What happens when you walk away from a successful career to pursue the dream you've always believed in?

On this episode of The Stardom101 Magazine Podcast, we sit down with actor and producer DeMarcus Bumpers, whose journey from the oil and gas industry to independent film is a powerful story of courage, discipline, and believing in your vision.

A graduate of Prairie View A&M University, DeMarcus previously built a successful six-figure career in oil and gas before making the decision to pursue acting full-time in Los Angeles.

Today, he is building momentum as an actor and producer, with work reaching audiences through platforms including Tubi and Reveel TV.

• Leaving a successful six-figure career to pursue acting

• What it really means to bet on yourself

• His transition from Houston to Los Angeles

• Building a career as an independent actor and producer

• His recognition as a top-performing African American male Houstonian actor on Tubi

• The opportunities created by today's independent film and streaming landscape

• His upcoming film Paul Pry Trail

• Taking on the lead role while also serving as executive producer

• The physical and emotional demands of his role in Paul Pry Trail

• Working with director Keith Lakean Powell

• His upcoming film Three Thirty

• His continued growth behind the camera as a producer

• His family's connections to entertainment history

• The importance of building his own identity and legacy

• His vision for the future of his entertainment career

• His ambitions to earn an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Academy Award

DeMarcus Bumpers stars in the upcoming film Paul Pry Trail, directed by Keith Lakean Powell.

In addition to playing the lead role, DeMarcus serves as executive producer on the project, taking on responsibilities both in front of and behind the camera.

Paul Pry Trail premieres September 16, 2026 on Reveel TV.

DeMarcus also stars in Three Thirty, another upcoming film directed by Keith Lakean Powell.

The film continues the creative partnership between Bumpers and Powell and represents another step forward in DeMarcus's expanding work as both an actor and producer.

Three Thirty is scheduled for release on Reveel TV in November/December 2026.

DeMarcus Bumpers is an actor and producer who has built his entertainment career through determination, discipline, and a willingness to take risks.

After leaving a successful career in oil and gas, he relocated to Los Angeles to pursue acting and has continued developing his presence in independent film and digital entertainment.

His career goals extend beyond acting. DeMarcus is focused on becoming a respected force in the entertainment business while creating opportunities as a producer and ultimately building a lasting legacy of his own.

DeMarcus's story is a reminder that sometimes the biggest career move is the one that requires the greatest amount of courage.

Leaving financial security for an uncertain creative path isn't easy—but his journey demonstrates what can happen when preparation, persistence, and purpose come together.

Thank you for listening to The Stardom101 Magazine Podcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone pursuing their dreams and support the independent artists, actors, producers, and filmmakers who continue to create and inspire.

Subscribe, follow, and stay connected with Stardom101 Magazine for more conversations with today's emerging stars and industry leaders.

The views and opinions expressed by the guest are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Stardom101 Magazine or The Stardom101 Magazine Podcast.

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The Stardom101 Magazine Podcast highlights faith, entrepreneurship, creativity, and purpose-driven hustle—featuring leaders, artists, and visionaries building impact and ownership across industries.

In this episode, Stardom sits down with Valerie Shavonne Thierry, a dynamic and multi-talented creative whose journey includes Christian ministry, music, voice acting, modeling, acting, songwriting, poetry, and writing.

Valerie opens up about the importance of faith in her life and her passion for sharing inspirational messages through her weekly “Val’s Appetizer and Snack Sermons 😋.” She explains why she believes short messages can still deliver powerful and meaningful impact.

We also talk about Valerie's music career, including her recently released blues song “It’s Been A Long Time Since I Been Home” and her experience completing an album.

Valerie takes us behind the scenes of her work as a voice actor, including performing multiple voices in radio productions, and discusses her experiences with modeling, runway work, acting, and other creative opportunities.

One of the most interesting themes of the conversation is Valerie's belief in the power of words. She shares why she pays close attention to what she speaks and how positive words can help shape the situations we walk into.

And then there's the fun story you won't want to miss: Valerie recalls dressing as a grandmother for Halloween and unexpectedly attracting attention because people thought she looked remarkably similar to Madea.

From faith and ministry to entertainment and creativity, Valerie's story is a reminder that sometimes our gifts don't fit into just one category.

