The Interludes Podcast: Entrepreneurs and DJ Culture

Coach Tony Thompson welcomes former basketball sports consultant and author Merl Code to Talk on Tuesdays for a candid conversation about his book, Black Market: An Insider’s Journey into the High-Stakes World of College Basketball.

From recruitment pressures to the money flows shaping modern programs, Merl pulls back the curtain on the machinery behind elite college hoops—and what it means for athletes, coaches, and the future of the game.

🎧 An essential listen for fans, athletes, and anyone curious about how college basketball really works behind the scenes.

Val “The Voice” Johnson explores the intersection of business technology and service-driven strategy with Azaniah Israel, visionary tech entrepreneur and founder of Sirach Consulting.

In this insightful episode, Val and Azaniah discuss his entrepreneurial journey, uncover the guiding principles behind sustainable business growth, and reveal how storytelling and film have inspired his innovative approach to technology.

🎧 Tune in for a blend of captivating insights, practical wisdom, and creative inspiration designed to help you elevate your own business pursuits.

The Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start to summer season.  Are we ready?  May is Mental Health Awareness month and our team is discussing some of the best ways to enjoy the start of the summer season in and outdoors.

Val “The Voice” Johnson dives into Hollywood’s latest trend of revisiting beloved classics and long-running franchises. From Disney’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid to the modern reimagining of White Men Can’t Jump and the adrenaline-fueled continuation of Fast & Furious X, Val explores what’s driving this wave of nostalgia in today’s entertainment industry.

🎧 Tune in for an entertaining discussion on creativity, legacy, and whether Hollywood’s new spin on old favorites truly hits the mark—or misses the magic.

Val “The Voice” Johnson sits down with veteran actress Paulette McDaniels for an insightful conversation about the state of Hollywood amid the Writers Guild of America strike and her experiences working alongside some of the most talented actors of our generation.

With decades of experience in film, television, and theater, Paulette offers a behind-the-scenes look at the industry’s creative heartbeat — discussing how collaboration, perseverance, and advocacy continue to shape the entertainment world.

🎧 Tune in for an honest, inspiring dialogue that highlights the importance of storytelling, solidarity, and standing up for creative voices.

Should we judge a book by its cover? In this thought-provoking episode, Val “The Voice” Johnson explores the art and strategy behind great book design with Natalie Stokes-Peters, veteran designer and founder of On Point Book Design, who brings over 20 years of industry experience to the conversation.

The episode begins with Mr. Wamble and Val’s review of the Netflix documentary “The Light We Carry” featuring Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey, sparking an inspiring reflection on storytelling, branding, and presentation. From there, the discussion turns to the creative and psychological impact of book covers—how they shape readers’ first impressions and drive success in publishing.

🎧 Tune in for an engaging mix of pop culture commentary and professional insight that reminds us why, in publishing and beyond, #AllBookCoversMatter.

Val “The Voice” Johnson and Executive Producer Michael Wamble dive into a powerful discussion of Allen Hughes’ acclaimed documentary series Dear Mama — an intimate exploration of the life, art, and activism of Tupac Shakur and his mother, Afeni Shakur.

Together, Val and Michael unpack Tupac’s evolution from a brilliant lyricist and performer to a fearless social commentator, tracing how his mother’s strength, activism, and revolutionary spirit helped shape his voice. They also reflect on how music became Tupac’s weapon for truth — a tool for challenging injustice and inspiring generations to come.

🎧 Tune in for a compelling conversation about legacy, love, and the unbreakable bond between mother and son — a story that continues to echo through culture, art, and activism.

Join Val “The Voice” Johnson and Michael Wamble for an exciting deep dive into the hit Chicago-based independent series, Seasoned, streaming now on Tubi.

In this engaging conversation, they sit down with Aretha “Ms. Respect” Tatum, the show’s talented director and showrunner, and Tracy Kincaide, singer, songwriter, and actress starring in the series alongside Taroniah Rice and Natasha L. Hudgins. With over 500,000 streams, Seasoned has captivated audiences with its authenticity, faith-driven storytelling, and powerful message about life, love, and second chances.

🎧 Tune in as Tatum and Kincaide share behind-the-scenes stories about the making of the series, the creative challenges they overcame, and how independent television continues to make space for powerful, purpose-filled narratives.

Val “The Voice” Johnson sits down with Monique Lisa Johnson, a Bronx native, award-winning playwright, and writing coach whose passion for storytelling began at the age of seven. From her early love of theater to her acclaimed stage productions, Monique has spent her life bringing powerful stories to life and empowering others to find their voice through writing.

In this inspiring conversation, Monique shares her creative journey, insights into the world of theater production, and how she guides aspiring writers to turn their ideas into impactful works of art.

🎧 Tune in for an uplifting exploration of creativity, purpose, and the power of words to transform lives.

Holy Week is upon us — a sacred time when Christians around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In this special Easter edition of The Interludes Podcast, Val “The Voice” Johnson welcomes friend of the show and urban apologist Phil Fox for an enlightening conversation about faith, tradition, and the heart of the Easter message.

Together, they explore the origins of Easter traditions, how faith communities celebrate around the world, and what it truly means to acknowledge and honor the resurrection beyond the surface symbols of the season.

🎧 Tune in for a thoughtful reflection on renewal, redemption, and rejoicing in the true reason for Easter.