Verbally Effective

From corporate employee to full-time entrepreneur, Dana James Mwangi's journey began within Parkway Village community in southeast Memphis, Tennessee. Dana describes herself as that "art kid" during her formative years. After graduating college, Dana jumped right into the world of digital design working a few corporate gigs learning the tricks of the trade. She also freelanced at the time building clientele that would help her pivot into entrepreneurship. As a result, Cheers Creative was born in addition to the birth of her first child. Take a listen as Dana talks through the challenges she faced once she made that major pivot. Although the digital design world is cutthroat, Dana was able to persevere and make major strides. She's currently building a "Virtual Tulsa" through her Google Digital Coach partnership helping her local Memphis community with free digital training and coaching. Dana also drops a plethora of gems for aspiring entrepreneurs stating that simplicity and ease should be treasured in the early phases of starting a business. She even dives deep into her outlook for the digital landscape over the next ten years which consists of unrelentless transparency.

Growing up in South Memphis at College and McClemore, James Alexander was a music legend in the making. Just a stone's throw away from Stax Records, James played football and was a part of a band while attending Booker T. Washington High School. Immediately after graduating high school, he was on a plane with his bandmates headed to New York City to play his very first gig at the Apollo Theatre with Otis Redding. James gives us quite a few stories entering the music business with the Bar-Kays at such a young age including comradery amongst musicians and even racism during those early years. He even shares that tragic moment when he flew commercial for a gig while his entire band in addition to Otis Redding were killed on a private plane. As a result, based on a foreshadowing conversation he had with his band mates, he was able to carry the legacy of the Bar-Kays months later. Take a listen as James discusses his influence and relationship with his son Jazze Pha, whom he named after his best friend and late Bar-Kays bandmate Phalon Jones. James continues as the only original member of the Bar-Kays fostering relationships and collaborations with other Memphis artists such as Juicy J, Young Dolph and so many more.

Meet Orange Mound native and certified dietitian/nutritionist Ryan Zuber. Take a listen as "Your Favorite Nutritionist" shares his remarkable journey of how he entered the nutrition field on EP 152. Many don't know that it was because of his wife's illness that he challenged himself to learn and do everything he could to save her life. And he did just that. As a result, Ryan has been of service to his clients by getting to know them on an intimate level and provide the best service possible. Ryan dispels some of the biggest myths about nutrition such as detox teas, shakes, sea moss and over the counter methods. You'll learn that nutrition is a way of life for Ryan that he takes seriously.

Huntsville, AL native, Ali Manning, moved to Memphis about eleven years ago and hasn't looked back. She made that move must three weeks after graduating from Alabama A&M landing her dream job as a food scientist. She later started Umami Food Consulting and created Food Science 4 Kids. Take a listen as Ali breaks down her expertise as a food scientist and how this field has yielded many opportunities. In addition, Ali developed an all-natural beard grooming product line for men partnering with her husband on King Status Grooming. Learn why her motto is "Carpe Diem" and how she has the Memphis Skate scene on fire with the Memphis Skate Hotties.

So many times we continue to fight the current of our passions. That's exactly what my guest for episode 150 did until he broke free. David Quarles, IV is one of the most sought after interior designers and jewelry artists in the mid south and beyond. Being of African/Afro-Caribbean, European, and Indigenous-American descent, he allows appreciation of culture to influence how he views the world. His journey is filled with culture, fitness, lifestyle changes and his beloved art. Find out how he broke through the current and pursued his wildest dreams.

North Memphis native, Michalyn Easter-Thomas, was elected to the Memphis City Council District 7 seat in November 2019. She speaks of fond memories growing up in the Vollintine-Evergreen community as she matriculated through the Memphis City school system. Michalyn took her educational quest to a new level graduating from Christian Brothers University and later attending Columbia University of New York receiving her M.A.

