Verbally Effective

Take a listen to the live podcast with actor and social entrepreneur, Bertram Williams Jr. recorded live at Cossitt Library on June 29th. We discussed his passion for food justice coupled with his "Big Farma" persona that he's using as a tool to reach the youth. We also hit on the intricacies of the SAF/AFTRA writer's strike and how it has affected his work with P Valley. Esco's Pop Talk entered the discussion tackling topics such as Drake receiving a key to Shelby County and the current Memphis Mayoral Race. You'll definitely enjoy Bertram's take on unity in Memphis and making sustainability sexy. Bertram also shares his outlook for his Patreon platform in addition to continuing the Mamas Sundry podcast. Enjoy!

A proud North Memphis native, Tikeila Rucker is a mother of three. She is a dedicated educator, social, and civil rights activist, and a catalyst for change. With a passion for justice and equality, she has been actively involved in shaping her community for over a decade.

Having served as the former President of the United Education Association of Shelby County (UEA), the local teachers' union, Tikeila has an extensive background in advocating for educational equity and uplifting the voices of teachers and students. Her experience as an educator has given her a deep understanding of the challenges within the education system and a determination to create positive change.

As a servant leader Tikeila has consistently demonstrated her commitment to fostering community engagement and promoting social progress. Whether it's in the classroom, a boardroom, or on the streets, she is unwavering in her pursuit to shift the trajectory of civil and social justice in Memphis, TN. By forging meaningful relationships, raising awareness, and connecting with individuals who share her vision, she inspires others to stand in their truth and harness their power for the betterment of society.

Currently, serving as the Political Director at Memphis for All, she is focused on cultivating a powerful and inclusive political force that transcends barriers of class and race. She works tirelessly to unite individuals in a progressive alliance, striving for tangible victories and sustainable change. Wherever she goes, Tikeila blazes a trail, igniting transformation in her wake.

Memphis native Darryl Sanford has been playing music all of his life. From playing the drums at the age of two and later matriculating to the piano, Darryl developed an ear for music. Darryl teaches music theory and is also a member of the legendary Bar-Kays.

Darryl first started playing for churches as a teenager and has been playing for churches and choirs in the city of Memphis ever since. By the time he entered his twenties, he started breaking into secular music by playing for a jazz band and then eventually breaking off into the r&b and neo-soul scene in the city of Memphis and surrounding areas.

After playing for many of the artists and singers in the city, he started playing for more mainstream artists in jazz and r&b, such as Shalamar, Howard Hewitt, Euge Groove, Kim and Kayla Waters, Alexander O’neal, and would eventually become a member of the legendary funk group The Bar-Kays.

Darryl Sanford’s main motivation is to be a light and spread positivity through the power of music.

Event promoter and Manager of the PC Band, Jeromy "Pep" Thomas, joined me for a live interview on WYXR for Black Music Month. Hailing from West Memphis, AR, Pep's gift for music began in the church. He developed the PC Band ten years ago with four additional members consisting of singers and musicians. The letters "PC" stands for Perfect Combination which describes the PC Band's diverse style ranging from R&B to Blues. Their recent hit "Turn 'er Loose" is a huge sensation that is beloved by fans across the globe.

Take a listen as Ena and Pep discuss a range of topics such as touring the U.S., creating new music, hacking social media's algorithm and his dual role as a manager and band member.

New York native and Sustainable Funding Coach, Stormi Banks joins me for Ep 260!!! Stormi is the founder of Pink Print, a digital consulting firm helping women entrepreneurs gain access to funding to start or scale their business. PInk Print has helped more than 10K women entrepreneurs gain access to over $5M in business funding.

Take a listen as Ena and Stormi discuss how she established the Pink Print which is a well oiled machine for grant funding. Stormi shares that only 1% of women seek out grant funding for their business which led to her providing this much needed service. You'll also learn about some of the challenges Stormi has faced as an entrepreneur in addition to her goal of scaling the Pink Print.

