Pol and Pals

On episode 35, I have a very special #CreativeConversation with one of my nearest and dearest OG pals, Lee Rutledge.Lee is actually the creator of this podcast's theme music, but he's more commonly known as an up-and-coming artist/producer who actually goes by two different monikers: Kakuyon and thomTide which are both derived from his two middle names, Kakuyon and Thomas.Raised in New Jersey and currently based in San Diego, Lee became serious about creating music in high school due to inspiration from other creatives he met as a member of the track team. One of these creatives, Shotta Spence, is now a close friend, frequent collaborator, and also a former P&P guest.Initially solely focused on producing, Lee decided to start writing lyrics to his own beats and it resulted in the release of his debut album, "Now Go And Flourish" which was later followed up by his collaborative E.P., "Castling: Sky".While planning his next project, he realized that his vision wouldn't tie in well with the Kakuyon style/branding, so he decided to create a whole new alter ego as thomTide. This led to the release of his episodic album/playlist/series, "Seasons" where he released 1 song every 2 weeks for a year straight! In this episode, we discuss:· how music was always in his bones (5:44)· the making of "thomTide" (23:41)· wanting to quit as a creative (31:20)· the effect of Computer Science on his creative process (41:53)· why being comfortable is a struggle (51:54) LISTEN TO KAKUYONLISTEN TO THOMTIDESONGS REFERENCED IN INTRO:Bag on a Bag - Shotta Spence ft. KakuyontwentySuns - thomTide WATCH ON YOUTUBEREAD NEWSLETTERFOLLOW POL AND PALSFOLLOW POL

On episode 34, I have a #CreativeConversation with my pal, Rosanna Connolly, the founder of Morena Communications.It is a startup dedicated to delivering bespoke PR campaigns for musicians who want more than just "press". Bespoke means "custom-made", and in this episode, Rosanna details how she executes these bespoke campaigns from start to finish. Also in this episode, we talk about: · why she decided to cut her hair (5:05)· her ethical clothing brand dedicated to empowering Women of Color (10:56)· working with artists such as Ludacris, my twin Ne-Yo, and Rihanna (25:16)· the easiest technique to help you remember everything (31:24)· the #1 way for any artist to grow their audience (47:03) FOLLOW ROSANNAMORENA COMMUNICATIONSMORENA WATCH ON YOUTUBEREAD NEWSLETTERFOLLOW POL AND PALSFOLLOW POL

On episode 33, I have a #CreativeConversation with my pal, Tom Boyd, a.k.a “Boyder” in a past life.These days, Tom is a content creator who is strictly dedicated to ensuring other content creators are thriving.He does this via his brand "Bonus Footage" where he posts short, eye-catching, insightful clips filled with how-to’s, anecdotes, tips, and other resources to help creators create content that actually makes an impact.He also hosts a podcast called "Creators Are Brands" where he interviews creators who are publicly building brands based on themselves.In this episode, Tom talks about: what it was like to rap with Asher Roth, meet P. Diddy, and work with Scooter Braun (2:50)pivoting out of the music industry and finding his own lane (07:19)how he creates his Bonus Footage content (11:53)what he's learned from interviewing young Tik Tokers (22:27)how everyone is born with natural strengths (47:10)FOLLOW TOMWATCH BONUS FOOTAGELISTEN TO CREATORS ARE BRANDSWATCH ON YOUTUBEREAD NEWSLETTERFOLLOW POL AND PALSFOLLOW POL

In episode 31, I have a #CreativeConversation with my pal, Julie Verhage-Greenberg. She's the co-founder of Fintech Today, a community and content company focused on the Fintech startup ecosystem. She's also the host of Fintech Today's podcast, Tux Time, which some have said is one of the best, if not THE BEST-PRODUCED podcast of our time.In this episode, Julie talks about:● Being the first in her family to attend college (3:11)● How Journalism Works (9:56)● Pros and cons of founding a company with somebody drastically different from her (19:05)● Eloping with her husband during peak pandemic (40:00)● The importance of finding a mentor (51:44)FOLLOW JULIEhttps://twitter.com/julieverhageCHECK OUT FINTECH TODAYhttps://fintechtoday.co/LISTEN TO TUX TIMEhttps://www.podpage.com/tux-time-by-fintech-today/WATCH ON YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKfxTXF27HvCqWKNtgXcRXgREAD NEWSLETTERhttps://polandpals.live/readFOLLOW POL AND PALShttps://polandpals.live/FOLLOW POLhttps://bit.ly/ponyboypol-pod

