Verbally Effective Podcast

As one of the South's foremost Black-led arts organizations and a rare ballet company with a BIPOC dancer roster, Collage Dance is reshaping cultural paradigms. Through transformative arts education, captivating performances, and advocacy for diversity, Collage Dance has left an indelible mark on the Southern dance landscape. In this episode, I sit down with Collage Dance's founding executive director, Marcellus Harper, and professional dancer, Victoria Jaenson, to delve into their experiences. Marcellus emphasizes the organization's dedication to keeping ballet relevant and accessible to their communities. Victoria shares her journey as a professional ballet dancer, reflecting on her inaugural season and the vital support from the Memphis community. They also offer a sneak peek into next weekend's premiere of ELEVATE. Featuring Luminescent by Black composer Joseph Bologne, Bluff City Blues inspired by Memphis music, and the regional debut of the acclaimed ballet Chroma, accompanied by the live score of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. With a London choreography team imparting their expertise, this Royal Ballet-inspired performance promises a groundbreaking fusion of music, movement, and artistry. Prepare to be captivated by an unforgettable experience unlike anything seen before. Tickets start at just $20 currently and Verbally Effective listeners can unlock the code by tuning in for a steep discount on Ticketmaster to get a pair of tickets for the price of one! Access tickets for ELEVATE at collagedance.org or call with any questions at 901-800-1873.

Get ready to laugh out loud! Our latest podcast episode features the hilarious and talented comedian, Alex Thomas! Join us as we dive into the world of comedy, hear Alex's side-splitting stories, learn about his golf venture INGLEWOODS, and get an inside look at his journey in the entertainment industry. Don't miss this uproarious episode - tune in now!

"Meet Christine Weinreich, the Executive Director of the Memphis Library Foundation and a dedicated advocate for education and literacy. Armed with a law degree from the Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Christine strongly believes in the transformative power of education to drive individual success and foster community development. Her unwavering passion lies in ensuring equitable access to essential educational resources for all members of the community.In our podcast conversation, Christine delves into the structure and current programming initiatives of the Memphis Public Library system. Through her insights, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the diverse array of resources and services available in our public libraries, particularly in light of cultural and technological advancements.By tuning in, you'll have the opportunity to broaden your perception of libraries in 2024. Join us as we explore the evolving role of libraries as dynamic hubs of learning, innovation, and community engagement. Let's reimagine the possibilities together!"

From Houston to Memphis, DJ 007 has been a powerhouse on the turntables. With roots in radio from a young age, DJ 007's passion for music and spotlighting creative talent has been unwavering. Making his mark in Memphis, he held it down on-air and in the club scene at both Hot 107.1FM and K97FM. At iHeartRadio, DJ 007 pioneered Indie Day Radio, showcasing top music talent worldwide. Now, in 2024, find DJ 007 back in Houston, TX, continuing to push boundaries in music and media. Tune in and enjoy the journey!

LeMoyne Owen College is a four-year liberal arts college located in Memphis, TN that provides a transformative experience for students with a proud tradition of educating notable alumni. Last week I sat down for a live podcast at the historic Cossitt Library with Interim President, Dr. Christopher B. Davis, Director of Alumni Relations, Dr. June Chinn-Jointer and Emeritus Professor, Dr. Clarence Christian to have a conversation about the past, present and future of the institution. Situated in the heart of the historic Soulsville district, LeMoyne Owen College has always been a constant in the South Memphis community for education, mobilization and empowerment for blacks. Dating back to 1862, LeMoyne Owen College is Memphis' only historically black college and proud to be one of just over 100 such institutions remaining nation-wide.Take a listen as our distinguished panel discusses the founding and early years of LeMoyne Owen College and its significance within the HBCU community. The college faced many transformations over the years and was at the forefront of civil rights efforts in the city of Memphis. With a very strong alumni, many notable graduates have walked the halls of Steele Hall who continue to support and guide its direction. The college is currently revamping its brand now coined as "The Source" with a plethora of innovative initiatives underway. On this podcast, you will discover the strategic efforts in place for the growth and development of Memphis' only HBCU, LeMoyne Owen College.

Alfred Kainga is a talented acclaimed Zimbabwean-born comedian based in the United States, celebrated for his engaging stand-up comedy performances. He’s renowned for his distinctive storytelling style and humor, often delving into various facets of everyday life, cultural nuances, and societal observations. Kainga has been celebrated for his remarkable talent in captivating audiences with his wit and charm. He often crafts comedic material from his experiences and keen observations, resonating with a wide array of people. His contributions have made a significant impact on the comedy scene, both in Zimbabwe and on an international scale.Take a listen as Alfred talks to Ena about his African roots, his transition into comedy and how he's able to appeal to diverse audiences in the comedy space.

