Who Got Next? The Podcast

A new week. Which means NEW episode! This week I’m speaking with Kisha, a journalist, speaker, and writer here in the CLT Community. We discuss how she was able to turn her experiences in Corporate America into side hustle, which eventually flourished into a passion and presented her opportunities outside of a 9-5. We touch on her being a mother, the good and the bad of taking control of your finances, and of course….where does she CLT going in the near future. #WhoGotNextCLT #CLTure #QuarantineEdition

This week we are speaking to Lorri Lofton, creator and founder of Gracefully5417. Since relocating to CLT from Alabama several years ago, Lorri has built a brand that allowed her to establish a network with local companies and organizations throughout the city, and created partnerships in efforts to link them with the community; probably in ways they never thought were possible. To me, she always been a go-getter and one who not only talks that talk, but definitely walks it too. On this week’s episode I get the opportunity to speak with her about how she got started, the importance of cultivating relationships and utilizing your networks , and her thoughts on the word “influencer” in 2020. We also have a small debate about why the fellas don’t like to “BRUNCH” here in CLT! Very interesting take here. Don’t worry fellas, I GOT US! LOL Definitely a great talk with the homie! Lorri is definitely on the move, and I don’t see her slowing down anytime soon. So I’m lucky to catch her while we are all forced to have

This week I’m chopping it up with ladies of the Headwraps and Lipsticks Podcast, located here in CLT. Sharelle and Sierra found their way to CLT after getting their education from North Carolina A&T State University. Although both were enrolled at the same time, their friendship didn’t come to fruition until crossing paths on Twitter awhile back, which led to the creation of the podcast. We discuss how the podcast was started, the importance of communicating, who they form their topics, and how their individual endeavors help branding and marketing the podcast. We definitely get real about the climate of CLT and they both respectfully speak on the hope of creators finally being heard and adding to the rapid growth of the CLT community. This was a great conversation with Two Dope Queens. Please check them out! Their content is fresh! Get you a slice of it! #WhoGotNextCLT #CLTure #QuarantineEdition 

This week we are talking Corey Weaver, aka C Weave, bka @Picman704. He is a photographer here in the CLT community who is making a name for himself with his work. Only shooting for a short period of time you would think this brother been shooting for decades; that’s how polished his work is. In this episode we discuss how he turned this extracurricular activity into a business, and the importance of making your clients feel comfortable and knowing they’re in good hands. We also take time to talk about his former life. Oh, y’all didn’t know this guy had another talent? A damn good talent at that. Can y’all guess what it is? Hold your answer. Then come back and tell me after you listen. LOL#WhoGotNextCLT #CLTure #QuarantineEdition

This week I finally got a chance to chop it up with the homie Tank. We had a lot to discuss. We talk about what it was like growing up in CLT during the 90's & early 2000's, and making his path into the music/entertainment industry in High School after a black business owner taking a chance on him after he saw his drive and persistence as a teenager. Since Tank is a CLT native, who better to speak on the progressions and the identity of the city than this brother? He let me know his love for his hometown but also understand that for CLT to be the go-to city in entertainment and media there is a few changes that need to be made. Again, appreciate you Bro! #WhoGotNextCLT #CLTure #QuarantineEdition

Since we're still in the house I had to pull up on Ohavia Phillips and talk about how she ventured into the land media entertainment. She discusses taking a leap of faith in leaving her steady paying job to purse her dream of being in media independently and talking about the stories and creating content she enjoys putting out into the world. In addition, we chat about the "OH SHOW" and the meaning of a FACTORY RESET! Don't want to give it all away but she definitely is a ball of energy and positivity. She think she's going to get me to Milly Rock...We shall see! #WhoGotNextCLT #CLTure #QuarantineEditionFOLLOW THE SHOW at https://whogotnextclt.podomatic.comEmail: whogotnextclt@gmail.com

I'm back to business! I will not take that long of break again, but the break was definitely needed. Unfortunately I am not in a studio but I'm thankful for technology. This is a special quarantine edition and I'm starting this off with one my partners DJ Dexter Dynamite, and 1/4 of The FRESH!MEN. A lot of you may know him rocking some of the best parties in the QC and not know when this all started for him. We take a dive into his DJ journey and how it all started, all while maintaining a his job during the day, his studies during the evening, and spinning during the late nights. Dex discusses how the landscape of DJ'ing has changed over the years and the importance of maintaining relationships with promoters in the CLT community. Y'all take a listen. Thanks again for your patience. In the words first coined by DJ Dexter Dynamite.....YAK!!

This week we're talking to the homie (), VP of Charlotte Regional Business Alliance here in Charlotte. His job is important to the city because it focuses on how selling CLT to potential businesses thinking about relocating to the city. With rapid growth transpiring here it's great to get an in depth look on how that process takes place; he dubs his gig as "working for the mob" (dont worry, he explains this lol). We also touch on small black businesses, blacks investing in stocks, and homeownership. Real good convo! Appreciate ya good brother! Marvin P definitely got NEXT, ya dig?! ✊

On this week's episode I'm talking to Ms. Jessica, Radio Personality of Charlotte's own Power 98, and co-host of The Morning Maddhouse. We discuss what it means to be ready for your opportunity when your # is called. She talks about her journey going from part time at Power 98 while working in the school system up to the moment she got the call to work full time. Ms. We also get the full scoop on one her radio encounters that went "viral"! You all pull up a seat and let's listen to the Girl Next Door. #WhoGotNextCLT #CLTure

