The Devyn Zoolander Show

Diem Watson, Founder and Owner of Diem Style Studio, stops by talk about the journey that led her to opening her very own hair salon earlier this year. The businesswoman also discusses the challenges that she and her husband, Orlando, have with raising a child that has autism. In addition, Diem takes us back down memory lane to when she first met her husband at Youngstown State University. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diemstylestudio/Diem Style Studio: https://www.styleseat.com/m/v/diemwatson2?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaergb0J_0jPwtAThJGObgNvqHGxxgxkEeweVL11drx_lgHPYVY4D88vlbbHCw_aem_xvz_q_VsP-RhIYh00Y_OcQ

My good friend, Mira Monique stops returns to talk about how practicing “radical acceptance” of certain aspects of her life is benefitting her mental, spiritual and physical wellness. During this episode, we talk about Tracee Ellis Ross's recent comments about dating younger men because she finds that many of the men her own age are rigid in their views of masculinity. Mira also talks about the importance of eating nutrient-dense foods and lifting weights as she navigates through her 40s.

My good friend, spoken word artist and Senior Director of Programming at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, Orlando Watson returns to the show to provide updates on the following topics:​His upcoming poetry album (featuring yours truly)​How he feels about being a voting member of the Recording Academy (Grammys)​His love for jazz music​The opening of his wife's new hair salon named, Diem Style Studio https://www.instagram.com/diemstylestudio?igsh=ZjM1bW01aHozM2xx.

Emmy-nominated spoken word artist Diarra Imani stops by the show to talk about her debut album “Time Will Tell.” The nine-track offering features multiple genres including neo-soul, jazz fusion, R&B and hip-hop. In addition to her new album, Diarra reflects on her contributions to “The Ebony Canal” (a film documenting Black maternal health), the Equity Impact Center, her experience as a Scale Fellow, and how much she enjoys being the mother to an energetic toddler. You don't want to miss this conversation!Website: https://diarraimani.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1QUsmL-tp7z-AltCdKlmsMPaPcsblMA89iutoBhTOcXvanSl3HiVePM_A_aem_cnw1Mje9sh89oCmHwX9l7wFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/diarraimaniInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/diarraimani/“Time Will Tell” by Diarra Imani https://music.apple.com/us/album/time-will-tell/1768313825

Multidimensional artist Lo Yvette stops by to discuss her journey to becoming the visual artist, marketing consultant, and filmmaker that she is today. A native of Pittsburgh, Lo displayed her affinity for artistic expression when earned admission to Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12. As a student at Chatham University, Lo was an activist as she served on the Black Student Union. A few years ago Lo became the creative director for Afro Riche', a movement started by four artists collaborating to restore an antique baby grande piano. In the second half of this episode, Lo interviews the Cynt, the visionary behind Afro Riche'.Lo Yvette Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/locreadit/Lo Creates Shop: https://www.redbubble.com/people/locreates/shopAfro Riche Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afrorichepgh/

Visual artist, community activist, and political organizer Morgan Overton stops by the show to talk about the impact of Vice President Kamala Harris's rise to becoming the Democratic nominee for this November's presidential election. Since the age of four, Morgan has been engaging her peers in political discussions. Earlier this year, she was named as the youngest Allegheny County delegate to the 2024 Democratic National Convention. Also, we touched on the reason why she often emphasizes blackness through her art pieces. As a young Black woman from Pittsburgh, Morgan understands why her artistry and activism are critical to mobilizing marginalized communities in the face of intense pressure from fascist politicians. To follow all of the critical work that Morgan is doing, click on the following links:Website: https://www.mointhestudio.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mointhestudioInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mointhestudio/

A Songbird from Da Burgh featuring Shamira Underwood
Free-spirited, fun-loving, “melanated mother” stops by the show to discuss raising her three sons, working as an educator for almost 20 years in the Pittsburgh Public School district, and her love for singing. My favorite part of the show was when Shamira asked me to join her in performing some karaoke of our favorite 90s R&B songs. Stay tuned for a fascinating conversation with one of Pittsburgh's best-kept secrets!

Chrisarah Johnson, owner of Good Days Brand (a streetwear clothing line) stops by to talk about many topics including her most important job which is being her son Bean's FINE ASS mom! Raised in the Beltzhoover neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Chrisarah is now serving her community as the Zone 3 Safer Together Coordinator for Pittsburgh under the leadership of The Honorable Mayor Ed Gainey. Since her time at Brashear High School, Chrisarah has always been a civically-engaged leader. As a student at the first degree-granting Historically Black College and University (HBCU), Chrisarah's love for activism motivated her to join Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Stay tuned for a laid-back conversation with the multi-faceted Chrisarah Johnson!​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gooddaysbrand/​Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gooddaysbrand/​https://www.thelifestylenyc.com/fashionnyc/chrisarah-johnson

Professional athlete + massage therapist Ashley Hogan stops by the show to discuss healthy parenting, massage therapy, and seizing opportunities. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bemore.light?igsh=MW4waTY0a3ZpZzNsZg== TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bemore.light?_t=8nAMoS6ptZC&_r=1&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaZAwZBVlZqmkemGkNmX8YYVmwSfDV6QtvDufHN4-A13pEd10XKPFGz24g_aem_lRrpLjl6IbXBnrVPk1dm4g

Trauma Specialist and Spiritual Coach Ebony Tutora stops by the show to talk about how surviving and healing from multiple childhood traumas prepared her to guide other women through their own traumatic experiences. Her passion is teaching holistic practices that focus on inner child healing, mindset mastery, and meditation. We also discuss the toxic social media debates that are hindering relationships between Black men and Black women.

Self-taught mixed media artist, muralist, live painter, entrepreneur and educator Juliandra Jones (Juli) stops by the show to discuss the origin of her company “PBJ Customs.” In addition to her artistic journey, Juli sheds light on the impact that several traumatic experiences have had on her personally and professionally. If you would like to purchase “custom art for custom people,” check out Juli's work at https://www.pbjcustoms.com/home. https://www.instagram.com/pbjcustoms/ https://www.facebook.com/PBJCustoms https://www.tiktok.com/@pbjcustoms8

Joanna “Ning” Liptak is a Filipino photographer/model/dancer and powerlifter. She founded the Urban Dance Group at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. In this episode, she details her childhood experience growing up in the Philippines, why she dances, and how harsh words from a loved one motivated her to get serious about fitness.

Pittsburgh Songwriter-singer Casaundra stops by the show to discuss music, motherhood, and mental health. Stay tuned.

Rapper, business owner, and mother Damo Diore stops by the show to talk about her upbringing in Erie, PA, how she discovered her rap career while serving time in prison, and how she wants to define her legacy.

Spoken word poet, voiceover artist, festival director, and concert curator Orlando Watson joins the show to talk about his journey from spoken word poet to curating “Hooks and Phonics” a hip hop & poetry festival taking place at the August Wilson Center January 19- January 21, 2023. I've known Orlando for over a decade back when we used to spit poems at The Corner, a poetry space in Pittsburgh, PA! He is a creative man, a businessman, and of course a family man. Watching him take over as Senior Director of Programming of the August Wilson African American Cultural Center has been amazing. Stay tuned for a compelling conversation with Lando. If you would like to attend the Hooks and Phonics Festival, click on this link to purchase your tickets: https://awaacc.org/event/hooks-phonics-festival/

Wedding photographer Melissa Jean A.K.A. “Mel” stops by to talk about her business, Photographs by Melissa Jean. As a person with a “creative career,” I really enjoyed listening to all of the jobs that Mel worked before she concluded that committing to her passion full-time is the only way that she will be fulfilled in her life. When she's not taking pictures, Mel enjoys headbanging to heavy metal music. Enjoy this thoughtful conversation between two artists.

Nail salon owner and instructor Aliya Wray stops by the show to reflect on her time running two successful nail salons in Pittsburgh, PA, the reasons why she recently closed her South Side location, and how she plans to navigate the next phase of her career while being the mother of two young children named Peace and Love. This episode is the first interview that Aliya has done since she closed Aliya Wray's Beauty Parlor last February. Supporters of the accomplished business woman can follow her on her YouTue channel https://www.youtube.com/@AliyaWray. Thank you Li for telling your story!

Pittsburgh-based R&B/hip hop musician Cam Chambers stops by the show to talk about his journey from growing up in New Kensington, a small city outside of Pittsburgh, to releasing his second album, “Check Please” with producer Nice Rec. I really enjoyed listening to Cam break down his creative process for his feature performance on Spillage Village artist Benji's latest hit “Terms & Conditions.” Go purchase Check Please today!!! Check Please by Cam Chambers & Nice Rec https://music.apple.com/us/album/check-please/1701875361

My favorite project manager and digital nomad Christina Glancy AKA “Chrissy Lynn” is back for an encore episode. Our first episode focused on her upbringing in a multiracial family. This time, Chrissy offers advice on how to treat your life as a personal enterprise. In addition, she shares tips for all aspiring digital nomads. Digital nomads are people who travel freely while working remotely using technology and the internet. If you would like to grow your boundaries and your business, visit https://www.christinalglancy.com.

Standing at 5'10,” Korean-American volleyball enthusiast Sarah Mitchell stops by the show to talk about being raised by a Korean mother and a White father, her mother's experience competing in volleyball at the 1988 Olympics, and the differences between Asian stereotypes and Asian cultural traditions.

Culinary horticulturist Jasmine Smith, better known as “Chef Jae,” stops by the show to talk about her views on misogynistic podcasters, her unwillingness to allow others to compartmentalize her full personhood in order to build professional or personal relationships with her, and why Black parents today who use corporal punishment to discipline their children are highly problematic. https://www.chefjae.co

Pittsburgh-based R&B singer-songwriter Landon Thomas stops by to talk about his latest project, an album called “R U Still Mad At Me?” In addition, we chat about his love for Black women, his creative process, and why he has so much disdain for the 2001 movie “Save The Last Dance.” At the 47:08 mark, Landon pays tribute to his friend and fellow musician Mike “Tomlinese” Tomlin who lost his life to gun violence earlier this year.

Yoga instructor and Life Coach Charlotte Supernatural stops by the show to talk about mindfulness, meditation, and metaphysics. Mynamai.com

For my 37th birthday, I decided to travel to Baltimore, MD to collaborate with one of my favorite people to follow on Instagram. Actor/Singer/Model Golden Jans is a teacher by day and a multidimensional artist by night. During our conversation, we touched on several topics including the normalization of sex work, the difference between enforcing boundaries versus enforcing insecurities, and the pluses and minuses of being a well-endowed woman. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldenjans/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@naionthemic660

Filmmaker/model/television personality Mariah Torres stops by the show to discuss her journey from making up stories in the Hazelwood section of Pittsburgh to playing a role on Bravo's hit show “Summer House Martha's Vineyard.” I really enjoyed the way that she broke down the impact that being Afro-Latina has had on her life. In addition to her many talents, Mariah is the proud mother of a cool boy named Miliano.

Born and raised in the Northview Heights section of Pittsburgh, PA, Veniecia Robinson is a a Marriage and Family Therapist, Life Coach and Financial Therapist. She currently works as an ambassador for Alloy Wellness helping women and children navigate through anxiety, depression and struggles with self esteem. In addition, she helps her clients to improve their relationships with money so that they can be financially successful. Outside of her professional life, Veniecia is the most fit and lively 50-year-old that I have ever met. She enjoys eating healthy and working out. At first glance, you might not think that she is a mother of two children and a grandmother of two grandchildren but she is. If you would like to learn more about Veniecia or book a therapy session with her, then please click on the following links: https://www.facebook.com/REVWellnessGroup1 https://www.wellnesswithalloy.com/clinicians https://www.instagram.com/vrthelovedr/ https://www.facebook.com/veniecia.robinson

Fitness trainer, beautician, and proud mother Rahma Abdul stops by the show to talk about her fitness journey, the complexity of Blackness (particularly for people that are biracial/mixed/racially ambiguous), and the pressures that women face to look like IG models in order to increase their desirability. I am honored that she allowed my show to be her introduction to podcasting.

Nicaraguan-born realtor Charlene Lariosa, of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, stops by to tell us about her real estate journey. She also talks about how many of us do not know much about Nicaragua. For example, I had no idea that people go “volcano-sliding” FOR FUN lol. I think my favorite part of this episode is when Charlene describes how she deals with rejection. Get ready for an informative conversation with one of real estate's rising stars! https://www.howardhanna.com/Agent/Detail/Charlene-Lariosa/173034 https://www.instagram.com/soldbycharlenelariosa/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090605634336

DJ/Singer/Rapper/Entrepreneur Lyn Starr stops by the show while visiting Pittsburgh to accept a Distinguished Alumni Award from his alma mater Seton Hill University. In this episode, we talk about Lyn's journey to becoming DJ Stoasta. Growing up in Pittsburgh, Lyn attended CAPA (Creative and Performing Arts) for high school. In addition, he was a featured performer with Pittsburgh's Alumni Theater Company. Now living in Los Angeles with his young son Indigo, Lyn gets deep about how fatherhood has impacted his delusion-making. This episode was a lot of fun to record. I hope you all take something meaningful away from Lyn's wise words.

A couple of months ago I sat down with Marcell Johnson, a transformational speaker and host of “The Freedom Experience.” I really enjoyed hearing his journey from growing up in the hood to allowing his faith to compel him to speak life into people that are looking for guidance. To tune into The Freedom Experience, visit this link: https://www.marcelljohnson.com/copy-of-home-1

Jayla and Velissa are two women born and raised in the Pittsburgh region that joined forces to start a full-service brand management and media relations agency called “JxV Collective.” The company, based in Los Angeles, CA has worked with multiple Fortune 500 companies and celebrity clients including Joy Taylor, co-host of FS1 sports talk show “SPEAK.” During this episode, J and V take me behind the scenes of how their friendship with each other blossomed into a life-changing business partnership. We also explore the impact of being two young Black women navigating an industry that is dominated by White men.

Pittsburgh-based foodie Jessica Iacullo stops by the show to talk about her journey to starting her social media marketing company called “Hungry Jess Big City.” She has partnerships with many brands including Cosmopolitan Magazine, Audi, Forbes, Kraft Heinz Foundation, Boars Head, and the New York Jets. In addition to Jess's professional journey, we talk about how she creates boundaries to maintain her inner peace.

Catey Gilliam and Brett Gilliam are a married couple that owns Live Fresh Juicery in Pittsburgh. They have three locations in the city (Homestead, Northside, and Regent square). In this episode, they tell me about their first date at Clarion University, their individual health and wellness journeys, and the main qualities that they look for when they hire employees to work at Live Fresh.

Christina Glancy, better known as “Chrissy Lynn” is a program manager for a nonprofit tech company. In addition, she is the owner of her own strategic management firm called “At First Glance Solutions.” In this episode, Chrissy and I explore a plethora of topics including how growing up as a biracial, racially ambiguous Black child impacted her worldview. We also touch on her ability to transition from a blue collar upbringing to a white collar lifestyle.

Actress Shakirah Stephens joins the show to discuss her journey to becoming the talented performing artist that she is today. Some of her noteworthy performances include playing “Dussie Mae” in The Pittsburgh Playwrights Theater Company's production of “Ma Rainey's Black Bottom” in 2018. In addition, Shakirah portrayed the featured role of “Beverly Harrison” in New Horizon Theater's production of “One Monkey Don't Stop No Show” in 2022. Toward the end of the episode, Shakirah and I trade stories about our time working as background actors in Netflix's original film “Ma Rainey's Black Bottom: A Legacy Brought To Screen” based on Pittsburgh native August Wilson's play “Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.” Enjoy the show!

TRIGGER WARNING! This episode contains content that some may find disturbing. Kyrie Curving is the host of a podcast called “Talk That Talk.” Her podcast primarily focuses on nourishing your mental health as well as social commentary on issues pertaining to race and gender. In addition to her podcast, Kyrie is the owner of a business called “KyrieKreations” where she creates customized artwork for her customer's clothing. She is a painter as well. When she's not listening to G Herbo, Kyrie is a proud single mom. Around the 1 hour mark of this episode, Kyrie talks about a time when someone took advantage of her and how that traumatic experience changed the way she navigates through life forever. Thank you Kyrie for your willingness to have this crucial conversation with me.

KDKA Meteorologist Mary Ours stops by to talk about her journey to becoming a star news contributor on television in Pittsburgh, PA. Mary is unlike most people that work in the news industry because she brings the same bubbly, fearless energy on-camera that she has when she's performing at karaoke surrounded by friends. A 2012 Point Park graduate, Mary earned her broadcast meteorology certification through Mississippi State University. Also before becoming a meteorologist, Mary briefly worked as a news reporter. She loves to sing and dance on TikTok with her family, friends, and coworkers. That said, Mary is very serious about standing up for herself when some viewers resort to body shaming her or criticizing her just for having fun. She is a breath of fresh air and I loved how open she was during our conversation. Make sure you listen to the whole episode because Mary sang a lot on this episode.

Wedding photographer Melissa Jean A.K.A. “Mel” stops by to talk about her business, Photographs by Melissa Jean. As a person with a “creative career,” I really enjoyed listening to all of the jobs that Mel worked before she concluded that committing to her passion full-time is the only way that she will be fulfilled in her life. When she's not taking pictures, Mel enjoys headbanging to heavy metal music. Enjoy this thoughtful conversation between two artists.

Actress Melessie Clark, born in Philadelphia and raised in Greensburg, PA, stops by the show to talk about her career as a theatrical actress. Melessie has been involved in multiple theater productions including Alhambra's “Dreamgirls,” and the August Wilson play “Two Trains Running.” She honed her singing and acting skills at Point Park University, graduating with her BFA in Musical Theater in 2015. In this episode, we talk a lot about the impact that her theater training has had on her career as well as the differences between performing in New York City versus performing in Pittsburgh. So sit back, relax, and enjoy a smooth conversation with the Magnificent Melessie Clark!

“Art In The Clouds Clothing” owner LJ Wright stops by to talk about his journey to becoming an award-winning clothing designer in Pittsburgh, PA. Also we go back and forth about the ways in which Black men can exude healthy masculinity. This episode definitely reminded me that I need to create more space for Black men to talk about our issues on my show.

DaMia Law, a Pittsburgh native, stops by the show to talk about her journey to becoming a star content creator and business owner. Also a proud mother, DaMia excels at engaging her audiences on Instagram and TikTok through her humor, creativity, and high energy. In 2020, she launched a skin care line called DaMia Skin. On Youtube, DaMia is known for her motivational videos that promote self-improvement and women's empowerment. This episode was so soothing because she also serves as my relationship coach at one point lol. Enjoy!

Pop Channy is a visual artist, content creator, and influencer. Most notably, she is the creator of a card game that is causing spirited debates at a game night near you called “Black Culture Trivia.” Hailing from the Beltzhoover neighborhood of Pittsburgh, PA, Channy stops by to discuss the purpose of her card game as well as the ways in which players can benefit from earning their “Black cards.” In addition, we touch on Channy's loc journey and how her hair is her signature form of self-expression. You can follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/blackculturetrivia/

Emmy-Nominated Producer and dynamic fashion & lifestyle influencer Cydney Cooper stops by the show to dish about her professional transition away from being a news reporter, her pride in being a Black woman, and her love for her future husband. “Coop” also blesses the show with her “Whitney vocals” on multiple occasions. https://www.cydneycooper.com. https://www.instagram.com/cydneycoopertv/ https://www.youtube.com/@CydneyCooperTV

