Behind the Mic: Powered by REVOLT Podcast Network

This week on Behind the Mic, I’m joined by fellow REVOLT Podcast Network veteran and media powerhouse, Lalaa Shepard. Lalaa is the creator of The Progress Report, one of Atlanta’s most respected platforms for hip hop and culture. From her early days working with Cincinnati artists to building genuine relationships in Atlanta’s music scene, Lalaa’s journey is rooted in hustle, intention, and community. B-Sides Track of the Week: Lalaa shares “Hot Boyz” by Kai Cash — a standout track from one of her favorite emerging artists. Lalaa opens up about how her upbringing and work ethic shaped her path from college to the strip clubs of Atlanta where she learned the real mechanics of the music business. She breaks down how The Progress Report became an essential stop for artists, producers, and tastemakers in Atlanta’s hip hop ecosystem. In the rapid-fire game Overrated or Underrated, we get her take on the blog era, media training for artists, women rap collectives, and more. Featured Quote: "I’m just a student of the game. I’ve been in love with music and journalism since I was a little kid." Chapters: 00:52 Meet Lalaa Shepard 01:26 Lalaa's Journey in Music and Journalism 03:18 The Progress Report and Atlanta's Music Scene 05:25 Challenges and Inspirations 14:36 Rapid Fire: Overrated or Underrated 16:22 Lalaa's Love for Sports Don’t forget to subscribe to Behind the Mic wherever you listen or watch podcasts. Leave us a five-star rating, drop a review, and hit that like button on YouTube. We’re building this community with your support. Follow Lalaa Shepard: Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube: @LalaaShep Website: TPR Media Group Instagram: @TheProgressReport101 Behind the Mic: Powered by REVOLT Podcast Network is hosted by me, Wize Grazette. Special thanks to The Indie Creative Network and Storytime Studios for editing and producing this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Behind the Mic, I’m joined by Mokgethwa, aka Big Warra and a whole bunch of other akas, co-host of The Sobering Podcast, one of South Africa’s most respected Hip-Hop podcasts. We dig into the pod’s 10-year journey, what it took to build from scratch, and how Big Warra’s curiosity growing up in Limpopo shaped his love for music, media, and storytelling. B-Sides Track of the Week: Big Warra picks I Bore by Onipa, a continental groove that’s become his go-to track on socials and in life. Rapid-Fire Game: In a word association round, Warra drops 90s gems, cipher shoutouts, and unexpected picks in honor of Black Music Month. Featured Quote:"AKA was a star before he was a star. He always carried himself like one." Chapters: 00:27 – Guest Introduction: Big Warra 01:01 – The Sobering Podcast Journey 02:37 – Music Talk: B-Sides Track of the Week 03:47 – Behind the Mic: Big Warra’s Background 06:28 – The Birth of The Sobering Podcast 10:25 – Remembering AKA Follow Big Warra on Instagram and X: @Big_Warra Follow The Sobering Podcast: @TheSoberingPod Credits: Hosted by Wize Grazette. Produced by The Indie Creative Network and Storytime Studios. Powered by REVOLT Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're switching things up this week with a special update from Behind the Mic: Powered by REVOLT Podcast Network. As Season One winds down, I’m sharing what’s next: Behind the Mic is taking a break starting at the end of June, but we’re not disappearing. Starting in July, tune in for our new summer series: Behind the Mic Bytes. Each week, we’ll revisit standout moments from past episodes, with a monthly focus on themes like Disability Pride, Back to School, Wellness, and Fashion & Culture. 🔊 To give you a taste of what’s coming, I pulled a few of my favorite clips: — NeAndre Broussard on showing up with light and purpose — Lynae Vanee on finding clarity at Spelman and redefining Black history — Freddie on how HBCUs shaped her confidence and career — And a throwback from our “Attitude Era” with Krista B talking wrestling and growing up in Bed-Stuy Let’s close this season strong, June is both Black Music Month and Pride Month, so trust me, we’re going big with these final guests. Then catch me all summer with a few bonus drop-ins and updates. Hit subscribe, leave a review, and share your favorite Behind the Mic moments with us. Chapters 00:28 Special Episode Announcement 