In this episode of The Highlight Real, we’re chopping it up with Coach Shyheim Small, diving deep into HBCU basketball, his journey from North Carolina to making waves with the Central State Marauders, and the real pressures behind coaching at an HBCU. This episode offers a lot of perspective as we break down the struggles, triumphs, and the often-overlooked behind-the-scenes hustle that keeps these programs thriving.

From navigating his PWI experiences at NKU to embracing the vibrant culture of HBCUs, Coach Small shares raw insights on teamwork, community building, and even the anxiety that comes with striving for greatness.

Whether you're a diehard basketball fan, contemplatiing attending an HBCU, or just here to listen, this episode promises something for everyone. Drop a comment, share your thoughts, and join the ocnversation! Tune in!

Follow Us:

- The Highlight Real: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thehighlightreal__/⁠

- Shyheim : https://www.instagram.com/coachswerv_/

- Jhariah: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jhariahw/

#thehighlightreal #podcast #hbcubasketball #centralstate

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro

01:08 - Shyheim’s Journey to Becoming a Coach

06:56 - Importance of Film in Coaching

10:43 - Aspiring to Be a Head Coach

12:51 - Sankofa: Go Back and Fetch It

15:45 - Checking Your Ego in Coaching

22:15 - HBCU Experience and Impact

27:14 - Coaching as a Labor of Love

33:03 - Coaching's Life Lessons

37:10 - Managing Anxiety and Pressure

40:30 - Shyheim's Goals for the Season

41:33 - Final Thoughts from Shyheim

43:31 - Shyheim's Fundraiser Event

44:29 - Outro

What happens when you stop running the rat race and start chasing peace? In this episode of The Highlight Real, we’re chopping it up with Jelani Taylor—a Flint, Michigan native, artist, and creative —about his brand-new album "The Rat Race," his journey through music, and breaking free from the cycle of exhaustion. From reflecting on Nina Simone's timeless wisdom to unveiling the raw, soul-baring inspiration behind tracks like "Galaxy Lane," Jelani talks love, music, and life with refreshing honesty.

We also dive into his journey through the Ivy League grind at Cornell University, balancing dreams of the NFL with creative expression, and building a life alongside his fiancée - who also doubled as an executive producer on his new album! You’ll hear how their partnership fuels his artistry and why he’s fearless about blending love and ambition. Whether you’re on the fence about taking that next leap or just need some perspective on making life work for YOU, this episode’s got gems for days.

Press play for all things music, love, and the hustle to find balance in today’s world. Don’t miss out—this conversation might just change how you see your own race. Tune in!

Follow Us:

- The Highlight Real: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thehighlightreal__/⁠

- Jelani: https://www.instagram.com/je.lani2/

- Jhariah: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jhariahw/

#thehighlightreal #podcast #explore #jelanitaylor #theratrace

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro

00:51 - Jelani’s Album “The Rat Race”

01:50 - How Excited is Jelani for His Album ?

05:22 - What Are We Running Towards

09:51 - What is The Rat Race

15:05 - Why "Jelani"?

19:53 - College and Football

24:41 - Black Boy 2020

26:34 - Finding Purpose in Another Dream

27:58 - The Full Spectrum of Hip-Hop

32:15 - How I Make My Life Happen

34:24 - Making Soul Food

37:27 - Changes Between "Life’s a Bar" and "The Rat Race"

40:02 - The 27 Club

41:40 - Jelani’s Relationship with Tyshaia

48:00 - Penwood Productions

50:15 - What Do You Want People to Take Away from The Rat Race?

52:30 - Final Thoughts

Grammy Award-winning songwriter RNB June is back, and this convo is packed with gems! We’re chopping it up about his Grammy win, working with music legends like Chris Brown, and his creative evolution in the ever-changing music industry. From navigating collaboration vs. competition to his plans for a major rebrand, June shares it all—including how his upbringing shaped his humble yet unstoppable mindset. If you’re on the fence about pursuing your passions or want to gain some perspective on balancing success with staying grounded, this episode is for YOU!

