POPULARITY
64 episodes with denisha
8 episodes with denisha
7 episodes with denisha
5 episodes with denisha
3 episodes with denisha
3 episodes with denisha
7 episodes with denisha
5 episodes with denisha
3 episodes with denisha
Send us Fan MailWhat do you do when you sense God asking you to take a step, but you have no idea where that step will lead?If you're anything like Denisha, you'd love for God to hand you a five-year plan in a three-ring binder, complete with color-coded tabs. But often, God doesn't give us the whole roadmap. Instead, He invites us to stay close, listen for His voice, and trust Him with the next step.In this special episode of Living the Reclaimed Life, Denisha is switching seats and becoming the guest. This conversation originally aired on Zach Imboden's Full Life Coaching podcast, and Zach graciously gave us permission to share it with the Reclaimed Story community.Zach is a pastor, leadership and marriage coach, and spiritual director who helps leaders, couples, and ministry teams cultivate lives rooted in God's presence rather than the pressure to perform. He is passionate about prayer, spiritual formation, and helping people experience the full life Jesus promised.Together, Zach and Denisha talk honestly about what it means to trust God in seasons of uncertainty. They explore discernment, fear, control, obedience, and the wrestling that can happen when God's invitation takes us somewhere we never expected.Denisha shares moments from her own journey when God asked for her yes, from reconnecting with her biological father after 30 years, to stepping onto a stage when she would have preferred the back row, to eventually starting Reclaimed Story. Again and again, she has discovered that obedience doesn't always come with understanding first.Sometimes you have to put your feet in the water before you see God part it.In this episode, you'll hear about:Why faith is less about knowing the destination and more about trusting the One who is leading youHow relationship with God becomes the foundation for discernmentWhat to do when you're afraid you might make the “wrong” decisionWhy God is bigger than our decisionsThe prayer Denisha has been asking in uncertain seasons: “Jesus, what are You inviting me into?”How curiosity can help us release our demand for certaintyWhy wrestling with God can still be part of a trusting relationshipHow past experiences of God's faithfulness help us take the next stepWhat it means to become so convinced of God's goodness that, even when we wrestle, our hearts keep coming back to yesMaybe you're facing a career change, a new opportunity, grief, a relationship decision, a calling that feels bigger than you, or simply a next step you cannot quite see.You don't have to know where the path is going when you know the character of the One you're following.As Denisha shares in this conversation, certainty isn't found in knowing exactly what comes next. It is found in knowing Who you are clinging to.Scriptures MentionedProverbs 3:5–6“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…”John 15:5“I am the vine; you are the branches…”Joshua 3The Israelites step into the Jordan before the waters part.Isaiah 30:21“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'”Connect with ZachLearn more about Zach Imboden, coaching, spiritual direction, and his work at FullLifeForYou.com, and listen to his podcast, Full Life Coaching.Connect with DenishaLearn more about Denisha's speaking, coaching, and leadership training at DenishaWorkizer.com.To learn more about Reclaimed Story and find resources, encouragement, community, and opportunities to connect, visit ReclaimedStory.com.This episode originally aired on Full Life Coaching with Zach Imboden and is shared here with his permission.Here are two FREE Ebooks for you! 1. Shame Off You: 10 steps to shattering shame in your life, HERE. 2. ABC's: CLICK HERE for a FREE E-book to help you combat lies and replace them with God's truth. For more encouragement, check out some of our offerings at www.reclaimedstory.comDid you know we have a jewelry line that speaks to your identity in Jesus? CLICK HERE to shop. Every purchase helps support our mission to provide healing and hope to women worldwide. Would you partner with us to spread the message of hope and healing? You can DONATE HERE. Living the Reclaimed Life is a Reclaimed Story, Inc. podcast, An Arizona non-profit corporation. If you would like to connect with a safe group of women doing real-life together, join our private Facebook page, “Living the Reclaimed Life” or on Facebook or Instagram
Maddi Mays hops in The Wayback and we head to early 2000s Houston, Texas! Maddi gets nostalgic about growing up on a cul-de-sac where all the neighborhood kids were getting into trouble with Denisha, and the legendary Laura, who had two uvulas. Maddi also shares stories about settling crushes with “fight clubs,” the pressure and excitement of cheerleading competitions, and the unforgettable trips to the Renaissance Fair with her grandma. Check out Maddi at a live show, or on the Fat Fish podcast! SUBSCRIBE for new episodes of The Wayback every week!
The truth about abortion is heart-piercing. Every baby who is aborted is a human being who never had the opportunity to live out their calling. For Denisha Workizer, this chilling truth rings true: her mother attempted to abort her twice, but despite these attempts, she was born full-term in July of 1976. Denisha didn't find out about her mother's attempted abortions until she was 42 years old, and the truth shocked her. She felt hurt, betrayed, and traumatized. But now, thanks to God's grace and His healing spirit, Denisha is a national speaker and the founder of Reclaimed Story. She shares her unique and life-changing perspective as a survivor of abortion and a participant in the Faces of Choice campaign, which aims to humanize babies in the womb by putting a face to each person who survived an abortion attempt. “Culture begins to shift when hearts shift first,” Denisha says. TAKEAWAYS Abortion survivors often struggle with feelings of rejection or feeling unlovable The Bible says that all humans were created in God's image, or Imago Dei Denisha's mother tried to terminate her pregnancy with both chemical and surgical abortion methods, but God had bigger plans Denisha helps women heal from their past - to harness it as their source of strength, not their source of pain
Kisha talks with Nancy, Diane, Blakely, Geralyn, and Denisha about the history of DEY and what lies ahead for the future of early childhood advocacy.
Send us Fan MailWhat if caring for your health could become an act of worship instead of pressure or perfectionism?In this episode of Living the Reclaimed Life, Denisha sits down with Christian health advocate Nelly Holst for a deeply encouraging conversation about faith, nutrition, healing, and learning to steward the body God has given us.Nelly shares her powerful story of walking through decades of chronic illness, discovering biblical principles for healthy living, homeschooling her three daughters for 17 years while battling health challenges, and ultimately learning how deeply God cares for every part of us, body, soul, and spirit.Together, they discuss:• Nelly's journey to faith and the moment Jesus became real to her• Living with celiac disease before most doctors understood it• What Scripture says about caring for our bodies• Simple practical changes women can make toward better health• Why stewardship matters more than perfection• The connection between physical health, emotional health, and spiritual health• Non-invasive light therapy and holistic wellness• Encouragement for exhausted women who have spent years caring for everyone elseThis conversation is filled with wisdom, grace, hope, and practical encouragement for women who want to live healthier lives while staying rooted in Christ.If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs hope today.Stay connected with Nelly Holst: Email: healthycoachingtoday@gmail.comhttps://linktr.ee/healthylivinghappenstodayFacebookInstagramLinkedInHere are two FREE Ebooks for you! 1. Shame Off You: 10 steps to shattering shame in your life, HERE. 2. ABC's: CLICK HERE for a FREE E-book to help you combat lies and replace them with God's truth. For more encouragement, check out some of our offerings at www.reclaimedstory.comDid you know we have a jewelry line that speaks to your identity in Jesus? CLICK HERE to shop. Every purchase helps support our mission to provide healing and hope to women worldwide. Would you partner with us to spread the message of hope and healing? You can DONATE HERE. Living the Reclaimed Life is a Reclaimed Story, Inc. podcast, An Arizona non-profit corporation. If you would like to connect with a safe group of women doing real-life together, join our private Facebook page, “Living the Reclaimed Life” or on Facebook or Instagram
Ashlee Jenae & Denisha Delancy Two Stories, One Bigger Conversation
Send us Fan MailIn our last episode, we celebrated five years of conversations around healing, faith, and what it means to reclaim your story, and today we're beginning to step into more conversations that really matter.This episode is all about understanding trauma through a lens of compassion, because when we begin to see what's really going on beneath the surface, it changes the way we see ourselves, others, and even God.Before we dive in, I want to thank our sponsor for today's episode, Tim and Andrea Looney from The Looney Advantage at Realty Executives. They've been serving families across the Tucson area for over 24 years, helping people buy and sell homes with care and integrity. Tucson friends, you can find them by searching The Looney Advantage on Facebook.Here are two FREE Ebooks for you! 1. Shame Off You: 10 steps to shattering shame in your life, HERE. 2. ABC's: CLICK HERE for a FREE E-book to help you combat lies and replace them with God's truth. For more encouragement, check out some of our offerings at www.reclaimedstory.comDid you know we have a jewelry line that speaks to your identity in Jesus? CLICK HERE to shop. Every purchase helps support our mission to provide healing and hope to women worldwide. Would you partner with us to spread the message of hope and healing? You can DONATE HERE. Living the Reclaimed Life is a Reclaimed Story, Inc. podcast, An Arizona non-profit corporation. If you would like to connect with a safe group of women doing real-life together, join our private Facebook page, “Living the Reclaimed Life” or on Facebook or Instagram
Send us Fan MailWhat if the way you respond to life makes more sense than you think?In this special episode, Denisha is joined by Deborah and Robin as they celebrate five years of the Living the Reclaimed Life podcast and step into a new season of conversations together.Through personal stories, laughter, and meaningful moments, you will get to know Deborah and Robin while also beginning to explore how understanding trauma can bring clarity to our stories and compassion to the way we relate to ourselves and others.This episode is a mix of celebration, connection, and honest conversation, and it sets the foundation for what is ahead.If you have ever wondered why you react the way you do, or long to understand your story in a deeper way, this episode is for you.We would love to hear your thoughts for future episodes! Email us your ideas at podcast@reclaimedstory.comWant more resources, real stories, and a safe community to grow in your healing?Download the Reclaimed Story app or visit reclaimedstory.com to get connected.Here are two FREE Ebooks for you! 1. Shame Off You: 10 steps to shattering shame in your life, HERE. 2. ABC's: CLICK HERE for a FREE E-book to help you combat lies and replace them with God's truth. For more encouragement, check out some of our offerings at www.reclaimedstory.comDid you know we have a jewelry line that speaks to your identity in Jesus? CLICK HERE to shop. Every purchase helps support our mission to provide healing and hope to women worldwide. Would you partner with us to spread the message of hope and healing? You can DONATE HERE. Living the Reclaimed Life is a Reclaimed Story, Inc. podcast, An Arizona non-profit corporation. If you would like to connect with a safe group of women doing real-life together, join our private Facebook page, “Living the Reclaimed Life” or on Facebook or Instagram
Special guest, Denisha Gingles, returns to the show to update our perceptions of good leadership with a decidedly non-Western traditional mindset of culturally responsive practices. For example, did you know that some cultures appreciate a greater sense of unity from their leaders? Apparently one giant know-it-all doesn't necessarily make for the best boss—looking at you, American CEOs! Learn how embracing a more diverse workforce can also benefit goals of meaningful mentorship and growth in our field with some examples from the medical world and how much we really should learn from rugby. This episode is available for 1.0 CULTURAL (ETHICS) CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Sriram, V., Atwal, A., & McKay, E.A. (2024). Exploring aspects of mentoring for black and minoritised healthcare professionals in the UK: A nominal group technique study. BMJ Open, 14. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-089121 Kemzang, J., Bekolo, G., Jaunky, S., Mathieu, J., Contant, H., Oguntala, J., Rahmani, M., Louisme, M.C., Medina, N., Kendall, C.E., Ewurabena, S., Hubert, D., Omecq, M.C., & Fotsing, S. (2024). Mentoring for admission and retention of black socio-ethnic minorities in medicine: A scoping review. Journal of Medical Education and Curricular Development, 11, 1-9. doi: 10.1177/23821205241283805 Shaikh, A.N., Gummaluri, S., Dhar, J., Carter, H., Kwag, D. (2024). Application of the principles of anti-oppression to address marginalized students and faculty's experiences in counselor education. Teaching and Supervision in Counseling, 6, 94-105. doi: 10.7290/tsc06laio Laloo, E. (2022). Ubuntu leadership - an explication of an Afrocentric leadership style. The Journal of Values-Based Leadership, 15, 1-9. doi: 10.22543/1948-0733.1383 Mathur, S.K. & Rodriguez, K.A. (2022). Cultural responsiveness curriculum for behavior analysts: A meaningful step toward social justice. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 15, 1023-1031. doi: 10.1007/s40617-021-00579-3 If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, and the two episode secret code words to complete the purchase. Email us at abainsidetrack@gmail.com for further assistance.
The book The Commodification of American Education: Persistent Threats and Paths Forward includers a powerful chapter written by Denisha Jones in which she writes, "To protect childhood, we must resist GERM and all its manifestations in early childhood education." In this episode, host Heather Bernt-Santy has a conversation with Denisha about what this means, why we need to do more than just resist, and the impacts for children if we do not take action. Have you ordered Heather's book Using Schema Play Theory to Advocate for Free Play in Early Childhood yet? It's available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Bookshop.org, or you can order directly from the publisher on the Teachers College Press website. Thanks for listening! Save 10% on professional development from Explorations Early Learning and support the show with the coupon code NERD. Like the show? Consider supporting our work by becoming a Patron, shopping our Amazon Link, or sharing it with someone who might enjoy it. You can leave a comment or ask a question here. Click here for more Heather. For a small fee we can issue self-study certificates for listening to podcasts.
In this episode, host Kevin P. Chavous introduces Denisha Merriweather, founder of Black Minds Matter and a leading advocate for education freedom. Her path includes failing third grade twice, growing up amid instability, earning a scholarship, and becoming the first in her family to graduate from college before completing a master's degree. The theme is second chances in education reform, and the promise is access and dignity for every child, especially those too often left behind. Key Moments [00:00] Failing third grade twice and early struggles [03:00] Poverty, instability, and how it shaped her learning [06:00] A godmother's support and the chance of a scholarship [08:30] Finding a school culture that believed in her [11:30] First in her family to graduate college and earn a master's [13:00] From personal story to national advocacy [16:00] Founding Black Minds Matter and building a directory of schools [21:00] Why diverse school leaders matter for real choice [25:00] Hopes and concerns for the future of education freedom Guest Denisha Merriweather — Founder, Black Minds Matter; education reform advocate; former U.S. Dept. of Education staffer First in her family to earn a college degree; later completed a master's Testified before Congress; active national voice on education freedom Founded Black Minds Matter in 2020 to uplift Black school founders Led work documenting 500+ Black-founded schools across the U.S. Resources Mentioned Black Minds Matter — National initiative uplifting Black school founders — https://blackmindsmatter.net Step Up For Students — Florida scholarship granting organization — https://www.stepupforstudents.org National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) — U.S. education data — https://www.nationsreportcard.gov Connect with Denisha Company: https://blackmindsmatter.net Socials: LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisha-merriweather-a0521820b X / Twitter — https://x.com/DenishaMweather Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/deni_mweather/ Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/denisha.b.merriweather/ Explore K12-Powered Education & Career Pathways K12's innovative programs give students a head start on their future. Enrollment is now open! Join over 3 million students who have chosen K12-powered tuition-free online public schooling for a flexible, personalized learning experience—all from the safety of home. ✅ State-certified teachers trained in virtual instruction ✅ Accredited curriculum supporting all learners, including advanced students & those with special needs ✅ Career-focused programs, including healthcare pathways & more ✅ More family time, stronger class connections, and academic success Apply today to secure your spot and see why families trust K12 for their child's education.