00:50 Upcoming Content Overview 01:28 Personal Reflections and Inspirations 02:15 HBCU Experiences and Impact 04:44 Career and Personal Growth 05:45 Wrestling Memories 06:35 Season Recap and Future Plans 🎧 Host: Wize Grazette 🎙 Powered by: REVOLT Podcast Network 🎛 Produced by: The Indie Creative Network and Storytime Studios Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, wherever you get your fix. Follow me @TheRealWize on X and Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Behind the Mic, I sit down with poet, educator, and storyteller Lynae Vanee—whose voice hits like a sermon and a cipher at once. You’ve seen her on Parking Lot Pimpin’, but now she’s stepping into a new lane with her REVOLT show The People’s Brief, premiering May 20th. B-Sides Track of the Week: Lynae shares a slept-on gem from Cameo’s Word Up album “You Can Have the World.” It’s her daily reminder that dreaming big is never too much. From there, we talk about the woman who changed everything for her, Coach Ray and how Spelman sharpened not just her skills, but her sense of self. She opens up about what HBCUs really teach you and why her EARTHGANG feature was both unexpected and unforgettable. “We shouldn’t be teaching Black kids how to plug into the real world—we should be teaching them how to disrupt it.” – Lynae Vanee Chapters 00:44 – Introducing Today's Guest: Lynae Vanee 00:59 – Lynae Vanee's New Show on REVOLT 02:18 – Lynae's Inspirational Playlist Pick 03:43 – Coach Ray: A Key Influence in Lynae's Journey 05:38 – Choosing Spelman and the HBCU Experience 09:37 – EARTHGANG Collaboration: A Poetic Journey 11:38 – Rapid Fire Round of Rank It If you’re feeling the episode, subscribe, rate us five stars, and watch The People’s Brief on REVOLT. 📱 Follow Lynae Vanee: @LynaeVanee 🎧 Tap into the B-Sides Track of the Week playlist on Spotify. 🎙️ Behind the Mic is hosted by Wize Grazette. 🎛️ Produced and edited by The Indie Creative Network and Storytime Studios Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about Krista B in this bonus extended clip from Krista's latest episode on Behind the Mic: Powered by REVOLT Podcast Network. Watch all of Season 1 of Behind the Mic: Powered by REVOLT Podcast Network on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOCTSuUwMT0fyOeExh2Sm6xhTdIhHZzSj Follow Krista B: Instagram & Twitter: @ms_kristab Podcast: Those Wrestling Girls on YouTube TikTok, IG, FB, and Twitter: @ThoseWrestlingGirls Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Behind the Mic, Wize sits down with Krista B, co-host of Those Wrestling Girls to talk about growing up in Brooklyn, discovering wrestling through her brother, and how the women’s revolution pulled her back into the ring. From Catholic school DX chants to full-on WWE journalism, Krista shares how wrestling shaped her world and her voice. Featured Quote: “Attitude Era was the era to grow up in.” B-Sides Track of the Week: Krista loves Reggae and Soca so she added two to the playlist for the culture! “Issa Snack (Remix)” by Nessa Preppy ft. Machel Montano and HoodCelebrityy, and “Wet Me” by Krosfyah. Both are now on our B-Sides playlist on Spotify. Listen to the B-Sides Track of the week playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2EysXGOWrzoQ3Zmp34VWLx Stick around for a rapid-fire round of WWE Word Association—because her take on Monday Night Raw might just surprise you. Chapters: 00:56 – Welcoming Krista B 01:51 – Krista B's Background and Career 02:41 – Music and Energizing Playlists 05:07 – Krista B's Wrestling Journey 08:41 – The Women's Evolution in Wrestling 13:01 – Rapid Fire Round: WWE Word Association Subscribe to Behind the Mic wherever you listen to podcasts. Watch the full episode on YouTube and help us hit 14,000 subscribers. Watch all of Season 1 of Behind the Mic: Powered by REVOLT Podcast Network on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOCTSuUwMT0fyOeExh2Sm6xhTdIhHZzSj Follow Krista B: Instagram & Twitter: @ms_kristab Podcast: Those Wrestling Girls on YouTube TikTok, IG, FB, and Twitter: @ThoseWrestlingGirls Hosted by Wize Grazette Produced by The Indie Creative Network & Storytime Studios Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Santana opens up about surviving an unhealthy relationship, reclaiming her voice, and using her podcast Santana Says to uplift her community. From breaking cycles to building virtual support spaces, this conversation dives into motherhood, faith, and advocacy. Santana shares her journey from Cleveland organizer to counselor, and why she refuses to stay silent about what too many endure behind closed doors. Chapters: 00:53 Cleveland Roots and B-Side Tracks 02:23 About Santana Says Podcast 03:00 Personal Journey and Advocacy 06:43 College Days and Organizing Spirit 11:00 Rapid Fire Round: She Did That! 11:53 Mother's Day Shoutout Subscribe for more real stories from bold voices behind the mic. 