Clueless Vino

For the season finale, I'm sipping on Martha's Chard with my old friend Jessica! We start off with me getting closure from her leaving me at the job we used to work together before transitioning to life as a stay at a home mother, including during quarantine. I ask about her hair maintenance and love for yoga before we get into what her most extensive change since I last had a long conversation with her: her social media presence. She details how she went from a modest few hundred followers to 90,000, how she turned picture she had always taken into OnlyFans content and how she deals with horny comments on the daily. For all those who are fans, there is a lot of free game for you in this episode! Follow Jess! Twitter/IG: _living _well OF: @ToedPretty

Today I'm sippin' on some of the very rumors you'll ever have with old friend and archaeologist, Tommy Dows! I marvel at his new Indiana Jones look as we discussed our instant friendship. Tommy, using his own words, takes me thru the process of one of his jobs--how it works, what they look for and what needs to be preserved. Tommy was gracious enough to share with me some trinkets that he's collected across his journeys before we finish up with having a wedding during the pandemic. You've seen Ren & Stimpy and Cow & Chicken--well this is Tree & Stump!

Today I'm sippin' Les Pueches Rose with my brother, Tony aka Tone! We discuss growing up on the Eastern Shore and compare it to what it is today. Tony is a co-founder of transportation service. Wave Riders, and briefly discusses its origins and future plans. We reminisce on all the things we did growing up, including wrestling at our grandmother's house, creating our own indoor basketball league and our respective high school basketball careers! Be sure to follow Tone! IG: @organicallytone

I'm sipping a classic--Cap'n and Coke--with my guy Mike Jackson! We get into our drinking dos and never agains before transitioning to life in Delaware. We get into some wrestling talk, including Vince McMahon, Sasha Banks and some guy who didn't know who Bret Hart was. One of our favorite artists of all time, Charles Hamilton, is discussed. We talk about how we came to find his music, his career and an overall admiration for his genius. Be sure to follow Mike on Twitter (@mikedeejackson) and Instagram (@TheMikeJackson)!

I'm sippin something I can't even pronounce right now with the person who makes my hair look FLAWLESS, Tameka! It's a special episode as I'm at my hair appointment while Tameka and I discuss when she first started doing hair and the who was her first "client." We talk about her having a twin before diving into some myths and misconceptions about have locs.

Today I'm sipping Alani Nu Cosmic Stardust energy drink with Assistant Coach of VCU Men's Basketball, J.D. Byers. We start with his playing days and just how he ended up at Lebanon Valley College. We get into his coaching journey, which of course includes another famous alum of LVC. The past few seasons have been some of the more unique and I ask how it was playing during the pandemic, while also getting an outlook for the coming season. Byers details his coaching journey and how he views his impact. Finally, we discuss our time together as coach and player at Randolph Macon College, including our Final Four run in 2010! Be sure to stay tuned to all things VCU Basketball! Twitter: @VCU_Hoops

Today I'm sipping Chateau Ste Michelle chardonnay with D3 National Coach of the Year and coach of the National Champion Randolph Macon Yellow Jackets, Josh Merkel. Beginning with first impressions of each other, we get into his initial goals and struggles upon assuming the head coach position and how they impacted change moving forward. We discuss the historic run to the championship and how the one blemish on the team's record was an important point in the season. Jackets Family is more than a mantra and we discuss bow strong alumni support becomes a driving force behind such a powerhouse program! Be sure to keep up with all things Randolph Macon Basketball! IG/Twitter: @RMCHoops

Today I'm sippin a Cab Sauv with D3 Player of the Year and National Champion, Buzz Anthony. We dive into his early exposure to sports and how he made the decision to focus on basketball. Buzz explains what it was like playing during a pandemic and how that impacted the team that would go on to win the 2022 National Championship. Buzz also details his decision to get married in college, how religion came into his life and how his faith has impacted his love for the game. Buzz is an all time great but still exudes that basketball joy all hoopers have when they first fall in love with the game! Follow Buzz Twitter: @buzzanthony11 IG: @buzzanthony_11 Follow Clueless Vino @TheCluelessVinoPodcast

