The Kalaj Dame Podcast

KiKi Jones, Pittsburgh's first Black woman radio program director, shares her journey through WAMO 107.3, breaking barriers in broadcasting, the music industry, entrepreneurship, financial success, and community responsibility.

In this episode of The Kalaj Dame Podcast, KiKi reflects on growing up in Pittsburgh as the daughter of radio personality Sly Jock, finding her way into broadcasting, and building a career that eventually led to her historic leadership position. She discusses mentorship, professional relationships, being overlooked for opportunities, and navigating expectations as a Black woman in radio.

KiKi and Kalaj explore the business behind radio, including WAMO's history, station frequencies, music programming, record labels, and why independent artists struggle to receive airplay. The conversation also examines the station's relationship with Pittsburgh's Black community and the challenges of balancing business decisions with listener expectations.

Beyond radio, the discussion covers entrepreneurship, financial stability, homeownership, supporting Black-owned businesses, work-life balance, and the responsibilities that come with success. KiKi shares her perspectives on personal ambition, professional reputation, community accountability, and defining success beyond a job title.

The Kalaj Dame Podcast helps to bridge cultures, business, intellect, and everyday life through long-form conversations with people who’ve experienced their own forms of success.

Built around perspective-driven conversations, the podcast connects cultural, economic, creative, and professional experiences through shared stories, lived experiences, and authentic dialogue. Every play cousin has something valuable to teach, and every conversation has the potential to expand how we see ourselves and the world around us.

What part of the conversation connected with you most?

In this episode, we discuss:

KiKi Jones's journey to becoming Pittsburgh's first Black woman radio program director

Growing up with Sly Jock and building a career at WAMO

Women in broadcasting, mentorship, and career advancement

Radio programming, record labels, and independent artists

WAMO's history and relationship with the community

Entrepreneurship, financial stability, and homeownership

Supporting Black-owned businesses and community responsibility

Professional reputation, work-life balance, and defining success

Support the Movement:

Website:

https://thekalajdamepodcast.com

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https://x.com/kalajdamepod

LinkedIn:

https://linkedin.com/in/kalajdamepodcast

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/1mmRHZiLIZjs3I2vaXD7xb

Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kalaj-dame-podcast/id1873831230




Join Kalaj Dame and become a Play Cousin — part of a perspective-driven community built around real conversations, shared experiences, and learning from people across different walks of life.

The Kalaj Dame Podcast brings culture, creativity, business, technology, personal growth, and everyday life to the same table through authentic long-form conversations designed to bridge worlds, challenge perspectives, and remind us that wisdom can come from anywhere.

Pull up a chair and join the conversation.

Facebook & IG: @KalajDamePodcast


Visit us on the web:
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Pittsburgh music producer and recording engineer Soy Sos reflects on decades in the music industry, hip-hop history, recording studios, and the realities of building a lasting career in music.

In this episode of The Kalaj Dame Podcast, Soy Sos joins Kalaj Dame to discuss his journey from performing and touring with bands to becoming an established recording engineer, working with generations of Pittsburgh artists, and helping develop opportunities for emerging musicians.

Soy Sos shares his experiences navigating the music industry, including missed opportunities, the pursuit of fame, financial stability, and why building a sustainable middle-class career is often overlooked. He also reflects on Pittsburgh's hip-hop history, Tuff Sound, and how recording technology has transformed music production.

The conversation explores professional audio engineering, analog equipment, Pro Tools, mixing, compression, and the importance of experience over expensive gear. Soy Sos also discusses reggae, dancehall, cultural influences, and the evolution of the music business.

Beyond the studio, he discusses PearlArts Movement and Sound, mentorship, affordable recording access, and his commitment to helping future generations of artists and engineers develop their skills. Throughout the conversation, Soy Sos reflects on creative independence, career longevity, and redefining success beyond fame and fortune.

The Kalaj Dame Podcast helps to bridge cultures, business, intellect, and everyday life through long-form conversations with people who’ve experienced their own forms of success.

Built around perspective-driven conversations, the podcast connects cultural, economic, creative, and professional experiences through shared stories, lived experiences, and authentic dialogue. Every play cousin has something valuable to teach, and every conversation has the potential to expand how we see ourselves and the world around us.

