Truly Kenya Podcast

Ready for a fashion expedition with none other than the eminent designer, Walter Mendez? Brace yourselves as he spills the secrets behind designing for the likes of J Lo, Beyonce, and Mariah Carey. We chat extensively about breaking gender norms in fashion, inspiring men to experiment with their style, and why it's not just about what you're wearing, but how you're wearing it.

From the glamorous world of celebrities, we jet-set with Walter across Europe. We talk about his four-month adventure, his inspirations drawn from the birthplaces of renowned fashion houses like Gucci and Ferragamo, and how travel refuels his creativity. Walter passionately unfolds his belief in tailoring fashion to each individual's unique body, a conviction that underlines his commitment to inclusivity.

As we take a glimpse into the world of current fashion trends, we discuss the rising wave of 'quiet luxury' and the significance of color symbolism. We toast to influential celebrities who've shattered beauty standards and celebrate the power of body positivity. Walter reveals his love for the City of Angels, shares his aspiration to establish homes worldwide, and talks about the role of social media in shaping his career. So, tune in for an uplifting conversation that'll inspire you to redefine your style and own it!

Ever wondered how a makeup artist at Mac ends up launching Martha Stewart's award winning TikTok debut? Meet Ashley Rudder, global chief creator officer of Whaler, whose journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring. This incredibly tenacious woman transformed her passion for makeup into a fruitful career, first carving out a new role for herself at Mac and later becoming the global director of digital content. 

Our discussion with Ashley takes us into the heart of the creator economy, where authenticity and consistency reign supreme. Ashley's insights into this world are invaluable, whether you're an emerging content creator or simply curious. She takes us behind the scenes of Martha Stewart's TikTok debut, revealing how understanding your audience and adopting a data-driven approach can result in a wildly successful campaign. 

But it's not all about online creators, Ashley’s expertise extends to influencer marketing. Her company, Whaler Agency, bridges the gap between brands and creators, connecting them to reach fresh audiences. We discuss the importance of diversity in creative teams, the cost of influencer marketing and offer some valuable advice for smaller brands. Tune into this fascinating episode of the Truly Kenya podcast and immerse yourself in the thrilling world of content creation, marketing and branding strategies. Your support means the world to us!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to step into the world of podcasting with zero experience? Join us as we chat with Tee Goodwin, an inspiring entrepreneur who did just that and now hosts the Purposely Bossing Up podcast. Tee’s journey is a captivating tale of resilience and determination, as she created a space for authentic conversations and uplifting stories. In this episode, she takes us through her eye-opening experience at this year's Essence Festival, labeling it as a game changer, and an important platform for connecting with diverse professionals.

Furthermore, we delve into Tee's ventures through Divine Connections, her brainchild that helps clients meet their branding needs. As a complete powerhouse, Tee is adept at assisting her clients reach their target audiences through consultations, photoshoots, and video shoots. She shares her ambitious future plans of transitioning into a production company with a focus on commercial production. We also discuss her insightful strategies on securing dream guests and media opportunities.  This episode is a goldmine of candid conversations, media strategies and future plans that's a must-listen for upcoming entrepreneurs and podcasters. So tune in, and get ready for an exhilarating journey.

Get ready for a remarkable conversation with the legendary Cult Jam, now featuring its new lead singer, Mestina Soul. Alongside founder Mike Hughes and Alex Spanador, this trio gives a deeply personal account of their journey, from Mestina's discovery to their sustained friendship and balance in the industry. They'll share insights on how music has evolved from their early years to the present day and discuss the unique challenges and opportunities they currently face.

Be prepared to groove as we delve into Cult Jam's latest musical masterpiece, Gem Love. Immerse yourself in the disco-inspired fun and universal need for love that shapes their songwriting and production process. You'll also get a sneak peek into their collaborations with musical legends like Curtis Blow, U.T.F.O., and LL Cool J, and who knows, we might even reveal some future collaborative plans. 

Finally, we'll peel back the curtain on the magic of collaboration. Listen to Mike, Alex, and Mestina as they share memorable stories about working with Prince and other iconic artists. Mestina will talk about the importance of creativity and self-expression in her craft, and we'll give you an exclusive first look at their upcoming EP and single. As a cherry on top, we'll also discuss their much-awaited tour and what fans can look forward to in their new music. It's a conversation not to be missed, so come and join us for this enlightening chat with Cult Jam!

Ever been curious about the intersection of technology, specifically AI, and psychology? Join me in a riveting conversation with Dr. Ally Hicks, a PhD relationship expert and a psycho futurist. Together, we navigate through the complex implications of AI on human development, drawing connections to Socrates’ fear of the alphabet and examining the potential misuse of voice recognition technology. Don't worry, we've got tips on how to protect yourself from such threats!

But we don't limit our conversation to AI, we dive deeper into the mysteries of the human psyche and relationships. We explore covert control in relationships.  You'll gain insight into attachment styles - a vital part of personality disorders and relationships, managing anxiety, and expressing feelings through writing. We stress the importance of setting healthy boundaries with family and loved ones. 

And then, we get personal. I open up about how my father's death influenced my parenting and dating behavior, and how I sought relationships with father-like figures. Hear from Dr. Ally as she shares her own love story - the transition from friends to fiancés in a short span. Join us for an enlightening conversation that touches upon love, life, technology, and the complexity of human development and relationships.

I'm thrilled to bring you a stimulating conversation with the extraordinary Jonelle Allen. Recognized for her stellar performances in productions like "Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman" and her Broadway debut in "Two Gentlemen of Verona", Jonelle takes us through her remarkable journey from a three-year-old dancing on TV to collecting accolades like the three ACP Awards, a Tony Award nominations, and a Critics Choice Award. This discussion isn't just a chronicle of her successful career, it's a testament to the evolution of theater acting in Hollywood, marked with Jonelle’s own experiences and insights.

