Verbally Effective

Christie Taylor was born in Washington D.C., and in the early 1970’s moved with family to West Tennessee. Her early years fostered in her a strong affinity for music performance and radio. Her love of “all things artsy” led to her pursuit of a Communication Degree with concentration in Radio, TV, and Film; and later graduated with a Bachelor in Drama TV and Film Performance from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her radio career can be traced to her hosting an evening show on KUTA, the university’s radio station. Throughout the years, Christie has worked for radio stations from Detroit to Memphis to Birmingham to St. Louis. Whether serving as a radio personality, a radio host for a monthly entertainment show; or hosting public affairs shows, Christie, has earned the credit of being an award-winning radio personality. Christie’s newfound love is Christie Taylor Consulting specializing in media and public speaking coaching.  Her passion for the performing and visual arts are expressed through persona

Cleveland, Ohio native, Jarrett Stephens, is the Athletic Director and the Men's Head Basketball Coach at Southwest TN Community College. Jarrett shares his story of often being the only black person growing up in the suburbs of Cleveland. His senior year he and his mom attended a HBCU College Fair where he was recruited on a choir and baseball scholarship to LeMoyne Owen College. Stephens shares that there was a culture shift he adjusted to when first arriving in Memphis. He spoke about the many relationships formed and bonds created with students, staff and fraternity brothers of Omega Psi Phi while receiving his HBCU experience. It was his senior year in college when Jarrett began his basketball coaching journey in the AAU arena. Next, he gained experience coaching in high school and college environments traveling from Atlanta, Memphis and eventually landed at Florida A&M University. Jarrett even served as NBA skills trainer with IMG Academy at one point. Fast forward to 2023 where Stephens is now lead

Jennifer Elaine (Jenn) is a Professional Fine Artist blessing homes and offices with aesthetically dope Black art around the world. Originally from Louisville, KY, Jennifer she relocated to Memphis, TN in 2010 and has embraced the city with her creativity and ambition. God revealed her passion and natural talent of painting in the summer of 2015 after her ankle was fractured in three places making her immobile for 8 weeks. While she was healing, she decided to teach herself how to paint and develop her craft. Jenn creates phenomenal paintings that display Black women in a positive light, embracing their natural kinks and curls graced with melanin-rich skin. Her art is internally driven, like a gateway to the soul. illustrating the beauty, power, dopeness, and resilience of Black women. She loves big, natural Afrocentric hair and bright engaging colors, so most of her artwork displays black women with kinky curly hair accompanied by a vibrant, colorful background. Take a listen as we explore Jennifer's jou

Get into this DEEP CUT with the President of UNAPOLOGETIC Label, Kid Maestro. Learn more about the journey of this phenomenal creative and how the new OUTERSPACEMANE studio was formed. Born and raised in the south suburbs of Chicago, Kid Maestro moved to Memphis and planted himself deep into the creative community of the city. A few years later, Kid joined IMAKEMADBEATS as he formed Unapologetic and is still a proud member of the Unapologetic family. As a music producer and sound artist, Kid’s style could be described as curious and imaginative. Every beat, every vocal recording, every sound design choice is a small attempt to discover more of himself and all the Universe he lives in. And while music is Maestro’s primary medium of self-expression and discovery, it has also been the thing that has opened up that exploratory creativity in other areas of his life. Whether it be in the studio, on stage, behind the scenes, or in the kitchen, the practice of passionate and uninhibited creative exploration has bee

Keenan Shotwell is a native Memphian and believes in the power of music to make people realize and celebrate all that they have in common with other people. He began playing music at a young age and practiced music at the Jackson Studios during the early 90s. Keenan mastered the piano and organ while a student at the University of Memphis. As his skills grew and his talent flourished, he began making a name for himself as a captivating musician in his hometown. The music he creates does not stick to any one genre. Instead, he prefers to make songs that bridge the gap between different styles, making for a more enriching experience. He is a two-time winner of the “Verizon Wireless How Sweet the Sound” competition and has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Melba Moore, DeDe Bridgewater, Bebe Winans, Karen Clark Sheard, Oleta Adams, Tye Tribbett, and Kirk Whalum. His music was also featured in the 2010 film The Grace Card. Check out Keenan’s latest single “Touch the Sky” with Memphis favorite Jerome

Byhalia, MS native Tori Thompson is the Queen of Conversation and Host of Tea Time with Tori. Thompson has always had a love for writing, poetry and singing as she navigated through Southwind High School. She later matriculated to the University of Memphis as a Communications major where she began talk show Tea Time with Tori. Her show became a huge success with attendees discussing taboo topics not normally up for debate. Tori talks about why the show is now on pause finding time to regroup and reflect. We discuss the need for veterans in the media space to make room for new talent, some of the faux pas with new sponsors and how she is currently doing the inner work with self love. You can find Tori co-hosting the third annual Galentines Day 901 on February 11th.

Ena sits down for a second time on the podcast with Government Official Antonio Parkinson the TN House Representative for District 98. Take a listen as Representative Parkinson discusses his work in Nashville in addition to his reactions to the Tyre Nichols video.