Living a happy and successful life means not limiting yourself to what others think or what is currently happening in today's society. Going beyond expectations offers a straight path in becoming bigger than your goals. In episode 31, I have a #CreativeConversation with my pal, Kamil McFadden, an actor who's most notably known for his role as Ernie in Disney's K.C. Undercover. His acting credits also include Tyler Perry's House of Payne, Grown Ups 2, and Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors. In this episode, Kamil talks about:· His mother's impact on his life and career (12:50)· COVID-19 takeaways and shift to video poetry (14:54)· What it takes to live without expectations (26:00)· The acronym of SERVE (32:29)· Most memorable auditions and acting roles (50:15)· Passion for photography and other hobbies (55:05) ���LINKS���· FOLLOW KAMIL· WATCH KAMIL'S FIRST POEM COME TO LIFE: "LUV N ALL DA MAGIC"· WATCH EPISODE · READ NEWSLETTER· FOLLOW POL AND PALS· FOLLOW POL

On episode 30, I have a #CreativeConversation with my pal, Nikita Redkar, who is a stand-up comedian, actor, and screenwriter.She has been a standup comedian for 5+ years with notable accolades such as a semifinalist for the 2019 Funniest Person in Austin. She also wrote and acted in her debut web series, "Paranormal Disruption" and is currently studying for her Master's in film at the Met Film School in London.In this episode, we discuss:the impact/non-impact of growing up in multiple places (Austin, (Singapore, Germany, etc...) (3:04)how she got into stand-up (11:26)writing her first-ever web series with no prior knowledge of screenwriting/producing (21:56)using comedy to detail her struggles with mental health (34:23)if it's necessary to address her sexuality in her comedy (42:03)her words of advice (59:31) 🔗LINKS🔗FOLLOW NIKITAWATCH PARANORMAL DISRUPTIONWATCH EPISODEREAD NEWSLETTERFOLLOW POL AND PALSFOLLOW POL

On episode 29, I have a #CreativeConversation with my pal, Benji Bear, Founder of Covidopoly: an online multiplayer card game (based off Monopoly Deal) that's been played over 1 MILLION times and in 150+ Countries!Benji is also the founder of Benji Bear Photography, and his work has been featured in publications such as The Huffington Post, Newsweek, and the Detroit Free Press.In this episode, Benji talks about:- why he's currently in Alaska (1:36)- why the Empire State Building was lit up just for him (5:34)- why he didn't continue pursuing pre-med (22:03)- how Covidopoly came to be (27:42)- why he hasn't quit his job at Youtube (42:46)- how his family has influenced him (54:45)- his words of advice (59:31) 🔗LINKS🔗FOLLOW BENJIBENJI BEAR PHOTOGRAPHYCOVIDOPOLYTRAVEL BEAR PHOTOSWATCH EPISODEREAD NEWSLETTERFOLLOW POL AND PALSFOLLOW POL

On episode 28, I have a #CreativeConversation with my pal, JoJoe Earley, President/Founder of Earleybird TV: a production company that is re-presenting black and brown stories to the world of cinema by broadening the revelation of their humanity through their magic, power, and spirit.In this episode, JoJoe talks about:- why he worked in a jail (8:11)- how he became a Vine sensation  (12:46)- the reason behind Vine shutting down (20:10)- the inspiration behind Earleybird (37:49)- living with Sickle Cell (44:36)- why failing is the best success (1:04:04)- how I have the potential to be the next Will Smith (1:06:36) 🔗LINKS🔗Earleybird TVJoJoe (IG)J.B. Armstrong InterviewWATCH EPISODEREAD NEWSLETTERFOLLOW POL AND PALSFOLLOW POL

