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"Will you go away with me

I never thought about the simple things

Smiling in sync , feeling the wind

I want to do this again and again 

Will you go away with me

My curiousity is loudly pleading

Wondering do you see what I see

Can you see you and me

Every day is another day

Seeing folks just past my way

But today I stop and turn to you

My truth

Green grass will change it's shape 

Blue skys can turn to grey

Love is hard and not for play

Yet, I'll be willing to say

Will you go away with me?"

Poem by. Dom L'Amour

Produced by Dom L'Amour

Cover art by Studio Mania: Custom Art @studiomania99

Transition Music from Mad Chops Vol. 1 and Mad Chops Vol. 2 by Mad Keys

and 

from Piano Soul Vol.1(Loop Pack) by The Modern Producers Team

You can support the show by clicking the link at the bottom of the episode description. Please subscribe to the podcast, and give us a good rating. 5 stars please and thank you. Follow me on @doml_amour on Instagram. Or at domlamour.com.

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"My favorite part of a camp fire is when the wood begins to glow

It's things like this that I think about more each day that I grow older

The calm, the crackle. The smell, the smile on my face. It's magical. 

When I was younger I didn't look out the window and see. I saw a bunch of nothing. Now I see the trees, the sky, the water, the life that's happening in front of me.

I enjoy just how rare it is to see and hear how beautiful those things are.

Our society is stuck in boxes, digital hell holes, that never needs water because those trees are fake. Those pictures are stages, those comments are AI.

We live in a world thats on the edge of World War 3, and I feel like we are pulled away from the simple things even more today. We can't have a thought without just pulling our phone out. I wonder what 8 oz's is in Cups. Siri, what's 8 oz's in Cups? And its there. You don't call your mother for that answer anymore, You don't reach out to your grandmother who loves to feel needed. We are stuck. I feel So stuck constantly. Will anything change, will the world slow down again like it did in 2020. Will I be able to smell the roses, and drive down topanga canyon in Los Angeles and See the ocean without any smog? 

Will we be able to go anywhere in the world and not be judged because We come from a country that's not respected anymore. 

When will the fire glow 

when will there be peace in my mind

When will I believe in humanity

When will the people around me see what I see

How is it just me. Why is it just me. 

I crave that calm, that crackle, that wonderful smell of a magical camp fire"

Remember when you last sat by a campfire, mesmerized by glowing embers, breathing in that distinctive smoky scent? This reflective journey explores how such simple pleasures become more meaningful as we age, when our perception shifts from seeing "a bunch of nothing" to noticing the trees, sky, water - the life unfolding before our eyes.

Against the backdrop of a world teetering on global conflict, we've become increasingly disconnected from these authentic experiences. We've traded meaningful human interactions for digital conveniences - asking Siri questions we once directed to our mothers or grandmothers who valued feeling needed. Our society has become confined to "digital hell holes" filled with staged photos and artificial engagement, pulling us further away from genuine connection with our surroundings and each other.

This deeply personal monologue questions when things might change: Will we experience another global pause like 2020 that allowed nature to briefly reclaim its spaces? Will we drive down scenic routes without smog obscuring the view? When will peace of mind return, and when will humanity collectively recognize what we've lost? The narrator craves the calm, the crackle, the magical essence of a campfire - essentially longing for a return to presence and authenticity in an increasingly disconnected world. Take a moment away from your screen today to notice something real around you - what simple beauty have you been missing?

Poem by. Dom L'Amour

Produced by Dom L'Amour

Cover art by Studio Mania: Custom Art @studiomania99

Transition Music from Mad Chops Vol. 1 and Mad Chops Vol. 2 by Mad Keys

and 

from Piano Soul Vol.1(Loop Pack) by The Modern Producers Team

You can support the show by clicking the link at the bottom of the episode description. Please subscribe to the podcast, and give us a good rating. 5 stars please and thank you. Follow me on @doml_amour on Instagram. Or at domlamour.com.

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"Time. 6/27/24 12:49pm. Location Poem was written. Sharpsburg GA. Home, Saint Louis

Doesn’t matter where I live in the world!

Chicago. My home is saint louis.

Los Angeles. My home in saint Louis

No matter where I visit in the world

Nassau. My home is Saint Louis

Dublin. My home is saint louis. It doesn’t matter.

Will you support the Atlanta braves? If the cardinals aren’t playing…maybe 

You must love living in a town with a football team. You live the falcons right.

