ve been dreaming about making the leap into your own creative venture, this conversation will give you the spark — and the strategy — to take your next step.

Season 2 of Echo & Ember is sponsored by Wizkid Creative:
https://www.wizkidcreative.com/

🎙️ Featuring David Jones
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonesdavida/
Wizkid Creative: https://www.wizkidcreative.com/
Roadworthy Car Club: https://www.roadworthycarclub.com/

📍 Hosted by Jerald Roberts II
Website: https://www.jeraldr2.com/

✅ Important Links to Follow

🔗 Simplify self-employed finances with Found — your all-in-one business banking and bookkeeping solution:
http://found.com/refer/3GQHCZ

🔗 Take back your time with Reclaim — smart AI scheduling and focus time protection:
https://go.reclaim.ai/538m275tzf1n

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes and updates:
https://www.youtube.com/@visagemediapro

🔗 Stay Connected With Us

Instagram
• Echo & Ember Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/echoemberpod/
• Visage Media Production: https://www.instagram.com/visagemediapro/
• Jerald Roberts II: https://www.instagram.com/jeraldr2/

LinkedIn
• Visage Media Production: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visagemediaproduction
• Jerald Roberts II: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerald-roberts-ii

Website
• https://visagemediaproduction.com/

📩 Business Inquiries: [email protected]

What if the key to success lies in preparation and seizing the right opportunities?

In this episode of Echo & Ember, I sit down with Cetera Jacobs — photographer, creative, and activist — to explore how preparation opens the door to opportunity, why building real community connections matters, and how fulfillment in your craft can sustain your creative journey.

We also dive into the mindset shifts that help creatives thrive, the power of authentic relationships, and how passion fuels long-term success. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or forging your own path, this conversation will inspire you to approach your journey with greater intention and purpose.

🎙️ Featuring Cetera Jacobs
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ybt.cetera/

📍 Recorded at The CMPND NC
Website: https://thecmpndnc.com/

✅ Important Links to Follow

🔗 Simplify self-employed finances with Found — your all-in-one business banking and bookkeeping solution:
http://found.com/refer/3GQHCZ

🔗 Take back your time with Reclaim — smart AI scheduling and focus time protection:
https://go.reclaim.ai/538m275tzf1n

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes and updates:
https://www.youtube.com/@visagemediapro

🔗 Stay Connected With Us

Instagram
• Echo & Ember Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/echoemberpod/
• Visage Media Production: https://www.instagram.com/visagemediapro/
• Jerald Roberts II: https://www.instagram.com/jeraldr2/

LinkedIn
• Visage Media Production: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visagemediaproduction
• Jerald Roberts II: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerald-roberts-ii

Website
• https://visagemediaproduction.com/

📩 Business Inquiries: [email protected]

How do you tune into the right creative frequency?

In this episode of Echo & Ember, I sit down with Kri Pavone to explore the intersection of mindfulness and creative focus — and why being intentional about your energy is essential for meaningful work.

We talk about how to balance inspiration with distraction, why grounding yourself matters, and how tuning in to the right influences can elevate both your art and your growth.

Kri shares how mindful practices have shaped her creative path and how artists can use awareness to unlock deeper, more authentic expression.

Whether you’re a musician, artist, or creative professional, this episode will help you cultivate a more intentional and aligned creative practice.

🎙️ Featuring Kri Pavone
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kri_stagram/

📍 Hosted by Jerald Roberts II
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeraldr2/

📍 Recorded at The CMPND NC
Website: https://thecmpndnc.com/

✅ Important Links to Follow

🔗 Simplify self-employed finances with Found — your all-in-one business banking and bookkeeping solution:
http://found.com/refer/3GQHCZ

🔗 Take back your time with Reclaim — smart AI scheduling and focus time protection:
https://go.reclaim.ai/538m275tzf1n

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes and updates:
https://www.youtube.com/@visagemediapro

🔗 Stay Connected With Us

Instagram
• Echo & Ember Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/echoemberpod/
• Visage Media Production: https://www.instagram.com/visagemediapro/
• Jerald Roberts II: https://www.instagram.com/jeraldr2/

LinkedIn
• Visage Media Production: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visagemediaproduction
• Jerald Roberts II: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerald-roberts-ii

Website
• https://visagemediaproduction.com/

📩 Business Inquiries: [email protected]

What does it take to turn creative dreams into reality — especially in the age of AI?

In this episode of Echo & Ember, I sit down with Chris Vernon — Associate Creative Director at The Variable — to talk about the grind behind great creative work, the importance of curation and collaboration, and how AI is shifting the creative landscape.

