Verbally Effective

My guest for episode 209 reps White Station and Memphis sports. You may have heard John Martin on your radio dial 92.9FM ESPN from 11am-2pm along with Jason Smith giving you the latest in the sports news. John's love for Memphis sports started very early in life as a huge Memphis Tigers fan under the Calipari era. He attended the University of Memphis as journalism major and received his first radio gig as a producer under Geoff Calkins before getting his very own show with Jason Smith in 2016. Take a listen as John talks on the importance of "live" radio and how imperative it is in the Memphis market. We also touch on the competitive landscape of media and how we digest information. Last but not least, we talk plenty Memphis Grizzlies and how Ja Morant has redefined how people will view this franchise going forward.

Meet South Memphis native Jeff Cohran. He’s been holding down the role as Tour & Production manager for Janelle Monae for the last two decades. Jeff comes from a musical family with his Aunt singing background for Ray Charles and Uncle as a musician with the Bar-Kays. However it was Jeff’s mom who was very instrumental in getting him to hone in on the business side of music. Jeff attended UT Knoxville as a journalism electronic media major and minored in political science. He was very active in the NAACP and talks us through a black face incident on campus during his freshman year. Take a listen as Jeff walks us through how he entered the management and touring side of the music industry linking with a major artist such as Janelle Monae. He discusses many lessons learned and the importance of having a sound mindset as he toured the world. You’ll also discover Jeff’s entry into academia as a music instructor at the University of Memphis. Jeff’s goal is to get students placed and shape their mental aspect.

You've seen my Ep 207 guest, Janeen Fullilove Gordon, on television over the past 9 years as a traffic anchor and most recently host of Bluff City Life. She is now transitioning from television into full-time public service as a candidate for Shelby County Juvenile Court Clerk. You'll learn that Janeen is deeply rooted in the Memphis community which began in the Glenview Historic District. Take a listen as Janeen gives us insight into her family tree, the role of the Juvenile Court Clerk and why she would be the best fit for the position. Lastly, we partake in some good ole Memphis trivia. You can support Janeen's campaign by heading to her website janeengordon.com to volunteer and donate.

Orange Mound, TN native, Marcus Washington is an Emmy Award winning journalist, currently working as the morning anchor at NBC Bay Area in the San Francisco Bay Area. He's lived in six cities over the past seventeen years in the news industry. Tune in as Marcus talks us through his time at University of Memphis in the journalism program while pledging Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity Inc. He takes us back to his first gig as a producer at WREG working side by side with some of the Memphis greats. Marcus lays out the San Francisco scene which is extremely diverse with a very small percentage of AA's. You'll discover more about his Emmy Award winning show Race In America and how it came about during the wake of the George Floyd killing. We even dive into the double standards of how both men and women are perceived in the media space when it comes to vanity. Find out more about his impactful journey including what's next on his radar on Ep 206!

Orange Mound native, Gerald Richardson, is my esteemed guest for episode 205. The youngest of eight siblings, Gerald grew up in a gospel/musical family. He attended White Station High School during the time re-districting was enforced in Memphis. Immediately following graduation he joined a band and the rest is history. Gerald shares that he is blessed to be able to merge his love for both music and mental health awareness. He is a mental health professional facilitating substance abuse classes Mon-Fri and has noticed that more men are now taking part in therapy. Tune in as Gerald discusses how he joined the legendary Cameo band and is now touring the world. Tap in to how he handles our new segment "HEY MANE, SAY MANE." Gerald is also releasing three new singles "Ordinary Love," "Life of the Party," and "Beautiful."

North Memphis native, Dominique Y. Frost, is my guest for episode 204. Dominique is currently a licensed insurance agent and financial services professional that focuses her practice on helping individuals, families and small business owners. She is extremely compassionate about her Memphis community using her voice to influence others. Tune is as Dominique and I discuss her political ambitions, mental health awareness and her phenomenal journey.

Attorney Janika White is in the midst of campaign season up for the imperative role of Shelby County District Attorney. Her current situation is filled with a plethora of meetings while staying on path of an intentional journey. Janika's hometown in Memphis is rather debatable being that she lived a street over from Crystal Palace skating rink. Some would say that is South Memphis, White Haven or even Westwood adjacent. Being the only girl in the family, Janika grew up surrounded with the greatest gift of all which is the knowledge of God. Her love for law started very early as she participated in mock trial at Central High School and even interned for a law firm in the eleventh grade. Upon transitioning back to Memphis from law school, Janika was extremely excited to get to work and help the Memphis community. Janika currently practices law as a partner with Bailey, Bailey & White PLLC. Take a listen as Janika breaks down the many reasons the percentage of AA women is one of the lowest percentages in the

Beaumont TX native, Emile G. Sigee Jr. joins me for episode 202. Emile is a tax professional with EdXact Tax Prep, Union President of Local 352-G and he's also one my big brothers. Take a listen as Emile talks us through his thoughts on the Russia-Ukraine war having experience serving in the US Military. In addition, he breaks down his position as the Union President with Dupont and how the issues with global supply chain has affected business. Lastly, he provides a bit of history on our Creole family bloodline. Emile also provides some great advice for this tax season. Be sure to contact Emile for all of your tax needs at esigee@edxacttaxprep.com or 901-752-9152.

