Guess who’s helping us celebrate Black Music Appreciation Month? Freda Payne shares how she navigated early fame, turned down management from Berry Gordy, and hit superstardom with her iconic hit "Band of Gold." 

You'll uncover:

• Behind-the-scenes stories that shaped her career
• Lessons learned about success in the music industry
• Insights into longevity in the entertainment world

Discover the incredible journey of Freda Payne — from childhood dreams of stardom in Detroit to making her way in music history. Tune in and be reminded: your best phase is still ahead.

Keep up with Freda Payne:

• Read her book, Band of Gold - A Memoir
• Follow her on Instagram and Facebook
• Visit her website

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• Embolden Consulting - Use the code PHAE’S PLACE for your free consultation. Email: [email protected]
• Phae's Place - Instagram, TikTok, Facebook & YouTube
• This episode was recorded with The Mackie DLZ Creator

Happy Black Music Appreciation Month! Join us for an episode of Mentor Monday as Phaedra discusses the life, work, career and dream of music executive, Berry Gordy. He revolutionized the American entertainment industry by transforming Motown from a Detroit dream into a worldwide phenomenon. Discover how a poem, a boxing obsession, and a simple assembly-line mindset shaped the legendary music mogul’s story.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• invaluable negotiation tactics
• Mr. Gordy’s innovative approach to building a collaborative, feedback-rich environment at Motown
• how taking a deliberate, direct approach can avoid costly pitfalls in your career.

His career reminds us that sensitivity, resilience, and relentless focus turns dreams into success—and that your most powerful asset may be your ability to feel deeply and think boldly, even when the path isn’t linear. 

Keep up with Berry Gordy:

• Read his autobiography, Berry Gordy To Be Loved
• Follow The Motown Museum on Instagram
• Visit their website

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• Phae's Place - Instagram, TikTok, Facebook & YouTube
• This episode was recorded with Riverside

Join Phaedra as she gives a deep analysis of the biopic, Michael, that unpacks not just the story, but the artistry hidden within every frame. From Nia Long’s powerful subtlety to Coleman Domingo’s empathetic Joe Jackson, learn how casting, wardrobe, and direction shape our perception of prominent figures—and why it matters to every aspiring creative.

You'll discover:

• The secret language of “looks” and why silence often speaks louder than words in storytelling
• The importance of authenticity in costume design and casting
• Industry insights that is beneficial to every creative

This episode isn’t just about a film; it’s about understanding the power of strategic storytelling and how will assist in enhancing your craft. 

Be sure to watch the film, Michael .

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• This episode was recorded with Riverside

Most people settle for just one dream—Dawnn Lewis defies that norm by building a multi-faceted career in entertainment, inspiring others to harness every talent they possess. From Broadway to TV, her journey proves that embracing all of your gifts can unlock doors you never imagined. 

You’ll discover:

• The inspiration behind the theme song of A Different World
• How to leverage your unique talents as a “triple threat” and thrive in competitive environments
• Strategies for securing your creative rights and handling industry setbacks without losing momentum

Her story demonstrates that success isn't about choosing one talent but mastering them all on your own terms. Don't miss the chance to learn from a true legend. 

Keep up with Dawnn Lewis:

• Follow her on Instagram
• Learn more about A New Day Foundation

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• Phae's Place - Instagram, TikTok, Facebook & YouTube
• This episode was recorded with Riverside

Have you ever felt stuck or doubted your storytelling chops? This episode will give you the blueprint for turning raw inspiration into a Hollywood-ready screenplay. Ryan Engle, the mind behind blockbuster hits like Rampage and The Beast, shares the inside scoop on his writing rituals, from how he develops characters for specific actors to navigating the turbulent waters of studio feedback. 

You'll discover: 

• How a simple idea in his wife’s pitch turned into the romantic comedy hit You, Me, and Tuscany. 
• What are the ways to recognize and overcome writer’s block by pinpointing what’s truly broken
• Who is involved in the process of selling scripts — from spec writing to pitching

Ryan’s honesty, humor, and experience will reignite your passion and confidence to pursue your dreams, no matter how many rejections or setbacks. Step into the mind of a Hollywood storyteller and learn what it really takes to turn dreams into blockbuster reality.

Keep up with Ryan Engle:

• Follow him on Instagram
• Be sure to research more of his work and support him.

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• Phae's Place - Instagram, TikTok, Facebook & YouTube
• This episode was recorded with Riverside

Join in the second part of our conversation with actress, Starletta DuPois! In true mentor fashion, she shares candid stories from her decades-long career and wisdom that offers a blueprint for living with integrity, love, and resilience.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How to balance a full time job while pursuing your dreams

• Why forgiveness is the key for success.

