Verbally Effective

North Memphis native, Dominique Y. Frost, is my guest for episode 204. Dominique is currently a licensed insurance agent and financial services professional that focuses her practice on helping individuals, families and small business owners. She is extremely compassionate about her Memphis community using her voice to influence others. Tune is as Dominique and I discuss her political ambitions, mental health awareness and her phenomenal journey.

Attorney Janika White is in the midst of campaign season up for the imperative role of Shelby County District Attorney. Her current situation is filled with a plethora of meetings while staying on path of an intentional journey. Janika's hometown in Memphis is rather debatable being that she lived a street over from Crystal Palace skating rink. Some would say that is South Memphis, White Haven or even Westwood adjacent. Being the only girl in the family, Janika grew up surrounded with the greatest gift of all which is the knowledge of God. Her love for law started very early as she participated in mock trial at Central High School and even interned for a law firm in the eleventh grade. Upon transitioning back to Memphis from law school, Janika was extremely excited to get to work and help the Memphis community.

Janika currently practices law as a partner with Bailey, Bailey & White PLLC. Take a listen as Janika breaks down the many reasons the percentage of AA women is one of the lowest percentages in the law field. Janika also shares the reasons for running for Shelby County District Attorney which is an eight year UNLIMITED term. Poverty, overcriminalization and overprosecution are just a few of the many deeply rooted issues currently affecting the Shelby County D.A. office. Did you know there are 31 districts in the state of Tennessee and there has NEVER been an AA in office? Please understand the gravity of this race and be reminded that early voting begins April 13th and ends April 28th. The primary race is May 3rd. You can volunteer on Janika's campaign at janikawhite.com.

Beaumont TX native, Emile G. Sigee Jr. joins me for episode 202. Emile is a tax professional with EdXact Tax Prep, Union President of Local 352-G and he's also one my big brothers. Take a listen as Emile talks us through his thoughts on the Russia-Ukraine war having experience serving in the US Military. In addition, he breaks down his position as the Union President with Dupont and how the issues with global supply chain has affected business. Lastly, he provides a bit of history on our Creole family bloodline.

Emile also provides some great advice for this tax season. Be sure to contact Emile for all of your tax needs at [email protected] or 901-752-9152.

Originally from East St. Louis, multi-disciplinary artist Eso Tolson joins us for episode 201. Eso talks us through his upbringing as an "art kid" in Missouri while pointing out the many comparisons of both Memphis and St. Louis. Although Eso moved to the Bluff City at the age of 22, he has definitely embraced his inner Memphis. He describes the art scene as one that is building community with a need for more resources. In addition, Eso breaks down his love for type faces illustrating his style as urban, grass roots, authentically BLACK and approachable. This plant zaddy talks us through how Artistik Lounge was created as a platform for creatives to thrive. Lastly, we dive into "Less Grind, More Chill" which was Eso's TedEx talk. Be sure to check out Eso's website www.esotolson.com.

White Haven, TN native, Dr. Tavis Wade-Jones, joins me for Ep 200 of the Verbally Effective Podcast. Being number twelve of thirteen siblings, Tavis grew up in very big, loving family. I'm sure it wouldn't surprise you to know that she was voted "Most Popular" and "Wittiest" at White Haven High School. Tavis began her college journey at Fisk University and later finished at THEE LeMoyne-Owen College pledging Delta Sigma Theta, Alpha Upsilon Chapter. As a first-generation college graduate, Tavis made it a priority to excel in academia by attaining her Masters and Doctorate in Education. She's lived in Las Vegas, Austin, Nashville, and Memphis during her career and shares her experiences in each city.

Tavis is also a founding member of Modern Distinctive Ladies, Inc. which began with seven young ladies in 1988. Now in it's 34th year, Tavis has touched over 6,000 girls as the Executive Director. She took her mentorship a step further when she started non-profit Purity P.E.A.R.L.S to guide young ladies with abstinence.

"Never Met a Stranger" is an intriguing relationship book that Tavis wrote during the pandemic at a time where she says that she was being disobedient to God. You can purchase her new book on her website drtaviswadejones.com or on Amazon.

