Verbally Effective

Tambra Cherie is a full time radio personality in Jackson, MS on 97.7 WRBJ during the midday. Throughout her career, she has worked with a number of entertainers and hosted numerous events, concerts, and festivals. This podcast will open your eyes to what it looks like to be a strong woman of faith in an industry filled with temptation. You'll learn how Tambra didn't let the word "NO" stop her dreams of joining the entertainment world. As a result, Tambra is now a self-published author empowering women to restore their crown and push into their purpose. Surrounded By Sin, Grounded By Love is a comprehensive guide to becoming the best version of you physically, mentally, emotionally and more importantly spiritually.

Born and raised in South Memphis, artist and entrepreneur Young Soul began cutting his teeth as a creative in the Southern region of the city as a writer and author at Hamilton High School. He started recording demos at 17 and attended MTSU to pursue a career in journalism and politics. After discovering music was his calling, he built a cult-like fan base spreading from Tennessee to the East Coast markets. In 2018, he performed on two indie tours and released his first studio offering "Summer on South Parkway" in early June. Soul has expanded his portfolio this year launching a clothing brand and a film company both based in Memphis. Take a listen as Young Soul shares how South Memphis prepared him for this cutthroat industry.

April Tolbert is the owner of Gabby Grace Boutique, an online women's clothing boutique based in Cordova, TN and also The Goal Apparel, a statement apparel company. Her creative juices flourished as a student at Overton High School in her creative writing class, playing the chello in the orchestra and cheering. April attended both UT Martin and University of Memphis and entered the corporate world after graduation. Although she enjoyed the corporate grind, she was ready to start her own business in photography. Find out how April eventually made the decision to become a full time serial entrepreneur having businesses in the areas of photography, clothing and coaching. She continues to reinvent herself and has a strong support system and following. One of the biggest takeaways from this podcast is that April is very transparent about the challenges she has endured as an entrepreneur and a black woman. From fertility issues to having to take the necessary steps of learning her craft, April has definitely

I thought it would be fitting on this #MotivationMonday to drop some inspiration from the Drip God himself Rich Fresh. This is the very first throwback pod I have ever posted however, I feel that it is necessary considering the circumstances. Fresh's story is one filled with redemption and respect. As a matter of fact, Fresh is launching his custom clothing line this upcoming Saturday at the very store that didn't see his vision at the start of his career. It's funny how those tables turn. You can now catch Fresh designing some of the dopest fits for stars such as Kevin Hart, Terrence J., Boogie Cousins just to name a few. He is definitely in demand and flourishing. Take a listen to episode 51 as he gives you his raw and uncut story laced with humble beginnings. If this doesn't inspire you, I don't know what will...

Certified personal trainer, Sherika Holmes, is my guest for episode 84. With over eight years of professional experience, Sherika has carved her very own lane in the fitness culture industry. She recently opened her very own studio offering classes such as trap boxing, cardio twerk, weight training, hip-hop step aerobics and much more. We begin the pod with Sherika playing basketball at Raleigh-Egypt High School and then going to UT Martin. Unfortunately, her hoop dreams fell apart after suffering a repeat injury to her leg. During this time, Sherika developed a love for fitness and gained a mentor who helped shaped her career. She entered the world of professional bodybuilding and became a bikini fitness competitor. Take a listen as Sherika walks us through the preparation, strict diets and misconceptions about bikini fitness. Lastly, this beauty shares with the audience her intense love for her clients in addition to where she is taking her Bombshell brand into the future.

My guest for episode 83 is the founder and CEO of Unapologetic Record Label, James Dukes aka IMAKEMADBEATS. Raised by a single father in Orange Mound, James knew at a very young age that he was different. He later moved to New York where he sharpened his skills as a sound engineer at the legendary Quad Studios working with music industry stars like Ludacris, Solange Knowles, and Busta Rhymes. After returning to Memphis, James developed the enigmatic, faceless persona IMAKEMADBEATS and started his music label Unapologetic to include a record label, video production company, event coordination, and clothing line. On this episode, you will learn about his talented roster, his ideas on the Memphis art/music/culture scene and his own experience with battling depression and anxiety. Performing this past February as a TedEx speaker, find out what secrets he had to set free in order to start his Unapologetic Movement.

EPISODE LXXXII | "SO CHIC" w/ COURTNEY MCNEAL by Ena Esco

I've met my share of radio personalities over the years but no one quite like Stan Bell. Since day one he's been a class act and standout professional. Although his journey began many years ago in North Memphis, he has come full circle in many areas of his life. His very first bite of the broadcasting bug started as a WDIA teenage reporter while attending Northside at the age of 16. Years later he was affectionately known as "SB Superstar Bell" on the airwaves at UT Martin. But his dream came true in 1986 on Mother's Day when he cracked the mic at his beloved K97FM. It was there where he etched his trademark feature with the "Roll Call." Nowadays, you can find Stan during the "drive-time" from 2p-7p on V101.1FM and nightly on 1070 WDIA. Take a listen to episode 81 with the legendary Stan Bell to find out what happened in between these wonderful milestones.

