Verbally Effective

Originally from Pelham, AL, Amy Speropoulos has graced our televisions in Memphis since 1999. This award-winning journalist entered our homes and our hearts delivering compelling content on all 4 TV stations in Memphis including WREG, WMC-TV, ABC 24, and WHBQ, Fox 13. Take a listen as Amy shares quite a few peaks and valleys working in news television. From constantly being reminded of her southern accent, receiving low compensation and constant in-fighting, Amy has experienced it all. You'll also hear how Amy was able to balance being an amazing mother and wife while juggling a rigorous schedule with extreme demands. Fast forward to today Amy has pivoted into a new direction as the Marketing and Communications Associate with New Hope Christian Academy. Amy's story is truly inspiring being a woman who has been able to navigate tv news and now venture into a new career servicing the community.

On EP 187, we welcome Whitehaven, TN native Kier C. Thomas. He is currently the Executive Director at Western Tennessee A&M School of Engineering and Design. Kier's colorful background includes working for the Shelby County Government Law Enforcement and the Shelby County School System. He shares his experience on having the epiphany to become an entrepreneur starting his very own school. Kier understood that there were many alternatives to higher education that were not being normalized. As a result, Western Tennessee A&M was born and has provided individuals with certifications in various trades across the board. Tune in to hear Kier's amazing journey as he strives to shift the mindset of what we know as traditional careers.

Whitehaven native, Marvin Todd, has an extensive skillset in the areas of marketing, project management and strategic planning and implementation. Marvin currently serves as a Marketing Manager at FedEx corporate after mastering numerous roles during his eighteen-year tenure. He’s the Board Chair for Vision Prep Charter School, Board Member of Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change and is a mentor for youth via recreational sports programs at the Kroc Center. Marvin is also an entrepreneur and owns his own marketing & promotions company called Marvin Todd Marketing. Take a listen as Marvin discusses his current role at FedEx and how the pandemic has affected business both domestically and globally. In addition, Marvin shares many lessons learned over the past thirteen years as a curator in Memphis nightlife. He also speaks on breaking barriers that are not traditionally urban when acquiring venues, passing the torch to upcoming curators and his thoughts on why nightlife is a male dominated industry. Ma

Blues bloodlines don’t come any stronger or run any truer than those of Rodd Bland. As the son of immortal singer Bobby “Blue” Bland, Rodd was destined to follow in his father’s footsteps—though not from behind a microphone. Instead, Rodd regally sits behind a drum kit, supplying a propulsive beat that powers so many bands in and around Memphis. Rodd began playing with his father at the age of five years old. His new EP, Live on Beale Street: A Tribute to Bobby "Blue" Bland, is giving Rodd a chance to reintroduce his father's legacy to the world as he shares his remarkable gift. As you take a listen to Rodd's journey, he shares that Memphis is 'UNDENIABLE" in its sound and culture.

Jeff “Trot” Trotter is an Atlanta native that has been living and serving in the city of Memphis for over 12 years. Deeply rooted in faith and family, Jeff has carved out a lane in Memphis that has helped him stay hungry. He currently serves as the Special Projects Assistant to the Senior Pastor at Hope Church Memphis; which is the largest Presbyterian church in America. He is developing a business apprenticeship program entitled Prolifix as well as building his own athletic apparel line Bend Dxnt Break. Trot loves to use his creative energy and insights to impact society holistically. He is an actor, who had his first movie role in the film Brian Banks, a recording artist, fashion designer and entrepreneur. Take a listen to Jeff's amazing story.

Westwood native, Arriell Gipson, loves people and even more to make powerful impact on lives. Whether it is on the job, in the community, or within her family, Arriell leads by serving. Arriell has worked in four diverse career fields, from non-profit to small business and government, enhancing her skillsets to impact positive change vigorously. Arriell is also a candidate for Shelby County Clerk, 2022. Arriell currently serves as the Public Health Coordinator under the Population Bureau with The Shelby County Health Department. Tune in as Arriell walks us through her amazing journey beginning in Westwood and later transitioning to Cordova, TN. She talks of her robust background in civic engagement, professional development, and community wellness. Arriell's love for God resonates throughout the podcast in addition to her love for community.

