Floral designer of Planks and Pistils John Caleb Pendleton joins host JP Reynolds to talk about flowers, black masculinity and beauty.

About John Caleb Pendleton:

John always loved flowers but never really gave that part of himself attention, as it is not something encouraged for little boys in Grove Hill, Alabama. But love, it’ll change you! John's love for woodworking and flowers began with his parents. “Planks” honors his incredibly generous father and “Pistils” (female reproductive organ of the flower) honors his powerfully considerate mother. Planks & Pistils started as a seed planted in the love of his family. John married Kari Starks 2016. She loved flowers and became his reason to purchase, and eventually arrange, them. In 2017, John grew bold enough to share an arrangement on Instagram and he has been designing ever since then. John's priority in life and in this business is to encourage human flourishing while understanding that cannot happen without Black freedom.

About JP Reynolds:

Called “remarkably special” by AllHipHop, JP Reynolds is an innovative artist, rapper and songwriter with an eclectic sound. The creator of “rap gumbo,” his music is a powerful blend of jazz, funk, gospel and soul. In addition to music JP is an entrepreneur, coach, activist, and minister. In 2012, he created Peace and Power Media, an artistic hub that produces music and multimedia content. Since 2014, JP has supported young people in pursuing passion and purpose through various initiatives and partnerships with organizations and communities within the non-profit sector. JP holds a Bachelor of Arts in African-American Studies and a Master of Divinity from Yale University.

Topics of Conversation:

Why Flowers? (4:34) • Unlocking the Idea of Black Masculinity (9:52) • "The South Side's Guerilla Florist" (17:16) • Southern Influences (23:57) •  The Entrepreneurial Journey (28:25) •  Joy (39:00) •  Who Deserves Their Flowers? (44:34)

You Should Know:

Sentrock

Julius Dorsey / Chicago Fire Furniture

Joseph Solomon

Syreeta Gates

Kleaver Cruz

Theme Songs:

"Reset (Hold Your Horse)" - JP Reynolds + BACHTROY

"Elevate" - JP Reynolds + BACHTROY

Monkeypaw Production's Director of Social Impact Keisha Senter joins host JP Reynolds to talk about the long game, entertainment's role in changemaking, and having something to contribute.

About Keisha Senter:

Keisha Senter is the Director of Social Impact for Monkeypaw Productions. She leads the social impact strategies and campaigns that support Monkeypaw’s film and television slate, and develops partnerships with organizations and communities that mobilize around the issues addressed in the company’s storytelling. Throughout her career, Keisha has built global brands and executed strategies for leaders at the highest levels of politics, entertainment, fashion, sports and philanthropy. Whether bringing a former United States President’s vision for civic action to life or helping America’s oldest philanthropy recalibrate to a new century, her creativity continues to push audiences to think differently about global problems, while bringing new voices into critical dialogues for creative problem solving.

About JP Reynolds:

Called “remarkably special” by AllHipHop, JP Reynolds is an innovative artist, rapper and songwriter with an eclectic sound. The creator of “rap gumbo,” his music is a powerful blend of jazz, funk, gospel and soul. In addition to music JP is an entrepreneur, coach, activist, and minister. In 2012, he created Peace and Power Media, an artistic hub that produces music and multimedia content. Since 2014, JP has supported young people in pursuing passion and purpose through various initiatives and partnerships with organizations and communities within the non-profit sector. JP holds a Bachelor of Arts in African-American Studies and a Master of Divinity from Yale University.

Topics of Conversation:

How Are We Doing? (4:06) • The "Why" (8:37) • Willingness to Say Yes (18:54) • Having Something to Contribute (24:24) • The Long Game (37:42) • Entertainment's Role in Changemaking (51:12) • Joy (56:40) • Shoutout to Charles Barkley (59:44)

Suggested Documentary

The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till

Suggested Article:

"A Call to Arms to Fight Voting Restrictions" - New York Times

"Hundreds of companies and executives sign a statement opposing laws to limit voting." - New York Times

Theme Songs:

"Reset (Hold Your Horse)" - JP Reynolds + BACHTROY

"Elevate" - JP Reynolds + BACHTROY

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Tap in to JP's work with the podcast on Patreon!

https://www.patreon.com/jpreynolds

Activist and policy entrepreneur Zaki Smith joins host JP Reynolds to talk about perpetual punishment, restorative justice, and prison reform vs. prison abolition. 

