Verbally Effective

Jeremy Pierre comes to the Bluff City from the Crescent City, where he was prepped at the storied St. Augustine High School. Continuing his education in the city of New Orleans, he graduated from Xavier University of Louisiana with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication, broadcast concentration. Jeremy launched his reporting career as an intern at NBC affiliate WDSU Channel 6. After working in his hometown, he then went on to become a general assignment reporter at KNOE in Monroe, La. Currently, Jeremy is a reporter/anchor with Fox 13 Memphis. News has always been a passion for Jeremy, and he strives to produce fair, accurate and balanced stories. He particularly enjoys sharing stories from the communities he serves. Jeremy is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the National Association of Black Journalists. Take a listen as Jeremy discusses her recent encounter with the novel coronavirus and how he's recovering. He shares his views on the vaccine in addition to his disdain for the term "fake n

Known by her stage name, DJ Alpha Whiskey, Ashley Wimbush is an experienced entertainment specialist offering a unique and unmatched disc jockey skill set. Ashley entered the professional entertainment scene in 2017, though her passion for mixing music and making people fall in love with music started at a young age. Self-taught, Ashley possesses an almost-supernatural ability to blend and mix tracks in an evocative way transporting listeners to another world. Ashley not only controls the airwaves; she also controls the skies. A proud graduate of the illustrious Hampton University, Ashley earned her B.S. in Airport/Air Traffic Control Management in 2010. Her career in air traffic control spans over 10 years, as she currently serves as an air traffic controller at Memphis International Airport. In 2020, Ashley co-founded SheDJs , a Memphis-based female DJ collective. In addition to being a DJ and Air Traffic Controller, Ashley provides consultant & event-planning services, runs her company, Alpha Whiskey Enter

On Ep 146, Ena talks with Tennessee State Representative District 98 Antonio Parkinson. Originally from Oakland, CA, the Marine Corps brought him to the Memphis area as an air traffic controller in Millington. He speaks of his formative years dealing with homelessness, neglect and behavioral issues. Prior to his political career, Antonio was involved in the music business as an artist and producer. His leadership with the Memphis Music Commission led him towards his political career as Tennessee State Representative, District 98. Find out exactly what that role entails, his most prized rulings and how covid has affected Antonio's world.

Chelsea Chandler is the Morning Meteorologist and Time Saver Traffic reporter on Local 24 News Good Day Memphis weekdays 5-7am and Middays 11-12p as well as co-anchoring Memphis This Morning 9-10a. She has been recognized as the Commercial Appeals Memphis Most as Best TV Weatherperson 3 times and by the Memphis Flyer as Best of Memphis twice for her work as a morning meteorologist. Take a listen as Chelsea walks us through her journey which consists of many peaks and valleys. Although she has gained many accolades in her field, she has endured much heartbreak as well. You'll learn about her cultured upbringing, her amazing support system, a horrendous accident where she almost lost a limb and the tragic loss of a sibling. Chelsea is like many of us who strive to accomplish our goals yet still deal with the pressures of validation, relationships and mental health.

Originally from Indianola Mississippi, Marcus T. Turner is the agency owner of Marcus T. Turner and Associates. He attended Alabama A&M for a short period until he got the itch for the insurance game. In 2011, he founded Marcus T. Turner and Associates, a firm that specializes in financial services as well as personal lines of property, casualty and business insurance. Due to his rapid success and over 2 decades of experience in the financial services and insurance industry Marcus started his own consultant firm, Turn Key Enterprises LLC, to assist other financial service and insurance agencies on how to grow, manage and develop teams with strong leadership skills. He advises that insurance is based on socioeconomic factors and is indeed a "love thing." Although covid hit many of us hard, the insurance business increased for Marcus as many potential clients have been working from home with more availability at his reach. Learn about his deep spirituality, his close relationship with his mother and why his

The name Crumpy’s has been synonymous with hot wings for the last 30 years. Miss Crumpy’s is a second-generation company that promotes healthy eating, cooking, community development, and family togetherness. Miss Crumpy’s is led by founder Freda Crump. Freda has more than 25 years of cooking experience and it all started at home. Freda’s father opened his first Soul Food restaurant in Memphis, TN back in 1991 and the restaurants are still thriving today. Freda has successfully taken the experiences learned from working in her father’s restaurant to implementing them into Miss Crumpy’s by expanding from brick and mortar to a full product line and product development company. Freda has ensured that the brand is not only there to profit but also to give back. Take a listen as Freda shares her journey of expanding her family’s legacy, the misogyny involved with having a small business and the art of product development.

Making the leap from a very rewarding corporate job to becoming an entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart. However, our guest for episode 142 did just that. Memphis native Diamond S. Taylor is a creative entrepreneur, marketing consultant, and philanthropist. She is the founder and creative director of Friends + Co., a strategic marketing firm to help entrepreneurs & "sidepreneurs" streamline their start-up processes. Take a listen as Diamond walks us through her journey of excelling at FedEx as a sales executive and realizing she wasn't fulfilled. Many of you entrepreneurs will be able to empathize with Diamond's decision to leave the wonderful benefits, traveling and 401K behind to ultimately pursue your dreams.

