Verbally Effective

Devin Dion is a Memphis native who has worked in all aspects of multimedia. Her energetic and lively personality can be seen on television as she hosts The Style Center which currently airs in six states on Comcast Networks. Her love for fashion fostered opportunities with working behind the scenes at LA Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week and now Memphis Fashion Week. Find out more about Devin Dion including her thoughts on TI's recent hymen check, Jay Z's lavish invites, a very personal encounter with Trump and a major upcoming event on episode 93 of the Verbally Effective Podcast!

With only four years of djing under his belt, DJ KVNG has worked with a plethora of artists and has even had the opportunity to dj numerous concerts. Kvng is currently the official dj for Duke Deuce who just signed to QC based in Atlanta. As you listen to the pod, you will discover the trials and tribulations he encountered along the way as he details his first gig at O'cielo and the sets he organized back in his UofM days. Although he loves to spin records, Kvng has an even deeper affection for community engagement. Last year he began the "901 Hope Project" which caters to those in our community who are in need and not exclusive to the homeless. Nowadays, Kvng is a traveling dj who is expanding his platform so that it reaches the masses in order to make the work of giving back and improving the living situations of those in the 901. Take a listen as he shares some of his dj pet peeves in addition to his thoughts on Kanye's new "Jesus is King" album.

Twenty years in the game and now headlining his own tour, episode 91 welcomes singer-songwriter Sammie! I often boast about this podcast having the secret ingredient of transparency and my Pisces brother Sammie fit right in. He first gained notoriety around the turn of the century with Gold certified top 25 Billboard Hot 100 hit "I Like It." Back on the scene with his fourth studio album Everlasting, Sammie says it hasn't always been easy going from teen star to adult. He's learned some powerful lessons when it comes to business and relationships and is completely humbled and thankful from those experiences. Sammie was an open book as he spoke about saying no to reality TV, his dating life and how social media was a tool that brought him back into the mainstream. I learned that he is an avid reader with "The Four Agreements" and "The Wait" as two of his most recent reads. Having such a loyal fan base and resilient mindset, I know Sammie will continue to do great things whether he continues in music or go into acting. Tune in! You won't be disappointed:)

I have known my guest for episode 90, John Cornes, close to two decades. I was first introduced to this North Memphis native as a student at LeMoyne Owen College. It was there where John Cornes earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Accounting, and has used that knowledge in various industries, including airline, medical and government. He is currently a Real Estate Affiliate Broker representing local, national buyers and international buyers and sellers of real estate investment and personal properties. John is also a real estate investor, owning properties in various parts of Memphis. Take a listen as John walks us through his time as a student attending LeMoyne Owen College in the late 80's. He also discusses pledging Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and his deep sense of pride for attending the only HBCU in Memphis, TN. You will also discover how and why Mecca Productions and the Brothers 7 was birthed.

One thing that has always stood out to me about John is that he has always been an advocate for his community. He strongly believes in community involvement and has exhibited this through his fraternity APhiA, the Memphis City Schools Connect Mentoring Program and by annually volunteering for the National Civil Rights Museum and the Diggs Krauss Sickle Cell Walk. John was recognized as “Greek of the Year” by the Memphis Pan Hellenic Council and was nominated for the Commercial Appeal Community Service Jefferson Awards.

Native Memphian, Lawrence "Boo" Mitchell, was surrounded by music growing up in South Memphis. Boo is the son of legendary Hi Records and Al Green producer, Willie Mitchell. After graduating from Christian Brothers High School, he formed a rap group called the M-Team in 1988. Years later he worked as manager and talent coordinator for his family's club, "Willie Mitchell's Rhythm and Blues Club" located on Memphis's historic Beale street. As you can imagine, countless celebrities frequented the club during this time and Boo shares quite a few stories from this era in his life. We also discuss the dynamic of Memphis Music and how many artists are seeking that "vintage recording sound" from Royal Studios. Being a Grammy Award winning - engineer, producer, and composer, Boo walks me through the night he picked up the Grammy for "Record of the Year" for his work on the Mark Ronson/Bruno Mars hit "Uptown Funk." We also talk about the upcoming Mempho Music Festival which kicks off October 19th at Shelby Farms.

