Who Got Next? The Podcast

Let me tell yall something. Chick-fil-a not the only place that gives you SUPERB customer service. I will bet you my last Cheez-It that I can tell you another location that's just as good with the service. This spot is called Derita Dairy Bar & Grill. Let's meet the owner Devin, shall we? This episode is special for her. She opened one year ago today and I wanted to salute her and drop the episode during Juneteenth for the homie! We dive into how it was starting the business in a pandemic, how important it is to be personable with her customers, and some of the names that came about on the menu. When you go there you will notice that they have plenty of choices to choose from and they have something for everybody. I'll just leave it at that. Click on the link and you can see what I mean. When you stop by let her know Edub sent ya!#WHOGOTNEXTCLT #CLTURE 

WGN is back at it with Volume 7, part 1. I'm kicking this off with Eugene Bennett, owner of Shaded Media LLC. The company specializes in producing short form content that’s easy to consume. Over the last 10 years Eugene has worked diligently on showcasing his work to the masses and the work he's created has been met with huge praise. We sit down to talk about his journey in the field and what it takes to bring a client's vision to life. Not only does he produce quality content for others, but he is also creating short films that provides another layer to the work he's been laying brick by brick since knowing this is something he wanted to pursue professionally. It was great learning about his influences and what's up next in the future. So let's get to know who is the brother is----as he steps from behind the camera and on to the mic to chop it up with WGN. LIGHTS, CAMERA, AND.....ACTION! SHADED MEDIA GOT NEXT! #WHOGOTNEXTCLT #CLTURE

Link In BioSince this was supposed to be the first year for the CIAA in their new host city of Baltimore I wanted to talk about how that transition was within the past year-- and since COVID pretty much put that to a halt and what did it mean for the next couple of contractual years for the tournament. The only way to get those answers I had to bring back Ben Baxter, who holds a position as the Assistant Commissioner for Strategic Communications within the CIAA to discuss the pivot that had to put into play in the past year. To balance out the conversation I brought back Winston Robinson aka Wilmo who is also an alum of a CIAA school by way of Winston Salem State University. This sit down took a couple of turns on what we see the CIAA can and should do moving forward. Definitely touched on a few other topics with how city officials viewed the tournament here in CLT, and do they want to see it come back?#WhoGotNextCLT #CLTure

This week we're talking to Sheena Pickett, the owner of Alpha Male Nail Care here in the CLT community. Sheena brings 8 years of knowledge and experience as a nail technician and offers her services as a safe space for the fellas to feel comfortable and relax. I came across her business when a friend gave her a glowing endorsement on her services and I wanted to experience my first manicure & pedicure for the first time-- and she didn't disappoint. Our discussion leads to the reason she decided to leave corporate America to pursue her new journey in entrepreneurship, some men's fear of getting their geet done, and definitely go into detail on my first experience having my feet touched. She also lets us in on who feet might be worse between men and women? You all might be shocked at her answer! lol#WhoGotNextCLT #CLTure

Link In BioThis week we are talking with Barry Greene, owner of Shades Of Moss--plant shop serving the CLT Community. During the pandemic, Barry found joy in collecting and learning about plants and once an opportunity presented itself to open up his own shop he took a leap of faith and went for it. On this episode Barry takes the time to talk about some of the misconceptions about Men and dealing with plants, some of the most popular plants to start out with, some of the do's and don'ts when caring for plants, and what he wants Shades of Moss to be to the CLT community.#WhoGotNextCLT #CLTureFOLLOW THE SHOW at https://whogotnextclt.podomatic.comEmail: whogotnextclt@gmail.com

This week we are talking with Danette & Kat, collectively known as @materialcurls , bka D.I.Try Experts as they say lol. This all started when Danette bought her first home and realized how expensive things could be regarding renovations; then the went off in her head and said "you know what?, I'll just do this myself, but let me get my homie Kat to help!" After watching YouTube videos for assistance they quickly realized how some in the D.I.Y community would just show the good stuff and never the bad stuff with doing projects. This is where Material Curls was born. Not only were these two going to perfect their craft but they wanted to create content that showed their mistakes along the way. They talk about the importance of maintaining their friendship in business and the pros and cons that comes with it. We also talk about how brands started reaching out and how important it was for them to show there is a community of Black women getting down and dirty with jigsaws, hammers, & nails! I definitely