Singer, songwriter and producer Porcelan joins us for Ep. 141. Her Westwood roots shined bright as she conquered choir, theatre and even volleyball at Sheffield High School. But Porcelan knew music was her first love as she pursued her dreams after her having her child at 18. Porcelan shares with us how she started in the music business with a group of hungry creatives figuring everything out. Fast forward to now with MIME Records founded by David Porter, she is releasing her new album "Mood Ring" on October 30th. Take a listen as Porcelan speaks on having a voice as a woman in the industry in addition to becoming more creative in the areas of content, engagement and writing while in this pandemic.

Making the case for causes he believes in and collaborating with other people fuels Marvin Stockwell's passion for his hometown of Memphis. He’s at his best when he’s developing creative solutions and shaping public opinion using the full suite of modern tools – media relations, marketing, public speaking, branding, event development, social media and grassroots advocacy. Marvin has worked at all points along the nonprofit spectrum from small to large. He co-founded two grassroots nonprofits – Coliseum Coalition and Friends of the Fairgrounds – and serves as spokesman for the wider movement to reactivate the Mid-South Coliseum and make the city’s Fairgrounds all it can be. Take a listen as Marvin discusses how his passion for civic engagement actually started while on tour with his punk rock band Pezz. His passion for saving the Coliseum led him to starting his podcast "Champions of the Lost Causes" for which he is currently writing a book. You'll also hear Marvin's views on the importance of voting in the

Curtis Braden is the CEO of Braden, Braden & Braden LLC and has been in the commercial real estate industry for over twenty years closing well over five hundred investment transactions. Known as the guy who carried his briefcase at Trezevant High School, Curtis has always been infatuated with numbers. Take a listen as Curtis walks us through his journey which led him to a very monopolized commercial real estate space. He speaks of the many challenges in this game with over 600 agents in the Memphis area and only about 5% African American representation. Curtis has always surrounded himself with a solid circle of individuals from different backgrounds known to many as the Rat Pack. Enjoy!

North Memphis native Laquita Tate is an educator, interior stylist and content creator for her brand, Laquita Tate Interior Styling & Design. This October she is celebrating her one-year anniversary in the design space turning blank canvases into beautiful works of art. It all started on Chelsea and Lambert growing up in a huge, loving blended family. Laquita became a teen mother at the age of seventeen following in the footsteps of both her mother and grandmother. However, Laquita worked extremely hard to dispel statistics by graduating from college, receiving her doctorate in education and pledging Delta Sigma Theta while attending University of Memphis. Although Laquita is currently serving as a principal, she's learned the perfect balance of incorporating interior design into her world. She is one of four winners for the "Art by Design" contest and is currently attending the New York Institute of Art and Design virtually. Take a listen as Dr. Tate talks about her strong support system, designing spa

My Pisces brother J. Buck is my guest for episode 137. This singer-songwriter who coins himself as "The King of Nostalgic Soul" describes music as an inside/outside process for him with elements of funk, soul and rock. Although he's from Memphis, his family has strong Mississippi roots. Take a listen as J. Buck walks us through his life growing up in Whitehaven and diving into music seriously while attending MTSU. While in college, he took a spiritual journey filled with meditation, sweat lodges and self discovery in which he credits for strengthening his musical ability. J. Buck feels that God is present in every thing that he does therefore communicating love through his singing and songwriting. Find out why he has struggled with getting on the virtual train when it comes to covid19 in addition to his thoughts on the Breonna Taylor case and upcoming election. You definitely don't want to miss this one!

Pastor DeAndre Brown is the Founder and Executive Director of LIFEline to Success, a reentry program for ex-offenders that equips them with the necessary tools to reenter society. This vision was made possible as a result of DeAndre spending 25 months in state and federal prison finding it extremely challenging to have a normal life again. DeAndre's roots reach back to South Memphis and the segregated south of Arkansas. Raised by his mom, grandmother and great aunt, DeAndre struggled with the dichotomy of racism as he navigated through school. He proved to be a very popular scholar as he attained his studies and unfortunately went from nerd to dope boy. That's where DeAndre's trouble with the law began and ultimately led him into 25 months in state and federal prison. Take a listen as DeAndre walks us through his time while incarcerated and the turning point that changed his life. He along with this wife Vinessa have been operating LIFEline to Success for about thirteen years now gaining contracts with

Jessica Benson is the host for the Memphis Grizzlies and co-host on the Rise and Grind show with Grind City Media. This Highland Ranch, CO native stepped away from her five-year television broadcast career to transition into the digital space with the NBA. This shift from traditional media came with many perks and freedoms. Not only did Jessica and her team start a show from scratch, but they have the bandwidth to tackle topics other than sports such as social justice and pop culture. Take a listen as Jessica shares her journey on being a woman in the sports industry, her transition to Memphis and the outlook for the world of sports in a pandemic.