Not conforming to the norms of a traditional artist, Dani McGhee-Barlow brings her own unique style, yet remains dedicated to the calling on her life to spread the love of Christ. From talent shows to award shows, this Whitehaven native has been singing gospel since the age of five. With both grandparents being pastors, it is no surprise Dani would excel in the gospel realm singing background vocals for national recording artists from the likes of Kirk Franklin, Karen Clark Sheard, Yolanda Adams and Kurt Carr just to name a few. In episode 88, we discuss how Dani has been able to navigate through multiple genres of music all while being a mother and entrepreneur. She also opens up about how she became the widow of Pastor Quinten Barlow Sr. a few years ago. Dani discusses how the pain of losing a spouse has guided her towards her purpose of helping others cope with grief. Take a listen and learn about Dani's mission of reaching the lost so that they may experience God's favor.

Tambra Cherie is a full time radio personality in Jackson, MS on 97.7 WRBJ during the midday. Throughout her career, she has worked with a number of entertainers and hosted numerous events, concerts, and festivals. This podcast will open your eyes to what it looks like to be a strong woman of faith in an industry filled with temptation. You'll learn how Tambra didn't let the word "NO" stop her dreams of joining the entertainment world. As a result, Tambra is now a self-published author empowering women to restore their crown and push into their purpose. Surrounded By Sin, Grounded By Love is a comprehensive guide to becoming the best version of you physically, mentally, emotionally and more importantly spiritually.

Born and raised in South Memphis, artist and entrepreneur Young Soul began cutting his teeth as a creative in the Southern region of the city as a writer and author at Hamilton High School. He started recording demos at 17 and attended MTSU to pursue a career in journalism and politics. After discovering music was his calling, he built a cult-like fan base spreading from Tennessee to the East Coast markets. In 2018, he performed on two indie tours and released his first studio offering "Summer on South Parkway" in early June. Soul has expanded his portfolio this year launching a clothing brand and a film company both based in Memphis. Take a listen as Young Soul shares how South Memphis prepared him for this cutthroat industry.

April Tolbert is the owner of Gabby Grace Boutique, an online women's clothing boutique based in Cordova, TN and also The Goal Apparel, a statement apparel company. Her creative juices flourished as a student at Overton High School in her creative writing class, playing the chello in the orchestra and cheering. April attended both UT Martin and University of Memphis and entered the corporate world after graduation. Although she enjoyed the corporate grind, she was ready to start her own business in photography. Find out how April eventually made the decision to become a full time serial entrepreneur having businesses in the areas of photography, clothing and coaching. She continues to reinvent herself and has a strong support system and following. One of the biggest takeaways from this podcast is that April is very transparent about the challenges she has endured as an entrepreneur and a black woman. From fertility issues to having to take the necessary steps of learning her craft, April has definitely payed the cost to be the BOSS. With over 10 years of being a full time business owner, April continues to share her wealth of knowledge as a mentor to prevent young entrepreneurs from making the same mistakes she did.

I thought it would be fitting on this #MotivationMonday to drop some inspiration from the Drip God himself Rich Fresh. This is the very first throwback pod I have ever posted however, I feel that it is necessary considering the circumstances. Fresh's story is one filled with redemption and respect. As a matter of fact, Fresh is launching his custom clothing line this upcoming Saturday at the very store that didn't see his vision at the start of his career. It's funny how those tables turn. You can now catch Fresh designing some of the dopest fits for stars such as Kevin Hart, Terrence J., Boogie Cousins just to name a few. He is definitely in demand and flourishing. Take a listen to episode 51 as he gives you his raw and uncut story laced with humble beginnings. If this doesn't inspire you, I don't know what will...