School choice and parents taking charge are opening opportunities for students in low-performing schools. Breaking the liberal stranglehold on education, with senior fellow at the American Federation for Children and founder of Black Minds Matter, Denisha Allen.
Send us a textHave you ever felt invisible?Do you ever wonder if anyone sees you for who you are, not just what you can do for them, but truly sees you? If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you.In today's episode, we're continuing our Summer Sermon Series, where I'm sharing messages I've preached in the past that speak deeply into the real, raw places we live today.This one? It's all about being seen.We'll look at the story of Hagar, a woman overlooked by everyone but God, and discover the hope found in El Roi, the God who sees us.So, whether you're raising littles, navigating singleness, or feeling unseen in your current season, let this message remind you: you are not invisible. The God who sees has His loving eyes on you. He sees you, he knows you, and he loves you - may this message sink in deeply. Before we dive in, I would like to thank our episode sponsors, Tim and Andrea Looney from the Looney Advantage at Realty Executives, serving the Arizona territory. They've been proudly serving the Tucson area, helping families buy and sell homes for over 24 years. Tucson friends, you can find them by searching The Looney Advantage on Facebook.Here are two FREE Ebooks for you! 1. Shame Off You: 10 steps to shattering shame in your life, HERE. 2. ABC's: CLICK HERE for a FREE E-book to help you combat lies and replace them with God's truth. For more encouragement, check out some of our offerings at www.reclaimedstory.comDid you know we have a jewelry line that speaks to your identity in Jesus? CLICK HERE to shop. Every purchase helps support our mission to provide healing and hope to women worldwide. Would you partner with us to spread the message of hope and healing? You can DONATE HERE. Living the Reclaimed Life is a Reclaimed Story, Inc. podcast, An Arizona non-profit corporation. If you would like to connect with a safe group of women doing real-life together, join our private Facebook page, “Living the Reclaimed Life” or on Facebook or Instagram
Send us a textWelcome to Living the Reclaimed Life. I'm Denisha.In the last two episodes, our friend Keith Ferrin shared powerful ways to approach the Bible, seven simple questions to help us engage with Scripture, and a refreshing reminder that reading the Bible is about relationship, not just information. As Keith says, “The purpose of reading Scripture is to hang out with Jesus.”That idea leads perfectly into today's conversation.Have you ever believed that grace gets you in the door to heaven, but your obedience or good behavior is what keeps you there? As someone who naturally leans toward achievement, I've wrestled with that mindset, and maybe you have, too.In this episode, I'm sharing a sermon I gave that challenges that misconception. We'll explore the kind of grace that doesn't just let you in, it keeps you, restores you, and reminds you who you truly are, not because of what you do, but because of who God is.Here are two FREE Ebooks for you! 1. Shame Off You: 10 steps to shattering shame in your life, HERE. 2. ABC's: CLICK HERE for a FREE E-book to help you combat lies and replace them with God's truth. For more encouragement, check out some of our offerings at www.reclaimedstory.comDid you know we have a jewelry line that speaks to your identity in Jesus? CLICK HERE to shop. Every purchase helps support our mission to provide healing and hope to women worldwide. Would you partner with us to spread the message of hope and healing? You can DONATE HERE. Living the Reclaimed Life is a Reclaimed Story, Inc. podcast, An Arizona non-profit corporation. If you would like to connect with a safe group of women doing real-life together, join our private Facebook page, “Living the Reclaimed Life” or on Facebook or Instagram
Tema del Día: ¿Y tu que pararías mejor una penalti o un chisme? Nos acompaña Denisha. Tenemos muchos regalos. Esto y mucho más les tenemos listo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Risas, traiciones y mucha sensualidad en este capitulazo de Noche de Juegos de mucho taco de ojo...Para que lo escuches también. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Send us a textToday, we're diving back into a powerful concept that could change the way you see yourself and your story—your Primal Question. Our last episode featured the creator of the primal question framework, Mike Foster. Today, we will continue talking about our primal question also known as our highest emotional need. It really is the thing underneath the thing that drives everything! What if the behaviors you can't explain, the emotions that catch you off guard, and even the lies you struggle to shake… all trace back to one core question you've been asking since childhood?In this episode, I'll share how discovering my own Primal Question—“Do I have purpose?”—brought deep clarity, healing, and freedom. And how you can uncover yours too.Here are two FREE Ebooks for you! 1. Shame Off You: 10 steps to shattering shame in your life, HERE. 2. ABC's: CLICK HERE for a FREE E-book to help you combat lies and replace them with God's truth. For more encouragement, check out some of our offerings at www.reclaimedstory.comDid you know we have a jewelry line that speaks to your identity in Jesus? CLICK HERE to shop. Every purchase helps support our mission to provide healing and hope to women worldwide. Would you partner with us to spread the message of hope and healing? You can DONATE HERE. Living the Reclaimed Life is a Reclaimed Story, Inc. podcast, An Arizona non-profit corporation. If you would like to connect with a safe group of women doing real-life together, join our private Facebook page, “Living the Reclaimed Life” or on Facebook or Instagram
Moni Campos, Aitza Terán y Denisha,, nos acompañan para platicar sobre la obra de teatro "The Waitress".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Higher Hope Foundation: https://higherhope.org GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/justice-for-pfc-denisha-smith Combat Sexual Assault: https://combatsexualassault.org/ Support our Sponsors! https://acorns.com/milehigher https://hungryroot.com/milehigher Timestamps: Intro 0:00 Denisha's Early Life 6:27 Joining the ARMY 8:24 Deploying to Germany 12:00 The Water Park Assault 14:13 The Smoking Gun that Was Ignored 18:56 The Nonsense Logic of Higher Ups 22:33 Denisha is Found... 25:15 Miles of Red Tape 28:44 A Series of Convenient Accidents 39:46 Her Family Fights for Justice 46:58 The Rampant Issue of SA in the Military 51:36 The Tailhook Event & The Invisible War 53:40 A Much Deeper Issue 1:00:30 The Guillen Case 1:12:29 Final Thoughts & Outro 1:16:15 Shop our new merch! https://milehigher.shop Mile Higher Merch: HTTP://milehigher.shop Charity Merch for NCMEC: https://kendallrae.shop Check out our other podcasts! The Sesh https://bit.ly/3Mtoz4X Lights Out https://bit.ly/3n3Gaoe Planet Sleep https://linktr.ee/planetsleep Join our official FB group! https://bit.ly/3kQbAxg Join our Discord community, it's free! https://discord.gg/hZ356G9 MHP YouTube: http://bit.ly/2qaDWGf Are You Subscribed On Apple Podcast & Spotify?! Support MHP by leaving a rating or review on Apple Podcast :) https://apple.co/2H4kh58 MHP Topic Request Form: https://forms.gle/gUeTEzL9QEh4Hqz88 Merch designer application: https://forms.gle/ha2ErBnv1gK4rj2Y6 You can follow us on all the things: @milehigherpod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/milehigherpod Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/milehigherpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MileHigher Hosts: Kendall: @kendallraeonyt IG: http://instagram.com/kendallraeonyt TW: https://www.twitter.com/kendallraeonyt YT: https://www.youtube.com/c/kendallsplace Josh: @milehigherjosh IG: http://www.instagram.com/milehigherjosh TW: https://www.twitter.com/milehigherjosh Producer: Janelle: @janelle_fields_ IG: https://www.instagram.com/janelle_fie... TW: https://www.twitter.com/janelle_fields_ Podcast sponsor inquires: joshthomas@night.co ✉ Send Us Mail & Fan Art ✉ Kendall Rae & Josh Thomas 8547 E Arapahoe Rd Ste J # 233 Greenwood Village, CO 80112 Music By: Mile Higher Boys YT: https://bit.ly/2Q7N5QO Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0F4ik... The creator hosts a documentary series for educational purposes (EDSA). These include authoritative sources such as interviews, newspaper articles, and TV news reporting meant to educate and memorialize notable cases in our history. Videos come with an editorial and artistic value. SOURCES CITED: https://www.amazon.com/Invisible-War-Helen-Benedict/dp/B009G9Z4FW https://youtu.be/_SAAqG6zAXk?si=LpL66fUbrX3ZEZ_A&t=242 https://www.tiktok.com/@bbbrookeeeee/video/7164483213568527659
Send us a textHave you ever dreaded holiday gatherings because you and the people you love have different views on things that are important to you? We want you to look forward to the holidays with your loved ones, so let's get super practical today, as we give you eight ways you can navigate healthy disagreements around the table this holiday season. Here is your free E-book from this podcast, Harmony at the Holiday TableBefore we jump into today's episode, it's hard to believe it but Christmas is right around the corner and we have designed 17 brand-new pieces of jewelry! That brings us to over 70 pieces of inspirational jewelry and journals on our website! https://reclaimedstory.com/shop/If you want meaningful presents under the tree, we have them, why not shop and help support a strong women's ministry at the same time? You can find all of this on our website www.reclaimedstory.com/shop. Now, let's look at eight ways you can navigate healthy disagreements around the table this holiday season. Here are two FREE Ebooks for you! 1. Shame Off You: 10 steps to shattering shame in your life, HERE. 2. ABC's: CLICK HERE for a FREE E-book to help you combat lies and replace them with God's truth. For more encouragement, check out some of our offerings at www.reclaimedstory.comDid you know we have a jewelry line that speaks to your identity in Jesus? CLICK HERE to shop. Every purchase helps support our mission to provide healing and hope to women worldwide. Would you partner with us to spread the message of hope and healing? You can DONATE HERE. Living the Reclaimed Life is a Reclaimed Story, Inc. podcast, An Arizona non-profit corporation. If you would like to connect with a safe group of women doing real-life together, join our private Facebook page, “Living the Reclaimed Life” or on Facebook or Instagram
Send us a textHave you ever listened to a story and been three minutes in, and you just don't get why they're telling it? Has someone ever told you a joke, and you were the only one not laughing? I know I've been there. Have you ever missed -- the point? Today, we will look at a parable that Jesus told, which could leave us wondering, what's the point? This is a sermon that I gave a few years back, and I believe it is quite relevant to today. In fact, I can't shake the feeling that I think we need it now more than ever. What's the point of forgiveness? Before we start, I want to tell you about a special event coming up on October 30th. We are hosting a live webinar open to men and women with Maurice F. Martin called "Forgiveness in Real Life." If you have heard Maurice on the podcast, you know he delivers such wisdom and grace. To register for this FREE webinar, CLICK HEREIn this episode, let's unpack a parable from Matthew 18, and I pray we don't miss the point. May we each come to realize that if we have been given forgiveness, then we have forgiveness to give. Here are two FREE Ebooks for you! 1. Shame Off You: 10 steps to shattering shame in your life, HERE. 2. ABC's: CLICK HERE for a FREE E-book to help you combat lies and replace them with God's truth. For more encouragement, check out some of our offerings at www.reclaimedstory.comDid you know we have a jewelry line that speaks to your identity in Jesus? CLICK HERE to shop. Every purchase helps support our mission to provide healing and hope to women worldwide. Would you partner with us to spread the message of hope and healing? You can DONATE HERE. Living the Reclaimed Life is a Reclaimed Story, Inc. podcast, An Arizona non-profit corporation. If you would like to connect with a safe group of women doing real-life together, join our private Facebook page, “Living the Reclaimed Life” or on Facebook or Instagram
This week on The Learning Curve, co-hosts Alisha Searcy of DFER and AFC's Walter Blanks interview Senior Fellow at the American Federation for Children and Founder of Black Minds Matter, Denisha Allen. Denisha shares her journey and the motivations behind founding Black Minds Matter, a national movement dedicated to celebrating Black excellence and promoting high-quality educational options for Black students. She delves into the politics […]
This week on The Learning Curve, co-hosts Alisha Searcy of DFER and AFC's Walter Blanks interview Senior Fellow at the American Federation for Children and Founder of Black Minds Matter, Denisha Allen. Denisha shares her journey and the motivations behind founding Black Minds Matter, a national movement dedicated to celebrating Black excellence and promoting high-quality educational options for Black students. She delves into the politics of urban school reform, highlighting the challenges posed by race and class-based achievement gaps and the political influence of teachers' unions. Mrs. Allen also reflects on the evolving landscape of charter school politics and how the pandemic has reshaped education by increasing interest in diverse school choice options like charters, homeschooling, and microschools. She discusses the implications of the "Year of School Choice" in 2021, marked by expanded voucher and ESA programs, and questions why, despite large federal education expenditures, national reading and math scores have been stagnant or declining. Finally, Denisha shares her vision for what policymakers and parents should do to dramatically improve academic outcomes for America's students.
Send us a Text Message.You do not have to do life alone. In this episode, we will talk about the impact of loneliness in our lives and the ways we can find our people. Here are two FREE Ebooks for you! 1. Shame Off You: 10 steps to shattering shame in your life, HERE. 2. ABC's: CLICK HERE for a FREE E-book to help you combat lies and replace them with God's truth. For more encouragement, check out some of our offerings at www.reclaimedstory.comDid you know we have a jewelry line that speaks to your identity in Jesus? CLICK HERE to shop. Every purchase helps support our mission to provide healing and hope to women worldwide. Would you partner with us to spread the message of hope and healing? You can DONATE HERE. Living the Reclaimed Life is a Reclaimed Story, Inc. podcast, An Arizona non-profit corporation. If you would like to connect with a safe group of women doing real-life together, join our private Facebook page, “Living the Reclaimed Life” or on Facebook or Instagram
In observance of Memory Sunday on June 9th, which draws attention to the impact of Alzheimer's in our communities, Dr. P talks with Denisha DeLane.Ms. DeLane has 20+ years of community engagement experience on a variety of social justice, health advocacy and social service initiatives. She is a serial entrepreneur and creative who enjoy mediums that support educating underserved communities and addressing socio economic conditions. Denisha is the Founder of Faith in the Bay – the leading faith-based website, connecting Northern California on news, worship events, gospel concerts and family friendly entertainment. She recently served as the Faith Community Outreach Director for Barbara Lee's Senatorial campaign.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With BABA's 2024 conference in Baltimore fast approaching (July 19-21), we were lucky to find some time to chat with organization president, Denisha Gingles, and vice-president, Camille Williams, to talk all about what we can expect this year. From the new location in Maryland to the keynote speakers to the secrets of making a conference that feels like a community, we check off all the reasons that you don't want to miss Black Con. Register now!