Germantown native, AyeshiA Smith, is both CEO and Fashion Designer of the next big global brand, AyeshiA, an all-inclusive luxury women’s wear brand designed for women who appreciate timeless custom made pieces that creates confidence. AyeshiA's passion for fashion started at the age of five when she would often frequent Hancock Fabrics with her mom. At the age of thriteen she started sewing and repurposing denim jeans into designer handbags and selling them at her high school. Since then, she launched her business in January 2013 and the rest is history. She has showcased her line in several fashion shows across the country including LA Fashion Week and next up she will be showcasing her newest collection, “Memphis” at New York Fashion Week this September 11th and 12th. Balancing being the boss of her brand and a fulltime mom to her two kids is challenging, but so rewarding. AyeshiA has upcoming showcases in both New York and California in 2022. Be on the lookout for more to come with vibrant and timeless b

Holly Springs, MS native, Bianca Richmond, manifested her very first publication into a hit stage play. She started writing this book after a divorce which led to the creation of "Married to a Cheater, In Love with a Husband." Take a listen as Bianca walks us through growing up in Holly Springs where her creativity was developed and nurtured. Fast forward to today, Bianca is an entrepreneur owning numerous businesses while leading the charge of executing and marketing her new stage play in Memphis and beyond.

South Memphis native, Ashley Dortch, is bridging the gap between millennials and the masses. She was so bothered by the negative connotations associated with being a millennial in the workplace that she wanted to make a change. In 2018, she leaned on both her marketing and therapy skills to create Millennial Consulting to help organizations and companies understand how to work with millennials to increase employee retention. As you can imagine, business is booming with the onset of the pandemic and more attention surrounding metal health. Take a listen as Ashely walks us through her journey where she excelled at LeMoyne Owen College as president of Beta Tau chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc in addition to serving as Miss LOC 2013 and Miss UNCF where she advocated the relevance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in America. You'll also discover which form of counseling is Ashely’s favorite and which pair of sneakers are her most coveted possessions.

Born in New Orleans and based in Memphis, Preauxx mines musical inspiration from both cities even as his lyrics take listeners far beyond his humble Southern roots. Preauxx recently dropped his new project entitled "Slide" that is accompanied with a nice two-step dance. Take a listen to Preauxx's story stemming from a military family filled with religion and discipline. You'll discover that music has always been at the cornerstone of his life as he navigated through a plethora of situations. Fast forward to today where Preauxx is a part of the Unapologetic family deeply rooted in creativity and execution not only through music but also in the Orange Mound Community. Tune in as we talk missed opportunities, Ye vs. Drake and depression.

Trinica Goods is a professional dancer born and raised in Memphis, Tn. Since she was a young girl she always had a strong passion for dance. Trinica began her dance training at the age of 11 at Colonial Middle School. She attended multiple performing arts school(s) for the next four years. After graduating high school, she went on to continue her dance training at The University of Memphis. There at The University of Memphis, she was trained intensively in modern, contemporary, and ballet. In May of 2015, she received her BFA in Dance. During her time in college, Trinica began her professional career as an NBA Dancer. She completed her time with the The Memphis Grizzlies after her 5th season. She also began training under professional dancer/ choreographer Brandee Evans. This is where she learned the proper technique of dancing in heels. This led to Trinica creating “The Goods Experience” which is a series of dance classes created for the everyday woman, to help find her sexy while dancing in heels. Jus

Senator Katrina Robinson was elected to the Tennessee General Assembly November 6, 2018. With no political background but a fire for a good fight on behalf of the underserved, Sen. Robinson launched an aggressive campaign for office, ultimately unseating a 12-year incumbent in a 2 to 1 victory. Sen. Robinson is Founder and CEO of The Healthcare Institute Inc. - one of Memphis’ leading postsecondary healthcare career colleges and training consulting company. This very business has been the center of much controversy in the media. Katrina is no longer biting her tongue while the media has created a negative narrative surrounding her business dealings. On this episode, you'll hear Senator Robinson give insight into this matter in addition to a variety of things you may not know about. South-Mound-Haven best describes Katrina's roots in Memphis. Her independence started very early attaining her first job at the age of fourteen. She attended Xavier University with hopes of becoming a plastic surgeon but event

White Haven native Ashley Ave. has her hands in quite a few bags. Not only is she a singer-songwriter, but Ashley is also the mastermind behind the creative content for Memphis' first Women's Semi-Pro Basketball League, She Got Game. She refers to her upbringing as "High Class Hood Culture" stemming from both worlds of Tennessee and Mississippi. However, it wasn't until the age of twenty-three when Ashley pressed the gas on her music career. She is an alum of the Consortium MMT Emerging Stars and speaks of how her experience in the program aided her heavily with a strong business acumen in the music field. Ashely is now directing and creating visuals with Memphis elements for numerous clients. Tune in and hear Ashley Ave's journey on episode 176.

