The Black Experience

🔥 Step into the world of sonic brilliance as The Luminary, aka SoraCD, takes us on an unforgettable journey through music, passion, and purpose.

Before you hit play, make sure to smash that subscribe button so you never miss another episode of The Black Experience—where culture, creativity, and truth collide.

In this exciting episode, we sit down with the award-winning artist and visionary SoraCD—known across Seattle as The Luminary and the mastermind behind "Time of Your Life." From his roots to the Pacific Northwest, SoraCD shares how his unique background shaped his musical path and creative lens. We dive deep into what ignited his fire for music, the powerful figures who inspired him, and the motivation that keeps his artistry alive. He unpacks the dopest projects he’s ever done, including his acclaimed album GO6, and paints a vivid picture of what’s next on the horizon. And for the next generation? You won’t want to miss the gems he drops on chasing dreams with fearless conviction.



SoraCD Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/cdsoracd/



TimeOfYourLife Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/toyl206/



Link to all platforms:
⁠https://linktr.ee/ermiashagos⁠



One time donation:
⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/tbewithermias⁠



#blackpodcast #seattlemusic #pnwartist #theluminary #soracd #musicinterview #blackcreatives #seattlesound #multigenremusic #inspirationalstories #timeofyourlife #aotywinner #go6album #theblackexperiencepodcast #blackexcellence

How do you turn pain into purpose? This episode dives into the inspiring journey of a basketball coach who transformed the loss of his best friend into a powerful legacy. 

Subscribe now and join us as we explore his story of resilience, friendship, and impact !

In this episode of The Black Experience, we sit down with a dedicated assistant basketball coach who shares his journey from the court to coaching, driven by an unshakable love for the game. He opens up about his deep bond with Eli, his best friend who passed away, and how that tragedy led him to create a scholarship in his honor. We discuss his upbringing, the role of family in shaping his path, and the passion that fuels his work with young athletes. He also talks about his dreams, aspirations, and the impact he hopes to make both on and off the court. 
To wrap up, he shares powerful advice for the younger generation on resilience, purpose, and chasing their dreams. This episode is a testament to the power of friendship, mentorship, and leaving a lasting impact.

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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Intro
2:10 Icebreaker
4:12 Background Info
7:41 Beginnings of Basketball Love
20:34 Eli & Tournament
34:40 Player v. Coach Dynamic
39:10 The Importance of Family
46:50 Advice to the Younger Generation (us included :)
49:20 Socials/Tournament Info/Outro
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Trey Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/princeferg23/



Trey All Socials:
Princeferg23



Eli POG Tournament Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/es.pogtournament/




Link to all platforms:
⁠https://linktr.ee/ermiashagos⁠



One time donation:
⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/tbewithermias⁠




#BasketballCoach #Legacy #Friendship #Scholarship #Inspiration #CoachingLife #SportsMentorship #AthleteMindset #NeverForget #PurposeDriven

Ever wondered what it’s like to navigate the world as a Black traveler? Anthony and Marlie Love, creators of Traveling While Black, share their journey of turning travel into a mission for inclusivity and empowerment. 

Hit that subscribe button for an inspiring conversation that challenges the status quo and redefines what it means to travel freely.

From their Missouri roots to making Seattle their home base, Anthony and Marlie take us behind the scenes of their journey into the world of travel content creation. We dive into the inspiration behind Traveling While Black, the challenges and triumphs they’ve faced on the road, and how their platform serves as a modern-day Green Book for travelers seeking safe and inclusive destinations. They share powerful stories from their community, reveal their top picks for welcoming travel spots, and offer wisdom for the next generation of Black adventurers. Plus, they give us an exclusive look at the future of their brand and what’s next for their mission to make the world more accessible for all.

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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Intro
2:45 The Beginning Of Anthony & Marlie 
7:20 Hidden Gems in Everett
9:05 Traveling While Black Beginnings
13:37 History of Black Laws in Oregon
20:03 Challenges In Traveling
24:40 Modern Day 'Green Book'
29:55 Favorite Destination(s)
34:21 Traveling While Black Future Goals
38:52 The Meaning behind 'Black'
41:37 Advice to All Travelers
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Traveling While Black (TWB) Website:
https://travelingwhileblackseattle.com/

Subscribe to TWB Here:
https://www.youtube.com/@TravelingWhileBlack1


TWB Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/travelwhileblk/


TWB TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@travelingwhileblk



Link to all platforms:
⁠https://linktr.ee/ermiashagos⁠



One time donation:
⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/tbewithermias⁠



#travelingwhileblack #blacktravel #inclusivetravel #blackcontentcreators #travelpodcast #blacktravelmovement #safeplacestotravel #travelcommunity #wanderlust #blackvoices #traveltheworld #adventure

Photography is more than just pictures—it’s about storytelling, emotion, and bringing visions to life.

🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe to The Black Experience so you never miss an inspiring conversation!

The Black Experience is a podcast dedicated to amplifying the voices and stories of Black individuals in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Through meaningful conversations with changemakers, artists, entrepreneurs, and leaders, we explore culture, success, challenges, and the power of community. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, insights, or real talk, this is the space where Black excellence shines and the next generation finds motivation to pursue their dreams.