🎧 Available on all podcast platforms. 📲 Follow Santana: @SantanaSays_ 📲 Follow Wize: @TheRealWize 🎬 Edited by Storytime Studios 🌍 Powered by The Indie Creative Network + REVOLT Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Behind the Mic: Powered by REVOLT Podcast Network, Wize Grazette sits down with Brandon Brathwaite, co-host of the Situationships podcast. A proud Bronx native with Bajan and Trini roots, Brandon shares his story of how he got his start working behind the scenes on the hit series Situationships and how that eventually led to the launch of the podcast.B-Sides Track of the Week:Brandon’s selections celebrate two women he feels connected to through resilience and talent—Keisha Cole’s “Forever” and Jocelyn Hernandez’s “I Like the Way You Are (Disco Shoes).”Brandon opens up about navigating the entertainment world, the importance of building authentic connections, and why communication is everything—whether you're creating shows or managing relationships. He also shares why $50,000 isn’t nearly enough to launch a true creative project and how he values respecting the work of everyone on a team.In our rapid-fire "What Would You Do?" game, Brandon keeps it honest about dream jobs, brand partnerships, and the realities of budgeting in the entertainment industry. Plus, he reveals a fun side you might not catch from just listening to the podcast—and why he’s the friend you can call at 2 AM... as long as you call twice.Featured Quote:"When you're creating content, sometimes the best stories come from your everyday life and relationships."Chapters:00:31 Meet Brandon Brathwaite01:11 Brandon's Background and Influences01:43 B-Sides Track of the Week04:02 The Story Behind Situationships06:31 Creating the Situationships PodcastMake sure you subscribe to Behind the Mic wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a five-star review! Follow @TheRealWize on Instagram and Twitter for more behind-the-scenes moments.Guest Socials & Links:Follow Brandon on Instagram: @brandonbrathwaite526Follow the Situationships Podcast: @situationshipnyBehind the Mic: Powered by REVOLT Podcast Network is hosted by Wize Grazette. Special thanks to The Indie Creative Network and Storytime Studios for editing and producing this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Behind the Mic: Powered by REVOLT Podcast Network, Wize Grazette sits down with actress, writer, producer, and director Cylla Senii, the dynamic creative force behind the acclaimed web series and podcast, Situationships. Cylla shares her inspiring story of transitioning from corporate advertising to creating relatable, impactful Black storytelling, eventually landing her series on BET. B-Sides Track of the Week: "Georgia Ways" by Quavo. Cylla opens up about her multicultural upbringing between Queens and Georgia, balancing academic excellence and creativity, and how embracing her Afro-Caribbean and Asian heritage has shaped her unique voice as a storyteller. Featured Quote: "Sometimes things may not work out, or you might fail in one aspect, but as long as you never give up, you can still make it happen." Chapters: 00:41 Meet Cylla Senii 01:03 Cylla's Background and Career Journey 05:19 The New York Web Series Scene 11:07 Situationships Podcast 13:09 Reflections on Success and Journey 15:44 Rapid Fire Round Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe, rate, and review Behind the Mic on your favorite podcast platform. Guest Socials & Links: Follow Cylla Senii: @CyllaSenii (Instagram, Twitter, TikTok) Credits: Hosted by Wize Grazette. Special thanks to Indie Creative Network and Storytime Studios for editing and producing this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Behind the Mic, Wize is joined by Rachel Renee — co-host of Holdin’ Court Podcast and founder of Goat Moves Inc., a tech platform designed to support