The UpNUp Podcast

From Corporate Tech Executive to Cultural Bridge Builder: Meet Keisha Free, founder of Hey Black Seattle. Journey through her transformation from a 15-year tech industry veteran to creating a digital platform connecting Black culture, business, and community across the Pacific Northwest. Learn how personal purpose became a powerful movement for change.

Key gems shared:

• Redefining Black excellence

• The power of authentic community building

• Why saying no preserves your peace

• How to maintain service at your core

Plus, the incredible story of how

Hey Black Seattle was born!

Join us as 'DJ Nayiram' shares his extraordinary journey from Medina, Ghana to becoming Seattle's premier Afrobeats curator. Learn how he went from practicing on YouTube tutorials to sharing stages with Davido and revolutionizing the Pacific Northwest music scene. This episode is a masterclass in cultural entrepreneurship, music business development, and authentic community building.

🎵 In this episode:

1. The power of staying teachable in the music industry

2. Building cultural bridges through music

3. How rejection led to opening for Davido

4. Creating authentic spaces in new markets

5. Balancing entrepreneurship with artistry

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', we sit down with Laron Daniels, former pro basketball player turned entrepreneur, and Co-Owner of the amazing 'Self-Made Couture'.

Laron shares his journey of stepping off the court and making a bold pivot from sports to the business world of fashion by partnering with the founders of Self-Made Couture, a bespoke luxury clothing brand based in downtown Seattle. With a vision to dress everyone in the city in custom-tailored style, Laron discusses the transition from athlete to businessman and the opening of Self-Made Couture’s Seattle storefront, diversifying the luxury fashion scene and impacting in style.

We explore the brand's mission to empower clients with personalized, high-quality fashion and the importance of supporting small businesses in driving Seattle’s economic growth. Tune in to hear Laron's insights on building a brand, the thrill of crafting custom pieces for men, women, and children, and his passion for bringing accessible luxury to the heart of Seattle.

This story is definitely one to keep us all on #TheUpNUp

From tackling mental health to navigating the rollercoaster of emotions in career pursuits and everything in between, the ‘Wellbeing Wake Up’ is your dose of inspiration & empowerment.

No judgment, no pretenses—just real people, real dialogue, and a real commitment to our wellbeing.

Today's guests feature:

Entrepreneur/Creative Artist:

Aaron Davis aka "Mr.UKnow" (@mruknow)

Entrepreneur/Community Builder:

Najee Ladd Ali (@flyaboveathleticss)

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast' we welcomed Annabel Quintero, M.Ed., a dynamic author, speaker, and DEI strategist committed to uplifting communities through storytelling and social transformation. Annabel's life trajectory shifted after surviving the September 11th attacks from the 46th floor of the World Trade Center, and since then, she has dedicated her life to advancing equity and dismantling the limiting beliefs rooted in racism and colonialism.

As the author of best selling 'Step Step Jump', Annabel focuses on empowering leaders to share their stories through a trauma-informed lens, helping them optimize their mission while reconnecting to the true power of diversity and inclusion. Alongside her work in leadership development, Annabel is deeply engaged in the cultural intersections between music, art, and social movements. Her project, Mambo 2 Hip Hop, explores the evolution of artists and the political and socio-economic forces that shaped music from the 20th century to today. In this episode, Annabel shares how the rhythms of Mambo and Hip Hop wove together to create an influential contemporary art movement that continues to inspire.

Join us as we dive into her rich journey—from her work in uplifting communities to her advocacy for social change—while uncovering how cultural sounds can drive both artistic and political revolutions.

This is definitely a story to keep us all on #TheUpNUp

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', we sit down with Leo Nguyen, the visionary behind 'Community Gardens NW', a clothing brand that captures the essence of Seattle through creative expression and collaboration. For nearly two years, Leo has been cultivating a brand that not only creates unique products but also represents and highlights the diverse culture and community of the city.

Leo shares how 'Community Gardens NW' serves as a powerful vehicle for uplifting small businesses and driving Seattle's creative economy. Through strategic collaborations with local legends like Shawn Kemp, iconic shops like Likelihood, and the renowned Diamond Supply Co., Leo leverages his platform to create opportunities and exposure for local talent. By partnering with various artists, entrepreneurs, and creatives, 'Community Gardens NW' helps to nurture the city's vibrant arts scene and foster a sense of community pride, making an impact that resonates beyond Seattle and throughout the region.

