The Junk and Jam Hour

Award Winning Filmmaker, Producer, Entrepreneur and Founder and Creative Director of the Black-Owned, Operated – Film, Video and Theater Production Organization 5 Shorts Project, Shameka Sawyer joins the Junk and Jam Hour and shares her incredible journey into filmmaking, which was sparked by the heartbreaking loss of her eldest brother; her dedication to helping other screenwriters and playwrights realize their own filmmaking aspirations; and her inspiring work of offering education in the craft of video production to young, talented, teenage black girls from Philadelphia - as Founder of Being Me: Careers Behind the Camera.

Shameka talks about being raised in a home full of professional musicians - and along with her eldest brother Wendell - discovering her own appreciation for music and exploring their love of cinema together, until his passing forced her to forge a path of her own. With the motivation of his enduring support, she began to reach out to other aspiring filmmakers, and the comradery she found not just filled an empty part of her life, but it propelled her to establishing the 5 Shorts Project - where as Creative Director - she assists others with creating short films of their own, from development to distribution.

While Shameka has since enjoyed incredible success with the 5 Shorts Project - producing over 30 shorts and 5 stage plays, and earning multiple awards, film-festivals placements, write-ups and features - she also opens up about facing another tragedy in her life, the murder of her youngest brother, Musician and Hip-Hop Artist Allen. In his memory, and with the support of their mother, Shameka set out to produce a documentary in honor of him, entitled Sometimes I Cry in June, a raw look at his life, legacy and the trauma of gun violence - which went on to receive the Indie Eye Film Award for Best Documentary Short…

As an advocate for Media Education, Shameka also tells us all about her important and exciting work as Founder of Being Me: Careers Behind the Camera - a completely free, hands-on workshop series for high school girls to learn how to operate video production equipment, and teach them all aspects of video production, culminating in short films of their own.

For more about Shameka and 5 Shorts Project, visit https://5shorts.org/

Also visit https://RadioFreeBrooklyn.com/ and https://www.JunkandJam.com/

Background Music by https://FreeBeats.io/

Real Estate Professional, Entrepreneur, Women's Development Coach, Founder of Career Chameleon and Author of Calling All Queens, Blair J. Robinson calls in to the Junk and Jam Hour to discuss her journey in Real Estate, her fun venture into the air as a Flight Attendant, and what inspired her to dedicate her time, love and energy to guiding other women in their successful careers, life and relationship with God.

While finding success in the operations and corporate sector of real estate, Blair found herself being approached by co-workers, friends and private clients seeking her valuable insight, and started offering her own brand of career and spiritual advice. This led the founding of Career Chameleon – a platform she used to positively lead other women in their faith, life and career - and after also finding herself as the leader of her prayer team at church, she was sparked with inspiration to her latest project, Calling All Queens.

The Calling All Queens Workbook and Workshop is a spiritual deep dive and self development program based on the book of Esther (Bible) that helps women prepare for the Esther anointing so that they can walk into their next step with confidence, favor, and most importantly - a deeper relationship with God.

 Also on topic, we talk about the impact and responsibility of having influence, and the microaggressions that women - specifically black women - are often challenged with on their journey to success.

For more information about Blair and Calling All Queens, please visit https://www.BlairJRobinson.com/

Also visit https://RadioFreeBrooklyn.com/ and https://www.JunkandJam.com/

Background Music by https://FreeBeats.io/

Performing Artist, Singer, Actress, Teaching Artist, and Activist, Denielle Marie Gray Zooms in to the Junk and Jam Hour to tell us all about her illustrious journey in performance and faith - as much like Aretha Franklin - she was raised by a Reverend Father, and naturally, the Church heavily influenced her voice, and informed her choices in music and projects.

On Topic: Denielle shares her marvelous experiences of having the honor of performing and touring with Gospel heavyweights Kirk Franklin, CeCe Winans, and icon Karen Clark Sheard; she talks about her edification in the arts, including her big move from Brooklyn to California to earn her double BFA's in Theater-Acting and Music-Vocal Performance; and she graciously opens up about what it was like to portray Emmett Till's mother, Mamie Till in the Off Broadway production of “Till: The Musical” - and how that traumatic story in black history affected her spiritually, mentally and performatively, and we also listen to her divine performance of 'Cherish the Child'.

As an artist who showcases her activism through education that uplifts and inspires change, Denielle founded Healing Expressions Through Art -- her organization that fosters the creativity and skill set of young, passionate artists, and provides high-caliber access to elite training in performance based fields.

We also shout out Author, Writer, Producer and Director Shauntay Dunbar, who Denielle so lovingly portrays in the biographical upcoming short film, 'Diving in Stilettos First.'