EPISODE LXXX | "AN EXPRESSIVE SOUL" w/ ELLE PERRY by Ena Esco

EPISODE LXXIX | "SHE IS PAC" w/ IZZY MOORE by Ena Esco

Jared "Jay B" Boyd is a multimedia journalist, hip-hop artist, humorist and on-air personality. Currently writing for the Daily Memphian, Jared has covered a vast amount of topics that have and will continue to enlighten us. But today he is telling us HIS story which begins growing up in Parkway Village. He shares his start in media that may surprise you, his time at Ole Miss as DJ Bizzle, his days in Mobile, AL and his extensive vinyl collection. Although Jared represents the millennial culture, he is definitely an old soul who has an intense passion for the arts. We talk in detail about how the art scene in Memphis has developed in addition to some of his musical influences. After listening, you'll definitely know the meaning behind TOOZDY. Enjoy!

EPISODE LXXVII | "HOT GIRL SUMMER" w/ DJ ZETTA by Ena Esco

Episode 76 was lit with writer, host and stand up comedian Basial. He's been in the comedy game for only 2 years but has officially made his mark. Known for his witty, sarcastic and rude humor, Basial has been booked and busy! He is the creator of the amazing and uncensored showcase "The Rated R Comedy Show" series. Take a listen as he keeps Ena laughing while discussing an array of topics. One of the things I love the most is that he’s unapologetically himself letting his light shine as an openly gay man getting to the bag in this comedy business.

Working in the media business as a black female is not for the faint at heart. However, my guest for episode 75, Janeen Gordon, handles it with the utmost style and grace. This Central HS and University of Memphis graduate has been able to be successful on both radio and television platforms over the last 20 plus years all while battling several health issues. Janeen shares the moment she received word of her breast cancer diagnosis and how as women we often neglect ourselves. We also discuss her recent engagement, the current climate of women in media and her new show that everyone is talking about "Bluff City Life."

EPISODE LXXIV | "ENTREPRENEURIAL AGENDA" w/ CHASE MORGAN by Ena Esco

Author, business coach, motivational speaker and philanthropist Clarissa Joi is my guest for episode 73 of the Verbally Effective Podcast. With roots in White Haven, Clarissa decided to attend Christian Brothers University as an IT major. Upon graduation, she entered the corporate world in her field. As you can imagine Clarissa has been the only woman let alone black woman in quite a few boardrooms. Her desire to change this statistic shines bright throughout her entrepreneur academy “Elite Winner’s Circle” and her philanthropic efforts with “Rise Up Single Mom, Inc.” Two of the main takeaways from this podcast for myself is the importance of time management and walking in your purpose. Take a listen to hear Clarissa’s journey in addition to quite a few current events blazing the headlines.

EPISODE LXXII | "TRUSTING THE PROCESS" w/ DOC HOLLIDAY by Ena Esco

EPISODE LXXI | "THE WAYNE TRAIN" w/ WAYNE WILLIAMS by Ena Esco

You’ve been hearing my guest for episode 70, Devin Steel, on afternoon radio for the past two decades. His endorsements as an influencer include Mercedes, BET, Red Bull, Avion Tequila, Mattress Firm, NBC and MTV. Currently the SVPP for 7 of the top radio stations in market #51, Devin is a nationally recognized programmer, personality leader and mixer. Find out what sets Devin a part from the rest as we discuss his early appreciation for music, being a standout athlete and his introduction into radio. You’ll learn more about his industry journey and how he’s excelled into upper management with iHeartMedia in addition to his personal journey in which he’s a husband and father of four. Find out who has influenced Devin over the years and how he plans to impact the future of DJs in the mid south. As we celebrate 200 years in Memphis, take a listen as this seasoned vet breaks down his perspective on the music and culture.

From Double Tree Doll to Facegyrl Brands LLC, my guest for episode 69 is none other than Nikki Chanel. Having started her career by accident at Hamilton Place Mall in Chattanooga, TN, she has been blessed with the chance to work for some of the largest brands and celebrities. Nikki walks us through her humble beginnings working for other cosmetics companies and then one day deciding to create her very own business; combining her love for beauty, color and training. Facegyrl X Nikki Chanel was born. Take a listen and you'll hear why Nikki says customer service is key to her specific clientele, some of the challenges she's faced in the industry as a black woman and exclusive stories from some of the many celebrities she's worked with over the years. Like many women, Nikki has tackled quite a few tests in life such as overcoming an eating disorder that derived from her early days as a dancer. She also was very transparent in sharing her story of a domestic violence situation that could have ended tragicall