The UpNUp Podcast

From tackling mental health to navigating the rollercoaster of emotions in career pursuits and everything in between, the ‘Wellbeing Wake Up’ is your dose of inspiration, empowerment, and connection. No judgment, no pretenses—just real people, real dialogue, and a real commitment to our wellbeing. Today's guests feature: Branding/Marketing Expert/Entrepreneur: Briaan Barron(@briaanbarron) Entrepreneur/Pro-Sports Development Coach: DiAndre Campbell(@campbellboydre)

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', multi-talented artist, community force, and entrepreneur, Takiyah "T-Dub" Ward takes us on a journey of how belief in your artistic vision can unlock the doors to not only your dreams, but culture shifting impact. Born and raised in Seattle, Ward is a wildly multifaceted artist: a muralist, dancer/choreographer, television host, connector, entrepreneur and the founder of T-DUB Customs, which personalizes apparel including shoes, skates, shirts and jackets. As a public artist, Ward has created murals for Africatown and Midtown Square highlighting local Black histories. In 2020, Ward became the inaugural Waterfront Park Artist-in-Residence, and organized and participated in the creation of the Black Lives Matter mural on Capitol Hill, which is now an enduring Seattle memorial. In everything she does, Ward seeks to enable artistry in others and her new storefront and business 'The ReSole206', which is Seattles newest home for everything sneakers related is a prime example. This story is definitely one to keep us all on #TheUpNUp

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast' Founder and Leader of Seattles #1 destination for the entire creative community 'Kolors Studios', Armando Garzon, takes us along a journey of bringing a vision to life that eventually became the home for so many others visions and dreams. From his early journey of finding his way and developing his professional tool belt in the worlds of sales and finance, it was his pivot back to his love for the arts/creative industry that began his path to immense community impact. Taking his early lumps weathering the storms of his early experience in the Creative Arts studio industry, he stayed the course to see his vision grow into what has now become the beginning and engine of a new era in the Pacific Northwest's creative community. This story is definitely one to keep us all on #TheUpNUp

From tackling mental health to navigating the rollercoaster of emotions in career pursuits and everything in between, the ‘Wellbeing Wake Up’ is your dose of inspiration, empowerment, and connection. No judgment, no pretenses—just real people, real dialogue, and a real commitment to our wellbeing. Today's guests feature: DJ/Entertainer "THEISHYU" @theishyu Top Mortgage Lending Expert Gary Barquet @themillenialslender

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', the one and only 'Jay York', sits down with us to share a journey of truly letting your expressions and creativity pave the path you want for yourself. From his early upbringing being raised in Oakland California, the musical and cultural influences of this thing we call Hip Hop were always all around him. The career of an artist sees many highs and lows, and his journey is one that is designed to be rooted in originality. Evolving and building his sound, craft and journey here in the Northwest has been leading up to his anticipated debut album 'Opening Act' set to release this Spring. This story is definitely one to keep us all on #TheUpNUp

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', the dynamic duo and powerhouse leaders of 'La Union Studio', Sonia-Lynn and Sergio-Max, take us through a true journey of designing your own future. From their early upbringings, both growing up in Seattle, it was only a matter of time until they'd have the opportunity to pour back into the very same city/region that built them up. When it comes to the design and architecture space, one of their main goals was to help demystify the process for many underrepresented business owners. Many themselves who have visions of their own but were lacking the guidance to navigate them, that's where La Union entered the room. Whether it's creating culturally artistic legacy based designs for businesses/clients storefronts or simply just empowering their community by inviting them into the process to design their futures, this platform is here to stay and most definitely here to build! This definitely one to keep us all on #TheUpNUp

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', Founder/Owner of 'Lexscope' Productions and 'Scope Screenings', Lexscope, takes through a journey of directing your dreams through your own lens. As an award-winning Artist, Director and film festival programmer, he traces his artistic roots to NorthCarolina, with a transformative decade here in Tacoma/Seattle shaping his multidisciplinary journey. His latest venture and platform, Scope Screenings, is Seattle’s premier underground film festival. Focused on BIPOC and underrepresented voices, Scope Screenings brings narrative short films, music videos, and impactful short-form content to the big screen. As a curator of this dynamic showcase, he's been able to amplifies diverse perspectives, fostering inclusivity and creativity within the arts community near and far, and is only getting started. This is one to definitely keep us all on #TheUpNUp