small and medium-sized businesses with the infrastructure they need to thrive. Rachel shares how her journey through tech, entrepreneurship, and family legacy led her to the mic. She opens up about building a business in the middle of a pandemic, embracing visibility after nearly a decade off social media, and finding purpose through community impact and innovation. She also joins Wize for a round of Overrated or Underrated — and let’s just say, she’s got thoughts on podcast panels, polyester, and bringing tailoring back in style. Quote of the Episode: “Now that I’ve conquered this fear of being seen... I love it 'cause it’s been more beneficial than detrimental.” — Rachel Renee Chapters: 00:46 – Meet Rachel Renee 01:24 – B-Sides Track of the Week 02:30 – Rachel's Journey Behind the Mic 04:20 – Goat Moves Inc. – The Vision 05:59 – The Entrepreneurial Path 12:57 – Rapid Fire Round: Overrated or Underrated Credits: Behind the Mic: Powered by REVOLT Podcast Network is hosted by Wize Grazette. Produced and edited by the team at Indie Creative Network and StoryTime Studios — where culture meets craft. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Behind the Mic: Powered by REVOLT Podcast Network, we sit down with Chanelle Reynolds — host of not one, but two podcasts on the network: The Success Playbook and The Double Dose Podcast. From her work in the NFL to her passion for podcasting, Chanelle is carving out space for Black stories and Black excellence in every room she enters. She talks about her journey in sports, navigating major transitions at the Washington Commanders, and how mentorship and DEI work are central to her identity both on and off the mic. B-Sides Track of the Week Chanelle takes it to church with Marvin Sapp’s “Praise Him in Advance.” A gospel pick that keeps her grounded, uplifted, and aligned — especially as her name continues to rise. “You can’t take DEI out of sports. It didn’t start with us, so it’s not gonna end with us.” - Chanelle S. Reynolds Chapters 00:38 Meet Chanelle Reynolds 01:42 B-Sides Track of the Week 02:42 Who is Chanelle Behind the Mic? 04:19 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Sports 05:38 Chanelle's Journey in Sports Follow @RevoltCreatorNetwork on IG and @RevoltPodcasts on Twitter/X. Guest Socials & Links Follow Chanelle: @ChanelleSReynolds Listen to The Success Playbook and The Double Dose Podcast wherever you stream podcasts. Credits Behind the Mic: Powered by REVOLT Podcast Network is hosted by Wize Grazette. Edited and produced by Storytime Studios and Indie Creative Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this bonus episode of Behind the Mic: Powered by REVOLT Podcast Network, we’re giving flowers to Dr. Chanda Reynolds — host of Paging Dr. Chanda and now a 2025 Webby Award nominee. Vote Here: https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2025/podcasts/individual-episode/health-wellness-lifestyle We revisit the moment she found out about her nomination, reflect on the episode that earned the recognition — a hilarious and healing live conversation with Keke Palmer — and talk about what this moment means for Black women, mental health advocates, and media professionals alike. “This nomination proves that yeah, we are making waves in the industry of Black mental health.” Chapters 2:10 – The Moment Dr. Chanda Found Out 5:20 – Recapping the Keke Palmer Episode 9:30 – What the Webby Nomination Means to Her 14:45 – Making Room for Black Women in Media 18:00 – Purpose, Mental Health & Representation 21:00 – Call to Vote + What’s Next Subscribe & Follow
Listen to Behind the Mic wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t forget to rate us five stars and leave a review. And most importantly, VOTE for Paging Dr. Chanda in the 2025 Webby Awards before April 17: vote.webbyawards.com — just search Paging Dr. Chanda. Guest Socials & Links