New Orleans, LA native Damieon Henry aka "Boss Spook" has made Memphis his home while he builds his empire. He is the CEO of Connected and Respected clothing line where his merch is housed at the Lyfestile Clothing Shop and Tattoo Shop in Whitehaven, TN. With over six hundred tattoos and known affectionately as Spook, he and I go way back meeting in 1999 when he stepped on the lawn of LeMoyne Owen College with an athletic scholarship for basketball under the tutelage of Coach Jerry Johnson. After graduation, he entered the job market but aspired of becoming an entrepreneur. Spook began Connected & Respected clothing line based on principle consisting of everyday wear such as T Shirts, hats, socks and shorts. He utilizes social media heavily and has connected with a few heavy hitters that support his vision and brand such as "Freeway" Rick Ross and J Prince just to name a few. Find out why networking has been a major part of Spook's success on Ep 175 with my good friend and entrepreneur Boss Spook.

Made In Memphis Entertainment recording artist, Brandon Lewis, is comfortable in the lane he has carved out for himself and he's doing what he loves-creating music. Being the youngest of seven, he was the only one to develop such a strong interest in and passion for music. Brandon has literally pulled himself up by the bootstraps in this music game by taking the initiative to learn every aspect of the business. David Porter has been an instrumental mentor along the way. Brandon is now the Director of Programming for The Consortium MMT where he assists in developing talent for the emerging stars of Memphis. Brandon shares with us how he put in the dedication to becoming signed with the MIME label releasing several projects. You'll learn why the music game is mostly business vs. talent on this episode.

South Memphis native, Donald Walker Jr., is the Pastor of LimitBreaker Church. Donald followed in the footsteps of both his father and grandfather continuing a devout legacy in preaching the word. It is indeed amazing to listen to his journey as he shares accepting his "calling" at the age of twelve. Take a listen as Donald walks us through his road to leading his very own Church and the many challenges and truths that were revealed. Through his experience with being a minister, he learned how to develop a style that promotes his love for God as well as his passion for music.

White Haven, TN native Candace Spicer joins me for EP 172 of the Verbally Effective Podcast. She's an author, model, actress and creator of the new Memphis based reality show Bluff City Bellas. Tune in as Candace walks us through her journey dealing with insecurities, her thoughts on the evolution of the modeling industry and why she developed an online reality show in the Bluff City.

East Memphis native, Mille Manny is waking up the industry with his Hip-Hop immersed R&B vocals. He just happens to be the youngest ever guest on the Verbally Effective Podcast. Millie found his passion for music at the age of fourteen and has had two songs featured on NBA2K21 in addition to making his television debut in the Lifetime reality TV show, Ms. T’s Music Factory. This young crooner has his eyes on the prize as he gears up to attend HBCU Tennessee State University on a full academic scholarship. Take a listen as Mille discusses his knack for analytics with social media, his close relationship with his father/manager and his plans to balance academics and music while in college. He's an emerging star with the Memphis based Consortium MMT program where he has access to a multitude of resources for talent development. Although Mille is at the beginning of his journey, we look forward to following this awesome talent along the way.

Whitehaven, TN native Deric "Sleezy" Evans began his love for comedy at a very young age. This actor, comedian and radio personality earned a Bachelors degree in Human Performance Sports Science from Tennessee State, and secured a coveted membership in the world famous Aristocrat of Bands. Deric discusses very humble beginnings in the comedy game once he graduated college. However he continued to persevere which resulted in a comedy career gracing both local and national stages. You can also find Deric on the radio as the fifth member of the "Kenny Smoov Morning show" on Nashville's 92Q. Tune in to hear Deric's amazing story in which he breaks down the comedy game, elaborates on the internet comedian fame and shares some of the politics within the radio industry.

Tune in to South Memphis Legend IBN Young AKA Playa Fly as he gets Verbally Effective with Ena Esco on Ep 169. Playa Fly is an artist, writer, musician, and entertainer who became a certified hood celebrity at the age of 21. Many of us still to this day recite verbatim Memphis anthems such as “Gettin It On,” “Crownin Me,” and “Nobody Needs Nobody.” He talks of his close relationship with his grandmother Minnie Mae who he refers to as being a "safe haven" during his formative years. In addition, he talks candidly of the bond between him and his father Bill Chill who you can hear on many of his most coveted tracks. Nowadays, Playa Fly is the CEO of Minnie Mae Muzik and is monetizing his brand in numerous ways. Take a listen as he shares his thoughts on Memphis, social media and performing during a pandemic. Fly is currently on a mini tour promoting his new single “Don’t Know Me" produced by Zaytoven.