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In Episode 47, I speak to Taylor and Cobain about their business Brain Juice Coffee, as well as their podcast, The Life We Create podcast.  We start by talking about their individual high school experiences. Then, we lead into their college experiences and the lessons they learned there. We go into what their first jobs were and how they ended up meeting.  The birth of Brain Juice slowly came afterwards and we get into how that happened. Taylor and Cobain also talk to us about how the podcast started as well and what that journey was.  Afterwards, we talk about mentorship and people that helped Taylor and Cobain along the way. That leads us into the launch of Brain Juice Coffee which occurred this past August 2025. Finally, they tell us about different lessons they learned along the way. We ended it with advice for other creatives out there!! Make sure to follow them on their podcast @TheLifeWeCreatePod  You can catch some of their episodes here now.  Also, follow them on IG @brainjuicecoffeeLA @taylorjoystevens @cobainrivers 

In Episode 46, I speak with Dreadfro, a local guitarist from Los Angeles.   We talk about his journey navigating from traditional schooling to home schooling. During the short time that Dreadfro was in school, he was introduced to playing instruments.  While getting pulled out of school wasn’t his choice, it benefited Dreadfro greatly in the end as it gave him the opportunity to hone in on those musical experiences. We talk about the evolution of his musical skills, influences and inspirations in music as well as some of the lessons he’s learned from being a musician.  He opens up that it was his uncle who got him really into music. He also tells us about a band he was a part of called the Black Galacticus. He gives us some insight on how musicians make money.  We end on the  conversation on topics of channeling our inner child, the joy of live music and the energy exchange that happens in concerts! Catch Dreadfro at the Cinema bar amongst many other places within Los Angeles.  Follow our guest @dreadfro772 on instagram!!

In Episode 45, I speak with Tia Hogue, a powerlifter, online coach & fitness influencer. She is from Redlands now residing in the Los Angeles area.  Tia begins by telling us her experience being a student athlete. The challenges that comes with and the perks she got as well. We talk about what it is like being a student of color navigating a predominantly white institution.  Then, we get into how Tia got into powerlifting. She highlights what it’s done for her and the impact that the powerlifting community has had on her.  She tells us more about her competition at nationals this year, what her goals are as a powerlifter and how finding the right coach was a huge step towards her success. It was a great episode! Make sure to listen to it. 

In Episode 44, I speak with Shanghaii, a videographer, director, designer & up and coming YouTuber. He is originally from Colorado now residing in Los Angeles.  We navigate many different topics with Shanghaii including cultural identity, the growth and challenge of moving, how COVID impacted relationships with friends.  We also talk more about the power of delusion through success, pushing through adversity and how sudden turmoil can literally flip your life around.  We end with Shanghaii sharing more about how he went from Miami to Los Angeles. He tells us about his new business where you can customize your own jeans called NETA. He also opens up about his film school! Make sure you listen to learn more about this amazing individual!!!

In Episode 43, I speak with A Beautiful Dae, a local singer from Los Angeles.  We talk about her journey through dealing with various health complications including multiple sclerosis. She tells us that it has helped her to sing because it became a tool of healing for her.  We also discuss her influences and inspirations in music. Dae opens up about her various job experiences and the skills she has acquired through them.  Overcoming all this advesity, she opens up about how challenging the education system was. Her path to singing became very clear to her. Thus, we discuss that transition of becoming a full time musical artist.  We discuss how she found opportunities in the most unexpected places. In addition, we talk about what her creative process looks like.  Everything from the role of the internet on music careers to the role of music on young lives, we discuss so much within the music industry. This was a great conversation getting to know the one and only A Beautiful Dae.  Make sure to check out some of her songs. My top 3 are It Pours (When It Rains), Damsel in Distress, G.T.F.Y. (I Gotta Thing for Ya). Follow her @abeautifuldae09 on instagram!!  

In Episode 42, I talk to Vanessa, the owner of Carniceria La Sirena in Compton, California. We talk about her journey through her different jobs and the various lessons she has learned. We talk about balancing family responsibilities and how, being within family, she actually got the idea for her business.  Vanessa shares with us that she found purpose and passion in business. One of the biggest lessons she shares is overcoming self doubt and taking it one step at a time with business. Don’t worry about the finish line, worry about that next step.  Half way through the episode, we talk about what business model she utilized to start the carniceria (meat shop). As a woman in business, Vanessa gave us the reminder to advocate for yourself and to be willing to take up space as a woman. Your business is worth you making the extra effort to make it a reality.  . . We end of the episode by highlighting how her opening day went, what her goals are with the carniceria and how she hopes to empower women in business. We are symbols of resilience!!! Unidas jamas seremos vencidasssss 3 

In Episode 41, I talk to Gema and Edwin, co-owners of Green Valley Micro Greens and Squeaky Soap Company. They are from Delano, CA now residing in Los Angeles, CA.  They share their journey being first generation students that come from Mexican immigrant parents. We talk about what high school was like for them as well how their post grad went. Going from community college to Cal State University, Bakersfield, they are very transparent on the feelings that that experience brought.  We talk about their move to Los Angeles and how that related to the start of their businesses. Gema shares with us the art of making soap while Edwin shares more on the topic of growing microgreens.  We end with one business tip from both Gema and Edwin. Together, they tell us what their goals are for the future! Tune into this special episode that is relaunching Hidden Julz! So happy to be back. 