On episode 27, I have a #CreativeConversation with my pal, Kinsey Grant, Co-Founder/Host of Thinking Is Cool: a media startup dedicated to answering the question, "What if we all stopped to THINK a little harder?"In this episode, Kinsey talks about:- getting her start with Morning Brew (12:00)- the inspiration behind Thinking Is Cool (23:18)- building a community of Thinkers  (37:43)- the 3rd thought (44:19)- hot takes on potential Season 2 Topics (50:43)🔗LINKS🔗Thinking Is CoolKinsey (IG)Kinsey (Twitter)Kinsey (Tik Tok)WATCH EPISODEREAD NEWSLETTERFOLLOW POL AND PALSFOLLOW POL

On episode 26, I have a #CreativeConversation with my pal, Stacey Ervin Jr., a wellness coach, elite athlete, and content creator.In this episode, Stacey talks about:- growing up in a single-parent household (5:58)- his short stint in the WWE (20:18)- what it's like to date a high-profile person (25:15)- how he moved past the loss of his mother (36:34)- why you should strive for wellness and not just fitness (31:40)- his daily routine to start each day on a high note (41:46)🔗LINKS🔗Stacey Ervin Jr. Fitness1st PhormWATCH EPISODEREAD NEWSLETTERFOLLOW POL AND PALSFOLLOW POL

On episode 25, I have a #CreativeConversation with my pal, Antwaun Stanley, a singer/songwriter from Flint, MI. Aside from peaking at 22 on the Billboard charts with his debut solo album, "I Can Do Anything", Antwaun is most notably known for his frequent collaborations with the American funk band, Vulfpeck.In this episode, Antwaun talks about how:- his mom found out he could sing at the age of 3- navigating the music industry at a young age- exploring different genres of music- when to expect some new solo music- and why you shouldn't compare yourself🔗LINKS🔗WATCH EPISODEREAD NEWSLETTERFOLLOW POL AND PALSFOLLOW POL

RECORDED LIVE: MAY. 13TH, 2021On episode 24, I have a #CreativeConversation with my pal, Donovan Colquitt, Founder of The Scholar's Key, an organization dedicated to helping students go through college debt-free. He is also the author of The Scholar's Key: Unlock Your Dreams As A Teen, a book he wrote to help other teens pursue their passions in life. In this episode, Donovan talks about the struggles he overcame growing up in Detroit during The Great Recession, how he accumulated over $1.25M in scholarships, and why you need to be Patient and Flexible.🔗LINKS🔗WATCH EPISODEREAD NEWSLETTERFOLLOW POL AND PALSFOLLOW POL

RECORDED LIVE: APR. 29TH, 2021On episode 23, Ponyboy Pol has a #CreativeConversation with his pal, Cindy Okereke, Founder of Essence of Cin: a podcast marketing agency. Her podcasting resume includes co-creating and growing the Impact Theory podcast with Tom Bilyeu, producing for the Therapy for Black Girls podcast, and talent booking for the Netflix Strong Black Lead podcast. In this episode, Cindy explains how she overcame her late-age ADD diagnosis, how she got into marketing and podcasting, and why you should find the core of who you are.🔗LINKS🔗WATCH EPISODEREAD NEWSLETTERFOLLOW POL AND PALSFOLLOW POLFOLLOW CINDY

RECORDED LIVE: APR. 15TH, 2021On episode 22, Ponyboy Pol has a #CreativeConversation with his pal, Andy Stout, Founder of Explore Adventure Lab: a travel planning service dedicated to helping you EXPLORE MORE, FOR LE$$.In this episode, Andy talks about how/why he created Explore Adventure Labs, how he was able to find purpose after losing his dad to brain cancer, and how he biked across the USA in 55 days!🔗LINKS🔗WATCH EPISODEREAD NEWSLETTERFOLLOW POL AND PALSFOLLOW POLFOLLOW ANDYEXPLORE ADVENTURE LABANDY'S BIKING ACROSS AMERICA VLOG