My football team play in the UFL and their name is the battle hawks.

I am saint louis Missouri, through and through. I am toasted ravioli. I am imos pizza. I am bread co. My first date was at a pasta house. I got married in forest park

my order is a Half order of shrimp fried rice, a shrimp Saint Paul sandwich, a peach vess with some egg rolls. EVERY SINGLE TIME FOLKS.

Good and bad, saint Louis has my heart. I love a cardinals game, but I also want to see ball park village stop enforcing strange dress codes like “No jerseys, athletic shorts, sagging pants or shorts, or bandanas”. We know who you are talking about. And also the venue is 15 steps away from Baseball heaven…BUSCH STATDIUM. 

I love Nelly, Jayson Tatum, David freeze and Stan the man

I can smell the food trucks in tower grove park sitting in my house right now.

I hear the music at the botanical gardens. I can feel the fans blowing during intermission at the Muny. I see the kids rolling down Art hill.

I remember falling asleep on the floor at saints during the lock ins. Wearing baby blue Air Force ones with a baby blue Micheal Jordan North Carolina jersey on and a pair of gah-bows.

I can taste the donuts from pharaohs donuts. I can taste the beer at schlafys. I can taste my grandmothers greens. I’m wearing a STL HAT here, there and everywhere. I don’t own a hat with another city on it. People have Seen my hometown pride in magome, tsumago, Kyoto and hakone.

How can I be me without my city.

I hear miles Davis in Mexico, I see Black Lives Matter in Ireland. 

I know that Ferguson is 12 miles from downtown STL.

I believe that I’m a force of nature, because of my city. You don’t scare me. You don’t know what I’ve seen, but also the love that I share comes from the people, the music, the food, the community that raised me.

My white Air Force ones with the gum bottoms if you know you know, but to most it isn’t a dead give away. The way I say therr slips out from time to time. My favorite quarterback is Kurt Warner. May not say you much. My closet has 38 items that say either STL, Saint Louis, Kirkwood, or the wood. But you can’t get into my closet. My father played baseball with Nelly back in the day, my grandfather use to bodyguard for Ike and Tina on the east side, I was on the cover of Louie magazine in high school, OH what high school did I go to you ask? Kirkwood class of 07! I have an 30 pack of Bud select in my refrigerator downstairs here in Georgia right now. 

All these things but what you truly need to see is this.

I’m a young black man, raised by a single mother on the south side of STL. I’m not rich, I’m not a monster success. Where I’m from, I knew people who never left the city. I knew people who were murdered, I knew the difference between fireworks and guns as a child. But I’m alive. I’m married, working on a family. College grad, and proud of my hometown. 

I am a visual representation of saint louis. The city comes in different colors, shapes and sizes. But it’s 

Strong.Loving.Smart.Hard.Old.Beautiful.Ugly.Troubling.Confusing.Inspiring. Growing.Big.A wee bit racist.Yet progressive.Historic.Conservative. Free. I mean everything. The zo

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Have you ever wondered if our hyper-connected world is actually making us more disconnected from what truly matters? In this profoundly human conversation, host Dom L'Amour sits down with musician Jacob Zengerling to explore the spaces between digital noise and genuine human connection.

The pair navigate through deceptively simple questions with far-reaching implications: Why do we cling to arbitrary New Year's resolutions when ancient civilizations followed natural cycles? How have corporations created endless consumption loops that benefit few while harming many? And most importantly, how might focusing on our personal growth create ripple effects that transform communities?

"The more that we can get our own personal selves to a life that we want, we set that example for the world," Jacob reflects, offering a perspective that shifts responsibility from external systems to internal development. This becomes the conversation's throughline as they examine everything from minimum wage stagnation to the beauty of locally-sourced economies they've witnessed abroad.

What emerges is a thoughtful examination of modern living that doesn't shy away from difficult truths. Dom and Jacob acknowledge the challenges of navigating social interactions, misreading signals, and responding to negativity with compassion rather than confrontation. "Hurt people hurt people," Jacob notes, suggesting our response to hostility might best be understanding rather than escalation.

The conversation takes unexpected turns into practical wisdom, from Jacob's fascinating discovery of traditional incense ceremonies that profoundly regulate the nervous system to Dom's reflections on finding musical community. Their exchange culminates in Jacob's powerful affirmation that "we are safe and supported in more ways than we could possibly understand" – a perspective that offers comfort in uncertain times.