Follow Naya Here:
https://www.instagram.com/naya.vaughan.photographer/


Book With Naya Here:
https://www.nayavaughanphotographer.com/

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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Intro
2:33 Naya's Background/Early Childhood
10:54 Naya's Creative Process
17:54 Energy & Covid Days
26:19 Favorite Photography Projects
29:23 Modeling
31:49 Naya's WHY
34:40 Advice to Younger Generation
36:30 Connect With Naya Here
37:04 Outro
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Link to all platforms:
⁠https://linktr.ee/ermiashagos⁠



One time donation:
⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/tbewithermias⁠






#photographytips #lifestylephotography #blackcreatives #seattlephotographer #brandingphotography #visualstorytelling #portraitphotography #creativeminds #entrepreneurship #blackpodcasts #theblackexperience
#podcast #storytelling #blackexcellence #blackcommunity #unlockingsuccess #advicefor2025 #2025 #inspirational #motivational #empowerment

From humble beginnings to the premier East African music festival—Simon Okelo’s journey is one you don’t want to miss!

👉 Subscribe now to The Black Experience Podcast and stay tuned for more powerful conversations!

In this episode, I sit down with Simon Okelo, founder of Madaraka Festival, the biggest East African music festival in the diaspora. We explore his roots, the birth of Madaraka, and its evolution into a movement for unity, empowerment, and social change. Simon shares insights on music as activism, the challenges of East African representation on the global stage, and his advice for the next generation of cultural entrepreneurs. We also discuss how music and culture bridge gaps between East African communities and why it’s essential to preserve and elevate our unique sound. Plus, Simon reflects on the biggest lessons he’s learned from nearly a decade of curating this massive event and what’s next for Madaraka Festival. This is a must-listen for anyone passionate about music, culture, and making an impact!


Simon Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/okelojavan/



Madaraka Festival Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/madarakafestival/



Shop Madaraka Here:
https://madarakafestival.com/



Simon Okelo Music:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4BzmfShfJjuSzHBdEBzQcl

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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Intro 
3:03 - Who Simon Okelo Is
14:13 - The Mission Behind Madaraka Festival
24:10 - Music Bringing People Together
26:56 - The Power of Community & Collaboration
31:03 - The Success Of Afro Beats & Afro Fusion
38:25 - Sticking To Your Roots
44:23 - The Struggles & Triumphs of Running a Festival
47:29 - Advice for Aspiring Creators & Entrepreneurs
50:49 - Closing Thoughts & Shop Madaraka

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Link to all platforms:
⁠https://linktr.ee/ermiashagos⁠


One time donation:
⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/tbewithermias⁠



#madarakafestival #eastafricanmusic #africandiaspora #musicandactivism #afrofusion #kenyanmusic #eritrea #africanunity #blackpodcasts #theblackexperience

How do you turn your passions into purpose? 🌍 In this episode of The Black Experience, Hadley Hudson shares his journey of self-discovery, community, and adventure!

🔥Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an inspiring story! 🔥

Hadley opens up about his path to Western Washington University, her experiences navigating the Black community in Bellingham and Western Washington University, and what fuels her drive in life. We also dive into her travels to South Africa and Ghana—where she encountered incredible wildlife and rich cultural experiences. Plus, she shares her biggest dreams and advice for the next generation. This episode is packed with adventure, fun and motivation, don't miss it!


Link to all platforms:
⁠https://linktr.ee/ermiashagos⁠


One time donation:
⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/tbewithermias⁠



#blackpodcast #Hadleyhudson #BlackExcellence #wwu  #travelafrica  #bellingham  #dreambig  #inspiration 

In this episode of The Black Experience, Dr. Williams takes us on an extraordinary journey from his childhood in Kansas City to becoming a transformative leader in education. 


🔑 Subscribe for more inspiring stories that highlight The Black Experience!

Dr. Williams shares insights into his early life, the spark that led him to a career in education, and his remarkable experiences as a high school teacher and turnaround principal in challenging environments. With a passion for equity and social justice, he discusses the qualities of effective school leadership, strategies for creating inclusive learning environments, and how his five academic degrees have shaped his innovative approach to administration. As the Executive Director of K12 Multimedia Group, Dr. Williams also reveals his vision for empowering educators and entrepreneurs to build their personal brands.

Whether you're an aspiring leader, an educator, or simply passionate about making a difference, this episode will leave you motivated and ready to act.

Dr. Williams 5 degrees: 
1. B.S. Interdisciplinary Studies
2. M.S. Educational Leadership
3. M.B.A. Master of Business Administration
4. Ed.D. Educational Administration
5. Ph.D. Advanced Educational Studies


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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Intro
3:33 Background & Life in Kansas City
7:58 The Inspiration to Pursue 5 Degrees
10:47 The Crucial Qualities of An Effective Teacher
20:25 Equity For All Students
22:59 What The Real Issue Is 
33:01 Strategies to Reducing Suspensions by 50%
34:48 The Incredible Impact That Teachers Have
37:47 5 Degrees of Excellence
47:24 Youtube Channel
49:10 The Role of Community
54:39 Vision For The Future
56:15 Advice To The Younger Generation
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Link to all platforms:
⁠https://linktr.ee/ermiashagos⁠


One time donation:
⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/tbewithermias⁠


#podcast #storytelling #blackexcellence #blackcommunity #unlockingsuccess #advicefor2025 #2025 #inspirational #motivational #empowermentthroughbeauty 

#TheBlackexperience #podcastlife #podcast  #educationleadership  #equityineducation  #socialjustice  #TurnaroundSchools #DrWilliams #inspiration  #podcastinterview  #diversityandinclusion  #edleadership