Verbally Effective

She's your favorite songwriter's favorite songwriter! Grammy Award-winning songwriter Crystal Nicole joins me for episode 293. With over 20 years of experience, Crystal has penned chart-topping hits for Beyoncé, Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Janet Jackson, JLo, Jennifer Hudson, Camila Cabello, Chris Brown, Monica, Lecrae, and many more. Now, she's stepping into the spotlight with her single, "Won't Stop," featuring Christian Hip Hop sensation Lecrae.

Tune in as we explore Crystal's journey, starting with a pivotal opportunity from Jermaine Dupri that opened countless doors in the industry. Discover her songwriting process and hear about unique experiences with some of your favorite artists. We also discuss the impact of AI and streaming in the music business and the intricacies of songwriter credits. Crystal shares valuable advice for aspiring songwriters and reveals how she's seamlessly transitioned into the gospel music realm.

Warren Patten Jr. is a leadership coach, award-winning author and speaker for TEDx Orangemound. In 2022, he started Patten Entertrainment with a focus on leadership skills, profit productivity, people culture, and employee retention. Mr. Patten is also the author of "Father Knowts: Being A Better Father On Purpose" and 2X Award-Winning children’s book titled "Can We Go Out And Play?"

Warren will be one of eleven speakers at the Inaugural TEDx Orange Mound Event in Memphis, TN on Saturday, June 22nd. Take a listen as Warren takes us on a journey detailing his upbringing, love for music and vision for the future.

Anthony Sain is the host of the Anthony Sain Show with Bluff City Media as well was the founder of Asylum Media Group - an organization created to provide mentorship to young up and coming journalists and content creators. He is a father and an advocate for the youth of the city of Memphis.

Tune in to hear Anthony's journey in addition to plenty of sports talk. With the WNBA at the tip of everyone's tongues you know we had to chime in on the latest updates.

Whitehaven native, Brandy J. Flynn, is a licensed therapist, officiant and cancer survivor. She is a luminary committed to empowering our communities to be resilient and transparent as it relates to mental health. Featured in numerous media outlets, Brandy has been in the counseling field for over two decades and has a growing private practice which includes conducting therapy, training for corporations, speaking engagements, and media correspondence. Take a listen as we touch on sorority and fraternity members denouncing their organizations, hot takes from the WNBA and a hilarious segment of "R&B Finish the line..."

North Memphis native, Simone Santana, known to many as Simone the Mastermind or YellaBizBae, is a multifaceted individual with diverse talents and expertise including operations specialist, marketing strategist, author, podcaster and speaker. Simone provides creators and solopreneurs with a simplified understanding of digital marketing strategies that are essential for online growth. Take a listen as she dives into a few client success stories, her new podcast "Dear God, Lettuce Pray," in addition to her passion for the cannabis world.

Memphis-based photojournalist and interdisciplinary artist Ariel J. Cobbert joins me for episode 288. In 2018, Cobbert received her BA in Print Journalism and African American Studies from the University of Mississippi. Her work has since featured in national publications including the New York Times, National Geographic, Bloomberg, CNN, and the Huffington Post, among others. She presently works as an independent photographer and as a Photography Program Curator at Memphis Public Libraries.

Tune in to hear her journey and the amazing programming she curates at Cossitt Library.

As one of the South's foremost Black-led arts organizations and a rare ballet company with a BIPOC dancer roster, Collage Dance is reshaping cultural paradigms. Through transformative arts education, captivating performances, and advocacy for diversity, Collage Dance has left an indelible mark on the Southern dance landscape. In this episode, I sit down with Collage Dance's founding executive director, Marcellus Harper, and professional dancer, Victoria Jaenson, to delve into their experiences. Marcellus emphasizes the organization's dedication to keeping ballet relevant and accessible to their communities. Victoria shares her journey as a professional ballet dancer, reflecting on her inaugural season and the vital support from the Memphis community. They also offer a sneak peek into next weekend's premiere of ELEVATE. Featuring Luminescent by Black composer Joseph Bologne, Bluff City Blues inspired by Memphis music, and the regional debut of the acclaimed ballet Chroma, accompanied by the live score of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. With a London choreography team imparting their expertise, this Royal Ballet-inspired performance promises a groundbreaking fusion of music, movement, and artistry. Prepare to be captivated by an unforgettable experience unlike anything seen before.

Tickets start at just $20 currently and Verbally Effective listeners can unlock the code by tuning in for a steep discount on Ticketmaster to get a pair of tickets for the price of one! Access tickets for ELEVATE at collagedance.org or call with any questions at 901-800-1873.

Get ready to laugh out loud! Our latest podcast episode features the hilarious and talented comedian, Alex Thomas! Join us as we dive into the world of comedy, hear Alex's side-splitting stories, learn about his golf venture INGLEWOODS, and get an inside look at his journey in the entertainment industry. Don't miss this uproarious episode - tune in now!

Meet Christine Weinreich, the Executive Director of the Memphis Library Foundation and a dedicated advocate for education and literacy. Armed with a law degree from the Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Christine strongly believes in the transformative power of education to drive individual success and foster community development. Her unwavering passion lies in ensuring equitable access to essential educational resources for all members of the community.

In our podcast conversation, Christine delves into the structure and current programming initiatives of the Memphis Public Library system. Through her insights, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the diverse array of resources and services available in our public libraries, particularly in light of cultural and technological advancements.

By tuning in, you'll have the opportunity to broaden your perception of libraries in 2024. Join us as we explore the evolving role of libraries as dynamic hubs of learning, innovation, and community engagement. Let's reimagine the possibilities together!

From Houston to Memphis, DJ 007 has been a powerhouse on the turntables. With roots in radio from a young age, DJ 007's passion for music and spotlighting creative talent has been unwavering. Making his mark in Memphis, he held it down on-air and in the club scene at both Hot 107.1FM and K97FM. At iHeartRadio, DJ 007 pioneered Indie Day Radio, showcasing top music talent worldwide. Now, in 2024, find DJ 007 back in Houston, TX, continuing to push boundaries in music and media. Tune in and enjoy the journey!