Disruptors in the Culture

Another week, another episode of 'Disruptors in the Culture'. Our hosts Amira Smith and Joshua Meekins discuss their recent experiences, including networking with influential figures in film & TV, applying for grants, and reflections on media representation. We highlight some of our standout guests from previous episodes and share insights on upcoming projects. Of course, we share our creative...

We’re excited to welcome a prior guest back to the show (he's basically family at this point) as Will Toms joins us on this episode of Disruptors in the Culture . Over the past few years, Will has solidified his role as a trailblazer in the creative community, building a brand that reflects his passion for empowering others. While many recognize him as the Co-Founder of Rec Philly, Will has recent...

In this episode, we sit down with Kristal Bush, a dynamic social activist and serial entrepreneur, to hear her powerful story. Her advocacy, deeply rooted in her personal experience of having grown up as the child of an incarcerated parent from the age of 3, motivated her journey to founding a prison van service, Bridging the Gap Transportation, that reunited over 3,500 families with their incarce...

In this episode, Nicodemus Reuben Madehdou, CEO of game design and animation company Jump Button Studio, shares his journey in the gaming industry, from early success to the challenges of building a diverse team and creating impactful games. He emphasizes the importance of diversity, quick decision-making, and embracing emerging technologies like augmented reality. Nicodemus discusses the power of...

We got Marquise Davon Richards to share his journey as a dynamic educator and content creator committed to advancing community and mental wellness within the Black community. Most know him as the creator of the "Keepin' It a Bean" Podcast, where he fuses authentic storytelling, global perspectives, and social justice advocacy into a conversation. Learn how Marquise developed his passion, built a s...

We're back with a weekly episode for y'all and let me tell you, the message in this one is strong. We discuss who has been holding Amira back from achieving her true greatness and how extra chicken nuggets can be a sign from God. We also unpack the creativity of media during the Olympics and some ways we can all make our lives easier through outsourcing. Tune into another episode of Disrup...

In this special episode, we have the incredible honor of sitting down with Mr. Kenny Gamble, one half of the duo Gamble & Huff and one of the brilliant minds behind the legendary Mighty Three, consisting of Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, and Thom Bell—the architects of The Sound of Philadelphia. Join us as we delve into an inspiring conversation with Mr. Gamble where we explore his beginnings in the...

We've been gone for a while... we know! But we are back and better than ever! We missed our creative community and have so many updates for you. Come find out why we were missing for so long and hear about some of our recent projects. We share some of our struggles being working creatives and give some major updates about our lives. We hope you've missed us, because we've missed you all.

The Around the Way Curls podcast discusses everything from the profound to the profane. The hosts Antoinette and Shanti are childhood friends whose creative endeavors have evolved and grown as strong as their friendship. They utilize their space to be authentic and unapologetic and welcome their listeners to grow along with them. Listen as they share their growth stories, talk about their experien...

Armani White's song "Billie Eilish" is arguably the hottest song out sitting at 6 millions streams on YouTube and climbing. This was not overnight for Armani as it has taken him years to gain his audience through honing his craft and telling his stories through music. Armani takes us along his journey of music, maturation, and creativity that led him to be able to take his music to the next level....

Dappa knows the skills he possesses and is in full control of his future. Being one of Philadelphia's hottest lyricists has elevated his brand Young With Options to work with the likes of Benny the Butcher and the Black Soprano Family. When he's not behind the mic, you can find him giving back to his community as well as developing his ever-expanding businesses. Dappa shares with us how knowing yo...

We brought some of the biggest disruptors in film LIVE to Roots Picnic podcast stage: the directing duo Coodie & Chike and writer/poet J. Ivy— the filmmakers of the critically acclaimed documentary series Jeen-Yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy ! Jeen-Yuhs is one of the most watched documentaries of the year so in this episode we interview Coodie Simmons, Chike Ozah, and J. Ivy Richardson to talk about the...

The media that we consume are the ingredients of Chef Beanz. He takes what we see every day and turns it into lessons for his viewers to consume. Chef Beanz has taken his talents to the stage as he created a play titled "Transparency" that has sold out in Los Angles. Things haven't always gone his way though. Chef Beanz gives us the blueprint of what it takes to pursue your craft through the adver...

With the last name Cosby, comedy has always been in Cole Cosby's blood. The comedy started in his household and has grown into a passion and a love. Cole explains his journey into comedy, the relationships he has made along the way, and shares an epic "bomb story" when the joke didn't quite go his way.

Amber Wyche has always known that fashion was in her future. After taking the leap of faith to take her talents to Los Angeles, California after high school, nothing has been the same. Amber explains to us how she launched her brand Pray4Fashion and how styling for some of the biggest names continues to fuel her passion and journey.

Joey DeVille knows that he's destined for success. It's only a matter of time before those around him take notice. He sits down with us to talk about some of his trials and tribulations while creating his music independently with honestly and vulnerability and how knowing the business can set artists apart.

Riccardo Dale walks the walk and talks the talk. As one of the youngest elected City Councilmen of Beverly City, New Jersey, he is actively working on making change in his community. He started Free All Minds and Free All Minds Academy to make a difference in the lives of young men who want to make a change in their lives. Riccardo shares his story and talks about how he leverages his experiences...

Camille Smith has been finding the delicate balance between being an Engineer by trade and Beauty Content Creator by passion. She has begun to grow her brand digitally with the use of Instagram and TikTok to show the reality of her work and passion. Camille takes us along in her journey as she creates a space for Black women in Engineering all while finding her own voice and tribe of Black women i...

DJ, Designer, and Artist, Joshua Lang has been creating a music and style empire in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is the founder of BWC (Built With Craft) Garments and BWC Sounds, each carefully curating their own experience through fashion and music. Joshua takes us along in his journey as he navigated quitting college football, but discovered his passions and purpose. He now disrupts the game i...

Rapper B-Eazyyy pulled up to Disruptors in the Culture to talk about his music hustle, building his brand, opening for J. Cole, and how music helps him heal. The release of his new video "Sage Music" and how finding inner peace has allowed him to find further inspiration He’s also got a few announcements for his fans. Instagram: B-Eazyyy - eazyyytaughtu Disruptors in the Culture - @disruptorsitc

Erin Ashley Simon has created a lane of her own in the media space. She is currently a E-Sports Host, Producer, and Co-Owner of XSET.  She is an advocate for diversity within gaming and media and talks about black women's influence on the culture. She shares with us her humble beginnings with the creation of her blog to her journey of self discovery to find her voice and passion within her field. 

Brandon Pankey, Vice President of Business Development & Operations for Live Nation Urban, talks about his journey in the music business and how you have to believe in yourself and your passion to reach your goals.  Instagram: Brandon Pankey - @Brandon_pankey  Disruptors in the Culture - @disruptorsitc

Model, DJ, swimwear designer, and TV personality Jordan Emanuel has been boldly empowering women with every move she makes. She is Playboy Magazine's 2019 Playmate of the Year and the the co-founder of the nonprofit Women With Voices, a platform of support, guidance and resources for all women from all walks of life. She talks about living unapologetically, her routines to get camera ready, and he...

Tayo (@tayojr) stopped by Disruptors in the Culture to discuss his passion and process as an artist, photographer, creative director and art director. He's been featured by Forbes, BET, Ebony, The New Yorker and many more. Listen in as he talks about his journey and what it takes to develop your own style. Instagram: Tayo (@tayojr) Disruptors in the Culture (@disruptorsitc)

Brittany "FitBrit" Fortson is an American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer, Owner of FitBrit Fitness, and a Natural Bikini Competitor. She joins the disruptors to talk about her journey in fitness, the importance of fitness and what it takes to develop a fitness brand.   Disruptors in the Culture: @disruptorsitc  Brittany "FitBrit" Fortson: @nonstop_fitbrit