00:00 — Welcome & introduction
01:00 — Valerie's many creative gifts
02:30 — Faith and “Val’s Appetizer and Snack Sermons”
04:30 — Her blues music and new release
06:15 — Voice acting and entertainment
08:15 — The power of words
09:45 — The unforgettable Madea-inspired Halloween story
10:45 — Future dreams and creative opportunities
11:40 — Valerie's closing message and where to connect

Valerie Shavonne Thierry is a Christian creative and multi-talented entertainer involved in ministry, music, voice acting, modeling, acting, songwriting, poetry, and writing.

She shares weekly inspirational content across social media through “Val’s Appetizer and Snack Sermons 😋” and continues to pursue opportunities across music, entertainment, and media.

TikTok: @valeriethierry685
Instagram: Lawrence221591
Facebook: Valerie Thierry
YouTube: Valerie Thierry
Spotify: Valerie Thierry

The Stardom101 Magazine Podcast features conversations with talented, inspiring, and interesting people from the worlds of entertainment, business, creativity, media, and beyond.

Subscribe and follow The Stardom101 Magazine Podcast for more conversations celebrating the people behind the talent, the stories behind the journey, and the voices making an impact.

The Stardom101 Magazine Podcast — Where Stories, Talent & Stardom Connect.

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The Stardom101 Magazine Podcast highlights faith, entrepreneurship, creativity, and purpose-driven hustle—featuring leaders, artists, and visionaries building impact and ownership across industries.

In this episode of The Stardom101 Magazine Podcast, we sit down with New York-based keyboardist, composer, producer, and creative technology innovator Caskeyboardproducer, also known as See See Beats.

A graduate of the Purchase College Conservatory of Music, Caskeyboardproducer has built a diverse career spanning hip-hop, country, gospel, pop, film, and emerging media. His credits and collaborations include work connected to artists such as Statik Selektah, Action Bronson, Joey Bada$$, Luke Combs, and Ella Langley, as well as a contribution to Disney+’s Zombies 3.

We discuss:

• Caskeyboardproducer's journey into music and production

Cas Weinbren, professionally known as Caskeyboardproducer and See See Beats, is a New York-based keyboardist, composer, producer, and creative technology innovator. His work explores the intersection of music, technology, visual storytelling, artificial intelligence, and creator economics.

Through projects such as AI MTV, GPT-CREATE, and Music Banking, he is exploring new possibilities for how creators can create, publish, protect, track, monetize, and reinvest in their intellectual property.

Follow Caskeyboardproducer on social media and explore his music, projects, and creative technology concepts through his Linktree.

TikTok: @caskeyboardproducer

Listen to his Spotify playlist and follow his musical journey.

If you enjoyed this episode, follow The Stardom101 Magazine Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with another artist, producer, entrepreneur, or creative who is interested in the future of music and technology.

The future of entertainment is changing—and conversations like this help us understand where it's going.

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Ready to set up your interview and become a guest on this show? Text #S101MPodcast to 1-(804) 800-STAR (7827) 

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The Stardom101 Magazine Podcast highlights faith, entrepreneurship, creativity, and purpose-driven hustle—featuring leaders, artists, and visionaries building impact and ownership across industries.

Billboard-charting artist, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and entrepreneur Travis Grace, better known as Homiletix, joins The Stardom101 Magazine Podcast for a conversation about independent music, collaboration, entrepreneurship, and building opportunities for other creatives.

Homiletix has carved out his own lane by combining the hard-hitting energy of Southern hip-hop with soulful contemporary production. Throughout his career, he has worked with respected names including Big Mike, formerly of the legendary Geto Boys, Lord Jamar of Brand Nubian, K-Solo, and Carl McIntosh of Loose Ends.

In this episode, Travis takes us behind his journey as an independent Billboard-charting artist and explains what it takes to build a successful career outside of the traditional major-label system.

We also talk about his latest single, “They Still Talkin’,” featuring hip-hop legend Big Mike and R&B sensation Ceajae. Travis shares the story behind the collaboration, the message behind the record, and what he hopes listeners take away from the song.

But music is only part of the story.