I sit down with creator Delvin “DeshowMercy” Young on episode 281! His journey begins leaving Dallas, TX at a young age settling in Memphis with his grandmother. After graduating from Raleigh-Egypt High School, Delvin moved to Hollywood, CA and was discovered by a movie director. He began acting and modeling and later suffered a severe injury that changed the trajectory of his life. It was during this difficult time where he discovered photography and began his healing process. His work has been featured in numerous magazines and he’s worked with a plethora of celebrities.

Take a listen to this exclusive VE episode with comedians Cocoa Brown, Big Vino and Skeet Carter. We learn quite a bit about the challenges women face in the comedy industry including some of the expectations surrounding content. You'll notice that pay inequities are a huge part of this world as well. However, we ultimately shine light on the amazing brand and community that Cocoa Brown has built in the areas of comedy, acting and education. If you're ready to laugh and learn a few things about comedy life tune in!

Westwood native Camille Leigh's photographic journey stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication and passion for her craft. Following her graduation from the University of Memphis in 2010, where she earned a degree in Spanish and Philosophy, she could have ventured into a teaching career. However, life had different plans for her.Today, with an impressive eleven years of experience behind the lens, Camille has solidified her position as one of Memphis' most sought-after photographers. She has a remarkable ability to create a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for her subjects, ensuring that they feel at ease in front of her camera. She is on a mission to destigmatize people's beliefs about their photography skills, encouraging them to overcome their fears and self-doubts, resulting in the creation of lasting memories.Camille's passion isn't limited to her own photography; it extends to nurturing the future of the field. Behind the camera, she is dedicated to teaching and mentoring the next generation of photographers and leaders. Through mentorship programs and hands-on training, Camille guides individuals who aspire to do more than simply take pictures. She seeks out those with ambition, a desire to develop their skills, and a commitment to serving others.Discover more about Camille's formative years, how she began to build her clientele, unique photography adventures and how she is passing the torch in her industry.

North Memphis native Dr. Trenton M. Watson lives and breathes education as the Principal for Westwood High School. He's been in this particular role for the past 6 months and has made true connections with his students. On this episode, you'll learn about Dr. Watson's vast experience teaching within the Memphis Shelby County School system and how he thrives to increase the graduation rate and reduce absenteeism. Dr. Watson believes that learning is never by accident and that the most intelligent people don’t have all the answers but instead seek the right information.

Ali Manning is a food scientist, author, and the CEO/Founder of Umami Food Consulting, LLC. She is the creator of Food Science 4 Kids, a program that teaches grade-school children foodscience education and allows them to perform hands-on activities that enrich their daily lives. Ali is also the Program Consultant with Project Green Fork (a local restaurant sustainability program) within the Clean Memphis organization, which provides resources and support to help “food-prenuers” reduce waste in all areas of their operations.Ali recently premiered as a competitor on Netflix's latest show, Snack vs. Chef, and is a 2023 Comcast Rise grant recipient. She published her first children's book, "Can I Play with MyFood?" in February 2022, inspired by her sister Alexis who has Down’s Syndrome. Ali is a graduate of Alabama A&M University and a Huntsville, AL native, but after being a transplant fornearly 14 years, she considers Memphis her home. She is married to her husband, Brian Manning, and they live with their puppy, Kobe-Williams-Manning (named after their favoriteathletes). Ali spends her time cultivating a life of joy through serving her community, skating with friends, styling clients, and creating content that inspires others to "Seize the Day"!

Michalyn Easter-Thomas with Memphis River Parks is curating work around Tom Lee Park's art installation by artist Theaster Gates titled "A Moment to Listening." For the opening, until the remainder of the year, she has gathered local creatives that includes Fenton Wright (The Big We), Jennifer McGrath (Orpheum Memphis) and Gabrielle Brooks (Urban Art Commission) to be guest curators in order to promote the activation of this artwork for Memphians.

Episode 275 is filled with Black Girl Magic as I sit down with Kimel Fryer and Kayla Myers of Indie Memphis. The 24th annual Indie Memphis Film Festival is happening October 24th-29th at Crosstown Theater, Circuit Playhouse, Hattiloo Theatre, Playhouse on the Square, Malco Studio on the Square, and online filled with a diverse lineup of films, shorts, documentaries and entertainment.Kimel Fryer is a Memphis native who graduated with a B.B.A. in Finance from the University of Memphis and a J.D. & M.B.A. degree from the University of Tennessee. She is currently the Executive Director of Indie Memphis, which supports the community through its annual film festival, year-round programming, youth program, artist development program, and its Black Creators Forum. Prior to Indie Memphis, Kimel worked in corporate finance for nine years at notable companies such as FedEx Supply Chain, Pfizer, and FCA US, LLC (formerly known as Chrysler, LLC). She is also a multi-hyphenate producer-writer-director and has been involved with creative spaces since childhood. With Kimel’s background in finance and law combined with her passion for film, she is finally able to pursue opportunities that allow her to support underserved communities through the art of film.Kayla Myers is a film programmer, writer, and filmmaker from and based in Memphis. Currently, she works as a programmer and Black Creators Forum Manager at Indie Memphis. She’s previously been the Features programmer for the San Francisco Documentary Festival, and the Series Producer for The DocYard in Cambridge, MA. She is passionate about intersectional feminist practices within the arts, making films more accessible to those not living in large filmmaking centers, and developing audiences with a thoughtful, community-centered approach.

