Verbally Effective

Born and raised in Fort Worth, TX, known to most as Chef Tam, she is the owner of Chef Tam's Underground Cafe. Nestled in the heart of Memphis, TN, Chef Tam's restaurant is one of few that has voluntarily decided to go full take out during this novel pandemic. Growing up in Texas she married young and was heavily involved in church becoming a youth pastor. After graduating college with a business and marketing degree, she attended beauty school and opened a hair salon. Tune in to find out the reasons for Chef Tam's move to Memphis, her long lineage of family cooks and her amazing television adventures on the Food Network with Guy Fieri and many others. You will also discover that even in the midst of uncertainty, Chef Tam remains resilient finding peace in her home garden.

Memphis native Brent Hooks comes from a legacy of racial justice activism. Brent is a young capitalist whose work ethic and education speaks volumes in creating the leader he is today. He grew up in a very diverse environment with him often being the only black male in many settings. Take a listen as Brent walks us through the importance of being civically engaged, relationship building and some very strong advice for budding entrepreneurs. He also shares some of his favorite reads that have shaped his business mind frame giving him an edge as a millennial. Brent is currently the co-owner of AllWorld Project Management, Vice President of Administration for 100 Black Men and a board member to Shelby County/City of Memphis Film and TV Commission.

Orange Mound native, Alexis Cole, is a saxophonist and highly decorated beauty queen. Having low self-esteem growing up, her mother always challenged her to go beyond. Alexis had a very cultured upbringing staring on the piano and transitioning to the saxophone in the 6th grade. She entered the pageant world at the age of sixteen and won the title of Miss Black Memphis. Alexis was also crowned Miss UAPB in 2013-14, Miss Black USA in 2019 and currently working towards the Elite Miss Tennessee Earth USA title. Take a listen as Alexis walks us through her insecurities growing up, being the only black woman in many settings, her love for fast cars and how she is coping as an essential healthcare worker during COVID19.

Michael Butler Jr. is controlling the narrative through his lens. He is a self-taught cinematographer, photographer and content creator. The only boy with four sisters, Mike grew up in South Memphis. He headed to the navy after graduating from Wooddale High School in pursuits of traveling the world. After those four years of discover Michael eventually made his way back to Memphis. He shares why he picked up a camera after battling with depression. Scouring YouTube University to perfect his craft, Michael is now one of the most sought after photogs and filmmakers around. Take a listen as Michael describes his aesthetic, his involvement with capturing the recent protests and why his daughter Maddie is his muse.

Growing up in Cherokee Heights as an only child, Rachel Knox has always had a love for the arts. It was no surprise she thrived in theatre arts while attending Houston High School and later majored in Fine Arts with a concentration in Costume Design and Technology at the University of Memphis. Upon graduation, Rachel accepted a role with Arena Stage in DC where she mastered the craft of the creative effects of audience strategy. A year later, she moved back to Memphis as the Manager of Teacher Professional Development and Community Partnerships at the Orpheum Theatre. Rachel currently serves as the Program Officer for the Thriving Arts and Culture and Engaged Leadership and Civic Pride portfolios at Hyde Family Foundation where she manages approximately $2.2M/year in grants to area non-profits. In addition, Rachel is the Board President of the CLTV (Collective) a non-profit Black cultural organization. On this episode, Rachel expresses her passion for using culture creatives as a springboard to invest

East St. Louis, IL native Cory Sparks has built a well-respected name among media and entertainment influencers over the past twenty years. Growing up in the inner city and traveling heavily during his upbringing, Cory was an athlete in school who always had an interest in music. His entry into the business was through radio where he doubled as an on-air talent and promotions manager in Nashville. Cory gravitated heavily towards the promotions side of the business and eventually started his own business, Spark Brand, LLC. He is currently the Directory of National Urban Promotions at Epic Records making him an emerging industry leader to watch. On the podcast, Cory takes us through his music journey and speaks with in depth knowledge on the power of relationships, consistency and many lessons learned. We also touch on how the landscape of the industry has drastically changed due to COVID19. Lastly, Cory shares his thoughts on the tragic killing of George Floyd.