This week I am chatting with singer & songwriter Lillian Blanche out of CLT, NC. I've had the pleasure of seeing Lillian grow in to her own since deciding to get back into music almost 7 or 8 years ago. I wanted to talk to her about her journey and what made her want to get back into music again? We discuss, the identity of the "musical" scene in CLT today versus 10 years ago. We also touch on topics she want to discuss in her music along with the pros and cons of doing pursuing music independently. One nugget in our discussion is her reintroduction on a song that charged her musical juices again to get back in the booth by a very familiar CLT DJ's mixtape who is considered "The People's Champ!" Y'all sit back and get to know Lillian. You will notice she has a very clever way of using words at times! Wipe Me Down #IYKYK#WhoGotNextCLT #CLTure

Happy New Year Folks! This season is going to be a good one. Definitely talking plenty more people who are on the upswing with their brands & products.Before we do that I want to do a quick recap on things that stuck out for CLT on 2020 and name a few entities that I think have next in 2021. I couldn't do this by myself so I brought the homie Shameika on the pod to talk about it with me.Shout Out to the folks mentioned below in this episode on who to watch for in 2021. Just a few on the radar:• CarolinaBlitz• ItsTheBlock• Checked In• Picman704 w/ 1xStudios• Studio_oneseven• AscendApparel• Shades of Moss• LillianGoatGruff• ReddRoseVodka• Lulu's Maryland Seafood• Leah & Louise• Jimmy Pearls• What The Fries• Shome704• Verbal Van Goh• Reuben Vincent• Cyanca.isJust a few........#WhoGotNextCLT #CLTureFOLLOW THE SHOW at https://whogotnextclt.podomatic.comEmail: whogotnextclt@gmail.com 

Welcome to Volume 6 of the WGN. Hey folks. I’m Back! We’re talking to Noel Pipkin, founder of Barre Belle Ballet here in CLT. Barre Belle is a nonprofit organization that is a portable dance studio designed to provide universal access to the art of dance in the CLT communities and schools. Noel found her love for ballet at a very young age. She credits ballet being a focal point in her development into adulthood and saw an opportunity and a need to create these opportunities here in CLT. She sits down with me to talk about the importance of diversity in dance, her journey, and her taking the leap in creating the organization. I also ask a very important question. How do keep the feet up to par when doing ballet? Because I can only imagine the HammerTime percolating in those shoes once you’re done. LOL. J/k, but seriously, How? Lol. #WhoGotNextCLT #CLTure

This week I had the privilege of talking to Chef Oscar Johnson & Chef Darryl Cooper (aka Coop), owners of Jimmy Pearls, a pop-up restaurant located at 7th Street Market in uptown CLT. Originally from Hampton, VA, these two didn't formally meet until attending Johnson & Wales, where their culinary journey started for them. With Jimmy Pearls they have a unique style to seafood, but with a flare of soulfood mixed in. On this episode we discuss the story they want to be told through their cooking, what made them decide to go into business together, the landscape of black restaurants in CLT, being mentored by Soulfood Sessions and, and definitely what is next for JP? Listen to Chef Coop tell you what HE WILL NOT BE COOKING at Jimmy Pearls!! LOLOh, scroll on over to the next page and check out this tasty fish sandwich with the Jimmy sauce I had the luxury of smashing! #WhogotnextCLT #CLTure #QuarantineEdition

Although I have a podcast of my own I would be remiss to not acknowledge another podcast that is on the grind making their mark in the CLT Community. Had a chance to chop it up with Jumpman Jones, Jukebox Johnny, and James aka Jellyfish of the K!ck!n $#!T Podcast. We talk about how the podcast was created and what topics they liked to discuss with their listeners. We definitely touch on the landscape of podcasting in CLT and what it means to have diverse content between different platforms representing the city. Please make sure y'all check them out and listen them discuss the latest topics in current events and pop culture! These brothers are NEXT! #WhoGotNextCLT #CLTure #QuarantineEdition

This week WGN had the opportunity to talk with Bubba, one of the founders of Bank City Bike Club here in CLT. We discussed how the formulation of the bike club started, the importance of staying active, the misconceptions of cycling amongst African Americans, and how he saw a path for the bike club to be formed into a bona fide business. He also breaks down what type of bike you will need when you are cycling for long periods of times. In closing, don’t think your HUFFY you’ve had since grade school will do the job. It will not! I definitely asked! LOL. This was a dope conversation and yall will enjoy this for sure. Take a listen and get familiar with Bank City. #WhoGotNext #CLTure QuarantineEdition