• What keeps her motivated in this industry

Her background as a passionate advocate, performer, and mother makes her a beacon of hope and authenticity. Tune in to be inspired, challenged, and equipped to turn your dreams into reality.

Keep up with Starletta DuPois:

• See her new film, One Battle After Another

• Watch her iconic roles in: A Raisin In The Sun (1989), Waiting To Exhale, Friday After Next, and Big Momma’s House

• Be sure to follow her on Facebook & Instagram.

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• This episode was recorded with Riverside

Unlock the extraordinary journey of Starletta DuPois—an actress whose lifetime of resilience, social justice advocacy, and artistic brilliance redefines what it means to succeed against all odds. From humble beginnings in Philadelphia to Broadway stardom, her story reveals the  power of gambling on oneself and embracing every struggle as a stepping stone.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• What are the techniques she applied in her iconic roles
• How education impacts the longevity of a career in this industry
• Why transparency is imperative when mentoring aspiring actors 

This is not just a story of Hollywood success; it’s an invitation for you to gamble on your own dream, stay transparent about your struggles, and step boldly into your greatness.

Keep up with Starletta DuPois:

• See her new film, One Battle After Another 
• Watch her iconic roles in: A Raisin In The Sun (1989), Waiting To Exhale, Friday After Next, and Big Momma’s House
• Be sure to research more of her work and support her.

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• This episode was recorded with Riverside

Director, Christine Swanson, stops by Phae’s Place to share honest lessons that shaped her career. She explores how embracing mistakes and stepping into her ‘majesty,’ transformed her leadership and artistry.

In this inspiring episode, you'll discover:

• How a chance moment at Notre Dame and a conversation with Spike Lee ignited her passion for filmmaking.

• What were some of the behind-the-scenes processes of creating The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel, from casting singers live to carefully weaving music into storytelling.

• Why is it important to know how to articulate your vision and master the craft of directing if you’re an aspiring filmmaker.

Hit play and redefine what’s possible for your own story.

Keep up with Christine Swanson:

• Follow her on Instagram 
• Learn more about her production company, Faith Film Works and follow them on Instagram

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• Embolden Consulting - Use the code PHAE’S PLACE for your free consultation. Email: [email protected]
• Embodied Apparel - Use the code PHAESPLACE for a 10% discount!
• Phae's Place - Instagram, TikTok, Facebook & YouTube
• This episode was recorded with Riverside

From a childhood dream of being a professional tap dancer to skyrocketing as a writer on hits like Netflix’s The Witcher, Rae’s story reveals the true hustle behind breaking into Hollywood without conventional training. She is dedicated to empowering Black Creatives as well as other People of Color through her business, In the Cut LA, sharing insider knowledge to democratize access in entertainment.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How to break in the industry without a film degree. 
• What tips are useful for pivoting careers into television writing. 
• Why reading poorly written scripts helps to improve your skillset faster. 

Tune in and find out how to turn your ideas into real opportunities. 

Keep up with Rae Benjamin:

• Follow her on Instagram and TikTok

• Visit her website

• Interested in learning more about the TV industry? Take one for her classes.

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• Embolden Consulting - Use the code PHAE’S PLACE for your free consultation. Email: [email protected]
• Embodied Apparel - Use the code PHAESPLACE for a 10% discount!
• Phae's Place - Instagram, TikTok, Facebook & YouTube
• This episode was recorded with Riverside

This episode is for those who love Broadway!

We talk with the incomparable Joseph Joubert. He shares how his childhood dreams of architecture evolved into a multifaceted career—spanning concert pianist, orchestrator, Broadway conductor, and arranger—showing that versatility fuels success in the arts.

You'll uncover:

• How church and mentorship shapes a successful musical career
• What are some of his favorite behind-the-scenes stories from iconic productions like The Color Purple and The Wiz.
• Why should aspiring conductors embracing versatility.

Joseph Joubert’s story reveals that success doesn’t follow a straight line—rather, it’s built on faith, skillset and knowing when to push forward or pause. Join in for a conversation packed with real talk, profound insights, and motivation. 

Keep up with Joseph Joubert:

• Check out his Facebook page
• Follow him on Instagram
• Search for his music on YouTube as well as buy and stream his music on all platforms. 

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• Embolden Consulting - Use the code PHAE’S PLACE for your free consultation. Email: [email protected]
• Embodied Apparel - Use the code PHAESPLACE for a 10% discount!
• Phae's Place - Instagram, TikTok, Facebook & YouTube
• This episode was recorded with Riverside