RECORDED LIVE: APR. 1ST, 2021On episode 21, Ponyboy Pol has a #CreativeConversation with his pal, Alexis Wilson, Founder/CEO of "The Menternship": a personal and professional development program for young Black and Brown women that blends the tenets of mentorship and an internship.She is also the founder of "Exalt Management": a management company dedicated to helping purpose-driven athletes, entertainers, and businesses level up from the inside, out.In this episode, Alexis talks about foregoing her childhood dream, how "The Menternship" came to be, and why you need to go inward.🔗LINKS🔗WATCH EPISODEREAD NEWSLETTERFOLLOW POL AND PALSFOLLOW POLFOLLOW ALEXISCHECKOUT THE MENTERNSHIP

RECORDED LIVE: MAR 18TH, 2021On episode 20, Ponyboy Pol has a #CreativeConversation with his pal, Foxy P, a stand-up comedian, Wedding MC, and founder of the African Princes of Comedy.In this episode, Foxy talks about what inspired him to become a comedian, how he founded the African Princes of Comedy group, and why he does what he does "for his people"🔗LINKS🔗WATCH EPISODEREAD NEWSLETTERFOLLOW POL AND PALSFOLLOW POLFOLLOW FOXY

RECORDED LIVE: MAR 4TH, 2021On episode 19, Ponyboy Pol has a #CreativeConversation with his pal, Morrisa Jenkins, the owner and co-founder of Freedom Apothecary: a holistic wellness, self-care, and community-building company "for people who have skin".In this episode, Morrisa talks about what inspired her to create Freedom Apothecary, how she overcame her internal fear, and what FREEDOM means to her.🔗LINKS🔗WATCH EPISODEREAD NEWSLETTERFOLLOW POL AND PALSFOLLOW POLFOLLOW MORRISASHOP FREEDOM APOTHECARY

RECORDED LIVE: JAN 21ST, 2021On episode 18, Ponyboy Pol has a #CreativeConversation with his pal, Brian Asher a.k.a The World Hiker.Brian has traveled to 195/197 countries, hiked 600+ mountains, and ran 60+ marathons... all on a high school teacher's budget.In this episode, Brian talks about why he is so passionate about traveling the world, how he manages his budget, and why you should reevaluate the places you've been told to be afraid of.🔗LINKS🔗WATCH EPISODEREAD NEWSLETTERFOLLOW POL AND PALSFOLLOW POLCHECK OUT BRIAN'S INSTAGRAMCHECK OUT BRIAN'S YOUTUBE

RECORDED LIVE: JAN 7TH, 2021On episode 17, Ponyboy Pol has a #CreativeConversation with his pal, J.B. Armstrong.J.B. is a Director/Writer/Photographer from Detroit, Michigan. As the CEO of not 1 but 2 filmmaking companies, J.B. prides himself on capturing the true essence of the human spirit.In this episode, J.B. talks about how attending private schools influence him and his stories, how he became the CEO of EarleyBird Tv, and why Training Your Mind is the most important thing you can do.🔗LINKS🔗WATCH EPISODEREAD NEWSLETTERFOLLOW POL AND PALSFOLLOW POLCHECK OUT J.B.'S REELFOLLOW EARLEYBIRD TV

RECORDED LIVE: DEC 10TH, 2020On episode 16, Ponyboy Pol has a creative conversation with his pal, Jevon Alexander.Jevon is an up-and-coming artist/producer from Ann Arbor, Michigan. From making freestyle beats for friends at the age of 12 to producing his own songs, Jevon prides himself on creating good vibes that you can ride out to with his unique sound of R&B and Hip Hop.In this episode, Jevon talks about how he ended up on the NBA 2K21 Soundtrack with his single "Mamba Mentality", why he moved to Atlanta with only $36 to his name, the meaning behind his debut album "Balance", and why he named his first EP "Chasing Failure".🔗LINKS🔗WATCH EPISODEFOLLOW POL AND PALSFOLLOW POLLISTEN TO JEVON