This week we’re talking to Salim and Kimani, co-founders of Ascend Apparel LLC. In 2017, the company established themselves as a luxury brand and pushing the envelope of creating products with quality material for consumers across the globe. In our conversation Salim and Kimani discuss how their awkward introduction with one another while attending WSSU lead to a friendship that catapulted into a partnership. They also touch on how their partnership works within the company and the importance of holding each other accountable; even when it may cut deep. Through our conversation you can definitely see these brothers are family and want to create generational wealth and great items through Ascend Apparel. Y’all take a listen. These brothers definitely are NEXT! #WhoGotNextCLT #CLTure #QuarantineEdition

One thing CLT has is a variety of places to eat and when I say "Eat" I'm talking about "Good Eating" around here.This week I had the pleasure of speaking to Cory Wilkins, founder of DailySpecialCLT, that consists of letting us know what restaurants consumers need to check out here in the CLT community. Cory is a foodie and he wanted others to know about these places as well. What started out as trying to find the food specials turned into an opportunity to help restaurants promote their brand via social media. If you follow DailySpecialCLT on IG you can see why restaurant owners are clambering at the chance to get Cory's critique; it's not just his word but also the visuals he produces to capture the essence of the dishes in particular. This conversation discusses how his hobby turned into a business opportunity. Y'all get to know Cory. He Got Next!!!#WhogotnextCLT #CLTure #QuarantineEdition

Let’s be honest. We all know how demanding the liquor business can be. It’s not for the faint of heart. Got to have thick skin to get into this type of business, but it looks like Taylor is on the path of crushing all those barriers. This week I had the pleasure of speaking to Taylor R., the owner of Redd Rose Vodka. We discuss how Redd Rose was born and the inspiration behind the name. We talk about her goals and aspirations on what she EXPECTS Redd Rose to do, the legacy she wants to create for her family, her early challenges when forming the company, and talking about how doubters can fuel your ambition to be successful. Please be on the lookout for Redd Rose! She definitely has NEXT! #WhoGotNextCLT #CLTure #QuarantineEdition

This week I am talking with a fellow Fay State alum , and the owner of TYME, an artisan that specialize in hand made candles and fragrant products. We discuss what inspired her to create her business and touch on KNOWING YOUR CUSTOMER as an aspiring entrepreneur; which is extremely important when growing your business. We also the importance of building a brand and marketing products in different environments, and being open to CHANGE! So sit back, light a candle, and take a listen. You have nothing but TYME! #WhoGotNextCLT #CLTure #QuarantineEdition

This week we are getting into some ART! I’m talking with artist Leon Parker who resides here in CLT. We discuss how he got started and the emergence of the art scene here in and the exposure it’s giving to those who are starting to cook with church grease and bubbling under the radar. He gives his opinion on the cultural impact the BLACK LIVES MATTER MURAL had on not just the CLT Community but other cities across the U.S. I couldn’t let this brother leave without telling me about what influences his style and the notable artists’ work he enjoys. It was great getting to know Leon. Please take a listen. This is a good one. As always, thanks for tuning in! Leon, YOU’RE UP NEXT SIR! #WhoGotNextCLT #CLTure #QuarantineEdition

On this week’s episode WGN is chatting with Deanna Taylor, a Queen City native, and Editor-in-Chief for It’s the Block, a new digital publication designed to be a cultural resource for people of color who operates in the creative space and entrepreneurship here in Charlotte community. Her and I discuss what It’s the Block will mean for us in the future and touch on the many changes the city has gone through in the past several years. Deanna wears many hats outside of her newly appointed position. She is an attorney, author, avid traveler, foodie, and definitely keeps up with the latest sneaker releases (you know that’s right up my alley). This was definitely a great conversation. You all take a listen as she lets me know what’s crackin’ on HER BLOCK! #WhoGotNextCLT #CLTure #QuarantineEdition

This week I am talking to Renee, event planner, business consultant, and owner of Socialight, Inc. Renee talks about the moment she decided to leave her job in education and build her company full time. We also discuss the pros and cons on starting your business and how important it is to build your clientele in the beginning so business can be sustained long term; COVID is definitely an example. This sista is definitely grinding it out and she has testimonials to prove it. Also listen to her take on taking no shortcuts and knowing your worth after paying your dues. #WhoGotNextCLT #CLTure #QuarantineEdition

This week WGN is talking to the newly appointed Head Coach of Hopewell High School, JaRon Goodson. Goodson gets his shot at leading the Hopewell Titans after gaining a wealth of experience as an assistant coach for the West Charlotte Lions the past 4 years. He discusses why Hopewell HS was the a great decision, betting on himself, and taking a leap of faith and relocating from Fayetteville after a brief stint at Cape Fear HS. He also talks about what is was like coaching a year's NBA Lottery Draft Pick. So take seat and losten as we talk X's and O's.