This week I'm sippin' on Cloudberry Sunjoy with founder of i11evn anime streetwear brand, Marcus Francis. We take the time to congratulate each other on some new additions before diving into how i11evn brand started. Marcus gets candid on how he wants to bring positivity with his brand as well as the importance of being black owned and showcasing characters with melanin. Anime was always going to be a huge focus and we discussed everything from the One Piece's absurd episode count, a discussion on the storytelling in 12 episode anime and why Marcus doesn't think Eren isn't the best antihero. That and so much more! Be sure to cop some fire merch via i11evn.com Follow the brand! Twitter/IG: @i11evn Follow Clueless Vino IG @thecluelessvinopodcast

I'm sipping Ecco Domani pinot grigio with master podcaster, Derek Gayle. We delve into our school's English department before getting into his intro into podcasting. Afterwards, we discuss his podcasts, getting the thought process behind each. I pick his brain on his favorite Spiderman shows, the undeniable streak of Pixar and Derek gives me his ultimate Power Rangers team! Be sure to give all of Derek's podcast a listen! Gimmicks: https://open.spotify.com/show/41M1llIEHyyxKc7ZBUABSk?si=Hh7zyaXlSHiXLXH5DWQuQg&utm_source=copy-link Walloping Web Snappers: https://open.spotify.com/show/1r5fEzPdopLwbCyKd0mqRo?si=35IQ3gsWRjeYvWsfh77hHA&utm_source=copy-link Falling With Style: https://open.spotify.com/show/7M99H0LI7AToF8fNAZC9Vl?si=KjbDaCXKS7yxvqJ0ivITAw&utm_source=copy-link

I'm sippin' a couple bottles of 19 Crimes with two my best friends, Tamira and Lauren! We discuss how we all met at [REDACTED] and what our initial thoughts were of each other. We discuss how our friendship just works with such varying personalities. We try to answer the question, "what's a best friend?" which leads to everyone giving their own definition and experiences. Our conversation turns mature as we discuss views on political differences, not grouping people together, and the importance of local elections. If your best friends can't pop your podsome cherry, who can??

WARNING: Lot of NSFW language in this one for those that care. I dont *shrugs* Today I'm sippin' Sapporo Premium Beer with multi-hyphenate Ace Meda4. Ace details his journey from New York to Virginia and how it led to his many different professions. We talk about how we got acquainted through a mutual friend before transitioning to talking about his music through 12:45 Music. We discuss the music industry and his opportunity to write a song for one of the biggest artists today. The Netflix Cowboy Bebop live action was something that divided a lot of people and we finally get the chance to let out our frustrations! Follow Ace Meda4: IG: @acemeda4 Check out his link tree https://linktr.ee/AceMeda4 Follow Clueless Vino IG: @thecluelessvinopodcast

I'm sippin' Oyster Bay sauv blanc with my guest this week, Lizzie Jennings. We revisit our introduction, which just so happens to originate at a bus stop. With such a huge gap between our last real conversation, I learn about everything she's been up to, including traveling all the way across the country! We dive into our shared love of anime and why she has a beef with Dragonball Z. We also talk about her art, how she got into it and how anime has influenced it thus far. Long lost friends catching up--its like the start of an anime! Follow Clueless Vino IG: @thecluelessvinopodcast, @stikaround54 Twitter: @DanteDiabl54 Youtube: Clueless Creative Follow Lizzie to see her art! IG: @Elizabeth_rose2201 Tiktok: anim3nplants

I'm sippin' with podcaster, artist, streamer and my fairy creative godmother, Nicole Learner! We enjoy a rosè while discussing how a chance encounter in a mutual friend's room started a creative connection between us. She discusses what moves her creatively and how she decides to pick up new ventures. We talk about her love for D.C. and the importance of growing up with diversity around her. We talk about ALL her different creative outlets and trust me, there's a lot! Follow Nicole IG: @Nicolelearner Just Started Watching Anime Podcast IG: @juststartedwatchinganime Discord: https://discord.gg/XfuPweVJ You can find Nicole Learner music on your favorite streaming platform!

