Today we talkin’ Politics! 

Twenty years ago, Sneaker Politics opened its first doors with a vision that was bigger than sneakers. Today, that vision has grown into a cultural institution built on community, relationships, and a commitment to always being on tour.

For this special episode of Thoughts For The Sole, I sit down with Sneaker Politics founder Derek Curry inside the new Houston location ahead of its official opening.

As Sneaker Politics celebrates 20 years, Derek reflects on the journey from a single store in Louisiana to a brand that has helped shape sneaker culture in the south and nationwide. We discuss the early days, the risks, the setbacks, the partnerships, and the lessons learned from building something that has stood the test of time.

More importantly, we talk about what 20 years of Sneaker Politics means now.

This is a conversation about vision, perseverance, community, leadership, and legacy.

Twenty years later, the mission is still the mission.

#sneakerpolitics #podcast #houston

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Today we talkin’ Legacy!

The return of the Houston Comets isn’t a moment, it’s a reminder. Back to back wasn’t luck. It was dominance. It was foundation. And being at the draft night experience at Kirby Ice House felt like standing at the beginning of something that’s already proven.

Houston isn’t trying to build history. It’s picking back up where it left off.

Then we step into Sneaker Con Houston. Seeing culture move in real time. Money being made, stories being told, identity being expressed through what’s on foot. I break down what I saw, what stood out, and what it says about where the culture is right now.

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Today we talkin’ Kicks! 

Today we welcome back returning guest Samo. In 2024, Samo and I shared one of the most passionate conversations this show has seen. A conversation about trials, tribulations, and testimony. Now we reconnect at a very different moment. Daily Threads is officially open. A beautiful shop on the south side of Houston that stands as proof of vision, persistence, and faith. In this episode, Samo reflects on the journey that led him here and the lessons learned along the way. Sometimes the dream takes a lot more time. Sometimes it takes everything. But when it all comes together it’s more than worth it. 

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Today we talkin’ Kicks! 

What does it take to turn an idea into a sneaker? We sit down with Khullen, CEO, Founder, and Lead Designer of Katalyst to find out. In this episode, he breaks down the creation of the Katalyst 1 and the realities of stepping into footwear design. From his journey from East Texas to Nike in Portland, Khullen reflects on the inspiration, the obstacles, and the discipline required to build something meaningful from the ground up. This is a conversation about perseverance, faith, and continuing to work towards your bloom. It's Possible!

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Today we talkin’ Kicks! 

This episode is a personal reflection on being part of the H Town Jordan 11 Jordan Brand project. It was a moment of pride, culture, and deep connection to the city that shaped me. I share the emotions, the meaning, and the weight of representing Houston through creativity, and what the experience revealed about culture, identity, and Houston’s undeniable influence on style and storytelling.

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Today we talkin’ Kicks! 

Fresh off ComplexCon Las Vegas, I reflect on the moments that defined the weekend, from the Jordan 11 activations repping Houston, Atlanta, and Vegas to the Sneaker of the Year panel and the LAAMS Air Force 1 pop up. As well as the Air Max 95000. This episode taps into the pulse of fashion, culture, and the energy that connects us all.

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Today we talkin’ Kicks! 

This week we are talking about the top 5 kicks I’m looking forward to for the rest of the year. A few kicks that define taste, tell stories and keep the culture moving forward. I also share a little more about what happened with the Nike GT Future leak at NBA All Star weekend earlier this year. Tap in and let me know if any made your list too or if you have your eye on other pairs. 

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Today we talkin’ BFF 2025!

This week I’m sharing my experience at the 2025 Black Footwear Forum, presented by Pensole Lewis College. The weekend carried a theme that resonated deeply: own your power, define your future. Surrounded by brilliant Black creatives and leaders, I felt the weight and beauty of what it means to belong in a space built for us, by us. From conversations with artists and storytellers to insights from executives and innovators, every moment reinforced the truth that community is the foundation of progress. Dr. D’Wayne Edwards’ unwavering vision continues to shape this sacred ground, a sacred space where that message becomes lived truth, pushing us to learn, build, and carry the culture forward together.

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Today we talkin’ Kicks!

I hope you’ve been well and if not, remember that all that is not will be. 

This week on Thoughts for the Sole, I’m breaking down my favorite sneaker pick-ups of 2025 (so far), from surprise drops to long-awaited heat. It’s already been a strong year, and the best might still be ahead.

I’m also sharing a powerful moment I had with the Adidas Cornerstone Community, a space created by 82. Purple and hosted by Lee Baron. The energy, the intention and the unity was all so amazing. 

#PressPlay and tap in. 

Thank you for taking the time to tune in to today’s episode. If you enjoyed the show, be sure to subscribe and leave a 5-star review,  it helps more folks discover Thoughts for the Sole. Appreciate you.

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Today we talkin’ Kicks!

Caught up with Mike G. from The Sneaker History Podcast, one of the historians  in the game. We talked about when he first fell in love with kicks, those early days working at the shop (when the check went straight to kicks and rent), and how he feels about the current state of this game we love. We also got into what it has meant for me to rediscover and redefine my passion for this space. #PressPlay

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