In this episode of ‘The UpNUp Podcast’, we are joined by the amazing leaders and forces for change, City of Seattle Councilman, Girmay Zahilay and CEO/Founder of ‘Community Passageways’, Dominique Davis, for a much needed conversation and dialogue for a better direction. Whether it’s the rising issues in Gun Violence, Public Safety, and overall Community Wellbeing, we all have a significant role to play in using our own gifts/efforts to better our environment’s near and far. We hope this amazing conversation can provide the proper positive/progressive frequencies, we all need to close out this year and look ahead to brighter ones! As always this is one to keep us all on #TheUpNUp

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', Owner/CEO of the Pacific Northwest staple and legendary home for fashion 'Throwbacks NW', Rio Estolas, takes on a journey of using nostalgia to carve out the future. From his early upbringing in the Bay Area, being surrounded by the culture clash of Hip Hop, Streetwear, Vintage, and everything in between, he was developing a master plan and didn't even know it. With decades of contributions to the PNW Streetwear/Fashion space, what's most interesting is how he's managed to keep his foot on the pedal in the lane of longevity. Whether it's using his platform and brand to preserve and keep memories/moments alive through fashion or paving the way for the next generation of fashion/streetwear enthusiasts, his run is nothing short of legendary and a true blueprint to success. Another story definitely made to keep us all on #TheUpNUp

In this episode of ‘The UpNUp Podcast’, Storytelling powerhouse, Media extraordinaire and Community uplifter herself, Teena Thach( @teena_thach ) takes us along a journey of true passion turned into truer purpose and impact. With an early upbringing being fully emerged in such diverse culture and communities, along with always having a drive to learn more about those around her, storytelling was the perfect match. Using her talents and vision to create platforms to shine a light on the many unsung and underrepresented mom & pop restaurants, food and more importantly the stories behind the businesses, she’s been able to uplift cultures and change lives, one meal at a time. Putting her own unique twist on what it means to be a new-aged journalist/influencer, the journey is only beginning. This story is definitely one to keep us all on #TheUpNUp

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', Education advocate, Leader and President of the City of Seattle's School Board himself, Brandon K. Hersey(@bkhersey) takes us along a journey of truly stepping in to step things up! From his early upbringing growing up in Mississippi, being surrounded by so many strong black educators in his family, the seeds were planted early for him to flourish into his future calling. Having worked on all levels of the educational spectrum from teaching, policy work and now decision making on an executive level, him along with his team members and fellow leaders in the education space are working step by step to not only elevate but INNOVATE the way our education system will create the best of the best for generations to come. Whether it's solving the issues with getting our underserved students/teachers the funding they need, getting the community involved with making changes or just leading by example, this story is truly one to keep us all on #TheUpNUp

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', Professional Therapist and Owner of 'Whys Words Therapy' herself, Nhautrey Brown, opens the conversation to elevate our focus on our collective wellness. From her early days of entering such an immense role, she immediately embraced not just the job title but the "calling". Carving her way to elevate her passion to help end the stigma that constantly surrounds mental health, she's taking every step to be present for clients near and far, while educating the world on how they themselves can join in on the work to help us all heal. Whether it was building out and creating her own practice 'Whys Words Therapy', holding space for the next generation of those seeking healing, or just doing the work needed to be done, this story is definitely one to keep us all on #TheUpNUp

In this episode of ‘The UpNUp Podcast’ we felt it was only right to make this one all about REFLECTION. This episode is an ode to: The 99 legacies we’ve helped amplify The 99 moments in history we’ve preserved The 99 visionaries & culture cultivators The 99 attempts to push & contribute for “us” 🥂 to 💯 Make sure to tune in and reflect, recap & recharge w/ the squad. This one will definitely keep us all on #TheUpNUp

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', professional speaker, author, leadership consultant, and mentorship expert himself, Dr.John PUSH Gaines, shares an amazing journey of truly owning your story to inspire the world to own theirs. Growing up surrounded by drugs and violence, facing personal struggles, and being bullied for his differences, he had every reason to give up, but he pushed through. Whether it was learning how to take his story around the world to uplift and empower the youth or building lasting connections with communities that will serve the next generation, now as a professional speaker and author, John strives to help & teach people to overcome and to rise above it all. This story is definitely one to keep us all on #TheUpNUp

