My First Kicks

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/

This week I am joined by Chuck Inglish & Michael Rocks, as we talk about their impact in the game. Copping kicks in Detroit and Chicago, how sneakers changed over time. Why they should be called Mike's and not Jordans. How their style has evolved and what being outside really means now. Plus a ton more!   Follow The Cool Kids:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/thecoolxkids/  Chuck's IG: https://www.instagram.com/oldinglish/  Mike's IG: https://www.instagram.com/sirmike/  Website: https://coolxkids.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 Akeem Dewan, he is the creator of Keem Studio's. We talk about how he was able to work with SZA, how he got his start in creating clothes. Who keeps him motivated and to keep going, how he grew up in NYC. Finding his lane with fashion and turning his passion into more than just a hobby. Holding a NYFW show that shut down Sweet Chick and much more!   Follow Keem: IG: https://www.instagram.com/akeemdewan/ KeemStudios  IG: https://www.instagram.com/keemstudios/  Shop KeemStudios: https://keemstudios.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 Tom aka InStyleShoes1999, we share stories about how sneakers created amazing friendships. How he found a way to get his foot in the door at a foot store. His time on NikeTalk and why it connected with him. How The Gathering came to be and what Aaron AC Cooper has shared with him. Meeting Tinker Hatfield and what it is like when he enters the room. Plus a bunch more!   Follow Tom: IG: https://www.instagram.com/instyleshoes1999  FB: https://www.facebook.com/Instyleshoes/    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 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/