Claim OwnershipDre & Smiley - The Inner Circle
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Welcome to Dre & Smiley - The Inner Circle, a podcast channel that brings you captivating stories, experiences, and life lessons from diverse individuals from all walks of life. Our goal is to create a space where people can share their unique perspectives and inspire others to explore new ideas and beliefs.
Join us as we delve into the inner thoughts and personal experiences of our guests, and discover the hidden gems that make them who they are. From artists to entrepreneurs, activists to educators, we showcase a diverse range of people with a passion for life and a desire to share their stories with the world.
Through our conversations, we aim to spark curiosity, promote understanding, and cultivate empathy. We believe that everyone has a story to tell and that by listening and sharing, we can learn and grow together as a community.
So, if you're looking for a podcast that's both entertaining and thought-provoking, then tune in to Dre & Smiley - The Inner Circle. We guarantee that you'll be inspired, enlightened, and entertained by the incredible stories and experiences that our guests have to offer.
220 Episodes
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Welcome to the Dre & Smiley podcast! On our Trending Tuesday episodes, we dive into the hottest topics that are currently making waves in the world. From viral internet memes to breaking news stories, we cover it all. Tune in to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and join the conversation.
Join Dre and Smiley on this episode of the Dre & Smiley podcast as they engage in a lively discussion about a range of finance-related topics. From the latest financial news to books, articles, or experiences related to finance. Tune in for some entertaining banter and insights from two guys that know little about finance :).
In this episode of the Dre & Smiley podcast, we sit down with Rajah, an inspiring entrepreneur who started her own home healthcare business with her family while completing her college degree. Rajah's story is a true testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and determination.
Throughout the episode, Rajah shares the challenges she faced while starting and growing her business. From having to step out of class to handle customer service calls to learning the ins and outs of creating and implementing policies and procedures, Rajah's journey is full of valuable lessons for anyone looking to start their own business.
As a young woman of color, Rajah's story also highlights the importance of representation in entrepreneurship and the challenges faced by marginalized communities in accessing resources and support. She shares her experiences navigating the healthcare industry and offers advice for other aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make a difference in their communities.
Whether you're interested in starting your own business or simply looking for inspiration, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we dive into Rajah's inspiring journey and learn about the challenges and triumphs of building a successful business from the ground up.
In this episode of the Dre and Smiley Inner Circle Podcast, we sit down with Mehmet Tascioglu, the inspiring young entrepreneur behind Connect Me, a free online tutoring service that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mehmet shares his story of creating a platform that has conducted over 55,000 tutoring sessions, emphasizing the power of impact over profit. We also explore his venture into Mosaic Cakes, a unique cake business, and his vision for its future. Join us as Mehmet discusses his strategic use of AI, his leadership philosophy, and his commitment to building tools that make a difference. Tune in for an insightful conversation about innovation, resilience, and the drive to create meaningful change.
Chicago native Davione R. Reverend VanPelt joins Dre and Smiley to share his evolution from an aspiring filmmaker to a lyrical force in the city’s underground music movement. He breaks down the signature Chicago blend of house and drill, revealing how it shapes his sound and identity. Davione opens up about the balance between artistry and business, lessons from mentors, and the role of moral grounding in creative success. This conversation dives deep into his mission to inspire others in the music industry while tackling the real challenges of staying motivated and authentic.
In this captivating interview, Charlotte Helmkamp opens up about her diverse career path, from being a competitive athlete to gracing the pages of Playboy and beyond. Charlotte discusses her passion for writing, her journey through the entertainment industry, and her commitment to sharing her truth. With stories of resilience and personal growth, this episode is a must-watch for anyone seeking inspiration. Don't miss Charlotte's candid reflections and the wisdom she imparts. Subscribe for more engaging content and hit the notification bell to stay updated!
In this episode of The Dre and Smiley Podcast, we sit down with Bob Frady, the Co-Founder and CEO of PropertyLens.com, a real estate technology company helping buyers uncover the hidden stories behind homes — before making an offer. From undisclosed flood histories to open permits and wildfire risks, PropertyLens turns complex data into easy-to-use insights that protect buyers and empower smarter decisions.
Bob shares his journey from building HazardHub — later acquired by Guidewire Software — to launching PropertyLens with a mission to make transparency the new standard in real estate. Whether you’re a homebuyer, investor, or real estate professional, you’ll walk away with a new perspective on how information, innovation, and intuition combine to shape better deals and safer homes.