Join us as we dive into Leo's mission to uplift Seattle's cultural landscape through 'Community Gardens NW' and his passion for creating a brand that celebrates the past while shaping the future.

Last week we were honored to join in and contribute to such an amazing vehicle/gathering in the legendary Occidental Mall for the powerful ‘Seattle MXR’ series. Powered by SeattleOED 'MXR Events' 'FreeagentSea' + many more!

‘The UpNUp Podcast’ hosted a live recording episode hosted in the amazing Frederick Holmes Gallery located in the legendary Pioneer Square Occidental Mall setting the stage to connect with some amazing power players in our city. All focused on driving our creative economy!

Featured guests:

Anthony Ukaogo, Jr:

Founder of 'Laidback Allure'

Ricardo Frazer:

Legendary Music Industry Professional, Manager of Sir Mix A Lot and Founder of 'Zakirose' Agency

DJ Anzo:

Founding Member of 'FreeAgentSea', DJ, Curator, Community Activist

Heather Johnson:

'Subpop Records'

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', we sit down with Jeffery L. Cheatham ll, Author, Entrepreneur and the founder of the 'Seattle Urban Book Exchange'. A visionary who turned frustration into action when he couldn't find children's books that reflected Black and Brown faces. Starting with no experience in publishing, he faced a steep learning curve—writing, revising, funding, and navigating the complexities of the book industry. Despite setbacks, his determination led to the release of his first book, "The Family Jones and Eggs of Rex," and eventually to the creation of the Seattle Urban Book Exchange in 2016, providing a vital platform for underrepresented voices in literature.

Through candid reflections, our guest shares how his passion for storytelling evolved into a mission to uplift his community, culminating in the Expo’s growth from a modest gathering of eight authors to a major event with hundreds of attendees.

His journey is not just about books, but about resilience, community-building, and finding one's purpose. Join us as we delve into how this author, advocate, and artist turned his challenges into a powerful movement that continues to inspire and empower others.

This story is definitely one to keep us all on #TheUpNUp

Join us for a flavorful journey with Tarik Abdullah, Founder & Executive Head Chef, on this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast'. With 30 years of culinary experience spanning Los Angeles and Seattle, Tarik's cooking is a vibrant fusion of Middle Eastern, Southeast Asian, African, and Mediterranean influences. Raised in a culturally rich neighborhood, Tarik's love for spices and diverse culinary traditions has shaped his unique approach to food.

Beyond his culinary creations, Tarik is a community builder, using platforms like Morning Star and Midnight Mecca to provide opportunities for youth in the culinary world. Recognized by media outlets such as Guide to Washington and Vice, and awarded the 2018 Mayor’s Art Award for his impactful community work, Tarik's contributions extend far beyond the kitchen.

In this episode, we delve into Tarik's latest ventures: Cooka T’s, a successful vegan concession stand at Lumen Field, and 'Amin', a brick-and-mortar establishment that pays homage to his family legacy and Seattle roots. Named after his father, Yahya Amin Abdullah, "Amin" embodies the rich tapestry of cultures that influenced Tarik's upbringing, inviting diners to savor the flavors that unite us all.

Tune in to hear Tarik's inspiring story of culinary passion, community dedication, and the flavors that bring people together. Whether you're a food enthusiast or someone who loves stories of community and connection, this episode promises to keep us all on #TheUpNUp

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', we have an engaging conversation with Lynnwood City Councilmember Josh Binda, who is making headlines with his bid for the 2nd District Congressional seat. At just 22 years old, Binda is aiming to make history as the youngest African American ever elected to Congress in the United States.

Join us as we delve into Binda's journey from his election to the Lynnwood City Council back in 2022 to his current ambitious campaign. We discuss his motivations, the fresh ideas he brings to the table, and the youthful energy and unique perspective he hopes to introduce to a whole new generation of aspiring leaders who will hopefully follow in his footsteps.

Don’t miss this compelling episode as we explore Binda's resilience, vision for the future, and the impact of such a groundbreaking campaign. This is a conversation about overcoming adversity, pushing for change, and the powerful role of young, diverse voices in shaping our political landscape.