Had the opportunity to sit down and chop it up with my OG Darryl Hines, owner of Velocity Boutique & Velocity Denim in Charlotte. Although D. Hines is making major strides in retail, this wasn't always the case. We talk about what prompted him on opening up Velocity and what it takes to make a business flourish. Having almost 10 years of ownership D. Hines takes a moment to discuss having the vision and fortitude on starting his business after leaving Corporate America. His philosophy is always being prepared and focusing on the "three C's", which is Character, Capital, & Credit. If you are in the process of starting a business I recommend listening to this conversation. He definitely hits on the not so pretty side of being an entrepreneur. #WhoGotNextCLT #CLTure

I'm pretty sure you have been to an event thrown by this brother. Most 3 day weekends followed up by a holiday you can find Eddie somewhere hosting one of the many parties he has poppin' in the city. We get a chance to see what keeps him going with providing some fun to the nightlife; and definitely getting his take on the identity of CLT. He also gives WGN his thoughts on what All-Star meant for the city, along with getting a chance to hear about what its like going from an entrepreneur to a restaurateur. Eddie got Next!!! #WhoGotNext #CLTure

The good folks of Winter Xscape got next! Their ultimate goal is bringing young professionals from all over together for an EPIC vacation during the winter season to escape any and everything they have going in their lives. The motto is "Sometimes Happy Hour Isn't Enough", and WX provides the outlet needed to get more out of a happy hour, ya know?We sit down and talk with them about how WX got started and how the group has been the go to for the perfect getaway the past 11 years. Thanks to Tony, Nique, and D Willi for sitting down with us! Wheels Up! #WhoGotNextCLT #CLTure

When you think of CLT you can't help but think about the CIAA tournament and what it has meant to the city over the past 10+ years. It's a weekend that most mark their calendars for--ANNUALLY! Unfortunately, the CIAA will be concluding here in 2020 and moving its way to B-more. With so much talk about the move and how it's going to impact the city moving forward I had to bring in two brothers employed by the conference; it's only right. I'm sitting down with Ben and Breon, two brothers who not only works for CIAA, but also CLT natives. What better way to get down to the nitty gritty on rumors and what this means moving forward then picking these guys brain. Will the tourney be back? We shall see. Let's see what info we can get out of these guys! As always, appreciate the listen. #WHOGOTNEXTCLT #CLTure

Welcome back for Volume 5. We're starting this one off with Shamelle Jackson aka Meek Melly. She is the owner of Da Village Pop Up Shop, a unique endeavor that is catered directly towards the homeless population in the community that assists with individuals everyday living essentials. When you're talking to her you can hear her decision to create the pop up shop. Meek was gracious enough to tell us about her own experiences in her life that lead her to this point. I can't thank her enough for allowing me too converse with her. Ladies First! SHE GOT NEXT! 

Yea...Season is over with! Here is a bonus episode with Edub talking about how the idea of Who Got Next came into fruition. His homie Mica is doing the honors of leading this convo! #MicSwap # WhoGotNextCLT #CLTure

This week we are chopping it up with DJ Mydnite, Charlotte's own lunchtime DJ for Power 98. The term we've heard about the grind is "TRUSTING THE PROCESS", but Mr. 12am is the epitome of that. I've had the pleasure of seeing the homie start from the beginning. We talk about his journey from his first DJ gig to getting his shot on Power 98. There is a variety of topics we discuss to DJs showing love to the new DJs, getting low balled, the fraternity of DJs, and the business side of being DJ. Don't forget to check him on during the lunchtime mix during the week! #WhoGotNextCLT #CLTure 

This week WGN is having a convo with Mike Kitchen, owner of @thesolkitchen here in Charlotte. The Sol Kitchen is a promotions & marketing company that deals with progressive events which includes live music, concerts, and other entertainment. His 10 year run of "POP LIFE" was a big hit on Wednesdays back in the day. I can honestly say his events are one of a kind and it's worth every minute!!! We take a deep dive into the culture of Charlotte, the challenges with putting on events, and what folks in Charlotte really want? We recap NBA All Star Weekend, CIAA, and if the MEAC tourney can get some love in the city? This conversation was a great one. Thanks again bruh! Y'all don't want to miss this! Get familiar!!!! #WhogotnextCLT #CLTure 

This week we are talking to Brandon Crooms. This brother just see things different; and see it differently at a young age. He is one of the founders of the IKAN Agency here in Charlotte that facilitates as an Ideation lab for individuals to collaborate with like minded individuals who focus on creating ideas and content that increase social media impact. We talk about what drives his positive thinking, support from family and friends, and what it would take change the mindset about what Charlotte has to offer in the space of entrepreneurship! #WhoGotNextCLT #CLTure

I'm keeping the momentum going over here! Still talking to dope individuals. This week I'm back at it with LEX! This brother has a story to tell. Hailing from D.C., Lex has made Charlotte his home. The QC is where he found his faith, his passion, and entrepreneurial spirit. We chop it up to discuss his journey from the time he arrived in CLT as an incoming Freshman at JCSU to a man who feel the city and his experiences made him who he is today. Although we talk about how the SMIFF GEAR line is climbing up the ladder we do find an opportunity to discuss the journey along the way. We talk about his passion for helping young black men take the next steps into adulthood during the day then working on building his company at night. We hit on points about the sacrifices it takes to be successful, , the people who helped him along the way, and top the chat off with the definition of "SUPPORT" when it comes to business. Did I mention he is 1/4 of the FRESH!MEN? Yep, we still out here making moves. LEX is up NEXT!!! #