My First Kicks

This week Damian Dickson of Kurve Studios is here to talk about art, sneakers, and being a creative. We touch on his thoughts on about fashion, being a creative. Also we talk about finding your audience, how he turned his mom into a sneakerhead. He shares some stories from collecting kicks over the year. What it is like being an immigrant and always showing up plus a ton more.   Follow Damian:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/kurveking  Website: https://kurvestudio.com/    Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks  Sign up for the Patreon: https://patreon.com/MyFirstKicks   Intro & Outro by Sango: https://www.instagram.com/sango_/  Backing Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/

This week Zo of Conversations with Zo is on the podcast. We are talking about the New York school system. Working in Public and Charter schools, how to reach the youth in this current day and age. Where he see priorities lie and why it's important. How sneaker played a part in his life and where his influences came from. The work he has done with Slice of Excellence and his podcast and much more!   Follow Zo: IG: https://www.instagram.com/conversationswithzo  YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@conversationswithzo  [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCaaUcxgNF6P4YFg80H67kPg]     Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks Sign up for the Patreon: https://patreon.com/MyFirstKicks   Intro & Outro by Sango: https://www.instagram.com/sango_/  Backing Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/

This week Bdot is on the podcast, we talk about growing up in Southside Jamaica, Queens. How he feels about the Colosseum Mall shutting down. What it was like growing up during the mixtape era. Getting his footing in journalism and working at XXL. Also how sneakers connected to him through out his life. What he thinks about the current state of sneakers and much more!   Follow Bdot:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/bdottm/  Twitter: https://x.com/bdotTM  Website: https://www.bdotmiller.com/    Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks  Sign up for the Patreon: https://patreon.com/MyFirstKicks   Intro & Outro by Sango: https://www.instagram.com/sango_/  Backing Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/

This week Rob Haze is back on the podcast, we talk about how he's gatekeeping comics from getting into sneakers. Why Jordan messed up switching to the Jumpman logo. Creating Sneak This and why he thinks sneaker comedy would work now. Why he thinks the Shattered Backboards shouldn't exist and much more! Follow Rob: IG: https://www.instagram.com/robhaze/ Twitter: https://x.com/robhaze YouTube:  ⁨@RobHaZepresents⁩  [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCVwBBu8xW1tczEdACLJ13Vg] Finding out with Mandal & Rob: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLz5mEIDY99O4_luTC3oKwJaeG1pb9xbnq In-Season Pod: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-season/id1680947579

This week Kota pulls back up on the podcast! We are talking about his new creative mindset. Working on Local Art Dealer Vol. 1, performing at the legendary Blue Note. How we perceive the internet and speaking with conviction! What it means to be a creative in this current landscape. How he's been able to beat being a perfectionist and much much more!   Follow Kota:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/kotathefriend/  Twitter: https://x.com/kotathefriend  Local Art Dealer Vol 1: https://www.even.biz/r/local-art-dealer-vol-1    Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks  Sign up for the Patreon: https://patreon.com/MyFirstKicks   Intro & Outro by Sango: https://www.instagram.com/sango_/  Backing Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/

This week I am joined by Harlem's very own Fergie Baby, we talk about growing up in Harlem. Who inspired his fashion sense and how big of a role sneakers played in his life. Getting to rap on Big L's album and what that meant to him. How he ended up in the LAAM's commercial and being on a billboard in New York. Working with B.B Simon and what he has cooking up in the future. His upcoming album and how he has been part of a lot grassroots movements! Plus a whole ton more!   Follow Fergie Baby:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/fergie.baby/  Twitter: https://x.com/FergieBabyGGU    Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks Sign up for the  Patreon: https://patreon.com/MyFirstKicks   Intro & Outro by Sango: https://www.instagram.com/sango_/  Backing Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/

This week I am joined by the super talented Dashawn Jordan, we talk about how he got into skating. How the Arizona skate community helped him find himself. Working his way to having his own Nike SB colorway, the thought process. How important dunks became in his life and why he wanted to skate them. How important his family and friends are to him and how he made this thing called skateboarding work! Plus a ton more! Follow Dashawn: IG: https://www.instagram.com/dashawnjordan/ Faces Skateshop: Site: https://www.facesskateshop.com/ Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks Sign up for the Patreon: https://patreon.com/MyFirstKicks Intro & Outro by Sango: https://www.instagram.com/sango_/ Backing Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/

This week I am joined by the hilarious Mandal, we talk about the shoes he absolutely needed to have. Wearing them to school and the moment he knew something wasn't right. How comedy found him and what it was like to do comedy. Why he loves Times Square and what are some wild things about New York. What it was like growing up in Atlanta and much much more!   Follow Mandal:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/themandalman/   See Mandal Live: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mandal-live-stand-up-comedy-taping-tickets-1975295097811    Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks  Sign up for the Patreon: https://patreon.com/MyFirstKicks   Intro & Outro by Sango: https://www.instagram.com/sango_/  Backing Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/

This week I am joined by Olu Adeleke, we sat down to talk about his brand Prgrssn. How he decided to create his brand, how sneakers was the through-line and inspiration for the brand. Growing up in Chicago, how community has been a huge part of his growth. The moment he figured out he didn't want to be a doctor anymore. What moving to New York meant to him and much much more!   Follow Olu: IG: https://www.instagram.com/olu.originals/   Follow Prgrssn: IG: https://www.instagram.com/prgrssn/  Shop: https://www.prgrssn.com/   Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks  Sign up for the Patreon: https://patreon.com/MyFirstKicks   Intro & Outro by Sango: https://www.instagram.com/sango_/  Backing Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/