Travis discusses his work building a larger creative ecosystem through 18th Ave Media Group, a television network designed to provide opportunities for brands, record labels, artists, models, and content creators to reach audiences globally. He also talks about Tribe Life Studios Worldwide, Tribe Life Clothing Brand, and his commitment to helping emerging artists develop their careers.

With a background that includes 14 years of service in the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division, teaching, and college-level education, Travis brings a unique perspective to leadership, creativity, mentorship, and entrepreneurship.

• Travis Grace's journey to becoming Homiletix

Instagram: @officialhomiletix

YouTube: Bending Corners with Homiletix

DJ-League: Homiletix

18th Ave Media Group

Tribe Life Clothing Brand

Stream and support “They Still Talkin’” featuring Big Mike and Ceajae on your favorite music platform.

The Stardom101 Magazine Podcast brings you conversations with artists, entrepreneurs, entertainers, creatives, and emerging industry leaders who are making their mark and building their own definition of success.

Subscribe, follow, and share the episode with someone who needs to hear this conversation.

The Stardom101 Magazine Podcast — Spotlighting the stories behind the stardom.

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The Stardom101 Magazine Podcast highlights faith, entrepreneurship, creativity, and purpose-driven hustle—featuring leaders, artists, and visionaries building impact and ownership across industries.

Kyo Sa Nim Odell Johnson is a certified Tang Soo Do instructor and second-degree black belt with the Professional Karate Schools of America (PKSA) Detroit. As the first instructor to lead classes at the Detroit location, he teaches students of all ages while emphasizing discipline, respect, confidence, and practical self-defense.

Beyond the dojo, Johnson is dedicated to empowering Detroit's youth and families through community outreach and educational content. He has also been recognized by Marquis Who's Who in America for his professional and community contributions. A multifaceted creative, he enjoys visual art, singing, digital content creation, and is pursuing future opportunities in martial arts action films.

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kyosanimjohnson

Featured Articles:
https://umbrellalocalheroes.com/odell-johnson-empowering-detroits-youth-through-martial-arts/

https://umbrellalocalheroes.com/unconventional-combos-odell-johnsons-fusion-of-martial-arts-and-digital-creation-ignites-detroit/

Subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, business leaders, and changemakers making an impact around the world.

Website: https://stardom101.com

Follow Stardom101 Magazine on your favorite podcast platform and never miss a new episode.

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The Stardom101 Magazine Podcast highlights faith, entrepreneurship, creativity, and purpose-driven hustle—featuring leaders, artists, and visionaries building impact and ownership across industries.

Episode Overview

Born in Jamaica and raised in New York, Keszzopiaa is an emerging independent rapper carving out her own space in today's music industry. In this conversation with The Stardom101 Magazine Podcast, she opens up about her upbringing, creative process, staying motivated as an unsigned artist, and the vision she has for her future in music.

Throughout the episode, Keszzopiaa discusses the realities of building a career independently while remaining authentic to herself and her sound. She also shares personal stories that helped shape her journey, offering encouragement to aspiring artists navigating their own paths.

In This Episode We Discuss:

Guest

Keszzopiaa

Follow Keszzopiaa

Instagram: @keszzopiaa

Listen, Subscribe & Follow

Be sure to subscribe to The Stardom101 Magazine Podcast for more exclusive conversations with artists, entrepreneurs, creators, and industry professionals making an impact.

Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who loves discovering new independent talent.

FOR PODCAST SPONSORSHIPS:

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Ready to set up your interview and become a guest on this show? Text #S101MPodcast to 1-(804) 800-STAR (7827) 

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The Stardom101 Magazine Podcast highlights faith, entrepreneurship, creativity, and purpose-driven hustle—featuring leaders, artists, and visionaries building impact and ownership across industries.