Malorie Hullett is the Owner and Primary Educator at Creative Collegiate Academy. She grew up in Cordova, TN the oldest of two siblings, Melanie and Michael, also known as the three M's. Malorie was an all-around girl who had a knack with kids, loved fashion, participated in cheer leading and always loved to stand out. Having a COGIC upbringing added a creative flare to Malorie's wardrobe. After she graduate from Cordova High School, she attended HBCU Lane College. Coming from a long line of educators, Malorie received a BA in Elementary Education in 2006. Her teaching career began in 2008 with her first group of kindergartners in Clarksdale, MS with Friars Point Elementary. Fast forward to today with Malorie leading her very own home-based preschool as the primary educator for kids ages 3-5 years with Creative Collegiate Academy. You will learn about her strong family ties deeply rooted in creativity from her mother and cousin which became a game changer in her ability to connect with children outside

Born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico and raised in the city of Bridgeport, CT, Jeremie Serrano is a self-taught Artist and Chef that also works in the Advocacy & Policy field for underrepresented communities. Jeremie moved to the city of grit and grind for LOVE in 2017 reuniting with his boyfriend of six years. He noticed the disparity of health issues with people of color and responded three years ago by providing content via La Comida De Jeremie. Through his brand and social media platforms, Jeremie openly shares his experience through the lens of a gay, Latinx, plant-based guy maneuvering the world that was set up to go against everything he is and stands for. Whether it’s his illustrations with a message for change or a recipe to help teach a new vegan way to eat, one thing is always certain: you can find Jeremie advocating for the people and working towards a more equitable and inclusive society. To connect and learn more about Jeremie and his brand, check out his webstie at https://www.lacomidadejeremie.com/

Did you know that your Tennessee State Representative for District 91 loves dinosaurs and action films? Also known as "THEE Stallion of Politics" by her close friends, London Lamar shares her journey with the Verbally Effective Podcast for Ep 131. Growing up in the White Haven, London developed her love for community at a very young age. After graduating from Central HS, she attended St. Mary's and returned to Memphis diving into politics head first. London explains that it is a very high price being a black woman in the political space in 2020 always having to be twice as good. She shares her thoughts on how the overwhelming pandemic has exposed a wide array of inefficiencies and gaps in our government structure. London also reminds us that we are celebrating the 100yr anniversary of the Women's Suffrage Movement that echoes the importance of this election year. Take a listen as London reminds you that she has taken a vow to serve the people and represent her generation as a true leader.

In this exclusive Verbally Effective Podcast episode taped at Royal Studios, Ena Esco sits down with brothers and Memphis natives Fresh and Chase Henry. These brothers are building a multi-millionaire empire while giving back to their community in the process. Beginning with a need to protect their tailors within their LA manufacturing facility, the birth of Henry Mask Co. was developed. Take a listen as the Henry brothers share some pretty cool anecdotes on how the company came together and how both play very important yet unique roles within the business. As we all come to grips with a pandemic and revolution rolled into one, Fresh and Chase shed light on how they are moving different in such a heightened space. You'll learn all about Mask Money Monday in addition to how Fresh and Chase have incorporated philanthropy within their business model.

Can you imagine growing up surrounded by legendary music greats? Well my guest for episode 129, Oona Mitchell Bean, is the granddaughter of the iconic Willie Mitchell of Hi Records who released records with likes of Al Green, O.V. Wright, Ann Peebles and many more. Oona, along with her brother Boo Mitchell, continues the family's third generation as influential music makers and producers. Oona gravitated towards the business side of music helping her grandfather secure deals while becoming an expert at copywriting and publishing. Her personal growth also developed alongside famed producer David Gest as his assistant in the states and managing European tours with artists such as Peabo Bryson, Denise Williams and Melba Moore. In addition, Oona worked for free for fifteen years as a volunteer learning the ins and outs of festival planning. Through hard work and determination, she began planning festivals on her own merit such as MEMPHO Fest and the Memphis Springboard Festival. Oona spread her wings and start

"If serving others is below you, leadership is beyond you." This is the quote that comes to mind when I think of my next guest's journey. Erik Henneghan is a proud native Memphian with Frayser roots and a passionate community advocate. He earned his Bachelor’s in Business Management from Southern University while on a track scholarship. During his time in college, Erik was battling with deep depression dealing with sports and family issues. Luckily, he overcame his bout with the help of a strong support system. After graduation, Erik transitioned into a long career where he has held engaged positions with organizations focused on growth, collaboration and workforce development. His community contributions run deep and have been recognized on a local, national and global level. Tune in to hear Erik's journey and how he values relationships. He gives us a look inside how he reconnected with his father after years of pinned up emotions. He credits his wife for encouraging that relationship as he speaks of