The UpNUp Podcast

In this episode of ‘The UpNUp Podcast’ we felt it was only right to make this one all about REFLECTION.

This episode is an ode to:

The 99 legacies we’ve helped amplify

The 99 moments in history we’ve preserved

The 99 visionaries & culture cultivators

The 99 attempts to push & contribute for “us”

🥂 to 💯

Make sure to tune in and reflect,

recap & recharge w/ the squad.

This one will definitely keep us all on #TheUpNUp

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', professional speaker, author, leadership consultant, and mentorship expert himself, Dr.John PUSH Gaines, shares an amazing journey of truly owning your story to inspire the world to own theirs.

Growing up surrounded by drugs and violence, facing personal struggles, and being bullied for his differences, he had every reason to give up, but he pushed through. Whether it was learning how to take his story around the world to uplift and empower the youth or building lasting connections with communities that will serve the next generation, now as a professional speaker and author, John strives to help & teach people to overcome and to rise above it all.

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

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', Founder/Creative-Director of 'Taswira', Avery Barnes, brings us into the world of curating dreams and visions while opening doors for those coming from behind.

As a self-taught entrepreneur, designer, and philanthropist, who began to broaden her global perspective at 19 by traveling solo to parts of Asia and Africa. During her travels, she built close relations locally and experienced the drastic need for survival these communities actively suffer from.

The beginning of TASWIRA, was inspired by her value of freedom and curiosity for creating opportunities and seeing results of change starting within Kenya...following her first experience volunteering Internationally.

Located in the heart of Seattles Pioneer Square area, her space/gallery/hub is helping bring the brilliance and genius of our brothers and sisters from the motherland, to the masses.

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

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', CEO/Founder of 'Converge Media' and Veteran Journalist, Omari Salisbury, takes us along what has been a path/journey of walking and working fully in ones purpose and truth.

From his early years growing up in Seattle's historical Central District, pouring into his community in various different ways, it wasn't until later on in his time at school in North Carolina where he answered the call to fully pursue his career in Media/Journalism.

From working his way up the ranks in college sports media, creating monumental projects for companies such as 'And-1' and Def Jam, to establishing and helping build multiple media networks/stations overseas in countries all over Africa and the Middle East, it all came full circle when he returned back home to the Northwest to serve his community in the form of 'Converge'. Creating impactful media in the highest form, serving and uplifting the voices that matter.

It's safe to say, this story is definitely one to keep us all on #TheUpNUp

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', the impactful and ever-growing Entrepreneur, Business Woman, and overall community builder herself, Keisha Credit, takes along a journey of truly leaning into the potential that comes from betting on your own vision.

From her early upbringing of high-achieving academic accomplishments, professional accolades, and early success, her trajectory took a major leap when she decided to quit her comfortable position at Microsoft to pursue a path of Entrepreneurship with nothing but her own belief.

10 years later, after launching multiple companies, selling one, and reaching that “Million Dollar Revenue” milestone, she knew it was time to help others pursue & fulfill their entrepreneurial dreams, where she now, while still managing her own endeavors is committed to reaching back to the next generation of aspiring entrepreneurs/professionals, focusing on uplifting/educating them to reach their fullest potential while carving their own lanes to success.

It's safe to say, this story is definitely one that is designed to keep us all on #TheUpNUp

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', the amazing and talented pioneer herself, 'Gifted Gab' takes us along a journey of true commitment, dedication and respect for consistent growth in ones craft.

From her early upbringing growing up in Seattles thriving Central District filled with nothing but influential/cultural talent all around her, it allowed her to find her own gift to bring to the world. As a true pioneer in the arena of Hip-Hop, she's been able to constantly raise the bar for not only herself and peers but as well as the next generation of talented Female MC's/Artists to bring their gifts to the world. The best is truly yet to come and the gift definitely will keep giving.

Make sure to check out her new album titled 'G Body Music' available EVERYWHERE on 4/20

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

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', Councilman Mohamed Abdi, takes us along a journey of truly stepping into your greatness, while bringing his community and culture along with him.

From his early upbringing as a first-generation Somalian American, navigating the course of his life, with nothing but pure optimism, he learned early on that betting on his-self was his only option. Answering the call time and time again to push and lean into positions of leadership, it all came together for him after graduating college and immediately deciding at the young age of 24yrs old to step up and run for city council.

Whether it was rallying his community to believe in his vision of bring a fresh new young voice to leadership or him becoming the youngest elect in history, his mission/journey has just begun.

A story that is truly one to keep us all on #TheUpNUp

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast' Professional Sports Brand/Marketing Agent, Creative Director and visionary himself, Keyonte "Key" Frager (@key.frager) shares a journey of true resilience in bringing his visions to life through helping others do the same for themselves.

From his early upbringing in the DMV, fully immersed in his pursuit to take his hoop talents to the next level, his vision took a pivot which has him now competing off the courts and fields, on behalf of all athletes of the next generation and beyond. The vision of how he creatively built a lane for himself representing top athletes, entertainers and influencers to build a bridge between their stories/value and aligned brands/partners, is nothing short of inspiring.

The journey of empowering his clients to fully own their narratives, value,

and worth truly makes this story one to keep us all on #TheUpNUp

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', world renowned Artist, Creative and Philanthropist himself, Keegan Hall(@keegan.hall), takes us along a journey of truly listening to your passion and then following it.

From an early upbringing filled with a passion for the arts, along the journey there's been many pivots and obstacles to overcome. From his days of leading a successful sales career for the Seattle Supersonics, to venturing out into the start-up world, it all eventually brought him back to his true gift/calling, which is creating art, but this time around its for a greater purpose.

Using his iconic art creations to fuel his philanthropic passions, he's been able to raise over $600k and counting, for countless charities and people in need, and he's only just getting started.

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

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', world-class DJ, Creative, and tastemaker himself, 'DJ Charma' (@chrischarma), sits down with us to discuss a journey of true resilience and belief in oneself to create the perfect soundtrack to their own life.

Since 2009, Charma has carved out a legacy in the entertainment industry as a talented DJ and tastemaker who has cultivated meaningful/impactful connections through music. Energizing music lovers from all walks of life from the top music venues across the country to even major sporting events, the art/craft of DJ'ing has always been at the forefront of his contributions.

From leading as the Official DJ/Music-Coordinator for the 'Seattle Sounders FC' to teaching the next generation of DJ's on how to build a successful career through loving your craft, this story is definitely one to keep us all on #TheUpNUp