In this powerful and inspiring episode of RIANOUTLOUD!, Rian-Louis sits down with Derek Ford Jr., the visionary founder and CEO of Carter Wear—a multinational apparel brand revolutionizing undergarments for men and women with bold, body-positive designs. With customers in over 120 countries, features in Men’s Health, product placement in Nordstrom, and growing retail presence across the Northeast, Carter Wear is more than fashion—it’s a movement.

Before building this globally recognized brand, Derek held leadership roles in project, financial, and operations management at institutions like JP Morgan Chase, the Department of Defense, and Accenture. He holds degrees in Financial Management, Economics, and Marketing, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Supply Chain Management & Logistics, with plans to expand into Real Estate Development.

But beyond the resume is a heart for purpose: Derek is a classically trained musician, a devoted community advocate, and a passionate volunteer for LGBTQ+ causes and youth financial literacy.

In this bonus episode of RIANOUTLOUD!, I’m giving you an exclusive first listen to the story that’s been six years in the making—my debut novel, Flawsome. I’m reading the first two chapters of this deeply personal and powerful journey following Carter Johnson, a DJ navigating grief, love, and purpose back in his hometown of Pittsburgh.

Whether you’ve followed my creative journey from the jump or you're just tuning in, this moment is for all the dreamers, the overthinkers, the heart-healers—and those finding the courage to be flawsome in a world that expects perfection.

So get cozy, press play, and welcome to Flawsome.

From North Carolina roots to R&B brilliance, Eli Ahmad is carving out his legacy one note at a time. On this episode of RIANOUTLOUD!, we sit down with Eli to talk about his creative process, musical influences (hello Brandy, Beyoncé, and Mariah!), and the deeply personal storytelling woven into every track.

We explore his current projects Disc 1 and Disc 2, unpacking the stories, sounds, and soul behind them — plus the joys and challenges of being a vulnerable artist in today’s industry. He also teases a brand-new project dropping at the end of the year... 👀

If you love R&B with intention, this one’s for you. Tap in, turn it up, and get loud with us!

In this brief heartfelt solo opener, host Rian-Louis reflects on how far we’ve come, why it’s time to let go, and what it means to transform out loud. This isn’t just an ending—it’s a celebration, a reckoning, and a thank you.

This one is a must-listen! 🎙️ Rian-Louis sits down with NYC filmmaker Tasheem Ingram-Dantzler to talk about his powerful short film, Just Us Two—shot entirely on an iPhone and already hitting 10,000+ views in just 7 days! 📱🔥

We’re diving deep into:
💙 Unconditional love & Black queer representation
🎭 The raw realities of mental health & bipolar disorder
🎥 The highs & lows of independent filmmaking

Tasheem’s passion is undeniable, and his mission to bring authentic mental health conversations to the screen is something we ALL need to hear. If you’re a creative, a dreamer, or just love a good story—press play NOW! 🎧💡

🔗 Listen now! Link in bio. Don’t miss this one.

In this episode of RIANOUTLOUD! , R&B artist Jordan Kalé shares his 16-year journey as an independent musician. He opens up about his debut solo project, Out of My System, a deeply personal album about healing from a toxic relationship and embracing new beginnings. Jordan reflects on transitioning from groups to a solo career, his influences like Omarion and Luther Vandross, and how music fuels his growth. Plus, he teases future collaborations and what’s next. Tune in for a powerful conversation on resilience, reinvention, and R&B storytelling.

We’re celebrating five years of RIANOUTLOUD! 🎉 For this special episode, the tables turn as Stevie Derrick—host of #IndieArtistSpotlight and #DearYall—interviews Rian-Louis for a change! They dive into the podcast’s journey, unforgettable moments, and the impact of Black queer representation. Join us for a powerful, unfiltered celebration of community, growth, and the future of RIANOUTLOUD! 🎙️✨

In this episode of RIANOUTLOUD!, host Rian-Louis sits down with rising star Jaïr Faria, a 20-year-old artist from the Netherlands. They discuss Jaïr’s journey as a Black queer artist, the personal nature of his music, and the influences that shape his sound. Jaïr shares the story behind his viral TikTok success, navigating the music industry, and staying true to himself. They also dive into his debut EP Just As Ï Remember, exploring the special meaning behind the title. The conversation touches on his songwriting process, advice for emerging artists, and his future goals, including potential collaborations and a move to the U.S.

🎙️✨ Part 2 with Huny Young! ✨🎶

On this episode of RIANOUTLOUD!, we dive into the world of R&B, pop music, and Pittsburgh’s nightlife scene. Huny Young shares her journey with the Honcho DJ collective, Most Beautiful brand, and Honcho Campout, while discussing the power of diversity in the queer community. Plus, she drops wisdom on living authentically, self-care, and embracing resilience.

Don’t miss it! 🎧🌟

In Part 1 of this engaging conversation, RIANOUTLOUD! welcomes Huny XO, a multifaceted artist and DJ, to discuss her journey, the importance of community in nightlife, and the vibrant culture of Pittsburgh. They explore Huny's experiences in creating safe spaces for Black queer individuals, her innovative approach to DJing, and the significance of representation in the music industry. The discussion also touches on Huny's signature drinks, her plans for the future, and the legacy she is building..