Originally from East St. Louis, multi-disciplinary artist Eso Tolson joins us for episode 201. Eso talks us through his upbringing as an "art kid" in Missouri while pointing out the many comparisons of both Memphis and St. Louis. Although Eso moved to the Bluff City at the age of 22, he has definitely embraced his inner Memphis. He describes the art scene as one that is building community with a need for more resources. In addition, Eso breaks down his love for type faces illustrating his style as urban, grass roots, authentically BLACK and approachable. This plant zaddy talks us through how Artistik Lounge was created as a platform for creatives to thrive. Lastly, we dive into "Less Grind, More Chill" which was Eso's TedEx talk. Be sure to check out Eso's website www.esotolson.com.

White Haven, TN native, Dr. Tavis Wade-Jones, joins me for Ep 200 of the Verbally Effective Podcast. Being number twelve of thirteen siblings, Tavis grew up in very big, loving family. I'm sure it wouldn't surprise you to know that she was voted "Most Popular" and "Wittiest" at White Haven High School. Tavis began her college journey at Fisk University and later finished at THEE LeMoyne-Owen College pledging Delta Sigma Theta, Alpha Upsilon Chapter. As a first-generation college graduate, Tavis made it a priority to excel in academia by attaining her Masters and Doctorate in Education. She's lived in Las Vegas, Austin, Nashville, and Memphis during her career and shares her experiences in each city. Tavis is also a founding member of Modern Distinctive Ladies, Inc. which began with seven young ladies in 1988. Now in it's 34th year, Tavis has touched over 6,000 girls as the Executive Director. She took her mentorship a step further when she started non-profit Purity P.E.A.R.L.S to guide young ladies with ab

Ernest D. Strickland, President and CEO of the Black Business Association of Memphis, holds an MBA from Bethel University and Bachelor of Professional Studies from University of Memphis. Strickland has led a multitude of successful economic and workforce development projects throughout his career. Most recently, he served as architect of Memphis’ community-wide workforce development initiative, Upskill 901 – a program aimed at upskilling 10,000 individuals over a three-year timeframe. Take a listen as Ernest talks us through how the BBA Memphis has a focus on helping black businesses build wealth. With Memphis being a majority minority population, he addressed the historical disinvestments in our city that have yielded generational consequences. As a result, government support is needed in addition to innovation dollars that will allow us to experiment, test and learn. Ernest also shares information on the new $5 billion Ford Project that will begin site work this year. The Memphis MBE Collaborative is in

Nikki Barnes, known in the entertainment industry as Ooowee Nikki B, is a Memphis event planner and promoter. This South Memphis native is a graduate of University of Memphis where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Hospitality & Resort Management. Nikki B began here promotional career in high school while being a part of the Hottest No ID Required promoter, Shunn Gunn’s street team. While later joining her God brother, G. Webb to begin throwing their own events and bringing artists such as Nicki Minaj. From there, Nikki ventured off to forming a connection with Thomas Brownlee becoming a member of BBEMG marketing group where she helped host some of the most popular parties such as, Mynt Night Club, Sunset Day Party, All Black Day Party, Denim & White Affair. After being in supporting roles, Nikki was finally ready to put her own ideas out for the world to see and make a real name for herself with events such as Trap Gala, Drunken Karaoke, Super Saturdays and Reflex Sundays. Take a listen as Nik

Jackson, TN native, Dr. Chrisla Key, is on a mission to find that delicate balance in life. Chrisla has been in the nursing field for over twenty years currently practicing pediatric urology and serving as an assistant professor. Not only is Chrisla an outstanding wife and mother of two boys, she is also very active in the Phi Lambda Omega graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Take a listen as Chrisla talks in detail about finding balance, reclaiming pearls and KEYping Up With The Keys.

