My First Kicks

This week I am joined by Mugzy McFly, we talk about why he created McFly studio's. Growing up in the Bronx, how the color orange chose him! Working with Jae Tips and that first time we met each other. How he is inspired to solve the New York Problem. Getting to travel the world with his best friends and how he's always working. How this year's McFly fest changed the game and much much more!   Follow Mugzy: IG: https://www.instagram.com/mugzymcfly  Store IG: https://www.instagram.com/signedbymcfly/  Store: https://signedbymcfly.com/   Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks  Sign up for the Patreon: https://patreon.com/MyFirstKicks   Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/

This week I am joined by Key Nyata, we talk about growing up in Seattle. Becoming a local celebrity at 16, what made him switch to rapping. Being a two sport athlete and how skate culture influenced him. The wild things he has done in his life. The differences in culture from the West Coast and East Coast. Plus much much more! Follow Key: IG: https://www.instagram.com/keynyata YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@KeyNyata Ultraground: https://ultraground.shop/ Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks Sign up for the Patreon: https://patreon.com/MyFirstKicks Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/

This week I am joined by Adir Landes, who is behind West NYC's social presense. We talk about his time growing up on the Upper West Side, how he help his mom understand sneaker trends. What it was like waiting for the Packer x Iman Shumpert drop. Working at B&H and how he ended up at Tip Top Shoes. What keeps him curious and what drives him plus so much more.   Follow Adir: IG: https://www.instagram.com/durrlanders/  Tip Top Shoes: https://tiptopshoes.com/  IG: https://www.instagram.com/tiptopshoesnyc  West NYC: https://www.westnyc.com/  IG: https://www.instagram.com/westnyc/   Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks  Sign up for the Patreon: https://patreon.com/MyFirstKicks   Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/   -----------  Chapters:  00:00 $6M B&H Customer  03:29 Mount Sinai Hospital  07:37 Fila Designer ️  11:09 NYU & COVID Impact  14:55 B&H: Tourist Spot   18:25 Shoes & Tiptop/West  22:31 Shooting Videos  26:12 Selling Ugly Shoes  29:41 Orthodox Jewish ️  33:35 Jumpman Denouncing ️  37:57 Sold Out Size  41:31 Drawing Shoes  45:51 City Bike Boys  49:41 Versatility as Store  56:02 Five Shoe Types  01:00:35 Tiptop & West NYC  01:04:47 Patreon Shoutouts

This week I am joined by Anwar Carrots to talk about his work with KSWISS. How he designed the newest collection for the KSWISS Racket Club. How this was all connected to his how he grew up. Who were some of his influences, and how much he values collaboration. Where has his brand taken him and what moments he's been able to have. Plus so much more!   Follow Anwar:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/carrotsbyanwarcarrots/  Twitter: https://x.com/AnwarCarrots   Websites https://anwarcarrots.com/  https://ksrc.kswiss.com/    Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks  Sign up for the Patreon: https://patreon.com/MyFirstKicks   Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/

This week JD is on the podcast, we talk about how he grew up in Ohio. How did streetwear travel to Ohio, what it was like to put on his own events. Starting the Streetwear Flea Market and continuing to host them every year. Working at sneaker stores in Ohio, and how he build community. Also we talk about his views on influencers and much much more!   Follow JD:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/mrkingjd/  Photo IG: https://www.instagram.com/jamesdrakeford/  Streetwear Flea: https://www.instagram.com/streetwearflea/   Websites  https://www.streetwearflea.com/  https://jamesdrakeford.com/    Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks  Sign up for the Patreon: https://patreon.com/MyFirstKicks   Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/

This week Trey Uno is on the podcast, we talk about his time at Overtime. How he thought he was going to make it to the league. What type of hooper was he, how he got into Content Creating. He shares some crazy stories from growing up. His love for kicks and the things he did to fit in. What he is doing now and much much more!   Follow Trey: IG: https://www.instagram.com/TreyUno    Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks  Sign up for the Patreon: https://patreon.com/MyFirstKicks   Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/

This week we sit down the legend himself Ari Forman, as we talk about his time as a kid in the 80s. We remenicise over his moments as a kid in Los Angeles. How he used to hang out with in Sears and how I also hung out at Sears too. We touch on how his family inspired his art inspirations. How advertising shaped his artistic views and much much more! Follow Ari: IG: https://www.instagram.com/Ari Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks Sign up for the Patreon: https://patreon.com/MyFirstKicks Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/