Kelvin "York" Brown is the owner and master trainer at IAmFitness Memphis LLC training center and the founder of non-profit Boyz To Men Strength Training and Mentoring Program. Kelvin has been in the fitness industry for over twenty years focusing on nutritional science. I was able to witness him in action at his boot camp session this past Saturday for an on location podcast. It was fascinating to see the connection he has with his clients consisting of women and men averaging ages 40 and up. Once the boot camp was complete, Kelvin sat down with me to discuss his journey. Kelvin moved to Memphis from New York to play basketball with Coach Johnson at LeMoyne Owen College in the mid 90's. He pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and became a huge presence on campus. Kelvin dives deep on the podcast sharing that he went into depression after he graduated college suffering from the loss of his mother. As a result, he attempted suicide and spent time in prison. These ultimate lows shaped Kelvin into the man he

Currently the President/CEO of the Downtown Memphis Commission, Paul Young has his eyes set on being the next Mayor of Memphis. With a background in city planning, community development and affordable housing initiatives, Paul feels that he is the best candidate to elevate Memphis to the next level. Take a listen as Ena sits down with Paul to discuss key issues affecting the city such as infrastructure, crime and race.

Marco Pavé has been nominated for a Grammy in the Best Contemporary Classical Composition Category for Requiem for the Enslaved which tells the story of 272 slaves sold to pay the debts of Georgetown University. Featuring hip-hop artist Marco Pavé, trumpeter Jared Bailey, and Simon on piano, Requiem for the Enslaved explores the sacred and historical, and honors the lives of those bought and sold. Marco Pavé is a Grammy Nominated, Hip-hop artist and Memphis-raised Muslim writer who uses hip hop culture as a means of personal expression and social empowerment. With a decade's worth of experience in the music industry under the name Marco Pavé, he’s released several EPs, an album, and wrote and staged an opera, Grc Lnd 2030. His writing and music has been featured on MTV News, NPR, and in the Oxford American. In 2015, Marco delivered an inspiring TEDx Talk on how the arts saved his life. During this talk he discussed how "cradle-to-career" arts policy that focuses on infrastructure to support artists can boos

Chasity Monroe, the owner of Pink Noire Beauty Supply and Cosmetics, one of the few Black-owned beauty supply stores in Memphis, Tennessee, hopes to reclaim the Black beauty industry through her corporate and consumer perspectives. Estimates from The Black Owned Beauty Supply Association (BOBSA) show the Black haircare and cosmetics industry is worth about $9 billion. However, less than 5% of the beauty supply stores in the United States are Black-owned, which presents Black shoppers with an issue; they purchase products from non-Black communities that do not understand Black hair. I met with Chasity for a live discussion at her Beauty Insiders event inside Pink Noire. We discussed how her corporate background at Procter & Gamble prepared her for this business venture in addition to the many allies she's made. Chasity has her sights set on expansion and product placement in the near future. Take a listen and you'll discover why equity matters in this beauty industry that exploits our likeness yet has a very

I had the best time chopping it up with Illustrator/Designer Mia Saine. This Arlington, TN native's family purchased land and bartered with one another in the 90’s. Mia actually grew up in the midst of development in Arlington which welcomed new classes of people and many adjustments. She is the youngest of three siblings and was greatly influenced by her grandmother as a child that fostered her creativity. As a high school student, Mia was introduced to Graphic Media, Design and Screen Printing. She received a scholarship to attend Memphis College of Art where she excelled and began freelance work. In those early days Mia began working with clients such as New York Times, MLK50 and the singer Kirby working on branding. As she gained more clients, Mia's knowledge of negotiating and understanding contracts developed. She was able to help others in the art community in those areas during this Black Renaissance. Mia describes the Memphis art community as young, animated, innovative and energetic. As of today,

Singer/Songwriter, Stephani Doll McCoy, originally hails from North Memphis by way of Hollywood, Jackson and Frayser. Stephani's grandmother was instrumental in her start of learning all aspects of music at their church Greater Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in South Memphis. It was at Ridgeway High School where she met her sisters and began the singing group ADAJYO. At one point Stephani took the leap and moved to L.A. to pursue music full time. Her experience on the West Coast presented many challenges and successes in her career. She found her community of musicians and was able to create and collaborate with the likes of Raphael Sasdiq and many others. McCoy describes in detail her experience working with B.B. King Blues traveling the world on Holland American Cruise Lines performing six nights a week. You'll also discover her process of writing music which involves the craft of telling stories and being vulnerable. Although you can see Stephani on many stages throughout the city, her focus as of now is build

Blytheville, AR native Bria Jones has officially been a news reporter at WREG News Channel 3 for one year now. She moved to Memphis at the age of 7 and received her introduction into journalism at Cordova High School as a writer for their newspaper. Remember the "Teen Appeal" at the Commercial Appeal? Well Bria also was a part of that coveted team as well and always wanted to be the "Black Carrie Bradshaw" growing up. Bria attended St. John's University in New York where she interned for the Wendy Williams show in which she describes her experience in great detail. Take a listen as Bria describes her humble beginnings in news in Monroe, LA and later in Flint, MI. As a plus sized woman, Jones has received much criticism from news directors regarding her look. However, Bria never wavered in her plight to work in Memphis news. We also discuss the recurring focus on why crime stories leads the headlines in Memphis in which Jones describes as a double edged sword. She gives flowers to some of the greats that hav