Tune in to hear how June’s journey from rapping freestyles to crafting Grammy-winning tracks is inspiring a new wave of creativity. Whether you're a fan of R&B, pop, or just love a good story about growth and community building, you’ll definitely leave this episode feeling motivated to chase your dreams.

Follow Us:

- The Highlight Real: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thehighlightreal__/⁠

- June : https://www.instagram.com/rnbjune/

- Jhariah: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jhariahw/

#thehighlightreal #podcast #rnbjune #explore #grammywinner

CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro

01:00 - How Are You?

04:36 - Competition vs Collaboration

09:14 - Trouble Collaborating?

11:20 - Recognition and Its Impact

14:32 - Parents' Upbringing Influence

17:03 - Meaning of Community

18:54 - AI in Music Industry

24:35 - Current Inspirations

27:40 - Who Inspires You?

28:19 - Writing About New Topics

30:45 - Feeling of Being a Grammy Winner

34:05 - Grammy's Impact on Opportunities

36:04 - Possible Rebrand?

39:50 - What's Next for You?

41:40 - Personal Growth and Improvement

46:15 - June Gives Jhariah His Flowers

48:18 - Outro

49:04 - Thank You for Watching

Life in your 20s is a wild ride! In this episode, my special guest is Micahiah Davis of @sowmthinaboutour20s! We’re chopping it up about lessons learned, personal growth, and all the ups and downs that come with this transformative decade. From moving out of your parents’ house to balancing work, relationships, and creative wellness, we’re keeping it real about navigating adulthood. Plus, we’re diving into the podcasting grind, hosting events, and building community while staying true to yourself.

If you’re on the fence about where life is taking you or just need some perspective, this episode is for YOU! We’re talking mental health, career pivots, and the importance of celebrating small wins— you’ll definitely want to hear this.

Whether you’re figuring out how to juggle goals, reflecting on relationships, or just trying to stay grounded, this convo will leave you inspired. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to join the conversation.

Follow Us:

- The Highlight Real: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thehighlightreal__/⁠