This episode is for those of you who might feel discouraged or overwhelmed, or maybe you're just tired of life being hard. You are not alone. Our prayer is that this episode revives hope in you today. For encouraging, healing content, be sure to follow Tanya Godsey on Instagram.Here are two FREE Ebooks for you! 1. Shame Off You: 10 steps to shattering shame in your life, HERE. 2. ABC's: CLICK HERE for a FREE E-book to help you combat lies and replace them with God's truth. For more encouragement, check out some of our offerings at www.reclaimedstory.comDid you know we have a jewelry line that speaks to your identity in Jesus? CLICK HERE to shop. Every purchase helps support our mission to provide healing and hope to women worldwide. Would you partner with us to spread the message of hope and healing? You can DONATE HERE. Living the Reclaimed Life is a Reclaimed Story, Inc. podcast, An Arizona non-profit corporation. If you would like to connect with a safe group of women doing real-life together, join our private Facebook page, “Living the Reclaimed Life” or on Facebook or Instagram
Mirasee writer Andrew Chapman introduces Teacher Tom's Podcast, a new show on the Mirasee FM podcast network, hosted by “Teacher Tom” Hobson. In this bonus episode, Dr. Denisha Jones reveals ways traditional education is making children “uncurious.”
Too often, we make huge plans and major resolutions only to get burned out when we can't keep them. What if taking small, consistent, manageable action steps would lead to big changes in your life over time? In today's episode, we will discuss three things you can do today to achieve the change you want to see in your life. Your future self starts today.Here are two FREE Ebooks for you! 1. Shame Off You: 10 steps to shattering shame in your life, HERE. 2. ABC's: CLICK HERE for a FREE E-book to help you combat lies and replace them with God's truth. For more encouragement, check out some of our offerings at www.reclaimedstory.comDid you know we have a jewelry line that speaks to your identity in Jesus? CLICK HERE to shop. Every purchase helps support our mission to provide healing and hope to women worldwide. Would you partner with us to spread the message of hope and healing? You can DONATE HERE. Living the Reclaimed Life is a Reclaimed Story, Inc. podcast, An Arizona non-profit corporation. If you would like to connect with a safe group of women doing real-life together, join our private Facebook page, “Living the Reclaimed Life” or on Facebook or Instagram
WMAL GUEST: 6:05 AM - INTERVIEW - DENISHA ALLEN - American Federation for Children (AFC) Senior Fellow and Black Minds Matter founder on school choice rally in DC on Wednesday https://twitter.com/BLK_MindsMatter “Time to Hear From Momma” School Choice Rally at 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, January 24, 2024* / Lincoln Memorial Mall Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow the Show Podcasts on Apple podcasts, Audible and Spotify. Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @Jgunlock, @patricepinkfile and @heatherhunterdc. Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Show Website: https://www.wmal.com/oconnor-company/ How to listen live weekdays from 5 to 9 AM: https://www.wmal.com/listenlive/ Episode: Wednesday, January 24, 2024 / 6 AM Hour O'Connor and Company is proudly presented by Veritas Academy!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the 6 AM Hour: Larry O'Connor and Julie Gunlock discussed: WMAL GUEST: 6:05 AM - INTERVIEW - DENISHA ALLEN - American Federation for Children (AFC) Senior Fellow and Black Minds Matter founder on school choice rally in DC on Wednesday https://twitter.com/BLK_MindsMatter “Time to Hear From Momma” School Choice Rally at 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, January 24, 2024* / Lincoln Memorial Mall 50-year-old trans swimmer shared locker room while competing against teens: ‘The girls were terrified' The White House has a pharmacy — and it was a mess, a new investigation found WMAL GUEST: 6:35 AM - INTERVIEW - Syndicated columnist CAL THOMAS on the NH primary Kari Lake calls on Arizona GOP chair to resign after reports of leaked audio Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow the Show Podcasts on Apple podcasts, Audible and Spotify. Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @Jgunlock, @patricepinkfile and @heatherhunterdc. Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Show Website: https://www.wmal.com/oconnor-company/ How to listen live weekdays from 5 to 9 AM: https://www.wmal.com/listenlive/ Episode: Wednesday, January 24, 2024 / 6 AM Hour O'Connor and Company is proudly presented by Veritas Academy!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are many names for Jesus, but what do they mean? What do they mean for us in the unique story that is our lives? In this episode, we will discover why He is called Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. We pray that you will gain a new perspective on our Savior born in a manger over two thousand years ago and how those names are so relevant to us today. Christmas is right around the corner, and we have designed 17 brand-new pieces of jewelry! That brings us to over 70 pieces of inspirational jewelry and journals on our website! https://reclaimedstory.com/shop/If you want meaningful presents under the tree, we have them; why not shop and help support a strong women's ministry simultaneously? You can find all of this on our website www.reclaimedstory.com/shop. Here are two FREE Ebooks for you! 1. Shame Off You: 10 steps to shattering shame in your life, HERE. 2. ABC's: CLICK HERE for a FREE E-book to help you combat lies and replace them with God's truth. For more encouragement, check out some of our offerings at www.reclaimedstory.comDid you know we have a jewelry line that speaks to your identity in Jesus? CLICK HERE to shop. Every purchase helps support our mission to provide healing and hope to women worldwide. Would you partner with us to spread the message of hope and healing? You can DONATE HERE. Living the Reclaimed Life is a Reclaimed Story, Inc. podcast, An Arizona non-profit corporation. If you would like to connect with a safe group of women doing real-life together, join our private Facebook page, “Living the Reclaimed Life” or on Facebook or Instagram
There are many names for Jesus, but what do they mean? What do they mean for us in the unique story that is our lives? In this episode, we will discover why He is called Wonderful Counselor and Mighty God. You'll gain a new perspective on the Savior born in a manger over two thousand years ago and how those names are relevant in our lives today. Christmas is right around the corner, and we have designed 17 brand-new pieces of jewelry! That brings us to over 70 pieces of inspirational jewelry and journals on our website! https://reclaimedstory.com/shop/If you want meaningful presents under the tree, we have them; why not shop and help support a strong women's ministry simultaneously? You can find all of this on our website www.reclaimedstory.com/shop. Here are two FREE Ebooks for you! 1. Shame Off You: 10 steps to shattering shame in your life, HERE. 2. ABC's: CLICK HERE for a FREE E-book to help you combat lies and replace them with God's truth. For more encouragement, check out some of our offerings at www.reclaimedstory.comDid you know we have a jewelry line that speaks to your identity in Jesus? CLICK HERE to shop. Every purchase helps support our mission to provide healing and hope to women worldwide. Would you partner with us to spread the message of hope and healing? You can DONATE HERE. Living the Reclaimed Life is a Reclaimed Story, Inc. podcast, An Arizona non-profit corporation. If you would like to connect with a safe group of women doing real-life together, join our private Facebook page, “Living the Reclaimed Life” or on Facebook or Instagram
Denisha Allen, American Federation for Children Senior Fellow and Black Minds Matter Founder, joined WMAL's morning show to discuss Maryland Teachers Union raking in millions while student performance scores are abysmal. Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow the Show Podcasts on Apple podcasts, Audible and Spotify. Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @Jgunlock, @patricepinkfile and @heatherhunterdc. Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Show Website: https://www.wmal.com/oconnor-company/ How to listen live weekdays from 5 to 9 AM: https://www.wmal.com/listenlive/ Episode: Friday, November 17, 2023See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 6 AM Hour: Some young Americans on TikTok say they sympathize with Osama bin Laden TikTok removes hashtag for Osama bin Laden's ‘Letter to America' after viral videos circulate GUEST: 6:35 AM - INTERVIEW - DENISHA ALLEN - American Federation for Children Senior Fellow and Black Minds Matter Founder 75% of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank support Hamas and the October 7 atrocities. Palestinian civilians overwhelmingly support Hamas' attacks on Israel that killed over 1,400, including children and babies, and which resulted in 240 hostages taken, Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow the Show Podcasts on Apple podcasts, Audible and Spotify. Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @Jgunlock, @patricepinkfile and @heatherhunterdc. Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Show Website: https://www.wmal.com/oconnor-company/ How to listen live weekdays from 5 to 9 AM: https://www.wmal.com/listenlive/ Episode: Friday, November 17, 2023See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Have you ever been in a conversation where someone shared something incredibly painful with you, and you found yourself not knowing how to respond? Perhaps they shared about a traumatic moment in their life or a hurt that they are currently experiencing. What you say in those moments matters. In this episode, we hope to equip you with practical tools to confidently sit in those moments and be a helper when someone is hurting. Before we jump into today's episode, it's hard to believe it, but Christmas is right around the corner, and we have designed 17 brand-new pieces of jewelry! That brings us to over 70 pieces of inspirational jewelry and journals on our website! https://reclaimedstory.com/shop/If you want meaningful presents under the tree, we have them; why not shop and help support a strong women's ministry simultaneously? You can find all of this on our website www.reclaimedstory.com/shop. Here are two FREE Ebooks for you! 1. Shame Off You: 10 steps to shattering shame in your life, HERE. 2. ABC's: CLICK HERE for a FREE E-book to help you combat lies and replace them with God's truth. For more encouragement, check out some of our offerings at www.reclaimedstory.comDid you know we have a jewelry line that speaks to your identity in Jesus? CLICK HERE to shop. Every purchase helps support our mission to provide healing and hope to women worldwide. Would you partner with us to spread the message of hope and healing? You can DONATE HERE. Living the Reclaimed Life is a Reclaimed Story, Inc. podcast, An Arizona non-profit corporation. If you would like to connect with a safe group of women doing real-life together, join our private Facebook page, “Living the Reclaimed Life” or on Facebook or Instagram
Have you ever dreaded holiday gatherings because you and the people you love have different views on things that are important to you? We want you to look forward to the holidays with your loved ones, so let's get super practical today, as we give you eight ways you can navigate healthy disagreements around the table this holiday season. Here is your free E-book from this podcast, Navigating Healthy DisagreementsBefore we jump into today's episode, it's hard to believe it but Christmas is right around the corner and we have designed 17 brand-new pieces of jewelry! That brings us to over 70 pieces of inspirational jewelry and journals on our website! https://reclaimedstory.com/shop/If you want meaningful presents under the tree, we have them, why not shop and help support a strong women's ministry at the same time? You can find all of this on our website www.reclaimedstory.com/shop. Now, let's look at eight ways you can navigate healthy disagreements around the table this holiday season. Here are two FREE Ebooks for you! 1. Shame Off You: 10 steps to shattering shame in your life, HERE. 2. ABC's: CLICK HERE for a FREE E-book to help you combat lies and replace them with God's truth. For more encouragement, check out some of our offerings at www.reclaimedstory.comDid you know we have a jewelry line that speaks to your identity in Jesus? CLICK HERE to shop. Every purchase helps support our mission to provide healing and hope to women worldwide. Would you partner with us to spread the message of hope and healing? You can DONATE HERE. Living the Reclaimed Life is a Reclaimed Story, Inc. podcast, An Arizona non-profit corporation. If you would like to connect with a safe group of women doing real-life together, join our private Facebook page, “Living the Reclaimed Life” or on Facebook or Instagram
On this episode of Banking on KC, Denisha Jones, founder of Sweet Peaches Cobblers, joins host Kelly Scanlon to discuss how perfecting her grandmother's peach cobbler during the pandemic led to a wholesale business featuring a line of frozen cobblers and pie fillings distributed throughout the Midwest. Tune in to discover: How a pandemic pivot launched Denisha's entrepreneurial journey. How G.I.F.T. program grants helped fuel the growth of Sweet Peaches Cobblers. Insights into refining your company pitch, finding a mentor, understanding your finances, and taking advantage of Kansas City's entrepreneurial resources. Why it's important for Denisha to give back to the community. Country Club Bank – Member FDIC
For more coverage on the issues that matter to you, visit www.WMAL.com, download the WMAL app or tune in live on WMAL-FM 105.9 FM from 5-9 AM ET. To join the conversation, check us out on Twitter: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @Jgunlock, @patricepinkfile and @heatherhunterdc. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For more coverage on the issues that matter to you, visit www.WMAL.com, download the WMAL app or tune in live on WMAL-FM 105.9 FM from 5-9 AM ET. To join the conversation, check us out on Twitter: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @Jgunlock, @patricepinkfile and @heatherhunterdc. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09/20/2023 Bruh Issa Murder About The Guest(s): Mama Margot is the host of the true crime podcast Military Murder. She is an attorney by trade and is passionate about sharing the stories of military members involved in criminal cases. Summary: In this episode, the host is joined by Mama Margot, the host of the podcast Military Murder, to discuss the mysterious death of Denisha Montgomery Smith, a military police officer who reported a physical assault before her death. The case raises questions about a possible cover-up and the handling of the investigation by the military. The host and Brooke analyze the evidence, including a video call in which Denisha details her assault and discusses the challenges faced when investigating assaults in the military. They also highlight the importance of seeking help and maintaining a paper trail. The episode concludes with a call for justice and transparency in Denisha's case. Key Takeaways: Denisha Montgomery Smith reported a physical assault to her chain of command before her death. The military initially ruled Denisha's death a suicide but has not provided the family with the full investigation file. The video call in which Denisha details her assault provides evidence supporting her claims. The military's handling of the case raises questions about transparency and accountability. Individuals need to seek help and maintain a paper trail in cases of assault or abuse. Quotes: "The soldier herself had reported a physical assault to her chain of command and her family weeks before her death." "The question arises is, did this assault have to do with her death? Was there a cover-up, or is this a bad situation or circumstances?" "The family, Denisha's family, are asking for information, and the military isn't completely open about it." "The whole attack is so just, it seems to me over the top. First of all, uncalled for." "If we wouldn't have had her recording to her family, everyone would just be like, oh, the family is just they just didn't know anything about Denisha." "The military needs to be more transparent with what is going on during those investigations and also give people... the proper investigation." "The more we continue to share Denisha's story and keep her out there, the more other people and possible victims will learn about the cases." Social Media Handles and CTAs: Check out Denisha Montgomery Smith's Fund Me Here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/justice-for-pfc-denisha-smith. Follow Bruh Issa Murder on Twitter and Instagram: @Bruhissamurder Check Us out on YouTube! Leave a review and subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform. https://linktr.ee/Bruhissamurder Links to services for suicidal vets Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988, press 1, chat online, or text 838255. VA Mental Health: Get help from Veterans Crisis Line, or find a VA mental health provider near you. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 988 or chat online. Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741. The Trevor Project: Call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678678, or chat online. Trans Lifeline: Call 1-877-565-8860. SAMHSA National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357). VA Suicide Prevention Resources: Find more information and resources on suicide prevention for Veterans. Additional resources: Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS): Support for families of fallen military members. Military OneSource: Free, confidential support for active-duty military members, National Guard and Reserve members, Veterans, and their families. Headstrong: Free, confidential, one-on-one mental health care for Veterans. Battle Buddy: Peer support for Veterans. The American Legion: Support and resources for Veterans and their families. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): Support and resources for Veterans and their families. Let's Talk About the Mysterious Death of Denisha Montgomery SmithFeatured Song: I Be Really Knowing By Jasen
