Talk Show Ambitions is back for another round of fun and engaging conversation w/ none other than singer, songwriter and my baby cousin, A$H.

We discuss her singing journey from her childhood days in church to touring the world as both a background vocalist and solo artist. Inspired by the 2013 Oscar winning film, 20 Feet from Stardom, we get honest about the glitz and grind that comes with singing backgound while also striving towards realizing your own dreams of singing lead. A$H. has been there, done just that and still going.

Pull up a chair and get Twenty Feet Closer to the action...

Links:

A$H. Socials: @iamjustash

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20_Feet_from_Stardom

https://uncf.org/events/2025-uncf-mayors-masked-ball-memphis

https://www.actionnews5.com/video/2025/11/02/first-uncf-memphis-mayors-masked-ball-raises-funds-hbcus/

Before the first joke, the first line, the first laugh track…there was the music. Those thirty seconds that said, “Here we go again.” They set the scene before the story ever did.  Sometimes it was funky.  Sometimes it was soft. Sometimes it hit like Sunday morning, or like Saturday night before your favorite show came on. But no matter the mood, you knew exactly where you were headed  and who you were about to spend the next half hour with.

So today, we’re revisiting the openings that opened us.  The ones that turned stories into soundtracks and turned living rooms into little theaters of joy.

🎶 Roll that beautiful theme music.

Show Notes/Links:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TGIF_(TV_programming_block)

The Brady Bunch: https://youtu.be/K5StTXQofqs?si=C_z048IzfAumltyW

Amen Theme Song: https://youtu.be/dULLmo9SjAI?si=TXGPKW2Wuy9ijjf7

Family Matters: https://youtu.be/Z4R91CR-YZU?si=jZJJOp36vaJ-hLqU

Family Ties: https://youtu.be/7H3JuQUQTLQ?si=zt2bojfngYIQX9pg

The Jeffersons: https://youtu.be/_-OnRQ4P0VY?si=b1Y4-u8w8lHkb1sT

All the Cosby Show Theme Songs:

https://youtu.be/2bLgOmAl5Ak?si=LokhHhqCxcbBLpE6

Good Times: https://youtu.be/s6gNo4-1r6k?si=x6DJxRx0sRcl3E2i

A Different World: https://youtu.be/cnWlmFLJvbU?si=y1vBBRPsq9jQcxiI

The Fresh Prince: https://youtu.be/Cy3PIwczyB0?si=KSe_cxg-HJCPVlYi

Living Single: https://youtu.be/Txb5aEoIt98?si=Z4cEzFm5Ao4y-xnX

Jester Hairston: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jester_Hairston

Lillies of the Field AMEN: https://youtu.be/rn6w255CGkk?si=nYlRIjH29KLl3Umf

https://www.vulture.com/2018/08/the-story-of-aretha-franklins-a-different-world-theme-song.html

The Classic Shoppe MKE Fashion Week

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQMvSiDkbgg/

Show Notes:

Let me clear my throat on the intro! LOL! Progress over perfection, anyone? Sheesh. ANYWAY!

This week, we welcome the inspiring Marie Carter, the powerhouse behind the stylish and innovative fashion brand, The Classic Shoppe. Marie shares her incredible journey of launching and nurturing her business in Milwaukee, detailing the unique challenges and triumphs of growing a successful brand locally. We also discuss the profound impact of our shared alma mater, Tennessee State University (TSU), and how the culture, connections, and legacy of an HBCU shaped her vision for fashion and business. Tune in to hear Marie's story of blending style, entrepreneurship, and proud heritage.

Links:

The Classic Shoppe:

Facebook/TT/Instagram: @theclassicshoppe

Website: www.theclassicshoppe.com

Brick&Mortar: Milwaukee: Sherman Phoenix; ATL: The Village at The Ponce City Market

Milwaukee Fashion Week:

https://www.mkefw.com/

Instagram: @mkefashionweek

Fall is here and Talk Show Ambitions is BACK for more! Welcome to Season 2…Did you miss me?! On the 1st episode of season 2, Daretta will discuss her summer 2025 and what exactly R&B meant. It might surprise you! Thanks for listening!

Recorded 9/26/25 - RIP Grandma Broadnax. 25 years ago and you are still missed! 🤍🙏🏾

📧: [email protected]

Hit me up!

June is full swing and we're celebrating the fathers, the father figures, the uncles, the big brothers and cousins in our lives. With that, I have my favorite guy with me...MY DADDY! MY PAW! We discuss all his favorite things ranging from books to movies to music and of course, Fatherhood. There's also some listener questions and plenty of fast-talking! Keep Up and Tap In to the Season 1 Finale of Talk Show Ambitions. It's been real, y'all! Happy Father's Day!