About Zaki Smith:

Michael “Zaki” Smith is an activist and policy entrepreneur with more than fifteen years of experience in youth empowerment and social justice. Zaki has recently worked with the Clean Slate NY Coalition to advocate for automatic expungement of criminal records in New York State. As part of this work, he has testified in Albany and has co-authored an op-ed with a state senator. In 2020, Zaki launched the #EndPerpetualPunishment arts campaign, which uses murals and art in the neighborhoods most impacted by the criminal justice system to educate and empower community members around making policy change (see brief video here). He is also working on a documentary, and is nearly finished with an illustrated booklet that will guide a series of community-facing events. In addition to his activism work, Zaki continues to be a licensed barber and DJ, using his crafts to connect with the community.

About JP Reynolds:

Called “remarkably special” by AllHipHop, JP Reynolds is an innovative artist, rapper and songwriter with an eclectic sound. The creator of “rap gumbo,” his music is a powerful blend of jazz, funk, gospel and soul. In addition to music JP is an entrepreneur, coach, activist, and minister. In 2012, he created Peace and Power Media, an artistic hub that produces music and multimedia content. Since 2014, JP has supported young people in pursuing passion and purpose through various initiatives and partnerships with organizations and communities within the non-profit sector. JP holds a Bachelor of Arts in African-American Studies and a Master of Divinity from Yale University.

Topics of Conversation:

Managing in the Pandemic (3:39) • Perpetual Punishment (6:42) • The Role of Art in Activism (14:39) • Breaking the Cycle of False Narratives (19:43) • Restorative Justice (26:11) • Prison Reform v. Prison Abolition (33:33) • How Are We Doing? (41:25) • Forgiveness (47:03) • Faith's Role in Prison Justice (49:15) • Joy (53:16) • How to Get Involved (59:18)

Important Note: We wanted to clear any potential confusion regarding the segment on faith and its relationship to prison justice. Zaki was moved by the mention of biblical figure Abraham (50:30) who, according to the text, was not technically wanted for murder, but instead had his faith tested by being commanded to murder his own son. He did not, however, carry out that action. (Genesis 21-22) Another ancient biblical figure, Moses, actually did commit murder, then fled after being wanted for murder by the government. (Exodus 2:11-15) The point of highlighting these figures, who are held in high spiritual esteem by multiple sacred religious communities, is to re-orient how we may look at currently incarcerated or formerly incarcerated persons as they relate to holiness, redemption, and restorative justice. If the Creator would see fit to redeem and even honor the stories and legacies of these people upon whom entire religions are founded, then perhaps our earthly systems should see fit to do the same in our own time.

Reading Recommendation:

Black Prison Movements USA 

Black cultural writer and strategist Melissa Kimble joins host JP Reynolds to talk about black ownership, taking breaks, and the difference between art and content. 

About Melissa Kimble:

A native Chicagoan and Memphian, Melissa Kimble, is a Black cultural writer, strategist, and consultant. She is the creator of #blkcreatives, a collective that advocates for Black genius across creative industries.

About JP Reynolds:

Called “remarkably special” by AllHipHop, JP Reynolds is an innovative artist, rapper and songwriter with an eclectic sound. The creator of “rap gumbo,” his music is a powerful blend of jazz, funk, gospel and soul. In addition to music JP is an entrepreneur, coach, activist, and minister. In 2012, he created Peace and Power Media, an artistic hub that produces music and multimedia content. Since 2014, JP has supported young people in pursuing passion and purpose through various initiatives and partnerships with organizations and communities within the non-profit sector. JP holds a Bachelor of Arts in African-American Studies and a Master of Divinity from Yale University.

Topics of Conversation:

Inspiration (2:50) • Social Progress Report (8:49) • What's Special About Black Creativity (12:44) • Taking Breaks (18:01) • Pros and Cons of Content Creation (27:31) • Art vs. Content (33:43) • Black Ownership (41:59) • Joy (46:19)

Theme Songs:

"Reset (Hold Your Horse)" - JP Reynolds + BACHTROY

"Elevate" - JP Reynolds + BACHTROY

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Support JP's work with the podcast on Patreon!

https://www.patreon.com/jpreynolds 

In this crossover episode with American Legacy Network's Memoir Noir, Co-Founder of The Collective Stefanie Brown James joins host JP Reynolds for an exchange about black political power, coalition building, and being a social entrepreneur.