Michalyn's passion for her community extends beyond the norm as she is the founder of nonprofit Our Grass Our Roots Nonprofit Organization(OGOR), a grassroots movement centered around the North Memphis community, informing the community of resources, resisting gentrification and advancing the community and individuals of the community.

Take a listen as Michalyn walks us through her journey starting as a little girl who loved her North Memphis neighborhood, to becoming a change maker in that very same community. Her background as a History major speaks volumes as she addresses how we are currently mirroring some of the very same issues from 100 years ago such as racism, war and a pandemic. Michalyn also shares her thoughts on leadership, recent covid mandates and the impacts of gentrification slowly but surely creeping through our Memphis domain.

Jeremy Pierre comes to the Bluff City from the Crescent City, where he was prepped at the storied St. Augustine High School. Continuing his education in the city of New Orleans, he graduated from Xavier University of Louisiana with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication, broadcast concentration.

Jeremy launched his reporting career as an intern at NBC affiliate WDSU Channel 6. After working in his hometown, he then went on to become a general assignment reporter at KNOE in Monroe, La. Currently, Jeremy is a reporter/anchor with Fox 13 Memphis. News has always been a passion for Jeremy, and he strives to produce fair, accurate and balanced stories. He particularly enjoys sharing stories from the communities he serves. Jeremy is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the National Association of Black Journalists.

Take a listen as Jeremy discusses her recent encounter with the novel coronavirus and how he's recovering. He shares his views on the vaccine in addition to his disdain for the term "fake news" in media. Find out why Jeremy has decided to remain in Memphis after six years in addition to the reasons he now calls this city his home away from home.

Known by her stage name, DJ Alpha Whiskey, Ashley Wimbush is an experienced entertainment specialist offering a unique and unmatched disc jockey skill set. Ashley entered the professional entertainment scene in 2017, though her passion for mixing music and making people fall in love with music started at a young age. Self-taught, Ashley possesses an almost-supernatural ability to blend and mix tracks in an evocative way transporting listeners to another world.

Ashley not only controls the airwaves; she also controls the skies. A proud graduate of the illustrious Hampton University, Ashley earned her B.S. in Airport/Air Traffic Control Management in 2010. Her career in air traffic control spans over 10 years, as she currently serves as an air traffic controller at Memphis International Airport.

In 2020, Ashley co-founded SheDJs , a Memphis-based female DJ collective. In addition to being a DJ and Air Traffic Controller, Ashley provides consultant & event-planning services, runs her company, Alpha Whiskey Enterprises LLC, and still finds time to make the occasional trip to her hometown of Danville, Virginia. Hear Ashley’s talents on her show, “Flight Risk,” airing 6-8 p.m. Central Time, every Thursday, on WYXR, 91.7FM.

On Ep 146, Ena talks with Tennessee State Representative District 98 Antonio Parkinson. Originally from Oakland, CA, the Marine Corps brought him to the Memphis area as an air traffic controller in Millington. He speaks of his formative years dealing with homelessness, neglect and behavioral issues. Prior to his political career, Antonio was involved in the music business as an artist and producer. His leadership with the Memphis Music Commission led him towards his political career as Tennessee State Representative, District 98. Find out exactly what that role entails, his most prized rulings and how covid has affected Antonio's world.

Chelsea Chandler is the Morning Meteorologist and Time Saver Traffic reporter on Local 24 News Good Day Memphis weekdays 5-7am and Middays 11-12p as well as co-anchoring Memphis This Morning 9-10a. She has been recognized as the Commercial Appeals Memphis Most as Best TV Weatherperson 3 times and by the Memphis Flyer as Best of Memphis twice for her work as a morning meteorologist. Take a listen as Chelsea walks us through her journey which consists of many peaks and valleys. Although she has gained many accolades in her field, she has endured much heartbreak as well. You'll learn about her cultured upbringing, her amazing support system, a horrendous accident where she almost lost a limb and the tragic loss of a sibling. Chelsea is like many of us who strive to accomplish our goals yet still deal with the pressures of validation, relationships and mental health.