Show Notes/Links:

Tubi - My Dad's New Favorite Network:

Tubi: Watch Free Movies and TV Shows Online
Tubihttps://tubitv.com

The Slaves War - Dad's Re-Read:

https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-slaves-war-andrew-ward?variant=39934463508514

Jazz On A Summer's Day Movie - See what we experienced at the Newport Jazz Festival:

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0052942/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

The Magnificent 7 - My Dad's favorite Movie:

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054047/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Swiss Movement Live Album - My Dad's Favorite Jazz Album

https://music.apple.com/us/album/swiss-movement-montreux-30th-anniversary-edition-live/50234801

Information overflow episode…Just my thoughts…

We’ll cover East Coast Summers, WNBA/NBA, 2025 In Mid-Year Review and more! Tap In

Show Notes/Links:

Hamptons Weekend

https://www.wsj.com/style/hamptons-weekend-cost-influencers-surf-lodge-wolffer-chanel-060bacf6?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=ASWzDAinvUTlwu5r52VgzZNBwv1wbSFyzLLrGwuh_tjc-RlmLMyVtKgFwqf7&gaa_ts=6841c08c&gaa_sig=gZMVuoxIyDmEEhvxRZFOB6tBri6bJvcL-tc0uKEWRo-faprRikCiV_g4DjT8XVXdsYjqSmcZsPpBAJmJnrV3uA%3D%3D

Audra McDonald

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/broadway-audra-mcdonald-gypsy-tony/

Reliving Single Podcast

https://youtube.com/@relivingsinglepodcast?si=JWkH_aRL7cwnscvz

Martha’s Vineyard Oak Bluffs Black History

https://www.mvy.com/2024/06/17/black-history-marthas-vineyard/

On this special 10th episode of Talk Show Ambitions, I sit down with my best friend of more than 30 years, Suki Schack. Whew! She is old, y’all! LOL! We're taking a trip down memory lane, sharing laughs, recounting adventures, and reflecting on three decades of unwavering friendship. It's a heartwarming conversation about the bonds that truly last a lifetime. Thank you for being a friend…

Episode Links:

Winspear Opera Chandelier

https://www.wengercorp.com/Lit/JR%20Clancy_Wenger/misc_docs/Winspear.pdf

“Call Me Al” Behind the Song Article

https://americansongwriter.com/you-can-call-me-al-paul-simon-behind-the-song/

On this powerful episode of Talk Show Ambitions, I sit down with Tori Dixon, the fabulous Owner/President of Graceful Journey Counseling. She’ll unpack what it truly means to "Take Care" of ourselves – starting with our mental health. We’ll dive deep into the often-taboo topic of therapy, particularly within the Black community and the context of Christianity, challenging the stigmas and addressing the barriers that can hold us back. You'll hear honest insights about why therapy isn't just for a crisis, but a vital form of self-care for everyone, and discover how embracing professional support can lead to a more graceful and fulfilling journey. Get ready to laugh and rethink what it means to be strong and take that crucial step towards prioritizing your well-being.

Notes:

Tori’s Practice:

https://gracefuljourneycounseling.com

https://voyagedallas.com/interview/hidden-gems-meet-tori-dixon-of-graceful-journey-counseling/

https://www.brownhealth.org/be-well/importance-mental-health-awareness-month

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mental_Health_Awareness_Month

https://therapyforblackgirls.com/tbgu/

https://www.blackmenshealth.com/8-sites-that-provide-therapists-for-black-males/

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/637b72cb2e3c555fa412eaf0/t/66d87cd57b639f7d160705be/1725463771059/FINAL+-+Black+Women,+Birthing+People,+and+Maternal+Mental+Health+-+Fact+Sheet+-+July+2023.pdf

Lessons from a Grieving Jesus:

https://youtu.be/-7U1OkvXF8s?si=f9OurSXNqOadHB5c

Forever on Netflix:

https://www.netflix.com/title/81418639

“I’ll always love my mama…she’s my favorite girl!” It’s Mother’s Day weekend and I got my mommy with me! That’s right my mom is in Dallas and we hit the couch together to talk everything from motherhood to the Met Gala. This episode has it all…take it for a spin! Don’t forget to hit that follow button, people! Love you, Mama! Happy Mother’s Day!

Ask yourself: Am I really LIVING or am I just alive? On today’s episode, I’m joined by my 1st guest/co-host, Misti Whitley, and we’ll discuss some ways she’s making the most out of living this here life. From the big trips to the seemingly mundane tasks, there’s something rich to gain from every moment. We’ll talk basketball (of course), books and bar banter. Tap tap tap in!

Show Notes:

Big Magic Book:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24453082-big-magic

Daretta’s Big Raffle Win:

https://www.saucony.com/en/jae-tips-x-saucony-grid-jazz-9/60008U.html?dwvar_60008U_color=S70864-3

Krystle S. Lyons, Realtor

https://www.instagram.com/lyonslocates?igsh=MWw4Zmo0cWwzY3d5eg==