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', Founder/Creative-Director of 'Taswira', Avery Barnes, brings us into the world of curating dreams and visions while opening doors for those coming from behind. As a self-taught entrepreneur, designer, and philanthropist, who began to broaden her global perspective at 19 by traveling solo to parts of Asia and Africa. During her travels, she built close relations locally and experienced the drastic need for survival these communities actively suffer from. The beginning of TASWIRA, was inspired by her value of freedom and curiosity for creating opportunities and seeing results of change starting within Kenya...following her first experience volunteering Internationally. Located in the heart of Seattles Pioneer Square area, her space/gallery/hub is helping bring the brilliance and genius of our brothers and sisters from the motherland, to the masses. This story is definitely one to keep us all on #TheUpNUp

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', CEO/Founder of 'Converge Media' and Veteran Journalist, Omari Salisbury, takes us along what has been a path/journey of walking and working fully in ones purpose and truth. From his early years growing up in Seattle's historical Central District, pouring into his community in various different ways, it wasn't until later on in his time at school in North Carolina where he answered the call to fully pursue his career in Media/Journalism. From working his way up the ranks in college sports media, creating monumental projects for companies such as 'And-1' and Def Jam, to establishing and helping build multiple media networks/stations overseas in countries all over Africa and the Middle East, it all came full circle when he returned back home to the Northwest to serve his community in the form of 'Converge'. Creating impactful media in the highest form, serving and uplifting the voices that matter. It's safe to say, this story is definitely one to keep us all on #TheUpNUp

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', the impactful and ever-growing Entrepreneur, Business Woman, and overall community builder herself, Keisha Credit, takes along a journey of truly leaning into the potential that comes from betting on your own vision. From her early upbringing of high-achieving academic accomplishments, professional accolades, and early success, her trajectory took a major leap when she decided to quit her comfortable position at Microsoft to pursue a path of Entrepreneurship with nothing but her own belief. 10 years later, after launching multiple companies, selling one, and reaching that “Million Dollar Revenue” milestone, she knew it was time to help others pursue & fulfill their entrepreneurial dreams, where she now, while still managing her own endeavors is committed to reaching back to the next generation of aspiring entrepreneurs/professionals, focusing on uplifting/educating them to reach their fullest potential while carving their own lanes to success. It's safe to say, this story is definitely one that is designed to keep us all on #TheUpNUp

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', the amazing and talented pioneer herself, 'Gifted Gab' takes us along a journey of true commitment, dedication and respect for consistent growth in ones craft. From her early upbringing growing up in Seattles thriving Central District filled with nothing but influential/cultural talent all around her, it allowed her to find her own gift to bring to the world. As a true pioneer in the arena of Hip-Hop, she's been able to constantly raise the bar for not only herself and peers but as well as the next generation of talented Female MC's/Artists to bring their gifts to the world. The best is truly yet to come and the gift definitely will keep giving. Make sure to check out her new album titled 'G Body Music' available EVERYWHERE on 4/20 This story is definitely one to keep us all on #TheUpNUp

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', Councilman Mohamed Abdi, takes us along a journey of truly stepping into your greatness, while bringing his community and culture along with him. From his early upbringing as a first-generation Somalian American, navigating the course of his life, with nothing but pure optimism, he learned early on that betting on his-self was his only option. Answering the call time and time again to push and lean into positions of leadership, it all came together for him after graduating college and immediately deciding at the young age of 24yrs old to step up and run for city council. Whether it was rallying his community to believe in his vision of bring a fresh new young voice to leadership or him becoming the youngest elect in history, his mission/journey has just begun. A story that is truly one to keep us all on #TheUpNUp

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast' Professional Sports Brand/Marketing Agent, Creative Director and visionary himself, Keyonte "Key" Frager (@key.frager) shares a journey of true resilience in bringing his visions to life through helping others do the same for themselves. From his early upbringing in the DMV, fully immersed in his pursuit to take his hoop talents to the next level, his vision took a pivot which has him now competing off the courts and fields, on behalf of all athletes of the next generation and beyond. The vision of how he creatively built a lane for himself representing top athletes, entertainers and influencers to build a bridge between their stories/value and aligned brands/partners, is nothing short of inspiring. The journey of empowering his clients to fully own their narratives, value, and worth truly makes this story one to keep us all on #TheUpNUp