Before comedy and viral street interviews, Rychard V was a rapper chasing industry access the old way. In this episode, he shares the story of approaching Yo Gotti at a funeral to hand him a CD and how that moment shaped his understanding of visibility, timing, and the risks creators take to be seen.

The founder of On Da Seen TV sits down with the Midwest Leak Podcast for an honest conversation about building a creator-led media platform without a blueprint. The conversation gets personal as Rychard V talks about being picked on in school and how those experiences shaped his humor, confidence, and perspective as a performer and storyteller. He also reflects on the realities of filming real people, including moments where individuals later asked to be removed from footage out of fear of getting in trouble at work. Those experiences pushed him to think differently about responsibility, consent, and why controlled environments now matter more in his creative process.

The episode also explores what’s next, including Rychard V’s vision for a Cribs-style spin-off of On Da Seen TV that highlights homes, design, and creativity, starting with the Midwest Leak Podcast set curator, Her Home Design Boutique. In this episode, we discuss:
• Going from rapper to comedian to media creator
• Approaching Yo Gotti and early industry lessons
• Being picked on in school and building confidence
• Filming real people and navigating consent
• Monetizing content through events and collaborations
• Expanding On Da Seen TV with new formats

This conversation offers an unfiltered look at the creator economy, community storytelling, and what it really takes to build something meaningful from the ground up.

Subscribe to Midwest Leak for more conversations with independent creators and entrepreneurs.

In this episode of the Midwest Leak Podcast, Justin Bland opens up about what it feels like to be called into a new season. He shares the moment he realized the dream he once worked so hard for had served its purpose, and why the next chapter required him to release it.

Justin talks about the upcoming final Made Man Improv Show, the lessons that came from building a career on other people’s stages, and the deeper pull toward ownership and purpose. He reflects on how high school felt like a struggle, how college became a turning point, and how the people who believed in him shaped his confidence as a creative.

Through his story, Justin gives an honest look at the courage it takes to pivot, the faith it takes to follow what you cannot yet see, and the provision that shows up when you commit to what is meant for you.

This episode is for anyone who feels a shift in their spirit, anyone wrestling with a calling that will not let them stay where they are, and anyone standing at the edge of something bigger.

Ill HD joins Le’Deana for Episode 7 of the Midwest Leak Podcast to share how he turned raw creativity into impact across two major cities. Known for his visual storytelling and sharp eye behind the camera, Ill HD breaks down his rise from Naptown to Atlanta and the lessons he learned along the way.

In this episode he talks about:
• How he started shooting reality style content and why it connects with viewers
• The process of developing brands with authenticity and intention
• His work in Atlanta and the role he played in growing Water Boyz in the Hood into a real brand
• What he learned from navigating two creative scenes and staying true to his style
• The importance of consistency and keeping your vision at the center of your work

Ill HD has documented some of the most memorable moments in the streets and the culture. His story is grounded in patience, growth, self belief, and using film to show people the truth of who they are. Subscribe to stay connected to more stories from the creators shaping the Midwest and beyond.

 @MidwestLeak
@IllHD

Before building a worldwide fan base, Mark Battles was sharpening his skills right here in Indianapolis here he reveals in this interview that winning a Midwest Leak x McDonald’s rap battle gave him a boost of confidence to take music seriously.
Now managed by Quality Control Music, the powerhouse led by Coach K (another Indianapolis native), Mark has grown into a respected independent artists in the game.

In this episode, he sits down with Le’Deana to talk about:
🔥 Monetizing real bars and partnerships in creative business
🌍 Building a global fan base while showing love to the hometown that started it all
🧠 Turning industry connects into lasting relationships
💰 Why his top downloads and merch sales still come from Indianapolis

This is a full-circle conversation about independence, legacy, and representing the Midwest with pride. 

 @MarkBattles317 ​

Exclusive behind the scenes insight into the life of 2Kold including success secrets, upcoming pivot plans and addressing rumors directly from the source.

The pen game of Golde P is a thread that has been interwoven into the fabric of Naptown music culture for decades as well as even some of your favorite nationally platformed acts. With the release of Edukated Too, now it's time to get to know him directly.

In Episode 3 of the Midwest Leak Podcast, we sit down with artist, author, and activist Vernon T. Bateman. From surviving decades behind bars on a wrongful conviction to creating powerful children’s books, murals, and movements, Bateman’s story is one of resilience, imagination, and community healing.

He speaks on his journey through incarceration, how art sustained him during solitary confinement, and his vision for using creativity as a tool for liberation.

This episode is a testament to storytelling as survival and the power of art to transform lives. Watch, share, and be part of the conversation. #MidwestLeakPodcast #VernonTBateman #JusticeThroughArt

Entrepreneurship, mental health and the real talk behind building legacy.
Episode 2 of the Midwest Leak Podcast is here! 🎙️ 
We sat down with Katina Washington, visionary founder of The SHE Event Indy, for a powerful conversation on entrepreneurship, mental health, and community building.
In this episode, Katina shares:
• How creativity can be therapy to combat depression and nurture mental health ✨
• The reality of business trauma entrepreneurs face and how to heal from it
• Insights on nonprofit leadership, grants, and growing pains
• The importance of living in the moment while evolving as a leader
• How The SHE Event empowers women, Black entrepreneurs, and small businesses to thrive

This episode is raw, real, and full of gems for entrepreneurs, creatives, and community leaders who are building legacy while navigating the challenges of growth.

📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring Midwest Leak conversations with culture-shapers and visionaries. #MidwestLeakPodcast #SHEEventIndy #Entrepreneurship #MentalHealth #NonprofitLeadership #BlackEntrepreneurs #CommunityBuilding

Welcome to our first official podcast! Recorded at Midwest Leak Studio in Indiana during Fr33sol’s live visit, this debut episode dives deep into authenticity, family, and creative vision.

Fr33sol opens up about embracing self-empowerment realizing he is the crystal and no longer needs its external glow. He shares heartfelt reflections on life as a husband and father, offering insight into his partnership with his wife, Lavva (also a recording artist and creatively aligned companion).

He also shares his leap of faith leaving Philadelphia behind to pursue purpose in California, manifesting every necessity along the way. This conversation transcends music. It’s about faith, mutual inspiration, and becoming your own source of light, a powerful first step for the Midwest Leak Podcast.

This marks our official expansion into a new medium after 18 years of being a print publication. We have enjoyed connecting with the culture and community through creating 124 issues, producing thousands of articles, interview and live experiences. We're excited you're here to continue this journey with us.