For more about Denielle, visit www.deniellemariegray.com/

Also visit www.RadioFreeBrooklyn.org and www.JunkandJam.com

Music Provided by www.FreeBeats.io

Musician, Singer, Songwriter, Pop-Culture Enthusiast and Woman-Preneur, Jules Brave calls in to the Junk and Jam Hour and opens up about her prevailing musicianship and impressive musical training, the insecurities she has had to battle to finally make it into the studio, and the making of her exquisite new music.

On topic is her early music education in vocalization and piano that provided the foundation for discipline and technique; her love and ear for pop music, and fascination with one day becoming a Disney channel star; the discovery of her insane ability of perfect pitch; and the journey to becoming the artist she is today, under the direction of Artist Developer Vera Tisheff, Vocal Coach and Mentor Natalie Weiss, and the words of encouragement from Grammy-Award winning Pop Star, Meghan Trainor.

We also listen to her dazzling Pop/R&B debut single, “If You Ever Left Me”, which forewarns her lover of the regrettable possibilities if they should ever make the hypothetical, yet foolish mistake of leaving her behind.

Lastly, we touch upon the importance of recognizing the immeasurable influence that black artists have had on not just her music, but pop music overall, and the double-standard that the music business unfairly uses to judge heavier female artists, in comparison to their larger, male counterparts.

For More Information about Jules Brave visit www.ImJulesBrave.com

Also visit www.RadioFreeBrooklyn.com and www.JunkandJam.com

Background Music for this special broadcast courtesy of Jules Brave: 'If You Ever Left Me' Piano Instrumental.

Lyricist, Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Wordsmith, Pop Rock and Hip-Hop Artist - Cxrter - calls in to the Junk and Jam Hour to talk all about his incredible journey in music, and how he now uses his music to not only share his true account of how he is overcoming his alcohol abuse disorder, but to inspire and help others through their struggles.

On Topic: Cxrter shares his earliest ventures in music, where he honed his vocal and performance skills in a myriad of masterclasses, intensives, and workshops – including Broadway Artists Alliance; landing the leading role of Usnavi in an independent production of Lin Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights - where he was able to combine his beautiful voice with his most impassioned skillset as an emcee and rapper; his life-changing encounters with the Rapper, Composer and Playwright himself - Lin Manuel - and the words of advice and encouragement he generously shared with him.

Most excitingly, we jam out to and discuss his latest single 'Confessions', featuring Camila, with exceptionally revealing lyrics and rhymes that allows listeners access to his past battles with alcohol, while the single 'Dead Love' - also from his forthcoming EP 'Polaroid' - touches on the ramifications alcohol abuse can have on a relationship.

Also on topic we delve into the meaning of what it is to be an authentic artist in the genre of hip-hop – and how he contends with those who may be to quick to dismiss him as just another culture vulture, instead of the dedicated artist he is, who actually respects the craft and history of rap.

While his main goal with this release is to make others feel less alone in this world - we also chat a little about his important past work with children, helping to inspire an entire generation of young artists as part of the Performers Playground Camp.

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For more information about Cxrter visit https://Cartern7.Wixsite.com/Music

Also visit www.RadioFreeBrooklyn.com and www.JunkandJam.com

Background music provided by www.Purple-Planet.com and www.FreeBreats.io

Bakers, Small Business Owners, Kid-Preneurs and Founders of Cookies Do Matter – 14-year old Arianah and 18-year old T’yonna, call in to the Junk and Jam Hour to talk about their journey in starting their own business of baking their delicious, naturally made cookies - of which they always use real foods, organic ingredients, real extracts, and real technique!

In just 4 years since inception, their cache’ of wholesome cookies now includes over 70 flavors and assortments, and their cookie cookbook include some of the most original combinations, such as: Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip; Chocolate Chip Strawberry Cashew; Cashew Butter; Lemon Nutmeg with Coconut Flakes; Brown Butter Shortbread; as well as Banana Pudding Cookie Sandwiches.

On Topic: They gladly share their process of baking and the specific tools and technique necessary in order to craft their perfect cookies; the inspiration behind some of their latest confection creations, like the Joe-Anna Coffee Chocolate Chip Cookie, made with 100% Arabica Bean; their survival of a subway attack in 2017, ultimately forgiving their assailants - and walking away with a mentorship from Harlem's own, family and Black-owned, Make My Cake Bakery.

Their LOVE is baking. Their PASSION is kindness. These aren’t just any cookies - they are Cookies Do Matter cookies...and if you taste them, you will love them!!

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For more information about Cookies Do Matter, visit https://cookies-do-matter.weeblysite.com/

Also visit www.RadioFreeBrooklyn.com and www.JunkandJam.com

Background Music Provided by www.Purple-Planet.com and www.FreeBeats.io

Writer & Author of Diving in Stilettos First: Memoirs of Dating Mr. Right Now, as well as Tales of the Single Relationship Expert, Producer and Host - Shauntay Dunbar - call in to The Junk and Jam Hour to gab all about her new endeavors and ventures, including her upcoming short film of the same name, Diving In Stilettos First.

