Functional Conversations

From the dance floor to the studio, Brandon's been has lived it all. In this episode of Functional Conversations, we sit down with Brandon Greathouse—aka GR8—to talk about his journey from dance cyphers to beatmaker, DJ, and music mentor. With nearly 30 years in the game, GR8 shares how his roots in dance shaped his approach to producing music, the lessons learned from teaching, and why he’s still evolving as an artist. Whether you're a dancer, creative, or aspiring producer, this episode is full of insights, inspiration, and real talk about staying true to your craft. ⁨@gr8⁩   ⁨@TheGR8Vibe⁩  www.mixcloud.com/TheFunctionLAwww.instagram.com/TheFunctionLAwww.tiktok.com/TheFunctionLAwww.facebook.com/TheFunctionLA Gear Up:https://thefunctionla.storenvy.com/-Equipment used to produce this Podcast.Rodecaster Pro2:https://amzn.to/3yx3Cn2Samson Microphone 3 Pack:https://amzn.to/3Kk1XUrSony Headphones:https://amzn.to/4dSR21PSony a7III with lens:https://amzn.to/3VhT309External Monitor:https://amzn.to/3UYFd1u

In this episode of Functional Conversations, we sit down with BXDDY BEATS an up and coming DJ and car enthusiast navigating his way through the creative industry. We dive into his journey from getting his first turntables at 12, stepping away, and reigniting his passion to build a name in LA’s DJ scene.

We talk about:

• The real costs of becoming a DJ

• How to land gigs through networking and social media

• Balancing creative passions with financial planning

• His vision of merging music, cars, and style into a business

• The importance of mentorship and guidance in creative careers

Whether you're a DJ, artist, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights on building your brand, staying consistent, and planning for long-term success as a creative.

Tune in, get inspired, and learn how to turn your passion into a sustainable path!

Follow: @bxddybeats

This week on Functional Conversations, DJ Shakee reconnects with L.A. lyricist and creative force Destruct. They dive into his journey from freestyling in front of family in Brazil to dropping 30+ albums, building a full-time career without a label, and founding his own film company. Destruct shares real talk about the grind, the business side of music, building a life with his wife, and why "conviction is everything." Tune in for an inspiring look at what it really means to stay true to your craft.-www.mixcloud.com/TheFunctionLAwww.instagram.com/TheFunctionLAwww.tiktok.com/TheFunctionLAwww.facebook.com/TheFunctionLA Gear Up:https://thefunctionla.storenvy.com/-Equipment used to produce this Podcast.Rodecaster Pro2:https://amzn.to/3yx3Cn2Samson Microphone 3 Pack:https://amzn.to/3Kk1XUrSony Headphones:https://amzn.to/4dSR21PSony a7III with lens:https://amzn.to/3VhT309External Monitor:https://amzn.to/3UYFd1u

Running a business isn’t just about profits—it’s about people. 💼💛 In this clip, Kristine De La Cruz of Creme Caramel LA shares the real weight of being a business owner: knowing that your team’s livelihoods are in your hands.This is the kind of leadership mindset that separates entrepreneurs from employers.🎙️ Full episode of Functional Conversations out now!#SmallBusinessTruths #EntrepreneurLife #FilipinoAmericanBusiness #CremeCaramelLA #BusinessOwnership #LeadershipQuotes #KristineDeLaCruz #WomenInBusiness #FunctionalConversations #RealTalk #BusinessWisdom------www.mixcloud.com/TheFunctionLAwww.instagram.com/TheFunctionLAwww.tiktok.com/TheFunctionLAwww.facebook.com/TheFunctionLA Gear Up:https://thefunctionla.storenvy.com/-Equipment used to produce this Podcast.Rodecaster Pro2:https://amzn.to/3yx3Cn2Samson Microphone 3 Pack:https://amzn.to/3Kk1XUrSony Headphones:https://amzn.to/4dSR21PSony a7III with lens:https://amzn.to/3VhT309External Monitor:https://amzn.to/3UYFd1u

How Toquon Tha MC Built a Hip-Hop Career Without a Record DealMost artists chase record deals or viral fame. Toquon Tha MC found another way.In this episode of Functional Conversations, DJ SHAKEE talks with Toquon about how he turned live performance and hosting into a full-time career. From rocking clubs to major events, he breaks down how artists can monetize their talent beyond streaming and social media.What You'll Learn:Why most artists struggle to make moneyHow hosting and live performance can pay more than music salesThe key business moves every independent artist needs to know