We are ushering in Black Music Month with an AMAZING talent! With over a decade of experience in the entertainment field; Keia Johnson has made a name for herself as the multifaceted Artist that attacks each opportunity with gusto and her signature smile.

Known for her bigger than life laugh and sultry voice Keia is no stranger to the Entertainment business. Officially starting her singing career after returning from American Idol, she has made local headlines and National ones alike. An Entrepreneur and Artist, she sings, acts, and creates experiences.

Take a listen as Ena and Keia discuss the many adjustments involved growing up in a military family, navigating and building your brand in a new city and the business side of entertainment.

South Memphis native, Laquita Jones, is a Carver High School Graduate, Author and Serial Entrepreneur is one Memphis' most impressive and vibrant faces in the entertainment and business arena. For over 10 years, Xclusive Memphis has assisted with marketing and promotions for countless celebrities; as well as educating, empowering and equipping aspiring and new entrepreneurs who need help with branding and financial education.

Take a listen as Ena and Laquita discuss the motivation behind Xclusive Memphis as she navigates this entertainment space in a male driven industry. You'll understand how Laquita approaches gatekeepers and fosters relationships while building such a premier brand. Laquita has most recently been chosen to be a part of the For(bes)The Culture 2023 class that represents black excellence who uplift black and brown communities through their crafts and philanthropic efforts. Also, be sure to tap in to Laquita's upcoming September 23rd conference, Girls + Gifts + Goals.

Holly Springs, Ms native, Cj Nevels, is an actor and entrepreneur with three years of experience on the stage and aspires to take on the film industry. His journey began at New Direction Church where he was featured in a Christmas play. What started as an act of service for the church, led to an aspiration for a career. Take a listen as Ena and CJ discuss the acting scene in Memphis, facing fears and finding purpose. You don't want to miss the segment "Change Roles" as CJ portrays two extremely different characters on the spot.

ACTING CREDITS:

“Married to a Cheater, In Love with a Husband” written by Bianca Richmond

“When Mama is Gone” written by Kendrick Ross

“Detours 2” written by Erica Jackson

“Invisible Me” by Marcia West

“The Dinner” by Basial

“Something She Can Feel” by Terrell Monger

I recently had the opportunity to interview the student who helped Tom Shadyac with finding Memphis Rox in 2018, Chris Dean along with Executive Director, Zach Rogers and PR, Alex Williams. Listening to Chris tell his story about growing up in South Memphis and finding a strong connection with rock climbing was definitely insightful. Find out how Memphis Rox is enriching the community and traveling abroad with a purpose.

Memphis Rox Climbing + Community is the nonprofit climbing gym in South Memphis founded by filmmaker Tom Shadyac in 2018! Since its opening, Memphis Rox has committed to providing opportunities for the local community to

engage in healthy, active lifestyles through rock climbing, clean eating, travel, and outdoor exploration. In addition to 36,000 square feet of state of the art climbing, Rox offers a range of programs including climbing classes for all ages and experience levels, fresh and free meals, transitional housing, a low-cost

sundry store with essential staples and free menstrual products, a community garden, and opportunities for adventuring outdoors.

Find out more about this life changing organization at MemphisRox.org!

On episode 255 we sit down with Flip My Life founders Marybeth Conley and Rick Woodall. You may remember Marybeth Conley gracing your television screens weekday mornings for Live at 9 on WREG news. Although MBC never wanted to be in broadcasting, her career spans over forty years with a start at a CBS affiliate in sales. Within three months, she quickly began her on-air journey known for asking the most genuine questions.

Nowadays, Marybeth has joined the love of her life Rick Woodall and has started a new chapter. So what do a 40-year award-winning contractor and a 40-year Emmy-winning broadcaster do when

they get a second chance at their first love? They develop a project that gives others a second chance. Flip My Life takes abandoned houses and renovates them back into homes for people returning to their communities from prison. It tells the stories of good people who have done bad things, and are working hard to redeem their

lives. Tune in to Ep 255 to hear more about Marybeth and Rick's journey and their new web series Flip My Life.

Website: flipmylifetv.com

GoFundMe link: gofundme.com/f/flipmylife