Ernest D. Strickland, President and CEO of the Black Business Association of Memphis, holds an MBA from Bethel University and Bachelor of Professional Studies from University of Memphis. Strickland has led a multitude of successful economic and workforce development projects throughout his career. Most recently, he served as architect of Memphis’ community-wide workforce development initiative, Upskill 901 – a program aimed at upskilling 10,000 individuals over a three-year timeframe.

Take a listen as Ernest talks us through how the BBA Memphis has a focus on helping black businesses build wealth. With Memphis being a majority minority population, he addressed the historical disinvestments in our city that have yielded generational consequences. As a result, government support is needed in addition to innovation dollars that will allow us to experiment, test and learn.

Ernest also shares information on the new $5 billion Ford Project that will begin site work this year. The Memphis MBE Collaborative is in place to educate black business owners on how to qualify for contracts for this new project.

Lastly, Ernest takes on Esco's Pop talk discussing the Southern Heritage Classic, the removal of Senator Katrina Robinson and the controversary surrounding Spotify podcaster Joe Rogan.

Nikki Barnes, known in the entertainment industry as Ooowee Nikki B, is a Memphis event planner and promoter. This South Memphis native is a graduate of University of Memphis where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Hospitality & Resort Management.

Nikki B began here promotional career in high school while being a part of the Hottest No ID Required promoter, Shunn Gunn’s street team. While later joining her God brother, G. Webb to begin throwing their own events and bringing artists such as Nicki Minaj.

From there, Nikki ventured off to forming a connection with Thomas Brownlee becoming a member of BBEMG marketing group where she helped host some of the most popular parties such as, Mynt Night Club, Sunset Day Party, All Black Day Party, Denim & White Affair.

After being in supporting roles, Nikki was finally ready to put her own ideas out for the world to see and make a real name for herself with events such as Trap Gala, Drunken Karaoke, Super Saturdays and Reflex Sundays.

Take a listen as Nikki walks us through her journey. Very few women dominate the nightlife scene especially in Memphis, TN. Respect, safety, and social media are a few of the discussions we dive in to on the pod. Nikki also shares a touching moment of when she lost the love of her life to gun violence just a year ago. This week's Esco's Pop Talk segment entails Rihanna's pregnancy and the new Netflix documentary The Tinder Swindler.

Jackson, TN native, Dr. Chrisla Key, is on a mission to find that delicate balance in life. Chrisla has been in the nursing field for over twenty years currently practicing pediatric urology and serving as an assistant professor. Not only is Chrisla an outstanding wife and mother of two boys, she is also very active in the Phi Lambda Omega graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Take a listen as Chrisla talks in detail about finding balance, reclaiming pearls and KEYping Up With The Keys.

Oakland, TN native, Sweet Face Brit, is an ICU Nurse and owner of Sweet Temptation Hair and Lashes. Britney shares how it was growing up in Fayette County participating in competitive cheer and band. She attended MTSU and later finished nursing at Baptist. It was her ex-husband who introduced Britney to selling hair a few years back. After a bitter divorce, she began to build Sweet Temptation Hair from the ground up into the successful business it is today. Britney shares the day in the life of running Sweet Temptation Hair & Lashes which is currently expanding and adding new products.

One of the main topics we discuss is the impact of social media both positive and negative. Negative in the sense that total strangers will make the boldest statements about someone they don't know. And positive in the sense that so many people are inspired by her journey. Britney talks about her transformation from being unhappy and depressed at one point in her life while going through her divorce. Through prayer and her support system, she was able to become person you see today who is happy and flourishing.

East Memphis native, Mitchell Basar, is the host of the eclectic radio show Komorebi Hour on WYXR. Growing up Mitchell attended White Station High School playing soccer and life guarding during the summers. Mitchell attended University of Tennessee Knoxville as a political science major interning for Senator Corker during the Trump era. Take a listen as he gives insight on how his appreciation for artists and music began in Nashville while navigating life. Mitchell is currently in his last semester of law school preparing for the bar exam. Any down time he has is put towards creating a multi-faceted playlist for the Komorebi Hour. Sit back and welcome to the rabbit hole.