The Interludes Podcast: Entrepreneurs and DJ Culture

As the fall season arrives, classrooms across the country are once again filled with the energy of students returning in person.

In this episode of Interludes, host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson and Executive Producer Michael Wamble talk with Dr. Shawn Brown — educational consultant, podcaster, and Brooklyn-based principal — about the preparation, leadership, and heart required to welcome students back after such a transformative time in education.

A timely conversation about resilience, readiness, and the powerful role of educators in shaping a new beginning for schools nationwide.

Many gifted actors eventually find their way behind the camera, transforming their storytelling from performance to direction.

In this episode of Interludes, host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson and Executive Producer Michael Wamble continue their conversation with actress and director Bernadette Speakes as she shares insights from her creative transition into filmmaking. Bernadette offers encouragement and perspective on pursuing bold new projects — including the team’s own future feature film endeavor.

The episode also features a thoughtful review of “Respect,” the Aretha Franklin biopic starring Jennifer Hudson, celebrating artistry, legacy, and the power of reinvention.

The struggle is real — but so is faith.

In this revealing episode of Interludes, host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson and Executive Producer Michael Wamble speak with singer, songwriter, and first-time author Melika Miller about her deeply personal book, “40 Years A Virgin: Why the Wait.”

Melika opens up about her walk with God, her creative journey, and how she’s learned to honor her faith without compromise. It’s an inspiring conversation about purpose, patience, and the courage to live your truth — even when the world doesn’t understand it.

You may know her today as Ruth Scott from the hit CW series All American, but actress and director Bernadette Speakes first captured hearts as Sheila Downes in the 1997 cult classic love jones.

In this first of a two-part Interludes conversation, host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson sits down with Bernadette to reflect on her early days in film, the lessons learned along the way, and how her creative journey continues to evolve both in front of and behind the camera.

A rich dialogue about artistry, growth, and the power of storytelling that stands the test of time.

Filmmaking dreams move from vision to possibility in this special edition of Interludes.

Host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson and Executive Producer Michael Wamble share their aspirations and early steps toward producing an Interludes feature film. Together, they discuss the creative process, collaboration, and the determination it takes to turn an idea into motion picture reality.

A behind-the-scenes look at how passion becomes purpose — and how every great story begins with a single frame.

The mark of a great coach goes beyond strategy — it’s built on love, respect, and a lifelong dedication to the game.

In this episode of Interludes, host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson sits down with Tony Thompson, women’s basketball coach and mentor in the Women’s National Developmental League (WNDL), which operates alongside the WNBA. Thompson opens up about his coaching philosophy, his approach to developing players on and off the court, and his own beginnings as an NCAA athlete.

A thoughtful conversation on leadership, mentorship, and the lessons that basketball continues to teach long after the final buzzer.

A diagnosis can reroute a life in an instant. In this episode of Interludes, host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson sits down with breast cancer survivor and podcast host Frances Hammond to explore how an “unexpected detour” became a journey of resilience, faith, and purposeful positivity.

Frances shares candid reflections on treatment, recovery, and the daily practices that strengthened her mindset—along with how storytelling helps others navigate fear, find hope, and reclaim their power.

What does “space” really mean — and how do we navigate its boundaries?

In this reflective episode of Interludes, host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson and Executive Producer Michael Wamble unpack the many dimensions of space: the personal space we protect, the digital space we share through social media, and the vast outer space that continues to spark human curiosity.

A thoughtful exploration of connection, boundaries, and the shifting lines between intimacy, technology, and the unknown.

It started as a spark — a space for stories, voices, and connection. One year later, Interludes has become a platform for reflection, inspiration, and discovery.

In this anniversary episode, host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson and Executive Producer Michael Wamble celebrate the first year of Interludes by revisiting why the podcast began, what it’s become, and the standout moments that resonated most with listeners.

A heartfelt look back at the journey so far — and a glimpse at what’s still to come.

Parenting through a pandemic has tested patience, creativity, and love — and for some, it’s revealed what family truly means.

In this inspiring episode of Interludes, host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson speaks with Dr. Kwame Foucher, family physician and author of The Awesome Dad Playbook, about the lessons learned from parenting under pressure and the keys to raising resilient, joyful children.

The episode also features podcaster Parrish “P-Dubb” Williams, who pays tribute to timeless R&B artists, and a continuation of the VALARead segment with the empowering book Live Free.

A lively mix of family, music, and motivation — reminding us that strength and soul often come from the same place: home.