What part of the conversation connected with you most? Join the discussion and share your thoughts.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Soy Sos's career as a Pittsburgh music producer and recording engineer

• Touring, performing, and music industry realities

• Fame, financial stability, and middle-class careers in music

• Pittsburgh hip-hop history and Tuff Sound

• Audio engineering, mixing, EQ, compression, and Pro Tools

• Analog recording equipment versus modern technology

• Reggae, dancehall, and international musical influences

• Working with artists and managing studio expectations

• PearlArts Movement and Sound

• Mentorship and affordable recording opportunities

• Entrepreneurship, creative independence, and career longevity

Support the Movement:

Website:

https://thekalajdamepodcast.com

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https://instagram.com/kalajdame

Facebook:

https://facebook.com/kalajdamepodcast

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X:

https://x.com/kalajdamepod

LinkedIn:

https://linkedin.com/in/kalajdamepodcast

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/1mmRHZiLIZjs3I2vaXD7xb

Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kalaj-dame-podcast/id1873831230





Join Kalaj Dame and become a Play Cousin — part of a perspective-driven community built around real conversations, shared experiences, and learning from people across different walks of life.

The Kalaj Dame Podcast brings culture, creativity, business, technology, personal growth, and everyday life to the same table through authentic long-form conversations designed to bridge worlds, challenge perspectives, and remind us that wisdom can come from anywhere.

Pull up a chair and join the conversation.

Facebook & IG: @KalajDamePodcast


Visit us on the web:
https://thekalajdamepodcast.com

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Damien Lowry (Quita), Pittsburgh's viral comedian, opens up about childhood trauma, federal prison, coming out as gay, drug addiction, overdose, and recovery. His journey from the streets to social media fame is a story of survival, self-acceptance, and reinvention.

In this episode of The Kalaj Dame Podcast, Damien shares his journey from growing up in the streets of Pittsburgh to serving seven years in federal prison, where he came out as gay. He reflects on losing a close friend to violence, surviving childhood trauma, and returning home to face judgment, rejection, and the challenges of rebuilding his life.

Damien discusses his struggles with mental health, substance abuse, and overdose, including how unresolved experiences contributed to his addiction. He explains what led him to rehabilitation, how he achieved sobriety, and how picking up his phone and recording himself eventually opened the door to an entirely new career.

The conversation explores the creation of his popular character Quita, inspired by his mother, his partnership with Rob as Pickle, and the viral Quita and Pickle wedding that helped expand his audience. Damien also discusses celebrity recognition, social media monetization, brand deals, stand-up comedy, and the work behind building a successful entertainment brand.

Beyond comedy, Damien reflects on self-acceptance, personal accountability, faith, and the importance of living openly. He shares why being gay saved his life, how his experiences changed his perspective, and why he considers each new day an opportunity for success.

The Kalaj Dame Podcast helps to bridge cultures, business, intellect, and everyday life through long-form conversations with people who’ve experienced their own forms of success.

Built around perspective-driven conversations, the podcast connects cultural, economic, creative, and professional experiences through shared stories, lived experiences, and authentic dialogue. Every play cousin has something valuable to teach, and every conversation has the potential to expand how we see ourselves and the world around us.

What part of the conversation connected with you most? Join the discussion and share your thoughts.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Childhood trauma, tragedy, and growing up in Pittsburgh's streets

• Serving seven years in federal prison

• Coming out as gay and navigating acceptance in the Black community

• Masculinity, identity, homophobia, and self-acceptance

• Drug addiction, overdose, rehabilitation, and sobriety

• Mental health and overcoming personal adversity

• Creating the viral comedy character Quita

• Quita and Pickle, Rob, and their viral wedding

• Social media success on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

• Celebrity recognition, brand deals, and content monetization

• Stand-up comedy, entrepreneurship, and creative independence

• Faith, personal growth, and redefining success

Support the Movement:

Website:

https://thekalajdamepodcast.com

Instagram:

https://instagram.com/kalajdamepodcast

https://instagram.com/kalajdame

Facebook:

https://facebook.com/kalajdamepodcast

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https://threads.net/kalajdamepodcast

X:

https://x.com/kalajdamepod

LinkedIn:

https://linkedin.com/in/kalajdamepodcast

Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kalaj-dame-podcast/id1873831230

Tags:




Join Kalaj Dame and become a Play Cousin — part of a perspective-driven community built around real conversations, shared experiences, and learning from people across different walks of life.

The Kalaj Dame Podcast brings culture, creativity, business, technology, personal growth, and everyday life to the same table through authentic long-form conversations designed to bridge worlds, challenge perspectives, and remind us that wisdom can come from anywhere.

Pull up a chair and join the conversation.

Facebook & IG: @KalajDamePodcast


Visit us on the web:
https://thekalajdamepodcast.com

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What does it take to turn hip hop, podcasting, life experience, financial literacy, and personal growth into a platform built around learning, service, and success?

In this episode, It’s Marly joins Kalaj Dame for a conversation about podcasting, hip hop, success, financial literacy, prison, technology, personal growth, community, creativity, and the experiences that shaped his perspective.

Marly reflects on developing as a rapper and freestyler, moving between different environments, learning to adapt, and eventually creating the Mind of Marly podcast as part of the BunchofBull podcast network. He explains how podcasting became another way to learn from people, provide others with a platform, and contribute to the communities and culture he cares about.

The conversation explores what success actually looks like, why consistency creates more opportunities for lucky breaks, and how the people around us can influence our habits and expectations. Marly also discusses growing up without strong financial guidance, incarceration, rebuilding his life, learning about credit and homeownership, and eventually becoming a homeowner with strong credit after having to figure much of it out himself.

Along the way, Kalaj and Marly discuss instant gratification, survival mode, technology and social media, podcast etiquette, teamwork, financial literacy, crime and opportunity, spirituality, and why Marly believes technology is pulling people away from real human experiences. They also examine why positive behaviors can sometimes be treated as uncool and how culture, environment, knowledge, and access can shape the choices people make.

The Kalaj Dame Podcast helps to bridge cultures, business, intellect, and everyday life through long-form conversations with people who’ve experienced their own forms of success.

Built around perspective-driven conversations, the podcast connects cultural, economic, creative, and professional experiences through shared stories, lived experiences, and authentic dialogue. Every play cousin has something valuable to teach, and every conversation has the potential to expand how we see ourselves and the world around us.

What part of the conversation connected with you most?

In this episode, we discuss:

• It’s Marly and the Mind of Marly podcast

• Hip hop, freestyle rap, and creativity

• Podcasting and building a platform

• Success, consistency, opportunity, and luck

• Financial literacy, credit, and homeownership

• Incarceration and rebuilding

• Survival mode and instant gratification

• Technology, social media, and human connection

• Podcast guests and professional etiquette

• Teamwork and knowing your role

• Community, culture, and personal responsibility

• Spirituality, growth, and perspective

Support the Movement:

Website:

https://thekalajdamepodcast.com

Instagram:

https://instagram.com/kalajdamepodcast

https://instagram.com/kalajdame

Facebook:

https://facebook.com/kalajdamepodcast

Threads:

https://threads.net/kalajdamepodcast

X:

https://x.com/kalajdamepod

LinkedIn:

https://linkedin.com/in/kalajdamepodcast

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/1mmRHZiLIZjs3I2vaXD7xb

Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kalaj-dame-podcast/id1873831230

Tags:




Join Kalaj Dame and become a Play Cousin — part of a perspective-driven community built around real conversations, shared experiences, and learning from people across different walks of life.

The Kalaj Dame Podcast brings culture, creativity, business, technology, personal growth, and everyday life to the same table through authentic long-form conversations designed to bridge worlds, challenge perspectives, and remind us that wisdom can come from anywhere.

Pull up a chair and join the conversation.

Facebook & IG: @KalajDamePodcast


Visit us on the web:
https://thekalajdamepodcast.com

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What does it take to go from Pittsburgh street life and hip hop to viral content, entrepreneurship, filmmaking, and creating a Black wrestling movie?

Pittsburgh filmmaker, entrepreneur, and content creator Jay Ruffbone White joins Kalaj Dame for a conversation about his evolution from street life and music into entrepreneurship, video production, social media, and independent filmmaking. Ruffbone discusses building The Plug Media, creating viral Pittsburgh content, investing in his own equipment and skills, and developing BLAM, a Pittsburgh-based comedy and wrestling film.

Ruffbone reflects on being raised by his grandparents, living in Pittsburgh, Kansas, and Germany, fatherhood, street life and its consequences, and how those experiences shaped the man and entrepreneur he became. The conversation explores his years in hip hop, transition into video production, understanding why culturally specific content connects with audiences, and turning attention into real opportunities.

The discussion also goes behind the scenes of creating BLAM, from developing the idea and assembling local talent to learning filmmaking through experience and overcoming production setbacks. Throughout his journey, Ruffbone shares a philosophy of learning through action, investing in yourself, adapting when something doesn't work, and creating your own lane rather than waiting for someone else to provide an opportunity.

The Kalaj Dame Podcast helps to bridge cultures, business, intellect, and everyday life through long-form conversations with people who’ve experienced their own forms of success.

Built around perspective-driven conversations, the podcast connects cultural, economic, creative, and professional experiences through shared stories, lived experiences, and authentic dialogue. Every play cousin has something valuable to teach, and every conversation has the potential to expand how we see ourselves and the world around us.

What part of this conversation connected with you most? Join the discussion.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Pittsburgh street life, hip hop & personal growth

• Fatherhood, family & responsibility

• Entrepreneurship & creating your own opportunities

• The Plug Media & video production

• Viral Pittsburgh content & social media strategy

• Investing in yourself & developing new skills

• Independent filmmaking & learning through experience

• Creating BLAM & a Black wrestling film

• Pittsburgh collaboration, support & community

• Gardening, fishing & self-sufficiency

Support the Movement:

Website:

https://thekalajdamepodcast.com

Instagram:

https://instagram.com/kalajdamepodcast

https://instagram.com/kalajdame

Facebook:

https://facebook.com/kalajdamepodcast

Threads:

https://threads.net/kalajdamepodcast

X:

https://x.com/kalajdamepod

LinkedIn:

https://linkedin.com/in/kalajdamepodcast

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/1mmRHZiLIZjs3I2vaXD7xb

Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kalaj-dame-podcast/id1873831230

Join Kalaj Dame and become a Play Cousin — part of a perspective-driven community built around real conversations, shared experiences, and learning from people across different walks of life.

The Kalaj Dame Podcast brings culture, creativity, business, technology, personal growth, and everyday life to the same table through authentic long-form conversations designed to bridge worlds, challenge perspectives, and remind us that wisdom can come from anywhere.

Pull up a chair and join the conversation.

Facebook & IG: @KalajDamePodcast


Visit us on the web:
https://thekalajdamepodcast.com

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Can Black America confront systemic racism without avoiding difficult conversations about culture, accountability, media influence, and the choices shaping the community?

In this episode, Javier Roman joins Kalaj Dame for a candid conversation about race in America, Black identity, systemic power, personal accountability, media narratives, hip hop, politics, historical trauma, and the forces shaping how Black communities see themselves and the world around them.

Javier reflects on his New York roots, New Kensington’s independent hip-hop scene, and his time with A.O.G. — Army of Generals — before discussing his evolution as a photographer, painter, and provocative online thinker.

The conversation explores the relationship between systemic injustice and community responsibility without pretending that either exists alone. Kalaj and Javier challenge each other on racism, emotional thinking, uncomfortable truths, economic inequality, family structure, reparations, government responsibility, social media algorithms, youth culture, and the influence of popular entertainment.

They also examine how media can reinforce stereotypes, how online platforms reward conflict, and whether defending Black culture sometimes prevents necessary criticism of the ideas and behavior harming the community.

The discussion ultimately asks whether emotions should inform our thinking without controlling it—and whether progress requires Black America to confront external barriers and internal problems at the same time.

The Kalaj Dame Podcast helps to bridge cultures, business, intellect, and everyday life through long-form conversations with people who’ve experienced their own forms of success.

Built around perspective-driven conversations, the podcast connects cultural, economic, creative, and professional experiences through shared stories, lived experiences, and authentic dialogue. Every play cousin has something valuable to teach, and every conversation has the potential to expand how we see ourselves and the world around us.

What part of this conversation challenged your perspective most?

In this episode, we discuss:

• Systemic racism & personal accountability

• Black identity, culture & community responsibility

• Media narratives & emotional manipulation

• Historical trauma & uncomfortable truths

• Economic inequality, nepotism & redlining

• Reparations & government responsibility

• Social media, algorithms & dopamine

• Youth culture & the decline of curiosity

• Hip hop’s influence on identity and behavior

• The hip-hop-to-prison pipeline

• Javier Roman’s New York and New Kensington roots

• A.O.G. and New Kensington hip-hop history

• Photography, painting & creative expression

• Critical thinking & independent thought

Support the Movement:

Website:

https://thekalajdamepodcast.com

Instagram:

https://instagram.com/kalajdamepodcast

https://instagram.com/kalajdame

Facebook:

https://facebook.com/kalajdamepodcast

Threads:

https://threads.net/kalajdamepodcast

X:

https://x.com/kalajdamepod

LinkedIn:

https://linkedin.com/in/kalajdamepodcast

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/1mmRHZiLIZjs3I2vaXD7xb

Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kalaj-dame-podcast/id1873831230



Join Kalaj Dame and become a Play Cousin — part of a perspective-driven community built around real conversations, shared experiences, and learning from people across different walks of life.

The Kalaj Dame Podcast brings culture, creativity, business, technology, personal growth, and everyday life to the same table through authentic long-form conversations designed to bridge worlds, challenge perspectives, and remind us that wisdom can come from anywhere.

Pull up a chair and join the conversation.

Facebook & IG: @KalajDamePodcast


Visit us on the web:
https://thekalajdamepodcast.com

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What does it take to go from the streets of Larimer in Pittsburgh to Rostrum Records and beyond while continuing to move with intent?

In this episode, Boaz Bey joins Kalaj Dame for a conversation about hip hop, The Govament Rap Group, Rostrum Records, independence, incarceration, fatherhood, Moorish American identity, community work, reading, history, food, and his evolution as a man and artist.

Boaz reflects on growing up in Larimer in Pittsburgh, developing his skills as an MC, performing with The Govament Rap Group, and establishing his solo career. He explains how his music and existing relationships led to an opportunity with Rostrum Records, what he learned about the business behind music, and why independence remained his goal.

The conversation also explores the time Boaz spent in jail for someone else’s drugs, the thinking behind his decision, and how hip hop helped him move away from the streets while maintaining a connection with the people who knew his story.

Boaz discusses raising his sons, teaching responsibility, learning through communication, and carrying forward the standards and principles passed down by his parents. He also explains his Moorish American identity, the meaning of the Bey name, and the cultural, religious, and national ideas connected to how he identifies.

Beyond music, Boaz talks about his work as a creative engagement artist, his involvement in gun-violence intervention, and how he uses his influence throughout the city. The conversation also moves through reading, meditation, historical research, cooking, his pescatarian diet, and his definition of success.

What part of Boaz Bey’s journey connected with you most?

Join the discussion.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Growing up in Larimer in Pittsburgh
• The Govament Rap Group and Pittsburgh hip hop history
• Developing his craft as an MC and performer
• Signing with Rostrum Records
• Becoming a completely independent artist
• The business and economics behind music
• Sitting in jail for someone else’s drugs
• Hip hop as a path away from the streets
• Fatherhood, communication, and responsibility
• Moorish American identity and the Bey name
• Creative engagement and gun-violence intervention
• Reading, meditation, history, and cooking
• Remaining yourself while pursuing success
• Defining success beyond money

The Kalaj Dame Podcast helps to bridge cultures, business, intellect, and everyday life through long-form conversations with people who’ve experienced their own forms of success.

Built around perspective-driven conversations, the podcast connects cultural, economic, creative, and professional experiences through shared stories, lived experiences, and authentic dialogue. Every play cousin has something valuable to teach, and every conversation has the potential to expand how we see ourselves and the world around us.

Support the Movement:

Website:
https://thekalajdamepodcast.com

Instagram:
https://instagram.com/kalajdamepodcast
https://instagram.com/kalajdame

Facebook:
https://facebook.com/kalajdamepodcast

Threads:
https://threads.net/kalajdamepodcast

X:
https://x.com/kalajdamepod

LinkedIn:
https://linkedin.com/in/kalajdamepodcast

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/1mmRHZiLIZjs3I2vaXD7xb

Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kalaj-dame-podcast/id1873831230


Join Kalaj Dame and become a Play Cousin — part of a perspective-driven community built around real conversations, shared experiences, and learning from people across different walks of life.

The Kalaj Dame Podcast brings culture, creativity, business, technology, personal growth, and everyday life to the same table through authentic long-form conversations designed to bridge worlds, challenge perspectives, and remind us that wisdom can come from anywhere.

Pull up a chair and join the conversation.

Facebook & IG: @KalajDamePodcast


Visit us on the web:
https://thekalajdamepodcast.com

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Linkedin

What does it take to stay relevant for more than 30 years while hip hop, the music business, and the opportunities around you continue to change?

In this episode, K Pound joins Kalaj Dame for a conversation about hip hop, longevity, reinvention, artist management, confidence, relationships, opportunity, personal growth, and the lessons that come from more than three decades in the game.

K Pound reflects on his journey from rapping and battling to working with artists and managing talent. Through stories from different stages of his life, the conversation explores how confidence helped him get into rooms and create opportunities, why getting access doesn't mean you're prepared to take advantage of it, and how relationships, integrity, social skills, and knowing how to navigate different environments can affect how far an opportunity takes you.

The conversation also explores the realities of being an independent artist, why talent alone doesn't mean someone owes you an opportunity, the importance of creating opportunities for yourself, and what artists should expect from management. K Pound shares lessons from working with artists, investing his own time and resources, building relationships, and learning that a manager can't want success more than the artist they're trying to help.

Along the way, K Pound reflects on missed opportunities, mistakes, money, record deals, industry relationships, Pittsburgh hip hop history, street culture, and how the way artists build relationships has changed over the years. Ultimately, the conversation comes back to longevity and K Pound's belief that staying relevant for more than 30 years has required continuously reinventing himself, recognizing when things are changing, and being willing to change with them.

What part of the conversation connected with you most?

In this episode, we discuss:

• Staying relevant for more than 30 years
• Reinvention, adaptability & longevity
• Confidence, preparation & opportunity
• Why talent doesn't guarantee opportunity
• Creating opportunities for yourself
• Independent artists & the music business
• Artist management & expectations
• Relationships, networking & integrity
• Pittsburgh hip hop history
• Record deals, missed opportunities & lessons learned
• Street culture & navigating different environments
• Success, complacency & personal growth

The Kalaj Dame Podcast helps to bridge cultures, business, intellect, and everyday life through long-form conversations with people who've experienced their own forms of success.

Built around perspective-driven conversations, the podcast connects cultural, economic, creative, and professional experiences through shared stories, lived experiences, and authentic dialogue. Every play cousin has something valuable to teach, and every conversation has the potential to expand how we see ourselves and the world around us.

Support the Movement:

Website:
https://thekalajdamepodcast.com

Instagram:
https://instagram.com/kalajdamepodcast
https://instagram.com/kalajdame

Facebook:
https://facebook.com/kalajdamepodcast

Threads:
https://threads.net/kalajdamepodcast

X:
https://x.com/kalajdamepod

LinkedIn:
https://linkedin.com/in/kalajdamepodcast

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/1mmRHZiLIZjs3I2vaXD7xb

Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kalaj-dame-podcast/id1873831230




Join Kalaj Dame and become a Play Cousin — part of a perspective-driven community built around real conversations, shared experiences, and learning from people across different walks of life.

The Kalaj Dame Podcast brings culture, creativity, business, technology, personal growth, and everyday life to the same table through authentic long-form conversations designed to bridge worlds, challenge perspectives, and remind us that wisdom can come from anywhere.

Pull up a chair and join the conversation.

Facebook & IG: @KalajDamePodcast


Visit us on the web:
https://thekalajdamepodcast.com

Facebook
Instagram
Threads
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Linkedin

What does it take to build a successful beauty business, grow a public platform, deal with the hate that comes with visibility, and still recognize everything you've accomplished along the way?

In this episode, Aliya Wray joins Kalaj Dame for a conversation about entrepreneurship, the beauty industry, social media, content creation, motherhood, relationships, personal growth, and redefining success.

Aliya reflects on her journey from entering the nail industry to owning her salon, building an audience through social media, and learning entrepreneurship through real-world experience. The conversation also touches on giving yourself credit for what you've built, recognizing accomplishments that may have gone overlooked, and knowing when you deserve your flowers.

The conversation explores the other side of becoming visible as Aliya opens up about the hate and criticism she has received, how people perceive you online versus who you actually are, and how maturity has changed the way she responds to negativity. Along the way, they discuss motherhood, relationships, travel, content creation, mentorship, competition, protecting your time, and balancing an online presence with real life.

Ultimately, the conversation looks at how success can change with perspective—from money and material accomplishments to experience, freedom, personal growth, creating opportunities, and being able to appreciate how far you've actually come.