Whether you're questioning your relationship with consumer culture, seeking deeper connections, or simply looking for permission to prioritize self-work, this episode provides both comforting validation and gentle challenges to conventional thinking. Listen now and join the conversation about creating meaning in a distracted world.

Opening quote by Jim Rohn

Opening and Closing Theme song: Produced by Dom L'Amour

Transition Music from Mad Chops Vol.1 and Vol. 2 by Mad Keys

Featured song is "Baby You" From the album "Sweet Dreams" by Dom L'Amour Cover art by Studio Mania: Custom Art @studiomania99

Please subscribe to the podcast, and give us a good rating. 5 stars please and thank you. Follow me on @doml_amour on Instagram. Or at 

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When happiness breaks through anxiety, do you grab it with both hands? That precious moment of joy becomes something to savor, especially when the mind constantly works against you. In this soulful conversation, Shane Murphy opens up about the internal battle between finding creative fulfillment and maintaining financial security.

Shane's journey from self-described loner to partner reveals how love transforms perspective. "Everything is so much freer and I feel so much more confident and supported," he shares, describing how his relationship with Erica provides a foundation that makes pursuing creative passions less daunting. The genuine warmth between these two friends—who first bonded performing as the Bee Gees in a musical revue—creates space for vulnerable admissions about career fears and artistic dreams.

The heart of their discussion explores that universal struggle many artists face: how do you honor your soul's calling while paying the bills? Shane's anxiety about leaving his finance job to pursue music fully resonates with anyone who's felt trapped between security and passion. Meanwhile, Dom shares practical approaches to organizing creative pursuits, suggesting that accomplishing just three career-focused tasks daily builds momentum without overwhelming.

Their conversation weaves through mindfulness practices, overcoming self-doubt, and finding joy in focused activities from painting miniatures to practicing scales. The most poignant moments come when they acknowledge how easily we talk ourselves out of opportunities before even trying. "Just email them," Shane realizes about potential collaborators. "People want nobody comes to this show to see you mess up."

Listen for their spontaneous, soul-stirring rendition of Sam Cooke's "Bring It On Home To Me"—a perfect demonstration of the talent and connection that makes this friendship special. Whether you're wrestling with anxiety, balancing practicality with dreams, or simply seeking more intentional joy, this episode offers both comfort and gentle challenge to take that first small step forward.

Guest: Shane Murphy AKA @theshanemurphy

Opening quote: Roy T. Bennett

Opening and Closing Theme song: Produced by Dom L'Amour

Transition Music from Mad Chops Vol. 1 and Mad Chops Vol. 2 by Mad Keys

and 

from Piano Soul Vol.1(Loop Pack) by The Modern Producers Team

Featured song: "This Guys in love with you" Covered by Dom L'Amour and The Andrews at Lemon Bar in Chicago.

Cover art by Studio Mania: Custom Art @studiomania99

Featured song : "Bring it on home to me" Covered by Dom L'Amour and Shane Murphy

Please subscribe to the podcast, and give us a good rating. 5 stars please and thank you. Follow me on @dom_lamour on Instagram. Or at 

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"When kids draw to you, they see your heart." This simple but profound observation sets the tone for a rich conversation between Dom L’Amour and his best friend Chris Bates about what truly matters in our relationships with family, work, and ourselves.

The episode begins with Chris sharing his unexpected joy in working from home while raising his daughter Jaide. Rather than feeling the guilt that many parents experience when balancing careers and childcare, he's discovered a rhythm that allows him to be present throughout the day. "I've been able to create a routine where I don't have to overcompensate for time with my child, because I'm around her all day," Chris explains, challenging conventional notions about work-life separation.

This leads to a fascinating exploration of how our relationship with work fundamentally misaligns with human needs. With eight hours for work and eight for sleep, we're left scrambling to fit everything else into the remaining time. Is it any wonder that Chris and Dom have come to value random weekdays off more than traditional weekends? The freedom from crowds, the better service at restaurants, and the peace of enjoying experiences rather than just enduring them makes a compelling case for rethinking how we structure our time.

Perhaps the most thought-provoking segment emerges when the conversation shifts to family dynamics and boundary-setting. "Are you intertwining family with love? Because family and love are two different things," Chris observes, cutting through the obligatory nature of many family relationships. As we age and recognize patterns in how people treat us, the line between who deserves our time and energy naturally shifts, regardless of blood ties. This isn't about abandoning family but about establishing mutual respect within these relationships.