In this episode we sit with Katie Batres who started in the dance community fresh out of high school, then made a transition to professional dancing, to modeling, and now is a financial professional. We talk about why it's important to plan for your future, and to start as early as you [email protected]@djshakee-www.mixcloud.com/TheFunctionLAwww.instagram.com/TheFunctionLAwww.tiktok.com/TheFunctionLAwww.facebook.com/TheFunctionLA Gear Up:https://thefunctionla.storenvy.com/-Equipment used to produce this Podcast.Rodecaster Pro2:https://amzn.to/3yx3Cn2Samson Microphone 3 Pack:https://amzn.to/3Kk1XUrSony Headphones:https://amzn.to/4dSR21PSony a7III with lens:https://amzn.to/3VhT309External Monitor:https://amzn.to/3UYFd1u

Getting his start as a DJ in mid 90's Paris, France, DJ Swift came up as a turntablist battling in the DMC, transitioning to DJing for rock/rap band Silmarils. Eventually making his way to Los Angeles, CA to work with Soul Assassins, Wu Tang Radio, and teaching at Scratch DJ Academy and the Music Institute. We talk about the ups, and downs for his career, and how he's made it this far in life as an artist.@thefrenchdjswift @Wild1_Radio @djshakee-www.mixcloud.com/TheFunctionLAwww.instagram.com/TheFunctionLAwww.tiktok.com/TheFunctionLAwww.facebook.com/TheFunctionLA Gear Up:https://thefunctionla.storenvy.com/-Equipment used to produce this Podcast.Rodecaster Pro2:https://amzn.to/3yx3Cn2Samson Microphone 3 Pack:https://amzn.to/3Kk1XUrSony Headphones:https://amzn.to/4dSR21PSony a7III with lens:https://amzn.to/3VhT309External Monitor:https://amzn.to/3UYFd1u

With roots in Los Angeles, and parents immigrating from The Philippines, Sherry Younge had plans to go into Pharmacy, like her mother, then switched it up to Cosmetology for a more fulfilling life path. Which lead to being a hairstylist, owning her own salon, which doubles as a record shop, and eventually starting a side career as a DJ. All while being a wife and raising a family.

@sherryyounge

@the_artform_studio

@djshakee

-www.mixcloud.com/TheFunctionLAwww.instagram.com/TheFunctionLAwww.tiktok.com/TheFunctionLAwww.facebook.com/TheFunctionLA

Gear Up:https://thefunctionla.storenvy.com/-Equipment used to produce this Podcast.Rodecaster Pro2:https://amzn.to/3yx3Cn2Samson Microphone 3 Pack:https://amzn.to/3Kk1XUrSony Headphones:https://amzn.to/4dSR21PSony a7III with lens:https://amzn.to/3VhT309External Monitor:https://amzn.to/3UYFd1u

What happens when a life changing event, alters your career path? In this episode of Functional Conversations, we speak to Denise Zavala, or simply the mononym Zavala, about her creative journey as dummer in a high school band, to working a corporate job, then hustling as a musician in the LA nightlife. All leading to performing around the world.@zavalamuzic @djshakee-www.mixcloud.com/TheFunctionLAwww.instagram.com/TheFunctionLAwww.tiktok.com/TheFunctionLAwww.facebook.com/TheFunctionLA Gear Up:https://thefunctionla.storenvy.com/-Equipment used to produce this Podcast.Rodecaster Pro2:https://amzn.to/3yx3Cn2Samson Microphone 3 Pack:https://amzn.to/3Kk1XUrSony Headphones:https://amzn.to/4dSR21PSony a7III with lens:https://amzn.to/3VhT309External Monitor:https://amzn.to/3UYFd1u

From unfulfilling jobs, to international recognition. In this episode, we talk to BBoy/DJ/Music Producer Mike Murdah, about his starts at Roller Skating Rinks, to Bboy Cyphers, which lead him and Super Cr3w to winning MTV's America's Best Dance Crew, and how it opened doors for both the crew and himself, as a DJ and more.