In this episode, we sit down with Bradley St. Rohrs, a dynamic Washington, D.C.–based real estate broker, mortgage executive, and entrepreneur. As the leader of The Rohrs Team at Samson Properties and co-founder of Chevy Chase Financial, Brad has built a reputation for creating agent-focused and relationship-driven real estate solutions. But his vision goes far beyond the U.S.—he’s helping shape modern property markets across West Africa, fostering investments and diaspora connections through impactful partnerships with Montgomery Golf Estates in Accra and Seso Global, an African MLS platform.
From empowering agents to structuring international property deals, this conversation explores how Brad blends innovation, entrepreneurship, and cultural connection to bridge continents through real estate.
Tyler Moore, also known as Tidy Dad, is a New York City public school teacher, father of three, and bestselling author of Tidy Up Your Life. Inspired by the challenges of managing a busy family life in a small apartment, Tyler developed practical routines and systems to create a balanced, manageable home that prioritizes what truly matters. His approach goes beyond tidying physical spaces to include mental and emotional clarity, embracing the philosophy of “just enough” over perfection. Tyler shares his journey and advice through his popular Instagram, TikTok, and website, and has been featured on Good Morning America, The New York Times, and Apartment Therapy. He lives in Queens with his wife, a pediatric occupational therapist, and their three daughters.
In this episode of The Dre and Smiley Inner Circle Podcast, Edgar Zavala shares his powerful journey from the military to achieving financial independence. He breaks down how mindset, networking, and financial literacy create lasting wealth, highlights opportunities in the insurance and annuity space, and explains why embracing failure is essential. Edgar also sheds light on the massive wealth transfer underway and encourages a mission-driven approach to building financial success.
On this episode of The Dre and Smiley Podcast, we sit down with Susan R. Stansbury — an industry insider, consultant, writer, and frequent speaker who has spent her career at the intersection of paper, packaging, converting, and nonwovens. With deep expertise in leadership, strategic planning, flexo printing, and product innovation, Susan shares her insights on the future of sustainable packaging, manufacturing trends, and the evolving role of technology in converting industries.
We discuss:
Her journey from founding Converting Influence to contributing to major industry expos.
How business planning and decision modeling are reshaping leadership strategies.
The importance of sustainability and product development in packaging and healthcare products.
Lessons from her consulting, writing, and branding work with global companies.
Why effective management and audience-focused communication are key to industry impact.
Whether you’re in manufacturing, packaging, or leadership, this conversation offers practical strategies and inspiration from one of the field’s most respected voices.
Join Dre and Smiley as they sit down with Ulric, Executive Director of Surge Chicago, whose inspiring journey stretches from the classroom as a Chicago Public School teacher to leading transformative change in education across the city. With over 15 years of experience, Ulric shares his story of dismantling systemic barriers, building strategic partnerships, and using mission-driven leadership to expand opportunities for K-12 students. Recognized as one of Chicago’s top young professionals, Ulric brings a unique blend of expertise—holding master’s degrees in political science, education, and business administration—and a deep love for Chicago’s culture, food, and local arts scene. Tune in for a conversation full of actionable insights, powerful stories, and a celebration of education’s impact on communities!
This week, Dre and Smiley sit down with Ryan MacDonald—a 20-year Air Force veteran turned Principal Incident Responder and Cybersecurity Lead for a global manufacturing giant. Ryan shares insights on transitioning from military to corporate cyber defense, the unique challenges of protecting manufacturing infrastructure, and breaking down the latest cyber threats like AI-driven malware, supply chain attacks, and deepfake social engineering. As a live TikTok host (@cyber_warrior76), Ryan opens up about mentoring future IT pros and growing cybersecurity awareness in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Tune in for high-impact lessons, actionable advice, and real stories from the frontlines of cyber resilience.
In this electrifying episode of "Dre & Smiley," we sit down with Michael Dardant—New Orleans' own magical maestro—fresh off making history on “Penn & Teller: Fool Us.” Broadcast nationwide on The CW Network on March 21st, 2025, Dardant’s mind-bending illusion stumped the legendary duo, earning him the coveted “FU Trophy” and a dream spot as the opening act for Penn & Teller’s world-renowned Las Vegas show. We dive deep into Michael’s creative magic process, his love for New Orleans, and what it felt like to pull off the “impossible” on national TV. Tune in for inspiration, behind-the-scenes stories, and a few magical surprises!
