Verbally Effective

Episode 214's guest is President of River City Capital Investment Corp. and Host of the Minding Your Business Podcast, Ron Brooks, Jr. Ron is an Orange Mound, TN native by way of Chicago, IL. Take a listen as Ron discusses his formative years transferring from Melrose to Houston HS filled with many triumphs and challenges. He later attended the University of Memphis and entered the world of banking immediately after. Ron shares how if felt to be a black man in corporate banking in the early 2000's. We even dive into this looming recession that has been chasing us daily. Learn more about Ron's business River City Capital and why it's important to edify the Memphis community.

My guest for Ep 213 is stylist and founder of "Styled by LD" Lauren Draffin. Known as the "Queen of mixing high and low brands", LD shares that her dad got her interested in fashion during her early teens. She credits her first job at Indigo for instilling in her with technique and accountability. LD spent her first three years in college at the University of Alabama as a Fashion/Merchandising major and finished her last year at the University of Memphis. It was at UofM where she received a fashion internship in New York where she learned the lay of the land. You can now catch LD styling some of your favs via her business Styled by LD. She is also the co owner along with her business partner Monte Stewart of Beg & Borrow Apparel. LD prides herself on doing extensive research for her client base and says "Everything is visual." You can catch LD teaching INTRO TO FASHION this Fall at the University of Memphis. Check out LD's website now at styledbyld.com and begandborrowapparel.com.

Orange Mound, TN native, Dr. Derrick D. Payne, is our guest for episode 212. Derrick is a dentist, event strategist and pillar of the Memphis community. In July 2002, Dr. Payne purchased his first dental practice in Memphis and has practiced in the Whitehaven Community for 20 years. He is a member of the Shelby County Dental Society, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc and the visionary of Men of Memphis UNITED. He also is passionate about bringing individuals together in the form of UNITY through various community events and functions. One of his largest annual events is entitled THE JINGLE JAM in which thousands of Memphians and surrounding citizens come together to celebrate the Christmas Holidays. Dr. Payne is also gearing up for a summer series entitled #901Live featuring some of the most talented performers from Memphis.

Bri Saulsberry "Luxury Experiences" | EPISODE 211 Memphis native, Bri Saulsberry, is my guest for episode 211. Bri is the the Beauty, Boss and Brains behind the illustrious company that reimagines and redefines luxury experiences, Bri Saulsberry & Company. Bri Saulsberry and Company is a boutique design agency that specializes in uniquely reimagining spaces to create extraordinary experiences. Through thoughtfully designed bespoke events and interior design, BS & Co. prioritizes luxury and experience to produce inspiring and imaginative projects with an elegant, forward, yet timeless aesthetic.

Bri is a graduate of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville with a communications degree in Public Relations. During her tenure at the university, she was inspired by her travels and communications studies in two places that hold some of the world’s most illustrious fashion, luxury and creativity— New York and Europe. Enamored during her stay, she immersed herself in the cultures and experiences both influential places afforded, creating relationships while absorbing all the beauty, luxury and industry insight that she could. The exposure, knowledge and invaluable experiences were a game-changer that affirmed and enhanced her passion. Following graduation from the University of Tennessee and special time off as a new mother to her sweet baby girl, Bri Saulsberry entered a brief career in education in which she excelled quickly. Nonetheless, in a world of educational politics and unprecedented times, she was left with a decision to pivot. She chose to pursue her passions, and this led to her greatest leap of faith— the launch of her company, Bri Saulsberry & Company.

Founded in 2018, Ruthless Ryderz is a roundup club for cowboys and cowgirls started by my guest for Ep 210 Tyrone Brown Sr. Originally from Okmulgee, OK, Tyrone moved to Memphis in 2010 and began expanding Ruthless Ryderz which now has over one hundred members in nine states. Members partake in western rodeo events, horse shows, trail rides and parades. Take a listen as Tyrone discusses the rich history of the black rodeo and the incredible culture that has been established in Memphis.