About Stefanie Brown James:

Stefanie Brown James is the Co-Founder and Senior Advisor of The Collective – a consortium of organizations including The Collective PAC and Collective Future – dedicated to recruiting, training, funding and supporting black candidates to run for office across the country. Founded in 2016, The Collective has raised over $6.5 million dollars from 13,000+ contributions, helped over 40 black candidates win their elections and launched the Black Campaign School to specifically train black candidates and campaign operatives to win elections and better serve their communities. With 15+ years of executive leadership experience, Stefanie is a highly skilled leader in the areas of community and civic engagement, donor relations and fundraising, issue campaign development and implementation.

About JP Reynolds:

Called “remarkably special” by AllHipHop, JP Reynolds is an innovative artist, rapper and songwriter with an eclectic sound. The creator of “rap gumbo,” his music is a powerful blend of jazz, funk, gospel and soul. In addition to music JP is an entrepreneur, coach, activist, and minister. In 2012, he created Peace and Power Media, an artistic hub that produces music and multimedia content. Since 2014, JP has supported young people in pursuing passion and purpose through various initiatives and partnerships with organizations and communities within the non-profit sector. JP holds a Bachelor of Arts in African-American Studies and a Master of Divinity from Yale University.

Topics of Conversation:

Entry Point into Politics (3:43) • What is a Political Action Committee? (5:58) • Evolution of Black Political Power (10:59) • Coalition Building (16:26) • Being CEO (21:00) • Handling the Ego (25:00) • Being a Social Entrepreneur (27:37) • Exciting New Things (35:29) • This Watershed Moment (36:46)

Theme Songs:

"Reset (Hold Your Horse)" - JP Reynolds + BACHTROY

"Elevate" - JP Reynolds + BACHTROY

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Tap in to JP's work with the podcast on Patreon!

https://www.patreon.com/jpreynolds

In this fifth and final episode of a Black History Month music series, Grammy-winning musician Kevin "KO" Olusola joins host JP Reynolds for an exchange about soul posture, the democratization of art making, and being in shape to perform. 

About Kevin "KO" Olusola:

Kevin Olusola is a Grammy-winning musician, beatboxer, cellist, rapper, record producer, singer, and songwriter. Olusola is best known as the beatboxer of the a capella band Pentatonix. After the group won NBC's The Sing-Off in 2011, they released eleven albums, which all charted in the top 5 of the Billboard 200 charts, have sold over 2 million records, and have amassed more than two billion views on their YouTube channel. Olusola has also been identified as developing the art of "celloboxing" (playing cello and beatboxing simultaneously). In 2015 Olusola released his debut solo EP, Renegade, which further showcased his unique classical, pop, hip-hop, and electronica-influenced mix of cello playing, beatboxing, and singing. His latest solo project, Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood, was released in April 2020. 

About JP Reynolds:

Called “remarkably special” by AllHipHop, JP Reynolds is an innovative artist, rapper and songwriter with an eclectic sound. The creator of “rap gumbo,” his music is a powerful blend of jazz, funk, gospel and soul. In addition to music JP is an entrepreneur, coach, activist, and minister. In 2012, he created Peace and Power Media, an artistic hub that produces music and multimedia content. Since 2014, JP has supported young people in pursuing passion and purpose through various initiatives and partnerships with organizations and communities within the non-profit sector. JP holds a Bachelor of Arts in African-American Studies and a Master of Divinity from Yale University.

Topics of Conversation:

Staying Grounded (4:20) • Soul Posture and Success (7:06) • Setting Our Voices Free (11:38) • Stage Fitness (16:38) • The Power and Problems of Social Media (33:44) • Democratization of Art Making (42:19) • Being a Married Touring Musician (48:17) • Expanding the Musical Palette (56:36) • Joy (59:39) 

Suggested Documentaries:

What The Health • The Game Changers • Forks Over Knives  

Check Out Pentatonix's Latest - The Lucky Ones

Theme Songs:

"Reset (Hold Your Horse)" - JP Reynolds + BACHTROY

"Elevate" - JP Reynolds + BACHTROY

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Tap in to JP's work with the podcast on Patreon!

https://www.patreon.com/jpreynolds 

In this fourth episode of a Black History Month music series, former Roc Nation president Benny Pough joins host JP Reynolds for an exchange about preparation, betting on yourself, and alignment for music artists navigating the pandemic. 