Originally from Fairfax, VA, essayist and memoirist Leta McCollough Seletzky is deeply rooted in Memphis, TN. At the tender age of three she moved to the city known as the home of the blues with her mom who worked as a reporter for the Commercial Appeal. After graduating from Craigmont High School, Leta ventured off to college as Political Science and French major at Northwestern University. She later entered into law school in Washington DC and suddenly felt the need to tell her father's story. This precious memoir took a few years to begin as Leta's life was uprooted due to her husband's job moving the entire family overseas to Central Asia in Kazakhstan. Her international travels did not end there with the next move being in Nigeria which is the sovereign country located in West Africa. The year was 2014 that brought about a major plot twist for Leta's life as she and her family was nestling into their new world in Lagos. The Ebola outbreak struck which caused Leta to uproot yet again and move to th

South Memphis native Crystal Mercedes has been making waves since hitting the DJ scene in 2008. Although her aunt and uncle were djs, playing the baritone at Colonial Middle School and being on the Color Guard at Overton High School was where her love and understanding for music began to broaden. She entered UT Chattanooga as a Communications major and started djing in August of 2008. Crystal admits it was a rough start but later discovered she did not have be in the clubs to dj. She was booked for many corporate and school events, which became her practice ground. After graduation, Crystal pursued her MBA in marketing in Atlanta while working two interns; one being in the fashion industry. Her transition back to Memphis was faced with quite a few challenges trying to enter into both the media and dj world. What you will learn from this podcast is that Crystal never compromised her originality by conforming. She learned very early how to say "NO" and took huge risks in doing so. She fully believes th

You may be familiar with the Directory of Business Diversity and Compliance for the City of Memphis, Joann Massey. However, do you know about Lil JoJo from North Memphis? There is so much behind a name that it deserves a podcast to tell the entire story. Raised by her Godparents in New Chicago, Joann faced desegregation along with many other traumatic events and transitions. As she entered high school, she felt misunderstood as many of us do when we are not allowed to be our authentic selves. This feeling resonated with Joann as she navigated through life and entered college where she made a true connection at LeMoyne Owen College with her black heritage. As she climbed the ranks in her professional career, Joann was charged with the challenge of increasing minority spend as the Director of Business Diversity and Compliance with the City of Memphis. In this role, Joann and her team have been able to build a system designed to enrich and provide the needed tools for minority businesses to do business wi

From launching his business, Massage on the Go, when he was 25 to now having more than 450 therapists in 50 states, Samuel Nelson has proven that hard work and resilience are key ingredients in the recipe for success. Sam grew up in the Bethel Grove community playing football for White Station HS and hustling bootleg cds, candy and gucci apparel out of his trunk. Although he attended college as a bio-chemical major, Sam told his parents he was leaving college for a year to attend massage school. That is when the trajectory of his life changed in many ways. Not only has Sam built a massage empire, he's always carried Orange Mound in his heart and continues to give back through the Mound Collection. Take a listen to Sam's journey and how COVID19 has affected his massage business.

It's not often that your backup plan becomes the Master Plan. This is exactly what happened to entrepreneur Megan Mottley. Her daughter was preparing to attend an international school trip to Japan and Megan started a fundraiser selling cookies that manifested into an empire. Growing up in North Memphis, Megan was very studious and involved in extracurricular activities at Raleigh Egypt High School. She is a graduate of University of Memphis and decided to teach after graduation. Her English background kicked into full gear when she decided to create Divine Magazine where she interviewed the likes of Moziah Bridges of Mo's Bows and gospel singer Jekalyn Carr. Fast forward to today you can find Megan fully engaged in building her cookie empire. Goodness Gracious Luxe Cookies has been operating for three years and is slated to launch a Virtual Summer Camp for kids starting in May. Tune and take a listen to Megan's amazing journey.

Chef Desmond Robinson (Chef D.Arthur) is a native of Memphis, TN by way of Whitehaven. Coming from a family of amazing culinary talent, cooking has been a passion of his since he was a child. After graduating from the University of Memphis in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, D.Arthur went through a period in life where he had to figure things out before beginning his culinary education at the International Culinary School at the Art Institute of Atlanta. Following a short time in Atlanta, he went on to obtain a Masters degree in Higher Education Administration from Louisiana State University. D.Arthur is now the Owner of D.Arthur’s Catering. D.Arthur’s Catering is a full service catering company in the Memphis area that offers services for weddings, showers, reunions, corporate events, private dinners, healthy meals, cooking lessons, and any other culinary need. D. Arthur’s Catering specializes in putting a unique twist on some of your favorite comfort dishes. Chef D.Arthur has spent the last c

In this season of uncertainty we have a newfound respect for our educators. Meet Angela Janelle Jones! A graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana with a Bachelors in English, a Master’s in Education from Union University and currently a Doctor of Education candidate at the University of Memphis, Angela is a stellar individual: personally and professionally. In 2013, She took a leap of faith to start her own family preparatory academy-Paideia Preparatory Academy. Prior to her entrepreneur journey, Mrs. Jones was the Special Projects Manager for a local Smithsonian Affiliate Museum of five years. She also actively serves on the Advisory Council for Early Childhood at The University of Memphis. She has received numerous awards and recognition for her excellence and quality. Take a listen as Angela and I discuss the importance of taking advantage of this precious time we now have. Although COVID19 has infiltrated our lives, there is so much to be thankful for. Our kids need us more than ever as many parents