Tyrone is having the Ruthless Ryderz Southern Soul Black Invitational Rodeo & Pony Express Blowout on Saturday, May 21st at the Tunica Arena & Expo Center. Parade begins in downtown Tunica, MS at 3pm and Rodeo starts at 7pm. You can purchase tickets online via Eventbrite for $25 in advance & $30 at the door.

My guest for episode 209 reps White Station and Memphis sports. You may have heard John Martin on your radio dial 92.9FM ESPN from 11am-2pm along with Jason Smith giving you the latest in the sports news. John's love for Memphis sports started very early in life as a huge Memphis Tigers fan under the Calipari era. He attended the University of Memphis as journalism major and received his first radio gig as a producer under Geoff Calkins before getting his very own show with Jason Smith in 2016.

Take a listen as John talks on the importance of "live" radio and how imperative it is in the Memphis market. We also touch on the competitive landscape of media and how we digest information. Last but not least, we talk plenty Memphis Grizzlies and how Ja Morant has redefined how people will view this franchise going forward.

Meet South Memphis native Jeff Cohran. He’s been holding down the role as Tour & Production manager for Janelle Monae for the last two decades. Jeff comes from a musical family with his Aunt singing background for Ray Charles and Uncle as a musician with the Bar-Kays. However it was Jeff’s mom who was very instrumental in getting him to hone in on the business side of music. Jeff attended UT Knoxville as a journalism electronic media major and minored in political science. He was very active in the NAACP and talks us through a black face incident on campus during his freshman year.

Take a listen as Jeff walks us through how he entered the management and touring side of the music industry linking with a major artist such as Janelle Monae. He discusses many lessons learned and the importance of having a sound mindset as he toured the world. You’ll also discover Jeff’s entry into academia as a music instructor at the University of Memphis. Jeff’s goal is to get students placed and shape their mental aspect. Be sure to tune into Jeff’s radio show ‘FUNKYTOWN” on WYXR’s 91.7FM under the moniker STH MEMPHIS JEFF on Thursdays from 8-9pm.

You've seen my Ep 207 guest, Janeen Fullilove Gordon, on television over the past 9 years as a traffic anchor and most recently host of Bluff City Life. She is now transitioning from television into full-time public service as a candidate for Shelby County Juvenile Court Clerk. You'll learn that Janeen is deeply rooted in the Memphis community which began in the Glenview Historic District. Take a listen as Janeen gives us insight into her family tree, the role of the Juvenile Court Clerk and why she would be the best fit for the position. Lastly, we partake in some good ole Memphis trivia. You can support Janeen's campaign by heading to her website janeengordon.com to volunteer and donate.

Orange Mound, TN native, Marcus Washington is an Emmy Award winning journalist, currently working as the morning anchor at NBC Bay Area in the San Francisco Bay Area. He's lived in six cities over the past seventeen years in the news industry. Tune in as Marcus talks us through his time at University of Memphis in the journalism program while pledging Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity Inc. He takes us back to his first gig as a producer at WREG working side by side with some of the Memphis greats. Marcus lays out the San Francisco scene which is extremely diverse with a very small percentage of AA's. You'll discover more about his Emmy Award winning show Race In America and how it came about during the wake of the George Floyd killing. We even dive into the double standards of how both men and women are perceived in the media space when it comes to vanity. Find out more about his impactful journey including what's next on his radar on Ep 206!

Orange Mound native, Gerald Richardson, is my esteemed guest for episode 205. The youngest of eight siblings, Gerald grew up in a gospel/musical family. He attended White Station High School during the time re-districting was enforced in Memphis. Immediately following graduation he joined a band and the rest is history.

Gerald shares that he is blessed to be able to merge his love for both music and mental health awareness. He is a mental health professional facilitating substance abuse classes Mon-Fri and has noticed that more men are now taking part in therapy.

Tune in as Gerald discusses how he joined the legendary Cameo band and is now touring the world. Tap in to how he handles our new segment "HEY MANE, SAY MANE." Gerald is also releasing three new singles "Ordinary Love," "Life of the Party," and "Beautiful."