Verbally Effective

Would you believe me if I told you that Yoo Ali actually started his film directing career by creating parody videos of himself and friends when they were rappers in Germantown high school? Yes, that's where it all began. He knew he was on to something on a creative level as his YouTube videos were reaching upwards of 30K views. Shortly after, he started to nurture his craft and became one of the most notable videographers in the city of Memphis. After pledging Omega Psi Phi, the call came in from BlocBoy JB that changed his life. He quickly transitioned into filming music videos for some of your favorite hip hop artists such as Drake, 21 Savage, Offset, etc. And it doesn't stop at music videos. He's currently writing scripts and creating dialogues for some future flicks you'll be seeing on the big screen soon. Take a listen as Yoo Ali shares his experience working on a professional level with celebrities, his worldwide travels with CMG and his outlook on the future of visuals.

You've probably seen my guest for episode 53 performing alongside Bruno Mars on the Grammy's, Super Bowl, Victoria Secret Fashion Show, etc. Kameron T. Whalum comes from a musical family learning bass guitar at age nine and trombone at ten. Growing up as a preacher's son, Kameron is deeply rooted in his faith. Like many of us, upon graduating from high school, he had to learn the art of balance as a student at Morehouse College and later joining the Bruno Mars family. As a member of the Hooligans, Kameron discusses the brotherhood he shares with his band mates of eight years. Now that he's home, Kameron has a new responsibility with Stax Music Academy in addition to Youth Director at his father's church. We even touched on his favorite world travels, his love for Memphis and relationships. While the tour is now over, Kameron is focusing on his new endeavors and of course MUSIC. He is dropping a new project with Project Pat very soon.

Singer, songwriter and overall entertainer Jalyn Danae grew up in Union City, TN. At the age of 11, Jalyn moved to the music mecca known as Memphis. Jalyn picked up an interest in arts at 15. She enrolled into homeschool and focused her spare time on learning and developing her passions. Jalyn studied literature, traditional arts, digital arts, learned to play guitar and to write her own music in an effort to expand her artistic horizons. With the guidance of her management, Jalyn is busy creating a footprint with radio in addition to performing at local venues and working on her EP. While they continue to craft an amazing body of work, Jalyn's debut single "Can't Say No" from her debut EP has been making a big splash on the airwaves and in the digital stream. She will also be featured in the upcoming stage play "Full Circle" alongside Christopher Williams.

Tailoring is an art that my guest for episode 51 began studying at the age of 13. Some of you may have seen some of Fresh's early designs back in the day at the BSA's fashion show at University of Memphis. Although he attended college to study architecture, Fresh dropped out because the fashion world kept calling his name. That's when he started tailoring for dry cleaners and held odd jobs to stay afloat. Shortly after, he opened his very own cleaners and tailor shop on S. Main. Fresh soon discovered that personal custom tailoring was more effective. He would later move to both the east and west coasts undergoing priceless lessons in fashion and business. Lesson after lesson he began to crack the code. Just less than a year ago he was homeless and today he is designing your favorite celebrities. Fresh is in full Zen with the universe these days releasing exclusive drops of his "RICHFRESH" luxury brand every Monday throughout the year starting today. Take a listen as Fresh tells his story which isn't always pretty yet remarkable in the sense of never giving up no matter the odds.

Serial entrepreneur Kenneth Worles, Jr. is the president of the award winning civic and advocacy communications firm Three(i) Creative Communications which is comprised of young millennials of color. Upon graduating from MTSU, Kenneth knew he needed to be in a space where he could learn from the culture in regards to politics. That's when he moved to D.C. working numerous jobs, discovering the in depth non-profit sector and ultimately experiencing the school of hard knocks. Focused on magnifying messaging, Kenneth has worked with the leading names in politics and advocacy of our generation. Take a listen as Kenneth begins the pod with discussing his Yearly Success Plan: For Those Looking to Improve, Impress & Inspire that has reached more than 10,000 people across five countries. On episode 50 find out why D.C. has made Kenneth bougie, his many travels, thoughts on R. Kelly and the government shutdown.

From art, culture, music, politics and entertainment, take a listen as Ena shares the "BEST of 2018" Verbally Effective Podcast.

Whether you have been naughty or nice this year, here's an episode all of you can enjoy on this Christmas Eve. Founder of non-profit The Dividend, Tim Green tells us about growing up in White Haven being the only boy with six sisters. His roots are centered in music where he and I share our own rendition of the classic "Christmas Song" that will bring joy to your heart. Tim and I also discuss how Bridge Builders played an instrumental role in nurturing his desire for teaching. Being a UT Knoxville grad, Tim was very active on campus where the African American population consisted of less than 10 percent. You can only imagine the many experiences that a person will endure on their journey. Tim shares a pivotal moment in his life that changed his entire trajectory. From that moment, his non profit The Dividend was established. He breaks down his curriculum of social emotional learning, the role "GRIT" plays in teaching and how he started his Brunch & Convos series. Towards the end we indulge in current events and a hilarious game called "Public vs. Private Schools."

Do you still have the exact group of friends you grew up with? Well get ready to meet the SQ901 comprised of childhood friends who are now in business together. Their social brand is deeply rooted in friendship while providing positive vibes and diversity. Known for their signature Silent Party Events, the SQ901 breaks down why party goers are drawn to this unique atmosphere. As these gentlemen plan for 2019, I find out the other side to their stories. For example, by day you can find Bucci Bucci handling business as a project manager in his family’s general contracting business and Bryant in his role as the Bursar at the Memphis Institute of Barbering. And let’s not forget about the many excursions they take to Miami which is definitely one of the highlights of the pod. Although very entertaining, I can definitely witness the importance of male friendships which they speak on in great detail. We even dive deep into some well-known bromances with a game called “Bros You Know.” Take a listen to episode 47 with social experts SQ901 and discover how their squad was formed and how it is still thriving.

When I received the phone call from my producer SunAh that Jamond Bullock wanted to meet on location for the podcast I was extremely excited. I've been watching Jamond flourish over the years being a masterful artist where he mixes and matches colors that would seem senseless together creating a flow of visual harmony. He is the founder of Alivepaint which is a visual arts company where you can see him painting live at weddings, concerts, fundraisers or painting large scale public art murals. You may have seen one of his beautiful murals throughout the city of Memphis where he uses his gift to create illustrative stories. On the podcast we begin with Jamond’s love for art growing up in Frayser and later graduating from LeMoyne Owen College. He shares how he was able to go from being an art teacher for Shelby County Schools to doing what he loves on a full time basis. The scope of his projects range from working with the likes of rapper T.I., providing pieces for Netflix movies and countless community based collaborations throughout the city and abroad. Take a listen as Jamond and I discuss the second installment of Young, Gifted and Dope, the art scene in Memphis and Art Basel in Miami.

Episode XLV | "MELODIC" by Ena Esco