We were delighted to have Wendi Lou Lee on the podcast for the last couple of episodes, who played Baby Grace on the popular TV series Little House on the Prairie. Wendi talked about how grace can hide in the most challenging moments and gave us practical ways to look for grace daily in our lives. She described it as "unexpected, obscured beauty that is often ready to bloom in the best and worst times." Wendi went into depth of what grace looks like in our lives. Be sure to pick up a copy of Wendi's new book, Red Tail Feathers HEREToday, we are going to look at a misconception of grace. Have you ever felt like grace gets you in the door to heaven, but your own good deeds and obedience keep you there? As a person who likes to achieve, I often struggle with this. In this episode, I am sharing a sermon that I gave a few years back that unpacks this misconception, and I pray that it speaks to you today as we seek accuracy to this misconception of grace. Here are two FREE Ebooks for you! 1. Shame Off You: 10 steps to shattering shame in your life, HERE. 2. ABC's: CLICK HERE for a FREE E-book to help you combat lies and replace them with God's truth. For more encouragement, check out some of our offerings at www.reclaimedstory.comDid you know we have a jewelry line that speaks to your identity in Jesus? CLICK HERE to shop. Every purchase helps support our mission to provide healing and hope to women worldwide. Would you partner with us to spread the message of hope and healing? You can DONATE HERE. Living the Reclaimed Life is a Reclaimed Story, Inc. podcast, An Arizona non-profit corporation. If you would like to connect with a safe group of women doing real-life together, join our private Facebook page, “Living the Reclaimed Life” or on Facebook or Instagram
On August 9, 2022, 27 year old Pfc. Denisha Montgomery Smith was found dead inside Army barracks where she was stationed in Germany. 3 weeks before she was found, she reported that she had been assaulted by fellow soldiers. The Army did not investigate her claims and when she was found dead 21 days later, they ruled her death a suicide. But her family believes she was murdered. Follow Us! IG: @BlackGirlGonePodcast TikTok: @BlackGirlGonePodcast FB: Black Girl Gone Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Travis Scott is in album mode. Utopia will be his first album since 2018, but a lot has changed since then.The industry isn't as hip-hop dominant, hypebeast culture has shifted, and Travis is still navigating things after the 2021 Astroworld Festival tragedy.How will all this influence Utopia? I broke it all down with friend of the pod, Denisha Kuhlor. Here's what we covered:0:43 How hip-hop has changed since Astroworld8:23 Travis sold a lifestyle to success9:29 Why Travis attracted category-leading brand sponsors13:51 Lasting effect of Astroworld Festival tragedy 19:11 How will the “Ragers” respond to Utopia? 24:12 Over/under on Utopia's first-week sales30:01 Pyramid performance in Egypt31:09 Did Travis miss out on building out a major independent brand?Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuests: Denisha Kuhlor, @denishakuhlorThis episode is sponsored by DICE. Learn more about why artists, venues, and promoters love to partner with DICE for their ticketing needs. Visit dice.fmEnjoy this podcast? Rate and review the podcast here! ratethispodcast.com/trapitalTrapital is home for the business of music, media and culture. Learn more by reading Trapital's free memo.TRANSCRIPT[00:00:00] Denisha Kuhlor: When we look at the caliber of the brands that he was able to pull, I think that was the difference between him being a 10 or 20 million a year artist that we were who we would be praising his work ethic versus this $100 million artist that were like, wow.[00:00:17] Dan Runcie Intro Audio: Hey, welcome to the Trapital Podcast. I'm your host and the founder of Trapital Dan Runcie. This podcast is your place to gain insights from the executives in music, media, entertainment, and more who are taking hip hop culture to the next level.[00:00:43] Dan Runcie: All right, we're going to get deep into the world of Utopia. Travis Scott is upon the release of his fourth album, and this one has been long anticipated for several years now. But a lot's changed since the last time that Travis Scott released his album, Astroworld, which came out summer 2018. But there's been two big things that have happened.One, the pandemic. And then two, the tragedy of the Astroworld concert, and we have seen the heights of Travis Scott in that era, thinking specifically about the Fornite series that he had, we've also seen the lows of it as well, especially given the aftermath of the people that died and all of the injuries and all of the broader conversations around concert safety.Travis Scott's role in this himself and other things too. And I want to talk about this with you. So we have Denisha Culloran, who's the founder of STAN. You work specifically in artist engagement and have written pieces on many of the superstars. Let's first start with where hip hop is because we're now in 2023, and I feel like we're in a very different spot than we were when Travis Scott released his last album, Astroworld. So what's changed for you? Where were we with hip hop then and music then? And where are we now?[00:01:59] Denisha Kuhlor: Yeah, I think that hip hop is, undergoing a new era, at least from a quantitative or commercial success standpoint, in the last few years and probably in some ways due to the pandemic, I feel like we've seen the emergence of what I like to think of as dance music. I mean, Beyonce released a dance album, Drake, one of the biggest hip hop stars himself released a dance album. Even when you look at the rise of music, non English music, right? Whether that's music coming out of Africa or, you know, what Bad Bunny has done as well. People are, gravitating to music that doesn't necessarily have to do with the lyrics in the way that rap shines.So I would say to sum it up that rap is having, a bit of a fall from dominance.[00:02:46] Dan Runcie: And it's interesting with Travis Scott too, because I feel like he benefited from this transition to an era where people aren't necessarily listening for. The lyrics, the people that love Travis Scott were so much more interested into the vibe, this rager mentality, and he was a hip hop rock star in terms of how he built himself.And I don't know if a song like highest in the room is necessarily 1 that you're trying to hear in a club, or you're trying to hear dancing, but and so do you think that this transition away from lyrics and more divides? Do you think this hurts someone like Travis or helps them?[00:03:22] Denisha Kuhlor: You know, I like that categorization, hip hop, rock star. I mean, if we were to look at the charts, the one person who has waved the flag for hip hop this year, truly from a commercial standpoint, is Lil Uzi Vert. And I would compare him or categorize him the same way. So when I think about, when I think about that, I say it helps him.[00:03:44] Dan Runcie: Lil Uzi Vert did sample System of a Down in his most recent album. And he definitely has a few songs that sound like that post grunge early 2000s types of artists like Switchfoot and stuff like that. So there's a bit of that mixed in there. Travis Scott has benefited from that too. He's also benefited from having songs where.You heard multiple sounds being merged into each other. I'm thinking, of course, like sicko mode where you can break the whole song. It sounds like three parts in one together. But again, that was 2018. We're in a very different time right now for hip hop and its releases. And I say that to say the success that Travis Scott had in 2018 to 2020, because I do feel like in a lot of ways, that was the commercial peak.Said as much about him as it did about the broader streaming era, as it did about where culture was. So 1st, he himself, he emerges on the scene. He speaks to this audience of hip hop fans that. Really didn't have someone that was reaching them specifically Travis Scott born in the early 90s. So he's still millennial, but he definitely reached more of that older Gen Z audience.And let's say someone like Drake or Kendrick or J Cole did and he related to that hype beast culture. He did it with how he dropped his music, how he thought about merch collaborations and any of the partnerships that he had. And we'll get into those in a minute, but that was the ethos of what he did.And especially at that time with the way that Billboard was counting album bundles that really worked to his advantage because he combined his hype beast and his ability to sell things and essentially be a walking Supreme style artists where when he drops Astroworld, he literally has this 24 hour merge operation that is dropping a new product every hour of this.And that's how that album is able to do nearly 50% of its first week. Sales coming from more coming from these albums that come through, or these album bundles that come through. He still did quite well in streaming, but the combination of those leads to him having, I believe it was 537, 000 units selling in his 1st week.And usually the people that project these things are usually pretty on course. And I remember the projections leading up to Astroworld, which like Utopia was also pretty hyped album, but people were expecting things may be in the mid to high 200, 000 range. And he more than doubles that.And you rarely see that much of an artist exceeding the expectations of that perspective. I think a lot of it has to do with people just not expecting him to have dominated things the way that they did. And even though it is 1 of these things where you have to, in some ways, read the fine print to see how those numbers came through.The average person just sees the top line number. No different than you may see. Oh, this movie grossed a hundred and fifty million dollars. You're not trying to read the fine line to say, okay, well, how many of those tickets were IMAX versus cheap movies where it costs less than ten dollars. So go see matinee, you just want to see what's that top line number and it worked really well to his advantage and because there was still model culture definitely wasn't around in 2018 in that way, but we've only become more fragmented since then. So there was still this opportunity, especially with the growth of streaming and these services to really elevate a star. And I think that worked to his advantage as well. So the timing and everything of that Astroworld release couldn't have worked better for him.[00:07:20] Denisha Kuhlor: Yeah, I agree. I think he was really disciplined or it just came natural in terms of building a business that exuded a lifestyle. And it was around the time where having this, like, flywheel of products, benefited, of course, not only the product that he was selling or pushing, but also counted towards his streams. And I think, you know, in the past, a lot of artists maybe didn't get to show their dominance in that way, and our catalog episode, we talked about Beyonce, and Beyonce's numbers and whether they met expectations or didn't meet expectations in terms of her streaming numbers, or in some ways, how she shows up on the charts.But when you see what that fandom looks like mobilized in the form of her live shows, one, you know, a few data points in aggregate, especially when it relates to, streaming or listening habits, clearly don't tell the full story about the fandom. and I think that's where Travis Scott was really able to at that time, show us the power of what he was building.[00:08:25] Dan Runcie: It's good that you mentioned Beyonce too, because that's another example of people just looking at the high level number. People see how many first week sales that Renaissance did, or even the streams that Renaissance has had afterward. There's other artists, whether it's SZA and others that have had albums that have had longer shelf life on streaming versus others, but it's a completely different fan base.This fan base is older. They're not going to sit in front of a computer and just stream your music all day. They're working, but when it's time to show up. They may fly to Vancouver, they may fly to Europe to go look at your tour and go check out what it is. And I think Travis Scott, similarly, he had a fan base that was very beneficial for him with things that were related to e commerce, especially around drops, especially around releases and that worked to him.So when we're talking about artists, finding what product market fit looks like, finding what everything has that's available, it worked to his advantage. So if we fast forward a couple months after the release of Astroworld, Sicko Mode becomes a big hit, it ends up charting, and then that brings Astroworld back to the top of the charts.That February, he performs at the Super Bowl alongside Maroon 5, so then that works to his advantage, and he just continues to have a very strong year. He ends up releasing that documentary and he didn't end up winning a Grammy as we saw the documentary was quite disappointed about that. But then that sets up everything for 2020 and in a year where most musicians struggle because they can't tour and they may have planned to release certain things.Travis Scott's one of the few that actually did win. There was this Forbes article that came out towards the end of 2020 that looked at all of the partnerships that he had with various companies. And we're talking about his collaborations with Nike, Fortnite, McDonald's PlayStation 5, I believe he even had drops associated with the tenant movie that came out that year.They expected that he would gross over a 100Million dollars or that the revenue that he would generate from these things would gross over a 100Million dollars and. It said so much about where we were, especially because people were inside. They didn't have anything better to do than just get the latest merch, get the latest drops.That worked so well to his advantage. And his songs were still popular. I do feel like Astroworld was probably one of the last hip hop albums that felt like it had some legitimate staying power. And then I think that was probably The peak of him, at least what we've seen so far in his career.[00:10:59] Denisha Kuhlor: Yeah, no, I completely, I completely agree. he was in many ways on top of the world. I think he was really thoughtful about how he got to that position. in some ways, even, you know, when you look at things like, the fortnight show, he was really a pioneer, and the days to follow when it came to Web3 or embracing the Internet or new models for artists, who was frequently cited and maybe he doesn't even really get the credit he deserves, for that, and, you know, I'd be remiss if I'd say, I think, he's lucky in a way that, his fan base demographics skew, a population that consumers or that brands want to attract, right? So the brands that really saw an appeal in his music, were brands willing to spend, I mean, Video games, Nike, the brands that he was able to attract, some artists and a lot of hip hop artists, especially, even when we did our ice spice episode, female artists, right? They're able to get a lot of, brand attention.But when we look at the caliber of the brands that he was able to pull, I think that was the difference between him being a 10 or 20 million a year artist that we were who we would be praising his work ethic versus this 100 million. artist that were like, wow.[00:12:18] Dan Runcie: He literally had the biggest brands in their category, right? It wasn't like he had some subcategory. I feel like the only thing he was missing was a visa or master card type of partnership to be like, or American express or one of those, right? It was always the leader space.[00:12:33] Denisha Kuhlor: The time is now with that. I mean, with Kendrick's tour, I don't know if we would have all guessed that, his partner would be in tech company. So I think it'd be really interesting for his next tour to see who he aligns himself with.[00:12:47] Dan Runcie: The interesting thing with Travis though, is that. As I mentioned, I feel like the 2020 was that peak that we had seen, but then by early 2021, this is when we first start hearing about this forthcoming album, Utopia, he announces that he has this, or he posts a screenshot, which is quite cryptic, but he has this movie coming out with a 24.That seems like it may be titled Utopia. Fans are already anticipating it, and it did feel similar to the Astroworld, but Hype in some ways, because even 2 years before that album came out, even before birds of the trap sing McKnight, he was talking about Astroworld. So we felt like we're back to this era and things seem to be cruising.He had already had successful Astroworld festivals on the ground, especially that 1st 1 he had after, the Astroworld Album that came out in 2018. I believe he had another one in 2019 was quite successful. Obviously, he didn't have one due to the early part of the pandemic in 2020, but he then comes in 2021 and you could say that things were already starting to shift at this point because fans were already in that anticipation point. Okay, when's it going to come? We thought the album is going to come, but then everything changes after the tragedy of the Astroworld festival that he has, as we talked about in the beginning, many people died.There was a stampede. And I think there's a few things that we can dig into, but we don't necessarily need to dig into the depths of that in this conversation here. But how do you feel like that event, set the tone for Travis's career and how much it impacted and everything else that we've seen and maybe we'll expect coming forward.[00:14:28] Denisha Kuhlor: Yeah. So, you know, when I, recently rewatched the documentary, his documentary, Look, Mom, I Can Fly and it kind of highlighted some of the culture, right? Around his shows, how his fans showed up at his shows and the overall like tempo of his performances. while in a lot of ways, I think, it didn't matter if people didn't like it, right? Because the ones that did loved it and were truly embracing that culture. I feel like it showed a new light, and light actually probably is the wrong word, but it cast him, in a way, where I think it was the first Big events in a long time, especially post pandemic or post COVID, in which fans were forced to grapple, with like the predicament of other fans, right?whether you're Travis Scott fan or not, we all know what it's like to be at a show, hopefully, or a big show. And so I think it's really tricky, his reaction and his response. I mean, he did the follow up interview with Charlemagne, and in some ways laid a bit low, obviously his legal stuff was sorted out and things like that.I think that it positions him in a way that as fans or casual fans or listeners. Want to really get to know more of him and his ethos the documentary helped a bit with that to understand him better but I think that social relationship or feeling like that one to one relationship is there is going to be stronger than ever, for the success of this album is, I'm sure in that, that events, divided many of his fans, whether it was the event himself or his reaction and follow up to it.[00:16:25] Dan Runcie: I want to dig into that last point, because this may be a tough question to ask. There obviously was very strong reaction to the tragedy of the event, especially considering the lives lost. There was a lot of discussion around that too. Do you think more of the discussion or change in tone about Travis himself was more from the broader people who may not be a rager themselves?Or do you feel like the ragers themselves, Actually changed after this event.[00:16:56] Denisha Kuhlor: Yeah, that's a great question, definitely tough in a way, but in some ways it's simple. It was from the non ragers, right? Because that in itself, in some ways, being at a show like that in itself was difficult for people to understand. So seeing the results of the show, I think, invited many people to cast their opinions in a way that was easy, especially because something went wrong.But, it's like for any show or any artist that has a fan base, you really can't explain the momentum of why you're there in the first place. Now, I do think, though, when it comes to, you know, the second option for that question, if there was to be any, maybe, divide or discussion amongst the fan base, it would be around Travis's follow up after, especially given they're all a part of this culture or all a part of this fandom. But in terms of deciding whether to go, and being critical of that in the first place, definitely from non ragers.[00:18:07] Dan Runcie: Yeah, that's the sentiment that I captured too. I remember his initial response. It didn't necessarily feel like it. Sure, I think there's things that you can say we're left to be desired. I think we think about the broader context of who Travis Scott is in himself. It's this balance between do we feel like the person actually does feel sorrow and disappointment for what happened or do they speak in a way that makes us feel that and I know those are two separate things, but I do think that I believe that Travis does have sorrow for these things. I don't know if he in any interview that he's necessarily had ever had those bullet points or those breakaways. That's like, oh, yeah, when Travis Scott said this 1 thing, you know, that's the thing that, you know, stuck with and not saying that necessarily as a knock that just isn't him. It isn't like how Kendrick Lamar may drop some shit in an interview and you're like, oh, wow, never thought of it that way or even how I think Drake does this as well. Some of that could be a bit of an age thing. I know Travis is now I think he's like 31 and, you know, these guys straight Kendrick and Cole are closer to 40 than they are 30, but it's also a bit of a personality and a dynamic thing too. So I think it's like, just because that it just because a tragedy happened, even though a person may feel bad, I don't know. Even the best P. R. crafted statement doesn't turn them into Michael Eric Dyson in terms of how eloquent they may be with using words and things like that. So that was 1 thing that I thought about with the response[00:19:45] Denisha Kuhlor: I do think when we think about the potential ramifications or how it might affect this upcoming album, that like, this culture of likeability and cancel culture do play a role. And I feel like that's why the documentary was so fascinating in some ways because For so many of us, we're probably at the casual Travis Scott, fans or listeners.We definitely, you know, have audio recognition of the songs. at this point we attribute the songs to him. but little did we know or little did the world know the depth and the passion of, his core fans and his stance. And maybe because, you know, this is a thing with the media. So often, the concept of a stan has been profiled as like the teenage girl, right?The Swifties back when Taylor Swift was coming up, or the One Direction fans, or the Justin Bieber fans that, which is not necessarily Travis fan base, but the similarities in terms of passion. What he means to them, and the music are right there.[00:20:50] Dan Runcie: And I think that's a good place to transition into what we then expect for Utopia. Do you think that those same fans will show up in the same way that we've seen them show up with Astroworld, show up with these merch drops, show up with these product sales year in year out, especially the way they did from that 2018 to 2020 stretch.[00:21:10] Denisha Kuhlor: You know, it's what I'm most curious about myself. When we look at four to five years, it'd be easy to say, you know, obviously, that was a big part of people's lives for whatever age or part of their life they were going through, and naturally, they'll at least give him the first look or first right of refusal to do.So, I'd be remiss though. If I'd say these last 4 or 5 years will really go down in history. And it changed so many people, and truly transformative ways. So I wonder if the conversion in terms of the amount of, like, stands that he'll be able to keep from, the last album to Utopia will be as high as maybe it could have been if the world looked a little different four or four or five years ago.What I do think, though, is, and we saw this with SZA. It really can stand the test of time, especially if the relationship is strong. Fans are ready, audiences are excited. And they want to show up and give that power in a lot of ways. I wonder what's the difference between a fan base that stays.I would point to a Taylor Swift fan base, for example, obviously the Swifties versus a fan base that moves on, you know, you think of the J. Cole song, I think when he's 1985 and he talks about like the actual cyclical nature of hip hop and rap, right? From an artist perspective and for the majority of the artists. They don't hang on and they don't convert. So it's going to be really interesting, but my hunch is that he's going to have to pick up a lot of new fans along the way, only because his fans are in such a stage of adolescence or figuring things out, at least his biggest diehard fans, and can very much be in a new place in their lives now.[00:23:08] Dan Runcie: If the over under on what Travis Scott could do for this album. I'm thinking purely on a first week sales metric here, as you mentioned, Astroworlds did 537. If that's the over under I'm taking the under if the over under is 400. I'm taking the under. And to be honest with you, even if the over under is 300, I'm still taking the under.And here's why, there's so much that has changed in streaming and music since then. And when Travis Scott released Astroworld, hip hop had such an early mover advantage on streaming that it was in the streaming services benefit to push hip hop and to push the hip hop stars that are out in front. So that same summer that Astroworld comes out, Drake had released his album, Scorpion, maybe like 6, 7 weeks before, and there were a few other ones that were strong on the charts, but there were no Taylor, no Beyonce, or no other, you know, big artists that were there at least releasing from that perspective, but a lot's changed now where I don't think the streaming services necessarily need to rely on hip hop in that same way as heavily because of all the growth that's there.Morgan Wallen is still doing over 100, units sold per week and we're almost 20 weeks running now. Country artists weren't doing that in 2018. So it's a very different landscape now. So that's one aspect of it. The 2nd aspect of it is this album will be, at least to my knowledge, 1 of the 1st to take advantage of billboard reintroducing album bundle packs.And that is 1 of the things that Travis benefited from. They took it away for several years. So we saw a lot of hip hop artists take a decline. They'll now bring it back. It's going to be slightly different. However. I think what's changed a bit is that I don't know if hype beast and hype culture is necessarily the same as it as it was in 2018, because I feel like that was the height of when Supreme was doing its best and getting those big, P E deals from Carlisle group.And all of these companies were just, and you're seeing all these specials and document mini documentaries on what is hype and why do these companies start? And why are all these? Gen Z and young millennials lining up at whatever hour across the street. And in a way that, yeah, that stuff still happens, but it doesn't happen in the same aspect.And I don't think someone like Travis Scott has much of a monopoly on that culture, the way that he did then. So I think that hurts it a little bit. And I think the 3rd thing with the absence of a song as big as sickle mode, and even if Travis Scott has better songs on this album, the sickle mode, I haven't heard it. I can't speak to that. It's harder for even a single song in hip hop to capture as much mindshare today in 2013, 2023, as Sicko mode did in 2018. And I remember there was some study that. or some analysis, I think the New York Times or 1 of those places put out where they looked at all the streams of Astroworld and an overwhelming majority of them were people streaming Sicko mode.That's no surprise. That's just the way it is. And you know, it's a power law thing. You need that 1 or 2 hits really to drive things forward, will he pull a few singles that have been loose ones that have done? Well, potentially, Yeah, probably, but we'll see, I think actually, and I know you want to talk about this in a little bit, but Lil Uzi Vert's pink tape could probably be a helpful proxy here.So he released a album in, 2020, and I think it did just under 300, 000, units, and then he released another album a couple of weeks ago, the pink tape, and then that did around one 67. So almost a 50% drop. I mean, he still did number one, but there was a pretty sizable drop. I think Lil Uzi Vert is a different, you know, case than Travis Scott, but this is kind of what we've seen even artists like Drake and others. It's tough to reach those numbers that they did at the height of streaming when they were doing strong numbers and everything else. So I think that if you want to even say someone like J Cole is a cop, I think that his last album was still under 300, 000 or so. So I'd be surprised if Travis Scott got to that level.And the 1 thing I'll say, 2, is I know you mentioned, you know, SZA and just how that fan base stays. We did have some hard numbers to be able to show that just seeing how scissors control stayed on the charts for the past 5 years. I don't yeah, I don't see Astro world on the charts in that same type of way.So if that indicates anything from a staying power perspective, I don't know, but that's where I sit with it.[00:27:36] Denisha Kuhlor: Yeah, no, I'm aligned. I think we're going to see somewhere between 200 K to 300K optimistically. I think that's a great, outcome. I also think the point you made about, hype culture. Is really important, right? we're now in an era where people are covering, the outfits on secession, right?Where people are leaning towards old money or, you know, that culture. it's a lot different. you've seen, you know, even when you look at major houses like LVMH or conglomerates, the efforts and the investment that they've had to put just to stay on top of consumers minds and gain that attention share.I think while bundles are exciting and while it's super exciting that bundles are back and will be counted. It really is going to take a lot for it to garner fans attention. Even with Beyonce, I think maybe, I mean, what she did was really interesting with the mystery boxes, but it'll need to have some type of true pull or gravitas beyond really just the product itself, because consumers have built affinity to a lot more brands, a lot more rising brands, a lot more, influencers even, to justify potentially just that much.[00:28:58] Dan Runcie: What do you make of the Pyramids performance that's upcoming for Travis Scott?[00:29:03] Denisha Kuhlor: Yeah. So the first thing that comes to mind is Russ and Russ's tweet saying that he, you know, he did it first and his fans reminded everyone, what I will say is. I do think it's a testament to his artistry, and his ability to truly want to or have this desire to maybe think outside the box and try new things.As someone who, goes back and forth between, I guess, Africa and, the States, I think those types of things are always tricky, in terms of going to any place, right? And maybe in some ways wanting to encompass it as part of your art, while not always fully immersing yourself in the location. So I know he's, an artist and obviously want to respect his artistic will. But when it comes down to how it might be more broadly perceived outside the United States. I'm really curious to actually see the sentiment. What are your thoughts there?[00:30:05] Dan Runcie: That's a good point. And something that isn't necessarily talked about a lot, right? A lot of the Westerners may see that and be like, oh, dope. Cool. Did it in one of the seven wonders of the world, right? But yeah, what do Egyptians feel about that? What do people from the Middle East feel about that? Is this a stunt to capture attention?And in many ways, we know that it is an opportunity to capture attention. Just the statement itself. Oh, I'm doing this. You want to make it big. You do want to make it big. It definitely captured my attention. I'm not going to act like I'm above it, right? Oh, this could be interesting to see, but I think you bring up a very good point about it.And is there some type of tie in or some type of relationship there? We'll see, I don't know, but I think that's a good thing to think about there. The 1 question I do want to ask you before we wrap things up here is. We talk a lot. Oh, you and I've talked a lot about artists, market fit, creator, market fit, and just how they find products and things that work well for them.And I look at people like Mr. Beast and he's someone who they've launched products. Off of his likeness and off of his brand, some of those products haven't worked as well. We recently heard that beast burgers had shut down and there's also been several P. E. and venture capital firms that have tried to spin up investment company or investment firms that are specifically focused on either, A, trying to find the next Mr. Beast or be trying to fund projects or businesses that are based off of the likeness of the influence that these creators do have. Travis Scott has a lot of similarities, especially we think about the influence from an e commerce perspective. I don't know if the timing was now, maybe the time it could have been a few years ago.But do you think there was an opportunity for him to have launched a more traditional business off of Cactus Jack, the same way that we see he's so synonymous with drop culture and he's so synonymous with those things. Was there an opportunity to do something like that?[00:32:06] Denisha Kuhlor: Yeah, I think absolutely, you know, nowadays it's really interesting in terms of some of the biggest brands have, skewed beyond the celebrity. People had a lot to say about Skims, right? But we can't deny, that it's a great business and people really like the product. Kim Kardashian or not, they like the product. I think during that period when he was on top of the world, that was a really interesting time, especially during COVID when he wasn't, traveling as much or touring as much, to be able to bring something to market that would really excite fans and fans and consumers, it almost feels like that opportunities past now, because that like height of fandom is not the same. But I also think that a lot of artists don't want to, and maybe that is very much okay, when I watched the documentary, I kept reflecting back on. The ownership that he gravitated to taking when it came to the control of his shows.I mean, getting in the weeds about his lights, his sound, his pyrotechnics, to a level that almost reminded me of Beyonce. In the sense of how much he wanted to direct and produce the show in real time and how passionate he was about that. So while, the answer is yes, right?And if I was talking to a manager, an agent, they'd be like, hell yeah. I also think it's okay to maybe recognize that he had, like we said, some of the biggest brands in the world, cutting him really, really great checks that required him to be hands on, Yes, but also gave him a certain level of ability to turn off his laptop for the day or walk away while being able to tap into the supply chains and resources and expertise that they had at their disposal.So, while yes, in some ways he's done a great job at becoming really liquid off just his likeness. , and maybe he's not necessarily from an artist market fit standpoint, the archetype of artists that would have done it long enough for it to be lucrative or successful in comparison to his other ventures.[00:34:23] Dan Runcie: Great comparison on Beyonce. We've clearly seen some of the e commerce and brand struggles that some of her products have had recently, but people will show up for the concert people would show up for the event and you talking about how particular and focused Travis is on the ownership of the performance and the stage. It makes me think of that line in antidote where he's like kicking the camera man off of my stage. Cause I don't like, I always capture my angles, which was literally from something that he did at a national concert. So I think that's a good point there. And of course, underlying, let's say he launched something either end of 2019 and, or beginning of 2020, like right when things were taken off. It's one thing for the Travis Scott brand itself to have taken a hit after the Astroworld tragedy. I could even imagine where that company would be today. And especially just given where anything that we just talked about, how, you know, hype beast culture and things like that just aren't where they are right now.So we'll see, I say all that to say, I know that you shared a bunch of caveats in this conversation. I'm still going to listen to the album. I'm still intrigued. I do want this person to succeed. I very much like Travis Scott, but I also realized that for the average artist having a four to five year peak run is much more common, especially for someone that reaches those levels. And then even someone having a true generational career like Drake or Jay Z is few and far between. So even if it doesn't hit the same numbers, I don't think it's necessarily a knock. It's more so reality of the business.[00:35:51] Denisha Kuhlor: Yeah, I think, the Drake's JC's, even the J Cole's are only going to become rare and rare as attention gets harder, but a strong 5 year, strong 5 to 7 year career that makes truly like, good income that an artist can then use to divest or maybe even sell their catalog, is like the 1% nowadays, for the industry. I agree.[00:36:13] Dan Runcie: Indeed. Well, Denisha, this was fun. Thanks again for coming on. And who knows, maybe we'll have to check in after Utopia at some point to see what the post Travis Scott return looks like. Thanks again for coming[00:36:25] Denisha Kuhlor: We definitely need an update. Of course, thanks for having me.[00:36:28] Dan Runcie: All right. Great.[00:36:29] Dan Runcie Outro Audio: If you enjoyed this podcast, go ahead and share it with a friend, copy the link, text it to a friend, post it in your group chat, post it in your Slack groups, wherever you and your people talk, spread the word. That's how Trapital continues to grow and continues to reach the right people. And while you're at it, if you use Apple podcast.Go ahead, rate the podcast, give it a high rating and leave a review. Tell people why you like the podcast that helps more people discover the show. Thank you in advance. Talk to you next week.
Afro-Centric Critical Thinking Griot Dr. David Horne will take over our classroom to examine Cornel West's Presidential bid and its impact, if any on the 2024 Presidential Race. He will also provide us with a Reparations update. Before Dr. Horne, Baltimore City Educational Advocate Denisha Allen will discuss why Baltimore City Schools rank amongst the lowest in nationwide graduation rates. Sister Marsha Adebayo will also update us on the fight to save a Black cemetery in Bethesda, Maryland. Learn More About The 54 Countries of Africa Text "DCnews" to 52140 For Local & Exclusive News Sent Directly To You! The Big Show starts on WOLB at 1010 AM, wolbbaltimore.com, WOL 95.9 FM & 1450 AM & woldcnews.com at 6 am ET., 5 am CT., 3 am PT., and 11 am BST. Call-In # 800 450 7876 to participate, & listen liveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Even by today's standards, Ice Spice's meteoric rise is something else. She first hit it big in August 2022 with the viral release of “Munch.” Since then, Ice Spice has the most top 5 hits on the Billboard 100 in 2023 and guest appeared on Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.How did we get here? Her aura, her music, her cinnamon-colored curls, and more have helped her stand out in an oversaturated industry.To explain how Ice Spice's star was born and where it could go next, I brought on friend of the pod, Denisha Kuhlor. Here's what we covered:[2:07] The People's Princess [4:11] Ice Spice's success by the numbers [6:23] “Always shipping” has kept Ice Spice's momentum [7:26] Performing on Taylor Swift's Eras Tour[09:49] What makes Ice Spice unique? [13:24] Artists' relatability factor[20:27] Cultivating the Munchkins fanbase[24:00] What is a music global superstar in 2023?[31:39] Sexist dialogue around female rappers[35:56] How female rappers stand out[42:03] Ice Spice's intentionsListen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuests: Denisha Kuhlor, @denishakuhlorThis episode is sponsored by DICE. Learn more about why artists, venues, and promoters love to partner with DICE for their ticketing needs. Visit dice.fmEnjoy this podcast? Rate and review the podcast here! ratethispodcast.com/trapitalTrapital is home for the business of music, media and culture. Learn more by reading Trapital's free memo.TRANSCRIPT[00:00:00] Denisha Kuhlor: What is interesting about, Ice Spice is they feel like everyone's learning in real time, and they feel like they get to be a part of it. So in some ways, I do think that her fan base is interesting because it's like they're co-creating a bit, in a way that hasn't that other artists, maybe they've wanted to, but like the true actual product and creation to a product process hasn't been as interactive as, hasn't been as interactive as before.There's no wall the way with other artists. There's Really no wall. It feels like the conversations or the quote tweets that she's having on Twitter really feel like conversations amongst friends from how they crack jokes to the colloquialisms that are there. [00:00:45] Dan Runcie Audio Intro: Hey, welcome to the Trapital Podcast. I'm your host and the founder of Trapital, Dan Runcie. This podcast is your place to gain insights from executives in music, media, entertainment, and more who are taking hip hop culture to the next level.[00:01:13] Dan Runcie Guest Intro: Two years ago. Ice Spice was a college student at SUNY Purchase doing her thing, like most college students do today. She's had one of the most Meteoric rises, especially in the past year. Everything that's happened in ice spices career since she dropped Munch last summer.It has been very fascinating to watch how a star blows up in 2023. In 2023 in this era that we're in now. And today's episode is a breakdown on that. What does it all mean? How did she get here? What did Ice Spice do differently that other artists right now haven't been able to do to reach the levels that she has?And how do we make sense of it all with what to expect with her career moving forward? If you ask the people on her team, whether that's the record labels, the management, the folks that she's working with, they think they have the next global superstar on their hands, but what does that term even mean, and what does that term mean today in an era where it's harder than ever for today's bright young stars to reach the same levels that the past global superstars have reached, especially for an artist from the us.To break it all down, we're joined by friend of the show, Denisha Kuhlor, who's the founder of Stan. She does great work in analyzing artist strategies and looking at Ice Spice and the Munchkins was a great opportunity for us to dive in. So here's our deep dive on Ice Spice. Hope you enjoy it.[00:02:35] Dan Runcie: All right, today we are back and we're gonna talk about the Princess Diana of hip hop, herself Ice Spice. It's only right and we're gonna talk about it and break it all down with someone who has written about her and does studies on fan bases as well. So you were the perfect person to have on Denisha Kuhlor, welcome back. Hi. Thanks for having me back. Ice Spice is so fascinating in a lot of ways because. go back to just two years ago. We weren't necessarily having conversations about her. She had released a few singles back then. Some were in collaboration with her dad, who is also a rapper.But things really blew up last summer. She puts out Munch, it becomes a drill anthem, a New York anthem. And then we just see this meteoric rise and you look at where she is now. Here are a few stats just to level set this conversation. She has 36 million monthly Spotify listeners that puts her above people like Jay-Z, Tyler the creator, Jack Harlow, the Beatles.So she's in pretty high company there and she's continued to stay in that area. And just for some context here, Spotify says that this is from their most recent loud and clear report. Spotify says that 130 artist catalogs on their platform are generating at least 5 million annually. So the artist catalogs themselves.Obviously the splits can be different, so if you use those numbers, and you said that I is currently 81st. In terms of all artists there, she's clearly in that lane. Obviously, you have to be able to maintain that for a year, but if you also assume that Spotify itself is roughly a quarter of the. Recorded music revenue that comes through, that's over 20 million dollars that we're seeing there.So we are clearly seeing that she has things from a stream perspective and she just came out for three nights of Taylor Swift's show in the Meadowlands at MetLife Stadium. So how do you make sense of this all? Where do you think about Ice spice and the rise and where she is right now in her career?[00:04:39] Denisha Kuhlor: Yeah, I think our space has been so fun to watch. It feels like every few years there's a people's champ, and they always seem to tend to originate from New York. and so seeing her do what she's done with in some ways what feels like, her back against the wall, when Munch came out, it was a lot of critical, critical takes, and the reception wasn't necessarily all positive. So to see how she's kind of, flipped this moment and the light shining on her into a real, you know, bonafide career based off the statue just mentioned is really exciting.[00:05:12] Dan Runcie: I think it highlights. What's possible now, today we've seen artists blow up and become household names in a short amount of time that isn't relatively new. If anything, you can honestly say it's harder to do now, just given the fact that it does take even more work and more time to develop a true superstar.And I do think that's a word that gets thrown around quite a bit. The thing with ice spice though, is that. He's also someone we've seen continue to maintain momentum. Yeah. In an era where someone could be hot for a few months and then you just don't necessarily have that moment again. Yeah. As back early, back as eight years ago, Fetty Wap had that one summer in 2015 where he just had hit after hit.Yeah. And they went consistently with it. That story and the challenges there have been told endless times, but that wasn't a long-lived experience either. And Ice Spice is clearly been able to even expand that from that perspective. I do think that I've heard a few people talk about how fame and talent are things that have had a very symbiotic relationship for years in music, just given how it was very hard to separate the two, especially if you were an artist that rose to the top. Yeah. you had to have a full package at least to be able to be in the conversation. I spice though, as someone who's continued to rise in, I think she has had songs that people liked, songs that people didn't like, people criticizing her flow, people criticizing this, and even some of her performances and things like that.But she's continued to build and grow in public, and it hasn't necessarily knocked her in any type of way. [00:06:51] Denisha Kuhlor: Yeah, I think she wins because she takes like a startup approach in the sense that she's always shipping, while, you know, Munch had its audience and its fan base. Her follow-ups definitely one introduced her to new audiences, but allowed her to keep shipping and testing and iterating on what works. She definitely takes an approach or it feels like just when you think like, okay, like this moment is done, or, you know, the time has lapsed. she's coming out with something new and something that's not expected, and frankly, something that just continues to place her even bigger on the world stage, right?She went from remixes that felt like a true collaboration amongst peers with Pink Panthers and boys a liar to. Getting to work with greats like Nikki or, Taylor Swift, where it feels like now they're saying, Hey, we like this girl. We're embracing her. and we wanna take her to the next step in the industry.So with each time she ships, it feels like it just keeps getting bigger and bigger.[00:07:54] Dan Runcie: Let's talk a bit about Taylor Swift, because you mentioned that there. This performance got a lot of buzz because Taylor Swift really hasn't brought many people out on the tour that she has. This tour may go down as one of the highest grossing tours that we've seen, and she's coming out and saying that I spice is the future, and we're seeing everyone from, whether it's her record labels and folks that she worked with more.Granted, we expect them to, that's their job to promote the folks that they have there, but from a live performance perspective, it wasn't always like this because she did get some critical comments from more recent performances that she did up to this point, and we've seen those types of things derail artists.Yeah. And be challenging to them. Can you talk a bit about that? [00:08:39] Denisha Kuhlor: Yeah, so I think, you know, Taylor Swift, bringing out and embracing, ice Spice was really interesting. ice Spice definitely has this dynamic of, you know, the people's champ and as she continues to, as she continues to grow people, people rooting for her.And so just from like, What that moment meant, I think for people to see someone who hadn't had any music, who barely had a Spotify profile probably two years ago or three years ago. to be an on a stage in a filled out arena nonetheless, was awesome. But I also think it's very much a testament to her ability and kind of the consumer's ability to, be forgetful.And when I say that, she obviously looked a lot more comfortable on stage, but the rolling loud performance, I think brought a lot of critique, right? it was just the novice fan on platforms like Shade Room or Instagram, talking about her performance. to folks in the industry talking more about the need for, you know, artist development and, a and r I feel like a lot of people could have come out of that moment very differently.or in some ways been so effect, offended that. It hurt their career but in even, you know, reading Ice Space's, last interview with Billboard, she talks a lot about her desire to exercise has solely been fueled by her wanting to improve her breath work on stage. and so you see a real commitment.I even noticed it seeing the clips from her wireless performance, just looking more comfortable on stage thinking through her set list. I think you see a real commitment. Two on, on her part. two, want to improve her craft and become a better performer. [00:10:17] Dan Runcie: So you mentioned a few things that definitely contributed to her rise. She definitely has the investment. The team behind her at Capital and others wanna see this happen. The thing is though, record labels are always making investments in everyone. They always try to put money behind new talent, and it made me think what is unique about her.Some people feel like there is a visual aspect to this. Not even in just the aspect of her being attractive, but having the distinct look, right? That like cinnamon afro, you know, it this like very striking from a visual perspective or just like, well who is that? Because that doesn't look like someone that we've seen before. Not necessarily in this overt stunt way. Yeah. But just someone that's being themselves and doing their thing. In a similar dynamic to the way that when Billy Eilish had first came out, she wasn't dressing the same way that Pop Stars did. And she was, had this whole vibe, and it was around this time that people were trying to understand Gen Z as this broad consumer, and then he or she comes very antithetical to what people have.And I think that look at that vibe attributed it to that way. So I think that's one factor that works in her favor. So you have that. You have the fact that New York has always had this pulse on whoever the next person up is and what they tell you about, whether it's what we saw with Cardi B. Now when she blew up, what you know, six, seven years ago, whether you saw it with pop smoke a couple years after.So New York has always had its finger on the pulse from that perspective. So I think that's part of it too. I also think though, that there's this aspect of. Dominating conversation in social media and with that type of discourse, but without just becoming someone who lives in social media, if that makes sense.The analogy I often think about is, Ben Affleck. This is a, bit of unique comparison, but I have to think about how Ben Affleck would talk about back when him and J Lo were going through their breakup when they were together in the two thousands, he was saying, you know, I could sell all of the US weekly magazines in the world.Yeah. But, I can't sell a movie ticket. Yeah. That is the thing that's tough for me to be able to sell. And I think that sometimes artists can struggle with that too, where their names can always be trending and they can always be the trending topic on Twitter, or they could always be the topic of discussion on Shade Room or whatever the aggregator site is, but they don't necessarily drive that into streams. They don't drive that into hard ticket sales. And that's the stuff that true fan base development comes. And a lot of that stuff does take years that it's a natural funnel, right? Your social media and your followers should always be larger and then leading there, but it has to lead somewhere.But Ice Spice, at least from where she is, from a monthly stream perspective and how that stayed consistent. People clearly are listening and tuning into the music and then additionally, the biggest artist in the world is bringing her out on stage to do that. And those are some of the things we saw with Post Malone early in his career and how he would go out on stage with different people, even people that were of different genres and trying to see what that playbook looked like.So yeah, that's the piece of it that I think is different from her relative to even. Other artists we've seen come out, other female artists we've seen come out. Other black female artists in hiphop that we've seen come out, that I think is a bit unique about why I think she's been distinct in this way.[00:13:52] Denisha Kuhlor: I agree. I agree. I think she's. Immerse herself in culture in a way that's so authentic to her. and as a result, she's able to show up as the digitally native person that, that she is, Ice Spice and how she interacts even on social media when you look, is a lot less like an influencer.Which is what I would say, Cardi B kind of had when she was coming up, and maybe some other stars that really got fame. And while they definitely have mastered authenticity and they do it well, Ice Spice in some ways is just her, like, I feel like she's almost, And she's almost like, like that girl in school that's relatable, but you feel like, oh, I can't pull that off.So when it comes to the things that she's doing, it feels relatable enough. but it doesn't also encourage you to get out there and do it herself. And I think it's a, difference maybe nuance to the authenticity that we've, that we've seen in the past. which people can really appreciate.I would probably even argue now that people are better, consumers are more savvy when it comes to what feels like manufactured authenticity, right? Whether it's a Get Ready with Me video, but you're selling all these makeup products as a result or a day in my life, but you're really promoting the new product to target. Like consumers have become a lot more savvy. And as a result, they praise her for doing what they want, which is just that genuine authenticity when it comes to Princess Diana. And she mentioned this in the Billboard, article or the interview that she did, her cover story.She thought it was so weird that people were calling her that name and she didn't get it. but she felt like all she could do was embrace it, right? and embrace that title. and I think that's just another great example of how. You watch her into real time, like develop the ebbs and flows of coming this fame while still recognizing there's so much that she doesn't know.And I feel like people really appreciate that. Whereas unfortunately, and maybe this is just a. A privilege that comes to the new artist. Drake talks about this in his rap radar interview where he says There's a period as an artist much to what you were, referring to with the Post Malone, you know, example in terms of being prod out, like there's a period as a new artist for. Around maybe, probably six to 18 months where everyone is just discovering you and the, process of discovering you, right? A person getting their first iPhone or this process of discovery and experiencing this new thing for the first time feels really great.and I think she's found a way to really revel in it and capitalize in it, capitalize on it in a way that seems to have longevity, versus other artists. [00:16:39] Dan Runcie: I wanna talk about that first piece you mentioned about the relatability. You said something along the lines of she makes it so you may not wanna necessarily replicate what she's doing, but there's something in it that seems attainable and relatable.In a way. Do you think that that's rare when it comes to artists? Like is there anyone that comes to mind that, let's say is a popular artist that you don't think that necessarily applies to? [00:17:05] Denisha Kuhlor: Hmm. You know, I guess I can give the best examples as watching these artists sometimes what feels like making leaps and bounds to continue to remain relatable.obviously you look at like a Drake, and I think he does that really well, right? He goes to these places because you know, as much as it's helping, the artists. It's also giving him that currency of relatability. I mean, we have the piece on, Cho with Cardi B. she's about to do a song with Lato, and everyone's talking about now the conversation is how much Cardi B like mints a track and the co-sign she gives to a track, but it also keeps her relatable, and pushes her brand in a very specific, in a very specific way.and so I almost feel like, relatability is becoming a bit played, if that makes sense. people and labels are forcing it, [00:18:00] Dan Runcie: Yeah. Like, would you say that Nicki Minaj is relatable in this way? [00:18:03] Denisha Kuhlor: Oh, interesting. No, no, I wouldn't. I think that once an artist hits a certain amount of success that they inherently become unrelatable.As much as they tried [00:18:12] Dan Runcie: Was like, was beat me up, Scotty Era, Nicki Minaj, relatable?. [00:18:17] Denisha Kuhlor: Very much so. I think because and it sounds a little crazy, but I think the only part in that distinction at that time of the artist is fans are just supporting them, but it still somewhat feels like a peer-to-peer relationship, or there's less of a wall up, right? Their support, their appreciation feels more like a, bilateral conversation. Whereas once an artist hits a certain point you're getting none of that. and that's where I think it comes from.[00:18:45] Dan Runcie: It's interesting I asked about Nicki Minaj because I think that part of the relatability thing with Ice Spice is it reminds me of, it reminds me of Steph Curry in a way where someone like him can seem. He has other worldly talent, in my opinion but I do think that because of his size, because of his stature, he isn't this six foot nine LeBron figure that does things where it's like, I could never do that.Yeah. Right. But there's this thought of like, okay, well if I do my 10,000 shots just like Steph did or spent my 10,000 hours in the gym, yeah. I could get there. Yeah. And I feel like Ice Spice, at least from a flow in a Italian, in an image perspective. Yeah, there's a bit of that. Oh, she's your friend from high school or she was someone that was like part of that crew from that perspective.And you know, she has a unique flow and there's a aspect of it. But I asked the Nikki question because I was wondering, you have Nikki doing a verse like Monster, which was one of her big breakouts there. This was 2010 on Kanye's song. Does a verse like that almost make her unrelatable in a way where it's this talent is then shown to be like, oh wow, like can I do that? And it almost puts you into this Revere era, which is still a valuable place for an artist to be. But I wonder if that's a very different way with how someone like Ice Spice is looked at. [00:20:03] Denisha Kuhlor: Yeah. I think in the point you made about like, Voice and flow, right? One of the most, memorable things about, Ice Spice's the cadence in which she raps.It literally feels like you're kind of around your friend who's like rapping to a beat and, knows they can rap. But is not overdoing it. whereas with an artist like a Nicki Minaj, there's definitely a level of animation, that can approach the music, right. And I think that's a great thing, right?It's helped build a fan base, it adds a different level of maybe production to her and how she performs and kind of everything associated with her artistry. But it makes it very different from a relatability standpoint because anyone can feel like they can kind of maybe like kick a verse like Ice Spice. I don't know how many people are attempting to, go up against what she did. On what? Nick Minaj on Monster. [00:20:56] Dan Runcie: Right. And I think that's part of the distinction there and I think this spans across a few heel, but that's one thing that can work in her, can work in her favor, especially as coming up now is very different than Nikki coming up in the blog era.It's just, yeah, a different dynamic of how artists come up and how you get, how you break through. And one of the things that I think is a bit more unique now is the importance of cultivating fan bases early and having that dynamic where, you know, Nikki could talk about, you know, charging 50K for a versatile album out in her days of, I think in a lot of ways that reflected where things were just from, especially that era coming up.Like with the mixtapes, I spice granted she could probably command more just given, you know, inflation and all the other things related to music. I do think that her cultivating a fan base is something that likely came earlier though, because I think it probably took a couple of years for the Barbs to really materialize and become how they were, you know, well after Nikki's first album.But the Munchkins or the Spice cabinet, as some people call them, I Spice Spice fan base is already here and is reflective of how artists are thinking about cultivating and growing things now, because you need to do this stuff earlier. We have the tools available in a way that weren't necessarily available to someone like Nicki or someone like Drake or J. Cole in the late two thousands when all of them were coming up in that wave.Is there anything you've noticed from her from that perspective that stands out that is unique? Yeah, that is something that [00:22:31] Denisha Kuhlor: You know what's interesting or what feels interesting? I feel like the fan base, or the audience still feels like it's very much defined or it's being defined. And the reason I say that is because there does also seem to be a trend of drop off when it comes to artists who have fan bases around, or largely off being the people's champ. Only because the bigger they get, it feels like there's less of a need to root for them because they're gonna be okay, right? They've hit a certain inflection point in which they will be.Okay. I think What is interesting about, Ice Spice is they feel like everyone's learning in real time, and they feel like they get to be a part of it. So in some ways, I do think that her fan base is interesting because it's like they're co-creating a bit, in a way that hasn't that other artists, maybe they've wanted to, but like the true actual product and creation to a product process hasn't been as interactive as, hasn't been as interactive as before.There's no, wall the way with other artists. It's like, oh, okay, I can, you know, the artist is doing this and that. There's really no wall, it feels like the conversations or the quote tweets that she's having on Twitter really feel like conversations amongst friends from how they crack jokes to the colloquialisms that are there.And I think the way she chooses to use her extra resources are done in a way that only continues to build a fan base. And like when you think about, her record with, Pink Panthers, they could have shot that video anywhere. They chose to do it on top of a building in the Bronx. And so, I look at it and I can only see more and more how those fans that maybe came because they were rooting for her as the people's champ, feel like they can stay because the relatability hasn't disappeared.[00:24:27] Dan Runcie: It's making me think of a few things I think. I think the co-creating thing, especially with how she interacts with fans on social media, there is a aspect of that is her feedback loop. That's how she's getting a vibe for what works and what doesn't, and in many ways they can be so, protective isn't the right word, but they can be so clear about their emotions and they don't hold anything back and they're gonna say things that even people in Ice Spice's circle probably wouldn't feel comfortable to say, but you can see all of that.Exactly. Some of that is, but once you're able to weed out the extremes, both from the haters and the people that are, you know, so unapologetic, they're blind to any type of, you know, constructive criticism that could support her career. There's good value that I think comes from that. The piece I want to talk about is the team that she has around her, because I read that same billboard article you wrote, and there are multiple entities that she's working with that have called her.A global superstar and thinks that she is the next one that is on that way, whether it's capital records or 10 K projects or, her manager or even some of the others. What is the word? What does global superstar mean to you? [00:25:37] Denisha Kuhlor: Yeah, I mean, I think that's definitely an interesting, interesting term. as someone who thinks about just how global the music industry has become, I think of global superstars as, The examples I would give are probably like a Bad Bunny or a Burna Boy.in some ways, they're really able to command or pull tickets in, in any market. I mean, I got the opportunity to see Burna Boy in Paris recently, and I was like shocked, but not surprised in the sense that. Like he can do hard tickets anywhere. Bad Bunny seems to have that same effect.Now, I do think that, and something I've just learned over time is it's a tricky designation because. The world knows a lot about the United States. the world knows a lot about New York when you think about how many shows or, you know, how many things are covered about New York, the world knows. So it's easy to feel like you have an understanding or an affinity to music about something that you know a lot about now, does it necessarily resonate the same way? I think of like the little baby in his documentary saying once he started traveling, he realized there were hoods all around the world. but I think that. there's obviously, definitely the potential to be, but I don't know if I could necessarily, say that just yet, because right now, to me, global Superstar feels defined a lot by touring.[00:27:07] Dan Runcie: I do think that is a threshold there, that's something I look at and I know it's something that's fluid and I think I have a higher bar than a lot of people, at least from a peer numbers perspective. Granted, these things can fluctuate, but I wanna see someone that can at least headline an arena tour, at least.Either on a nationwide perspective, at least in the US or can span beyond that. I wanna see someone that can at least sell 250K units. Yeah. At least in the US in their first week if they are a US, if they are, you know, side to a US-based record label. I think it can change elsewhere, but I wanna be able to see that. I also wanna be able to see some type of,I also wanna be able to see some type of reach that spans beyond just those metrics as well. If you are able to ask someone that is outside of the circles of paying attention to this stuff, can they name you a few unique things or something identifiable like, oh, that's so-and-so with this. It doesn't need to be extreme as, does your mom know who so-and-so is?But I wanna be able to at least yeah. See that and at least things from. Being able to create moments. Yeah. Of there's something that you do that does create moments there. The challenge that I think that definition and those terms can have, I know it could be a bit rigid, and even if I'm using those thresholds as well, there's maybe less than.Maybe around 20 or so people in all of pop music, in popular music, not just like Pop is in genre, but like all of popular contemporary music right now, they're probably fitting in. Yeah, that category of what I just said in less than 10 in hip hop. If we're saying overall, because I do think these six Fletcher, you can come and go there, but I do think that.That sometimes gets a bit missings because we do throw these terms around liberally. The thing is though, if you're a record label, you're in the business of trying to admit these people. Yeah. And for many of the reports that we've seen, it's becoming harder and harder. Yeah. To do that especially for a western-based English speaking artist.Exactly. The market saturated, the names you just mentioned, it's no surprise that two of the more recent superstars that we've had at that level, Burna Boy and bad Bunny, are not primarily English speaking artists from the music that they put out and they emerge from different parts of the world that are not the United States or you know, the UK and Western Europe, right?Yeah. Like those things are not coincidences. All those things fall in line. So it's one of these things where it makes sense if you're going to put the machine behind someone. Yeah, it does make sense to put it behind someone like Ice Spice because that's what you have. You wanna be able to put things out there.And this is an industry driven by media and PR, so. Anything, even like that Ice Spice article that we saw on Billboard, very intentional just given the relationship that the major publications in music have with their major record labels themselves. So once you think about those things a bit deeply, It's great that someone like Ice Spice is getting that push to have everything behind her as well.You just wanna make sure that we're not necessarily putting a carpet for the horse, or even putting expectations that may seem a bit too strong on someone that. We've even seen in the past couple months continuing to develop their career in a natural way. Someone that's 23 years old, she did one festival performance, got some mixed reviews from that, and then now she's on stage with the biggest arts in the world, and that's gonna continue to develop.Like these things take time, but I just don't know if this era has the patience to be able to. Wait that out and see how these exist. [00:30:46] Denisha Kuhlor: I completely agree. And I also think, you know, like you said, the market is saturated and consumers have more access to music that maybe matches their local appetite, right? We've seen the rise of, drill music, obviously, you know, starting from Chicago to doing what it's done in New York to UK drill right. To Parisian or even, you know, French drill, right? So I think it, it makes it difficult because, as she continues to excel, right? There are people or artists that can also, hit the market and use certain elements of the framework, to reach maybe a small but core audience in a market, that she's not fully built, dominance yet. I mean, it's been a trend in, tech, whether it's replicating Airbnb for other markets or other companies. And so I think that it's definitely a hard feat right now because, People are very unapologetic before, and rap, right? Felt like there could only be one at a time, or this concept of first ladies, in rap groups.Yeah. Especially for women. Exactly. And now you don't even, I mean, female rappers really, frankly, an outdated term. and, very much so. So you just think, oh, there's, you know, go's doing her thing. Lato, Cardi e everyone, the industry is thriving, but as a result, maybe the dominance of one has definitely decreased,[00:32:06] Dan Runcie: And I think that fragmentation, the fact that there can be more than one, the fact that we see multiple people being able to succeed is good. It also makes me think of some of the critiques and some of the responses that we've seen from some of the releases, and I feel like we've seen this pattern. I've noticed it, I think we've talked about this as well, this pattern that frankly is rooted in sexism, where every couple of months there is a woman, there's a woman in hip hop that releases an album or a mixtape, or they announce a tour, something that has some, they do something that is further down their funnel in terms of either hard tickets or trying to get some hard album sales to put things out.And the numbers may not necessarily be as high as people would think. Yeah. And this is a artist that would have at this point, Tens of millions of followers on all the social channels combined. They're often in the discussion. They have plenty of co-signs. They're assigned to some of the strongest record labels in the game, but then there's always someone that says, oh, well, how did so-and-so not even be able to sell 20,000 units in a week?How does so-and-so not even be able to sell out this tour? Or they can't do this? It's frustrating in a lot of ways. But it's always women that we see this discourse happen with. It makes me think of a few things. I think there's a bit of a disconnect in terms of understanding what numbers mean. Yeah. And what they don't.But there's also people just conflating followers with fans and not necessarily understanding that dynamic and how that dynamic is often different for women because of how the industry wants to portray certain people, what they're selling and what platforms sell and What you put on a platform can be very different for an artist just because that artist is a man and those things, I think it's frustrating to see, and I don't want that to happen too, Ice Spice, but we've seen it happen to so many of the names that you mentioned as well earlier.Yeah. Is that just the way, is that just the dynamic? How do we Yeah. Break out? I, I think, and not that you have the answers too, but this is something I want. [00:34:13] Denisha Kuhlor: Very true. Very true. I think, you know, it's interesting, even in those names that I've mentioned, I think the only one, and she's embraced this dynamic really well, that's kind of been like, you know, I don't really know how I got here.I don't feel like I'm supposed to be here. It's been like a gorilla and she's been, you know, very vocal about kind of maybe talking about some of the dynamics or pressures in the industry. I think it's, obviously a multifaceted approach, but what I will say is that, media and music sometimes can feel so combined.And when you look at what the media wants to push out and how they, portray certain stories and what they choose to cover, right? When it comes to everything from interviews to, even cover stories of, of these artists, I think unfortunately, it puts some of these women or some of these artists in a tough position based off what they wanna focus on or how they're portrayed.This sounds a little crazy, but I think, you know, the person who could probably, if they ever wanted a side project to maybe change some of that narrative is actually a Kris Jenner. I mean, we've seen what she's done with her daughters, but I think she's been very brilliant. I mean, I think to my knowledge, two of her daughters, you know, have done the Forbes cover, but I think she's been very thoughtful around shifting a specific type of narrative.Whereas the attention could have been garnered from, you know, beauty and, societal expectations around beauty. Very much shifting that into the conversion of things that lead to real dollars, whether it's Kylie with her Lip Kits or Kim now with Skims who used Ice Spice, um, in an effort for relatability.So, I unfortunately think that so early when an artist starts to blow, it's the team around you is calling a lot of the shots and getting things done. And it's hard to realize maybe until you see it for years, until years later, maybe how some of the small nuances in how you were portrayed or some of the opportunities you took, impacted your ability to, be taken seriously as a, decades long artist.