This conversation isn't just about the footlights and applause, it's about unmasking the intense struggle behind the scenes. Jonelle candidly converses about her battles with racism in the industry, her inspirational mentors, and the resilience that spurred her forward. She reminisces about her transition from the old guard theater of the Amundsen to the pulsating energy of the Mark Taper Forum, offering a rare perspective into the world of theater. Through her story, Jonelle sketches a vivid narrative of an artist's journey in overcoming adversity to leave an indelible mark in the theater and film industry.

However, the conversation doesn't stop at the stages and screens. In this episode, Jonelle shares pearls of wisdom drawn from personal experiences. She talks about her triumphant battle with alcoholism, maintaining sobriety for 35 years, and how she navigated personal loss, losing her husband and mother within a year. On a lighter note, Jonelle gives priceless advice on relationships and personal growth. Brace yourself for a fascinating discourse with Jonelle Allen, an artist's artist, and a woman of inspirational strength and determination.

Grab your headphones and prepare to be inspired by the multifaceted Daheli Hall, an actor, comedian, and writer praised for her work on Mad TV and Dear White People. As we journey through her incredible career, we'll uncover the freedom of improvisation in scripted sketches, the shimmer of confidence she wears when performing, and her unique perspective as an only child. But there's more to Daheli than her captivating stage presence. Get ready for an honest discussion about her one-woman show, Spadura, and the ways her upbringing has shaped her life and career.

We're lucky to have Daheli with us as we weave through memories of our fathers, first loves and experiences, and the profound impact of our parents' expectations. We'll discover how these formative experiences have shaped our values, the importance of a flexible partner, and our shared journey as first-generation kids. But we won't shy away from the challenging topics - we'll dive deep into the transforming conversations we've had with our parents about sex and fertility journey.

The light-hearted banter takes a poignant turn as we navigate the ins and outs of the entertainment industry. Expect honest accounts of subtle discrimination, the importance of authenticity, and the role Buddhism has played in Daheli's journey. We'll then transition to a crucial conversation about fertility and IVF, specifically discussing the disproportional impact on black women. Wrapping up our conversation, we'll touch on Daheli's experiences during the Writer's Guild of America and SAG Union strike. This power-packed episode is guaranteed to leave you inspired and enlightened. So, press play and dive into this insightful conversation with DeHaley Hall.

Ever wondered what the mind of a venture capital investor looks like? Join Nathan Pell, the founder of Pell Ventures, as he zooms in on his investment criteria and the importance of entrepreneurial passion. This episode peels back the layers on the complex world of investing in entrepreneurial ventures, revealing Nathan's philosophy and unique approach to selecting projects.

Brace yourself as we shift gears and dive into the world of reality TV. With Nathan at the helm, recounting his personal experiences and insights on on-screen relationships, we explore a side of TV rarely covered. It's a rollercoaster ride, touching on the brotherhood amongst the show’s participants and the concept of 'situation ships'. Plus, we get a bonus talk on the significance of setting boundaries and surrounding oneself with the right people when building an empire.

Finally, we close out the episode by shedding light on Nathan's diverse interests and ventures. Whether it’s discussing success of in Africa, his love for Formula One racing, or his favorite restaurant in Los Angeles, Nathan's passion shines through. We finish off with a deep dialogue on the importance of loyalty and honesty in all aspects of life, with Nathan underscoring the idea that loyalty is more than just a word - it's a lifestyle and a choice. Tune in for an episode filled with insights, inspiration, and entertainment.

Ever wondered how the power duo behind Single Moms Planet and Cole's skincare line for men came to be? Nefertiri Plessie and Cole Patterson join us to share their journey from the entertainment industry to becoming successful entrepreneurs. They spill the beans on their friendship, personal relationships, and the crucial role of accountability and self-care in their journey.

In this jam-packed episode, Nefertiri and Cole also delve into their expertise in business, entertainment, and marketing. They share insightful strategies on how they assist companies to increase brand visibility and surmount business challenges. Uncover the secrets of building successful brands from the duo that is helping single moms nationally. Plus, they reveal the significance of rest, white space, and velocity when constructing a business.

As passionate advocates for single mothers raising sons, Nefertiri and Cole offer a glimpse into their work with Single Moms Planet. Their inspiring stories highlight the impact of mentorship and product visibility. They even share their innovative concept of a 'grooming lounge' for athletes. Tune in to hear about the creation of Cole's skincare line for men and their advice for staying true to one's vision. We wrap up the conversation with some priceless dating advice for women and a lively discussion about loyalty, respect, and honesty in relationships. This episode is chock-full of wisdom, authenticity, and motivating tales of resilience and tenacity.

Join me as I unfold the life of celebrity hairstylist, Guy Tang. An intriguing conversation where Guy delves into his early experiences as an Asian child in Tulsa, Oklahoma, coming out as gay at 28, and his journey to becoming a beloved hairdresser. Discover how he found purpose in the artistry of hair, which helped him gain confidence and find acceptance in Los Angeles. 

Our conversation with Guy Tang takes an interesting turn as he journeys into his time and relationships on the reality show 'Bling Empire.' He discusses his interactions with the show's other members, particularly Kevin, and how his participation in the show broadened his horizons. Excitingly, he delves into his collaborations with YouTube creators, the dynamics of being in a reality show, his insights into fashion, and much more.

Finally, we explore deeper topics of identity and passion with Guy. From being a side character to taking center stage in his life, Guy shares his experience of transforming Asian hair to blonde in a day while maintaining its integrity. He also reflects on his reality show experiences, his future aspirations, including hosting a travel or talk show. Come along for an enlightening discussion with Guy Tang as he shares his journey of life, fashion, and hair.

@guy_tang