My guest for episode 114 is Dr. Stacy L. Spencer, Senior Pastor of New Direction Christian Church in Memphis, Tennessee, a multi-site congregation with church plants in Collierville, TN, and Idutywa, South Africa. Take a listen as Dr. Spencer speaks of his humble beginnings in the 80's working in tobacco fields in rural Olmstead, Kentucky. He learned many life skills growing up but most of all empathy for others. As a student in high school, he was involved in a plethora of activities including football, track, band and speech. West Kentucky University was where he later attended college as a broadcast major pledging Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. It was his junior year when he received his calling from God. After graduation, he attended seminary school and later moved to Memphis, TN as a youth pastor with Mississippi Blvd Church. In 2001, Dr. Spencer stepped out on faith and began a radical church by the name of New Direction Christian Church that has grown rapidly going from 60 to 10,000 members in

Patrick Newman is a Memphis native graduating from Hamilton High School, Univ of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (B.A. History) where he played baseball, Freed Hardeman University (Master’s in Education) and also Success School of Real Estate. Patrick has been able to gross millions of dollars in three totally different industries: Education, Real Estate and Entertainment. Throughout his career as an athlete, educator, and entrepreneur, Patrick has experienced a tremendous amount of success. He holds High School, State Records, All City, and All State Awards as a Baseball Player at Hamilton High School. He also received the “Hero Teacher” Award with Memphis City Schools as an educator and the Urban Elite Professional Top 40 under 40 Award.  In addition, Patrick’s Ultra Lounge was nominated for Best in Black Award in Memphis Tn.  Patrick Newman is currently the C.E.O./Owner of RP Newman Real Estate Firm, Savor Memphis Ultra Lounge, and the head baseball coach at LeMoyne Owen College. After a very successful decade in

Rosalyn is determined to let her light shine. This Memphis native continues to build on a strong acting resume that includes work in network television and feature films, in addition to commercial work with global brands such as FedEx, Dell Computers and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. She grew up in her hometown playing flute in marching band and concert orchestra and singing in her church choir. By the time she was selected to be a vocalist with the renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers®, her freshmen year at Fisk University, she was well on her way to her commitment to living her passion for the arts out loud. On episode 112 of the Verbally Effective Podcast Rosalyn stresses the need for having a good agent in your circle, establishing boundaries and pursuing your passion. She also shares some of her favorite “on set” projects. And yes, you guessed it. Rosalyn walks us through how the coronavirus has affected her world in the entertainment industry.

Meet filmmaker and artist Chassidy Jade; a professional video editor and multi­‐talented creative from Delray Beach, Florida and Memphis, Tennessee and with nothing more important to her than producing high quality and diverse independent projects. Tune in to episode 111 as Chassidy breaks down the cost of being a boss in the world of editing.

After a fifteen-year corporate career with various Fortune 500 companies, Summer Owens decided to use her life's challenges to help other overcome theirs. She is the founder and CEO of S.O. What! LLC and author of Life After Birth: A Memoir of Survival and Success as a Teenage Mother. She wears many other hats in addition to being named the President of the University of Memphis National Alumni board. Although she has achieved great success, Summer's greatest challenge and accomplishment has been raising her son as a single mother. Take a listen as my amazing Soror walks us through her upbringing in Jackson, TN where she resided before moving to Memphis. It was there where she experienced a sexual assault that would change the trajectory of her life. Now don't feel sorry for Summer because through it all she has prevailed by turning her life's story into a brand. My hope is that you are fully encouraged after you listen to episode 110 with Summer Owens.

Jasmine Worles is a Memphis native who has pushed for fluid communication between grassroots communities and local government and has been named a Rising Star by the American Society of Public Administration. She is on a continued mission to use her skill to bring the voices that matter most in Democracy to the decision making table. Jasmine currently serves as the Strategic Planning Advisor to the Chief of Staff of Shelby County Schools. Take a listen to episode 109 and let Jasmine walk you through her in-depth journey that includes political, economic and community spaces. She keeps self-care as a top priority while hoarding plants and traveling in her free time.

Standing 6'8, John Best aka "Brother John" serves as the General Manager for the Department of Broadcast Services (88.5FM & C19-TV) of Shelby County Schools. In a short matter of time, John has transformed these media entities into a powerhouse for students to create content for radio, TV, photography, podcasts, graphic arts and digital media. Originally from New Jersey, John moved to Memphis at the age of sixteen. As a Whitehaven High School graduate, Best was known for his basketball skills and spent his 20-year career with the NBA and several international teams. After retiring in 2007, John put the basketball down and pursued his other passion - youth. Take a listen to John's journey as he explains why he transitioned from the NBA to the school system. Just like many of us, John had to endure plenty of sacrifices to keep his peace of mind and family afloat. As a beloved on-air radio personality during your weekdays from 3-7pm, John Best's focus is to change the paradigm when it comes to options