Follow Dr. Chanda: @DrChandaReynolds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Behind the Mic: Powered by REVOLT Podcast Network, we’re celebrating Trans Day of Visibility with a very special guest — Hazell Harve, one fourth of the #CareFreeBlackGirl podcast and a rising star in the Charlotte creative scene. Hazell opens up about her journey from Hartford, Connecticut to Charlotte, North Carolina, and how what started as an unexpected move turned into a “blessing in disguise.” She shares how she got introduced to the podcast by QUANNA, how joining the Xclusive House of Lanvin in the Ballroom scene changed her life, and why she’s committed to being visible, vocal, and real in everything she does. Trans Visibility Day is about championing the diversity and resilience of the trans community - https://www.revolt.tv/article/trans-visibility-day-is-about-uplifting-the-transgender-community B-Sides Track of the Week Hazell gave us two tracks that keep her grounded and glowing: – “Keep Your Head Up” by Chaka Khan – “What If God Was One of Us” (performed by Cheryl Pepsii Riley in Diary of a Mad Black Woman) Both picks were straight from the Tyler Perry vault and a reminder that sometimes, motivation shows up in soundtracks we grew up with. Personal Insights Hazell speaks on writing her first piece for REVOLT, how Ballroom gave her community, and the leadership role she never expected. “Ballroom helped me realize my worth and my impact — it taught me how to lead.” She also shares how #CareFreeBlackGirl became her introduction to podcasting, and how stepping in front of the mic helped her discover a whole new side of herself. Quote of the Episode “Ballroom helped me realize my worth and my impact — it taught me how to lead.” Chapters 00:49 Meet Hazell Harve 01:31 Hazell's Journey to Podcasting 03:15 Trans Visibility and Personal Insights 04:09 Hazell's Music Picks 05:56 Life in Charlotte 13:18 Ballroom Community and Impact Subscribe & Follow Tap in with Behind the Mic wherever you listen to podcasts. Rate us five stars and leave a review if you’re feeling it. Follow @RevoltCreatorNetwork on IG and @RevoltPodcasts on Twitter/X as we continue to build space for creators like Hazell. Guest Socials & Links Follow Hazell: @HazellHarve Credits Behind the Mic: Powered by REVOLT Podcast Network is hosted by Wize Grazette. Edited and produced by Storytime Studios and Indie Creative Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this special live episode of Behind the Mic: Powered by REVOLT Podcast Network, we take you straight to SXSW 2025, where QUANNA, the powerhouse behind #CareFreeBlackGirl, joins us to talk about building a movement, securing trademarks, and curating platforms for Black women artists. QUANNA shares her journey from Savannah, GA, to launching the #CareFreeBlackGirl Cookout, taking it on tour nationwide and creating a community-driven lifestyle brand. She also drops major business gems on trademarking, talks skateboarding for mental health, and joins our Women’s History Month rapid-fire game, She Did That! “I just wanted it to be a platform that I give to artists that was real—something that was attainable.” – QUANNA Chapters: 01:07 Meet QUANNA: The #CareFreeBlackGirl 01:28 QUANNA's Journey and Achievements 04:13 SXSW and #CareFreeBlackGirl Events 09:37 The Importance of Trademarks 11:39 Rapid Fire Round: She Did That! Tap in, subscribe, and leave us that five-star review! 🔗 Listen at listen.REVOLT.tv 💬 Follow QUANNA: @QUANNAMC | @CareFreeBlackGirlInc Behind the Mic: Powered by REVOLT Podcast Network is hosted by Wize Grazette, edited and produced by Indie Creative Network & Storytime Studios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Behind the Mic: Powered by REVOLT Podcast Network, we sit down with KK, host of KK’s Corner Podcast and a rising force in Atlanta’s media scene. From her start as a REVOLT Podcast Network intern to building her own brand for influencers, by an influencer, KK shares how she turned a side hustle into a movement. She reflects on her Chicago roots, why Clark Atlanta University shaped her grind, and how she built a podcast without co-hosts, keeping it fun, educational, and full of free game. We tap into the B-Sides Track of the Week, where KK puts us on to TeyBanz’s “Turn Me Up”, and wrap things up with a Women’s History Month edition of She Did That!, where KK shouts out Jennifer Hudson, Boss Britt, Glorilla, and DJ eXeL as game-changers. " I thought I had no talent at all until I discovered YouTube and Podcasting." – KK Tap in, subscribe, and leave us that five-star review! 🔗 Listen at listen.REVOLT.tv 💬 Follow KK: @KKsCorner | YouTube: KK’s Corner Podcast Behind the Mic: Powered by REVOLT Podcast Network is hosted by Wize Grazette, edited and produced by Indie Creative Network & Storytime Studios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices