Collaborative Effort

Tune in as Aaron Newman (@aaronbrickdesigner) breaks down how he transitioned from one crazy dream as a UCLA theater major, to an even crazier dream as a commissioned lego brick artist. We chronicle his story from the childhood love for legos that many of us can identify with, all the way to his appearance on FOX’s Lego Masters and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. More about Aaron and his work can be found at www.aaronbrickdesigner.com.

.Just in time for National Minority Health Awareness Month, friend of the show Jason Lathan (@jll1978) joins me to talk about life and his upcoming book Darkness Births Light. We weave through different chapters of his book and discuss topics such as how family traumas can be handed down through generations, the power of treatment as well as lessons that 2020 has offered us thus far. Like and follow DARKNESS BIRTHS LIGHT on Facebook for more information.

In what is very much a continuation to of episode for Arthur Lyle (@arthur_lyle) and I pick up where we left off in our last conversation, just has is on the verge of launching his new online course. We delved into what drives him as entrepreneurs, how he has been able to build a six-figure barbershop business, as well as the consistency and persistence needed to see your dreams become a reality. You can find Arthur’s course at www.barbershopsecret.com.

Sometimes the timing of things happen to be fortuitous. Yesterday was fathers day, and on fathers day I was able to share a conversation with my father. Now my father just so happens to be a retired military vet as well as a retired military vet that joined the force during the tail end of the civil right era during the late 60s. I thought there was no better time then now, to let my father share a bit of his story in his own words as well as chime in on the current climate of the world as it pertains to the protests as well as policing. You may not find my dad online, but there’s a good chance you’ll catch him somewhere in a “3 piece suit with French cuffs!”

Tune in as actor, writer, musician and executive producer Michael Flowers Jr (@michaelflowersjr), gives his back story on how he made his way from Washington DC all the way to Los Angeles, to become a successful artist both behind and in front of the camera. We also delve into our thoughts on the current climate in America and how we are using our platforms to make difference in our own way. Michael’s KING ME CONVERSATIONS can be found on his instagram (@michaelflowersjr) on Fridays at 3PM pst/6PM est. His products and merch can be found at www.kingmecologne.com. Be on the look out of his upcoming travel show FLOWERS BE TRIPPIN'!

Today two prior guests (who also happen to be my co-hosts on another podcast) combine as we give our take on how the creative landscape has shifted since the announcement of Joe Rogan’s exclusive Spotify licensing deal in a cross-branded episode with the We Poddin’ or What? podcast!

Tune in as a visual artist, stylist and YouTuber Felicia Mesadieu breaks down her journey to becoming a successful content creator and more importantly how she put in the work of producing well over 100 pieces of content before she gained notoriety. She breaks down how becoming successful in something you are not passionate about can lead to resenting it and many other life lessons in what is easily the most well-rounded episode to date. Her main YouTube channel is https://www.youtube.com/user/sheisobsessed And her second channel is: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNtnQ_caWSffCFNXxrfI7xg

I had the chance to catch up with Scrybe (@scrybemusic) also known as Cerone Thompson. We delved into many topics, such as adjusting to life in the pandemic as a father with a full family. We also reminisced on favorite travel destinations (when traveling was still a thing) as well as shared how and what we are creating while spending copious amounts of time at home. Be on the look out for his latest project CHAPTER TWO later this summer.

Today I have the opportunity to share with everyone a great conversation with a good friend. He is the son of a black panther, an ex athlete, military veteran and police officer. With all of these defining factors in his life, he has always had a unique view of the world, and it makes for great discourse! Tune in to be educated, engaged and entertained.

This is the official entry of the Collaborative Effort Podcast into the My Rode Cast competition. It will also serve as the beginning of a new segment!

This one isn’t just for the creatives. We were lucky enough to catch up with Emmett Emin (@Emmett.emin) as he granted us a glimpse into his world and his mind. He shared some of the struggles as well as successes he has experienced as a creative and as a serial entrepreneur. We were also able to discuss things to consider for new entrepreneurs in the era of covid-19 as well as finding your niche in the business world.

If you haven’t heard of Alvaro Wong yet, I suspect you will soon enough. Alvaro is an amazing DP, filmmaker and entrepreneur. I had the chance to be involved with a couple of his projects and have been amazed at his talent and work ethic ever since. So lock into hear more on his approach and some of the things he’s learned along the way as he masters is craft and builds his brand on the way to making his mark! You can also find some of his work at @alvaro.mov on instagram!

Today was a really good talk! I got catch up with good friend Rai Benjamin (@_kingben_) as we discussed his preparation for the upcoming Olympics under covid-19. We also discuss the best ways to remain active while incrementally building up to one’s fitness goals.

Today I got to sit down with good friend and fellow creative collaborator Max Marshall. We broke down how we both are finding the freedom to express ourselves creatively during this pandemic and how it is more important to be true to self in your creative endeavors than being beholden to someone else’s perception. You can find Max at @maxwmarshall on Instagram, Tik Tok, Twitter.

Today, good friend CJ Okoye and I tackle two topics seemingly on opposite ends of the spectrum. Though, as with most things, this quarantine time has brought a lot of things closer. Tap in to see how he and his business partner are exercising their entrepreneurial spirit by bringing people closer together during the this stay at home period through SeeMe. Also stick around as he drops a few gems as a professional financial advisor.

Today, a good friend and fellow creative collaborator and myself hop on a call to talk about our findings about ourselves and the world during this stay at home season. We cover topics from dating, to “athleticism” to wine and we even create Vanessa’s Pilot episode for her podcast on air!

I swear we have positive and constructive conversations in real life. And although, you’ll find a bit of that sprinkled throughout this one, this one is mostly about the funnies. Feel free to laugh at or with us. We will accept it either way.

This is another one for anyone needing some good energy! Today I sat down with Ulato Sam who is an actor, movement architect and all around creative. Most importantly he is someone I consider to be like family. But today, Ulato and I take a moment to take account of all that has and is happening in the world and in our lives from the perspective of presence to realize the uniqueness of the moments that many of us have found ourselves in. If you are interested in contacting or finding out more about Ulato and his endeavors: IG: @youlatoe IG: @Kinrgy For booking: doralwhitaker@gmail.com

So today was a bit of a special day. I got to catch up with an old friend, who was not only there at the beginning of my journey, but (as you will hear in the episode) helped kick off the decision to relocate and pursue a lot of my dreams. That old friend is visual arts based entrepreneur Bruce Briggs (@brucethecreator) So tune in as we cover everything from intellectual property, legacies we leave for our children, servicing one’s self under quarantine and everything else between. You can find some of his art/merch at: @blackblazemugs And tune into his podcast, The Super Regular Podcast at: @superregularpod

Today I hopped on a call with a great friend and inspiration. He is an officer in UCLA PD, has spent many years as a youth paster and now is a fellow podcaster whose podcast 'Lessons from the 13th Grade' can be found on just about any podcast platform. If you are in need of some good, positive energy, this is the episode for you!

Today I catch up with Professional Basketball player Bryce Alford (from a safe distance might I add) as we nerd out on a bit of everything.

Kevin joins me as we catch up on everything that has transpired in the last month during these odd times.

In this time of social distancing, Kevin Grant was gracious enough to come join me for the first video episode of Collaborative Effort as we cover a wide range of topics.

It all started out as a normal podcast episode, with someone who began as a client and now is more like family. Then somewhere along the way, things took a turn. But it was a turn for the better. Tune in to learn how a young man from Compton became one of the most successful state farm agents in the country, as well as how we went from being the interviewee to the interviewer.

If you don’t know who Arthur Lyle is, nor his story, lock in and listen. You won’t regret it!

I sat down with Khalilah Yasmin to delve into how she molded many of her experiences into a creative collection of written works.

I got a chance to interview JeRonelle McGhee (who is also my nephew) early last year and discuss, in depth, his humbler beginnings and his journey up to making it on The Four, and his plans moving forward. He also settled who the current king of R&B was once and for all.

Tracy Pugh and I sit down and discuss health, wealth and wellness, from our perspective.