Southside Chicago native Ben Colar moved to the Bluff City in 2002 after to study graphic design at Memphis College of Art. He had only heard about the Convocation and Three 6 Mafia prior to moving to Memphis. Ben excelled during his time at MCA and was immediately baptized by the fire working at an ad agency the summer before graduation. After commencement, he moved to Philly and became engulfed with freelance work. Ben made his way back to Memphis and started his brand design firm Baby Grand in 2018 in addition to a craft cocktail bar Inkwell in 2022. He noticed the craft cocktail space, worth around $86M and expected to hit $1B by 2026, was dominated by white males. After frequenting many cocktails bars in the city, Ben would often receive sub par service. He created the "Inkwell" concept from the idea that you will need to "refill" once the ink runs dry. His space gives you a break from the club scene with very few distractions and plenty of communication. Colar always leads with the mission of fully rep

Whitehaven, TN native, Nathan Ollie, is a financial advisor, nonprofit leader, tech entrepreneur and girl dad. In 2007, Nate graduated from Whitehaven High School, where he excelled both academically in the top 10% of his class; and athletically being awarded local honors in basketball. Nate went on to continue his post-secondary academic and athletic journey at Rhodes College. It was there where Nate joined Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., a moment he considers a huge milestone in his life. Nate eventually graduated from the University of Memphis, earning a Bachelor’s Degree with a focus in Corporate Finance. Since entering the workforce, Nate has gained valuable experience in many different industries and niches in places across the globe. Over the years, however, he realized that one of his top skillsets lied in helping people solve problems. As an experienced sales professional who has worked with some of the world’s largest brands, he now pursues his primary passion of mentoring and developing ch

Benton Harbor, MI native, Dr. Earle Fisher, resides as Senior Pastor at Abyssinnian Baptist Church and Founder of #UpTheVote901. This is Fisher's second visit on Verbally Effective and we truly enjoyed him expressing himself. He has been boots on the ground organizing as he began #UpTheVote901 in 2018. You will hear a resounding message throughout this podcast as it relates to politics, celebrity and purpose. As you know, election day is tomorrow Tuesday, Nov 8th. Dr. Fisher advises that this mid-term election has the "essence of democracy on the chopping block." Amendments ranging from unionization, affirmative action and even slavery are on the ballot. Part 2 of the podcast focuses on the recent headlines surrounding Kanye West and most recently Kyrie Irving. Just know that Dr. Fisher is giving no one any passes on this topic. The overarching message is "nuances matter" when it comes to these two individuals and the claims they've made.

Founder of the Reaves Law Firm PLLC, Henry Reaves makes his second round on the Verbally Effective Podcast introducing his new movie "Queen Rising." If you're from Memphis you may have seen Henry either on a billboard or television advertisement promoting his personal injury law firm. However, it was during covid when Reaves decided to execute this passion project made in Memphis with a Memphis cast on a modest budget of about $450K. Queen Rising is a psychological mystery-thriller in which a traumatized young woman is haunted by memories of the infamous "College Town Slayings" that terrorized "Bluff City University." During the podcast you'll understand how deep Henry's love for the arts community really is and how he wants to continue investing in its future right here in Memphis. You can check out "Queen Rising" at your local Memphis Malco locations just in time for Halloween.

With 10 years of community health experience, Miami, FL native Andrea Jacobo is a first generation Afro-Dominicanx who has fully embraced and connected with the Memphis community. Andrea Jacobo is currently a Visiting Instructor at Rhodes College within the Urban Studies-Health Equity Program. She believes that community-centered, people-centered approaches are key to addressing health inequities. Andrea is a doctoral candidate in the Doctorate of Public Health (DrPH) degree at the University of California Berkeley. She has a Master of Public Health from The University of Memphis and a Bachelors of Science in Exercise Physiology from the University of Miami. Take a listen as Andrea shares how she started her career Memphis in the health industry which has completely expanded throughout the community. With the hispanic culture currently documented at ten percent in Memphis, Andrea breaks down the history and nuances of Hispanic Heritage/LatinX month that has incurred much tension this year due to anti-black

Batesville, MS native Micheal Sykes, globally known as M.I.A.M.I. Mike, has been making major moves since before he got in the music industry. He is the CEO of a multi-platinum independent recording label, Palm Tree Entertainment and has been in the business for two decades. As the president of Soulja Boy’s S.O.D.M.G., Mike has helped grow his brand into a million dollar business. During this podcast you will discover that Mike spent time in prison for drug dealing and money laundering. This year he is celebrating twenty years since he's been in prison, twenty years in the entertainment business and creating twenty millionaires. Mike has recently been appointed as a board member of the R&B Hall of Fame which is a $100M project that just broke ground in Marks, MS. He discusses the power of social media, radio and podcasting in addition to how and why he started The Soap Shop Franchise. Take a listen and enjoy Miami Mike's journey filled with plenty of stories from the entertainment world over the past twent