This week I'm sippin' sauv blanc with an old friend--Mancini Grant! We begin with a talk about meeting in college and a weird football team vs basketball team fiasco. Mancini is the founder of The Qualtiy Truth Organization, which helps people improve and enrich their professional development, as well as their overall quality of life. He dives into how he got to that point and describes the program. We discuss mental health, the age old stigma about therapy in the black community, and how to "find your cry." For more information about The Quality Truth Organization: Instagram: @qualitytruthorg Website: www.thequalitytruthorg.com Cover photo shot by: Awilda Yambo Follow Awilda: @roystonawilda

Today I sipped it with Jill Fuller, one hell of a badass! We discuss how she is both a hero and villain in my adult life story and our mutual first impressions of each other. We talk about her life, including her late husband and how she's been able to honor him via the support of animals. I have yet to meet a bigger Depeche Mode fan and I learn how she came to love the band including an insane tattoo story! All this and more with the best boss I've ever had!

This week, I'm joined by my old friend, Jillian Carpenter. We talk about her personal story of pregnancy loss and her and her husband's journey to "growing around their grief." We discuss the stigmas and misconceptions about prenatal loss and how the Full Circle Grief Center played not only a part in her process but also helped her keep her child's Logan's memory alive. If you or someone you know is dealing with the loss of a loved one, please consider visiting https://fullcirclegc.org/ Donate to FCGC: https://fullcirclegc.org/donations-support/ #lifeafterloss #griefsupport #pregnancylossawareness

It's been a long time but we are back for Season 2!  We open up the season with rappers, artist, podcaster and streamer, NishoSoul.  We take a journey across his music growth that spans over a decade.  We discuss the difference between being able to rhyme and being able to make a song and the process of doing so.  We take a look into what he's been working on recently--which includes, two new singles, closing out a podcast and gaining a Twitch streaming following.  Like his name suggests, Nisho puts a lot of soul into his projects and you're going to enjoy listening as he speaks with such conviction about the art he puts out.   Be sure to follow Nisho on Instagram and Twitter (@Nishosoul) as well as his Twitch channel (Nishogun).  His music is available on all streaming platforms, including his latest singles, "All Me (Trust Me)" and "Ride for This."  You can also find his full catalog on Bandcamp (nishosoul.bandcamp.com/music).   Visit braxtonbooks.com/books for all my books, including my newest book, Bonds.  Follow the podcast page on Instagram (@thecluelessvinopodcast).  Be sure to give us a 5 star rating on your favorite streaming platform and give us a review!

Clueless Vino's second host is back and there's lots to discuss! We dive into Drake's latest album and discuss everything from our favorite songs to different theories and takes. We make a call to recent Clueless Vino guest Sharon to discuss the highly divisive "Way 2 Sexy" track. Afterwards, we chat about Sha'Carri Richardson and the art and pitfalls of trash talking. After reading off a few responses from my Facebook post, we discuss shows that we initially resisted but ending up loving. It's another fun episode between your two favorite tall people! Follow Akeem: IG: a_holmes42 Twitter: @aholmes_42 Follow Clueless Vino! IG: TheCluelessVinoPodcast IG: CluelessVino If you want to be on Clueless Vino or know someone interested, don't hesitate to suggest it!

Dante is back this week on Clueless Vino as we try pineapple juice and SunnyD Orange Strawberry. We talk about his summer, including his first vacation and his impending return to school. We discuss what intrigues him about science, including his obsession with Diet Coke and Mentos. I explain what a Blockbuster when discussing Sonic the Hedgehog, which ages me about three years. BeyBlade, video games and potato lamps round out the latest episode with the Yung Gawd! Follow Clueless Vino! IG: TheCluelessVinoPodcast IG: CluelessVino If you want to be on Clueless Vino or know someone interested, don't hesitate to suggest it!