Welcome to The RETRO Movement, the Zoom interview series hosted by NAACP Image Award winner and New York Times bestselling author Omar Tyree. Dedicated to "REspecting The ROots," the show explores the stories, journeys, and legacies of influential writers, musicians, filmmakers, entrepreneurs, educators, activists, comedians, and media professionals who continue to shape culture around the world.
Episode 9: Comedian BPhlatIn this episode, Omar Tyree sits down with comedian BPhlat (Beverly Nelson), one of Philadelphia's most respected and accomplished comedians whose career has spanned television, live performance, writing, and corporate entertainment.A graduate of Fontbonne College with a degree in Fine Arts, BPhlat later attended graduate school in Philadelphia while working as a Marketing Director for one of the city's largest law firms before pursuing comedy full-time. She has since built an impressive career by blending intelligence, authenticity, and empowering humor that resonates with audiences nationwide.Unlike many comedians, BPhlat has built her brand without relying on profanity or shock value. Instead, her performances encourage audiences, particularly women, to embrace confidence, self-worth, and personal growth while finding laughter in everyday life. Her signature message reminds audiences that true success begins with investing in yourself.During the conversation, BPhlat reflects on her remarkable journey through the entertainment industry, sharing stories from performing on Showtime at the Apollo, appearing on four seasons of BET's ComicView, writing for ESPN Magazine, and hosting celebrity events including Russell Simmons' Phat Farm Fashion Show, Def Comedy Jam in Negril, Jamaica, and the FUBU International Okwaku Festival in Amsterdam.
She also discusses the importance of perseverance, reinvention, and using comedy as a platform to uplift communities and inspire future generations of entertainers.
Produced by Valerie Denise Jones, The RETRO Movement is a weekly interview series featuring celebrities, industry leaders, and changemakers whose stories preserve history while inspiring the future.
Follow Omar Tyree: @Only1OmarTyree
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Produced by Valerie Denise Jones: @valeriedenisejones
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Join us weekly on Zoom and listen wherever podcasts are available.The RETRO Movement
REspect The ROots. Preserve the Legacy. Inspire the Future.