About Benny Pough:

Decades of dedication and determination propelled Benny Pough to the forefront of the music industry and made him one of today’s successful and innovative business leaders. Pough has helped shape the sound and culture of music worldwide, having been instrumental in delivering radio hits for superstar artists such as Jay-Z, Rihanna, Kanye West, Travis Scott, Future, DJ Khaled and 21 Savage. Having made significant contributions to the entertainment industry via executive positions at powerhouse labels from Motown Records and Def Jam to Epic Records and Roc Nation Music, Pough is now blazing his own trail as an entrepreneur. Pough is currently the CEO of D.Verse Media, a full service global music distribution and publishing company. The inaugural recipient of the Urban One Honors Record Executive of the Year Award, Pough was a featured speaker at the ITP Media Group’s international conference in Dubai and plans to grow his speaking profile in the near future. Beyond his illustrious music career, Pough has a strong interest in public speaking, real estate investment, and collecting art and wine. He currently resides in Bergen County, New Jersey.

About JP Reynolds:

Called “remarkably special” by AllHipHop, JP Reynolds is an innovative artist, rapper and songwriter with an eclectic sound. The creator of “rap gumbo,” his music is a powerful blend of jazz, funk, gospel and soul. In addition to music JP is an entrepreneur, coach, activist, and minister. In 2012, he created Peace and Power Media, an artistic hub that produces music and multimedia content. Since 2014, JP has supported young people in pursuing passion and purpose through various initiatives and partnerships with organizations and communities within the non-profit sector. JP holds a Bachelor of Arts in African-American Studies and a Master of Divinity from Yale University.

Topics of Conversation:

Preparation x Leadership (2:28) • Getting Into Music (5:51) • Making Stars (12:10) • Betting on Yourself (14:17) • Ownership: Real Estate + Art Collection (22:34) • Humility in Team Building (27:46) • Current Sources of Inspiration (29:51) • Role of Faith in Music Industry (31:02) • Joy (32:49) • Alignment (39:04)

Theme Songs:

"Reset (Hold Your Horse)" - JP Reynolds + BACHTROY

"Elevate" - JP Reynolds + BACHTROY

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Tap in to JP's work with the podcast on Patreon!

https://www.patreon.com/jpreynolds

In this third episode of a Black History Month music series, singer-songwriter-producer KAIRA joins host JP Reynolds for an exchange about performance, fearlessness, and color psychology. 

About KAIRA:

Singer-songwriter-producer of the R&B-Soul, TOP 200 charted, “Road To Love” EP, and the hit single “Other Side of Tomorrow”, Kaira is soulful, vibrant, and consistently bringing us something new. Her infectious optimism and positive approach to life, shines through her sonically warm voice, and her familiar feeling production. She invites you on a journey to hear the true human heart, while you explore a range of emotions. Her freedom, expressed through her writing and musicality, gives listeners a glimpse in the bright future of soul music.

About JP Reynolds:

Called “remarkably special” by AllHipHop, JP Reynolds is an innovative artist, rapper and songwriter with an eclectic sound. The creator of “rap gumbo,” his music is a powerful blend of jazz, funk, gospel and soul. In addition to music JP is an entrepreneur, coach, activist, and minister. In 2012, he created Peace and Power Media, an artistic hub that produces music and multimedia content. Since 2014, JP has supported young people in pursuing passion and purpose through various initiatives and partnerships with organizations and communities within the non-profit sector. JP holds a Bachelor of Arts in African-American Studies and a Master of Divinity from Yale University.

Topics of Conversation:

Surviving with No Live Shows (3:06) • Fearlessness on Stage (8:42) • Roots of Musicianship (13:11) • Songwriting & Production (17:00) • Impact of the Times on Creating (21:44) • The Prism (27:01) • Music Inspiration (31:14) • Performance Inspiration (34:11) • Joy (38:59) • Color Psychology (41:34) • The Future of Live Music (44:07)

Check out KAIRA's latest: "Crashing"

Theme Songs:

"Reset (Hold Your Horse)" - JP Reynolds + BACHTROY

"Elevate" - JP Reynolds + BACHTROY

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Support JP's work with the podcast on Patreon!

https://www.patreon.com/jpreynolds

In this second episode of a Black History Month music series, singer, songwriter, and vocal architect Ekela joins host JP Reynolds for an exchange about obstacles, the necessity of music training, and what makes a complete performer.