Step into an inspiring episode of the Dre and Smiley Podcast as we sit down with the remarkable Mya Garvin, an independent author from Philadelphia whose love of storytelling blossomed from childhood scribbles to publishing nine books before turning 23. Mya opens up about her journey—how she gave her dream a real shot during her freshman year of college, boldly releasing her debut Secure: The Company You Keep. We dive deep into her mission to explore themes of love, vulnerability, and connection through romance, and how honing her purpose made her stories shine.
But the passion doesn’t stop at the page. Discover how Mya and her creative partner (and spouse) have expanded their artistic world, turning the lens on new avenues in photography, videography, and their joint podcast Soulfull Discussions. Mya shares how staying true to her faith guides every project and how walking in alignment fuels her ever-evolving artistry. Whether you're a writer, a dreamer, or seeking soulful inspiration—this conversation is for you.
IG: @shereadmymind TT: @myatheeauthor YT: Soulfull Discussions
Join Dre and Smiley for a powerful episode featuring Julio, CEO of bioaccess®—the leading contract research organization driving Medtech clinical research in Latin America. Julio unpacks why LATAM is becoming the next global hotspot for medtech innovation, how his career—from engineering to global leadership—shapes his unique vision, and what Medtech companies need to know to break into this fast-growing region.
Discover inspiring stories, market insights, and actionable strategies for anyone invested in the future of health technology, clinical trials, and innovation.
In this episode of Dre & Smiley – The Inner Circle, we sit down with Arizona-based powerhouse entrepreneur Jimmy Rios, the man behind multiple ventures including Rios Business Advisors, Rios Business Funding LLC, Rios Financial Group, and Next Level Credit. Jimmy shares how he went from humble beginnings to creating an empire rooted in credit empowerment, business funding, and real estate strategy.
We dive into how Jimmy helps clients build business credit after bankruptcy, secure non-recourse funding, and expand into international markets like Mexico and Colombia. He also shares his vision for generational wealth and the mindset it takes to go from “Eye Level to High Level.”
Whether you're rebuilding credit, launching a business, or leveling up your legacy, Jimmy delivers practical gems and motivational fuel to help you scale with purpose.
🧠 Topics Covered:
From broken credit to business owner
The power of non-recourse funding
Legacy-building through RiosCard.com
Real estate opportunities beyond borders
Personal branding and financial freedom
🎧 Don’t miss this one—press play and level up!
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Matt, the author of "My Darlin' John," to delve into the uncomfortable truths of losing a loved one to mental health struggles and the profound aftermath left behind. Matt’s deeply personal narrative offers an unflinching look at grief, the shifting dynamics within families, and the heavy stigma that often surrounds mental health and tragic loss. Together, we explore the raw, unspoken suffering that can lead to such heartbreaking outcomes and discuss why fostering open, honest dialogue is essential for healing and understanding. Join us for a conversation that’s as necessary as it is difficult—one that aims to break the silence and bring hope to those who need it most.
What if your toddler could grasp the value of money before they even enter kindergarten? In this episode, we sit down with Kelly Lee, author and illustrator of the Little Economists series—a set of children's books designed to teach financial literacy in a fun, engaging way.
Kelly shares her journey from Ivy League computer science major to quantitative trader to children's book creator, and why she believes financial education should start the moment a child sees you swipe your card at the store. We talk about how to make complex concepts like saving, spending, and investing relatable to kids, and how parents and caregivers can start meaningful money conversations early.
Whether you're a parent, teacher, or just passionate about financial education, this conversation will change the way you think about kids and money.
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dominique Luster — storyteller, archivist, and founder of The Luster Company — whose life’s work is centered on preserving and elevating the voices of the Black diaspora. From her tenure as the Teenie Harris Archivist at the Carnegie Museum of Art to consulting with The King Center and the Getty Foundation, Dominique has become a torchbearer for Black-centered narratives.
We explore her unique journey from museum halls to TED stages, her philosophy on memory as a form of resistance, and why archival work is not just about the past, but shaping our collective future. If you've ever wondered how stories survive — and who gets to tell them — this conversation will stay with you.
🎧 Listen now to learn:
Why storytelling is a radical act of preservation
The behind-the-scenes of building The Luster Company
How institutions can better honor marginalized histories
The emotional weight of Black archival work
What Dominique believes the future of history looks like
🔗 Tap in. This one’s more than a conversation — it’s a calling.
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