The episode closes with Chris reflecting on the pure joy of being "Uncle Chris" to his nieces and nephew. The genuine connection he feels when children choose to love him speaks to something we all crave – authentic relationships based on who we truly are rather than what we provide or represent.

Whether you're reassessing your work situation, navigating complex family dynamics, or simply trying to find more joy in everyday moments, this conversation offers both wisdom and permission to create boundaries that honor your authentic self. Listen now and join Dom and Chris in exploring what it means to be truly present in all aspects of life.

Opening quote: Christine Morgan

Opening and Closing Theme song: Produced by Dom L'Amour

Transition Music from Mad Chops Vol. 1 and Mad Chops Vol. 2 by Mad Keys

and 

from Piano Soul Vol.1(Loop Pack) by The Modern Producers Team

Featured song: "This Guys in love with you" Covered by Dom L'Amour and The Andrews at Lemon Bar in Chicago.

Cover art by Studio Mania: Custom Art @studiomania99

Please subscribe to the podcast, and give us a good rating. 5 stars please and thank you. Follow me on @dom_lamour on Instagram. Or at 

domlamour.com

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Take a seat and get ready to test your knowledge alongside Dom and Bates as they face off in an electrifying game of Black Jeopardy on this special episode of the Black Man Talking Emotions podcast. What starts with a simple rock-paper-scissors showdown quickly evolves into a riveting battle of wits across five categories: Black TV shows, music, pop culture, Black history, and movie quotes.

The chemistry between Dom and Bates drives this episode, as they navigate questions ranging from identifying Rosa Parks' Montgomery bus boycott to recalling the iconic "Go home, Roger" catchphrase from Sister, Sister. Listen as they confidently answer some questions ("King Kong ain't got shit on me" from Training Day) while hilariously struggling with others (the names of the four women on Living Single). Their competitive banter creates moments of genuine hilarity, especially when they digress into an impromptu discussion about the contrasting approaches of Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois.

Beyond the entertainment value, this episode serves as a celebration of Black cultural knowledge and history. Whether they're reciting Drake lyrics ("Last name ever, first name greatest") or reflecting on Emmett Till's historical significance, Dom and Bates demonstrate how games can be both fun and educational. The friendly competition culminates with Dom claiming victory at 1,000 points to Bates' negative 200, though not without some good-natured protests about question difficulty.

Whether you're a trivia enthusiast or simply looking for an entertaining, knowledge-filled listen, this episode delivers laughs while showcasing the richness of Black culture across multiple domains. Follow both Dom and Bates on social media, subscribe to the podcast, and if you enjoyed this playful format, check out their previous collaboration, "New Year's Day Flowers."

Opening and Closing Theme song: Produced by Dom L'Amour

Transition Music from Mad Chops Vol. 1 and Mad Chops Vol. 2 by Mad Keys

and 

from Piano Soul Vol.1(Loop Pack) by The Modern Producers Team

Cover art by Studio Mania: Custom Art @studiomania99

Please subscribe to the podcast, and give us a good rating. 5 stars please and thank you. Follow me on @dom_lamour on Instagram. Or at 

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"If you weren't so damn nice, you'd be successful." These words, spoken to Dom L’Amour years ago, sparked a profound journey of self-discovery that unfolds throughout this intimate conversation with Cleveland Jones. 

For artists navigating the music industry, establishing your value doesn't come with a handbook. Cleveland openly shares the moment someone told him he was "like a hoe that people can pimp out" because he didn't recognize his own worth—a brutal assessment that changed how he viewed himself professionally. Dom echoes this experience, recounting his own struggles with industry professionals who sensed his eagerness to please and exploited it.

As Cleveland approaches his fifties, he candidly discusses facing retirement without traditional financial safety nets, a reality many creative professionals encounter. The conversation takes a fascinating turn when they explore the concept of "choosing your pain" rather than simply setting goals—deciding what sacrifices you're willing to make and which boundaries remain non-negotiable. For Dom, no career opportunity justifies sacrificing family relationships; for Cleveland, maintaining his peace of mind has become paramount.

The beauty of this exchange lies in its remarkable vulnerability. Both men acknowledge the unconventional reality of a performer's life—working when others socialize, facing constant rejection, and learning to protect their creative spirits while building sustainable careers. Their shared wisdom offers a masterclass for artists at any stage: true success comes from honoring your craft, knowing your worth, and staying true to personal values.

