Verbally Effective

East St. Louis native, El Mac, lightens up episode 28 with an array of topics. He begins with his start at Memphis State University as a marketing/journalism student who was pledged into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity as a freshman. At this time in life social media was at its beginning stages and El was an eager participant. Hence, El's daily "HOT TOPIC" on facebook. He talks us through how he develops the topics and some very entertaining stories from going viral.

Many are called but few are chosen. I've been seeing the term "BOSS" thrown around lately as if this is something easy. In episode 27, you get a chance to meet a real boss who wears many hats. Chef Ragan is a serial entrepreneur, chef, mother and wife. Although she makes it looks easy please believe the grind is not for the faint of heart. Ragan tells us how her story began as a teenage mother who beat the odds, her start in owning her first business and how her magnetic personality transitioned her into television/radio. We also touch on many other topics such as the recent "self-made" title Forbes granted Kylie Jenner, paying taxes, eating clean,

One Love Theo is an international independent artist from Trelawny, Jamaica specializing in reggae/dancehall music. Theo moved to the states at the tender age of eleven and began his musical journey. Although he's lived in quite a few states, he calls Memphis,TN home. In episode 26, Theo discusses growing up in Jamaica, his transition as an immigrant to the US and being accepted as a reggae/dancehall artist in this fickle music business. In addition, he talks about his passion for fast cars which birthed his very own car club called the "Memphis Head Turners."

There are numerous variables that go into blogging. I didn't realize this until I met lifestyle blogger and visual content creator Kim Thomas. Although the blogging community in Memphis is currently in its growth stage, the opportunities are endless. Kim walks us through the many components that make up a successful blog which doesn't always mean thousands of followers on social media. Engagement is key! It takes hard work and dedication in which Kim provides workshops helping other bloggers monetize their craft. In episode 25 Kim and I discuss her life before blogging, the transition process, the blogging community and her many projects designed to assist and inspire other bloggers.

Police brutality is a hot topic amongst our community. But do we ever really get a chance to hear the perspective from an actual law enforcement officer? In episode 24, Ena sits down with law enforcemenet detective Hayward Anderson to discuss police brutality, the opioid crisis and how social media can lead to solving numerous crimes.

Episode XXIII | "LAYERS" by Ena Esco

In episode 22, Ena sits down with entrepreneur and fellow podcaster Memphis Meeks. You may have seen his t-shirt line with the words “I’M ROOTING FOR EVERYBODY FROM MEMPHIS” on the front. Not only is Meeks busy with his clothing business but he is also one of the busiest promoters in Memphis. You can find him marketing some of the biggest events in the city on any given day. However, one of the most intriguing pieces to this man was his military background serving in Iraq. Meeks is a huge Kanye West fan therefore he and Ena pick a part the new “Ye” album. Ena and Meeks discuss quite a few topics including entrepreneurship, military tours, Memphis night life, podcasting, mental health and music.

Have you ever had a major career change in life? Maybe you were no longer fulfilled at the very thing you spent your college years pursuing. Many of us have reached this fork in the road and soared like my guest for episode 21, Melvin Guy. Listen closely as Melvin walks us through starting his career as an educator and then transitioning into the world of real estate. This husband and father has an inspiring story to tell in which he simply calls "God's Plan." Ena and Melvin also discuss their thoughts on the NBA Finals, the Drake/Pusha T rap beef and Kim Kardashian being chosen to attend the White House to tackle prison reform.

What media outlet do you trust to get your news from these days? Many of us rely on the internet as we are thirsty for information at our finger tips. My guest for episode 20, Nicole Harris, has worked as a digital content producer for both television and print media. She is currently serving in this role on the USA Today team at The Commercial Appeal. Her background in journalism has served the Memphis public well as she explores some of the most highlighted events in the mid south. Tune in as "Nic the Editor" walks us through the day in the life of a digital content producer, side effects of social media and her thoughts on the recent NFL policy and the Royal Wedding.

As he approaches his 40th birthday, Ena sits down with Grammy nominated artist Mr. Del. You can immediately feel his positive presence. Mr. Del’s story is one that comes with many peaks and valleys. He walks the Verbally Effective podcast through growing up in Memphis in an abusive environment and finding music as an outlet to survive. What many people don’t know is the real story behind him discovering his voice under the mentorship of Howard Kew and navigating a music deal with 3 6 Mafia. And then life happened. He found God and had to start a new journey. Mr. Del is currently writing book 3 of his “Soul Ties” ministry and is the head of DMG (Dedicated Music Group). Take a listen to episode 19 and hear this beautiful testimony.

Ena sits down with her soror Angelique Jolie who owns an online fashion boutique called 1of1sbyJolie. Not only do they discuss fashion but also balancing being a business owner, a wife and a mother. In this very candid conversation these two ladies touch base on a myriad of topics including insecurities, body image and vanity. Angelique also fills us in on her experience at Coachella and her thoughts on the 2018 Met Gala.

As we continue to celebrate MLK50 in Memphis, TN there is one fact that remains the same. Memphis is still number one in POVERTY. In episode 17, Ena discusses the breakdown in poverty with Darrell Cobbins in addition to plans in place (POVERTY UNPLUGGED) to change this alarming issue. Also on the agenda, is Darrell’s recent appointment by the governor as the 9th Congressional District Representative for the Board of Education, diversity procurement, Starbucks settlement and Kanye West. Are you WOKE?

Credit is the ability of a customer to obtain goods or services before payment, based on the trust that payment will be made in the future. Unfortunately, so many of us are unarmed with the facts about credit. On episode 16, Ena has an informative discussion with her sister in law Lakita Fox about financial literacy. Lakita is a Financial Well Being Advisor who offers FREE services to guide you on your financial journey and to help repair your credit if needed. Did I say FREE SERVICES?!?!

In episode 15, Ena discusses the ins and outs of being an event promoter with one of the best to ever do it Thomas Brownlee. Listen as they reminisce on how night life has evolved over the last 20 years in regards to new players, entertainment and social media. In addition, Brownlee addresses a very serious matter which led to the closing of Mynt Lounge in December of 2017.

Episode XIV | "CHRISTOPHER" by Ena Esco

In episode 13 Ena sits down with Jamal Whitlow who is campaigning for Shelby County Clerk in Memphis, TN. Jamal discusses how he is balancing the two worlds of being a promoter and politician in addition to having an intentional campaign.

In episode 12 Ena sits down with Jason Smith, co-host from the Jason and John show on ESPN 92.9FM. They discuss several hot topics such as Penny Hardaway's recruiting status at UofM, professional athletes and activism, scandal with college recruiting and so much more.

In episode 11 Ena sits down with Memphis native Marco Pave as he discusses his music journey, the arts and racism, coping with abuse and a hip hop opera he developed.

On episode 10 Ena and her Soror Alexis discuss navigating through the world of having a multimedia career. Topics also include UofM getting Penny Hardaway as their new Tigers head coach, campus safety and Rihanna vs. Snapchat.

In honor of Women's History Month, we are kicking off episode 9 with entrepreneur TJ Jefferson with Fresh Touch Publicity. Take a listen as Ena & TJ discuss the world of public relations, her Heroine Legacy Brunch and PR faux pas.