The Kalaj Dame Podcast helps to bridge cultures, business, intellect, and everyday life through long-form conversations with people who've experienced their own forms of success.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Entrepreneurship & the beauty industry
• Owning and operating a nail salon
• Recognizing your accomplishments & getting your flowers
• Social media, visibility & online hate
• Instagram, TikTok, YouTube & content creation
• Motherhood, relationships & business
• Travel & experiencing different cultures
• Public perception & dealing with criticism
• Mentorship, competition & collaboration
• Personal growth & redefining success

Built around perspective-driven conversations, The Kalaj Dame Podcast connects cultural, economic, creative, and professional experiences through shared stories, lived experiences, and authentic dialogue. Every play cousin has something valuable to teach, and every conversation has the potential to expand how we see ourselves and the world around us.

Support the Movement:

Website:
https://thekalajdamepodcast.com

Instagram:https://instagram.com/kalajdamepodcast
https://instagram.com/kalajdame

Facebook:
https://facebook.com/kalajdamepodcast

Threads:
https://threads.net/kalajdamepodcast

X:
https://x.com/kalajdamepod

LinkedIn:
https://linkedin.com/in/kalajdamepodcast

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/1mmRHZiLIZjs3I2vaXD7xb

Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kalaj-dame-podcast/id1873831230

Join Kalaj Dame and become a Play Cousin — part of a perspective-driven community built around real conversations, shared experiences, and learning from people across different walks of life.

The Kalaj Dame Podcast brings culture, creativity, business, technology, personal growth, and everyday life to the same table through authentic long-form conversations designed to bridge worlds, challenge perspectives, and remind us that wisdom can come from anywhere.

Pull up a chair and join the conversation.

Facebook & IG: @KalajDamePodcast


Visit us on the web:
https://thekalajdamepodcast.com

Facebook
Instagram
Threads
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Linkedin

What does it take to start from the bottom, build a successful recording studio, work with major entertainment companies, and then learn an entirely new game through social media and the algorithm?

The Kalaj Dame Podcast helps to bridge cultures, business, intellect, and everyday life through long-form conversations with people who've experienced their own forms of success.

In this episode, Mike Hitt joins Kalaj Dame for a conversation about music production, audio engineering, entrepreneurship, business longevity, social media, content creation, personal growth, and adapting to new opportunities.

From a difficult childhood and learning music production to building a recording studio that has lasted nearly two decades, Mike shares how constantly expanding beyond his comfort zone created new opportunities. The conversation explores using Groupon to reach new customers, expanding into professional audio and ADR work connected to major productions like Netflix, and learning how experience changed the way he approached business, pricing, and the value of his work.

Today, Mike is applying that same mindset to content creation, building a targeted audience around Gemini content and generating millions of views while learning how different platforms and algorithms work. Together, they explore niches, engagement, monetization, consistency, AI, technology, creativity, relationships, and why success often means being willing to learn a new game even after you've already built something successful.

What part of the conversation connected with you most? Join the discussion in the comments.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Starting from the bottom & overcoming childhood adversity• Building a recording studio from the ground up
• Music production, audio engineering & creative development
• Groupon & finding customers outside your immediate market• Business longevity & adapting to changing industries
• Professional audio, ADR & major productions
• Netflix & the value of professional creative work
• Building an audience through niche content
• Gemini content & social media growth
• Understanding algorithms, engagement & viral reach
• TikTok, Facebook, Instagram & YouTube
• Monetization, consistency & long-term growth
• AI, technology & the changing creative landscape
• Personal growth & continuing to evolve

The Kalaj Dame Podcast helps to bridge cultures, business, intellect, and everyday life through long-form conversations with people who’ve experienced their own forms of success.

Built around perspective-driven conversations, the podcast connects cultural, economic, creative, and professional experiences through shared stories, lived experiences, and authentic dialogue. Every play cousin has something valuable to teach, and every conversation has the potential to expand how we see ourselves and the world around us.

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Join Kalaj Dame and become a Play Cousin — part of a perspective-driven community built around real conversations, shared experiences, and learning from people across different walks of life.

The Kalaj Dame Podcast brings culture, creativity, business, technology, personal growth, and everyday life to the same table through authentic long-form conversations designed to bridge worlds, challenge perspectives, and remind us that wisdom can come from anywhere.

Pull up a chair and join the conversation.

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