We explore how to balance vision and execution, the power of surrounding yourself with the right people, and how technology is changing the way artists and directors approach their craft.

Whether you’re an artist, curator, or someone striving for big goals, this conversation offers practical insights into building a successful creative journey fueled by intention, persistence, and evolution.

🎙️ Featuring Chris Vernon
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cm_vernon/

📍 Hosted by Jerald Roberts II
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeraldr2/

📍 The Variable
Website: https://thevariable.com/

📍 Recorded at The CMPND NC
Website: https://thecmpndnc.com/

✅ Important Links to Follow

🔗 Simplify self-employed finances with Found — your all-in-one business banking and bookkeeping solution:
http://found.com/refer/3GQHCZ

🔗 Take back your time with Reclaim — smart AI scheduling and focus time protection:
https://go.reclaim.ai/538m275tzf1n

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes and updates:
https://www.youtube.com/@visagemediapro

🔗 Stay Connected With Us

Instagram
• Echo & Ember Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/echoemberpod/
• Visage Media Production: https://www.instagram.com/visagemediapro/
• Jerald Roberts II: https://www.instagram.com/jeraldr2/

LinkedIn
• Visage Media Production: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visagemediaproduction
• Jerald Roberts II: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerald-roberts-ii

Website
• https://visagemediaproduction.com/

📩 Business Inquiries: [email protected]

How do you transform inspiration into something truly meaningful?

In this episode of Echo & Ember, I sit down with Spencer Aubrey — DJ and poet — to explore the art of distillation and how creative ideas evolve when stripped down to their essence.

We dive into his process of fusing poetry and music, breaking down complex emotions, and crafting new stories from unexpected intersections.

Spencer shares how inspiration becomes intention, and how vulnerability, rhythm, and reflection can merge into something powerfully unique.

Whether you're a writer, musician, or multidisciplinary artist, this conversation offers a deep look into how refining ideas leads to transformative creative work.

🎙️ Featuring Spencer Aubrey

📍 Hosted by Jerald Roberts II
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeraldr2/

📍 Recorded at The CMPND NC
Website: https://thecmpndnc.com/

✅ Important Links to Follow

🔗 Simplify self-employed finances with Found — your all-in-one business banking and bookkeeping solution:
http://found.com/refer/3GQHCZ

🔗 Take back your time with Reclaim — smart AI scheduling and focus time protection:
https://go.reclaim.ai/538m275tzf1n

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes and updates:
https://www.youtube.com/@visagemediapro

🔗 Stay Connected With Us

Instagram
• Echo & Ember Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/echoemberpod/
• Visage Media Production: https://www.instagram.com/visagemediapro/
• Jerald Roberts II: https://www.instagram.com/jeraldr2/

LinkedIn
• Visage Media Production: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visagemediaproduction
• Jerald Roberts II: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerald-roberts-ii

Website
• https://visagemediaproduction.com/

📩 Business Inquiries: [email protected]

What if your music could become your full-time career — through sync licensing?

In this episode of Echo & Ember, I sit down with Monty! — a talented musician and content creator — to unpack what it really takes to break into the world of sync licensing and turn your creativity into a sustainable living.

We explore Monty!’s journey from passion projects to professional placements, the challenges of making a living as a musician, and the practical lessons he’s learned through persistence and experimentation.

Whether you're a musician pursuing sync licensing or a creative looking for your next breakthrough, this episode is packed with insights to help you carve out your own path.

🎙️ Featuring Monty!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovedbymonty/

📍 Hosted by Jerald Roberts II
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeraldr2/

📍 Recorded at The CMPND NC
Website: https://thecmpndnc.com/

✅ Important Links to Follow

🔗 Simplify self-employed finances with Found — your all-in-one business banking and bookkeeping solution:
http://found.com/refer/3GQHCZ

🔗 Take back your time with Reclaim — smart AI scheduling and focus time protection:
https://go.reclaim.ai/538m275tzf1n

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes and updates:
https://www.youtube.com/@visagemediapro

🔗 Stay Connected With Us

Instagram
• Echo & Ember Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/echoemberpod/
• Visage Media Production: https://www.instagram.com/visagemediapro/
• Jerald Roberts II: https://www.instagram.com/jeraldr2/

LinkedIn
• Visage Media Production: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visagemediaproduction
• Jerald Roberts II: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerald-roberts-ii

Website
• https://visagemediaproduction.com/

📩 Business Inquiries: [email protected]