In this episode, R.T. shares:

• The deeper meaning behind his upcoming album I'm Alive

• How real-life adversity has influenced his music and storytelling

• His journey as an award-winning actor, director, writer, and voice actor

• How filmmaking inspires his music videos and creative process

• The biggest changes in promoting music from 2011 to today

• Why branding and ownership are essential for independent artists

• Mental health, resilience, and staying motivated through setbacks

• The inspiration behind bringing back his fan-favorite Paper Action Figures

• Upcoming feature films including Summer Shower Solitude and The Way We Were

• His vision for creating a lasting entertainment legacy

🎵 Album
I'm Alive

🎬 Feature Film

🎬 Upcoming Horror Film

🎵 Future Release

👕 Upcoming Merch Collection

📦 Return of the original Paper Action Figures

🌐 Website

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

X (Twitter)

The Stardom101 Magazine Podcast features conversations with today's emerging artists, entrepreneurs, entertainers, and industry professionals. Each episode explores the stories behind the success, the challenges along the journey, and the lessons that inspire the next generation of creatives.

Subscribe for new interviews featuring independent talent from around the world.

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The Stardom101 Magazine Podcast highlights faith, entrepreneurship, creativity, and purpose-driven hustle—featuring leaders, artists, and visionaries building impact and ownership across industries.

• Ethan shares how a high school film class unexpectedly changed his career path.

• The influence of teacher Andy Lormier and discovering a hidden passion for storytelling.

• Why learning every role in filmmaking—from lighting and audio to editing—creates stronger filmmakers.

• The importance of pre-production and post-production in creating professional films.

• Behind the scenes of Ethan's latest action short film, Shot.

• Introducing Filmmakers Fix, an upcoming energy drink designed with filmmakers and creatives in mind.

• A preview of Ethan's first animated short film, Little Mr. Fantasy.

• The inspiration behind his upcoming seven-episode series based on the Seven Deadly Sins.

• How collaborating with King Vader (Dominique Barrett) has influenced Ethan's creative journey.

• Advice for aspiring filmmakers looking to break into the industry.

• Why failures and setbacks are essential stepping stones toward becoming a better storyteller.

YouTube:
https://youtube.com/@ethanirwiniamkingkong

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/iamking.kong

If you enjoyed this episode of The Stardom101 Magazine Podcast, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this conversation with fellow creatives, filmmakers, and storytellers.

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The Stardom101 Magazine Podcast highlights faith, entrepreneurship, creativity, and purpose-driven hustle—featuring leaders, artists, and visionaries building impact and ownership across industries.

Host Christopher Boykin welcomes entrepreneur and business strategist Jertaker Gauxx (Jertaker) for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, personal development, leadership, and the future of technology.

Throughout the episode, Jertaker discusses:

• Why personal growth is the foundation of success

• How AI can become a competitive advantage rather than something to fear

• The mindset shift every entrepreneur needs

• The importance of building systems instead of simply chasing income

• The vision behind creating a lasting impact through leadership and education

Jertaker Gauxx is an entrepreneur, content creator, and business leader focused on entrepreneurship, leadership, personal development, branding, and emerging technology. His mission is to build an ecosystem that empowers individuals to develop their potential while creating greater freedom personally, professionally, and financially.

Website:
https://cosoc.com/Jertaker

Search "Jertaker" on your favorite social media platform to follow his latest content, collaborations, and upcoming projects.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to The Stardom101 Magazine Podcast and leave a review. Your support helps us continue highlighting inspiring entrepreneurs, creators, artists, and industry leaders from around the world.

Follow Stardom101 Magazine for more exclusive interviews, features, and conversations with today's movers and shakers.

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The Stardom101 Magazine Podcast highlights faith, entrepreneurship, creativity, and purpose-driven hustle—featuring leaders, artists, and visionaries building impact and ownership across industries.

LeGrand Whitt "Sinatra Of Soul"

Singer • Songwriter • Producer • Vocal Trainer • Music Business Consultant

Website:
https://gsprod021.wixsite.com/my-site

Follow LeGrand for updates on new music, merchandise, live performances, and upcoming film projects.

Don't forget to subscribe to The Stardom101 Magazine Podcast for exclusive conversations with artists, entrepreneurs, creators, and industry leaders making an impact around the world.

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who loves discovering independent talent.

FOR PODCAST SPONSORSHIPS:

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Ready to set up your interview and become a guest on this show? Text #S101MPodcast to 1-(804) 800-STAR (7827) 

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The Stardom101 Magazine Podcast highlights faith, entrepreneurship, creativity, and purpose-driven hustle—featuring leaders, artists, and visionaries building impact and ownership across industries.