Whether you're a musician, creative professional, or simply someone navigating your own path to self-value, this conversation provides both practical wisdom and emotional resonance. Subscribe now to join a community exploring the full spectrum of human experience through the lens of Black men speaking their truths.

Opening quote by Stevie wonder

Opening and Closing Theme song: Produced by Dom L'Amour

Transition Music from Mad Chops Vol. 2 by Mad Keys

and 

from Piano Soul Vol.1(Loop Pack) by The Modern Producers Team

Featured song : "Domie" Preformed by Dom L'Amour

Cover art by Studio Mania: Custom Art @studiomania99

Please subscribe to the podcast, and give us a good rating. 5 stars please and thank you. Follow me on @doml_amour on Instagram. Or at 

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When everything feels overwhelming—from global conflicts to personal struggles—how do we find clarity and peace? This raw mental check-in episode explores the powerful intersection between worldwide chaos and individual challenges that many of us are silently navigating.

Sharing my personal journey toward an 8.5/10 mental state, I reveal how removing social media apps from my phone transformed my ability to think clearly, connect meaningfully, and rediscover creative focus. This simple change created space for genuine growth during a time when global events and personal milestones collided in overwhelming ways.

The discipline of maintaining digital boundaries has rippled through every aspect of my life, from relationships to productivity. Instead of hoping things will improve—whether it's fertility challenges, family disagreements, or career uncertainty—I've learned to accept reality while taking concrete action on what I can control. The first step toward change is awareness; the second is acceptance.

For anyone feeling pulled in multiple directions or struggling to find mental clarity amid constant information, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on putting yourself first without guilt. Because true self-care isn't selfish—it's necessary for showing up fully in our increasingly complex world. Subscribe, share your own mental health journey, and let's continue this important conversation together.

Opening quote: Nathaniel Branden

Opening and Closing Theme song: Produced by Dom L'Amour

Transition Music from Mad Chops Vol. 1 and Mad Chops Vol. 2 by Mad Keys

and 

from Piano Soul Vol.1(Loop Pack) by The Modern Producers Team

Cover art by Studio Mania: Custom Art @studiomania99

Please subscribe to the podcast, and give us a good rating. 5 stars please and thank you. Follow me on @dom_lamour on Instagram. Or at 

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Dom L'Amour speaks with Christopher Shank  about  our creative process, being more organized, working on ourselves and so much more.

What if the secret to creativity isn't waiting for inspiration to strike, but simply showing up consistently? In this thoughtful conversation with screenwriter and friend of the show Christopher Shank, we dive deep into the mechanics of the creative process and challenge the notion that artists need to wait for the perfect moment of inspiration.

Shank shares how breaking down his scriptwriting into manageable chunks—sometimes just a single scene during lunch—has transformed his productivity while preserving his mental health. Meanwhile, I've discovered that continuously moving between projects—songs, poems, musical scenes—keeps my creative muscles active without feeling burnt out on any single endeavor. We both agree: consistency trumps intensity when it comes to sustainable creative work.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when we explore the relationship between creators and their tools. I detail my practice of designating specific pencils for specific tasks—drawing inspiration from Japanese perspectives on objects having their own energy or spirit. There's something powerful about treating creative tools with intention rather than mere utility. As Shank puts it, "Everything has its own energy."

We also unpack how ideas evolve in unexpected ways. Shank describes a story he's worked on for nearly two decades that finally clicked when he found the right metaphor, while I recount how a song inspired by "Cherokee" transformed from an attempted tribute to Native American history into a personal reflection about living off Cherokee Street. Creative ideas rarely arrive fully formed—they need time and space to evolve.

Whether you're a seasoned creator struggling with blocks or someone just beginning to explore your creative potential, this episode offers practical wisdom for sustaining your practice through both inspiration and drought. Subscribe now and join our continuing exploration of creativity, emotion, and the human experience.

Opening quote by Aldous Huxley 

Opening and Closing Theme song: Produced by Dom L'Amour

Transition Music from Mad Chops Vol. 2 by Mad Keys

and 

from Piano Soul Vol.1(Loop Pack) by The Modern Producers Team

Featured song : "Nothin" by Dom L'Amour 

Cover art by Studio Mania: Custom Art @studiomania99

Please subscribe to the podcast, and give us a good rating. 5 stars please and thank you. Follow me on @doml_amour on Instagram. Or at 

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