Memphis Mayor-Elect Paul Young stopped by the Verbally Effective Podcast today to share his thoughts on his new title, the cancellation of Beale Street Music Festival 2024 and crime in Memphis.

Last year I had the opportunity to interview Memphis Mayor-Elect Paul Young twice on the Verbally Effective Podcast. The first sitting was prior to Young's announcement of running for Mayor and the second was months later after the declaration. I thought it would be fitting to run back the original episode which is filled with Paul's personality and some interesting facts about our new Mayor-Elect that you may not know. There's even a fun segment testing Young's R&B knowledge that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. Tap in now to Oakhaven, TN native Paul Young's journey as I bring back our original episode from this time last year.

Anasa Troutman is a cultural strategist, producer, writer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. As CEO & Founder of The BIG We and BIG We Foundation, Anasa works to build & execute stories & strategies that are aligned with her vision world where all communities can experience safety, abundance, creativity, and joy.Best known for her 20 year partnership as strategic advisor & executive producer for Grammy Award winning, singer/songwriter, India Arie, Anasa has provided strategic & creative support in many of the most important cultural, philanthropic, political, and social justice spaces, including being invited twice to the Obama White House to advise on cultural policy Based in Memphis, Tennessee, Anasa’s latest project is the restoration of Historic Clayborn Temple, the Memphis church that was the organizing headquarters of The Sanitation Workers’ Strike of 1968, Martin Luther King’s last campaign, into a center to build cultural, economic power with Memphis’ African-American community.Anasa works to embody her strong belief in creativity as a transformative practice & her understanding of the importance of capital access to elevate the voices and vision of underestimated communities.

Outreach Specialist Adrianne Vestal and Sigma Pi Phi Delta Boule Social Action Chairman Melvin Burgess stopped by the podcast to discuss the The Parity Project. Currently, the fraternity has an initiative to dismantle disparities locally and nationally through the Parity Project, a national call to action to achieve economic parity for Black America by 2030. The Parity Project focuses on moving the needle for Black representation in four key areas: STEM degrees, STEM jobs, Private Equity/Venture Capital Funded Entrepreneurs, and Fortune 500 Corporate Board of Directors.

Kevin Whitted is a Player Development Coach, former NBA player, Greater Wilmington Sports Hall of Famer, and McDonald’s All-American. He is also the founder of Kevin Whitted Basketball Services (KWBS), a year-round player development curriculum-based training program that services youth, collegiate, and professional basketball players throughout the Mid-South region. Through KWBS, Kevin spends his time training others who are as serious about basketball as he is. His proven techniques have enhanced the coaching skills of high school and collegiate coaches and the performance of professional basketball players Julius Randle (New York Knicks), Thanasis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks), Liz Dixon (Connecticut Sun), Ferrakonn Hall (Argentina), Langston Galloway (formerly New Orleans Pelicans), and Shawn Williams (formerly Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers), to name a few. He has also worked with LeBron James, Amare Stoudemire, and Vince Carter.Kevin resides in Memphis, TN. He is married to his lovely wife DeNeia, and they have two talented daughters, Peyton, who plays professional basketball overseas and Paige, who is a top-ranked high school combo guard in Tennessee.

Did you know that up to 40% of the food supply in the U.S. is wasted, and up to 21% of Tennessee landfills are made up of wasted food. Locally, restaurants are second only to households in their generation of food waste in Memphis. As a program of Clean Memphis, Project Green Fork (PGF) contributes to a more sustainable Mid-South by helping local restaurants reduce their environmental impact.Ali Manning and Leann Edwards join me for episode 270 to discuss their mission of eliminating food waste via the 901 Save the Food Challenge. During this challenge, local restaurants collaborate with the organization on best practices and new strategies for updating their food waste management.

South Memphis native Carol Coletta is president and CEO of the Memphis River Parks Partnership and named of the 100 most influential urban planning experts. She is leading the relaunch of a nonprofit to develop, manage and program six miles of riverfront and five park districts along the Mississippi River. Carol has been living in downtown Memphis since 1977 and is extremely passionate about the city. After traveling the world, Carol has studied and immersed herself in the art of building community. She discusses what prompted the need to redesign Tom Lee Park and the many experiences we can expect for the opening kicking off September 2nd. You'll learn some of the biggest lessons and strongest allies she's encountered throughout this project. Lastly, Carol shares with us the many hats she wears such as being a mother, dog mom and cancer survivor. Be sure to RSVP for the opening of Tom Lee Park on tomleepark.org.