About Ekela:

Ekela Is a singer, songwriter, producer and vocal developer from Brooklyn, NYC with Jamaican blood. While she Is known for her Island-style R&B blend - when she's writing songs like "Just a Sunrise Away" for Kristina Halloway, "Marrow" for Ashley Skerritt, "Half Bad" for Eerie, as well as producing & penning "Don't You Worry" for K'reema and "BrokenHearts" by newcomer Lordus - you can count on Ekela's music to merge 90's feel with modern emotion. Her 2018 release "Catalyst" continues to pick up traction, while her latest island bop "Na Na" Is slowly picking up its own steam. Get ready to use her unique lyricism as your captions for your next few IG posts.

About JP Reynolds:

Called “remarkably special” by AllHipHop, JP Reynolds is an innovative artist, rapper and songwriter with an eclectic sound. The creator of “rap gumbo,” his music is a powerful blend of jazz, funk, gospel and soul. In addition to music JP is an entrepreneur, coach, activist, and minister. In 2012, he created Peace and Power Media, an artistic hub that produces music and multimedia content. Since 2014, JP has supported young people in pursuing passion and purpose through various initiatives and partnerships with organizations and communities within the non-profit sector. JP holds a Bachelor of Arts in African-American Studies and a Master of Divinity from Yale University.

Topics of Conversation:

What is a Vocal Architect (4:13) • Emotions Are Not Homes (9:14) • Obstacles Aren't Always Negative (12:53) • Entertainment as Craft (17:28) • The Necessity of Music Training (23:56) • Songwriting Processes (29:48) • What Makes a Complete Performer? (38:17) • Teddy Riley Appreciation (40:51) • Brandy Appreciation (44:07) • Transferable Skills from Being an Artist (46:37) • Joy (53:13)

Check out Ekela's latest - "I Got You"

Theme Songs:

"Reset (Hold Your Horse)" - JP Reynolds + BACHTROY

"Elevate" - JP Reynolds + BACHTROY

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Support JP's work with the podcast on Patreon!

https://www.patreon.com/jpreynolds

In this first episode of a Black History Month music series, artist-theologian Julian Reid joins host JP Reynolds for an exchange about creation, reflection and the power of improvisation.

About Julian Reid:

Julian Reid plays, speaks, and writes at the intersection of music, faith, and story. He studied theology & the arts at Candler School of Theology and philosophy at Yale College. Hailing from the Southwest side of Chicago, Julian grew up playing classical, gospel, and jazz piano. A founding member of The JuJu Exchange, Julian has been blessed to collaborate or share the stage with many artists spanning various literary and musical genres, from jazz to classical to hip-hop to gospel including Chance the Rapper, Peter CottonTale, Tank and the Bangas, and Jamila Woods among many others.

About JP Reynolds:

Called “remarkably special” by AllHipHop, JP Reynolds is an innovative artist, rapper and songwriter with an eclectic sound. The creator of “rap gumbo,” his music is a powerful blend of jazz, funk, gospel and soul. In addition to music JP is an entrepreneur, coach, activist, and minister. In 2012, he created Peace and Power Media, an artistic hub that produces music and multimedia content. Since 2014, JP has supported young people in pursuing passion and purpose through various initiatives and partnerships with organizations and communities within the non-profit sector. JP holds a Bachelor of Arts in African-American Studies and a Master of Divinity from Yale University.

Topics of Conversation:

To Create and Reflect Equally (5:44) • Being an Intersectional Artist (11:17) • The Root of Motivation in Fulfilling a Call (13:40) •  Focusing Your Energy on Who Shows Up Instead of Who Doesn't (18:26) • The Eternal Boombox (25:26) • The Power of Improvisation (32:59) • Relationship Between Creation and Reflection (38:16) • Creating in Such a Time as This (43:51) • The Value of Old Things (47:37) • Inspiring Each Other (52:22) • Joy (56:24)

Check out Julian's latest with his band The JuJu Exchange - The Eternal Boombox

Theme Songs:

"Reset (Hold Your Horse)" - JP Reynolds + BACHTROY

"Elevate" - JP Reynolds + BACHTROY

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Support JP's work with the podcast on Patreon!

https://www.patreon.com/jpreynolds