As always, Shauntay is committed to celebrating and empowering other women, and her suite of literature and media continues to remind women of the importance of self-love - whether single or in a relationship. She gives us the lowdown about who her clients are, and her various approaches to assessing their needs and expectations, and how she guides them along their relationship journeys.

We talk all about the third season of HerView Podcast, her online advice segments Dating Tip Tuesday and Ask Shaunie featuring Chef Rashaun, as well as her Co-Hosting gig on the Undadog Podcast with Grizz Chapman of the Emmy Award Winning NBC Comedy Series 30 Rock.

On Topic - we also discuss her collaboration, support and inclusion of other black women and men in her projects, and how this past year has emboldened her to lean in and own her blackness and #blackgirlmagic even more. She also shares the beautifully inspiring guidance she has personally received from both Sherri Shepherd and Tina Fey.

For more about Shauntay, visit www.DivingInStilettosFirst.com

Also visit, www.RadioFreeBrooklyn.com and www.JunkandJam.com

Background Music by www.Purple-Planet.com and www.FreeBeats.io

Musicians and Multidisciplinary Artists - Songwriter and Vocalist Eleonore Addams and Guitarist and Bassist Max Walter - together are the French Indie Duo Band known as Velvet Sunset, and they call in to The Junk and Jam Hour to discuss their lifelong love of music, and the beautiful collection of songs they produce together.

On topic is their early musical inspirations, the evolution of their own music and sound, the challenges of self-doubt and importance of self-love, their charitable work in which they use their visual art to raise funds for important causes like The Children's Hospital of Chicago, and the power of the law of attraction.

We also listen to - and discuss - their gentle and vibrant music, including the poetic 'Down the River', and grunge-fueled 'Cherry Bomb' -- and close with electric 'Remember Me'.

For more music by Velvet Sunset, visit Spotify and SoundCloud @velvetsunset

Also visit www.radiofreebrooklyn.com and www.junkandjam.com

Background music provided Purple-Planet.com and Freebeats.io

On this Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Special, Award -Winning Writer, Screenwriter, Executive Producer, Director, Filmmaker and CEO & Founder of PL Entertainment, Danielle Earle calls in to The Junk and Jam Hour to talk about her marvelous transition from aspiring animator to esteemed filmmaker, entrepreneur and architect of her very own, black-owned production and film company.

We discuss some of her filmmaking and directing accolades, including the worldwide success of the documentary series, 'On The Scene', the award-winning web series and drama 'Brooklyn Is In Love', and Best Director nominated film 'Lovers Game' - as well as being honored with her membership in the Writers Guild of America East.

Also on topic is her love for sharing knowledge, particularly as a Digital Media and Filmmaking Educator for High School students, her exciting, upcoming Romantic-Drama film, The Haunted Mind of an Insomniac', and we also talk about the legacy of the courageous woman who made Martin Luther King Jr. Day possible - the resilient - Coretta Scott King.

For More About Danielle Earle and her FIlms, Visit https://www.plentertainment.com

Also Visit https://radiofreebrooklyn.com/ and https://www.junkandjam.com/

Intro Music Provided by https://www.purple-planet.com/

Background Music Provided by https://freebeats.io/

Haitian-American, Award-winning Actor, Writer, Educator and Activist AnJu Hyppolite calls into the Junk and Jam Hour to talk about her illustrious journey as a theater performer, whose talents and goals are rooted in the causes of literacy advocacy, and social equity.

Originally from Brooklyn, NYC, she cultivated her talents in dance performance and piano since childhood, and ultimately chose a path that would lead her West - where she grew her acting legs in theatrical productions in California - including The Hillbarn Theater's production of The Color Purple and To Kill a Mockingbird, of which she was the recipient of Best Supporting Actress in an Adult Drama at the 31st Annual Arty Awards. She also participated in an opportunity to study in part-time courses at San Francisco’s American Conservatory Theater

While continuing to build her legacy back East, taking roles in productions such as The Day Harlem Saved Dr. King, AnJu is also a gifted writer, with a short piece in the Amazon Best Selling, Beautiful Women, Volume 3, and as playwright – she has recently produced her own short play, entitled, Joumou - a story about family and the healing power of food – specifically one that celebrates Haitian freedom.

As an Educator and Activist – she is a dedicated advocate within the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion movements, and is even spreading her Black Girl Magic in a new venture, of coding!

For More Info about AnJu Hyppolite, visit IG and FB @anjuhyppolite

Also Visit https://radiofreebrooklyn.com/ and https://www.junkandjam.com/

Music Provided by www.Purple-Planet.com and www.FreeBeats.io