This week John Trottier aka Johnnyskicks is on the podcast. We talk about working with the Sneaker Surgeon. How he almost was a pro in soccer. How he grew up on military bases and how he got a British accent. When did he start designing shoes. Working with several customizers and what he is doing with Yankee Kicks. Where his inspiration for design comes from and much much more!   Follow JohnnysKicks:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/JohnnysKicks_  X: https://x.com/johnnyskicks    Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks  Sign up for the Patreon: https://patreon.com/MyFirstKicks   Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/ Chapters: 00:00 Executive Assistant Role with Shoe Surgeon in 2016 04:56 First Kicks: Iverson Fours and Sneaker Passion 09:42 Company Success: Relying on Others' Strengths and Overcoming Competitiveness 14:23 Graphic Design Journey: Photoshop, Adobe Suites, and Instagram Influence 17:52 Pursuing Art: Concepting, Maker Collaborations, and First Shoe Releases 21:30 Empowering Shoe Makers & Customizers: New Opportunities & Financial Gains 25:15 Personal Taste: Buying Quality Pieces & Examples of Influence 28:42 Lawsuits Impacting Sneaker Sales and Authenticity Concerns 32:37 Peter Moore's Design Legacy: Jordan 1 and Von Grock History 36:13 Von Grock's Original Silhouettes: Basketball, Pickleball, Lifestyle 40:16 Zellerfeld's Goal: Printing New Shoe Designs Daily Using AI 44:04 Footwear Design & Development: Palm Angels Collaboration 47:43 Tiers of Fakes: AAA Version and Quality Insights with Sniderb 51:29 US Manufacturing and Tooling Control for Limited Sneaker Editions 55:18 Acceptance of Fake Sneakers and Retail Reliance ️ 58:44 Factory Money and Sneaker Production Insights 01:02:23 Surrounding Self with Successful People and Growth 01:06:32 Complex Con 2023 Content and Podcast Support

This week Kenneth Anand is on the podcast, we are talking about his love for kicks. Growing up in New Jersey, working on music and pursing a degree in law. He share some crazy stories like selling kicks straight off his feet. Working with Kanye West on the Yeezy brand, what it was like to start writing Sneaker Law. How he's able to combine his passion and his career into one. Plus a ton more!   Follow Kenneth:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/kennethtaughtme  Sneaker Law IG: https://www.instagram.com/sneakerlaw/  Cop Sneaker Law V2: https://sneakerlaw.com/    Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks  Sign up for the Patreon: https://patreon.com/MyFirstKicks   Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/   -----------  Chapters: 00:00 Puerto Rican Day Parade 1998: White and Blue 95s Story  03:40 ComplexCon Encounters: Marvel Fleece and Podcast Invitation ️  07:16 Crispy White Fives: Nervousness and Black Cement Four Comparison  11:17 Luxury Sneakers vs Athletic Shoes: Personal Style Preferences  14:46 Short Bus to Port Authority: Fat Beats & Lyricist Lounge Memories  18:14 Versus Battles: Dips Set vs. The Locks and Venue Comeback Wish  22:54 Similar Sneaker Story: Red Fours, Paxon Encounter, and a Bold Offer  26:25 Kai's Asics Unboxing: Brand Loyalty and Authenticity on Social Media  29:58 Law and Music Business: Brand Deals and Celebrity Ventures  34:06 Predatory Behavior: Rungs on Ladder vs Service to Others  37:52 Surrounding Yourself with Things You Love: Constant Magnet  41:39 Adidas Yeezy Team: Hard Work, Amazing Product Today  45:21 Excitement and Passion: Trying New Things and Learning from Failure  48:59 Vision and Authenticity: Staying True to Yourself and Making Good Art  52:57 Staying Young Through Culture: New Trends & Staying Ahead  56:20 Anti-Biting Culture: Respect for Pioneers & Paving the Way  01:00:21 Protecting Special Creations: Trademarking and Nike's Strategy  01:04:17 Connect with Kenneth: Sneaker Law, IG, LinkedIn, and Book

This week Jixie is back! If you haven't heard the first episode we dropped check out Episode 18 of the podcast! This week, she's back and we are catching up 4 years later. We talk about how sneakers have effected her life. Working with Jordan brand, the reason she had to put sneaker down for a while. How she uses sneakers to connect to other women in all these spaces. Also what we think of sneaker culture now!  Follow Jixie:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/kixiejixie  X/Twitter: https://x.com/kixiejixie   Follow In Her Soles Collective: https://www.instagram.com/@inhersolescollective    Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks  Sign up for the Patreon: https://patreon.com/MyFirstKicks   Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/