Oakland, TN native, Sweet Face Brit, is an ICU Nurse and owner of Sweet Temptation Hair and Lashes. Britney shares how it was growing up in Fayette County participating in competitive cheer and band. She attended MTSU and later finished nursing at Baptist. It was her ex-husband who introduced Britney to selling hair a few years back. After a bitter divorce, she began to build Sweet Temptation Hair from the ground up into the successful business it is today. Britney shares the day in the life of running Sweet Temptation Hair & Lashes which is currently expanding and adding new products. One of the main topics we discuss is the impact of social media both positive and negative. Negative in the sense that total strangers will make the boldest statements about someone they don't know. And positive in the sense that so many people are inspired by her journey. Britney talks about her transformation from being unhappy and depressed at one point in her life while going through her divorce. Through prayer and her

Indianola, MS native, Tony Smith, has been setting the vibes for your Memphis night life for the past six years. The oldest of three brothers, Tony grew up in the church and moved to Memphis with his mother around the age of twelve. While attending Hickory Ridge Middle School, Tony played the violin in the orchestra and later moved to bass at Overton High School’s orchestra. Tony's love for night life began while in college at Middle Tennessee State University as an aerospace flight dispatch major. Upon graduating from MTSU, Tony moved to Memphis and eventually started his vibe curation in the city. He describes the vibe of his generation as young professionals with 401Ks who love to network and are chasing their goals. Tony gives his thoughts on how covid has affected night life but has not stopped this form of business. Nowadays, Tony is the face of Life Lounge where he sets the vibes and keeps the party lively. He is also a devoted husband and girl dad. Tune in to hear the amazing journey of my first gu

East Memphis native, Bianca Mcmillian, is an actress and entertainer with over 10 years of experience on the stage and a couple of years on film. She reluctantly began her thespian journey in the drama department at Kirby High School. Bianca shares that she was very shy and experienced bullying prior to entering the world of drama. However, she experienced an amazing breakthrough once she joined. These days you can see Bianca expressing herself on social media as a content creator or on the stage in "Soulful Murder Mystery" and "Mountaintop". Bianca now has an agent who keeps her busy juggling projects. Take a listen as Bianca shares a few secrets before she hits the stage with Ena such as mouth exercises and multiple accents. Enjoy!

Hailing from North Memphis, Jus Bentley is maximizing her craft. I first met Jus Bentley at Dream Fest showcase over ten years ago and I am so proud on the artist that she has grown into. She starts the pod sharing the legacy of her family's gas stations, King Grocery, which is a staple throughout the city of Memphis. Although Bentley went to three high schools (Cordova, Germantown and Bartlett) due to zoning, she says that Cordova was her absolute fav. Upon high school graduation, she attended MSCC which is now called Arkansas State Univ Mid-South on a basketball scholarship. After receiving her degree in the arts, Bentley went full force into music. She credits her artist development to both her Uncle and Don Trip who have assisted with the business aspect of the music industry. Bentley is taking her career to another level these days with music placements in both P Valley and The Aftermath. She has also fallen in love with something new as of late. Honey Glaze Visuals is a photography/videography comp

South Memphis, TN native, Sherman Harper Jr., is the owner of Service Queens, Co-Creator of SneakFest and a member of Grind City Cycling. Take a listen as Sherman kicks off the podcast sharing insight on the why he started therapy during the pandemic and how it has changed his life. Find out how he and his wife started flipping houses and transitioned into renovations, construction and property investments with Service Queens. You'll also hear the back story of how SneakFest Sneaker Expo began in Memphis through mutual friends and has ultimately grown into a huge cultural event with over 70 vendors offering sneakers, apparel and entertainment. Lastly, discover how Sherman became a cyclist within the brotherhood of Grind City Cycling. Enjoy!

Chima Onwuka's God given purpose is to impact as many lives as I can before he leaves this Earth. After graduating college with a psychology degree, he became a recreational therapist and helped adults that struggled with mental illness such as schizophrenia, depression, bipolar, alcohol and drug abuse, and anger management. Now as a Clinician while finishing up his masters, he works with children struggling with problematic sexual behaviors. As an entrepreneur, Chima is the Owner and CEO of Grind City Kicks which is a sneaker and apparel brand that also gives back to the communities. He is also the founder of the nonprofit organization, Grind City Cares, that provides substantial needs to communities who lack significant resources. Lastly, Chima is an inspirational speaker, motivating others that a change of mindset can result in a change of lifestyle. Take a listen to Chima Onwuka's remarkable journey.

Orange Mound, TN native, DJ Squeeky, has produced music for a plethora of talented artists from Memphis and beyond. This Paper Route Empire producer shares with us how his mother and uncle were very instrumental in how his musical journey began. DJ Squeeky attended Melrose High School with MJG and was immediately known for music after he djed a high school pep rally. Immediately following he began creating mixtapes showing off his DJ skills and later mixtapes with his very own beats. Although DJ Squeeky has had quite a few other jobs including working in carpentry and the morgue, music has always been the constant in his life. Fast forward to today where you can catch DJ Squeeky at Digital Studio Memphis. He opened this state-of-the-art studio at the start of the pandemic and has been booked ever since. You can find many of your favorite artists coming through Memphis at Digital Studio Memphis creating hits. Pastor Troy, Criminal Mane and the late Young Dolph are just a few artists that DJ Squeeky has been