Arriana Bey, A.K. A. “The Fine-Ass Content Creator,” is the owner of an online women's boutique called BombBey. During a recent visit to her hometown of Pittsburgh (Beltzhoover), the content creator and fitness enthusiast stopped by the show to discuss her humble beginnings at Beltzhoover Elementary and how her experiences at Pittsburgh CAPA and Clarion University prepared her for her career as a marketing strategist, nightlife promoter, and social media influencer. Whether she's traveling the world with her partner or hosting a “fine ass fitness meetup” in Pittsburgh, Arriana is all about maximizing her potential everywhere she goes.

Entrepreneur, esthetician, and model Danina Thompson sits down to chat about earning her Bachelor's and Master's degrees at 22, becoming a homeowner before 30 and opening her own business, Euphoria Hookahs with her friend Tay during the pandemic. While Danina is a relatively mellow person, she showed a lot of enthusiasm when I asked her about her love for Beyoncé.

Luxury realtor and property manager Devon Caudle talks about leaving her corporate job to focus all of her energy on building her property management firm, C&C Property Management. As a proud Philadelphia native and realtor, Dev knows all of the hidden gems in Philly as far as real estate, restaurants, and fun events are concerned. Although this episode was originally recorded on January 24, 2022, I wanted to honor my friend on her birthday by posting the audio from our episode. Happy Birthday Devon!!!

Bilingual realtor Stephanie Wess stops by the show to talk about her humble beginnings growing up in small village of Apopa in El Salvador to becoming a real estate agent, devoted wife and loving mother. Her bubbly personality is on full display during this episode which probably comes from her days as a competitor in beauty pageants. If you're looking to purchase a home in the greater Pittsburgh area, then hit Steph up. Tell her Devyn sent you.

Visual artist Janel Young is a painter, muralist and community leader on a mission to inspire through creativity and play. Hailing from the Beltzhoover section of Pittsburgh, Janel has painted multiple murals throughout the city. On October 23, 2019, the artist received a proclamation from the City of Pittsburgh to recognize the day as “Janel Young Day” for her effort to wrap the city in color. And if these local accomplishments aren't impressive enough for you, Janel created a piece that was featured at the 2020 U.S. Open. This creative genius is a true superhero and it was an honor to have a conversation with her.

I traveled all the way to New York City to record an episode of with and I must say that it was worth the trip. Natalie and Ant, of “The Least Favored” podcast, joined me at King Leaf Studios to have a conversation about Ant's favorite word…ACCOUNTABILITY. Throughout the episode, the two podcasters talked about the origins of their platform as well as the plans they have for The Least Favored. Unlike the trend of male-female podcasting duos perpetuating “battle of the sexes” content that is all over social media, Natalie and Ant strive to have conversations that hold men and women accountable for their actions in relationships with one another. I really appreciated the way they broke down their opinions about mental health, mindful masculinity, and podcast etiquette. I hope you will enjoy this collaboration with one of the hottest podcasts out of NYC.

Recording artist and Pittsburgh native Benji stops by the show to discuss his journey growing up in the Homewood neighborhood of Pittsburgh to becoming a member of the Atlanta-based musical collective known as “Spillage Village.” Throughout our conversation, Benji speaks on the importance of protecting his mental wellness and how some dark times almost got the best of him. Also, Benji and I vibe out to some of my favorite bass lines. When Benji isn't singing or rapping, he's playing bass on “Psalm Sing” by Spillage Village & Mereba. Thank you Benji for being so transparent during this episode!

3x-Emmy-award winning journalist Jasmine Monroe, formerly of WKYC News, stops by the show to talk about her professional journey. Jasmine touches on Black female journalists that inspired her to pursue her career as well as the difficulties of being a Black woman covering stories about Black people that are harmed by the police.