This week I am joined by Mouse Jones, we talk about how we got connected. His love for kicks and where did it stem from, growing up in Long Island. Becoming the host of Trap Karaoke and how that came about. Creating Deadass Comedy Show and how it is the toughest room in New York. Being outside and what he has seen. The one time he's made a line and much much more!   Follow Mouse:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/mouse_jones  X/Twitter: https://x.com/MouseJones    Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks  Sign up for the Patreon: https://patreon.com/MyFirstKicks   Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/ Chapters: 00:00 Intro: Mouse Jones 04:01 First Pair Needed 07:15 First White Shoe? 09:35 Rockefeller Era 12:12 First Cardigan 14:53 Top Influence 17:37 Trading Sneakers 20:27 Line Story Begins 22:55 Tripled Up Pairs ️ 25:19 Trap Karaoke Start 27:45 Viral Melodies 31:39 Dead Ass Check Out️ 33:52 Comedy on Phone 36:44 Sneaker Battle 39:05 Appreciate These 41:40 Patreon Shoutouts

This week I am joined by Maiy, we talk about her journey working at foot stores. How she found herself working in corporate Foot Locker. What she really went to school for. Growing up with immigrant parents and why they want to open up a store. Her transition to working at Hoka and their recent success. Finding culture and embracing culture, plus much much more.   Follow Maiy:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/maiyyymaiyy    Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks  Sign up for the Patreon: https://patreon.com/MyFirstKicks   Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/    -----------  Chapters: 00:00 Sneaker Culture  03:29 Intriguing Story  07:20 Entered the Game  10:49 Art of the Hunt  16:13 Parents Reaction  19:41 Immigrant Children  23:04 Stubborn Personalities  27:13 Breaking Barriers  32:28 Corporate Trajectory  35:46 Buyer Workload  39:55 Sneaker Shift  43:39 Layering Artistry  47:11 Culture Gatekeeping  51:01 Sneaker Culture  56:08 Marketing Team  59:37 Upcoming Hoka Pair  e01:03:38 Build This Out More

This week I am joined by Anik Kahn, we talk about how we met. How he got into music and the significance behind his latest release. Also we talk about his history with sneakers and fashion. How growing up in Astoria, Queens changed his life. The work he put into reclaiming his name, and how family has always had a huge impact on him. The places he has been to and the different cultures he's been able to experience. Plus much much more.   Follow Anik:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/anikkahn_  YouTube:  @AnikKhanmusic  [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCJb10Z7ACjyhD-sY7OtdLZg]    Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks  Sign up for the Patreon: https://patreon.com/MyFirstKicks   Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/    -----------  Chapters:  00:00 Life's Ups & Downs  03:41 First Pair Needed  06:46 Full Circle Moment  10:30 Culture Shock  14:02 Bangladeshi Struggle  18:15 Talking Religion Now  22:07 History of Hip-Hop  25:13 Steinway Stories  28:24 Discovering SB's  31:35 Rolling Stone Article  35:18 Essence of Core  38:09 Correct Pronounciation ️  41:30 Unapologetically  45:02 Traveling the World ️  47:53 Authenticity Matters  51:34 Younger Self Advice

This week I am joined by Paco, you may know him for his dope food content. We talk about how he started getting into creating food videos. Becoming a pro skater and the opportunities he's gotten. Also living in Cali and what he didn't like about the state. Late nights at Diamond Supply Co. and how far skateboard has taken him. Being discovered by JonnyShipes and what he's been able to do! Plus a whole ton more!   Follow Paco:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/vote4pedrooooo/  YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@PACOEATSEVERYTHING.  [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCTBGOZ6_UnyQfdKY9RLZmmg]    Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks  Sign up for the Patreon: https://patreon.com/MyFirstKicks   Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/

This week Bimma returns to the podcast to talk about how creating Collab Lab changed his life. Hearing how the decision to end Claima Stories came about. What struggles creators face and what it is like to be a one stop shop. When he decided to do a Sneaker of The Year video and the response about it. Who inspired him to start Collab Lab and where we should taking things as creators going forward. Plus a whole lot more!   Follow Bimma:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/bimmawilliams/  Website: https://www.bimmawilliams.com/   Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks  Sign up for the Patreon: https://patreon.com/MyFirstKicks   Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/   -----------  Chapters:

This week my guest didn't show up, so I decided to roll with the punches. It's just me talking to you all about what I have been seeing in sneaker culture. I share stories about growing up and why I think certain things shaped my views on sneakers. Creating this podcast and the journey I have had, what is next and how do I get there. Plus much much more!   Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks   Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdote  00:40 Welcome to My First Kicks  00:57 Exploring Sneaker Culture  01:45 The Importance of Community  04:24 Fake Sneakers and Personal Experiences  08:53 The Value of Authenticity  12:56 Pushing Boundaries and Personal Growth  18:02 The Role of Sneakers in Everyday Life  19:19 Consumer Power and Sneaker Choices  20:54 The Necessity of Being Outside  24:09 Collecting Sneakers vs. Other Collectibles  27:31 Reflecting on Nostalgia and Missing Connections  27:57 Bridging the Generational Gap in Podcasting  28:57 The Influence of Streaming and Podcast Demographics  31:58 Challenges of Starting a Podcast  39:44 The Importance of Cultural Engagement  45:50 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

This week I am joined by Mage, we talk about growing up in Brooklyn and New Jersey. How his parents influenced him, and their unique way of punishing them. Getting to know Heron Preston, and how we met in ComplexCon. Being able to be invoice boys and working at Stadium Goods. What he plans to become and work on and much much more!   Where to find Mage:     IG: https://www.instagram.com/@mage.ig  YouTube:  ⁨@mageyt99⁩ [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCLdiY9-3mRbbD32UqTn7SNw]  Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks   Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/ Chapters: 00:00 Lacing Up: The Power of Sneakers  00:48 Introduction to the Episode  01:11 Meet Maj: The Sneaker Aficionado  01:46 The Journey to Social Media Fame  04:12 First Kicks: The Bred 11 Story  07:48 ComplexCon Experiences  11:57 Working at Stadium Goods  19:37 Meeting Icons: Virgil and Travis  22:02 The Legacy of Virgil Abloh  27:28 Future Aspirations and Career Goals  28:08 The Art of Producing: Beyond Making Beats  29:05 A Passion for Horror Movies  31:31 Sneaker Culture and Collecting Stories  33:21 Navigating Sneaker Trends and Hype  37:41 The Future of Sneaker Culture  55:09 Reflecting on Personal Growth and Ambitions

This week I am joined by Tara aka Copemnrockem, we talk about her love for Jordan 11's. How she became copemnrockem, her ambition to own her own sneaker store. How cookies got her a job at Jordan Brand, being a Jordan Historian. Making the choice to bet on herself, and the brands she has worked with. Where her inspiration to be a go getter comes from and much more.   Where to find Tara:     IG: https://www.instagram.com/@copemnrockem  Twitter/X: https://x.com/CopEmNRockEm  Hometeam Talent: https://www.hometeamtalent.com/    Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks   Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/ Chapters: 00:00 - The Cool Grey 11s Story 01:03 - Introduction to Tara and the Podcast 04:59 - Sneaker Culture Collaboration and Authenticity 07:11 - What's Your First Kicks? Tara's Story 12:38 - The Importance of Family Support 16:41 - Early Career and Tier Zero Boutiques 21:05 - Networking and Relationships in the Industry 26:05 - Complex Con and Brand Events 27:24 - Hustle and Family Inspiration 33:20 - Learning the Skill of Networking 38:30 - The Entitlement Issue in Social Media 45:00 - Crazy Sneaker Stories and Early Career Struggles 51:00 - Advice to Younger Self & Reflections on Success

This week I am joined by current state senator and mayoral candidate Zellnor Myrie. We speak about his journey with sneakers, what it was like collecting kicks for him. How one trip to Yonkers created the itch for more. The flip that switched to want to create change. How the Knicks hurt us, why Mayor Adams spent money our money on them. What he is trying to do and what he is running for mayor for. Plus so much more!   Where to find Z:     IG: https://www.instagram.com/@zellnormyrie  Website: https://www.zellnor.nyc/     Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks   Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/

This week I am joined by Zane, we talk about his adventures in graffiti. How he got into reselling and sneaker cleaning. How he went viral for making a fake post for a Supreme drop. Being outside for drops and how he was able to secure pairs. Pursuing art full-time and what he has been able to accomplish and so much more!   Where to find Zane:     IG: https://www.instagram.com/@zanestyles  Website: https://www.zanestyles.com/     Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks   Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/