- Somethin About Our 20s : https://www.instagram.com/somethinaboutour20s

- Micahiah: https://www.instagram.com/micahiah_

- Jhariah: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jhariahw/

#thehighlightreal #podcast #somethinaboutour20s #lifetalk

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro

01:04 - Catching up with Micahiah

02:20 - Mental Well-being Check

03:06 - Exploring New Perspectives

06:37 - Upcoming Events

09:54 - Lessons Learned Since Last Episode

12:55 - Embracing Slow Growth

16:48 - Personal Changes Over Time

18:45 - Impact of Work on Life

26:07 - Achieving Work-Life Balance

28:41 - Prioritizing Joy Over Work

29:58 - Scheduling Happiness

32:33 - Current Personal Goals

36:55 - Understanding Your Type

41:30 - Evolving Preferences in Relationships

42:05 - Perspectives on Marriage

46:13 - Additional Life Updates

54:02 - Catching Up with Jhariah

56:34 - Outro

Ever wondered how creators are flipping the script and redefining Black culture in comics? In this episode, we’re chopping it up with Trey Small and Brock Allen of Bigg41 to dive into their brilliant and captivating comic series, "The 513." From DreamCon highlights to the deep messages behind their art, they’re bringing Black masculinity, identity, and community to life in a very artistic way!Tune in to hear how these entrepreneurs are blending creative expression with real-world struggles, all while staying true to their roots. Whether you’re into anime, comics, or just repping where you’re from, this conversation is one you can relate to! We’re talking inspirations like "The Boondocks," challenges of navigating white spaces, and how they’re building a community through art. If you’ve ever been on the fence about supporting indie creators, this is your sign to do so. Gain some perspective and get inspired!Don’t miss this authentic convo, and connect with Trey, Brock, and the Bigg41 team for more dope content. Follow them at @bigg41.art on Instagram and check out their store at bigg41store.com for exclusive merch and comics!Follow Us:- The Highlight Real: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thehighlightreal__/⁠- Bigg41 : https://www.instagram.com/bigg41.art- Jhariah: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jhariahw/#thehighlightreal #podcast #comics #indiecomics CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro00:52 - Meet Bigg4104:12 - The 51310:21 - Contribution to Art12:43 - Audience for Your Art13:33 - Making Art Matter19:53 - Creative Journey Challenges22:49 - Team Behind the Book24:50 - Expanding the Team27:17 - Art Styles in the Book30:02 - Trusting Others in Branding33:20 - Childhood Influences34:51 - Artistic Inspirations39:40 - Star Wars: The Clone Wars Influence41:06 - Regular Show Impact41:48 - The Boondocks Significance42:51 - Static Shock Legacy44:28 - One Piece Influence46:25 - DreamCon Experience49:49 - Sales Skills Development52:29 - Final Thoughts53:55 - The Umbrella Concept55:27 - The Umbrella Pitch Deck59:40 - Balancing Black Experiences1:00:12 - Dream Con Overview1:03:05 - Outro1:03:23 - Where to Find Them

Alright y’all, let’s talk about the REAL deal behind Black Love and the truth they don’t want us to see! In this episode, we’re chopping it up about Black love, identity, and what it really means to build community in a world shaped by expectations, media stereotypes, and societal pressures. We dive into the beauty, challenges, and history of Black Love, exploring how it’s been influenced by community, culture, and even those subtle expectations we place on ourselves.

Whether you’re curious about navigating relationships, finding home away from home, or balancing mental health and personal growth, this conversation with an inspiring guest who’s walked the walk will hit home. From hosting Thanksgiving dinners that brought strangers together to earning a PhD while building creative communities, Dr. Nigel Marcellus Taylor shares gems on embracing authenticity, healing, and showing up for yourself as well as for others.

If you’ve ever felt “on the fence” about what love means or how to create it in your life, tune in to gain some perspective. This is more than just a podcast—it’s an invitation to reflect, grow, and build stronger, more intentional relationships.

So, what are you waiting for? Hit play, join the convo, and let’s celebrate the power of Black Love and community together! Let us know your thoughts in the comments—your voice matters here, too! 

Follow Us:

- The Highlight Real: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thehighlightreal__/⁠

- Nigel : https://www.instagram.com/nigelmarcellus/

- Jhariah: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jhariahw/⁠

#thehighlightreal #blacklove #community #nigelmarcellus #podcast 

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro

00:42 - How Are You? 

02:33 - Journey to the UK

04:42 - Our Meeting Story

07:06 - Thanksgiving Dinner Memories

11:59 - Creating a Home Away from Home

14:35 - Motivations for Helping Others

16:27 - Healing Through Helping

17:43 - The Art of Receiving Love

18:39 - Embracing Compliments

23:14 - The Comparison Trap

26:38 - Seeking Validation

28:33 - Men's Experience with Validation

30:18 - Understanding Emotional Awareness

34:58 - Identifying Your Needs

40:33 - Childhood Needs and Growth

44:00 - Feeling Misunderstood

46:08 - The Search for Acceptance

47:25 - Acceptance in Various Environments

48:37 - Self-Perception vs. External Perception

51:37 - Chaos and Joy Disruption

54:34 - Worthiness of Love

57:24 - Barriers to Accepting Love

58:56 - Overcoming Negative Thoughts

01:01:20 - Building Internal Strength

01:06:10 - Recognizing Potential Problems

01:11:13 - Insights on Black Love

01:15:44 - Are you a simp?

01:22:38 - Understanding Parental Dynamics

01:30:45 - Inconsistencies in Life

01:32:49 - Podcast Updates

01:34:25 - Pursuing Goals with Safety Nets

01:38:34 - Fear of Visibility

01:40:55 - Support from Others

01:43:18 - What Makes This Show Unique

01:46:59 - Final Thoughts

01:47:40 - OUTRO

EIGHTY episodes! Crazy right? For this 80th episode, you're definitely in for something a little different. This episode was shot at an AIRPORT in the middle of the NIGHT because we got STUCK! So this is The Airport & DreamCon Episode!