In Episode 40, I speak with Prinda Belle, an upcoming artist from LA who currently resides in the Bay Area. She is a fusion of an r&b singer mixed with a little bit of K-Pop and a little bit of 00s nostalgia! We talk about Prinda in high school and how her transition to the bay was. We also highlight how being a singer helps her within her career as both a preschool teacher and a nanny. As we get further into Prinda's music career, we do discuss one of her collaborations with artist Fredoo as well as the previous EP she dropped named 'Like This'. Before I let her go, we did have to discuss dream collaborations, her message to her fans, and her goals as Prinda Belle. Stay tuned later this month as her new single 'WHOA' will be dropping!! Please support your fellow singers, go listen to a song right after this episode!!!!! WOO 3

In Episode 39, I speak to Wes G Poet, also known as Anson. He is both a musician and a filmmaker who we highlight back in Episode 3; please listen to that episode first. Within this episode, we touch base on the previous project his film company, Black Rose Productions, was working on.  We talk about the challenges and progress of that. We then go into a new web series that Anson and his team are working on. This leads us to talk about his debut album he is finishing called “Unfiltered Thoughts of a Restless Mind”. We talk about his previous work including filming a music video for Low Tides, which will be featured on the debut album.  Towards the end of the episode, we highlight some of the more creative projects that Anson has been working on including his twitch stream show The Zolo Show as well as his role as a producer for a podcast called Professionally Undeveloped. Tune in to this episode!!   EXTENDED EDITION: Wes G Poet and I went back and talked a bit more on the topic of music. We highlighted why he started making music, how he got his name, who inspires his music creative process and he tells us the name of his EP dropping in December! ~Unfiltered Thoughts of a Restless Mind~ Stay tuned for the single "Vision" from that project dropping September 1st! Please follow him on all platforms @zolo.wes

In Episode 38, I talk to Katherine, an upcoming model and personal trainer from South Central, Los Angeles, CA now living in Washington D.C. We start with many topics including dealing with anxiety and panic attacks in college. as well as Katherine's transition from home to college. Within that, we talk about the importance of being open to getting help with mental health.  As we navigate her post graduation experiences, Katherine highlights that no longer having a community is the most difficult part. However, she made it her intention to start a community for herself in DC. We also discuss sleep induced vertigo and the importance of rest.  The biggest theme in the episode is speaking your dreams into existence and, more importantly, how the way others knowing your dream propels you towards opportunities you did not think were possible.  From getting asked to host community workshops as a head coach to being asked to come on set as a model for Twisted Tea, dreams are worth chasing and Katherine reminds us to take up space. Please enjoy this wonderful episode that we had so much fun filming!

In Episode 37, I talk to Lyric, your spiritual advisor. Previously spoke to her in Episode 2, so make sure to watch that one first. We touch base on where she was back when we filmed Episode 2. We talk about taking a break to focus on spiritual growth. We also talk about numerology a lot and how to be intentional with social media. From wanting to create a physical space to returning to passion projects, this was a great episode to learn to manifest and visualize. At the very end, Lyric drops us a few book recommendations especially for those who practice African spirituality. You don't want to miss this episode!

In Episode 36, I talk to Marlene, a bartender from Riverside, CA. She tells us about becoming a single mother at a very young age and that leading to her having to find different ways to hustle for her daughter. She started with bartending at pop up events especially local events at residences. She explains she would also sell sweet treats while at her bartending events. We end with Marlene’s tips and tricks about bartending. Don’t miss this great episode!!!

In Episode 35, I talk to Christina, a local screenwriter from Los Angeles. She and I start by talking about how she has always been a writer. However, previously would write solely for herself as opposed to others. The school system was not always meant for her because of how easy her photographic memory made school for her.  We talk about her journey into screenwriting and how someone who needed help on Youtube helped jumpstart her career.  After meeting her husband, he really helped push her towards greatness, past imposter syndrome and a now recognized screenwriter. We move on to talk about Echoes, Christina’s new animated film coming out in film festivals all around you soon. She gives us pieces of wisdom so you definitely do not want to miss this amazing episode. Come dive into the screen writing world with me! 

In Episode 34, I talk to Sam Tarell, the founder of Divergent University. We begin by talking about how he first got involved in entrepreneurship through hoop brothers. Sam shares a few lessons he learned from working on hoop brothers. Afterwards, he dives into divergent vs. convergent thinking, how to start a business and the power of ideas. This was a great episode and the best part was in the end when we highlight Sam’s mission to develop leaders and the missing piece of the education system

In Episode 33, I talk to Ray Riley, an up and coming musical artist from San Diego, California. We talk about his experiences growing up as an athlete and the mentality it instilled in him. We build on that topic as he mentions the soft skills he was able to transfer from football and apply to music. We then talk about his first shows and the beauty of staying authentic as an artist. He tells us a bit more of his “Rookie of The Year” project released earlier this year. From musical influences to lessons learned in music, this episode demonstrates to us the unique way that music can be utilized as a way to create a brand.