This week I am joined by the legend Scram! We talk about the early days of New York and how sneaker and streetwear culture began. How Orchard Street was a huge inspiration to the lower eastside. How community in the earlier days was about connecting. He also shares a wild story about Angelo Baque's mother saving his life. We touch on the importance of gatekeeping and a ton more!   Follow Scram:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/luisvasquezgallery/   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 starting the year off differently, I decided to recap the year I had in 2025 and talk about a lot of the lessons I learned this year. I reflect on how I started the year by interviewing The Kid Mero. I touch on getting to speak with some legendary people this year. How many amazing relationships I have been able to keep through out the year. I also touch on things I have seen through out my journey and a ton more!    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 Deante Kyle and Big Kat as we talk about their growth. How sneakers played a part in their lives. The importance of building community. We also share stories about growing up and what is was like for both of them. How Big Kat and Deante love for music transcended into sneakers. Creating Grits and Eggs and evolving its evolution. If sneaker stories matter to them and much much more!   Follow Deante:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/deante.kyle   Follow Big Ice Cup Kat:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/big_icecup_kat   Grits & Eggs Podcast: https://linktr.ee/gritsandeggspod   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 Mache, we start off pretty heavy talking about wrestling and the wrestlers he's worked with. We also touched on the first pair of kicks he absolutely needed to have. Some of the crazy names he's been able to customize sneakers for. How he is able to build relationships through sneakers. The moment he decided to start his own sneaker line and the thought behind it. His most recent release of the Purple Pigeon Mache runners and much much more!   Follow Mache:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/Mache257  X: https://x.com/MACHE275   Shop Mache: https://machecustoms.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 Davin Gentry of Diet Starts Monday. We talk about his journey into sneakers and streetwear. How Kentucky built him for working within streetwear. How he got his start, the lessons he learned along the way. What it takes to put a ComplexCon booth together and why ComplexCon is important. Moments in his life that changed the way he thought. The longevity of his brands and much much more.    Follow Davin:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/davin_gentry   Follow Diet Starts Monday  IG: https://www.instagram.com/dietstartsmonday__/   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 Jae Yannick, we talk about his journey with kicks. How he ended up with a pair of kicks that don't fit him, his time interning at Atlantic records. Finding a way to share his love for sneakers with content creation. How he found his way into Footlocker and figuring out his path. How important it was to create relationships along the way. Also the moment he caught Pusha T. Plus a ton more!   Follow Jae: IG: https://www.instagram.com/jaeyannick   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 are live from West NYC, I sat down with Lester Wasserman and Adir Landes to talk all things West and Tip Top Shoes. We hear how long Tip Top has been around, how Lester grew up and his love for shoes. Adir's and Lester's love for ugly shoes and helping the area of West 72nd street. How their new Clark's Original came to be. The store and intention behind the design. Also we hear so many amazing stories and much more!  Follow Adir & Lester:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/durrlanders  IG: https://www.instagram.com/westnyc  Cop The Clarks Originals: https://www.westnyc.com/products/west-nyc-x-clarks-originals-a-love-letter-to-west-72nd-street?variant=42289678090345   Follow Jordan: IG: https://www.instagram.com/jordankeyser  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 Chris Chance, you may know of this work as African American Artist. We get to hear about his journey with-in sneakers, how he and Ish connected. How one forum changed his life and connected him with Coral Studios. We get to hear about how the iconic Coral Studio's Air Max 95 came to be. What he is working towards and why we both love the Yu-Gi-Oh! 95's, plus a ton more!    Follow Chris:  X/Twitter: https://x.com/madeintheurl  IG: https://www.instagram.com/africanamericanartist  Linktree: https://linktr.ee/madeintheurl   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 Adham, we talk about growing up in Canada. Being chronically online and how that helped him start in sneakers. What he feels when it comes to leaking sneaker information. How he found the problem he wanted to solve when it came to the sneaker's. I also share my thoughts on content creation, my struggles when I first started creating. How Adham feels about getting in front of the camera. Plus a whole ton more!   Follow Adham:  X/Twitter: https://x.com/ChefDoomy  IG: https://www.instagram.com/chefdoomy   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 the legendary Jazerai Allen-Lord, we talk about her journey into the sneaker industry. From becoming a writer at the age of 8 to helping Kicks on Fire become a profiting business. Jaz takes us down her career as well as touches on being a Mom. Mentoring people that she finds that have amazing talent. Creating True to Size and how she is working to help women in sneakers. We also touch on sneakers she was able to create and much much more!   Follow Jaz:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/nerdlikejazzy/  Twitter: https://x.com/jazzyrae  True to Size: https://www.truetosize.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 John Geiger, and we talk about his journey to where he is now. We speak on his early days playing ball and causing a brawl. Putting his city and his back and what it meant to him. We get a guest appearance by Iman Shumpert and he sets the record straight. Sean Davis jumps in to talk about the business side and how big John's presence is. This was recorded in Vegas before ComplexCon, plus we go more!   Filmed and Edited by  @frontpageaaron  [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCmkXFpd_xUIn7fHDg_wD8QQ]    Follow John:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/johngeiger_/  Twitter: https://x.com/JohnGeiger_  Shop John Geiger: https://johngeigerco.com/   Follow Sean: IG: https://www.instagram.com/seanmdavis   Follow Aaron: IG: https://www.instagram.com/frontpageaaron   Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks  Sign up for the Patreon: https://patreon.com/MyFirstKicks   Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/