My cousin and I share our thoughts on DreamCon 2025, and detail what our experiences were like. We talk about anime culture, black culture, and all of the things we were able to learn about spaces like DreamCon as well as the community that comes along with it.

I figured it would be interesting to capture a unique experience in a very different (podcast) environment. So we gave it a try and this is how it turned out. Tune in!

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with a friend!

Follow Us:

- The Highlight Real: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thehighlightreal__/⁠

- Miyal : https://www.instagram.com/midmacvisuals/

- Jhariah: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jhariahw/⁠

#thehighlightreal #dreamcon #podcast #cincinnati #houston #anime #gaming #blackculture

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro

01:55 - DreamCon 2021 Experience

09:33 - Shoutout to Ohio

11:38 - DreamCon Highlights and Insights

16:40 - Unmatched Energy at DreamCon

18:34 - Meeting Friends at DreamCon

19:40 - DreamCon 2021 Recap

20:30 - Final Thoughts on DreamCon

22:35 - Outro

What's good y'all! We're back to The Highlight Real! Life’s been a whirlwind to say the least! I’m chopping it up about why I had to take some time off, how I bounced back, and what’s been going on behind the scenes. From getting a new apartment, leveling up in my personal journey - and so much in between - this episode is packed with real talk and lessons learned. Whether you’re thinking about taking a break for yourself or need to gain some perspective about bouncing back, trust me—this one’s for you. Tune in as I share my thoughts on self-development, podcasting, and building community while navigating life’s ups and downs. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with a friend who needs to hear it. More growth and more stories coming your way soon! In the meantime, tune in! Follow Us:- The Highlight Real: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thehighlightreal__/⁠- Jhariah: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jhariahw/⁠#thehighlightreal #selfimprovement #podcast #cincinnati #mentalhealth CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro00:38 - New Developments in My Life03:28 - Car Accident Experience11:38 - Why I Took A Break from the podcast14:35 - My Plans for a Comeback16:54 - Outro and Future Updates

In this episode of The Highlight Real, I chop it up with Dono (@justdono_), a rising star from Cincinnati who's ready to take the music industry by storm! In this raw and honest conversation, we dive into her incredible journey from walking off stage in middle school to becoming a confident artist ready to compete with the best.

In this episode of The Highlight Real, we're chopping it up with my friend Yanni! She is the creator of the streetwear brand Wise Label and is also a cohost of Growing Painz Podcast! She is a powerful example of what can happen in your life when you move on faith. Yanni's inspiring journey from Maryland to Atlanta is the perfect example of faith over fear. Of course, we will talk about faith, fear, and everything in between! If you're into content creation, entrepreneurship, or need some motivation, this is YOUR episode! Join us as we dive into podcasting, community building, and how trusting the process can lead to amazing opportunities. Yanni also drops plenty of gems in this episode! Tune in!

Follow Us:

- The Highlight Real: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thehighlightreal__/⁠

- Wise Label: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wiselabel/

- Jhariah: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jhariahw/⁠

- Yanni: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/yannibratcher/⁠

#thehighlightrreal #podcast #wiselabel #yannibratcher #contentcreation

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Yanni’s Comfort Zone

00:22 - Intro

00:58 - Moving to Atlanta

06:38 - Yanni's Upbringing

11:05 - Maintaining Consistency

15:01 - Balancing Authenticity and People-Pleasing

17:07 - Interesting Experiences on Social Media

23:10 - Wearing WiseLabel Daily

24:20 - Launching WiseLabel

29:38 - Vulnerability in Faith

32:06 - Speaking Openly About Faith

39:40 - Godly Aspects of My Work

41:15 - Meaning of "Gifts Without Repentance"

44:30 - Discovering Your Gift

47:50 - Transformation Through Evangelizing

50:29 - Personal Convictions

56:40 - Final Thoughts

58:10 - Advice for Business Owners

58:30 - Condemnation vs. Conviction

59:50 - Closing Thoughts