The Interludes Podcast: Entrepreneurs and DJ Culture

Today’s music scene can be hard to decipher — and when our parents couldn’t relate, it just sounded like noise. 🎶 But not all modern music blends into the background. This week, the Interludes team turns up the volume with their very own Val and Michael Awards (aka the VMAs), honoring three standout artists who rise above the noise and define the sound of now.

Join Val “The Voice” Johnson and Michael Wamble as they celebrate the artistry and impact of Nigerian-born sensation Tems, pop powerhouse Lizzo, and hip-hop hitmaker Jack Harlow — three unique voices shaping the future of music across genres and generations.

🎧 Tune in for laughter, insight, and some seriously good music talk — because these are the artists to watch.

While names like Jackie Robinson and Tiger Woods are iconic in sports history, the broader story of African Americans in golf remains largely untold. This week, Interludes takes a thoughtful walk through golf’s past and present to explore the sport’s deep cultural roots and growing influence within the Black community.

Val “The Voice” Johnson welcomes Jim Beatty, Executive Editor of African American Golf Digest, for a powerful conversation on representation, opportunity, and the billion-dollar golf industry. Together, they discuss how Black golfers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs are shaping the future of the game — on and off the green.

🎧 Tune in for a fascinating exploration of heritage, innovation, and the drive to make golf more inclusive for the next generation.

When it comes to film, the name Tyler is becoming synonymous with movie magic. But this week, we’re not talking about that Tyler.

Val “The Voice” Johnson sits down with Andrew Tyler — filmmaker, storyteller, and founder of the Wheaton Film Festival — to explore his creative journey and his mission to bring independent film to new audiences. From script to screen, Andrew shares how passion, purpose, and persistence fuel his work as a writer, director, and community builder.

🎧 Tune in for an inspiring look at what it takes to launch a festival, champion local filmmakers, and keep storytelling alive in every frame.

From Scorsese and De Niro to Jordan Peele and Daniel Kaluuya, Hollywood has long been shaped by creative partnerships that bring unforgettable stories to life.

This week, Val “The Voice” Johnson and the Interludes team step into the director’s chair to explore the powerful chemistry between actors and directors — the kind of collaboration that defines a generation of storytelling. From the haunting brilliance of Get Out and Nope to the cultural triumph of Black Panther, this episode dives deep into how these creative duos push boundaries, challenge perspectives, and craft cinematic magic.

🎧 Tune in for a thoughtful and entertaining discussion that celebrates the art of collaboration in film — where vision meets performance.

Summer in Chicago is heating up! ☀️ From the iconic Lollapalooza Music Festival to neighborhood block parties and lakefront concerts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season.

Join Val “The Voice” Johnson and comedian Michael Wamble as they serve up a taste of Chicago’s biggest and best summer events — from R&B queen Erykah Badu and hip-hop hero J. Cole to the legendary Diana Ross gracing the stage. Whether you’re going all-in on big-ticket festivals or discovering hidden gems around the city, Val and Mr. Wamble are your perfect summer guides.

🎧 Tune in for music, laughter, and festival fever — Chicago style.

Get ready for laughter and live energy as Val “The Voice” Johnson and Executive Producer Michael Wamble prepare to debut their comedic talents before a live audience at Riddles Comedy Club this weekend! 🎤😂

Joining them is comedian, author, and founder of IYH Innertainment, Jori O’Neale, who shares valuable insights on the art of live comedy — from timing and confidence to connecting with an audience. Whether you’re a performer or a fan, this episode offers a fun behind-the-scenes look at what really goes into bringing humor to the stage.

🎧 Tune in for laughs, lessons, and a sneak peek at the comedy show you won’t want to miss!

Interludes kicks off its fifth season with an inspiring Women in Business Spotlight featuring Deloris Williams, founder and owner of Divine Connections.

Join Val “The Voice” Johnson as she sits down with Williams to discuss her journey of faith, determination, and purpose — and how she built a thriving media platform dedicated to uplifting and connecting others. Through her vision and passion, Deloris continues to create opportunities that shine a light on entrepreneurs, ministries, and community leaders making a difference.

🎧 Tune in for a motivating conversation that celebrates women in business, faith-based leadership, and the power of connection

It’s a celebration!

Interludes marks an incredible milestone — 100 episodes and the kickoff to Season 5!

Join Val “The Voice” Johnson and her guest co-host and childhood friend Princess Hoy as they take a joyful look back at the moments, memories, and meaningful interviews that have defined Interludes. The duo also revisit their fun-filled adventures from the 2021 Chicago Auto Show, sharing laughs, behind-the-scenes stories, and reflections on how far the show has come.

🎧 Tune in for a heartfelt celebration of friendship, creativity, and community — and a toast to the next 100 episodes!

When it comes to music, there’s a difference between famous and Blackfamous — and that difference is the Sound of Blackness.

In this powerful and reflective episode, Val “The Voice” Johnson explores what truly defines that sound — not by skin color, but by the soul, spirit, and story an artist brings to their music. From gospel roots to R&B grooves, from the pain of the past to the joy of resilience, this sound captures the emotional landscape of a people who have turned struggle into song and survival into celebration.

Through reflections on history — from Black Wall Street to Juneteenth — Val and the Interludes team honor the artists and communities that continue to transform “joy and pain” into something beautifully human and deeply spiritual.

🎧 Tune in for a moving exploration of sound, soul, and cultural legacy — the heartbeat that connects generations.

As triple-threat star Ariana DeBose once quipped, when it comes to Broadway, “The Great White Way should be a nickname — not ‘how to’ instructions.” And she’s absolutely right.

From The Wiz to MJ: The Musical, the influence of Black and Brown artists on Broadway over the past 50 years has reshaped the sound, style, and soul of musical theater — adding rhythm, power, and authenticity to stages once closed off to their voices.

Join Val “The Voice” Johnson and the Interludes team as they explore how this “Black Sway” transformed the Great White Way — honoring the trailblazers, innovators, and stars whose creativity continues to light up Broadway and inspire the next generation of performers.

🎧 Tune in for a celebration of artistry, inclusion, and the vibrant rhythms that make Broadway move.