HYFINated Conversations

In the dynamic world of fashion and design, there are innovators who not only shape trends but also redefine entire industries. Dr. Dwayne Edwards is undoubtedly one such visionary.

Renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to the footwear sector, he has left an undeniable mark on the way we think about shoes. From his humble beginnings to founding the Pensole Footwear Design Academy, Dr. Edwards' journey is a testament to creativity, determination, and the power of mentorship.

He sat down with HYFIN Music Director Element Everest-Blanks to discuss his history in the footwear industry as our city prepares to celebrate and attend Milwaukee Film’s Culture By Design Sneaker and Streetwear summit. We also discussed what it felt like to be at the forefront of creating culture... by his own design.

Milwaukee Film's Cultures and Communities Film Festival is happening October 5-12. On Saturday, Oct. 7, they're hosting ‘Culture by Design: A Sneaker and Streetwear Summit’ from 12-7pm.

Milwaukee native and icon, and founder of the very fresh ‘Strange on Purpose’ podcast, Izzy Lugo, is the curator and creator of this event. He recently slid through the Radio Milwaukee studios to tell us more about his journey and his connection to some of the biggest and most recognized brands on Earth.

"Dream, Quickie! Dream!" is an inspiring new play influenced by the life of Donald 'Quickie' Driver. A story for all ages, the world premiere production takes guests on a journey through Driver's childhood with the help of a very special friend.

In the play, Donald —who's already a champion football player with the Green Bay Packers — is a new dad! A little tired and frazzled, he's trying to get his crying baby to sleep. During the night his younger self, 'Quickie', comes to the rescue. Together, they tell a bedtime story that soothes his son and they rediscover how to dream big.

The production also shares the challenges Driver overcame in his formative years. He was homeless for part of his childhood, yet beat the odds to attend college and get drafted into the NFL. Driver is a Super Bowl champion, Season 14 winner of "Dancing with the Stars", a philanthropist and a proud husband and father to three children. He has authored four 'Quickie' books, including "Quickie Goes to the Big Game" and "Quickie Stands up to a Bully".

Accomplished playwright Gloria Bond Clunie is one of the creative minds behind the production. She sat down with HYFIN's Kim Shine to talk about getting to know Driver, the journey of story creation, working with Milwaukee talent and the motivating message behind it all.

"Dream, Quickie! Dream!" is a co-commission between First Stage and Marcus Performing Arts Center (MPAC). The play opens Oct. 6, and runs through Oct. 29 at the MPAC's Todd Wehr Theater. For tickets and more information, visit firststage.org or contact the Marcus Center Box Office.

In the midst of the Hollywood writers and actors strike, actor LaRoyce Hawkins quieted the noise and looked within.

Best known for his on-going role as Officer Kevin Atwater on NBC's 'Chicago P.D', he's a multi-faceted creative and comic from Chicago's south suburbs. He's also appeared in Tyler Perry's 'House of Payne,' 'Detroit 187,' HBO's 'South Side' and 'Ballers'.

As strike negotiation advanced, Hawkins decided to take his writing and poetry on the road. On Tuesday, (9/26), he's brining his show 'Poetry OVER Prose' to the Milwaukee area. The three-city tour features award-winning poet Legendary Black Ice, comedian Ben Noble and musician Jeff Gibbs.

Ahead of his show at the Milwaukee Improv, Hawkins spared time to talk with HYFIN's Kim Shine. He reminisced on preparing and competing in Speech competitions in high school, "grace" being one of his favorite words these days, giving back to his hometown (Harvey, Ill.) and how fatherhood has helped him learn how to embrace the moment.

$40,000. For residents on Milwaukee’s northwest side. They will now vote on dozens of proposed community projects to decide how that money is invested in their community. The African American Roundtable (AART) is providing the funding as part of its pilot program on participatory budgeting. The concept is a collective process in which community members directly decide how public dollars, or in this case organizational monies, are spent. A steering committee of seven resident leaders helped create the process and establish guidelines. AART received more than 30 proposals on which residents can now vote on through October 6. The ideas that earn the most support will be funded.

Report by: Kim Shine

Say She She is a dope outfit formed in NYC, comprised of Piya Malik, Nya Brown and Sabrina Cunningham. Their new single 'C'est Si Bon' is a cover of the Eartha Kitt classic, and they also have released a beautiful cover of SWV's 'Weak' but their original works are splendid.

They have, in a few short years, released an LP, Prism, and several loosies and most recently were featured in 'Vogue' magazine. Gorgeous harmonies, danceable party grooves and uplifting energy abound throughout their discography. The trio chatted with HYFIN's Anthony 'A-Biz' Foster while on tour and talked about their favorite things to do on the road, some of their favorite artists, how they formed and how important family has been in their journey.

Killer Mike has always been a profound storyteller. From the opening hymns on the album "MICHAEL" you will be quickly transported into the wooden pews of your childhood church; your ears and heart open and ready to receive the gospel from the Book of Michael. Whether he’s with Run The Jewels or creating solo music Killer Mike is definitely leaving his mark on the music industry and beyond.

HYFIN's Element Everest-Blanks had a moving, honest and heartwarming conversation with the artist and activist. They embarked on an insightful journey into his latest album. They also explored the inspirations behind his powerful lyrics and discussed why he decided to focus on certain messages within the new project.

Hollywood is a place filled with glitz, glamour, and larger-than-life personalities. It's a world many people are intrigued by, and rightfully so. What sets comedian Bill Bellamy, and his stories apart, is that he's had the privilege of not only witnessing but also participating in some truly unforgettable moments.

Whether it's behind-the-scenes on the set of famous films, encounters with A-list celebrities or the hilarious mishaps that happen when the cameras aren't rolling, his stories provide a rare glimpse into the real life of someone who's navigated the entertainment industry for decades.

HYFIN's Element Everest-Blanks sat down with Bill to discuss his career, his podcast, his stand-up comedy and a surprise mutual connection.

Twan Mack has solidified his position as one of Milwaukee's most talented and respected rappers. Armed with an unmatched ability to blend thought-provoking lyrics with infectious beats, he has garnered a devoted following that spans across the globe. Twan Mack's adult contemporary hip hop music inspires listeners with his raw emotions and empowering messages. As a founding member of one of Milwaukee’s first hip hop indie groups, Kali Tribe, Mack continues to leave an indelible mark on the music scene. Mack has also partnered with another Milwaukee hip hop legend, Speech Thomas, of Arrested Development, for the group's 18-leg European tour. Thomas has a rich and historic contribution to the city's hip hop scene. He was a founding member of one of Milwaukee’s first hip hop groups, Gumbo. Gumbo’s hit single “Basement Party” merged hip hop and the spoken word in a way that predated groups like Digable Planets and A Tribe Called Quest. HYFIN's Element Everest-Blanks sat down with Mack to discuss Milwaukee hip hop, the tour and much more.