Verbally Effective

Made In Memphis Entertainment recording artist, Brandon Lewis, is comfortable in the lane he has carved out for himself and he's doing what he loves-creating music. Being the youngest of seven, he was the only one to develop such a strong interest in and passion for music. Brandon has literally pulled himself up by the bootstraps in this music game by taking the initiative to learn every aspect of the business. David Porter has been an instrumental mentor along the way. Brandon is now the Director of Programming for The Consortium MMT where he assists in developing talent for the emerging stars of Memphis. Brandon shares with us how he put in the dedication to becoming signed with the MIME label releasing several projects. You'll learn why the music game is mostly business vs. talent on this episode.

South Memphis native, Donald Walker Jr., is the Pastor of LimitBreaker Church. Donald followed in the footsteps of both his father and grandfather continuing a devout legacy in preaching the word. It is indeed amazing to listen to his journey as he shares accepting his "calling" at the age of twelve. Take a listen as Donald walks us through his road to leading his very own Church and the many challenges and truths that were revealed. Through his experience with being a minister, he learned how to develop a style that promotes his love for God as well as his passion for music.

White Haven, TN native Candace Spicer joins me for EP 172 of the Verbally Effective Podcast. She's an author, model, actress and creator of the new Memphis based reality show Bluff City Bellas. Tune in as Candace walks us through her journey dealing with insecurities, her thoughts on the evolution of the modeling industry and why she developed an online reality show in the Bluff City.

East Memphis native, Mille Manny is waking up the industry with his Hip-Hop immersed R&B vocals. He just happens to be the youngest ever guest on the Verbally Effective Podcast. Millie found his passion for music at the age of fourteen and has had two songs featured on NBA2K21 in addition to making his television debut in the Lifetime reality TV show, Ms. T’s Music Factory. This young crooner has his eyes on the prize as he gears up to attend HBCU Tennessee State University on a full academic scholarship. Take a listen as Mille discusses his knack for analytics with social media, his close relationship with his father/manager and his plans to balance academics and music while in college. He's an emerging star with the Memphis based Consortium MMT program where he has access to a multitude of resources for talent development. Although Mille is at the beginning of his journey, we look forward to following this awesome talent along the way.

Whitehaven, TN native Deric "Sleezy" Evans began his love for comedy at a very young age. This actor, comedian and radio personality earned a Bachelors degree in Human Performance Sports Science from Tennessee State, and secured a coveted membership in the world famous Aristocrat of Bands. Deric discusses very humble beginnings in the comedy game once he graduated college. However he continued to persevere which resulted in a comedy career gracing both local and national stages. You can also find Deric on the radio as the fifth member of the "Kenny Smoov Morning show" on Nashville's 92Q. Tune in to hear Deric's amazing story in which he breaks down the comedy game, elaborates on the internet comedian fame and shares some of the politics within the radio industry.

Tune in to South Memphis Legend IBN Young AKA Playa Fly as he gets Verbally Effective with Ena Esco on Ep 169. Playa Fly is an artist, writer, musician, and entertainer who became a certified hood celebrity at the age of 21. Many of us still to this day recite verbatim Memphis anthems such as “Gettin It On,” “Crownin Me,” and “Nobody Needs Nobody.” He talks of his close relationship with his grandmother Minnie Mae who he refers to as being a "safe haven" during his formative years. In addition, he talks candidly of the bond between him and his father Bill Chill who you can hear on many of his most coveted tracks. Nowadays, Playa Fly is the CEO of Minnie Mae Muzik and is monetizing his brand in numerous ways. Take a listen as he shares his thoughts on Memphis, social media and performing during a pandemic. Fly is currently on a mini tour promoting his new single “Don’t Know Me" produced by Zaytoven.

West Memphis, AR native Carmeon Hamilton is HGTV's most recent and only African American Design Star: Next Gen Winner. Carmeon exists in a space where there are eighty percent Whites and two percent Blacks often being one of very few in her profession. Her love for design flourished when she was in college as a RA and rearranged her space with a hot pink and zebra theme. She immediately changed here major from physical therapy to design and received her first design job offer a semester before graduation. Nowadays, you can find Carmeon in pre-production with HGTV for her new show focusing on her life in addition to those who create beauty as renters. Take a listen as Carmeon walks us through the disparity in blacks having a seat at the table in leadership in the design community, her experience of often being the "show pony" at market and lastly the elitism that exists within the interior design world. You'll learn that the last fifteen years has been filled with many lessons including lasting relationships that keep her going.

Frayser native Dr. Bobby White is the Founder and CEO of Frayser Community Schools - a Charter Management Organization designed with the intent of positively transforming schools with the support of the community to build Family Centered Schools in Frayser// and Memphis Communities as a whole. Take a listen as Dr. White walks us through his journey of becoming a single parent to a child with a disability and battling homelessness. During that time, he was attending what was then Shelby State Community College and received both an Associate degree of Arts and Science in General Education. From there he enrolled at LeMoyne Owen College where he tapped into his true abilities as a leader. After graduating near the top of his class at LeMoyne Owen College, he entered Corporate America working for the government and later joined the Memphis City Schools. You'll hear the intricate details on how and why he made the decision to start Frayser Community Schools in addition to the wonderful work that is being done in the community.

Jason “Jay” Anderson hails from City of Smiles - Grenada Mississippi. At a young age Jay had an affinity for science, music, and business. After becoming a hall of fame graduate of Grenada High School, he jumped headfirst into corporate America as the youngest African American human resource representative for Lennox International Incorporated. Jason thrived in this arena fast tracking into fields of Production Management, Purchasing, Accounting, Safety, and Operations; eventually becoming the Quality Engineering Leader. Currently Jay is the 6-business unit Quality Leader of the Modine Manufacturing Corporation. Mr. Anderson also has 2 private businesses and 1 nonprofit; Anderson Lockridge Property Group – A LLC focused around real estate investment, Check Conversations LLC encompassing financial literacy, and The Class Acts 501c3. Take a listen as we discuss his journey with highlights in mentorship, cryptocurrency, and generation wealth.

It's all about balance for episode's 161 guest Meridith Miller Rucker. Having a strong support system has aided this South Memphis native in accomplishing a plethora of goals. Meridith is currently the Director of Program Development for Bridges, yoga instructor, writer, wife, and mother. She discusses navigating through private institutions during her formative years that was very rewarding academically yet challenging socially. Meridith powered through graduating from HBCU Tennessee State University and grad school for journalism at New York University. While in New York, she served as an editor for CosmoGIRL! and worked for Soap Opera Weekly. Her writings have appeared in Glamour, the New York Post, Hallmark, and Southern Women. These days Meridith is shining her light specializing in leadership development and social and emotional learning for youth, young adults, and emerging leaders. We discuss the tenacity of Generation Z, importance of a strong support system and her recent honor with the Memphis Business Journal's Top 40 Under 40.