[00:36:23] Dan Runcie: Yeah. I think part of the dynamic too, and this especially applies with women in hip hop, is that the teams around them and them themselves, some of their social posts or some of the things that they put out that they're selling sex. Yeah. They're doing the glam shots. Yeah. They're being out there.which is good. They should feel empowered. They have a platform and so many people then feel empowered just seeing them be bold that themselves. The thing is though, because based on these platforms, the way they work and the algorithms, people are gonna follow you some or a portion of people are gonna follow you just because of that.They are attracted, they're entertained. Yeah. And they wanna see that. And there's nothing wrong with that. Yeah. But that's going to attract a certain number of followers in a way that Kendrick Lamar or J. Cole, who barely tweeted and have never been positioned as male sex symbols in that way, yeah. Aren't going to attract that.So when you look at the, if there's a way to segment. Looking at Instagram, okay. Who follows you and why do they follow you? It's very different. Yeah. And that's why it's no surprise that the most followed art, the most followed hip hop artist on Instagram is Nicki Minaj, and it isn't even close. Yeah. And a lot of it is because of that and.This is also someone in Nicki Minaj. If you then took that same look and you look at, okay, who are the artists that are selling the most, whether it's streams or it's albums, it's different. So I think sometimes people forget that, that's not necessarily a bad thing. I'm glad you brought up the Kris Jenner piece of this, because one of the things that she obviously has done well is finding, okay, based on the audience that we've cultivated, Where is that product market fit based on who they're reaching on Instagram, based on who they're reaching from this?Exactly. And I think sometimes that's part of the challenge with a woman artist and specifically a woman artist in hip hop. If some of the posts may lean a bit more towards that, but it's one of those things where it shouldn't be that way because you should be able to post, you know, a sexy image and it isn't doing that.But the concept that you put out, lines up with word people see, so there's always a bit of that challenge. There's always a bit of that dynamic there. And I see Ice Spice as well, someone that is attractive, someone that does have a lot of followers cuz people are bought into her look and. I don't want that to be the same necessarily.[00:38:35] Denisha Kuhlor: You look at an artist like No name, who I love. I'm a huge no name fan. And she, you know, wraps with a soft spoken voice as well. and you know, I would argue no name fans wanna talk to her about books cuz she has a book club and, they, you know, so I think maybe the. The way you can also combat that is having like true pillars maybe of your personality or that you include as part of the narrative that aren't just visual.Because if you teach people to be visual creatures or approach you visually, that is what they will see. That is what they will, that is what they will default to. And from an artist awareness perspective, you're getting the, visual part of artist awareness. But when it comes to the deeper part of, you know, the artist's story and what you represent, you're not capturing that as well.And that's the difference between maybe a casual fan, a listener's turn casual fan cuz they follow you and they like you. They like your vibe to a truly engaged and deep-rooted fan. [00:39:34] Dan Runcie: This is something that I think a Cardi B also is able to do well, just I think back to during the 2020 presidential election and she's sitting down with Bernie Sanders.Yeah. There was nothing related to music or related to, you know, selling sex or anything like that. She's been talking about her interest in that, or whether it's her interest in FDR or other things. There was something else there that I think had people brought in. I think which I think has always helped with her in that perspective.Yeah. Another person I think I feel a bit bad for in this regard was Megan Stallion because I look at the rise and the narrative and the things that she was talking about pre-the Tory Lanez shooting. And so much of it, you heard so much more then about, you know, her own goals, graduating college Yeah.And actually wanted to start the healthcare facilities. Yeah. And the hotties and, you know, driving the boat. all of the stuff that she was able to pull off there. And I think since then, not only was she much more selective about the media things that she did, yeah. Almost every media appearance that she's had, to some extent is addressing Yes.Something related to the Tory Lanez' shooting. Yeah. And of course it's a very traumatic thing, but you just think about how impactful that was. Yeah. When everything was going in the direction that it was Yeah, yeah. For her career. So I look at that in just another case where granted, she's still doing quite well for herself from a career perspective, but things definitely changed after that. [00:41:01] Denisha Kuhlor: Yeah, Cardi B is a great one. and even, even me, I would say somewhere probably between casual fan or in that range, I can very much remember all the things Cardi B does, whether it's her love of civics and politics to, there was a tweet and she was talking about the rise of grocery prices and someone was like, why are you talking about this?And she was like, I very much care about, you know, the day-to-day life of the average American because. I've done well, but I support families, I support my family, all of that. And then I thought it was brilliance. She either did, I don't wanna get it wrong. but did either eve near essence of black publication, and the family shoot, right? With Offset having a blended family, the challenges and, that they've went through there. And I think that, yeah, she's so brilliantly done that By just being herself. It does feel like the industry has like a one track or fixed mind, sometimes in that once this is what you are known for.It feels hard to break away from that. And what's interesting is I do think in, Meg's case that the way she's navigating it now, whether it's just taking some time off, saying that she'll be back when she's ready, Gives her the space to maybe come back out with a bit of a reinvention.and so I'm excited to see what that would look like. And in the way Beyonce came back out as Sasha Fierce, like what does it look like to, for hope for her to hopefully have that opportunity to reinvent herself back into whatever artist she wants to be. [00:42:31] Dan Runcie: And I think that's the key thing. There is so much that they still have going. All these artists are still young. I mean most of them are still under 30. Yeah. I actually forget how old Cardi B is, but I think she still is. There's still plenty of runway. There's still plenty of this. Cardi B still hasn't released another album since the debut album that she had. Meg, her others still haven't gone on tour, even Nikki hasn't gone on tour in a while. Yeah, and we haven't seen a true album come out from her since Queen, which was almost five years ago at this point. And we're still waiting for Ice Spices debut album. So excited to see where it comes. I think there's a lot of opportunity.I think we talked about some of the challenges that are there and some of the headwinds, but before we close things out, any other thoughts on Ice Spice? [00:43:14] Denisha Kuhlor: Lastly, and to the point you've made. I think maybe some of it comes down to, intentions or even our desires. I think COVID, it really continued to be a hard look at the daily lives we live and what work-life balance looks like.And as so many of us go through that as individuals and human beings, artists are going through that, artists are going through that as well. And Ice Spice this case, I think with some of the business and partner decisions she's made, signing a capital, having the distribution network that comes with, World Star and World Star's Media Network, it gives her the privilege to release a song and know that distribution is already built in and not maybe have to do those 50 radio stops. It gives her that sort of privilege and I think we're going to see a world with artists. And Cardi is interesting to that point too, where they might never tour. They can sustain a lifestyle that they want to live doing just enough. [00:44:14] Dan Runcie: Cardi is on that private tour gig. She's on that Lionel Richie ship. [00:44:17] Denisha Kuhlor: Exactly, doing just enough. And I think that's really attractive. And so, you know, when you think about the attitudes that Gen Z brings towards the workplace. It's really interesting to see how, she will, you know, releasing a six song, six songs, right? For an initial body of an initial body of work before we used to 10 to 12.[00:44:39] Dan Runcie: A multimillionaire giggle. [00:44:41] Denisha Kuhlor: Exactly. Yeah. So it'll be interesting to see kind of what maybe what does the new era of a global superstar look like? Maybe it looks like a lot less tour dates and a lot less music, and a lot more brand partnerships and other streams of income. And, as a result, we'll get the artists, but in a way that makes it feel worth their while for a long time. [00:45:06] Dan Runcie: Agreed. And I think that's a good point to end on. So Ice Spice and team. If you're listening, we wish you all the best of luck with this and we'll be following, we'll be following along. Denisha pleasure as always.[00:45:17] Denisha Kuhlor: Thank you so much for having me. [00:45:18] Dan Runcie Audio Outro: If you enjoyed this podcast, go ahead and share it with a friend. Copy the link, text it to a friend. Post it in your group chat. Post it in your Slack groups. Wherever you and your people talk, spread the word. That's how travel continues to grow and continues to reach the right people. While you're at it, if you use Apple Podcast, Go ahead. Rate the podcast, give it a high rating, and leave a review. Tell people why you like the podcast. That helps more people discover the show. Thank you in advance. Talk to you next week.
Host Jeff Crank sits down with Denisha Allen to talk about how she went from having very negative experiences with public schools to using the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program to help her excel in school in just nine weeks. #americanpotential Check out American Potential here: https://americanpotential.com
This week we are discussing the death of Army Pfc. Denisha Montgomery-Smith was a mother of three known for her headstrong and caring nature. Thank you to Margot with Military Murder for allowing us to collaborate on this episode. Check out the promo for the podcast Crimes and Cases today! NEW DATE AND TIME: February 15th at 7PM EST! Get tickets for our first Moment at www.moment.co/momsandmysteries Research by Haley Gray with Haley Gray Research. Thank you to our sponsors! Go to Grove.com/MM today to get a free starter set worth up to $50 with your first order. Plus, shipping is fast and FREE. Protect your family today with Fabric by Gerber Life. Apply today in just 10 minutes at meetfabric.com/MOMS. Policies issued by Western-Southern Life Assurance Company. Not available in certain states. Prices subject to underwriting and health questions. Get over 40% off your starter pack bundle with code MOMS at lumedeodorant.com. Stay focused on what's important to you with Noom Weight's psychology-based approach. Sign up for your trial today at Noom.com/MOMS. Listen and subscribe to Melissa's other podcast, Criminality!! It's the podcast for those who love reality TV, true crime, and want to hear all the juicy stories where the two genres intersect. Subscribe and listen here: www.pod.link/criminality Check-out Moms and Mysteries to find links to our tiktok, youtube, twitter, instagram and more! Make sure you subscribe and rate our show to help others find us! Last Thing Before We Go: Organizations to Support! DNA Doe Project https://dnadoeproject.org/ Bridegan foundation https://www.brideganfoundation.org/ Season of Justice: https://seasonofjustice.org/ PI For the Missing https://investigationsforthemissing.org/ Daniel Robinson https://pleasehelpfinddaniel.com/ Sources: https://epub.stripes.com/docs/MID_MID_071122/MID_MID_071122.pdf https://www.europeafrica.army.mil/ArticleViewPressRelease/Article/3127090/press-release-soldiers-death-under-investigation/ https://www.grassley.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/grassley_to_army_cid_-_denisha_montgomery.pdf https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/new-details-revealed-in-pfc-denisha-montgomerys-death/ https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/family-believes-woman-was-murdered-during-deployment/ https://www.wdrb.com/wdrb-investigates/we-want-the-truth-family-demands-answers-about-kentuckians-death-at-army-post-in-germany/article_6762e8de-4b02-11ed-9c94-83bb0f9284aa.html https://www.wjcl.com/article/fort-stewart-denisha-montgomery-soldier-death/40931880 https://www.wave3.com/2022/08/19/hardin-county-soldier-dies-during-overseas-deployment/ https://www.stripes.com/branches/army/2022-12-07/denisha-montgomery-congressional-inquiry-senator-grassley-8336537.html https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/denisha-montgomery-smith-obituary?id=36293793 Military Murder interview with Denisha's sister Brooke Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bbbrookeeeee Link to Tiktok showing Denisha's call with her family after her attack: https://www.tiktok.com/@bbbrookeeeee/video/7145448898742570283?_r=1&_t=8ZFLYgCC8f0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Follow Brooklyn's Crusade on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bbbrookeeeee When PFC Denisha Montgomery-Smith's family was notified that she died by suicide - they were immediately suspicious, because 21 days before Denisha's death - Denisha made a call back home and she asked them to record the video call. In the video, that took place on July 19, 2022, Denisha told her family she was assaulted while riding in a car with 4 other soldiers. One of the assailants was Denisha's roommate. Denisha vowed to report the assault, but was discouraged from reporting it to Army CID, because she would "get in trouble for defending herself." Feeling defeated, Denisha just wanted to return to the U.S. to be with her family. For the next several weeks, she kept to herself. And on the night of her death, Denisha video chatted with her husband and kids and nothing seemed amiss. Hours later, Denisha was hanging from her wall locker. Join Margot, as she tells you more about who Denisha was as a person before her death and the information that leads her family to believe Denisha was murdered. —— Ways to support your favorite podcast: Join My Patreon Family! Subscribe to Military Murder Premium on Apple Podcast! Rate/Review the Show! Tell a Friend about Military Murder —— Thanks to Today's Sponsors: June's Journey! Download “June's Journey” on the Apple App Store or Google Play! Fight Camp! Visit fightcamp.com/militarymurder to get a free heart rate monitor and jump rope with purchase! ----- Military Murder is a military true crime podcast that focuses on murders committed by military members, veterans, and sometimes their family members. ---- Follow on social: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mamamargot TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@militarymargot Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/militarymurderpodcast Discussion Group: https://facebook.com/groups/militarytruecrime Email: militarymurderpodcast@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
© 2020-2026 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
